RTHK: Myanmar citizen admits plotting to kill UN ambassador

A citizen of Myanmar on Friday pleaded guilty in a plot to attack or kill the country's pro-democracy UN ambassador, who has refused junta orders to quit, US officials said.

In August, Ye Hein Zaw, a resident of New York in his early twenties, conspired with two others to force Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun to resign or, if he refused, to kill him, according to prosecutors.

Zaw agreed to pay US$5,000 for the attack, which was foiled by US investigators.

Zaw admitted in court that he "participated in a plot to injure or kill Myanmar's ambassador to the United Nations in a planned attack that was to take place on American soil," US Attorney Damian Williams said in a statement.

"I commend the tireless efforts of our law enforcement partners at all levels of government to ensure the safety of foreign diplomats and officials in the United States and bring the perpetrators of this plot to justice," Williams added.

Zaw is due to be sentenced in May. He faces up to five years in prison.

It remained unclear what, if any, connection the suspect had with the military junta, which on February 1 overthrew the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in the country.

Ambassador Tun, chosen by the now jailed Suu Kyi, has remained in office since the coup, asking that the UN let him keep his post. (AFP)

This story has been published on: 2021-12-11. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
RTHK: Sanctions will do 'grave harm', embassy warns US

China's embassy in Washington has warned the United States that new sanctions announced on Friday will do "grave harm" to relations between the two countries.

The US Treasury said on Friday that it would add the artificial intelligence company SenseTime to a list of "Chinese military-industrial complex companies" which US investors must avoid.

Washington accuses the company, which plans to list on the Hong Kong stock exchange, of developing facial recognition programs that can determine a targets ethnicity, with a particular focus on identifying ethnic Uyghurs.

Two officials working in Xinjiang have also been sanctioned by Washington, along with dozens of people and entities linked to Myanmar, North Korea and Bangladesh.

China's embassy in Washington denounced the US move as "serious interference in China's internal affairs" and a "severe violation of basic norms governing international relations."

Embassy spokesman Liu Pengyu said it would do "grave harm to China-US relations" and urged Washington to rescind the decision. (Reuters/RTHK)

This story has been published on: 2021-12-11. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
RTHK: Indian farmers head home after year-long protest

Thousands of Indian farmers were packing their belongings and dismantling tent cities on Saturday as they headed home from the Delhi outskirts following a year-long protest against the government's agriculture policies.

In a rare retreat last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced and pushed through parliament the repeal of three contentious laws that farmers claimed would let private companies control the country's agriculture sector.

Hundreds of farmers danced and celebrated the victory early on Saturday as they began removing roadblocks and dismantling thousands of makeshift homes along major highways.

Farmers in India have political heft due to their sheer numbers  tens of thousands had camped out to protest against the laws in the biggest challenge to the Modi government since it came to power in 2014.

Protesters had initially refused to leave the sites despite the repeal of the legislation, pressing other demands including a legal guarantee for minimum benchmark rates for their produce.

The government said it will form a commission on fixing minimum prices for crops and promised to stop prosecuting farmers for burning crop stubble that is blamed for polluting Delhi's air every winter.

It also agreed to pay compensation to the families of more than 700 farmers who died during the demonstrations and withdraw criminal cases lodged against protesters during the year-long campaign against the farm laws.

The three agricultural laws passed in September 2020 aimed to deregulate farm produce markets from state control and allow private companies to enter the sector  on which two-thirds of India's more than 1.3 billion population rely for a living.

The government said the laws were a necessary reform but farmers opposed the move, saying it would leave them at the mercy of big corporations. (AFP)

This story has been published on: 2021-12-11. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
RTHK: Workers trapped as Amazon warehouse roof collapses

Many people were trapped after a roof partially collapsed at an Amazon warehouse near the US city of St Louis late on Friday, after tornadoes and strong storms blew through the area, local authorities said.

The Colinsville Emergency Management Agency said it was a "mass casualty incident", adding that multiple people were trapped inside the warehouse in Edwardsville, southern Illinois.

In a posting on Facebook, the agency did not give details, and there was no word yet of how many people had been injured or killed.

Emergency service vehicles surrounded the scene.

An Amazon spokesperson said the company was assessing the situation and damage at the facility.

One woman outside, Sarah Bierman, said she was very worried about her husband, who works at the warehouse.

"I talked to him about eight o'clock tonight, a little before I texted him, and he was returning to the warehouse to drop his van off," she told a reporter.

"And I haven't heard from him since, I just heard through the news and we live in Edwardsville; we lost power. So I decided to come down here to see what was going on, and I had no idea the building looked that bad. And I'm just; I'm worried sick."

"My prayers are with the people of Edwardsville tonight, and I've reached out to the mayor to provide any needed state resources," Illinois Governor JB Pritzker tweeted.

The US National Weather Service had issued tornado warnings on Friday night for areas in several states including Arkansas, Tennessee, Missouri and Illinois. (Reuters)

This story has been published on: 2021-12-11. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
RTHK: UK issues additional fishing licences to EU vessels

Britain issued additional fishing licences to EU vessels on Saturday in an attempt to resolve a dispute over post-Brexit fishing rights for French fishermen.

Britain issued 18 licences for EU replacement vessels in UK territorial waters and five licences for EU vessels to access Jersey waters, Britain and the European Commission said.

Technical consultations about seven additional licences are expected to conclude on Monday, the statements from London and Brussels said.

"We have licensed vessels where sufficient evidence has been provided that demonstrates that a vessel qualifies for access ... Where that evidence has not been provided, licences have not been issued," the British government said.

France said it took note of the new British licences and that 1,034 or 93% of French licence requests had now been secured.

Europe Minister Clement Beaune and Seas Minister Annick Girardin said in a joint statement France and the EU were looking into all possible legal avenues to secure the remaining licences and produce evidence that Britain had agreed to review.

Britain and the EU agreed to set up a licensing system to grant fishing vessels access to each other's waters when Britain left the bloc. But France says it has not been given the full number it is due, while Britain says only those lacking the correct documentation have not been granted.

Fishing represents a tiny share of both the French and British economies, but it is politically sensitive. (Reuters)

This story has been published on: 2021-12-11. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
RTHK: At least 70 dead as tornadoes hit six US states

A devastating swarm of tornadoes ripped through six US states, killing more than 70 people in Kentucky and leaving a trail of destroyed homes and businesses along a path that stretched more than 200 miles, officials said on Saturday.

Dozens were feared dead at a candle factory in western Kentucky where about 110 people were working when a powerful tornado ripped through the facility late on Friday, causing the roof to cave in.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said 40 of the 110 workers had been rescued from the factory so far.

"The level of devastation is unlike anything that I have ever seen," Beshear said of the damage caused by the collection of twisters, with the primary tornado travelling more than 365 km across his state.

"Earlier this morning at about 5 am, we were pretty sure that we would lose over 50 Kentuckians. Im now certain that number is north of 70. It may, in fact, end up exceeding 100 before the day is done."

Beshear said 189 National Guard personnel have been deployed to assist with the recovery, with a focus on Mayfield, a small city of about 10,000 people in the southwestern corner of the state where it converges with Illinois, Missouri and Arkansas.

Fire and police stations in Mayfield were destroyed, hindering the emergency response. Mayfield is also home to the candle factory, which collapsed soon after employees heard howling winds and the lights began flickering, according to Kyanna Parsons-Perez, a worker at the plant.

"We could feel the wind ... then we did a little rock," she told NBC. "And then boom everything came down on us."

Video and photos posted on social media showed brick buildings in downtown Mayfield reduced to rubble, with parked cars nearly buried under bricks and debris. The steeple on the Graves County courthouse in Mayfield appeared to have been toppled, photos on Twitter showed.

The genesis of the tornado outbreak was a series of overnight thunderstorms, including a super cell storm that formed in northeast Arkansas. That storm moved from Arkansas and Missouri and into Tennessee and Kentucky.

"Unfortunately it produced a couple of deadly tornadoes along the way. One of them may have been a long-track tornado," Storm Prediction Centre meteorologist Roger Edward said. "The killer tornado was part of that."

President Joe Biden on Saturday directed that federal resources be surged to locations with the greatest need.

One person was killed and five seriously injured when a tornado tore through a nursing home with 90 beds in Monette, Arkansas, a small community near the border with Missouri, according to Craighead County Judge Marvin Day.

"It just took a direct hit from the tornado," Day told Reuters. "We were very blessed that more people weren't killed or injured in that. It could have been a whole lot worse."

A few miles away in Leachville, Arkansas, a tornado destroyed a Dollar General Store, killing one person, and laid waste to much of the city's downtown, according to Lt. Chuck Brown of the Mississippi County Sheriff's Office in Arkansas.

"It really sounded like a train roaring through town."

In Illinois, at least two workers were confirmed dead when an Amazon.com Inc warehouse collapsed in the town of Edwardsville late on Friday. Rescue workers were searching for people trapped in the rubble.

Drone footage of the warehouse showed a chaotic scene in the early morning dark, with many emergency vehicles around the area and rescuers with flashlights combing through debris.

The roof appeared to have been peeled back off the metal skeleton of the building.

In Tennessee, the severe weather killed at least three people, said Dean Flener, spokesman for the state's Emergency Management Agency. Flener said two died in Lake County and one in Obion County, but did not have any information about the circumstances of the deaths.

Shortly after midnight, the weather caused a CSX company freight train to derail in western Kentucky, although no crew were injured, a company spokesperson said.

The National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center said it received 36 reports of tornadoes touching down in Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri and Arkansas, and Mississippi. (Reuters)

This story has been published on: 2021-12-11. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
China sets tone for 2022 economic development with clear-cut policy toolbox

Xinhua) 09:35, December 11, 2021

-- China's top leaders have mapped out priorities for next year's economic work at the annual Central Economic Work Conference.

-- Economic work next year should prioritize stability while pursuing progress, according to the meeting.

-- Actions should be taken to safeguard macroeconomic stability, keep major economic indicators within an appropriate range and maintain social stability to prepare for the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China.

China's top leaders have mapped out priorities for next year's economic work as the annual Central Economic Work Conference concluded in Beijing Friday, highlighting efforts to maintain stability while pursuing progress.

In a speech at the conference, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, reviewed the country's economic work in 2021, analyzed the current economic situation and arranged next year's economic work.

Li Keqiang, Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Wang Huning, Zhao Leji and Han Zheng, who are members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, attended the three-day conference.

The first direct China-Europe freight train linking Guizhou Province and Russia's Moscow sets out from Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Nov. 18, 2021. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)

STEADY PROGRESS

Economic work next year should prioritize stability while pursuing progress, according to the meeting.

Actions should be taken to safeguard macroeconomic stability, keep major economic indicators within an appropriate range and maintain social stability to prepare for the Party's 20th National Congress, the meeting said.

The year 2021 has been a milestone for both the Party and the nation, according to the meeting, which noted that China has maintained a leading position in the world in economic development and epidemic control, with progress made in scientific strength, industrial chain resilience, reform and opening-up, people's livelihood and ecological civilization.

However, it cautioned that China's economic development is facing pressure from demand contraction, supply shocks and weakening expectations, and the external environment is becoming increasingly complicated, grim and uncertain.

"We must face the difficulties squarely while staying confident," said a statement released after the meeting, citing China's strong economic resilience and unchanged fundamentals underpinning long-term growth.

The meeting called for remaining committed to China's own cause, consolidating the economic foundations, enhancing the abilities of scientific and technological innovation and adhering to multilateralism.

It also urged making proactive efforts to align with the high-standard international economic and trade rules, deepening reform via high-level opening-up, and boosting high-quality development.

The meeting stressed the necessity to adhere to the centralized, unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee, promote high-quality development and pursue progress while ensuring stability.

It highlighted the timing, extent and efficiency of policy adjustments and reform to ensure their steady advancement, as well as coordination and systems thinking.

People visit the 4th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in east China's Shanghai, Nov. 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

THE 2022 POLICY TOOLBOX

China will continue implementing proactive fiscal policies and prudent monetary policies for steady economic progress next year, according to the meeting.

It pledged to implement new tax and fee cut policies, strengthen support for small and medium-sized enterprises, individually-run businesses, manufacturing and risk-defusing, and take a moderately proactive approach in advancing infrastructure investment.

Prudent monetary policies should be flexible and appropriate, and liquidity should be maintained at a reasonable and ample level, the meeting said.

It underlined efforts to guide financial institutions to ramp up support for the real economy, especially for small and micro enterprises, technological innovation and green development.

In 2022, China will wield its microeconomic policies to stimulate the vitality of market entities, deepen the supply-side structural reform with a focus on smoothing the circulation of the national economy, and firmly advance the implementation of policies related to science and technology, said the meeting.

Next year's economic priorities also include vitalizing development through policies of reform and opening-up, promoting more balanced and coordinated regional development, and ensuring that its social policies well safeguard people's well-being.

Efforts will be made to boost the employment of young people, including college graduates, and optimize flexible employment and social security policies.

In the first 10 months of 2021, China created 11.33 million new jobs in its urban areas, achieving its whole-year target in advance, official data showed.

Reiterating the principle that "housing is for living in, not for speculation," the meeting said China will support the property market to better cater to the reasonable demand of home buyers and adopt city-specific policies to boost the virtuous cycle and healthy development of the sector.

The country will also expand high-quality and institutional opening-up, grant foreign-funded enterprises national treatment, attract more investment from multinational companies, and facilitate the early implementation of major foreign-invested projects.

(Web editor: Liu Ning, Bianji)
Commentary: Nicaragua makes the right decision on ties with China

Xinhua) 11:02, December 11, 2021

China and Nicaragua sign the joint communique on the resumption of diplomatic relations between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Nicaragua in north China's Tianjin, Dec. 10, 2021. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei)

For the Central American country, standing with China is a righteous choice, as well as a choice that benefits the country and its people.

Nicaragua signed with China on Friday a joint communique on the resumption of diplomatic relations, severing the so-called "diplomatic ties" with China's Taiwan.

By recognizing the one-China principle, Nicaragua has followed some other Central American countries by making the right decision and choosing to stand on the right side of history.

Back in 2007, Costa Rica became the first country in the region to forge diplomatic ties with China in the new century. Four years later, a free trade pact between the two countries took effect, and bilateral trade has flourished ever since.

From 2007 to 2020, Costa Rica's exports to China increased nearly fivefold. The goods exported to China's market have seen expanding diversity, and bilateral cooperation in various fields continues to strengthen.

An exhibitor from Costa Rica makes coffee at Food and Agricultural Products exhibition area during the second China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 9, 2019. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuwei)

After Costa Rica, Panama, Dominica and El Salvador also established diplomatic ties with China subsequently. Besides, Honduran presidential candidate Xiomara Castro vowed during her election campaign to establish diplomatic relations with China. All these have once again showed that the one-China principle accords with the will of the people and the trend of times, and is therefore unstoppable.

However, for quite some time, a handful of people in some countries have been going against the general trend and playing with fire on the Taiwan question. They attempt to challenge China's bottom line, and to suppress China by playing the "Taiwan card."

For example, a week before Honduras held its general election, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian A. Nichols rushed to the Central American country. He met with people from all walks of life in Honduras, and made clear to Honduran presidential candidates that the United States wants the country to maintain the so-called "diplomatic ties" with Taiwan.

People can tell right from wrong. It is a gross mistake if one believes that playing the "Taiwan card" could harm China's interests and disrupt its development. Washington's gimmickry has neither changed Honduras' presidential election result, nor prevented Nicaragua from making the righteous choice.

There is but one China in the world and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. It is a historical and legal fact that cannot be changed and also the real status quo that brooks no challenge.

Now, Nicaragua has become the 181st country that recognizes and supports the one-China principle. Its courage to make the decision deserves more respect and admiration at a time when the United States and Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party authority are colluding to make waves across the strait.

For the Central American country, standing with China is a righteous choice, as well as a choice that benefits the country and its people.

(Web editor: Liu Ning, Bianji)
Chinese envoy rails against U.S. for "weaponizing" democracy

Xinhua) 11:28, December 11, 2021

MANILA, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian on Friday lambasted the United States for initiating a so-called "Summit for Democracy" that creates division across the globe.

In the name of democracy, the United States has launched military interventions in Afghanistan and other countries, leading to hundreds of thousands of civilian deaths and displacing tens of millions, Huang said in a speech at a media session.

"Instead of learning lessons and correcting its mistakes, the U.S. has gone even further to instrumentalize and weaponize democracy by convening this summit to incite division and confrontation for its geopolitical strategy and gains," Huang said.

He said the United States has always tried to impose its form of democracy on others. "The U.S. held the so-called Summit for Democracy, despite widespread opposition from the international community," said the Chinese diplomat.

(Web editor: Du Mingming, Bianji)
Notion of true democracy far beyond Western definition, says Ethiopian analyst

Xinhua) 11:48, December 11, 2021

ADDIS ABABA, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- The notion of democracy and its true principles are far beyond its Western definition, an Ethiopian political analyst has said.

Speaking to Xinhua recently, Henok Tilahun, an independent political analyst, questioned the U.S. administration's attempt to divide the global community on the pretext of democracy through its so-called "summit for democracy."

"This summit is ... ridiculous ... how come the U.S.A. got the moral authority and moral position to invite and reject or classify nations based on their democratic, human rights efficiency? Because, both domestically and internationally, democracy is all about rule of law," Henok said.

The United States is hosting the so-called "summit for democracy" this month, in which the guests are selected according to America's definition and standards of democracy.

Describing the Western definition of democracy as "a very narrow way" of understanding true democracy, the analyst stressed that democracy is not only about human rights as the United States and other Western countries often tout.

"Western-defined democracy is based on civil and political rights, while Eastern-defined democracy is based on social and economic equality. So, it is not a universal meaning ... What the U.S.A. uses or other Western countries use of the definition of democracy is based on their interest and their understanding," he said.

He further underscored the need to realize equality of opportunities in the United States, which he labeled as the basis for the fulfillment of true democracy.

"If you go to the U.S., a lot of people suffer from inequality of income, inequality of wealth, inequality of opportunity. So, without the equality of opportunity, how come nations talk about democracy, and human rights?" Henok said.

The analyst stressed that recent attempts by the U.S. administration in bringing together like-minded countries based on its standard of democracy will only affect genuine discussion on the issue.

"The U.S. gathered and grouped nations with the mentality of cold war based on their definition, not based on universal understanding of democracy," he said.

Concerning recent negative human rights records in the United States, he said "since 2012, how many human rights violations have happened in the U.S.? How many American institutions systematically marginalize and violate human rights and democracy? It is a very clear and obvious sign of how the U.S. violates human rights."

The analyst pointed out that China's whole-process people-centered democracy ensures that all sectors of its society always enjoy equal democratic rights.

"Talking only about human rights or elections is not enough to meet the satisfaction of the people. So, the Chinese version of democracy is, I think, the right version of democracy," he noted.

Henok advised developing countries, Africa in particular, to take China's version of democracy as the true form of democracy.

"When you think or focus on economic equality, social equality, it is all about people centered. The Chinese version of democracy is, I think, a very crucial understanding for other Africans and developing countries because the government strives to keep the safety and the convenience of people in the nation," he said.

(Web editor: Du Mingming, Bianji)
Macron, Germany's Scholz meet in Paris, vow to enhance ties

Xinhua) 13:57, December 11, 2021

French President Emmanuel Macron (L) greets new German Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the Elysee Palace, in Paris, France, Dec. 10, 2021. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)

French President Emmanuel Macron met with the new German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Friday in Paris, in a bid to strengthen relations between the two leading European countries.

In a press conference, Macron said that during initial exchanges, there was "a solid convergence of views" and "a desire to make our two countries work together."

The leaders discussed the future of the European Union with regards to immigration, new energies, border protection and relations with other states.

France on Thursday presented its agenda for the upcoming French presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU). It plans to review the EU's budget policy and deficit rules, in order to promote post-COVID-19 economic recovery.

The German chancellor said that "it is a question of maintaining this growth, which was engendered by the stimulus pact."

"At the same time, we must work on the solidity of our finances," said Scholz. The chancellor's coalition, unlike the previous German government, has indicated it could agree to a reform.

It's Scholz's first foreign visit since becoming Germany's chancellor on Wednesday.

(Web editor: Liu Ning, Bianji)
U.S. provocative remarks, actions only make further tensions in Taiwan Straits

14:09, December 11, 2021 By Zhong Sheng ( People's Daily

A senior official from the White House recently announced, from the point of view of both deterrence and diplomacy, the U.S. is going to take every action that it can take to make sure that the reunification of the Chinese mainland with the island of Taiwan by force never happens.

Such irresponsible and provocative remarks are tantamount to adding fuel to the fire, and have seriously threatened the peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits.

The U.S., using the so-called Taiwan independence as a pawn to distort Chinese mainlands policy toward Taiwan and contain China, has gravely underestimated the resolve, the will, and the ability of the Chinese people to achieve the cross-Strait reunification.

The cross-Strait situation is facing a new round of tensions because of the repeated attempts by the Taiwan authorities to look for U.S. support for their independence agenda as well as the intention of some Americans to use Taiwan to contain China.

For some time, the U.S. armed forces have been crafting publicity stunts in the Taiwan Straits, and U.S. senators and senior government officials have made frequent visits to Taiwan, hyping the so-called international space of Taiwan and coaxing U.S. allies into making troubles on the Taiwan question.

With these actions to undermine the cross-Strait situation, embolden Taiwan independence separatists, and challenge the one China principle, the U.S. is unquestionably playing with fire.

The U.S. side noted that the sum total of the efforts it has undertaken over the course of the past eight months in the Indo-Pacific have also all been geared towards any kind of scenario where the Taiwan question is resolved by force. It once again proved that the U.S. rhetoric of its Indo-Pacific strategy not targeting a third party is totally a disguise. As a matter of fact, the U.S. is conniving with Taiwan independence separatists and fanning up tensions in the Taiwan Straits, so as to serve its geopolitical strategy of containing China.

Washington is making a chain of lies. It accused China of taking unilateral efforts to change the status quo in the Taiwan Straits so it has to take actions. However, such claim is neither in line with the reality in the Taiwan Straits, nor correctly reflecting Chinas policies and stance.

National reunification by peaceful means best serves the interests of the Chinese nation as a whole, including Taiwan compatriots. China is patient with the process, and will strive for the prospect of peaceful reunification with utmost sincerity and efforts. That said, should the separatist forces for Taiwan independence provoke China, force its hands or even cross the red line, the country will be compelled to take resolute measures.

Taiwan authorities are attempting to look for U.S. support for their independence agenda, and the U.S. is also taking ceaseless actions to contain China by playing the Taiwan card. Such collusion is what has led to Chinas resolute response, and this is an ironclad fact. Confusing the cause and result and making the nonsense that China is the one changing the status quo, the U.S. cares not about the peace in the Taiwan Straits, but how it can contain China with the tensions there.

Taiwan is a part of China. To resolve the Taiwan question is completely an internal affair of the country. China has the resolve, the will and the ability to safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The U.S. can never stop the historical trend of Chinas reunification, no matter what tricks it plays or how much noise it makes. It should fully recognize the sensitivity of the Taiwan question and handle it in a cautious and appropriate manner, and never send any wrong signal to the Taiwan independence separatists. The U.S. would only make more tensions in the Taiwan Straits if it seeks any plot to contain China with Taiwan, makes any remarks or actions that call black white, or poses any political threat.

Chinas reunification is an unstoppable historical trend that will not be changed by anyone, any force or any country. We sternly warn the U.S. that it should practically adhere to the one China principle and the three joint communiques between the two countries, stop challenging the one China principle and undermining the peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits, and stop its collusion with Taiwan Independence separatists. Otherwise, it will only get burned by the fire it plays with.

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

(Web editor: Du Mingming, Bianji)
China, Nicaragua resume diplomatic relations

Xinhua) 15:22, December 11, 2021

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets with Nicaraguan Foreign Minister Denis Moncada via video link in Anji, east China's Zhejiang Province, Dec. 10, 2021. (Xinhua)

China and Nicaragua signed Friday in Tianjin the joint communique on the resumption of diplomatic relations between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Nicaragua.

According to the communique, the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Nicaragua, in keeping with the interests and desire of the two peoples, have decided to recognize each other and resume diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level, effective from the date of signature of this communique.

The two governments agree to develop friendly relations between the two countries on the basis of the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality, mutual benefit and peaceful coexistence, the communique said.

The government of the Republic of Nicaragua recognizes that there is but one China in the world, the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, it said.

The government of the Republic of Nicaragua shall sever "diplomatic relations" with Taiwan as of this day and undertakes that it shall no longer develop any official relations or official exchanges with Taiwan. The government of the People's Republic of China appreciates this position of the government of the Republic of Nicaragua, the communique said.

The communique was signed by Ma Zhaoxu, Chinese vice foreign minister, and Laureano Ortega Murillo, representative from the government of Nicaragua.

Ma pointed out that the one-China principle is a universally recognized norm of international relations and a universal consensus of the international community. The government of Nicaragua has made a political decision to recognize and promise to abide by the one-China principle and resume diplomatic relations with China without any preconditions.

"It is in full compliance with the fundamental and long-term interests of Nicaragua and its people. It once again fully proves that adhering to the one-China principle is a correct choice that conforms to international justice and the trend of the times," Ma said, adding that the one-China principle is an overriding trend of the times with popular support.

Noting that a new chapter has opened in China-Nicaragua relations, Ma said China stands ready to develop cooperation in various fields with Nicaragua on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, so as to promote the continuous development of bilateral relations and benefit the two countries and the two peoples.

The vice foreign minister said China supports Nicaragua's fight against the pandemic, and is willing to actively promote extensive cooperation between the two countries on economy and people's livelihood, social development, infrastructure construction, trade and investment, and further strengthen communication and coordination in multiple areas.

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday extended his warm congratulations to China and Nicaragua for resuming diplomatic relations at a record-breaking speed in a virtual meeting with the visiting delegation from Nicaragua.

China has got yet another new friend in Latin America and the Caribbean region, as well as another good partner in advancing the construction of the Belt and Road projects and the building a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.

Nicaragua has made an important decision to resume and develop normal relations with China, and stands on the right side of history together with most countries in the world, he added.

Wang called on the two sides to build a strong political foundation for the one-China principle, jointly draw up a blueprint for the development of bilateral relations, and promote exchanges and cooperation in various fields in an orderly manner.

Nicaragua has become the 181st country to establish normal diplomatic relations with China.

"Today is an important historical moment for the Nicaraguan government and its people," said Laureano Ortega Murillo, adviser to Nicaragua's president.

Hailing the long history of exchanges and the revolutionary friendship and brotherhood between the two parties and the two countries, he said the resumption of diplomatic relations has gained full support from the Nicaraguan people.

Nicaragua will fully fulfill its commitments, firmly abide by the one-China principle, and support China's efforts to achieve national reunification, he said.

The Nicaraguan side spoke highly of China's vital role in safeguarding world peace and stability, and is willing to work jointly to safeguard national sovereignty and independence, practice multilateralism and safeguard international equity and justice, he said.

In a virtual meeting with Nicaraguan Foreign Minister Denis Moncada, Wang made four proposals on developing bilateral ties: firmly upholding the one-China principle, blueprinting future cooperation, cementing the foundation of popular support, and firmly supporting each other.

He called on the two countries to advocate the practice of multilateralism, promote the democratization of international relations, and jointly build a new type of international relations.

"We welcome the Nicaraguan side to actively participate in the Global Development Initiative and join the Belt and Road Initiative at an early date," Wang said, adding that China stands ready to work with Nicaragua and Latin American countries to build China-Latin America relations characterized by equality, mutual benefit, innovation, opening-up, and benefit for the people in a new era.

Moncada said Nicaragua will accelerate all-around cooperation with China in trade and investment, science and technology, people-to-people exchanges, and media to promote mutual understanding and enhance the well-being of the two peoples.

Nicaragua actively supports and is willing to negotiate with China at an early date to sign a cooperation document on joining the Belt and Road Initiative, Moncada added.

Yuan Dongzhen, an expert on Latin America with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said he was not surprised to hear the news that China and Nicaragua have resumed diplomatic ties.

"This is an inevitable choice, as no country can refuse to make contact with China, given the rise of China's international influence and increasingly important role in international affairs," Yuan said.

Ruan Zongze, executive vice president of the China Institute of International Studies, said the fact that Nicaragua has ended its so-called "diplomatic relations" with Taiwan showed that the attempt by the Democratic Progressive Party to solicit U.S. support for "Taiwan independence" is simply futile.

Ruan said unlike some Western countries who are keen to seek hegemony, China has always stood on the side of developing countries, firmly safeguarding their rights and interests, as well as international justice and fairness, which is the reason that more and more developing countries are choosing to strengthen ties with China.

(Web editor: Liu Ning, Bianji)
Chinas designation of river, lake chiefs yields notable results

15:29, December 11, 2021 By Li Guoying ( People's Daily

China's practice in the past five years has fully proven that the implementation of the system of river and lake chiefs across the board is completely in conformity with the country's national and water conditions, is a fundamental and groundbreaking policy on the protection and governance of rivers and lakes, and represents a major institutional innovation with strong vitality.

Over the past five years, China's Ministry of Water Resources (MWR), together with various regions and departments in the country, has promoted the solving of many tough problems in the protection and governance of rivers and lakes that were long on the agenda but never resolved, bringing historic changes to rivers and lakes in China.

Photo taken on Nov. 27, 2021 shows the clear Qingjiang River, a tributary of Yangtze River, in Enshi city, Enshi Tujia and Miao autonomous prefecture, central Chinas Hubei province. (Photo by Zhang Yuanming/Peoples Daily Online)

Since 2018, China has established the system of river and lake chiefs across the country. Under the system, major leaders of the Communist Party of China (CPC) committees and governments of 31 provincial-level regions in the country have been appointed as general chiefs responsible for all rivers and lakes in the region.

By designating a total of 300,000 river and lake chiefs at provincial, municipal, county, and township levels and more than 900,000 village-level river and lake chiefs (including river patrol personnel and river rangers), China has made sure the responsibility for the management and protection of all the rivers and lakes has been assigned.

Photo shows luxuriant forests and lucid water at a wetland in Xianglinpu township, Daoxian county, Yongzhou city, central Chinas Hunan province, July 12, 2021. (Photo by Jiang Keqing/Peoples Daily Online)

The State Council of China has initiated an inter-ministerial joint conference on the comprehensive implementation of the system, established and improved mechanisms covering the fulfillment of responsibility by river and lake chiefs, supervision and inspection, evaluation and accountability as well as positive incentives to promote the implementation of the system.

Nationwide efforts have also been made to establish provincial-level joint conference mechanism for river and lake chiefs in the Yangtze River and the Yellow River basins as well as joint prevention and control mechanism for coordination and collaboration between personnel in charge of the upstream section and downstream section and the right and left banks of rivers and lakes, inter-departmental joint response mechanism, the system of river patrol personnel and rangers, the system of folk river chiefs, and joint governance mechanism for all sectors of the society, which leads to the forming of a powerful synergy for the conservation of rivers and lakes.

Local governments across the country have established archives and formulated targeted policies for each river, and clearly defined the boundaries of 1.2 million kilometers of rivers and 1,955 lakes for management and control for the first time.

Besides, local authorities have also carried out a special campaign to regulate illegal riverside occupation, mining, heap and construction and special operations to overhaul projects along the shorelines of the Yangtze River and the Yellow River, addressing 185,000 prominent problems, demolishing more than 40 million square meters of illegal construction projects and over 10,000 kilometers of illegal dikes, removing more than 40 million tons of garbage from watercourses, clearing 30,000 kilometers of illegally occupied shorelines, and seizing over 11,000 ships for illegal sand mining.

Since northern China made comprehensive efforts to stem groundwater overexploitation, groundwater levels in some regions have stopped falling and started to rise, many river courses in north China which had been cut off for years, such as Yongding River, Daqing River, Hutuo River, and Ziya River, have been fully connected, and the Baiyangdian Lake in north China's Hebei province has regained its beauty.

A flock of swans play and forage in a lake in Jinlan village, Chaisang district, Jiujiang city, east Chinas Jiangxi province, Nov. 27, 2021. (Photo by Yang Fengsheng/Peoples Daily Online)

All cities at or above the prefecture level have basically eliminated all of their black and odorous water bodies.

In 2020, the proportion of water sections with excellent or good surface water (Class I to Class III) increased by nearly 16 percentage points from 2016.

By promoting the implementation of the river and lake chief system across the board, China has focused its efforts on addressing the most pressing, immediate water-related problems that concern the people the most and created a pleasant environment featuring unimpeded rivers, lucid waters, green banks, beautiful scenery, and harmony between man and nature, winning widespread recognition from the people for the results of river and lake protection and control.

China's efforts to safeguard the health and safety of rivers and lakes will provide strong support for achieving comprehensive green transition in economic and social development and high-quality development.

(Li Guoying is the minister of water resources.)

(Web editor: Bianji, Du Mingming)
Stay true to Universal Declaration of Human Rights: UN chief

Xinhua) 15:45, December 11, 2021

United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday called for staying true to the principles set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

"Our world is at a crossroads," he said in a video message for Human Rights Day, which falls on Dec. 10.

"The COVID-19 pandemic, the climate crisis and the expansion of digital technology into all areas of our lives have created new threats to human rights. Exclusion and discrimination are rampant. Public space is shrinking. Poverty and hunger are rising for the first time in decades. Millions of children are missing out on their right to education. Inequality is deepening," he said. "But we can choose a different path."

The UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 73 years ago. The principles set out in this simple declaration remain the key to realizing all human rights -- civil, economic, cultural, social, and political -- for all people, everywhere, said Guterres.

He said recovery from the pandemic must be an opportunity to expand human rights and freedoms, and to rebuild trust; trust in the justice and impartiality of laws and institutions; confidence that a life of dignity is within reach; faith that people can get a fair hearing and resolve their grievances peacefully.

"The United Nations stands for the rights of every member of our human family. Today and every day, we will continue to work for justice, equality, dignity and human rights for all," he said.

(Web editor: Liu Ning, Bianji)
BEIJING, Dec. 11 -- Its reported that India's Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat and several others died in a helicopter crash on December 8, 2021. China's Ministry of National Defense has expressed sympathy and condolences to the Indian side.
He Bochao, a 94-year-old veteran of the Chinese People's Volunteers who participated in the 1950-53 Korean War, traveled 3,000 kilometers from southwest China's Sichuan Province to visit his 96-year-old former squad leader Gao Wangong, now living in eastern Shandong Province. After learning about He's story, the crew of the flight he took on December 9 offered an emotional tribute to the hero.
Things are going from bad to worse for Korea's three smaller, struggling automakers Ssangyong, GM Korea and Renault Samsung.

According to the Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association on Sunday, Hyundai sold 47,059 cars and Kia 37,045 in January to rank an unassailable first and second. But they were followed by foreign carmakers, with Mercedes-Benz in third with 5,918 cars and BMW in fourth with 5,717 cars.

Then came Ssangyong with 5,648, GM Korea with 5,162 and Renault Samsung with 3,534.

It is rare in a patriotic market like Korea for two foreign brands to rank so high, and the reason is that they recently released popular models like a new addition to the Mercedes E-Class and BMW 5 Series.

By contrast customers seemed to be giving up on what they see as the sinking ships of the smaller Korean carmakers. In addition, Renault headquarters in France also recorded a net loss of 8.46 billion euros last year due the coronavirus pandemic and is sacking 15,000 workers by 2025.

Ssangyong filed for court receivership December and is seeking a last-ditch bailout from U.S. auto retailer HAAH Automotive Holdings. It hopes to sign an investment agreement and then ask for yet another loan for a capital increase from state-run Korea Development Bank. But in the meantime its factories have stopped operations because suppliers who have not been paid are refusing to deliver parts.

One of GM Korea's factories also had to cut production by half due to a shortage of parts and is looking for a way out through cooperation with component makers.
The United States imposed extensive human rights-related sanctions Friday on dozens of people and entities tied to China, Myanmar, North Korea and Bangladesh, and added Chinese artificial intelligence company SenseTime Group to an investment blacklist.

Canada and Britain joined the United States in imposing sanctions related to human rights abuse in Myanmar, while Washington also imposed the first new sanctions on North Korea under President Joe Biden's administration and targeted Myanmar military entities, among others, in action marking Human Rights Day.

"Our actions today, particularly those in partnership with the United Kingdom and Canada, send a message that democracies around the world will act against those who abuse the power of the state to inflict suffering and repression," Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo said in the statement.

The North Korean mission at the United Nations and the Chinese, Myanmar and Bangladesh embassies in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
"The assurances they gave to the U.K. that Assange would not be subjected to basically isolation or solitary confinement, unless he does something new to merit it -- those were sufficient to address the concerns raised by (the previous judge) Vanessa Baraitser about Assange's likelihood to commit suicide in U.S. jails," Wheeler told VOA.

The assurances were based on the conditions under which Assange would be detained, said Marcy Wheeler, an American journalist and author on national security and civil liberty issues.

High court Judge Ian Burnett told the court, "That risk is in our judgment excluded by the assurances which are offered. It follows that we are satisfied that, if the assurances had been before the judge, she would have answered the relevant question differently... That conclusion is sufficient to determine this appeal in the U.S.A.'s favor."

The ruling by British high court judges Friday overturned a lower district court decision in January, blocking Assanges extradition. In that earlier decision, Judge Vanessa Baraitser ruled there was a high risk that Julian Assange would commit suicide. U.S. prosecutors appealed, and the high court ruled in their favor Friday.

A British court has ruled that Julian Assange, the 50-year-old founder of the whistleblowing website WikiLeaks, can be extradited to the United States to face charges of hacking and theft, which combined could result in a jail term of up to 175 years.

 Reaction

Supporters of Assange and WikiLeaks reacted with dismay. In an emotional speech outside court, Stella Morris, Assange's fiancee and mother of his child, said the U.S. assurances were "inherently unreliable."

"The High Court decided against Julian on this occasion on the basis of political assurances, non-assurances that the U.S. has given to the UK government. I say non-assurances, Amnesty International says non-assurances. Amnesty International has analyzed these assurances and have said that they are inherently unreliable. They incorporate the possibility of breaking those assurances in their very wording," Morris told reporters outside court.

"Julian represents the fundamentals of what it means to live in a free society, of what it means to have press freedom, of what it means for journalists to do their jobs without being afraid of spending the rest of their lives in prison. The U.K. imprisons journalists. They're imprisoning Julian on behalf of a foreign power which is taking an abusive, vindictive prosecution against a journalist, and this is what it's about." Morris added.

 Appeal

Judges will now hand the decision on whether to extradite Assange to Britain's Home Secretary, Priti Patel. However, defense lawyers can appeal the ruling. "They've also talked about appealing the underlying decision that ruled this did not impinge on journalism. It's unclear whether they're going to do that next. They also could appeal to the European courts," said analyst Wheeler.

Recent revelations could be used by the defense in their appeal. A former WikiLeaks insider turned FBI informer has said that he fabricated evidence used by the prosecution. And in September, Yahoo News published a story alleging that the CIA had plotted to kidnap or even kill Assange in 2017.

Any appeals must be lodged within the next two weeks, although it's possible judges would reject any further hearings on the case.

 Press Freedom

Assange and his supporters argue the freedom of the press is at stake. In 2010 and 2011, he oversaw the publication by WikiLeaks of hundreds of thousands of diplomatic cables and military reports relating to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, which were leaked by former U.S. soldier Chelsea Manning, then known as Bradley Manning. Assange says the leak exposed abuses by the U.S. military.

Assange faces 18 U.S. federal charges relating to allegations of hacking, theft of classified material, and the disclosure of the identities of U.S. informants, which prosecutors say put their lives at risk.

There is more to the prosecution case, says Wheeler. "One of the things Baraitser said in deciding that he was not protected as a journalist is that at the very same time he was soliciting these files from Chelsea Manning and offering to crack a password in doing it, he was also hacking targets in Iceland, he ultimately hacked -- or attempted to hack -- a WikiLeaks dissident. There's a lot in there that WikiLeaks doesn't like to talk about because it has nothing to do with journalism," Wheeler told VOA.

Press freedom groups criticized the high court decision. "We condemn today's decision, which will prove historic for all the wrong reasons. We fully believe that Julian Assange has been targeted for his contributions to journalism, and we defend this case because of its dangerous implications for the future of journalism and press freedom around the world. It is time to put a stop to this more than decade-long persecution once and for all. It is time to free Assange," said Christophe Deloire, the secretary-general of Reporters Without Borders.
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Mr. McLemee writes the Intellectual Affairs column for InsideHigherEd.com.

A member of Congress who says history is not necessarily thinking of the same enterprise as a professional historian. This is no Beltway-induced conceptual blockage: For civilians, the important thing about history is story, not methodology. (Even the most devoted viewers of the History Channel have no sense of the century-long debates over the the objectivity question.)

But the stakes of mutual incomprehension are higher when the federal budget is involved  when the member of Congress is voting on whether or not to fund initiatives designed to improve history education, mainly at the primary and secondary levels. For example, there is the $11.2 million that the National Endowment for the Humanities has requested for next year for We the People. And then theres the $119 million in the presidents budget slotted for the Teaching American History, a program of the Department of Education.

In such cases, it really matters whether legislators understand history to mean (1) a field producing new knowledge about the past or (2) a really cool holographic diorama of the Pilgrims at prayer.

The smart money would, of course, bet on the diorama. But history in the other sense is represented in Washington by the National Coalition on History, representing the interests of more than 70 professional organizations for historians and archivists. As it happens, all of this lobbying clout is exercised by one person, Bruce Craig, usually with the assistance of an intern.

Craig took over as director (and de facto staff) of the coalition in early 2003  just as it was shedding its earlier, clunkier identity as the National Coordinating Committee for the Promotion of History. Like its predecessor, the NCH runs out of an office in the American Historical Association building on Capitol Hill.

I recently interviewed Craig by telephone from his home in West Virginia  an excellent choice of residence, since it makes him a constituent of Sen. Robert Byrd, whose baby Teaching American History really is. But I happen to know that is a coincidence. It turns out that we met a dozen years ago, when his wife and I both worked as archival technicians in the manuscript division of the Library of Congress. (Our job was history at the lowliest level: sorting dead peoples mail.)

Back then, Craig was working on a dissertation about Harry Dexter White, a Treasury official and co-founder of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, who was accused by Whittaker Chambers of being a Soviet operative.

Craigs findings (available in a book published last year) were that White engaged in a species of espionage for the Russians, yet was not guilty of subverting American policy in their favor. It is a nice distinction  one likely to offend those who prefer a simpler estimate, one way or the other, of Joseph McCarthys place in history.

But that studied indifference to ideological default settings is not just a scholarly stance. Listening to Craig, it sounds like the best tool in the lobbyists kit.

In the course of our discussion, I tried to draw Craig out on whether the mid-1990s battles over multiculturalism, the Enola Gay exhibit, and such still echo around Capitol Hill. His response is ... well, not evasive, exactly. But he has an impressive knack for finding finds terms that are practical, nonpartisan, and diplomatic.

The culture war doesnt come up often, he said. Congress is very concerned with school kids, with whether or not they know American history. And of course they should be concerned with that. Part of our role is to make sure that history doesnt end up being defined narrowly, as just American history  that the ancient world, and comparative history, also get included.

With the Teaching American History program, of course, the national (if not nationalistic) focus is evident from the very name. Craig says the challenge is to keep from too narrow an emphasis on particular types of American history, so that it just becomes a kind of civics lesson.

By meeting with Congressional staff and getting historians to testify in committee, the National Coalition for History is trying to recalibrate what legislators mean by traditional American history. Its a matter, in effect, of making sure that the term covers both the doings of white guys in powdered wigs at the Constitutional Convention and the slave revolts that sometimes kept them from getting a good nights sleep.

Quite a bit of the NCHs activity concerns matters that are upstream from the classroom  with issues, that is, affecting how history gets done by researchers. Craig lobbies in support of the Open Government Act, designed to bolster the Freedom of Information access to documents. Organizations belonging to the coalition are up in arms, understandably enough, about a renewed effort to zero out the budget for the National Historical Publications and Records Commission, which provides grants for the preparation of editions of historical documents. And the NCH appears to be making progress in saving the program.

And in preparing the coalitions weekly electronic newsletter, The NCH Washington Update (archived here), Craig keeps up with the corridor politics of government agencies involved in historical matters. Did you know, for example, that the National Parks Service is a hotbed of internal conflict over grants for historical preservation projects? Chances are that, no, you did not know that  let alone that a recent major reorganization of one section of the Park Service is known as the May 3 massacre. (Read all about it here.) Its the sort of inside-the-beltway news that helps keep historians connected with the bureaucratic developments indirectly shaping their field.

From talking to Craig and reading the coalitions press, the impression forms of a lobby that is, as the saying goes, post-ideological.

You know the drill: Pragmatism is all. Politics is the art of compromise in pursuit of the possible. That sort of thing.

But my own instinct is always to historicize such post-ideological thinking. To see it, first of all, as taking shape in a specific historical period (the 1990s, pretty much), and to understand it as reflecting a particular set of vested interests. In short, the post-ideological outlook is precisely the ideology of the professional-managerial class, i.e., extremely skilled brain workers who want to do their jobs without having to dread weird lurches in political governance.

Now, some of my lingo here (historicize, class) is faintly marxisant, of course. But for what its worth, similar notions do pop up even when conservatives think about the recent past. As a case in point, check out the conservative historian Richard Jensens analysis of the culture wars.

Historians dont all share the same, presumably leftist, politics  no matter what the polemicists say. But they do share the same interest in seeing that libraries and archives stay open, and that history be understood to embrace a range of periods and topics. And also that new generations be encouraged to develop an appetite for learning about the past.

Given all that, there is an incentive to play down ideological fractiousness, as the National Coalition for History does with some finesse. The consequences are a little paradoxical  creating an ironic role [for] Washington, D.C., in the words of Rick Shenkman, editor of the History News Network.

The larger story here in my opinion, Shenman told me in an e-mail note a couple of weeks ago, is the ironic role of Washington, D.C. in the history wars. It has been the Right that has largely been behind the fantastic increase in appropriations for history over the last few years. Lynne Cheney has played a role as has Sen. Lamar Alexander. Robert Byrd, though a liberal of sorts, has pressed his history agenda on quite conservative grounds. And the beneficiary of the funds? Its those liberal historians across the country whom David Horowitz thinks are undermining the Republic!

Not that the National Coalition for History, or anybody else for that matter, is being exactly Machiavellian about any of it. In the end, its all about the dead presidents. At the risk of being crass, you might best understand even the politics of scholarship by following the money.

We have no space Hubble to rally around, as Shenkman puts it. So historians have used the easiest arguments at hand in support of their projects  and that happens to be the patriotic argument.

This article was first published by InsideHigherEd.com and is reprinted with permission of the author.
I'm a retired therapist. My job in a simplistic nutshell, was to merge knowledge with insightful wisdom, by skillfully saying things to dramatically impart a series of therapeutic messages, that would encourage the transformation of a person for some noble purpose. I wanted my many clients to be able to cognitively and behaviorally arrive safely and resourcefully at their many future destinations in their unique lives. In one word, I taught them  "readiness."

Sam Rosenberg consults all over the world as a firearms and self-defense trainer, teacher, speaker, close protection specialist, security expert for individuals and business, and bodyguard to famous celebrities and heads of state. I've just had the pleasure of reading about his "elephant, mouse, and sheep."

Now I know Sam is not technically a therapist, but I honestly think this trilogy of short blog posts, plus all his considerable life's work, more than qualifies him as a (my title) "Personal Protection Therapist!" The wisdom he teaches to his readers, students, and clients is only exceeded by the unknowable number of actual lives he has directly and indirectly saved for decades! It is incalculable.

Sam may actually be affecting eternity. Because of his many teachings, skills, and techniques, who can possibly know how many lives he has saved or will save in the future. .....
Press Release

December 10, 2021 Transcript of VP Candidate Kiko Pangilinan's response during the press briefing for #HanapbuhayParaSaLahat plan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMlTOyPsoEE 54:18 - 55:19 Q: I would like to address this question to Kiko. This is about the small farmers. When I'm not blogging, I'm in Benguet and I am in touch with the farmers. I'm glad that you are having the digital economy and all that but digitalization is more than digital solutions for agriculture because the continuing problem with our vegetable farmers is overproduction of vegetables and it all goes to waste, why can't we connect them to the food processors so digitalization of market demand needs to be gathered before production even starts so it can be shared to vegetable growers. And what about the smuggling? A lot of our farmers just leave their vegetables in the plot because they told me the prices are really so low from the smuggled vegetables. I really want to help them bring their produce to the market for a fair price so I want to know what would be the solution to the smuggling although I know that there is a Senate hearing coming. 55:24 - 59:59 KIKO PANGILINAN: Tama iyon, 'no, 'yung problema ng post-harvest facilities particularly sa ating mga magsasaka. Lalo na sa Benguet, Baguio. In fact, ang research ng Benguet State University indicates that by the time the vegetable reaches the table in Manila, 67% of the crop is already lost. 33% na lang ang umaabot. So, and a lot of that has to do with post-harvest. And that's precisely why the policy of Vice President Leni should she become president is number one, to double the budget for the Department of Agriculture precisely to get investments, government investing in agriculture in terms of infrastructure, post-harvest facilities, insurance and the like. So that is the first thing. Kailangan talagang palawigin ang investment sa agriculture. 'Pag nakita ng private sector na ang gobyerno mismo ang tumataya sa sektor ng agrikultura, maeengganyo rin silang tumaya. We must remember that the deepest pockets in any economy is the private sector. 20% lang ang contribution ng gobyerno sa GDP. 80% ay private sector. Kinakailangan ma-inspire ang private sector na mamuhunan sa agriculture and the first signal will be because government itself is going to invest more in agriculture, number one. Number two doon sa usapin ng jobs, it is more expensive to create jobs for manufacturing and industry, it is less expensive to create jobs sa agriculture, and 30% of our jobs are in the agriculture sector. So when you take that into consideration and more investments of government in the agriculture sector, then yung job creation will follow. Mas madali mag-create ng jobs sa agriculture sector, kaya kapag namuhunan sa agriculture sector, yung job creation mas dadami. So iyan ang ang isang estratehiya. Plus, you mobilize resources around farming organizations, communities so that these resources will bring or will level up our farmers capacity, our fisherfolk capacity dahil kinakailangan ma-secure ang farmers and fisherfolk para ma-secure natin ang ating pagkain. Doon sa usapin ng smuggling, nung ako ay chairman ng NFA council, rampant before we stepped in 'yung pag-smuggling ng bigas. It's a combination of ensuring tight coordination between the BOC, the DA, the NFA in terms of running after the smugglers and we were able to achieve this. Sinampahan ng kaso ang mga smugglers, nag-deputize ang NBI, ang PNP, at ang NFA para ma-monitor 'yung mga warehouses nitong mga nagtatago o kaya nagda-divert ng smuggled rice. Dinisiplinahan ang NFA. Meron kaming mga anim o pitong mga local, provincial or regional na NFA employees na sinuspinde at kinasuhan dahil sa pakikipagsabwatan sa mga trader. So importante ang coordination with the BOC. We were able to address this by a combination of law enforcement and transparency sa processes ng NFA in terms of issuance of permits kasi diyan nagkakalokohan sa smuggling eh. Kunwari may permit, peke 'yung permit o kaya rehashed 'yung permit. Pero pag may transparency sa permit issuances in this case the Bureau of either Plant industry or the Bureau of Animal Industry when it comes to importation, magkakaroon ng dagdag na safeguard dito sa smuggling pero kailangang coordinated sa mga ahensya at law enforcement. So kaya. Kaya nating gawin 'yan. It's really just a matter of enforcing the law and ensuring transparency in the processes. -- 1:06:05 - 1:09:06 KIKO PANGILINAN: If I may just add, nung discussions, Ma'am, I recall, nung 16th Congress, wala ako sa Kongreso noon, pero napag-usapan natin at one forum 'yung Brazil experience. Kaya nung 17th Congress, kami ni Congressman Teddy Baguilat, 'yung counterpart sa House, nag-file nung Sagip Saka Law, at naipasa ito nung May 2019. At ang key feature, 'yung big brother na gobyerno na pupuwede nang direktang bumili without going through the cumbersome public bidding sa mga accredited farmers and fisherfolk organizations ng agricultural products for relief operations, para sa supplemental feeding programs, para sa nutrition programs, and other related programs. Halimbawa 'yung pagkain sa preso ng DILG. Syempre kailangan 'yan ng bigas, kailangan 'yan ng karne. Ganyan din ang mga regional hospital. So 'yung Sagip Saka law or Republic Act 11321, has not been fully implemented because of the bureaucracy which we have been trying our best to really pound. And finally nitong October, naipasa na 'yung GPPB resolution on these purchases. And it would free up about 40 billion pesos worth of funds sa DA, sa DepEd, sa DILG, sa DOH, sa DSWD. Ang DSWD for example, last year 4.6 billion for supplemental hot meals, feeding program. Pero nung tiningnan namin, nung hiningi namin 'yung report, eh halos 60% nung purchases hindi sa farmers, kung hindi sa mga commercial, mga traders. So sinabi pa, ang paliwanag ng DSWD dahil daw sa executive order something noong 1998. So we reminded them, meron nang batas. And for the 2021 and 2022 budget, that frees up around anywhere between 30-40 billion pesos worth of purchases, potential purchases from the national government. I'm sure by July 1, 2022, dapat meron nang mekanismo na lahat nung mga bumibili ng produktong agrikultura, karne, poultry, bigas, gulay, eh kinakailangan ang gobyerno ay direkta nang bumibili sa mga magsasaka at mangingisda. That will increase the income of our farmers and our fisherfoilk. Maeengganyo silang magtanim. Hindi na magtitiwang ang lupa kasi hindi na silang babarating. Napakalaking game-changer, plus, isasabay pa nga yung sinabi ni ma'am na dodoblehin ang budget ng agrikultura, eh talagang tuloy-tuloy na 'yung pagpalawig at modernization ng ating agriculture sector. -- 1:09:44 - 1:10:15 KIKO PANGILINAN: Just one more pa. The biggest job loss last year was in agriculture. Half of the losses in jobs because of Covid, and economic downturn was in agriculture. 1.7 million ang nawalan ng trabaho. Kaya we're four-squared behind itong more investments in agriculture, more spending for agriculture, more direct purchases sa agriculture sector ang magke-create ng jobs para ma-address nga 'yung pinakamalaking job loss last year.
Press Release

December 11, 2021 De Lima seeks probe into large-scale land reclamation projects nationwide Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima urged Congress to investigate the reported large-scale land reclamation projects nationwide that threaten coastal and marine ecosystems around the country. De Lima filed Proposed Senate Resolution (PSR) No. 956 urging Congress to immediately look into the processes undertaken by local government units in approving such reclamation projects, and determine their compliance with existing environmental laws and regulations. "The widespread approval of reclamation projects is altogether alarming for our and future generations of Filipinos and the government should consider imposing a moratorium on the continuing approval of such projects, both large and small," she said. For the year 2021 so far alone, there are already several ongoing reclamation projects in various stages of development, to wit: 174-hectare reclamation along Dumaguete City coastline; 230-hectare reclamation in Consolacion, Cebu; 100-hectare reclamation in Minglanilla, Cebu; 126-hectare reclamation project in Mandaue City, Cebu; and various other reclamation projects in Manila Bay. In their July 2021 position paper, Oceana, a nonprofit ocean conservation organization, said reclamation projects "hide behind the promise of economic progress and infrastructure development at the expense of the environment, as well as the socio-economic welfare and livelihoods of many marginalized Filipinos." The same paper, signed by at least 80 other environmental protection advocacy groups, said "these projects were introduced without adherence to requirements of regularity, transparency, accountability and participation by public and private proponents." In fact, as far back as 2014, scientist Dr. Giovanni Tapang was quoted as saying that 37,000 fishermen were displaced by the Mall of Asia reclamation project alone. De Lima, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development, underscored the need to strictly implement the country's environmental laws to ensure that only projects that are fully compliant with environmental provisions and prepared to address its harmful impacts will be approved, thus requiring the enforcement of a more stringent application process. "There is a growing body of evidence of the harmful effects and negative impacts that reclamation projects can have on not only the environment but also the affected communities and surrounding ecosystem. Yet the government is insistent on its widespread implementation under the promise of economic development," she said. "Congress, in exercise of its oversight powers, must immediately conduct an investigation on the processes undertaken by local government units in approving these reclamation projects and determine their compliance with existing environmental laws and regulations," she added.
Press Release

December 11, 2021 How Lacson Cracked Down on Crimes in Cebu With Scarce Resources More at: https://pinglacson.net/article/how-lacson-cracked-down-on-crimes-in-cebu-with-scarce-resources NAGA CITY, Cebu - No gas? No logistics? No problem. With this mindset, a young lieutenant colonel named Panfilo "Ping" Lacson solved the crime problem in this province when he headed the Cebu Metropolitan District Command (MetroDisCom) from 1989 to 1992. Lacson, who eventually went on to head the Philippine National Police from 1999 to 2001, said he ordered foot patrols that turned out to be the key to bringing down crime rates not only in Cebu City but also in Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu Cities. "Kulang ang aming gas and logistics and we are relying on logistics from then Philippine Constabulary headquarters in Camp Crame. I told my men, if you don't have gas, you might as well walk, patrol on foot. That's what we did under strict supervision," Lacson, who is running for President under Partido Reporma, said at the Online Kumustahan here Friday afternoon. "Ang laki ng ni-reduce ng crime rate (Crime rates were reduced significantly) in Cebu City, Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu at the time," he added. Lacson became an "Adopted Son of Cebu" with his outstanding performance as then Cebu MetroDisCom head. Residents had asked the late former President Corazon Aquino to extend his two-year term as field commander, which would have ended in August 1991. He stayed as MetroDisCom chief until February 1992 when he was transferred to Laguna. During his stint in Cebu, Lacson recalled he and his men rescued a young kidnap victim, the scion of the Gaisano clan. Lacson and his men rescued the boy and neutralized the kidnappers, but declined the victim's relatives' offer of a reward - agreeing to a "reward" of P1 for each member of his team only to comply with the beliefs of the victim's relatives that it would be bad luck if he declined. "From then on we solved crime after crime after crime," Lacson noted. But Lacson continued to think of ways to solve the logistics problem, and hit on the solution when he headed the PNP and ordered that the allocation of PNP resources be reversed. He ordered that from the then formula of 60 percent of resources in headquarters and 40 percent distributed to the field, 85 percent of PNP resources should be downloaded to the frontline units and the remaining 15 percent retained in headquarters. As senator, Lacson retained his advocacy for an equitable distribution of resources through his Budget Reform Advocacy for Village Empowerment (BRAVE), making sure resources are downloaded to the local government units so they can have more autonomy and accountability in implementing their projects. Lacson visited this city Friday for his and Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III's Online Kumustahan. Sotto, Lacson's vice presidential candidate, is running under the Nationalist People's Coalition. The Lacson-Sotto tandem received a warm welcome from residents and local officials. With them were Partido Reporma senatorial bets Guillermo Eleazar, Minguita Padilla, and Monsour del Rosario. Also, Lacson and Sotto met with former Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) head Winston Garcia, brother of Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia in Cebu City.
Press Release

December 11, 2021 'Adopted Son' Lacson Wins Support for BRAVE in Cebu More at: https://pinglacson.net/article/adopted-son-lacson-wins-support-for-brave-in-cebu Sen. Panfilo "Ping" M. Lacson has won support in his adoptive province of Cebu for his crusade to empower local government units (LGUs) to implement key development projects, through his Budget Reform Advocacy for Village Empowerment (BRAVE). At least 12 local chief executives from Naga, Talisay and Carcar Cities attended the Online Kumustahan in Naga City last Friday, where Lacson pushed to institutionalize the practice of making sure that programs, activities and projects (PAPs) originate from the LGUs. "All PAPs should emanate from the LGUs. Diyan dapat manggaling (The PAPs should come from the LGUs)," he said at the Online Kumustahan at the Enan Chiong Activity Center to loud applause from the audience. He said BRAVE will spur development at the grassroots level, with the bonus of job opportunities for local residents due to the development projects. "Kakalat ang resources, kakalat ang development, and we can be a great nation again (There will be a more equitable distribution of resources and development, and we can be a great nation again)," pointed out Lacson, who became an "Adopted Son of Cebu" due to his exemplary performance as head of the then Philippine Constabulary's Cebu Metropolitan District Command (MetroDisCom) from 1989 to 1992. Cebu local officials who were present at the event included Mayors Kristine Vanessa Chiong (Naga), Allan Sesaldo (Argao), Gerald Anthony Gullas (Talisay City), Lakambini Reluya (San Fernando), Lionel Bacaltos (Sibonga), Mariano Terence Blanco (Ronda), Allan Sesaldo (Argao); and Vice Mayors Nicepuro Apura (Carcar City) and Inocentes Cabaron (Moalboal). Also at the event were mayoralty candidates Eugene Singson (Alcoy), Ronnie Cesante (Dalaguete), Lee Briones (Samboan), Raj Dy (Santander); and vice mayoralty candidates William Lagahid (Dalaguete), Rey Catipay (Samboan), and Myril Puntual (Santander). Under the BRAVE, LGUs will get more autonomy and resources, as well as the accompanying accountability, in implementing key development projects, programs and activities. Lacson noted that while former Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado required implementing agencies to secure certifications from Regional Development Councils for projects to be included in the proposed national budget for 2021, this was merely a "tapal" or temporary solution. "We want to institutionalize that," stressed Lacson, who earned a reputation in the Senate as the watchdog of the national budget. He also noted that billions of pesos in the yearly budget is not used, and could fund development and livelihood projects at the barangay, municipal, and provincial levels. Lacson said it is about time that the agencies implementing development projects consult with the LGUs, which are in a better position to know the needs and priorities of their constituents. Lacson, who is running for President under Partido Reporma, visited Cebu with his Vice Presidential candidate Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III, who is running under the Nationalist People's Coalition. With them were Partido Reporma senatorial bets Guillermo Eleazar, Minguita Padilla, and Monsour del Rosario. The Lacson-Sotto tandem and the Partido Reporma senatorial candidates received a warm welcome from residents in the province.
Home > 2021 > SAARC: Regionalism and the Future Ahead | Santhosh Mathew

by Santhosh Mathew *

After the end of World War II, nations started to realize the benefits that came from regional cooperation. European Union after experiencing the economic and other benefits from regional cooperation tried to share it with other parts of the world. In Southeast Asia, Association for Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) followed the same pattern.

The South Asian nations were little late in seeking the advantages of regional cooperation, owning to the historical circumstances  partition of India and Pakistan, the breaking up of Pakistan which led to the creation of Bangladesh. The Asian Relations Conference (1947), the Baguio Conference (1950) and the Colombo Powers Conference (1954) held at New Delhi, Philippines and Sri Lanka respectively were the basis for initiating regional cooperation in South Asia. In 1980, Bangladesh took the initiative in sending a proposal to all the governments of respective South Asian nations. In 1985, the formal establishment of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) took place. SAARC is a grouping of eight countries namely India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Nepal Bhutan and Afghanistan. Afghanistan is the latest member which was added in 2007. Originally, SAARC was a grouping of seven countries. The SAARC secretariat is based in Kathmandu, Nepal.

The various objectives of SAARC were framed by the heads of government of the member states which includes - to ensure the economic, social and cultural development of the region, improve the living standard of the people living in South Asia and to safeguard the dignity of the life of every individual, to forge regional integrity, develop an atmosphere conducive to peace and harmony, build cooperation among the countries of the region in the economic, social, cultural, scientific and technological field, accelerate the process of cooperation with other countries of the world as well as with other regional and international organisations of the world, to safeguard the interests of the South Asian Region.

In the early years of SAARC, all bilateral and contentious issues were excluded and the countries mostly gathered to talk on non-controversial issues. However, this has been modified over the years.

The primary objective of SAARC is to utilize cooperation amongst its eight member states for achieving cohesive development in the economic, cultural and socio-political lives of the citizens living in this region. SAARC intended to promote the development of regional and economic integration. Myriad initiatives were taken over the years some of which were successful and some partially successful.

The formation of a Network of Researchers on Global Financial and Economic Issues to aid SAARC in dealing with macroeconomic concerns is a notable development. SAARC launched the South Asia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) in 2006 which calls for trade liberalization in the region through reduction of trade barriers. It aims to reduce custom duties on all traded goods to zero by the year 2016. This agreement has been an important step in the direction of fostering regional trade opportunities. However the existence of more favorable trade terms such as India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement and Indias FTAs with South East and East Asian nations impacts negatively upon states commitment to SAFTAs target. SAFTA covered trade in goods and not in services; therefore the implementation of SATIS (SAARC trade in services) in 2010 was a good initiative towards promoting growth of services by these countries.

The SAARC Social Charter signed in 2004 at the 12th SAARC summit in Islamabad is another success. It outlines a regional plan of action for the organization, setting general targets in the areas of poverty alleviation, population stabilization, the empowerment of women and protection of children, the promotion of health and nutrition and youth mobilization. The Social Charter is inclusive because along with governments it also includes civil society to voice their opinions. Another two partial successes of SAARC includes the establishment of SAARC Energy Centre in Islamabad in 2006. This agreement focused on electricity supply in the region. Another one is the establishment of South Asian University in New Delhi. However, such limited successes remain overshadowed by a history of inaction and inefficiency which are disproportionate to the length of the organisations existence.

The organisation has also come up with Visa exemption scheme for a specific category of dignitaries. There are also regional railways development scheme, motor vehicle scheme etc. going on in the organization. There is also a plan of launching SAARC regional satellite.

In terms of fostering social solidarity initiatives like South Asian Festivals, SAARC Youth Volunteer Scheme, SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industries and so on are some notable examples.

The overall development of South Asia is one of the greatest challenges for the region today. Even though the countries share a common background and potential for promoting, strengthening and sustaining cooperation on myriad issues, regional cooperation has not progressed at a desired pace. There are numerous pressing issues where the SAARC countries should work together. With regards to issues like climate change and energy security, a regional outlook can meaningfully address it rather than a single countrys initiative. Economic cooperation between these countries is extremely important today than ever before. The global pandemic has reversed decades of progress. Although the South Asian region is plagued with issues like poverty, human trafficking, child labour, gender inequality, terrorism and other social evils, over time countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh being in extreme poverty, were able to uplift the conditions of a large portion of their population. However this development took a reverse turn during the pandemic as economies were in shatters all over the world. Economic cooperation is where countries need to cooperate now than ever before.

It is important to note that huge complexities are inherently present in the South Asian societies. The residues of painful partitions are still felt between the countries which hampers peaceful cooperation. The huge diversity also makes it complex arriving at a mutual consensus at a regional level. Most of the SAARC countries are comparatively young democracies and still havent completely achieved political stability. The domestic situations do not allow countries to cooperate beyond national borders. At the same time regional cooperation are premised upon a partial surrender of sovereignty which the countries do not seem to be eager about. India being the dominant country and playing the role of a big brother is something the neighbouring countries cannot seem to accept, especially Indias rival Pakistan. Regional cooperation to them seems like reinforcing Indias hegemonic position in the region.

Regional cooperation has not progressed accounting to various other reasons. Regional cooperation among the SAARC countries doesnt reach the provincial governments rather remain limited to the national capitals. In the public domain, there is minimal awareness about benefits of regional cooperation. Due to this there is no pressure on the leaders to push forward the agenda of regional cooperation. In addition, regional cooperation does not contribute to better electoral outcome which results in lack of attention to this cause. Provincial governments and civil society missing from the discussion on regional cooperation is a huge factor in the unsatisfactory growth of SAARC.

The open hostility in the relations between India and Pakistan has caused immense tensions in SAARC and hampered regional cooperation. Mistrust, restrictive trade and investments, hate speeches and blame game among the leadership of both the countries exacerbated by media exaggeration characterize the bilateral relations between both the countries. This often seems to spill over to other countries during the decisions making process, often portraying biased treatment either to Delhi or Islamabad. To supplement this, frequent border disputes, river disputes, religious animosity and ethnic conflicts affects the process of integration.

Social evils are very much prevalent the South Asian countries. What has been overlooked here is the fact that there is a chasm between the youth aspirations and what the countries can actually offer. Young people due to lack of employment in the South Asian countries are turning to illegal activities such as human trafficking, terrorism etc. Presence of states like Pakistan and Afghanistan gives opportunities to the terrorist organizations for safe haven to move forward with their activities and to disrupt the harmony in the SAARC region. Regional cooperation focusing on employment generation is another need of the hour.

South Asia is a contemporary term for the region which was earlier known as Indian Subcontinent. India occupies a dominant position in the region. It has economic and geostrategic advantage in the region as well. Going with the saying that with greater position comes greater responsibility implying India has a big role to play in regional cooperation. However, Indias stance towards SAARC has been slow and hostile being more in alliance with the West. Also, India has been interfering in the domestic politics of the SAARC countries. Nepal, owing to this considers India a threat to its sovereignty. However Indias stance towards her neighbourhood is changing. India seems to be prioritizing the other SAARC nations. This can be understood through the priority given to the Neighbourhood First policy. The change in Indias attitude towards regional cooperation also has to do with the rise of China and its generous attitude towards the South Asian nations. As increase in Chinese influence can threaten Indias hegemonic position in South Asia.

Also, the South Asian nations are finding other alternative in bilateral and multilateral modes. India has tilted towards Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal (BBIN) forum for sub-regional cooperation in the eastern subcontinent. The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is another forum which has come to the forefront now.

Relevance of SAARC in the contemporary period

The portrait of SAARCs past doesnt need to follow that its future should be painted in a similar way. Major changes are taking place around the world and in Asia. SAARC can play a major role in regional cooperation in South Asia. But to revive SAARC as a relevant organization to the common people of South Asia it needs to rethink the existing system and reorganize itself. Several issues have emerged over the years that require more of a regional approach rather than a national approach. To combat these challenges a deeper regional integration is needed. These include awareness regarding the threat posed by climate change, food security in times of surging global prices, regional migration and the steady influx of internally displaced persons in South Asia. SAARC has made progress through a common attitude adopted towards climate issues such as coastal erosion and the melting of the Himalayan glaciers at the 2009 UN Climate Summit in Copenhagen. Infrastructure development is another area where SAARC countries need to pay attention.

Also helping countries like Afghanistan can help achieve the larger goal of bringing stability in the region. The India Pakistan nexus needs to be dealt with diplomacy for greater results in fostering peace between them as well as for better regional cooperation. The cancellation of the 19th SAARC summit which was to be held at Islamabad in the year 2016 has undoubtedly affected the progress of the organization.

Deeper Integration for Peace and Prosperity which was the theme for 18th SAARC Summit is possible when cooperation goes beyond the needs of regional elites and corporate and allows people of South Asia to build their regional identity. Projects on the ground that is beneficial for the public needs to be undertaken. This will help in strengthening the political will among the South Asian nations. Indias change in critical stance towards SAARC is also a positive tone. In 2014, Indian PM Narendra Modi, announced the Neighbourhood First policy of his government to prioritize relations with other SAARC countries. This foreign policy actively focuses on improving ties with Indias immediate neighbours.

At present, SAARC can play a significant role in bringing normalcy and stability in the region dealing with a deadly pandemic. Even though the organization was lying dormant for a while, the leaders from all the eight SAARC countries met for the first time in eight years in 2020. Prime Minister of India proposed to set up a South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Emergency Fund and formation of a Rapid Response Team in order to combat Covid-19 emergency. The Covid-19 pandemic offers an opportunity for India to demonstrate its compassionate face to secure a region at peace with itself. This emergency fund is a step towards reviving SAARC which has been lying dormant till now, and a reiteration of Indias prompt and decisive support to the neighbours at the time of facing hazards.

Therefore, we can say that SAARC is still relevant and will continue to be in the future as well if it can utilize the regional politics to its advantage. There is no doubt that within the realm of neorealist politics, the effective functioning of any multilateral organization is difficult. However if SAARC countries can see it less as an obstacle and more as an opportunity, it will be able to use it to its advantage.

* (Author: Dr. Santhosh Mathew is Assistant Professor, Centre For South Asian Studies,

Pondicherry Central University, India. Pin: 605 014)
Home > 2021 > Pakistan slips on a slippery slope of religious militancy | James M. (...)

Dec 8, 2021

Pakistani political and military leaders have vowed to eradicate ultra-conservative religious extremism that drove a mob to torture, brutally lynch a Sri Lankan national, and burn his body in the eastern city of Sialkot [1]. Some 900 cases have been filed with police and 235 people arrested in connection with the killing [2].

"Let me make this clear: I have decided that from now we will not spare those who resort to violence in the name of religion, especially in the name of the Holy Prophet (PBUH)," [3] Prime Minister Imran Khan said at a commemoration of Priyantha Kumara Diyawadana, a 48-year-old textile factory manager.

The mob accused Mr. Diyawadana of removing a sticker of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) or I am Present Pakistan (TLP), a far-right militantly religious group, from machinery before a visit by foreigners [4].

Some reports claimed that a dispute between Mr. Diyawadana and workers sparked the lynching [5]. It was not clear whether the argument may be connected to the stickers.

The TLP condemned the Sialkot killing but has often turned unfounded blasphemy allegations into a violent crusade in a country where punishment for it is a mandatory death sentence.

Whatever sparked the killing, the governments response seemed aimed to project determination to tackle a festering problem. It is a claim that rings hollow, despite Mr. Khans strong words, in a country where government policies are inconsistent or appear to even encourage religious ultra-conservatism and intolerance.

Well see the truth of this soon enough when the next Pakistani  be he or she Muslim, Hindu, Christian, or otherwise  is lynched in the name of blasphemy., said journalist Zarrar Khuhro. Because thats going to keep happening no matter what becomes of those arrested in the Sialkot lynching. You know it, and I know it too. [6]

Despite acting against Mr. Diyawadanas killers, government and military leaders failed to censor defense minister Pervez Khattak for downplaying, if not justifying, the killing.

Speaking after Mr. Diyawadanas killers proudly admitted their crime in front of TV cameras and posted selfies with his mutilated body online, Mr. Khattak described them as boys entering adulthood who were "ready to do anything" and learn with age how to control their emotions. "So, this happens among kids; fights take place and even murders. [7] Does this mean it is the governments fault?"

Most of the suspects in Mr. Diyawadanas killing were under the age of 30.

Mr. Khattaks remarks seemed a throwback to four years ago when the military appeared to openly support the TLP [8] as its staged a mass protest against the government of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif.

Dawn, Pakistans flagship English-language newspaper, summed up the state of affairs in an editorial. The paper said that "such a statement from a federal minister should come as a shock, but unfortunately, we are accustomed to our public officials being in denial about the realities of extremism and violence in the country. [9]

Weeks earlier, the government had initially caved in to demands of the TLP under pressure from a mass protest march of thousands of the groups followers on the capital Islamabad. [10] The demands included the reversal of a decision to outlaw the group and releasing its leader and followers from jail. However, a week later, the government backed out of the deal with the group.

Days before the killing, Mr. Khattaks colleague, information minister Fawad Chaudhry, sought to shield from criticism religious seminaries or madrassas, an influential segment of Pakistans education system. Mr. Chaudhry, who unambiguously condemned Mr. Kumaras killing, did so by blaming the spread of extremism in Pakistan primarily on public schools rather than on madrasas. [11]

The institution of the madrassa has become the primary political base for religious groups and religious-political parties and continues to strictly adhere to its potentially explosive sectarian character [12]. It is expanding and encroaching on the formal education sector, and the state has failed to regulate the institution," said Pakistani analyst Mohammad Amir Rana.

Countering Mr. Chaudhrys assertions, Mr. Rana noted that "formal education institutions have not produced a fraction of the number of militants who enter the ranks of various national and international terrorist organisations which the madrassas belonging to different banned militant organisations have produced so far."

Mr Rana made his remarks days before the Sialkot killing, but he could have been writing after the incident when he noted that successive Pakistani governments had sought to depoliticise education on public campuses "while the madrassa students remain politically and ideologically charged and vulnerable to be exploited for street protests and recruitment for military purposes."

Mr. Chaudhry got it right when he pointed to the public system but failed to mention that it was because the government was increasingly hiring madrassa graduates as teachers in the public sector.

"The madrassa mindset is at its full play in society and is responsible for promoting two major socio-political conflictsfirst, the sectarian divide, and second, ideological radicalism," Mr. Rana warned.

That mindset is gaining further ground with the introduction of a singular national curriculum [13] that gives greater importance to religious education. A court in Lahore has ordered that all school students in Punjab be checked for Quran reading skills.

Preliminary reports suggest province-wide confusion and chaos and a state of fear among children, teachers, and school principals. Magistrates accompanied by rifle-bearing policemen are pouncing upon schools, interrogating seven- to 12-year-old children," reported nuclear scientist and human rights activist Pervez Hoodbhoy.

Grim-faced magistrates swooping down upon schools, destroying the authority of teachers and school principals, and putting terror into the hearts of all is a disgrace to the notion of education. It may not end here, Mr. Hoodbhoy warned.

How we dress, speak, and think is going to be increasingly policed. Imran Khans Pakistan is racing down the path to Talibanisation, he added.
According to information published by the United States Department of Defense on December 10, 2021, the U.S. State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Greece of four Multi-Mission Surface Combatant (MMSC) ships and related equipment for an estimated cost of $6.9 billion.

Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link

A scale model of MMSC Multi-Mission Surface Combatant ship. (Picture source Navy Recognition)

The Government of Greece has requested to buy four (4) Multi-Mission Surface Combatant (MMSC) ships as well as combat equipment, weapons for these ships. The proposal also includes software delivery and support, facilities and construction support, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services, test and trials support, studies and surveys, and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated total cost is $6.9 billion.



The proposed sale will improve Greeces capability to meet current and future threats by providing an effective combatant deterrent capability to protect maritime interests and infrastructure in support of its strategic location on NATOs southern flank. This acquisition, which will be awarded to the winner of an international competition for Hellenic Navy (HN) frigate modernization, will enhance stability and maritime security in the Eastern Mediterranean region and contribute to security and strategic objectives of NATO and the United States. Greece contributes to NATO operations in Kosovo, as well as to counterterrorism and counter-piracy maritime efforts. Greece will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.



Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of approximately 8 additional U.S. Government and 22 U.S. contractor representatives to Greece to support engineering and logistics support for the production and integration of Hellenic Future Frigates into the Hellenic Navy Fleet.



The Hellenic Navy has launched the process for the procurement of four new multi-role frigates, while at the same time, it will modernize and upgrade four existing MEKO frigates. The new ships will also be accompanied by four MH-60R (Romeo) naval helicopters. On November 6, 2020, the Hellenic Navy submitted its initial preference for the acquisition of 4 MMSC Littoral Combat Ships developed by Lockheed Martin. These multi-mission frigates were part of a wider package discussed with the US, which also included the upgrade of the four Hydra frigates, intermediate solution ships, and participation of Hellenic Shipyards in the development of the new American FFG(X) type frigate.



The Multi-Mission Surface Combatant (MMSC) is a lethal and highly maneuverable multi-mission surface combatant capable of littoral and open ocean operation. It was designed from the keel up to confront modern maritime and economic security threats.



The Multi-Mission Surface Combatant has a range of 5,000 nautical miles and can reach speeds in excess of 30 knots. It will be based on the Freedom-variant Littoral Combat Ships 118 meter hull and it will utilize the same combined diesel and gas propulsion system.



The MMSC utilizes the COMBATSS-21 Combat Management System, built from the Aegis Combat System Software library. The MMSC integrated combat system solution leverages the domestic LCS integration of the 57mm Mk110 deck gun and SeaRAM, and expands multi-mission capability through integration of Over-The-Horizon surface-to-surface missiles, port and starboard 20 mm remote guns, a new fire control radar and a forward centerline 8 cell MK 41 Vertical Launch System equipped with RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles. The MMSC is also equipped with the AN/SLQ-25 Torpedo Defense system.
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Recently, the United States held a so-called Summit for Democracy, drawing the ideological line and turning democracy into a tool and a weapon. It sought to thwart democracy under the pretext of democracy, incite division and confrontation, and divert attention from its internal problems. It attempted to preserve its hegemony over the world, and undermine the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order underpinned by international law. This move by the United States goes against the trend of the times, and has been widely opposed by the international community.

I.The US is not a beacon of democracy, and the American-style democracy has deviated from the essence of democracy.

The American-style democracy is full of malaises. Problems like money politics, identity politics, partisanship, political polarization, social division, racial tension, and wealth gap are getting worse. The American-style democracy is a money-based game for the rich. Ninety-one per cent of congressional elections are won by candidates with greater financial support. It is one person one vote in name, but rule of the minority elite in reality. The general public are wooed when their votes are wanted but get ignored once the election is over. The check and balance has become vetocracy, with partisan interests put above national development. The flaws of such an electoral system are self-evident, including the rampant use of gerrymandering to manipulate the division of electoral districts that compromises fairness and justice. The dysfunction of the American-style democracy is a fact that cannot be covered up -- the Capitol riot that shocked the world, the death of George Floyd that sparked mass protests, the tragic mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the harsh reality of the rich becoming richer and the poor poorer.

Is American democracy good? Lets hear out the American people. Surveys show that 72 per cent of Americans believe that democracy in the United States has not been a good example for others to follow in recent years, and 81 per cent of Americans believe that there are grave domestic threats to the future of American democracy.

Does American democracy work? Lets hear out the people of the world. Surveys show that 44 per cent of respondents across the world regard the United States as the biggest threat to global democracy. Even in US allies, most of the people there see American democracy as a shattered, washed-up has-been, and 52 per cent of respondents in the European Union believe the democratic system in the United States does not work.

II.A countrys path to democracy should be chosen independently by its own people, rather than imposed from outside.

As a common value of humanity, democracy is the right of people in all counries. It is not a prerogative of a small number of countries. Whether a country is democratic or not should be decided by its own people, not by a handful of finger-pointing outsiders. A countrys democratic system and its path to democracy should be chosen independently by its own people in light of their national reality. Nothing works better than the most suitable.

China promotes its democracy in accordance with its national conditions and realities. Chinas democracy is peoples democracy. Its essence and core is that the people are the masters of the country. China practices whole-process peoples democracy under the leadership of the Communist Party of China. It combines electoral democracy with consultative democracy, and integrates all links of democracy, including democratic election, democratic consultation, democratic decision-making, democratic management, and democratic oversight. It covers economic, political, cultural, social, ecological and all other fields, so that the peoples wills are represented and their voices heard in every aspect of political and social life. Whole-process peoples democracy integrates process-oriented democracy with results-oriented democracy, procedural democracy with substantive democracy, direct democracy with indirect democracy, and peoples democracy with the will of the state. It covers all aspects of the democratic process and all sectors of society. It is the most broad-based, real and effective socialist democracy. Chinas democracy has contributed to the countrys development and social progress, and delivered a happy life for the Chinese people. China has completed the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects. With the eradication of absolute poverty, the 1.4 billion Chinese people are now marching toward common prosperity. China has made the biggest advance in individual freedom in thousands of years, and the creativity of the hundreds of millions of Chinese people has been fully unleashed.

III.Stoking division and confrontation in the name of democracy is to backpedal in history, and will bring nothing but turmoil and disaster to the world.

For a long time, the United States has been imposing its political system and values on others, pushing for the so-called democratic reforms, abusing unilateral sanctions and inciting color revolutions, which have caused disastrous consequences. Democracy has become a weapon of mass destruction used by the United States to interfere in other countries affairs. As US media commented, if there is one country that is still seeking global hegemony, coercing other countries and defying rules in the 21st century, it must be the United States. Since 2001, the wars and military operations waged by the United States in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria have claimed hundreds of thousands of lives, caused millions of injuries, and displaced tens of millions of people. The fiasco in Afghanistan has shown that imposing American democracy on others simply does not work. Till this day, the United States is still trying to divide the world into democratic and non-democratic camps based on its criteria, and openly provoke division and confrontation. Such practices will only bring greater turmoil and disaster to the world, and face strong condemnation and opposition from the international community.

Facing the impact of COVID-19 and major changes unseen in a century, countries have become more interconnected and interdependent. The international community needs more than ever to strengthen solidarity and cooperation based on the norms governing international relations represented by the UN Charter. China stands ready to work with all countries to promote peace, development, equity, justice, democracy and freedom, which are common values of humanity, and advance democracy in international relations. We should choose solidarity over division, dialogue over confrontation, and democracy over hegemony. We should firmly reject and oppose all forms of pseudo-democratic and anti-democratic practices and political manipulations under the cover of democracy, and make tireless efforts toward the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.
By Trend

The Summit for Democracy has kicked off in the US today.

Proceeding from the list of the countries invited and not invited to this summit, it is clear that this list was drawn up not in accordance with the criteria of democracy, but from the point of view of the US global, geopolitical interests.

Congo, Iraq and Armenia were invited to the summit. Turkey, Hungary and Azerbaijan did not participate in the event. In this case, the question arises. What criteria determine who has been invited?

US expert Peter Tase has commented on this issue.

President Biden's Summit for Democracy is doomed to fail, US expert Peter Tase told Trend.

Tase added that double standards are the main pillar in the Biden Foreign Policy.

The Summit for Democracy is simply a show off, empty rhetoric and will not bolster human rights, it will further weaken institutional democracy globally, the expert said.

According to the expert, President Biden has stated that "Democracy doesnt happen by accident. We have to defend it, fight for it, strengthen it, renew it".

In the real world, the United States is defending the antithesis, Tase said. President Biden's Summit for Democracy is doomed to fail and will not strengthen the democratic standards within the countries that were invited to participate in this marginal event that is characterized by double standards and attended by ruthless autocrats and criminals.

Tase said that refusing to talk, unwilling to officially invite, and hold discussions with the Republic of Turkey, Republic of Azerbaijan, People's Republic of Bangladesh, and other democratic governments; is a recipe to self isolationism that is definitely harmful to the United States national interests.

I am disheartened and deeply disturbed by the list of statesmen invited by President Biden to attend this major event that favors autocracy over transparent governments, and will certainly result in a total failure, the expert said.

In turn, Director of the Russian Institute for Political Studies, Russian analyst Sergei Markov also commented on this issue.

The fact that Russia, Turkey, China, Hungary, Azerbaijan were not invited to the Summit for Democracy shows that these countries are sovereign and are ready to defend their interests, rather than obey Washingtons orders, Markov said.

Markov added that the Summit for Democracy is an event in which the countries, recognizing that they are subordinate to the US and follow Washington's instructions, are taking part, rather than democratic countries.

The director of the Russian Institute for Political Studies also stressed that it is important for Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to participate in this summit because he wants to pass from Russia to the US.

While speaking about the Summit for Democracy, the Russian political analyst stressed that there is an obvious substitution of the principle of democracy for the principles of subordination to Washington.

When this substitution occurs, the calls for democracy are destroyed, the analyst said. Nobody will believe the calls for democracy that are heard from the forum in which Armenia participates.

We can observe the substitution of good standards for bad ones, Markov added. Democracy is a good standard, while the idea that everybody must obey Washingtons orders is a bad standard.

The Summit for Democracy is a great irony as its goal is simply to oust other countries, divide the world into different camps. This is a kind of divide and rule policy.

Amid the process of inviting Armenia to the summit, which supports terrorism at the state level, Hungary, Azerbaijan and Turkey, which are pursuing an unquestioning policy, have not been invited, which gives a clear idea of the criteria by which the participants were selected.
By Trend

A commemorative event dedicated to the memory of Azerbaijans National Leader Heydar Aliyev was held in Los Angeles on December 10, 2021, on the eve of the National Leaders 18th death anniversary, Trend reports citing Consulate General in LA.

Held by the Consulate General of Azerbaijan in Los Angeles, the event was hosted at the Islamic Center of Inglewood, which is one of the largest and oldest mosques in California. In his remarks, Consul General Nasimi Aghayev spoke about the extraordinary life path of Heydar Aliyev and his outstanding role and tireless efforts in the preservation and strengthening of Azerbaijans independent and sovereign statehood. He noted that Heydar Aliyev was elected President of Azerbaijan during the most difficult times for the nation. His wise leadership shielded Azerbaijan from potential fragmentation and collapse. Highlighting the many difficult challenges the National Leader faced in preserving Azerbaijans independence and how masterfully he overcame them, the Consul General said that the memory of Heydar Aliyev will always live in the hearts and minds of the Azerbaijani people.

Noting that Heydar Aliyev's policies have been successfully continued by President Ilham Aliyev, Consul General Agayev said that today Azerbaijan is one of the worlds fastest modernizing countries, and last year Azerbaijan liberated its territories from Armenias illegal and internationally condemned occupation, and restored historical justice.

In his speech, President of the Islamic Center of Inglewood, Javed Bava, highlighted his recent visit to Azerbaijan, together with other faith leaders from Los Angeles. He mentioned that the delegation also visited the liberated cities of Shusha and Aghdam, and witnessed the bitter consequences of crimes committed by Armenia in these cities, including against Azerbaijani religious and cultural heritage. Speaking of Azerbaijans interfaith harmony, Bava shared his impressions of seeing Azerbaijani Shias and Sunnis pray together in the same mosques, and Muslims, Christians and Jews living peacefully together. Bava said that they were honored to commemorate the memory of Heydar Aliyev, the founder of modern Azerbaijan, who laid the foundation of present-day independent and multicultural Azerbaijan.

Then prayers were said for Heydar Aliyev.
A large number of weapons and ammunition were collected from abandoned military positions in the Uchtapa area of the Khojavand district, which was attached to the Lachin District Police Department, the Barda regional group of the Interior Ministry's Press Service told

.
Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry calls on Armenia to give up its attempts to impede the peace process, Trend has reported with the reference to the ministry's statement.

"We call on the Armenian side to give up attempts by purposefully creating tension in the region to prevent the creation of peace and, in accordance with the undertaken obligations, to fully fulfill the trilateral statements," the statement reads.

The ministry noted that in recent days the Armenian armed forces have been committing provocations that aggravate the situation in the Kalbajar direction of the Azerbaijani-Armenian state border.

"On December 8, 2021, as a result of another provocation by Armenia, a serviceman of the Azerbaijani army, Asif Aliyev, was killed in the Kalbajar direction of the state border. On December 9-10, Armenian military units fired intensively at the positions of the Azerbaijani army in the Kalbajar district from positions in the Basarkechar district. As a result of the retaliatory measures of the Azerbaijani army, the provocations of the enemy were suppressed, the statement says.

The ministry underlined that while the Azerbaijani side is taking appropriate steps to normalize post-conflict relations, in particular on the eve of the Moscow meeting on the 3+3 consultation mechanism, the Armenian side continues its provocative activities.

The ministry stressed that responsibility for the tension on the border of the two countries and the crime in the direction of the Kalbajar region lies with the military-political leadership of Armenia. The statement noted that the accusations of the Armenian Foreign Ministry that Azerbaijan is violating the sovereign borders of this country are absolutely unfounded.

"It is in order to avoid such false accusations that Azerbaijan is in favor of starting negotiations on the delimitation of the borders of the two states as soon as possible. If Armenia really wants peace and stability in the region, then it must take real steps to normalize relations and put an end to imitations," the statement reads.
By Trend

On the eve of the Memorial Day of the national leader of the Azerbaijani people, Heydar Aliyev, a flower-laying ceremony at his monument took place in the city of Astrakhan, Trend reports citing the Agency for International Relations of the Astrakhan region of Russia.

According to the information, on behalf of the Governor of the Astrakhan Region Igor Babushkin, Deputy Prime Minister of the Astrakhan Region Kazbek Khadikov, Minister of Industry and Natural Resources of the Region Denis Afanasyev, Head of the Regional Agency for International Relations Vladimir Golovkov took part in the event.

"The Astrakhan region and Azerbaijan are united by long-term friendly ties, which are growing stronger and expanding in all directions every year. During the cooperation with the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, a number of socially significant projects have been implemented in our region. Governor of the region Igor Babushkin and President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev spoke about this during a meeting held in Baku on December 7, 2021. During the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness for further development of multifaceted fruitful cooperation," the message says.
By Trend

Azerbaijan was able to convey the truth to the world despite the difficult war [the 44-day second Karabakh war from late Sept. to early Nov. 2020], Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan - Head of the Foreign Policy Department of the Presidential Administration Hikmat Hajiyev said at the opening of the International Strategic Communication Summit (Stratcom Summit 21) held in Istanbul, Trend reports.

"As its known, on September 27 last year, Armenia unleashed a new war against Azerbaijan, our civilians, and the Azerbaijani people began their just struggle. The proper formation and conduct of strategic communication here was one of our most important goals, as Armenia continued its provocations based on hybrid and psychological war," Hajiyev noted. "Many doors in the world media continued to remain closed for Azerbaijan. The information monopoly in the world media posed obstacles which we had to overcome. In this context, the struggle that was waged by President Ilham Aliyev through establishing direct contacts with the world media should be emphasized."

"For 44 days [of the second Karabakh war], the president almost daily was giving long-hour interviews to more than 30 leading, most authoritative TV channels, media agencies of the world," he added.
By Trend

Some 74 hectares of lands allotted for Aghdam Industrial Park [in Azerbaijans Aghdam district liberated from Armenian occupation as a result of the 2020 second Karabakh war] have already been demined, Elshad Nuriyev, acting chairman of the Agency for the Development of Economic Zones of Azerbaijan, said on Dec. 10, Trend reports.

Nuriyev made the remark at a briefing on the work done in the Sumgayit Industrial Chemical Park and industrial zones in the Karabakh region.

"The conditions for future resident enterprises of the park have already been created. So, work on the initial improvement of the public area, that is, the social zone was done. For the normal work of the enterprises, a grocery store, a hairdresser, and a first-aid post were created at the first stage," he noted.

Besides, according to him, power lines are being laid to the Aghdam Industrial Park.

"A temporary transformer has been installed on the territory of the industrial park. An artesian well with a depth of 350 meters has also been drilled there, and the industrial park is provided with water," the acting chairman further said. Moreover, the power supply of the industrial park has been provided, in particular, through the use of solar panels.

Similar conditions will be created in the Araz Valley Economic Zone [Jabrayil district], added Nuriyev.
By Trend

Illegal interference in the professional activity of journalists in Azerbaijan is unacceptable, Trend reports on Dec. 10.

This issue has been outlined in the bill "On Media".

According to the bill, persecution, pressure on journalists in connection with the collection, preparation, editing, and writing, the transmission of information intended for society, which is not limited by the Azerbaijani legislation, is unacceptable.

Journalists have the right to independence, to unite in organizations representing their interests, to personal inviolability while conducting their professional duty, to defend their honor and dignity.
Careem, the everyday Super App for the greater Middle East region, which had invested over $3.6 million in 2021, plans to boost its investments in the Egyptian market next year.

Our strategy in 2022 will focus on offering our customers diverse and competitive price plans and increasing our captains earnings while continuing to provide the best service and the highest safety standards to both our captains and customers, Careem said in a report on the Socio-Economic Impact of Careem on the Egyptian market brought out in partnership with Oxford Economics, a leading global research institution.

In 2021, Careem succeeded in achieving significant growth in ride-hailing through the Go Awfar service, which comprises 60% of the total trips completed through the Careem app, compared to 10% last year, and this is because the wider segment of its customers uses this price segment. Careem expects further growth in Go Awfar to reach 80% of its operations by increasing the number of cars operating in this price segment to ensure that the service provided to its customers meet their expectations.

Despite the companys challenges as a result of Covid-19 last year, Careem was able to recover 71% of its trips, becoming one of the fastest recovering Careem markets in the region.

The report also showcases the pandemics impact on the business, driven by the imposition of curfew, which led to a decrease in the number of trips by more than 75%.

The data also indicated that the delivery sector in Egypt flourished during the pandemic, with the volume of Careems operations in transport services doubling during 2020.

Careem offers a holistic delivery service in Egypt, which includes a delivery service that enables customers to send and receive boxed parcels, in addition to Careem B2B service through which 925,000 orders were delivered during 2019, which is equivalent to completing one delivery trip every 34 seconds, or about 9 operations per 1,000 people. Deliveries in 2020 also increased to 2 million orders.

The report highlights the company's key contributions on economic and social levels, its activities in 2019 and briefly reviews 2020 data for and the impact of Covid-19 on Careem and its recovery.

Careem started its operations in Egypt in 2014 and now offers its services in 17 cities, making it one of the regions four largest markets. The report also explores Careems economic impact on Egypt by providing job opportunities and increasing employment, injecting investments, expansion of delivery services, and mobility of things.

Addressing the social aspect, the report investigates Careems performance and its impact on the lives of captains, and the impact of smart transportation on facilitating the lives of individuals and empowering women in Egypt.

The Oxford report highlighted Careems achievements throughout the past 7 years since it started operating in the Egyptian market. The company was able to provide more than 60,000 job opportunities until 2019, with a fivefold increase from 2016. The business volume growth was the most notable, as the company increased the number of trips from 500,000 trips in 2015 to more than 60 million trips in 2019 alone.

Commenting on the report, Haitham Essam, General Manager of Careem Egypt said: We are proud of the reports positive outcome as it reflects the tangible achievements of our core business objectives, namely improving the lives of customers and the mobility of people in Egypt, in addition to providing flexible job opportunities and additional income for captains. We have also succeeded in increasing womens participation in the labor market and supporting the growth of the transport sector as a whole by empowering millions of people, which has had a positive economic and social impact, as the report explained.

Careem Captains: The report stated that about 86% of the captains working with Careem in Egypt have a university degree or diplomas, and that 47% work at Careem adjacent to their full-time job.

In addition, 57% of the captains stated that earning an additional source of income and the flexible working hours were among the main reasons to work in ride-hailing, especially with Careem, as it allowed them to spend more time with their families.

Almost 50% of the captains said that joining Careem has contributed to improving their quality of life, while 37% confirmed that the additional income from working with Careem contributes to their childrens education and helps in providing the basic needs for them and their families. It is worth noting that captains profit exceeded $42 million in 2019.

Careem Customers: As for customers, the report highlighted the positive impact of smart transportation on the lives of Careem customers, especially women.

Careem customers in Egypt completed 170 million trips between 2015 and 2019, where 52% of them, especially women, were able to go out more often, attributing this to using Careem. 76% of women reported that they feel safe while using Careem and they rely on it to visit family and friends, or new places that they were unable to visit before.

Investing in human capital: The report highlighted the positive impact of Careem on the companys employees. In 2019, Careem provided more than 682 hours of training to its employees in Egypt, and the training courses focused on personal development, time management, career planning and management skills.

In addition, the percentage of women working in Careem reached 40% in 2019, some of which occupy managerial positions, given the flexibility in work schedule and working remotely, which helped in achieving a work-life balance.

Corporate Social Responsibility: In addition to the benefits offered to customers and captains, Careem also had many local contributions, including its initiative in Alexandria to help people with certain challenges - whose number is around 290,000 citizens - and to transfer Alexandria to become a wheelchair-friendly city. In partnership with the local authorities, Careem has built ramps on the sidewalks of Alexandria streets and private paths on the beaches to allow citizens to move easily.

The company also launched a rewards programme that enables customers to give back to the community.

Oxford Economics Report encourages us to further grow and develop the services we provide in Egypt as it gives us a future vision on the market, our customers and the captains needs. We will continue to grow our business in the Egyptian market and achieve a positive social and economic impact," added Essam.

Careem Social and Economic Impact Report was prepared by Oxford Economic based on Careem's database, surveys, and interviews with captains and customers.-- TradeArabia News Service
Gulf Air, the national carrier of Bahrain, has welcomed a new batch of experienced Bahraini pilots who began operating flights after completing the necessary vigorous ground and base training courses.

The new batch of pilots joined the national carrier from neighbouring regional airlines, a statement from Gulf Air said.

The pilots, Yaser Al Madani and Mohammed Yaquob, joined as First Officers.

Acting Chief Executive Officer Captain Waleed AlAlawi congratulated the new pilots for passing the selection process, and noted: We pride ourselves to have a high rate of local pilots comparing to regional carriers. This is a milestone for us to be leaders amongst carriers from our neighbouring countries by having local, specialised and professional talents representing our Kingdom in the skies.

He added: We were able to offer both Bahraini first officers the opportunity of employment in Gulf Air and unite with their families after serving abroad for years. This is important for us to be able to support Bahrainis abroad to return to the Kingdom and serve the national carrier.

A spokesperson said Gulf Air selects only the top pilots based on their performance; together in compliance with the high standards that the airline has set for its pilots and the Bahrain Civil Aviation Affairs safety regulations.

Recently, Gulf Air appointed nine Bahraini professionals in various roles in the Operations Division. The airline continues to provide opportunities for Bahraini nationals to take over higher management positions in the company.-TradeArabia News Service
Tougher Covid restrictions may be needed to prevent Omicron causing anywhere between 25,000 to 75,000 deaths in England over the next five months, according to scientists advising the Government.

Experts from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), who also sit on the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling (SPI-M) or the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), used experimental data to look at how Omicron may transmit as the country heads into 2022, and predicted a large wave of infections in January.

Even under the most optimistic scenario (low immune escape of Omicron from vaccines and high effectiveness of booster jabs), a wave of infection is projected which could lead to a peak of more than 2,000 daily hospital admissions, with 175,000 hospital admissions and 24,700 deaths between December 1 this year and April 30, 2022.

This is if no additional control measures are implemented over and above the current Plan B introduced by the Government in England. There are currently about 730 deaths per week.

The team predicted a peak of daily hospital admissions of 2,400 in January under the most optimistic scenario. At present, there are about 680 admissions per day.

In this optimistic scenario, bringing in control measures early in 2022  such as restrictions on indoor hospitality, the closure of some entertainment venues and restrictions on how many people can gather in one place  would be sufficient to substantially control the wave, reducing hospital admissions by 53,000 and deaths by 7,600.

(PA Graphics)

The most pessimistic scenario looked at by the modellers (high immune escape from vaccines and lower effectiveness of boosters) projects a wave of infection which is likely to lead to a peak in hospital admissions around twice as high as the peak seen in January 2021, if no additional control measures are taken.

This could cause 492,000 hospital admissions and 74,800 deaths, according to the study, which has not yet been peer-reviewed.

Story continues

In this scenario, the team estimates that stronger measures may be required to keep the peak number of hospital admissions below the January 2021 peak.

The London School of Hygiene scientists assumed Omicron causes the same severity of illness as Delta in the unvaccinated and those with no prior protection. They did not look at the impact of measures such as mass population testing to control its spread.

They said in their paper: These results suggest that Omicron has the potential to cause substantial surges in cases, hospital admissions and deaths in populations with high levels of immunity, including England.

The reintroduction of additional non-pharmaceutical interventions may be required to prevent hospital admissions exceeding the levels seen in England during the previous peak in winter 20202021.

Dr Rosanna Barnard, from LSHTMs Centre for the Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases, who co-led the research, said: More data over the next few weeks will strengthen our knowledge on Omicron and the consequences of this on transmission in England.

However, these early projections help guide our understanding about potential futures in a rapidly-evolving situation.

In our most optimistic scenario, the impact of Omicron in the early part of 2022 would be reduced with mild control measures such as working from home.

However, our most pessimistic scenario suggests that we may have to endure more stringent restrictions to ensure the NHS is not overwhelmed.

Mask-wearing, social distancing and booster jabs are vital, but may not be enough.

Nobody wants to endure another lockdown but last-resort measures may be required to protect health services if Omicron has a significant level of immune escape or otherwise increased transmissibility compared to Delta.

It is crucial for decision-makers to consider the wider societal impact of these measures, not just the epidemiology.

Dr Nick Davies from CMMID, who co-led the new study, said: These are early estimates, but they do suggest that, overall, Omicron is outcompeting Delta rapidly by evading vaccines to a substantial degree.

He told a briefing the booster programme will substantially mitigate the impact of Omicron in England.

Dr Davies added that it was difficult to predict the true level of protection offered by two doses of AstraZeneca and Pfizer, and urged people to get boosters.

He said the findings of the study were worrying but added that lockdowns have a really devastating impact on peoples lives and livelihoods, especially leading up to Christmas and those impacts had not been included in the modelling.

He added: Its the role of decision-makers to weigh up all these different outcomes and decide what is the best policy to pursue. Were  focusing on the epidemiological side of the control measures.

#OmicronVariant latest information448 additional confirmed cases of the #Omicron variant of COVID-19 have been reported across the UK. The total number of confirmed COVID-19 Omicron cases in the UK is 1265. pic.twitter.com/ObL2kf7D71  UK Health Security Agency (@UKHSA) December 10, 2021

The scientists made assumptions about the levels of transmissibility and immune escape of Omicron using S gene target failure (SGTF) data from cases in England.

These are cases that are highly likely to be Omicron because the SGTF occurs with Omicron but not the Delta variant.

For the two immune escape scenarios considered, the team estimated the Omicron variant to be between 10% less transmissible than the Delta variant to 35% more transmissible than Delta.

Paul Hunter, professor in medicine at the University of East Anglia, said any model is only as good as its assumptions, adding that one key assumption in this model is that severity of disease outcomes for Omicron is the same as for Delta in unvaccinated people.

He said there is still significant uncertainty about the impact of Omicron, but the modelling will be refined as more data becomes available.

Meanwhile, the latest figures from the UK Health Security Agency show there have been an additional 633 confirmed cases of the Omicron variant reported across the UK, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 1,898.

A breakdown of the data shows there have been a further 618 confirmed cases in England, 11 in Scotland, two in Wales and two in Northern Ireland.

Some experts have already said Omicron is more transmissible and many expect it to rapidly overtake Delta as the dominant variant.

Earlier, Eleanor Riley, a professor of immunology and infectious disease, said Omicron is spreading so fast that people are very likely to meet someone infected with the Covid-19 variant unless they are living the life of a hermit.

The University of Edinburgh academic also warned a lot of people could still end up in hospital even if the coronavirus mutation proves to provoke milder symptoms than the Delta variant.

Prof Riley told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: Omicron is spreading so quickly that, I think, unless you are living the life of a hermit, you are very likely to come across it in the next few weeks.

(PA Graphics)

I dont think anyone should be going around thinking they are not going to catch it, I think that situation has changed.

On Friday, analysis by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) found that the AstraZeneca and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines provided much lower levels of protection against symptomatic infection with Omicron compared to Delta.

But the UKHSA said a booster dose gives around 70% to 75% protection against symptomatic infection with Omicron, as they urged people to have their boosters.

No 10 has maintained there are no plans to go further with measures in England, amid reports that proposals are being drawn up for a Plan C, featuring even tougher rules.

A Government spokesperson said: We continue to look closely at all of the emerging data.

Weve been clear throughout that vital vaccines and boosters are our best line of defence against this virus and that is why we are urging people to come forward as quickly as possible as they become eligible.

Plan B remains a proportionate response based upon what we know, so we encourage everyone to follow the rules by wearing a face covering, working from home if you can, testing regularly and coming forward for your booster when called.
The main audience is women on the wrong side of 30.

Internet pornography is also regulated but only if websites are based in New Zealand, in which case they will need consent from.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Theres no question that people that might come in from the suburbs, or people that might come visit our city, might be a little cautious because of whats going on with crime, Toia said. Crime and public safety are top concerns for restaurants throughout Chicago, especially in our central business district. Its just another issue that restaurant owners and operators need to start dealing with now.
Honestly, this is a wonderful mixture of experiences, Russell said. It was interesting, with the piece X Marks the Spot, we had people who were blind or low vision, consulting and working on the piece in different ways. But the actors, there was no one in the show, who actually was blind or low vision at the time, and we felt bad about that. I had to forgive myself and allow myself to understand that the next step will be that we will be working actually with children who are visually impaired on stage. And so this is also for me, a continuation.
The judge told the jury they will return Thursday to hear the defense case, which an attorney estimated would likely last two to three days. The judge has suggested that closing arguments  at a trial originally projected to last six weeks  might occur as early as Dec. 20 if the defense presentation next week only lasts a day or two.
Police said the victim was standing on the porch of a friends home when he suffered a gunshot wound to the head. His friend discovered him there after hearing a loud sound of gunfire. He was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The unions internal numbers on assaults against CTA rail and bus operators have more than doubled from last year, reaching close to 400, Hill said. In 2020, when the pandemic kept many at home, that number was about 150, and in 2019 it was under 300. Hill said the recent injuries also appear to be more serious.
He also told them hed left the apartment that night alone and in his personal car to meet a confidential informant on the West Side. But his partners said they do not meet CIs alone in their personal cars and they were not with him that night, Engebretson said.
We are not seeing, in any way, cases in schools at rates any different than we would expect them to be, based on what were seeing in the community. So when you see the rates in the community go up, youll see rates in schools go up. When you see rates in the community go down, youll see rates in schools go down, Arwady said.
The first robbery happened about 11:45 p.m. in the 800 block of West Barry Street. There, a group of five men and three women between the ages of 25 to 30 were walking when a dark-colored car pulled up and stopped, police said.
On Friday, Tses family was joined by community leaders and neighbors in Chinatown and beyond to hold vigil for the man who had been a fixture of the neighborhood. His children spoke about the joy he found in pingpong and the sweat he poured as a restaurant worker, toiling long days to provide for them. They detailed his affection for his nine grandchildren, whom he babysat until the last day of his life, and his inspiration to them as the epitome of an immigrant making it in America.
I think this will probably be a point that Ill make at sentencing, that not only did Mr. Smollett lie to the police and wreak havoc in this city for weeks on end for no reason whatsoever, but then he compounded the problem by lying under oath to a jury, which I dont think should happen, Webb said.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot would like to avoid that because of the cost and the added acrimony that would certainly result in the already fractious council. The last remap that went to referendum followed the 1990 census, when taxpayers ended up footing a $20 million legal bill filed by the supporters of the map that lost. The legal fight dragged on for six years.
The additional resources promised by Pritzker will draw from federal and state funding, including $50 million in the current state budget. Additionally, Pritzker laid out a proposal for more than $100 million in appropriations in each of the next two years for the anti-violence effort. That money is far from guaranteed as the governor has only said his administration would work with state legislators to secure the funding.
What are thought to be China's oldest known bronze Buddha images have been discovered in Shaanxi province.



The two sculptures were unearthed this year in a tomb from the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220) in the city of Xianyang, Shaanxi Academy of Archaeology announced in Xi'an, the provincial capital, on Thursday.

Li Ming, the leading archaeologist on the site, said one of the relics, a standing statuette of the Gautama Buddha on a lotus-shaped foundation, is about 10-centimeters-high. The other piece, which is flat, is about 15-cm-high and depicts five sitting Buddhist deities.

"The discovery of the two relics is significant for studies of how Buddhism was introduced to China and got localized in our country," Li said.

Historical documents show Buddhism was first introduced to China in the first century AD. The oldest known Buddhist temple was built in AD 68 in Luoyang, Henan province, which was then the capital of the Eastern Han Dynasty.

Li said that previous archaeological findings in China indicated that standalone Buddha images with a religious purpose only appeared during the period of the Sixteen Kingdoms (304-439).

Consequently, the new findings may increase the history of Chinese Buddha images by two more centuries, he added.

The tomb where the two Buddha images were recently found is one of six in a family plot. Though the specific time when the two relics were made remains to be clarified, a pottery jar from a nearby and contemporaneous tomb in the complex has a clear marking of the year it was made, AD 158.

"This could be a benchmark for dating this graveyard," Li said. "Its owner should be a family of local officials or landlords with strong economic power."

In South China, Buddhist elements also appeared on relics during the Eastern Han Dynasty, but they were found to be used as decorations on architecture and other artifacts.

The newly found Buddha images feature typical styles of Gandhara Culture of South Asia, but material analysis indicated that these were locally manufactured.

"They showed that Buddhism came to China from South Asia via the ancient Silk Road during the boom time of the cultural exchange route," said Liu Qingzhu, a senior archaeology researcher with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

Other than the Buddha images, other burial objects were also unearthed from the graveyard, including bronze mirrors, pottery vases and sculptures of animals. They are also typical artifacts indicating the late period of the Eastern Han Dynasty.

Known as Chang'an, Xi'an was the capital of the Western Han (206 BC-AD24) and Tang (619-907) dynasties, two peaks of culture and national strength in ancient China, and it remained a key metropolis in ancient China.

Consequently, numerous nobles' and high officials' tombs were excavated in Xianyang, which was on the outskirts of ancient Chang'an.

As Li revealed on Thursday, from June 2020 to November, including the Eastern Han graveyard, over 3,600 tombs ranging from the Warring States Period (475-221 BC) to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) were found in Weicheng district of the city.

"In the history of Chinese archaeology, we've never found another place where we could excavate so many graveyards spanning such a long period," Li said. "It's a perfect chance to study ancient burial customs."

As the archaeological findings indicated, in the Warring States Period and the Western Han Dynasty, public graveyards were dominant.

However, family graveyards gradually became popular after the Eastern Han Dynasty.

"The change was a result of hereditary aristocracy, and it also demonstrated people's devotion to ancestry, the homeland and rules,"Li said.
China's top leaders have mapped out priorities for next year's economic work as the annual Central Economic Work Conference concluded in Beijing Friday, highlighting efforts to maintain stability while pursuing progress.



In a speech at the conference, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, reviewed the country's economic work in 2021, analyzed the current economic situation and arranged next year's economic work.

Li Keqiang, Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Wang Huning, Zhao Leji and Han Zheng, who are members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, attended the three-day conference.

Steady progress

Economic work next year should prioritize stability while pursuing progress, according to the meeting.

Actions should be taken to safeguard macroeconomic stability, keep major economic indicators within an appropriate range and maintain social stability to prepare for the Party's 20th National Congress, the meeting said.

The year 2021 has been a milestone for both the Party and the nation, according to the meeting, which noted that China has maintained a leading position in the world in economic development and epidemic control, with progress made in scientific strength, industrial chain resilience, reform and opening-up, people's livelihood and ecological civilization.

However, it cautioned that China's economic development is facing pressure from demand contraction, supply shocks and weakening expectations, and the external environment is becoming increasingly complicated, grim and uncertain.

"We must face the difficulties squarely while staying confident," said a statement released after the meeting, citing China's strong economic resilience and unchanged fundamentals underpinning long-term growth.

The meeting called for remaining committed to China's own cause, consolidating the economic foundations, enhancing the abilities of scientific and technological innovation and adhering to multilateralism.

It also urged making proactive efforts to align with the high-standard international economic and trade rules, deepening reform via high-level opening-up, and boosting high-quality development.

The meeting stressed the necessity to adhere to the centralized, unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee, promote high-quality development and pursue progress while ensuring stability.

It highlighted the timing, extent and efficiency of policy adjustments and reform to ensure their steady advancement, as well as coordination and systems thinking.

The 2022 policy toolbox

China will continue implementing proactive fiscal policies and prudent monetary policies for steady economic progress next year, according to the meeting.

It pledged to implement new tax and fee cut policies, strengthen support for small and medium-sized enterprises, individually-run businesses, manufacturing and risk-defusing, and take a moderately proactive approach in advancing infrastructure investment.

Prudent monetary policies should be flexible and appropriate, and liquidity should be maintained at a reasonable and ample level, the meeting said.

It underlined efforts to guide financial institutions to ramp up support for the real economy, especially for small and micro enterprises, technological innovation and green development.

In 2022, China will wield its microeconomic policies to stimulate the vitality of market entities, deepen the supply-side structural reform with a focus on smoothing the circulation of the national economy, and firmly advance the implementation of policies related to science and technology, said the meeting.

Next year's economic priorities also include vitalizing development through policies of reform and opening-up, promoting more balanced and coordinated regional development, and ensuring that its social policies well safeguard people's well-being.

Efforts will be made to boost the employment of young people, including college graduates, and optimize flexible employment and social security policies.

In the first 10 months of 2021, China created 11.33 million new jobs in its urban areas, achieving its whole-year target in advance, official data showed.

Reiterating the principle that "housing is for living in, not for speculation," the meeting said China will support the property market to better cater to the reasonable demand of home buyers and adopt city-specific policies to boost the virtuous cycle and healthy development of the sector.

The country will also expand high-quality and institutional opening-up, grant foreign-funded enterprises national treatment, attract more investment from multinational companies, and facilitate the early implementation of major foreign-invested projects.
You are here: China

The China Marrow Donor Program (CMDP) has facilitated 12,437 donations of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) as of Thursday, with nearly 3 million volunteer donors registered in its database.

Currently, there are five HSC donations made every day on average to treat blood diseases such as leukemia, according to the CMDP.

Friday marked the 20th anniversary of the official launch of the CMDP, a non-profit organization affiliated with the Red Cross Society of China.
Residents and media representatives from northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on Friday denounced the "forced labor" slander fabricated by Western anti-China forces at two separate press conferences in the regional capital Urumqi.

Hayrat, the host of a press conference featuring Xinjiang residents, said the so-called "forced labor" is nothing but nonsense, and only serves to disrupt the region's anti-terrorism and de-radicalization efforts, while smearing Xinjiang's image and hindering its development.

Omarjan Erkin, a nang bread baker in Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, earns more than 5,000 yuan (about 784.9 U.S. dollars) a month. He said that he has not heard of anyone being forced to work. "We have complete freedom to do whatever we want and there is no pressure of any kind," he added.

Muhadas Mutalif, from the same prefecture, runs a convenience store with her mother. She has also engaged in e-commerce through the business platform of Wechat and made a lot of friends.

"I have flexible working hours and enough time to hang out with my friends," she said.

Hayrat said Xinjiang's employment policies and practices fully comply with China's Constitution and laws, as well as international labor and human rights standards.

With the implementation of a series of policies and measures to boost employment in the region, the goal of ensuring that "every family has access to employment, everyone has a job, and everyone can earn a monthly income" has been basically achieved, according to Hayrat.

At another press conference on Friday joined by media representatives from across Xinjiang, Jin Feng, deputy editor-in-chief of Xinjiang Daily, shared stories collected across the region by the newspaper's reporters.

Abdukadir Ablat, 22, comes from Makit County in Kashgar Prefecture. After graduating from a technical school, he went back to his hometown to plant dates.

Over the past two years, he learned the latest cultivation techniques from his neighbors, who hailed from central China's Henan Province. He also learned how to operate and repair agricultural machinery, as well as cattle and sheep breeding. Now he works in the local cooperative during his spare time and earns some 2,000 yuan more per month.

"During an interview with our reporter, Abdukadir Ablat said that his life is very fulfilling now, and it's a common wish of local people to earn a good living using their own hands," said Jin.
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The European Union (EU) should co-exist peacefully with other powers while seeking strategic sovereignty in today's multi-polar world, the new German chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Friday.



The modern world "will not be as bipolar as some are speculating," Scholz told a press conference after meeting with European Council President Charles Michel. Rather, he said it will be a multi-polar world with "many powers" including the U.S., Russia, China, Japan, India and other strong emerging nations.

To work in a multilateral way should "be on the map of the European Union when it comes to engaging with the rest of the world," said Scholz.

"We do need to ensure that we can all live together peacefully, and it won't be easy. But that is the challenge we face and we will have to take up."

Scholz stressed that Germany, a large country at the heart of the EU, has an important role to play in ensuring progress and a bright future for Europe.

Along with the German foreign minister, Scholz will be responsible for deciding on the biggest European economy's foreign policy line..

Scholz flew to Brussels from Paris, on the first leg of his maiden overseas trip as the German chancellor. He also met the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, on Friday.

A German politician herself, von der Leyen said Germany had always had "an important role in shaping the Union" and she was looking forward to "a very strong collaboration with the new Germany."

On Thursday, the new German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock visited Brussels. It was not a coincidence that she arrived in the 'capital of Europe' on her second day in office, she said. "I come here as a true European by heart, and as a foreign minister of a truly European government in Germany."

The EU's top diplomat Josep Borrell described Baerbock's visit as "highly symbolic," saying it demonstrated Germany's attachment to the EU.
You are here: World

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Law-enforcement authorities from China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand joined forces on Friday for the 112th Mekong River joint patrol.

The Chinese vessels departed on Friday from Jingha Port in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province, for the patrol, said the Yunnan provincial public security department.

The vessels are expected to navigate over 580 km in four days and three nights during the latest joint operation, according to the department.

The Mekong River, known as the Lancang River in China, is a vital waterway for cross-border shipping.

The 112th patrol also marks the 10-year anniversary of the joint operation, which was launched by the four countries on Dec. 10, 2011.
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The World Bank on Saturday approved a 600 million U.S. dollars loan to support the Philippine government's reform program to position the Southeast Asian country for a competitive and resilient economic recovery.

The World Bank said the loan will support ongoing government reforms for promoting private investment, reducing the cost of doing business, and expanding broadband services to encourage investments in information and communications technology.

According to Ndiame Diop, World Bank Country Director for Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand, these reforms are crucial for addressing immediate and long-term barriers to growth, paving the way for inclusive recovery.

"Reforms that promote competition in broadband and mobile telecommunications will benefit a large portion of underserved populations by increasing coverage and quality of service, increasing their access to markets, as well as access to remote education and health services," Diop said.

Internet access has been essential during the COVID-19 pandemic as employed individuals have shifted to home-based work, and school-aged children also have relied on distance learning.

"Similarly, reforms that lower the costs of trade and improve the business environment are expected to benefit all firms but especially small and medium enterprises, which will have access to a larger market for their products and services," Diop added.
SIP Trunking Services Market report published by Value Market Research, which studies the future outlook of the market. It includes the size, share, growth, trends, key players, segments and regional analysis in detail during the study year 2020-2027.

The research report also covers the comprehensive profiles of the key players in the market and an in-depth view of the competitive landscape worldwide. The major players in the sip trunking services market include Orange S.A., Vonage Holdings Corp., Bandwidth, Lumen Technologies, Sinch AB, Telkom SA, RingCentral, Inc., MessageBird, Plivo Inc., Twilio, Inc., 8x8, Inc., AVOXI Inc., Colt Technology Services. This section consists of a holistic view of the competitive landscape that includes various strategic developments such as key mergers & acquisitions, future capacities, partnerships, financial overviews, collaborations, new product developments, new product launches, and other developments.

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Market Dynamics

The demand for SIP trunking services is being driven by the growing adoption of unified communication (UC) solutions in enterprise contexts and the significant decrease in telephone costs and speedy Return on Investment (ROI) facilitated by trunking services. SIP trunking services reduced the need for businesses to invest in an extra public switched telephone network (PSTN) gateways, resulting in increased demand for SIP trunking services. Furthermore, the need for SIP trunking services is further boosted by VoIP services and the availability of numerous digital streaming capabilities. The growing adoption of SIP trunking services in industry verticals like hospitals, hospitality, and restaurants is likely to contribute to the market growth. Nevertheless, rising security concerns among end-users might impede the growth of the SIP trunking services market.

The research report covers Porters Five Forces Model, Market Attractiveness Analysis, and Value Chain analysis. These tools help to get a clear picture of the industrys structure and evaluate the competition attractiveness at a global level. Additionally, these tools also give an inclusive assessment of each segment in the global market of sip trunking services. The growth and trends of sip trunking services industry provide a holistic approach to this study.

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Market Segmentation

This section of the sip trunking services market report provides detailed data on the segments at country and regional level, thereby assisting the strategist in identifying the target demographics for the respective product or services with the upcoming opportunities.

By Enterprise Size

 Small & Medium Enterprises

 Large Enterprises

By End User

 Bfsi

 It & Telecom

 Government

 Healthcare

 Education

 Retail & E-Commerce

 Travel And Hospitality

 Others

Regional Analysis

This section covers the regional outlook, which accentuates current and future demand for the SIP Trunking Services market across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. Further, the report focuses on demand, estimation, and forecast for individual application segments across all the prominent regions.

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About Us:

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We facilitate clients with syndicate research reports and customized research reports on 25+ industries with global as well as regional coverage.

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Short Fiber Thermoplastics Market report published by Value Market Research, which studies the future outlook of the market. It includes the size, share, growth, trends, key players, segments and regional analysis in detail during the study year 2020-2027.

The research report also covers the comprehensive profiles of the key players in the market and an in-depth view of the competitive landscape worldwide. The major players in the short fiber thermoplastics market include BASF SE, Solvay, DuPont, SABIC, DSM, Lanxess, Avient, Celanese Corporation, SGL Carbon, Victrex plc. This section consists of a holistic view of the competitive landscape that includes various strategic developments such as key mergers & acquisitions, future capacities, partnerships, financial overviews, collaborations, new product developments, new product launches, and other developments.

Get more information on "Global Short Fiber Thermoplastics Market Research Report" by requesting FREE Sample Copy at https://www.valuemarketresearch.com/contact/short-fiber-thermoplastics-market/download-sample

Market Dynamics

The increasing need for lightweight materials in various application industries where complicated parts are designed is one of the substantial factors promoting the market's growth. In addition, recyclability, ease of processing, and improved capacity of producing parts with complicated geometry are other significant drivers propelling the market forward. Additionally, growing demand from the aerospace and military industries is another critical driving element in the market examined. However, the high cost of short fibre thermoplastic composites is impeding market expansion.

The research report covers Porters Five Forces Model, Market Attractiveness Analysis, and Value Chain analysis. These tools help to get a clear picture of the industrys structure and evaluate the competition attractiveness at a global level. Additionally, these tools also give an inclusive assessment of each segment in the global market of short fiber thermoplastics. The growth and trends of short fiber thermoplastics industry provide a holistic approach to this study.

Browse Global Short Fiber Thermoplastics Market Research Report with detailed TOC at https://www.valuemarketresearch.com/report/short-fiber-thermoplastics-market

Market Segmentation

This section of the short fiber thermoplastics market report provides detailed data on the segments at country and regional level, thereby assisting the strategist in identifying the target demographics for the respective product or services with the upcoming opportunities.

By Resin Type

 Polypropylene

 Polyamide

 Pbt

 Peek

 Others (Pet And Others)

By Reinforcement Type

 Glass Fiber

 Carbon Fiber

By End-Use

 Transportation

 Aerospace & Defense

 Consumer Goods

 Electrical & Electronics

 Others (Construction And Machinery Industry)

Regional Analysis

This section covers the regional outlook, which accentuates current and future demand for the Short Fiber Thermoplastics market across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. Further, the report focuses on demand, estimation, and forecast for individual application segments across all the prominent regions.

Purchase Complete Global Short Fiber Thermoplastics Market Research Report at https://www.valuemarketresearch.com/contact/short-fiber-thermoplastics-market/buy-now

About Us:

Value Market Research was established with the vision to ease decision making and empower the strategists by providing them with holistic market information.

We facilitate clients with syndicate research reports and customized research reports on 25+ industries with global as well as regional coverage.

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401/402, TFM, Nagras Road, Aundh, Pune-7.

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Preliminary investigation has revealed that terrorists had fired upon a police party of Police Station Bandipora near Gulshan Chowk area of Bandipora in which two police personnel SgCt Muhammad Sultan and Ct Fayaz Ahmad received critical gunshot injuries.  Representational image/PTI

SRINAGAR: Two Jammu and Kashmir policemen were shot and critically wounded by gunmen in northern Bandipore district on Friday evening. The duo was rushed to a nearby hospital where both succumbed to their injuries, the officials said.

The police sources said that gunmen, believed to be members of a militant outfit, targeted the policemen (Selection Grade Constable) Muhammad Sultan and (Constable) Fayaz Ahmad in Bandipore towns busy square Gulshan Chowk. The slain, the sources said, were on routine law and order maintenance duty.

The hospital sources said that the policemen were brought there dead as they had succumbed to bullet wounds enroute.

A statement issued by the J&K police here said, Preliminary investigation has revealed that terrorists had fired upon a police party of Police Station Bandipora near Gulshan Chowk area of Bandipora in which two police personnel SgCt Muhammad Sultan and Ct Fayaz Ahmad received critical gunshot injuries. The injured were shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. However, both succumbed to their injuries and attained martyrdom.

The J&K police and CRPF reinforcements laid siege to the area and started searches to nab the assailants, a report said.
The MEA said the special flight from Kabul to Delhi, chartered by India, brought 10 Indians and 94 Afghans on Friday. (PTI Photo)

New Delhi: India on Saturday sent humanitarian assistance consisting of medical supplies to Afghanistan in sync with its commitment of extending help to the Afghan people in their times of difficulty.

The medical supplies were sent on a return flight that had brought 10 Indians and 94 Afghans to Delhi from Kabul on Friday.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the consignments will be handed over to the representatives of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Kabul.

"In view of the challenging humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, the government of India has dispatched humanitarian assistance consisting of medical supplies on the return flight today," the MEA said.

"These medicines will be handed over to the representatives of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Kabul and will be administered at the Indira Gandhi Children Hospital, Kabul," it said in a statement.

The MEA said the special flight from Kabul to Delhi, chartered by India, brought 10 Indians and 94 Afghans on Friday.

"The flight brought 10 Indians and 94 Afghans, including members of Afghan minority community. The minority community members carried with them two 'Swaroops of Guru Granth Sahib' and some ancient Hindu manuscripts," it said.

The people were brought under India's "Operation Devi Shakti" which was launched to evacuate Indians as well as Afghans from Afghanistan following the Taliban's takeover of Kabul on August 15.

"Under 'Operation Devi Shakti', a total of 669 people have now been evacuated from Afghanistan. This comprises 448 Indians and 206 Afghans, which includes members of the Afghan Hindu/Sikh minority community," the MEA said.

As many as 565 people including 438 Indians were evacuated from Afghanistan in August.
Supporters of Socialist Unity Centre of India shout anti government slogans as they protest over the killing of 14 civilians by Indian security forces in Nagaland days before, in Siliguri. (Diptendu DUTTA / AFP)

Guwahati: Amidst the growing demand for repealing the Armed Forces (Special Power) Act in north-eastern states, the Nagaland government on Friday decided to convene a special session of the state Assembly on December 20 to discuss the Naga political issue and AFSPA in the backdrop of the Oting firing incident in which 14 civilians were killed.

The decision to hold the special Assembly session was taken by the core committee on the Naga political issue headed by chief minister Neiphiu Rio, which held an emergency meeting in Kohima on December 9 and discussed AFSPA in the state.

The Nagaland governor has also given assent for the special session.

After laying a wreath on the mortal remains of the victims on Monday, the chief minister had called for scrapping the "draconian Act".

Tribal organisations and civil societies, including the Naga Students Federation and women's groups, have also been asking the state government to hold a special session of the Assembly and pass a resolution for repealing the Act.

Meanwhile, the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland, or NSCN (I-M), has said that the Indo-Naga political talks will not be meaningful under the shadow of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958.

Referring to the December 4 killing of 14 civilians by the armed forces at Oting village in Nagalands Mon district, the NSCN (I-M) said that it has now been driven to the point of taking a stand on the draconian AFSPA.

This notorious AFSPA has given the Indian security forces the license to shoot and kill anyone on mere suspicion... The Nagas have had the bitter taste of this act on numerous occasions and it has spilt enough blood. Blood and political talks cannot go together... No political talks will be meaningful under the shadow of the AFSPA, the outfit said.

Let human dignity take control and be made an integral part of the Naga political peace process. Unfortunately, the Oting killing has become a threat to the Nagas longing for Naga political solution. It said the Central government must immediately withdraw AFSPA if it wants to do justice to the Naga people.

The NSCN (I-M) also issued a strong rebuttal to the statement of Union home minister Amit Shah in the Parliament on the December 4 incident.

"In a situation like this, Mr Shah was expected to show political maturity and statesmanship to cool down the socio-political upheavals. But he poured fuel on the burning issue by standing behind the heinous act of killings by the para commandos, which was like rubbing salt in the wounds of the Nagas," it said.

The North East Students Organization (NESO) coordinator, Pritam Sonam, called AFSPA a protectorate Act for the armed forces to use against civilians. Armed forces are using it just to harass and kill innocent people and rape, he said. He said that NESO has been protesting against the Act for the past 20 years and will continue to do so until it is repealed.

No problem or dispute will ever be solved at gunpoint. It can only be solved through negotiations, meetings and development, he added.
Kolkata: West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has again been denied permission by the Centre for a foreign visit, this time to neighboring country: Nepal. She was invited by Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba to attend the annual conference of his party, Nepali Congress, starting from Friday, according to sources. The event will end on December 12.

According to state government sources, a permission was sought from the ministry of external affairs (MEA) which however reportedly objected to it on the grounds of the purpose of the invitation to the CM and her plans of visit. The Trinamul Congress supremo earlier was prevented by the MEA from visiting Rome to attend a global event on peace in October this year.

Lashing out at the BJP, TMC state general secretary Kunal Ghosh alleged, "It is true that the Centre did not give permission to the CM for her Nepal visit on an invitation. This is nothing but revenge and vindictiveness of the BJP which can not do anything on its own. Moreover people have started rejecting them. At the international stage, India under their rule are getting discriminated against. If an alternative leader is invited overseas, they get jealous. So it reflects how much the BJP is scared of Ms Banerjee and her growing popularity abroad."

State BJP vice president Joyprakash Majumdar claimed, "In such cases, the decision of the MEA is final. There is no politics behind it. When a CM goes on a foreign visit, he or she represents the country, not a party. So the foreign policy, present situation and rules of the MEA become important. It must have taken the decision for a logical purpose. It is better not to see politics in it and follow it."

He added, "I will ask the TMC leaders not to play politics over everything including military and border security force and the foreign policy of the government because the nation gets involved there. It is a different issue when you indulge in politics within the country. All political parties understand this. But the TMC understands this a bit less."
On farmer suicides, he flayed the KCR administration for aggravating the situation as it failed to address the concerns of farmers.  DC Image

HYDERABAD: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state unit president Bandi Sanjay Kumar said the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) and the Congress may jointly contest the next general elections. The two parties were getting closer as evidenced from their coordination in Parliament recently.

Addressing the media at the BJP office in Hyderabad on Saturday after joining 500 people, mostly from the TRS and the Congress into BJP from Amangal mandal in Kalwakurthy constituency, Sanjay said Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao was targeting Rs 50,000 crore revenue from liquor sales in the state.

Charging the TRS of turning the state into a haven for liquor consumption, he said Chandrashekar Rao started three new schemes in the state  drink and drool, swing and swoon and plumb and plunder the resources.

He said the state was infested with drug mafia, sand mafia and wine mafia. The mafias were sapping the energies of the youth and there was no concerted effort to protect the youths from the clutches of these vices. He said even some leaders were going to other states and opening liquor businesses there.

On farmer suicides, he flayed the KCR administration for aggravating the situation as it failed to address the concerns of farmers. Nowhere have we seen farmers dying after reaping a good harvest. The short sighted views of administration are playing havoc in the lives of peasants in the state, he said.

Taking objections to pro-China banter of Chandrashekar Rao, he told him to acknowledge the sacrifices made by Chief of Defense Staff General B.P. Rawat who was recently killed in a helicopter crash while China was running a counter narrative to it.

On the state ministers functioning, Sanjay mounted criticism saying that ministers had become dummies as home minister could not even get a home guard appointed while roads and buildings ministers could not even ground a small road. All powers were vested in the family of the Chief Minister which was detrimental to the development of Telangana state, Sanjay added.

He assured the people that once the BJP came to power, it would usher in a golden rule for the state under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Ever since West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee remarked that there is no UPA, there has been a lot of talk about the demise of the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance. However, a look on the other side shows that the Bharatiya Janata Party-headed National Democratic Alliance is also a pale shadow of its old self. BJP leaders always said with great pride that the Shiv Sena and the Shiromani Akali Dal were their oldest and most loyal partners. As it happens, both have walked out of this grouping for different reasons. Earlier the BJP had parted company with Mehbooba Muftis Peoples Democratic Party. A host of smaller parties have also quit the NDA over the years. In fact, it was this exodus that forced the BJP to give greater representation to allies in the last Cabinet reshuffle. Nevertheless, BJP allies constantly complain that the BJP does not follow the coalition dharma. No one can recall when the meeting of the NDA was last convened. Incidentally, home minister Amit Shah is the NDA convener.

Rivalry between Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Digvijaya Singh has resurfaced with a vengeance. The two leaders exercised restraint as long as Mr Scindia was in the Congress but the gloves are off now after he crossed over to the Bharatiya Janata Party. Mr Scindia set the proverbial cat among the pigeons recently when he visited Digvijaya Singhs home ground Raghogarh for the first time where he announced that he will be visiting the place more often. Mr Singh retaliated by going to Scindias constituency Guna, where he delivered a blistering speech in which he accused the former Congress leader of betraying his old party and bringing down the Kamal Nath government. Not mincing his words, Mr Singh said that when one member of a family is a traitor then generation after generation are prone to commit treachery.

Now that his loyalists have been accommodated in the latest reshuffle of the Rajasthan Cabinet, the next step is to find a suitable slot for Congress rebel Sachin Pilot. Mr Pilot has made it clear he will not settle for anything less that the chief ministers post. He is no longer interested in joining the government as deputy chief minister or going back to his old job as Rajasthan Congress president. It is learned the leadership has proposed Mr Pilot moves to Delhi as Congress general secretary, giving him two options. He can take charge of either Kerala or Himachal Pradesh. The Congress is in a tough spot in Kerala and the present in charge Tariq Anwar wants out. If Mr Pilot opts for Kerala, it will send out a powerful message that he still enjoys Rahul Gandhis confidence since the Nehru-Gandhi scion is an MP from this southern state. If Mr Pilot chooses Himachal Pradesh, he will get an immediate opportunity to prove his mettle as the hill state is headed for Assembly polls next year. Having just won several by-elections in Himachal Pradesh, the Congress is well placed here while the BJP is on a sticky wicket. Besides, Rajiv Shukla, presently in charge of Himachal Pradesh, wants to move out, preferably to a warm state.

Congress leaders overseeing preparations for a public rally at Ramlila Grounds were secretly relieved when the Delhi Police turned down its request following which the venue was shifted to Rajasthan. Apparently, the organisers were not sure if they would be able to bring the necessary crowds to fill the massive grounds. Normally, party leaders from neighbouring states, particularly Haryana, bring busloads of cheering crowds for rallies in Delhi because of its proximity to the Capital. Former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has, in the past, used such occasions to demonstrate his strength to the party leadership.

But this time, Mr Hooda was in no mood to cooperate. When Vivek Bansal, Congress in charge of Haryana, remarked at a meeting that it is the responsibility of the NCR states to bring maximum crowds, Mr Hooda remarked scathingly that Mr Bansals hometown Aligarh is also not far from Delhi. Mr Hooda is counted among the disgruntled leaders or the G-23 who had written to Congress president Sonia Gandhi demanding far-reaching reforms in the party. He is unhappy over archrival Kumari Seljas appointment as Haryana Congress president. He wants his son Deepender Hooda or his loyalist to be given this job.

Inundated with complaints about Punjab Congress president Navjot Singh Sidhus ongoing public battle with his own government, the Congress leadership has attempted to make amends. In an effort to placate the disgruntled leaders and rein in Mr Sidhu, the party appointed Sunil Jakhar as the convener of the campaign committee for the coming Punjab polls while Pratap Singh Bajwa was named convener of the manifesto committee. Both Mr Jakhar and Mr Bajwa are known Sidhu critics. Not only is Mr Bajwa angry at being overlooked for the Punjab Congress presidents post but he is also upset that Mr Sidhu is openly supporting his brother Fateh Jung Singh Bajwa at a time when both brothers are fighting over a ticket from the Qadian Assembly seat.
With wildfires devouring Southern California and the dreaded Santa Ana winds rising, the news came as bizarre comic relief. Somehow, despite three horses paying more than $30, the Breeders' Cup Pick 6 was hit, and for $2,687,611.60. When the announcement came that the one winning ticket was purchased at a simulcast outlet, a thought crossed my mind: Did last year's Pick 6 fixers use a phone account from prison?

No, this was a good, clean, All-American "feel good" story, not a revolting scam. It turns out that two wholesale jewelers from the middle of nowhere (Rapid City, South Dakota) had taken down the whole pool with an $8 play. Graham Stone, 40, the one who made the picks, has never seen a live horse race. His silent partner, Will Dixon, 39, put up $4 and got half of the score of the millennium.

While longshots Cajun Beat ($47.60), Action This Day ($55.60) and Pleasantly Perfect ($30.40) tortured Pick 6 players who had laid out thousands, Stone sat in his living room, smiling. While people at Santa Anita stood in endless lines amid 99-degree temperatures after shredding reams of tickets, the Goddess of Wagering singled out Stone and Dixon for her blessing.

The naive may think it was "good for racing." Not me, and it's not because Stone and Dixon scooped up any of my money. I've played the Pick 6 about five times in my life, and not at the 20th Breeders' Cup. This is philosophical, not personal. Why? Because it's people like these guys who guarantee that longtime horseplayers never will get out for life. You think much of this cosmic windfall will go back through the windows anytime soon? Not a chance.

"Oh, actually most of it's going to be put away," Stone said Tuesday on a conference call with envious racing writers. "So, hopefully it won't change me too much.

" . . . The one thing that I proved to most of the people I know around here is that it couldn't happen to two more deserving guys that have worked hard for 20 years in a business with little reward."

He was talking about the jewelry business, not handicapping. "I just do wholesale repairs," Stone said, "so everybody else makes all the money."

Well, not always.

Stone plans to splurge by going to Saratoga next summer for a weekend. Even at the Spa's obscenely inflated prices, two or three days in horse heaven won't cost him more than $500 or $600, tops.

When asked if he's going to be frugal with his megabucks, Stone replied, "Yes, definitely. Yes, I certainly will."

He's a small player, concentrating mainly on $1 exotics, and never plays the Pick 6 except on Breeders' Cup day. Stone has been a racing fan for only seven years, so it's safe to say he's ahead for life. "In the last year or so, I mean I hate to say it because it doesn't seem right," he said, "but I've only played the Breeders' Cup and the Kentucky Derby."

Sounds to me like someone who hasn't paid his dues, and who knows it. Stone also admits he never would have hit the Pick 6 if he hadn't seen an Andrew Beyer column touting Cajun Beat in the Sprint. This lucky winner appears to be feeling a little guilty, and I have a way to ease his pain and get some of that money back in circulation.

"My dream has always been to go to Saratoga," Stone said. "That I'm going to do."

Why not do it up right? Next summer, let's have the Breeders' Cup organization feed and house Stone and Dixon for the six-week Saratoga meeting. Give them the best table in the clubhouse. Let them hang out with all the rich phonies in the paddock. Get them invitations to all the most exclusive parties.

Here's the catch: Over the 36 days, Stone and Dixon will be required to wager $1 million of their Pick 6 hit. They can keep the rest.

They can bet to show on 3-5 favorites or play $500 straight superfectas, anything they want. These solid citizens of the hard-working American Heartland deserve a summer pari-mutuel fling. The Breeders' Cup will track each bet, and if the boys finish ahead for the meet, the Breeders' Cup must double the $2.687-million bonanza they won at Santa Anita. If not, whatever is left of the million automatically goes into the Pick 6 pool next year at Lone Star Park.

On the conference call, Beyer asked Stone, "Graham, are you going to buy me a drink at Saratoga?"

Stone replied, "If I see you there, I certainly will."

I guarantee that Beyer will like my idea a lot better.
Israeli warplanes conduct a drill that simulates how to attack Iranian nuclear facilities that will be its target. This comes as Israeli defense chiefs and the US meet to coordinate attacking these facilities. If the talk with Tehran goes south, these planes will be scrambled to take out the Natanz facility.

Isreal prepares for aerial drills in 2022

Taking part in the aerial drills that will be done next year will have F-35 stealth planes as strike aircraft, joined by the F-16 and F-15s that will cover 600 miles over the Mediterranean, that will be the distance to Iranian targets, the Daily Mail reported.

Reports of the drill came before the meeting of Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz and US defense chiefs. The two panels said they would go over the air drills and prep if an airstrike were necessary.

According to Zeev Elkin, an Israeli official called the exercise as preparation for any situation, and he started like most officials in Jerusalem. According to Israel National News, they will not allow Iran to go nuclear.

Jerusalem and Tehran have been at each other's necks for decades and have been actively against Iran in its search for a nuclear weapon, despite Iran's claim that it is not for creating a weapon.

The nuclear deal with Iran

Former President Barrack Obama, in 2015, had made a deal with the allegedly rogue state that was intent on refining uranium that could be used in a nuclear weapon. But Tehran should allow checks to prevent the Ayatollah from making a nuclear bomb in Iranian nuclear facilities targeted by Israeli warplanes periodically.

Read Also: US Navy Warns Foreign Ships in the Persian Gulf to Keep Distance or Face the Consequences

Israel aired its opposition to the deal, which Obama did not talk over despite objection. But, in 2018, former President Donald Trump just dropped it and placed stricter sanctions on Iran that made its rulers belch, noted Al Jazeera.

Iran has infringed numerous arrangement provisions ever since, notably uranium enrichment to 60%. Just short of 90% needed to assemble a bomb and triple its stash of enriched uranium material.

President Joe Biden is finally trying to get the Iranians to agree to a deal, but the new Tehran regime is not keen on playing nice with the White House.

Joe Biden is now trying to bring Iran back to the negotiating table but is faced with a new hardline regime in Tehran. It seems the US has no luck dealing with Tehran, as Israel points out since it does not want to settle.

Ongoing talks in Vienna with the US Special Envoy for Iran Rob Malley is supposed to try and convince the Iranians to have a chance for an improvement over a tense situation.

Despite the effort to coax the Ayatollah to come back and negotiate, there is a chance of utter failure that might end in military action.

US officials kept mum and did not reveal any more planned exercises in 2022. One official said that Iran's nuclear program is getting dangerous and edging to more radical courses of action. The Israeli embassy in Washington did not comment when asked by the press.

Iran might see Israeli warplanes on a strike mission to take out Iranian nuclear facilities when the limit is crossed to prevent Tehran from firing a nuclear weapon.

Related Article: Iran Conducts Live Fire Drills As Booming Response to Joe Biden Trying To Cow Tehran Fails

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After actor Jussie Smollett was reportedly the victim of a racist and anti-gay hate assault on January 29, 2019, Democratic President Joe Biden and Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris posted tweets expressing their support for him.

Smollett, on the other hand, was convicted guilty of lying about the attack by a jury on Thursday. An Illinois jury convicted Smollett guilty of five counts of disorderly conduct for lying to police about the incident on Thursday evening.

Biden, Harris's old tweets supporting Jussie Smollett resurface

Smollett now faces a maximum sentence of three years in jail though many believe he will probably receive probation and community service. A hearing for the sentence will be scheduled at a later date.

The accusations against Smollett were dismissed after he entered a not guilty plea. Following the judgment, Smollett's lawyer stated that the actor is "100% innocent" and that they are certain that the conviction will be overturned on appeal.

Per Newsweek via MSN, the actor informed police that two white men assaulted him, threw bleach on him, tied a noose over his neck, and said, "This is MAGA country," an abbreviation for Republican former President Donald Trump's 2016 campaign slogan.

Prosecutors said that Smollett paid $3,500 to his personal trainer, Abimbola Osundairo, and Abimbola's brother, Olabinjo Osundairo, to orchestrate the attack. Prosecutors claim Smollett staged the incident to earn a pay boost for his part in the Fox TV hop-hop drama 'Empire.'

When questioned on Friday whether Joe Biden and Kamala Harris regretted jumping to judgment in their ardent support of convicted liar Jussie Smollett, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki couldn't resist the opportunity to drag former President Donald Trump into the conversation.

Read Also: US Wins Latest Appeal To Extradite WikiLeaks Founder Julian Assange as UK High Court Overturns Previous Decision

White House "respects" Jussie Smollett verdict

In January 2019, when Smollett claimed he'd been the victim of a hate crime, both Harris and Biden tweeted effusive support for him. When Smollett was arrested, they remained silent, and they have said nothing about his trial.

"Since the guilty judgment, are there any lessons learned here on jumping to judgment when a crime is alleged?" Psaki was asked at a White House briefing on Friday, in light of Smollett's Thursday conviction, Daily Mail reported.

Smollett, 39, claimed Chicago police he was approached by two masked individuals on a darkened roadway. The offenders wrapped a noose around his neck and poured chemicals on him while chanting racial and homophobic obscenities and expressing support for then-President Donald Trump, according to his description of the incident.

Following his conviction for lying, a slew of other political heavyweights and A-list celebrities' words of support for Jussie has resurfaced. Sen. Cory Booker rushed to his defense, echoing Harris' allegations that the incident amounted to lynching and using it as justification for Congress passing an anti-lynching bill.

Kirstie Alley, a Hollywood actress, resorted to Twitter to criticize Jen Psaki's bad manners, describing her as a "mean girl" clone whose condescending approach has grown monotonous.

Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, said Friday that the Biden administration "respects" a Chicago jury's decision on Thursday to convict actor Jussie Smollett of five felonies for organizing a 2019 hate crime hoax, adding that fake hate crimes are "shameful" and "ought to be punished." It's uncertain whether Smollett's defense team will take advantage of her suggestion that hoaxers be punished by the court system, as per NY Post.

Related Article: Jen Psaki Dodges Question About Hunter Biden's Chinese Divestment; Says She Has Neither the Time Nor Interest in Laptop Authenticity

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Following her appointment to the position of United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts this week, her contentious past has come under scrutiny.

Rachael Rollins, 50, was appointed as Massachusetts' top federal prosecutor on a party-line vote on Wednesday, with Vice President Kamala Harris delivering the tie-breaking vote in the Senate's equally split chamber.

Senate appoints new US attorney for Massachusetts

Rollins made history as the first black woman to occupy the position of a federal prosecutor in Boston and the state of Massachusetts, and she has received widespread accolades from progressives. However, Rollins's appointment to the key position has drawn increased attention to a number of issues from her past, many of which surfaced when she was the Suffolk County District Attorney.

A minor arrest when she was a teenager, a dispute with a police union after she said cops "murder us with impunity," and an event in which she publicly told colleagues DAs she didn't "have much time for more white males telling me what communities of color need" are among the concerns, Daily Mail reported.

She was also seen furiously approaching a television team earlier this year in a startling video after a driver accused her of impersonating a police officer in a road rage incident.

Rollins has previously disregarded criticisms of similar incidents, claiming that racism and "white fragility" are at blame. In July, President Joe Biden nominated Rollins to lead the United States. Massachusetts Attorney General's Office, which earned national attention for its investigation into the "Varsity Blues" college admissions fraud.

Rollins is part of a movement of progressive prosecutors, who aim to reduce racial injustices in the judicial system by rejecting a conventional tough-on-crime attitude, which they claim has resulted in the disproportionate imprisonment of black males.

The Boston Herald reported on court papers revealing that Rollins was charged with the minor felony of receiving stolen goods in 1991, when she was 19 years old, as her Senate confirmation loomed. She pled not guilty and paid $200 in court fees, and the matter was prolonged without a finding for five months before being dropped.

Read Also: Donald Trump's Social Media Venture Held Under Scrutiny as US Financial Regulators Investigate Former President's New Deal

Video resurfaces of Joe Biden's new US attorney

Meet the new US attorney for Massachusetts @DARollins pic.twitter.com/3pboCuBklr  Mike Saccone (@mikesacconetv) December 8, 2021



The stolen goods were not specified in the court documents, and Rollins declined to reveal any specifics about the event other than that it was "trivial" and "influenced her ideas on criminal justice reform."

After a video emerged showing her shouting at local reporters, Republicans are concerned about President Joe Biden's latest nominee for US attorney. Rachael Rollins, Biden's nominee for US attorney for the District of Massachusetts, was attacked by Project 21 co-founder Horace Cooper when the film showed her harassing journalists outside her house.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has blasted Rollins for declining to prosecute persons suspected of certain crimes, calling her "soft on crime" and asking "all senators to vote no" on Rollins, as per The Washington Examiner.

After being approved as President Biden's US attorney for Massachusetts, a video of incoming Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins rebuking media for trying to interview her outside of work resurfaced Wednesday.

Rollins accused the media of endangering her children's life when a reporter demanded an interview near her house in a video from January 2021. The video team from Boston 25 News, a Fox affiliate, asked Rollins whether she would be ready to answer questions. Rollins, clearly agitated, wanted to know how the reporters knew where she lived, to which they replied that it was public information.

Per Fox News, Vice President Kamala Harris voted in favor of Rollins' confirmation as a new US attorney in Massachusetts on Wednesday. Several members of Congress, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, and "Squad" member Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Massachusetts, hailed Biden's appointment for the US attorney role in Massachusetts when the White House announced it in July.

Related Article: Joe Biden Introduces New Brand in Promoting Infrastructure Deal; Tries To Get Americans Excited in Missouri

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Jill Biden, the wife of United States President Joe Biden, said in an interview that the concerns of many Americans about her husband's mental health were "ridiculous," claiming that the Democratic leader works nearly 24 hours in a day to build relationships.

The situation comes as many polls revealed that a lot of United States citizens are growing more concerned about the president's mental capacity. From a new poll earlier this month, it was found that more voters believed that he was not mentally fit, with 48% saying the U.S. president was no longer mentally capable of leading the country, as opposed to 46% who said otherwise.

Jill Biden on Husband's Mental Health

In an interview with CBS's Rita Braver at Camp David, the first lady was asked about her thoughts on the increasing concerns over her husband's mental health. Jill was also asked whether or not Biden ever got frustrated, and answered by saying the Democratic leader would make a disparaging remark every once in a while, Redstate reported.

U.S. President Biden is the oldest president in the history of the United States at 79 years old and has been the subject of various social media memes and criticism. The democrat has received scrutiny from political opponents who have repeatedly suggested that he is no longer mentally fit to lead the country.

Read Also: US Wins Latest Appeal To Extradite WikiLeaks Founder Julian Assange as UK High Court Overturns Previous Decision

During the interview, Jill also opened up about adjusting to life in the White House as the first lady despite working closely with the White House during the time that Biden was the vice president of the nation. At the time, Jill worked with former first lady Michelle Obama and military families.

Jill said that she found the work harder than she first imagined, saying she was surprised by the continuous nature of work needed in the White House. She said that it was not a job to do, but a life to live, Business Insider reported.

Bidens' Efforts

President Biden's wife has helped the Democrat campaign for and with him in successive Senate election bids as well as three bids for the presidency. Jill is a professor at North Virginia Community College and has long been an advocate of free tuition. She previously responded to growing concerns over the dropping of a proposal for free community college from a major social welfare bill.

However, Jill said she understood the reason why Biden decided to cut the proposal, saying she knew it was a compromise. During a CNN Townhall in October, Jill said that free community college was not included as part of the final draft of Biden's Build Back Better bill.

Biden has long been an advocate of the proposal to expand educational opportunities to all Americans and said that the fight for the idea was not over. "I promise you, I guarantee you, we're going to get free community college in the next several years and across the board," said the president, Independent reported.

Jill echoed her husband's comments during the interview with CBS, saying that she knew it was not the right moment for the proposal to come to fruition. However, she argued that it still had the opportunity to get passed somewhere down the road.



Related Article: Joe Biden's New US Attorney for Massachusetts Held Under Scrutiny Over Controversial Background

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The methods employed in a text message scam are nearly identical to those used in a traditional email phishing scam. When someone poses as a representative of a reputable business or institution in order to steal personal information such as your credit card number, bank account number, or social security number, this is known as phishing.

Smishing is a combination of SMS and phishing, operates in a similar manner. A text message with a link is sent to potential victims by the scammer. The message usually asks users to confirm their account information, make a payment, or claim a prize.

Here are four things to remember the next time users receive an unsolicited text message scam with a link to click.

Tip 1: Don't Click on Links in Suspicious Messages

The majority of text message frauds involve a link, and the URL frequently does not correspond to the firm name. Even if it does, users have no way of knowing whether or not it is safe. Some of these phishing schemes are meant to spread malware, and all it takes is a simple tap on a link.

If users want to be secure, don't tap links in unwanted text messages. Due to a zero-day flaw, iPhone users were vulnerable to malware merely by browsing a URL in Safari in August 2019. While this was the first exploit of its sort, it serves as a warning that random links should never be trusted.

Tip 2: Don't Be Fooled by a Persuasive Website

Let's say users tap a link without thinking about it and end up on a highly official-looking website. Some con artists are skilled at creating websites that look just like the businesses they're attempting to emulate. Don't be fooled!

Tip 3: Pay Close Attention To The Grammar

Smishing attempts are most common in nations where English isn't the official language. As a result, many scammers commit spelling and grammar errors that a native speaker should be able to identify.

Read Also: Tesla Model 3, Model Y Leak: Upgrades on EV's Battery, Computer With AMD Ryzen Chipset, and More!

Tip 4: Don't Trust a Personalized Message

Victims of Text message scams often say that the scammers got their name right in a lot of the cases in the SMS scams. This level of personalization may persuade some recipients that the communication is real. Users may receive a message that attempts to mimic their bank, internet service provider, or cell carrier.

Even so, it is not advisable to trust these types of personalized messages for they can also cause bank hacking.

UK Fake Deliveries by SMS Scams

As reported by The Guardian, in the UK, an SMS claiming to be from a delivery company was used in 81 percent of SMS scams that began with a text message in October.

Royal Mail was the most impersonated delivery company, accounting for 62% of all occurrences, followed by DPD (19%) and Hermes (13%).

With billions of pounds worth of internet shopping predicted this year, there are concerns that those waiting for a package would be caught off guard.

Stories about text message scams and other forms of phishing have been reported repeatedly this year for the awareness of the constituents using both Android and iPhone users.

An example of this text message scam in the UK was a customer being scammed to transfer 35,000 to what she thought was a safe account.

According to Paul Davis, director of fraud prevention at TS, "Clicking on a link in an SMS can seem like a tiny gesture, but it could be the start of your life savings being stolen from you".

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Zero-day exploit began for Apache Foundation's Log4j that was detected first in Minecraft.

Researchers have discovered a serious vulnerability in Java logging libraries that permits unauthenticated remote code execution and access to servers.

Apache's Log4j Vulnerability

Proof-of-concept exploits for a significant zero-day vulnerability in the widely used Apache Log4j Java-based logging library are now being distributed online, putting residential users and businesses at risk of remote code execution cyberattacks.

The Apache Foundation created Log4j is utilized by both enterprise programs and cloud services.

Unfortunately, the newly found zero-day vulnerability in Apache Log4j, a widely used Java logging library, is simple to exploit and allows hackers to take complete control of the affected systems which makes it a serious cybersecurity concern.

While most homeowners have moved away from Java, although the popular games like Minecraft still use it, RCE exploits targeting this vulnerability are likely to affect anything from enterprise software to web apps and services from Apple, Amazon, Twitter and Steam.

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Log4j Zero-Day Exploitation

The vulnerability, called Log4Shell or LogJam and now listed as CVE-2021-44228, is an unauthenticated RCE vulnerability that allows complete system takeover on systems using Log4j 2.0-beta9 up to 2.14.1.

Furthermore, Alibaba Cloud's security team reported it to Apache on November 24.

According to Cyber Kendra, the CVE-2021-44228 affects the default configurations of a number of Apache frameworks, including Apache Struts2, Apache Solr, Apache Druid, Apache Flink, and others.

Malicious hackers are already looking for systems vulnerable to this remotely exploitable security issue that doesn't require authentication on the Internet.

CERT NZ (New Zealand's national Computer Emergency Response Team) has also released a cybersecurity warning of active exploitation which is also confirmed by Coalition Director Of Engineering - Security Tiago Henriques and security expert Kevin Beaumont.

Florian Roth, the Head of Research at Nextron Systems, has released a set of YARA rules for identifying CVE-2021-44228 attempts.

Apache Log4j Patch and mitigation available

Log4j 2.15.0 has been released by Apache to solve the CVE-2021-44228 RCE vulnerability of the highest severity.

In prior releases of the 2.10 and later, the problem can be avoided by changing the system property "log4j2.formatMsgNoLookups" to "true" or deleting the JndiLookup class from the classpath.

Furthermore, those who use the library should update to the most recent version as soon as possible since attackers are already looking for exploitable targets.

As reported by Bleeping Computer, The Randori Attack Team announced that they believe the growing number of vulnerable products will be identified in the weeks ahead, similar to earlier high-profile vulnerabilities such as Heartbleed and Shellshock.

The Team also added that these cybercriminals would instantly exploit this vulnerability due to its ease of exploitation and broad applicability.

The seriousness of attacks exploiting CVE-2021-44228 RCE was also highlighted by security firm Lunasec.

In addition, Lunasec added that anyone who uses Apache Struts is presumably exposed; identical vulnerabilities have been used in previous breaches, such as the 2017 Equifax data breach.

Log4j Vulnerability Recommendation

If users are under the assumption that they might be affected by CVE-2021-44228, Randori advises all businesses to assume a breach and look for strange behavior in logs for compromised applications.

If abnormalities are discovered, users should presume this is an active event and that they have been hacked, and respond appropriately.

This vulnerability can be fixed by upgrading to the patched versions of Log4j 2 or impacted programs. Any business that suspects they may be affected should update to a patched version as soon as possible, according to Randori.

Related Article: Better.com CEO Vishal Garg Acuses 900 Employees of 'Stealing', Lays Them Off via Zoom
The latest NASA Hubble picture showed that not only humans are capable of photobombing. A spiral galaxy in the Milky Way proves that they can, too!

NASA Hubble Picture: Spiral Galaxy UGC 11537

The stunning Hubble image of a massive spiral galaxy, which is millions of light-years away from Earth, was just published by NASA.

 Happy #HubbleFriday!



This weeks image shows the spiral galaxy UGC 11537, which lies about 230 million light-years away.



The two foreground stars are making a cosmic photobomb, as theyre actually within our galaxy, the Milky Way: https://t.co/02AT9uIbMF pic.twitter.com/wavUVovyqZ  Hubble (@NASAHubble) December 10, 2021

As of writing, the posted NASA Hubble picture has 2,100 likes and 360 retweets.

The outer space is a huge and spacious realm filled with countless discoveries for humanity. Astronomers never run out of things to uncover, whether they're studying within the Milky Way or beyond it to distant galaxies.

The NASA Hubble Space Telescope, which is a more than 31-year-old NASA instrument, is one tool that has been particularly useful in this never-ending search.

Regardless of the space agency telescope's age, it continues to capture mind-blowing photos of the universe. Hubble has taken dozens of beautiful photographs of the weird world we all call home, whether it's a faraway galaxy or a massive nebula.

Recently, the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope captured a side view of the magnificent spiral galaxy UGC 11537, per Screen Rant. Moreover, Hubble's Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3) recorded the galaxy's closely packed spiral arms spinning around its center in visible and infrared light.

The picture shows the luminous bands of stars and dark clouds of dust as they weave their way across the galaxy.

For those who do not know, UGC 11537 is located in the constellation Aquila, which is 230 million light-years away from Earth and near the Milky Way's surface.

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Because they are so near, surrounding stars from our own galaxy have sneaked into the photograph--the two bright stars in front of UGC 11537 are Milky Way invaders.

Moreover, the spikes that encircle these stars are diffraction spikes, which are image errors.

Diffraction spikes are caused by starlight colliding with the structure that holds Hubble's secondary mirror in place.

This photograph was taken as part of a series of observations intended to assist scientists in calculating the mass of supermassive black holes in distant galaxies.

"Hubble's sharp-eyed observations along with data from ground-based telescopes allowed astronomers to make detailed models of the mass and motions of stars in these galaxies, which in turn helps constrain the mass of supermassive black holes," NASA furthered on their released statement.

NASA Hubble Space Telescope Returns to Full Science Operations

As previously reported, the space telescope has been restored on Monday, Dec. 6, and all four operational instruments are now collecting data once again.

Aside from this encouraging news, the team has not identified any further synchronization message issues since November 1.

To give background details, Hubble has gone into safe mode along with other scientific instruments after several synchronization messages issues last October.

On the other hand, NASA also indicated that the crew would continue to develop and test software updates for the space telescope. This approach will allow them to continue their investigation even if they face frequently lost synchronization messages in the future.

Meanwhile, Wio News reported that NASA plans to launch the successor of the NASA Hubble Space Telescope soon, named James Webb Space Telescope. This satellite telescope will be more powerful than Hubble's and will be fully equipped with cutting-edge technology, according to reports.

To clarify, James Webb Space Telescope will not replace Hubble. After all, the two space telescopes use different technologies which could further assist researchers and scientists.

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A North Korea flag flutters over concertina wire at the North Korean Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in this 2017 March file photo. Reuters-Yonhap





The United States designated North Korea's new Defense Minister Ri Yong-gil and a number of entities in North Korea, China and Russia as those responsible for human rights violations, Friday.







The U.S. Department of Treasury also designated North Korea's Central Public Prosecutors Office as a similar such entity.







Ri, currently serving as North Korea's defense minister, was designated for his role as the former head of the ministry of social security, which, the department said, uses the court system to "prosecute and punish persons for political wrongdoing in a legal process involving fundamentally unfair trials."







"These trials sometimes end in sentencing people to terms at the DPRK's notorious prison camps, run by the Ministry of State Security and the Ministry of Social Security," it added, also noting the death of Otto Warmbier, an American university student who died in 2017 after returning home following a yearlong detention in North Korea.







"The treatment and eventual death of Otto Warmbier, who would have turned 27 years old this year, were reprehensible. The DPRK must continue to be held to account for its abysmal human rights record," the department said.







It also designated a number of individuals and organizations in China and Russia for violating U.N. Security Council resolutions that prohibit U.N. member states from employing or hosting North Korean workers.







"DPRK nationals often work in other countries, including for the purpose of generating foreign currency earnings that the DPRK can use to support its unlawful weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and ballistic missile programs," it said in a press release, referring to North Korea by its official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.







"UN Security Council resolution 2397, adopted on December 22, 2017, requires UN Member States to have repatriated DPRK nationals earning income in their jurisdictions by December 22, 2019, subject to limited exceptions," it added.







The department noted those illegally employing North Korean workers often contribute to the poor treatment of those workers that include "constant surveillance" and having a significant portion of their wages confiscated by the DPRK regime."







The latest designations were made on the international Human Rights Day.







Those newly designated include the European Institute of Justice, a Russian university based in Moscow, and its provost, Dmitry Yurevich Soin, who, according to the treasury department, "sponsored hundreds of student visas for DPRK construction workers in Russia."







"Some of these workers were affiliated with a DPRK WMD entity, and the revenue they generated from their labor could have been used to support DPRK WMD programs," it said.







The department also designated SEK Studio, a North Korean animation studio with workers in North Korea and China.







"SEK Studio has utilized an assortment of front companies to evade sanctions targeting the Government of the DPRK and to deceive international financial institutions," it said.







Lu Hezheng, a senior employee and former shareholder of Nings Cartoon Studio in China, worked with representatives of SEK Studio to facilitate wire transfers through Nings Cartoon Studio and other front companies in China, according to the department.







The department designated Lu and a range of companies affiliated with him, including Nings Cartoon Studio and Shanghai Hongman Cartoon and Animation Design Studio. (Yonhap)


A medical worker at Hallym University Kangnam Sacred Hospital in Seoul talks over the phone with a COVID-19 patient in home treatment, Nov. 18. Courtesy of the Ministry of Health and Welfare



By Lee Hyo-jin



Six out of 10 people negatively viewed home treatment for COVID-19 patients, a treatment strategy the government has largely expanded since late November to cope with a shortage of hospital beds.



In a survey of 1,002 adults conducted between Dec. 7 and 9 by Gallup Korea, when asked about their thoughts on COVID-19 home treatment, 62 percent of participants responded negatively, while 29 percent replied positively. Another 9 percent declined to respond.



As hospitals have been overwhelmed by a surge in coronavirus patients, the Ministry of Health and Welfare has been introducing home treatment for all patients not in critical condition, reserving hospitalization only for people aged 70 and above and those suffering from chronic illnesses.






People form a line to receive tests at a COVID-19 testing station in Seoul, Dec. 10. Yonhap





Seven out of 10 South Koreans believe the government's "Living with COVID-19" strategy has elevated the risk of virus transmission, according to a poll released Saturday.







The survey  commissioned by a research team led by Prof. Yoo Myung-soon of Seoul National University's graduate school of public health  found that 69 percent of respondents said they saw the public risk related to COVID-19 as having increased after implementation of the plan aimed at returning to normal life while treating the virus as a seasonal disease.







It said 23.1 percent assessed the risk level from the government measures as "normal," while 8 percent said the risk level had not increased.






U.S. Department of State building / AP-Yonhap





U.S. Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy and the Environment Jose Fernandez will visit South Korea next week as part of a two-nation trip that will first take him to Japan, the state department said Friday.







Fernandez will head to Tokyo, Sunday, for a four-day visit before arriving in Seoul, Wednesday.







"During his visits, Under Secretary Fernandez will meet with senior government officials to discuss cooperation on some of the most pressing global challenges of the 21st century, including global health and COVID-19, supply chain resilience, addressing the climate crisis, and protecting and promoting critical and emerging technologies," the department said in a press release.







It added the under secretary will also discuss ways to cooperate with South Korea and Japan to deliver a "positive economic agenda for the Indo-Pacific" that will increase prosperity for the people of all three nations.







"Under Secretary Fernandez will also highlight the role U.S., ROK and Japanese companies play in building local capacity and improving lives in the communities in which they operate in the Indo-Pacific, including through supporting gender equality and developing human capital and workforce skills," it said, referring to South Korea by its official name, the Republic of Korea. (Yonhap)


The west gate of Seoul circa 1900s Robert Neff Collection



By Robert Neff



In the previous article we ended as Captain Ferdinand H. Morsel arrived at the American legation to escort Dr. Horace N. Allen to the Korean Customs Office to treat the badly injured Korean prince.



According to Allen's diary, "He was called  from his home  on the evening of the 5th to see Min Yeong-ik again, he was still at Mollendorff's and I saw him twice in the evening and once early the next morning. The afternoon of the 6th (Sat.) we were quietly enjoying our pleasant home when a messenger came from General Foote [Lucius Foote, the American Minister to Korea] telling us to come at once to their place. We did so and I returned for clothing after seeing Fannie [his wife] and the baby safe at the 'Top Side House' at the Legations where the Footes and Astons [British representative and his family], Mr. T. E. Hallifax and family, Townsend and family and Mr. John B. Bernadou who had charge of affairs."



Allen's diary supports some of Morsel's accounts. As Morsel had noted, on two occasions Allen had been requested to go to Prince Min Yeong-ik but Foote refused  much to Allen's relief  to allow him to leave. "However in the morning a good guard with [two] of the European Customs staff came for me and I went. I found him [Min] holding his own but very impatient."



Morsel adds a little more detail:



"On arrival at our quarters [at the Korean Customs House] he [Allen] attended to the Prince immediately. I was admitted to lend a helping hand and discovered for the first time how sorely the Prince was wounded."



His praise for Allen was evident when he added, "It was a miracle that [the prince] ever recovered, yet in a few days under the skillful treatment he was now receiving his wounds began to heal."



According to Allen, "a message came from the King urging me to let Min be removed to the Palace for greater safety [and] I consented and went home."





Mapo in the winter of 1883-84 Robert Neff Collection



Morsel remembers that somewhere between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m., General Yuan Shikai (who later became president then emperor and then president again of China), accompanied by 300 Chinese soldiers, arrived to escort Min Yeong-ik "to the safe accommodations of the Chinese Legation." Not having a stretcher, they placed the prince on a sofa to transport him but as they prepared to leave one of the men on watch noticed that the Japanese legation had lowered its flag. Then a volley of musket fire and yelling was heard.



The Japanese then left their legation bound for Jemulpo. They made their way past the palace  soldiers in the lead with civilians at the back along with the legation staff and officers. Morsel saw three sedan chairs (although some claimed there were four) in which he believed were Kim Ok-gyun, Pak Yeonghyo and Seo Gwang-beom  leaders of the coup.



They were unopposed as they went down the street  anyone unlucky enough to cross their paths was cut down, including women. When they arrived at the West Gate, the three Korean soldiers who guarded it tried to flee but only two were successful  the third was cut down and the gate was thrown open.



Shortly after they had passed, Morsel witnessed Korean soldiers "running madly" after the Japanese dragging two Gatling guns. "They were in the same dilapidated condition as the firearms I had examined in the morning. One had lost the handle in which the gun is worked, and for ammunition they had blank cartridges!"









As for the Japanese legation:



"Smoke was seen to issue from the first story windows and as we had not discovered any attempt on the part of the Koreans to enter and loot it, we naturally surmised that the Japanese themselves had kindled the fire before leaving. The fire worked its way to the upper part of the building, and by five the entire building was on fire, flames bursting forth from every window in the structure. It began to snow as darkness set in, the whole presenting a scene never to be forgotten  the storm, darkness spreading over the city, the building wrapped in flames, the deathlike silence which seemed to have fallen over the people, broken only by the sound of bursting cartridges which had been stored in the doomed building. By 7 p.m. the structure had been reduced to a burning pile. None of the Koreans dared approach it for fear of the bursting cartridges and on account of a rumor that the place had been mined and might blow up at any time."





The Han River in the winter of 1883-84 Robert Neff Collection



Allen also mentioned the destruction of the "magnificent and costly" Japanese legation but not as poetically. He added that Kim Ok-gyun's "fine house with his new European furniture" was also set ablaze and a number of Korean officials who had supported the coup were "killed at the instigation of the Chinese."



While the seven men at the Customs House shared "a boiled chicken and a half a dozen crackers," Allen proceeded to the Chinese legation to check on his noble patient.



"I went and found the streets lighted with fires around which were gathered the frightened people. I stumbled over some dead bodies and was glad to get inside the imposing Chinese [legation]." After checking on the prince, he also treated some of the Chinese soldiers wounded during the unrest.



Later that evening, Foote, Aston and Mollendorff met to discuss what their next course of action would be. Mollendorff, who generally wore Korean clothing, went back to wearing Western clothing  perhaps in an effort to help ensure his own safety by emphasizing his foreignness. It was decided that the Westerners would move to Jemulpo but not together as Mollendorff and those in the Customs House would leave the following morning while those at the American legation would leave a few days later (Allen and his family elected to remain in Seoul).



Mollendorff went to the palace and notified King Gojong that he was leaving and asked for a detachment of men to guard the Customs House in his absence. This was granted.



At about midnight the snowstorm stopped and "the clouds were breaking, lifting the gloom somewhat off the darkened, silent city. Everything was tranquil once more and no one would have thought it possible that bloodshed and wholesale murder had happened so soon before."



On Dec. 7, before dawn, Morsel and his companions departed the sanctuary of the Customs House. They only had three ponies (heavily loaded down with silver wrapped up in blankets) so the men were forced to trudge through the snow  a task that was extremely hard on Mitchell. They were escorted by a Korean guard as far as the West Gate and then they were on their own as they plodded through the snow and over the frozen ditches to the river port of Mapo.



Just as day began to dawn, they managed to arrange passage across the Han River but the strain of the affair was too much for Mollendorff and it was decided to leave him behind in a small Korean house  Tong, the Chinese official and a Korean servant would remain with him. Morsel assured Mollendorff he would send someone back with a chair.





Jemulpo (modern Incheon) circa 1900s Robert Neff Collection




Photo of FlameSheets, which are key components of hydrogen co-firing power generation plants / Courtesy of Hanwha Impact



Hanwha Impact procures deal to remodel U.S. hydrogen co-firing gas turbine power plant



By Kim Hyun-bin



PYEONGTAEK, Gyeonggi Province _ Conglomerates have been getting on board with the government's carbon neutrality 2050 efforts to reduce the emissions of carbon dioxide. One of the leading examples is Hanwha Impact, with its state-of-the-art technology to modify gas turbines, so as to reduce carbon dioxide emissions via hydrogen co-firing technology.



"Hydrogen co-fired power generation is a method of generating power by burning hydrogen and natural gas together in a gas turbine. It is possible to reduce carbon dioxide emissions while using old gas turbines from existing liquefied natural gas (LNG) power plants at low cost. It is expected to serve as an intermediate stage in the generation of zero-hydrogen power plants," a Hanwha Impact official said.





A Hanwha Impact official briefs reporters about the technology of hydrogen co-fired power generation at the Korea Western Power Co. in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, on November 30. Courtesy of Hanwha Impact



To provide more information on the new technology, Hanwha Impact invited reporters to Korea Western Power Co., located in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, on November 30th, where Hanwha modified turbine technology is being demonstrated.



Hanwha Impact is the only company in the country that has the technology to modify the turbines.



"Doosan Heavy Industries is working to build new turbines, while we are modifying the existing old turbines to become more eco-friendly by burning hydrogen to reduce carbon dioxide," a Hanwha Impact official said. "There are no local competitors in the field and vast opportunities exist to transform scores of antiquated gas turbines around the country."



The company acquired Power Systems Mfg (PSM) in the U.S. and Thomassen Energy in the Netherlands in March to accelerate its transition to eco-friendly energy, as well as to be the first to obtain hydrogen co-fired power generation technology in Korea.



With the technology, Hanwha Impact was able to ink a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Korea Western Power Co. to implement the first demonstration hydrogen co-firing gas turbine project in the country, which was the reason reporters were invited to the site.



Hydrogen co-fired power generation is a method of running a gas turbine by mixing hydrogen fuel with liquefied natural gas (LNG). The higher the proportion of hydrogen in the fuel mix, the more carbon dioxide emissions can be reduced, which is in line with the country's carbon neutrality efforts and aids in building the hydrogen economy.



In the briefing, Hanwha Impact explained in detail the current status of hydrogen gas turbine technology development, and the prospects of the hydrogen co-firing power generation business through the remodeling of existing gas turbines.



The gas turbine has the characteristic of obtaining higher output compared to other engine types. However, the problem is that the emission of nitrogen oxide (NOx) increases as the turbine inlet temperature (TIT) continues to rise.



Gas turbines are divided into classes according to their TIT. The high-performance turbines are categorized as "J-Class" and "H-Class," while the "F-Class" and "E-Class" gas turbines are in the lower-efficiency category.



Recently, more J-Class and H-Class gas turbines have been implemented locally, gradually reducing the utilization of gas turbines in the F-Class and below.



More than half of the F-Class and lower gas turbines are aged and have been in operation for more than 15 years. As a result, the operation these turbines was prematurely stopped, due to their low efficiency, and they became stranded assets at their sites for several years.



Currently, Hanwha Impact operates co-combustion technology that utilizes gas turbines fueled by mixed hydrogen and LNG. The move requires advanced technologies to maintain high stability, flame control technology through aerodynamic and combustor modification and replacement technology for hydrogen co-firing.



After a test-run of the hydrogen co-firing project, Hanwha Impact plans to apply the technology to gas turbines below F-Class around the country. To this end, along with Korea Western Power Co., the company is launching the "Daesan Demonstration Project," in which it will install a gas turbine at the Pyeongtaek Power Plant.



This project is the first in Korea to move an aging E-Class gas turbine, along with its ancillary equipment, to the site of Hanwha Impact's Daesan plant, and to apply hydrogen co-firing technology to carry out a demonstration project. Through the demonstration project, carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions are measured and tested.





Korea Western Power Co.'s gas turbine and FlameSheet module / Courtesy of Hanwha Impact



With this project, Hanwha Impact aims to become the world's first to raise the hydrogen co-firing proportion of gas turbines to more than 50 percent, with a carbon reduction effect of 20 percent to establish the foundation for the commercialization of hydrogen gas turbines better. The company expects the results of the demonstration project to be released in 2023.



"Our competitiveness is based on the fact that we already have a power plant running on our hydrogen co-firing technology, as well as the capability to increase the hydrogen co-firing rate continuously," Song Yong-sun, the managing director of Hanwha Impact, said.





The Linden Cogeneration plant in the U.S / Courtesy of Hanwha Impact
Wikileaks founder Julian Assange gestures as he speaks from the balcony of the Embassy of Ecuador in London, in this May 2917 file photo. AFP-Yonhap



WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange was moved a step closer to facing criminal charges in the United States for one of the biggest ever leaks of classified information after Washington won an appeal over his extradition in an English court, Friday.



U.S. authorities accuse Australian-born Assange, 50, of 18 counts of leaking classified documents relating to WikiLeaks' release of vast troves of confidential U.S. military records and diplomatic cables which they said had put lives in danger.



Assange's supporters cast him as an anti-establishment hero who has been persecuted by the United States for exposing U.S. wrongdoing and double-dealing across the world from Afghanistan and Iraq to Washington.



At the Royal Courts of Justice in London, the United States won an appeal against a ruling by a London district judge that Assange should not be extradited because he was likely to commit suicide in a U.S. prison.



Judge Timothy Holroyde said he was satisfied with a package of assurances given by the United States about the conditions of Assange's detention, including a pledge not to hold him in a so-called "ADX" maximum security prison in Colorado and a statement that he could be transferred to Australia to serve his sentence if convicted.



Further hurdles remain before Assange could be sent to the United States after an odyssey which has taken him from teenage hacker in Melbourne to years holed up in the Ecuadorean embassy in London and then incarcerated in a maximum-security prison.



The legal wrangling will now go to the Supreme Court, the United Kingdom's final court of appeal.



"It is highly disturbing that a U.K. court has overturned a decision not to extradite Julian Assange, accepting vague assurances by the United States government," Assange's lawyer, Barry Pollack, said. "Mr. Assange will seek review of this decision by the U.K. Supreme Court."



Supporters of Assange gathered outside of the court after the ruling, chanting "free Julian Assange" and "no extradition". They tied hundreds of yellow ribbons to the court's gates and held up placards saying "journalism is not a crime."



Judge Holroyde said the case must now be remitted to Westminster Magistrates' Court with the direction judges send it to Home Secretary Priti Patel to decide whether or not Assange should be extradited.





Wikileaks founder Julian Assange's supporters gather outside the High Court in London, Britain, Dec. 10. EPA-Yonhap
The Amazon distribution center is partially collapsed after being hit by a tornado in Edwardsville, Ill., Dec. 10. AP-Yonhap





Over 50 people are "likely" to have been killed in a devastating outbreak of tornadoes that ripped through Kentucky and other U.S. states late Friday and early Saturday, the Washington Post quoted Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear as saying.







The Post noted Beshear said the number of dead could be "significantly north of that" in an interview with local TV station WLKY.







"The reports are really heartbreaking," it reported him as saying. It added that a spokeswoman for the state's emergency management service said rescue officials had not confirmed figures for deaths or injuries as of early Saturday.







In Tennessee, the severe weather killed at least three people, the Post said, quoting Dean Flener, spokesman for the state's Emergency Management Agency.







At least one person was killed and five were injured when a tornado shredded the roof of a nursing home in Monette in northern Arkansas, the Post added.







In Illinois, authorities said many people were trapped after a roof partially collapsed at an Amazon.com warehouse near St. Louis late Friday, after tornadoes and strong storms blew through the area.







Beshear, who declared a state of emergency in his state, was quoted as saying the damage would be "some of the worst ... we've seen in a long time". (Reuters)


A Saudi man leads his camels during a beauty contest at the annual King Abdulaziz Camel Festival in Rumah, some 160 kilometers east of Riyadh, in this January 2018 file photo. AFP-Yonhap





A high-stakes camel beauty pageant in Saudi Arabia has been hit by a cheating scandal after 43 entrants were disqualified for botox injections and other cosmetic enhancements.







The King Abdulaziz Camel Festival is an annual Bedouin event held in the desert northeast of Riyadh that lures breeders from around the Gulf with prize money of up to $66 million.







Organizers have in recent years cracked down on cosmetic enhancements, a malpractice that has thrived amid stiff competition and despite heavy penalties.







The enhancements are made in a bid to make the camels' lips droopier and their humps more shapely  key attributes in the pageant.







"Forty-three camels were disqualified after it was discovered they had been tampered with," the official Saudi Press Agency said Thursday.







It was the largest number of disqualifications since the beauty contest was inaugurated six years ago. In 2018, more than a dozen camels were barred.







Tampering is uncovered when camels undergo physical and clinical examinations, such as X-rays, to detect cosmetic surgery that includes the injection of botox, the news agency reported.







"The authorities are keen that the camels remain and be presented in their true form and breed," a festival official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told AFP.







The official said the practice of cosmetic enhancements on camels was considered animal abuse.







"Violators face hefty fines and are banned from participating in future competitions," the official added.







The 40-day festival, which ends mid-January, also features camel racing. (AFP)




Description

Who we are:

Geotab is a global leader in IoT and connected transportation and certified "Great Place to Work." We are a company of diverse and talented individuals who work together to help businesses grow and succeed, and increase the safety and sustainability of our communities.

Geotab is advancing security, connecting commercial vehicles to the internet and providing web-based analytics to help customers better manage their fleets. Geotab's open platform and Marketplace, offering hundreds of third-party solution options, allows both small and large businesses to automate operations by integrating vehicle data with their other data assets. Processing billions of data points a day, Geotab leverages data analytics and machine learning to improve productivity, optimize fleets through the reduction of fuel consumption, enhance driver safety and achieve strong compliance to regulatory changes.

Our team is growing and we're looking for people who follow their passion, think differently and want to make an impact. Ours is a fast paced, ever changing environment. Geotabbers accept that challenge and are willing to take on new tasks and activities - ones that may not always be described in the initial job description. Join us for a fulfilling career with opportunities to innovate, great benefits, and our fun and inclusive work culture. Reach your full potential with Geotab. To see what it's like to be a Geotabber, check out our blog and follow us @InsideGeotab on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.

Who you are:

We are always looking for amazing talent who can contribute to our growth and deliver results! Geotab is seeking a Customer Support Specialist (Bilingual French/English) who is responsible for one-call resolution with a focus on creating customer loyalty and providing a great customer experience. If you love technology, have a passion for technical and customer support and are keen to join a leading-edge telematics firm, we would love to hear from you!



What you'll do:

As a Customer Support Specialist (Bilingual French/English) your key area of responsibility will be creating customer loyalty and satisfaction through one-contact resolution of Geotab related inquiries. You will need to work closely with operations, sales and other internal support teams. To be successful in this role you will be a self-starter with strong written and verbal communication skills, and have the ability to quickly understand complex, technical concepts. In addition, the successful candidate will know and demonstrate practices and processes for establishing and retaining customer relationships and creating customer satisfaction. You will also understand the Geotab devices, accessories and portals including troubleshooting protocols and applications. Support client, carrier and sales team by providing phone, chat and email assistance relating to device errors, network communications, portal configuration and navigation, product implementation, and troubleshooting.



Support the MyGeotab software application and the Geotab GO devices, IOX and other hardware.



Work with internal teams to support all product support functions



Coordinate with internal departments on the return/exchange process for Geotab devices and accessories.



Provide thorough, timely, successful resolution to inbound inquiries from support case origin through to completion.



Support carrier demo and product trial programs.



Manage, develop and deliver product service training to resellers and external customers.



Provide successful resolution to all customer complaints ensuring the customer is satisfied with the end result.



Perform diagnostics and advanced troubleshooting on existing release GO devices and accessories.



Report severe and escalating issues to management to assist in the resolution process.



Continually preserve the confidentiality and security of customer data and information.



Develop and maintain support documentation for customers.



Support Geotab global strategic initiatives.



Supporting clients 24/7, thus hours of work may vary. How you'll make an impact: Post-Secondary Diploma/Degree specialization in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field highly valued.



Ability to read, write and speak in English and French fluently.



1-3 years experience in customer experience.



1-3 years experience with troubleshooting technical issues.



Experience in a call center environment highly valued.



Experience using Excel, SQL, Javascript, Python, highly valued.



Experience working within a technical or engineering organization/knowledge of the high-technology industry an asset.



A well-defined sense of diplomacy, including solid negotiation, conflict resolution, and relationship management skills.



Must stay relevant to technology and should have the flexibility to adapt to the growing technology and market demands.



Highly organized and able to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.



Excellent verbal and written communication skills.



Strong interpersonal relationship building skills.



Strong analytical skills with the ability to problem solve to well-judged decisions.



A strong team-player with the ability to engage with all levels of the organization.



Technical competence using software programs, including, but not limited to, Google Suite for business (Sheets, Docs, Slides).



Entrepreneurial mindset and comfortable in a flat organization. What you'll bring to this role: Why job seekers choose Geotab:

Work from home and flex work arrangements Baby bonus Home office reimbursement program Online learning and networking opportunities Electric vehicle purchase incentive program Competitive medical and dental benefits (full-time employees only) Retirement savings program (full-time employees only)

How we work:

At Geotab, we understand that the world is always changing and that we need to change with it. Geotab has adopted a hybrid model for working, including a flexible work from home program, with the opportunity to work in our safe, clean offices. When working from home, you are required to have a reliable internet connection with at least 50mb DL/10mb UL. Virtual work is supported with cloud-based applications, collaboration tools and asynchronous working. The health and safety of employees are a top priority. We encourage work-life balance and keep the Geotab culture going strong with online social events, chat rooms and gatherings. Join us and help reshape the future of technology!

We believe that ensuring diversity is fundamental to our future growth and progress and is an integral part of our business. We believe that success happens where new ideas can flourish - in an environment that is rich in diversity and a place where people from various backgrounds can work together. Geotab encourages applications from all qualified individuals. We are committed to accommodating people with disabilities during the recruitment and assessment processes and when people are hired. We will ensure the accessibility needs of employees with disabilities are taken into account as part of performance management, career development, training and redeployment processes. If you require accommodation at any stage of the application process or want more information about our diversity and inclusion as well as accommodation policies and practices, please contact us at careers@geotab.com. Click here to learn more about what happens with your personal data.

Category



Computer User Support Specialists

Experience



1 to 3 years

Job type



Full time



Requirements

See job description.






Location: Detroit - Michigan

Location: Chicago - Illinois

Job Description Job Description Sells company's products and/or services to existing named accounts within a geographic territory. Maintains relationships with existing named accounts. May have their own accounts or work on a team Position Summary : Reporting to the NA Regional OEM Manager the OEM Regional Segment Leader - Manufacturing & Assembly will work in close association with the Field Sales Teams assisting them in selling Rockwell's products and services into Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM's) and machinery builders and assure the continued growth rate of the OEM Solutions business within the assigned Industry Segment.



The Regional Segment Lead - Manufacturing & Assembly will be responsible for increasing Rockwell's market share, analyzing the segment to identify trends and opportunities, constructing a global account plan, and influencing a group of associated Sales staff assigned within the Segment.



The Regional Segment Lead will collaborate with Rockwell's Regional Sales Management to develop the best approach for building market share in the assigned segment within a matrix environment. Additionally, the Regional Segment Lead will be responsible for coordinating and managing those accounts that have a global presence and operations in multiple geographies.



Primary Responsibilities Develop a NA Segmented Business Plan to grow the Manufacturing & Assembly business in NA and coordinate with the Global Segment leader. While ensuring alignment of strategies with the business units. Implement best-in-class sales processes to drive results. Ensure all account planning and metrics are done on a regular basis in support of the company's strategies. Front log management and reporting is integral to this process. Ensure growth in Global OEM Solutions Industry client base through expanding existing relationships including the C-level leveraging multiple buying influences within worldwide OEM Solutions Industry companies. Ensure strategies are developed with OEM's, Global and Corporate Accounts that support the strategies for the OEM Solutions industry. Drive the performance of the Business Development/Sales team against well communicated goals; e.g., sales growth, profitability, account expansion and market share growth that is delineated in the account plans. Provide direction and leadership to support the following activities: advertising, trade shows, key customer meetings, sales training conferences and distributor conferences within the Region. Drive competency of the OEM Sales force around the Manufacturing & Assembly key OEM applications by developing Training, running Affinity Team Calls and developing Sales & Marketing Collateral for the sales teams to use to help convince customers.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The Regional Segment Lead will be an experienced sales executive and will have a proven track record leading, building and operating high-growth sales teams-selling complex and multi-tiered technology services and solutions. It is critical that the successful candidate has a working knowledge of the OEM Solutions within the industry, regulatory practice experience, and optimally has significant experience selling into this vertical. International experience is necessary. In addition, the ideal candidate will have: Ideally, this person will have significant sales experience in the OEM Solutions Industry delivering information services and business solutions with a successful track record of managing large groups of people and total sales in excess of $100 million with evidence of significant annual growth. Successful sales management experience within world-class sales organizations in the OEM industry. True Subject Matter Expertise within the Manufacturing & Assembly market and OEM Segment. *Qualifications : A 4-year degree, preferably a BS in engineering, or BS/BA in business or marketing with technical experience in the motor control and automation field. An MBA or advanced degree in business management is preferred. Minimum 10+ years of progressive general management in a multi-billion dollar, global customer services provider. Extensive experience leading global teams of people. International experience. Must be willing and able to travel up to 50% within assigned territory. Legal authorization to work in the US is required. We will not sponsor individuals for employment visas, now or in the future, for this job opening.



Desired Qualifications:

A comprehensive knowledge and significant relationships with leaders in OEM Solutions industry. Demonstrated ability to forge relationships, build and inspire trust with C-level executives. Ability to motivate and energize a team in a high growth, high technology environment. A history of managing effectively in a rapidly growing organization, and demonstrated double digit growth. A track record of achieving a sales quota of greater than $100-150 million. Ability to influence and operate within a matrix organization. Self-confident with a high energy level, proactive management style, and strong conceptual skills. Can quickly earn the respect of Rockwell Automation management. Has sense of urgency, drive and personal motivation, yet has an adaptable/flexible style and a sense of humor.



The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to the job. They are not intended to be an all-encompassing list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Reasonable accommodations to essential functions of the job will be made if appropriate. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer including disability and veterans. If you are an individual with a disability and you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please contact our services team at +1 (see application details).


The Ministry of Health and Wellness informs the public that the administration of the Second Dose of Pfizer Vaccine in Secondary Schools will be carried out on Saturday 11 December 2021, for those students aged 15 to 17 years who have received their First Dose from the 15th November to 17th November 2021.

In addition, those students who were due for their Second Dose during the 15th November to 17th November 2021 are also being rescheduled on the same date.

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National

Farmers plan protest monuments in villages

Farmers pack their belongings after a decision to withdraw farmers-movement at Singhu border, Thursday. (PTI)

New Delhi, Dec 10 (PTI) | Publish Date: 12/10/2021 2:16:10 PM IST

For over a year, a 2,400-square-foot tent at the Singhu border was home to Gurinder Singh, Butta Singh Shadipur and their fellow villagers who were protesting the contentious farm laws. On Friday, the two friends pulled down this pavilion of protest but said they intend to rebuild it at their village in Punjabs Bhatinda district to keep the memories of the movement alive.

As the farmers prepare to leave their protest sites on Delhis borders on Saturday after the government repealed the farm laws and acceded to their other demands, many say they will reinstall their tents in their villages as a symbol of their long, arduous struggle.

When Gurinder Singh, Butta Singh Shadipur and 500 others from their Ram Nawas village reached the Singhu border on November 26 last year, they had to unroll their mattresses on the floor and sleep under the open skies. Over the next few months, the two built a makeshift structure that has three rooms, a bathroom and a meeting area together measuring 2,400 square feet. They used bamboo for partitions and tinshed for roof.

Around 70-80 people would sleep in the meeting area and the three rooms every night.

They then brought television, cooler, gas stove, a small fridge -- everything they needed for a comfortable stay at what would be their home till the government conceded their demands of repeal of the three contentious farm laws and a panel on legal guarantee for minimum support price for crops among others.

Now, the two friends plan to rebuild the structure in their village to keep the memories of the movement alive.

We spent around Rs 4.50 lakh on this structure. We had everything we needed. Now, we plan to shift it to our village and rebuild it, Gurvinder Singh said.

Butta Singh Shadipur said the structure will also serve as a memorial to those who died during the farm movement.

We will also keep some of our pictures in it to remind us of the time spent here, he added, recalling the initial days of the movement when they faced tear gas shells, water cannons and batons.

Bakshish Singh, who managed a 10-bed Kisan Mazdoor Ekta Hospital at the protest site, rode a wave of conflicting emotions as the protest draws to an end.

The smiles and hugs hide the pain of parting, Bakshish said.

The 30-year-old man from Patiala said the Life Care Foundation-run makeshift hospital started with one stool and medicines to control sugar and blood pressure.

We scaled it up seeing that a large number of farmers, especially the elderly, had some health issues or other, Bakshish said.

The hospital recorded over a lakh OPD visits in the last one year and local residents accounted for more than 50 per cent of them, doctors said.

Free diagnostic tests were conducted at the facility for dengue, malaria, chikungunya, typhoid, etc.

We got a lot of cases of heart attack and seizure. I can say the number of deaths during the protest would have been higher had the hospital not been there, the supervisor said.

The Life Care Foundation now plans to shift the hospital to a place near Jalandhar to provide free medical treatment to the needy there.

We will take it down and reassemble it again. A part of the hospital will be converted into a museum having pictures and records of persons treated during the protest, Bakshish said.

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha, a forum of 40 farmer unions, Thursday announced that the stir will be suspended and the farmers would go back home in a victory march on December 11.

The announcement came after the Centre accepted most of the their other demands, including withdrawal of fake case against farmer protesters.

Jarnail Singh from Mohali said they had built two temporary structures with bamboo and tarpaulin for around 500 people from 12 villages.

It cost us Rs 4 lakh -- Rs 2 lakh for each structure. Everybody contributed something. Inverter battery, air conditioners, television we had everything, he said climbing a ladder to take the tarpaulin off.

Jarnail Singh and others now plan to reassemble the structure in Buta Singh Wala village as a symbol.

We will plant a lot of flowers around the structure...make it more beautiful. We will also keep one of the tractors we drove to Delhi there, he said.

Sardar Gurmukh Singh of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Doaba) built a structure with bricks and cement mortar having three rooms in March.

Since Friday morning, at least five persons have been working non-stop to dismantle it.

I spent around Rs 4 lakh on the structure. We can salvage around 20,000 bricks which will be used to build a memorial to those who died here, he said.
International

Russia, Ukraine trade blame as CF push breaks down

A Russian army soldier takes part in drills at the Kadamovskiy firing range in the Rostov region. (AP/PTI)

KYIV/MOSCOW, DEC 10 (AGENCIES) | Publish Date: 12/10/2021 2:30:32 PM IST

Ukraine and Russia blamed each other after a push to agree a new ceasefire (CF) in eastern Ukraine broke down late on Thursday as tensions over a Russian troop buildup near its southern neighbour persisted. Ukraine said Moscow had rejected a series of its proposals, including prisoner swaps, reopening a checkpoint and expanding a joint communications centre. Ukrainian troops have battled Russian-backed forces in its east since 2014.

Unfortunately, all initiatives of the Ukrainian side were rejected by the Russian Federation under contrived pretexts, a statement by Ukraines delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG), which also includes Russia and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), said.

Russia said late on Thursday that Kyiv had submitted absolutely absurd proposals and accused it of imitating negotiations at the talks.

Moscow singled out a proposal to add Germany and France to the Joint Centre for Control and Coordination, a group tasked with implementing ceasefire agreements. In such conditions, the Donetsk, Lugansk (separatist authorities) and the OSCE considered it impossible to continue talks. We are understanding of this decision, said Boris Gryzlov, Russias envoy in the contact group.

There was no immediate statement from the OSCE.

Russia on Thursday kept up a barrage of hostile rhetoric towards Ukraine and compared the crisis there to the most dangerous moment of the Cold War as it waited for U.S. President Joe Biden to invite it to possible talks with NATO countries.

It was not immediately clear if there would be new talks to try to get the ceasefire push back on track.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-12-11 02:03:51|Editor: huaxia

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-- China's top leaders have mapped out priorities for next year's economic work at the annual Central Economic Work Conference.

-- Economic work next year should prioritize stability while pursuing progress, according to the meeting.

-- Actions should be taken to safeguard macroeconomic stability, keep major economic indicators within an appropriate range and maintain social stability to prepare for the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China.

BEIJING, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- China's top leaders have mapped out priorities for next year's economic work as the annual Central Economic Work Conference concluded in Beijing Friday, highlighting efforts to maintain stability while pursuing progress.

In a speech at the conference, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, reviewed the country's economic work in 2021, analyzed the current economic situation and arranged next year's economic work.

Li Keqiang, Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Wang Huning, Zhao Leji and Han Zheng, who are members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, attended the three-day conference.

The first direct China-Europe freight train linking Guizhou Province and Russia's Moscow sets out from Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Nov. 18, 2021. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)

STEADY PROGRESS



Economic work next year should prioritize stability while pursuing progress, according to the meeting.

Actions should be taken to safeguard macroeconomic stability, keep major economic indicators within an appropriate range and maintain social stability to prepare for the Party's 20th National Congress, the meeting said.

The year 2021 has been a milestone for both the Party and the nation, according to the meeting, which noted that China has maintained a leading position in the world in economic development and epidemic control, with progress made in scientific strength, industrial chain resilience, reform and opening-up, people's livelihood and ecological civilization.

However, it cautioned that China's economic development is facing pressure from demand contraction, supply shocks and weakening expectations, and the external environment is becoming increasingly complicated, grim and uncertain.

"We must face the difficulties squarely while staying confident," said a statement released after the meeting, citing China's strong economic resilience and unchanged fundamentals underpinning long-term growth.

The meeting called for remaining committed to China's own cause, consolidating the economic foundations, enhancing the abilities of scientific and technological innovation and adhering to multilateralism.

It also urged making proactive efforts to align with the high-standard international economic and trade rules, deepening reform via high-level opening-up, and boosting high-quality development.

The meeting stressed the necessity to adhere to the centralized, unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee, promote high-quality development and pursue progress while ensuring stability.

It highlighted the timing, extent and efficiency of policy adjustments and reform to ensure their steady advancement, as well as coordination and systems thinking.

People visit the 4th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in east China's Shanghai, Nov. 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

THE 2022 POLICY TOOLBOX

China will continue implementing proactive fiscal policies and prudent monetary policies for steady economic progress next year, according to the meeting.

It pledged to implement new tax and fee cut policies, strengthen support for small and medium-sized enterprises, individually-run businesses, manufacturing and risk-defusing, and take a moderately proactive approach in advancing infrastructure investment.

Prudent monetary policies should be flexible and appropriate, and liquidity should be maintained at a reasonable and ample level, the meeting said.

It underlined efforts to guide financial institutions to ramp up support for the real economy, especially for small and micro enterprises, technological innovation and green development.

In 2022, China will wield its microeconomic policies to stimulate the vitality of market entities, deepen the supply-side structural reform with a focus on smoothing the circulation of the national economy, and firmly advance the implementation of policies related to science and technology, said the meeting.

Next year's economic priorities also include vitalizing development through policies of reform and opening-up, promoting more balanced and coordinated regional development, and ensuring that its social policies well safeguard people's well-being.

Efforts will be made to boost the employment of young people, including college graduates, and optimize flexible employment and social security policies.

In the first 10 months of 2021, China created 11.33 million new jobs in its urban areas, achieving its whole-year target in advance, official data showed.

Reiterating the principle that "housing is for living in, not for speculation," the meeting said China will support the property market to better cater to the reasonable demand of home buyers and adopt city-specific policies to boost the virtuous cycle and healthy development of the sector.

The country will also expand high-quality and institutional opening-up, grant foreign-funded enterprises national treatment, attract more investment from multinational companies, and facilitate the early implementation of major foreign-invested projects.

(Video reporters: Chen Qiang, Xiong Maoling, Tan Yixiao, Hu Yousong, Feng Yiwei, Yang Yi, Jiang Xuelan; video editors: Peng Ying, Mu Xuyao) 
Source: Xinhua| 2021-12-11 07:04:38|Editor: huaxia

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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (R) and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz pose for a photo in Brussels, Belgium, on Dec. 10, 2021. Olaf Scholz met with Ursula von der Leyen here on Friday. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)

BRUSSELS, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- After a long day of discussions in Paris and Brussels on Friday, new German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said his country is ready to work closely with the European Union (EU) and other member states to make Europe "strong and sovereign."

Scholz, who was sworn in on Wednesday as the successor of Angela Merkel, followed in his predecessor's footsteps in making France the first stop during his first-ever trip abroad as chancellor.

During his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, Scholz pledged to work with France on the major challenges confronting the EU. The two leaders discussed the future of the EU with regard to immigration, new sources of energy, border protection and relations with third countries.

Macron told a press conference after the meeting that he had seen "a convergence of views, a desire to have our countries work together, and a firm and determined belief in Europe, which I knew already, which we will need in the months and years ahead."

Scholz said their talks focused on "making Europe strong and sovereign" in terms of economy, security, and foreign policy. "What is important there is that we work together," he said.

The meeting took place a day after Macron had laid out the agenda for a "Europe that is powerful in the world" during France's turn as the rotating president of the 27-member Council of the European Union in the first half of 2022.

STRONGER EUROPE, MULTIPOLAR WORLD

Then the chancellor arrived in Brussels, where he met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Charles Michel and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg.

At a joint press conference with von der Leyen, Scholz emphasized the importance of strengthening the EU's security and defense policy. He also spoke about his vision of a "strong, sovereign European Union" that will be able to respond to foreign policy challenges in a coordinated way. "Any threat against any EU country will not be tolerated," he stressed.

Scholz leads a coalition of his Social Democratic Party (SPD), the Free Democratic Party (FDP) and the Greens. The German government works together in a united way, he said. "All three parties are pro-European," he said.

Germany, as one of the strongest economies in the EU, bears the responsibility to take the role to ensure progress and a bright future in Europe, the chancellor said.

Von der Leyen, a German politician herself, said Germany played an important role in shaping the EU. "The European Commission is ready for intensive cooperation with the new German government," she said, highlighting the fight against the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, climate action in the framework of the European Green Deal, and large-scale digitalization as key areas for cooperation between the European Commission and Germany.

At another press conference with European Council President Charles Michel, Scholz stressed that the EU should live peacefully with other countries when it seeks strategic sovereignty in the multipolar world of today.

The world will not be bipolar as some people speculate, but a multipolar one with "many powers," including the United States, Russia, China, Japan, India as well as many other rising economies, he said.

The former German finance minister and vice-chancellor in the Merkel government won 395 of the 707 votes cast in the Bundestag lower house on Wednesday, and pledged broad "continuity" with Merkel's policies while striving to make Germany greener and fairer. Enditem

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (R) and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz attend a press conference in Brussels, Belgium, on Dec. 10, 2021. Olaf Scholz met with Ursula von der Leyen here on Friday. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (R) and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz arrive to attend a press conference in Brussels, Belgium, on Dec. 10, 2021. Olaf Scholz met with Ursula von der Leyen here on Friday. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)

European Council President Charles Michel (R) and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz attend a press conference after their meeting in Brussels, Belgium, on Dec. 10, 2021. The European Union (EU) should co-exist peacefully with other powers while seeking strategic sovereignty in today's multi-polar world, Olaf Scholz said on Friday. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)

European Council President Charles Michel (R) and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz attend a press conference after their meeting in Brussels, Belgium, on Dec. 10, 2021. The European Union (EU) should co-exist peacefully with other powers while seeking strategic sovereignty in today's multi-polar world, Olaf Scholz said on Friday. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg (R) and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz attend a press conference at the NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, on Dec. 10, 2021. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg (L) and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz arrive for a press conference at the NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, on Dec. 10, 2021. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz speaks during a press conference with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg (not seen in the picture) at the NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, on Dec. 10, 2021. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)

French President Emmanuel Macron (L) greets new German Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the Elysee Palace, in Paris, France, Dec. 10, 2021. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)

French President Emmanuel Macron (L) greets new German Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the Elysee Palace, in Paris, France, Dec. 10, 2021. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)

French President Emmanuel Macron (L) greets new German Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the Elysee Palace, in Paris, France, Dec. 10, 2021. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)
Source: Xinhua| 2021-12-11 16:25:21|Editor: huaxia

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File photo shows Shi Guangsheng (L, front), then Chinese Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation, celebrating with others after signing the protocol of China's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) on behalf of the Chinese government in Doha, Qatar, Nov. 11, 2001. China became a formal WTO member on Dec. 11, 2001. (Xinhua/Wang Jianhua)

BEIJING, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- After rounds of intense and protracted negotiations, the rap of a gavel at the Doha conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO) declared China the 143rd member of the trade body. This iconic moment took place on Nov. 10, 2001.

Today, China stands as the largest trader in goods and the second-largest importer worldwide, with the WTO entry having significantly reshaped its economic landscape, and more importantly, having set a milestone of economic globalization.

The past two decades, as Chinese President Xi Jinping has concluded, have seen the country make continued efforts in widening its opening-up push, efforts that have elevated China's development to a new stage and injected fresh impetus into the global economy.

Xi, leader of the world's second-largest economy, has stressed that the world must bolster economic globalization and opening up as they are vital to "taking humanity to a better future."

OPENING-UP HALLMARK

The president has on many occasions accentuated China's desire to open the door of its market wider to share opportunities with all nations, and that the country remains a champion for multilateralism.

While the world recovers from a pandemic of unprecedented magnitude and globalization faces protectionist headwinds, Xi has announced China's latest opening-up pledges.

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a keynote speech via video at the opening ceremony of the fourth China International Import Expo held in east China's Shanghai on Nov. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

"Opening up is the hallmark of contemporary China," Xi told the world at the fourth China International Import Expo (CIIE) in November. He stressed that China, with its enormous middle-income population, will share market opportunities with the world via measures such as opening more demonstration zones for the creative promotion of import trade and promoting Silk Road e-commerce.

He proclaimed that in the near future, the country will further shorten the negative list for foreign investment, and expand the openness of telecommunication, healthcare and other services.

With the opening-up philosophy engraved into China's path of development, similar measures have been launched intensively throughout this year.

Earlier in September, for instance, the country announced new steps to open up its services sector, which include implementing a negative list for cross-border services trade and exploring the development of national demonstration zones for the innovative development of trade in services, among other measures.

Thanks to its opening-up policy and economic resilience, China has become a stable destination for global investors, even as the COVID-19 pandemic wreaks havoc across the globe. According to a survey released by the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China in June, 75 percent of respondents said they had seen either steady or increased revenue in 2020 compared with the previous year, with consistent profitability.

The resilience of the Chinese market provided "much-needed shelter" for European companies amid the storm of the pandemic last year, the survey noted.

Bullish sentiment can also be found on the U.S. side. Nearly two-thirds of the member companies surveyed said they would increase investment in China this year, according to an earlier survey by the American Chamber of Commerce in China.

SEA CHANGE

In the early years after China's WTO entry, however, market expectations were far from rosy. Some overseas observers were keen on hyping up a coming "China collapse," betting on the new member's economic fragility under the impact of the global trading system and its inability to quickly adapt to international practices.

Terrified by the upcoming fiercer competition from their overseas peers, local industries, automobiles and textiles in particular, were caught in a panic. Foreign competitors were seen as "the coming wolves," a phrase from an eponymous Chinese folk tale warning of an ill omen.

Photo taken on Nov. 11, 2020 shows a view of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone at Pudong New Area in Shanghai, east China. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

Nevertheless, a brand new era has dawned. After the WTO entry, what ensued were a systemic reform of China's economic governance, massive institutional improvements and greater openness.

The central government, for instance, has reviewed and revised over 2,300 laws and regulations since its WTO entry, and local governments over 190,000 laws and regulations. These revisions involve multiple areas, including trade, investment and intellectual property rights protection.

"China is a firm believer in honoring its words with actions," said President Xi at this year's CIIE, listing facts and figures which demonstrate that China is a a faithful keeper of promises.

One of the most convincing examples is the country's overall tariff rate, which has been cut from 15.3 percent to 7.4 percent, lower than its 9.8 percent accession commitment.

China has built 21 pilot free trade zones, which represent the new high ground for opening up, and has further shortened its negative list for foreign businesses.

The foreign direct investment (FDI) into the Chinese mainland, in actual use, is expected to surpass 1 trillion yuan, or 157.49 billion U.S. dollars, in 2021. The FDI inflow totaled 999.98 billion yuan in 2020, skyrocketing 157.7 percent from the 388 billion yuan registered in 2001, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

Today in China, gone is the WTO phobia, as the passion for opening up still runs high. In the global arena, China has turned out to be a staunch advocator of the WTO reform, pioneering globalization among all the 164 members of the trade body, and championing real multilateralism.

In this regard, President Xi has emphasized that China will firmly safeguard true multilateralism, and the multilateral trading regime with the WTO at its core is the cornerstone of international trade.

"We support the WTO reform in moving in the right direction, and support the inclusive development of the multilateral trading regime, as well as the legitimate rights and interests of the developing members," he added.

Aerial photo taken on Dec. 5, 2021 shows the sunrise scenery of the Yangpu international container port at Yangpu economic development zone in south China's Hainan Province. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu)

Amid rising protectionism worldwide, China has also emerged as a determined force against fence-building, supporting regional mechanisms to play a bigger role in safeguarding free trade and opening up.

After officially applying to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership in October, China has vowed more efforts to expand market access.

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement, which will take effect on Jan. 1, 2022, is the world's largest free trade agreement, covering about 30 percent of the world's population. China, a member of the RCEP, has stated its readiness to further boost economic integration and recovery in the region through mutually beneficial cooperation with ASEAN on many occasions.

The world has seen a China miles apart from what it used to be just 20 years ago, and its stunning growth delivers dividends to all. As the largest trading partner of over 50 nations and regions, the country contributes nearly 30 percent of global economic growth annually. It also houses more than 1 million foreign-invested companies.

Yet for all this change, there are still time-tested values that China will continue to cherish, values that President Xi has made clear for all to see.

"We will not change our resolve to open wider at a high standard; we will not change our determination to share development opportunities with the rest of the world; and we will not change our commitment to an economic globalization that is more open, inclusive, balanced and beneficial for all," he said. 
Source: Xinhua| 2021-12-11 17:41:12|Editor: huaxia

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Afghan women attend a graduation ceremony from a vocational training program in Shiberghan city, capital of Jawzjan province, Afghanistan, Dec. 7, 2021. (Photo by Aria/Xinhua)

SHEBIRGHAN, Afghanistan, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- Making artificial flowers has made Afghans feel like spring at any time of the year, Fariha, 22, a flower maker in Afghanistan's northern Jawzjan province told Xinhua.

For the first time, a group of 30 female flower makers have graduated from a vocational training program on the outskirts of the provincial capital Shebirghan since the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan in mid-August.

Fariha is one of them who graduated from high school with the ambition of making flowers to support their families and opening her own flower shop in the city.

The economy has deteriorated in the Asian country with higher unemployment rates and rising poverty, though the security situation has remained generally calm.

"At this difficult time, as Afghanistan is suffering from economic woes, the flower-making art helps young girls to make money and help their families buy basic necessities," Fariha said.

"I have a good income of about 500 to 2,000 afghani (about five to 20 U.S. dollars) from selling my daily products," said Fariha, who is the breadwinner of her nine-member family now.

The artificial but money-spinning flowers are mostly sold to wedding parties, which she said have been recently increasing.

Zahra, another artificial flower maker from the same training program, said she joined it as soon as she graduated from a high school a year ago.

"I have faced difficulties in recent months. My father and elder brother have left for abroad, leaving me the only bread-winner behind," she said.

"It gives me a very good feeling to make flowers and sell my own products, to make money," Zahra, becoming more confident in her business, told Xinhua.

Funded by an international non-governmental organization, the Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development (ACTED), and launched by the Darakhshan Civil Association, the five-month flower-making tutorial program has enabled up to 50 Afghan women to learn the technique and make their daily livelihoods.

The economic woes worsened in Afghanistan following the U.S. freezing of over 9 billion dollars in assets belonging to the Afghan central bank, as well as a halt of funds by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

The international community blamed the Taliban caretaker government for failing to remain inclusive and protect the rights of women.

However, the Taliban said they respect women's rights more than the previous government.

In the latest move earlier this month, Taliban supreme leader Haibatullah Akhundzada issued a special decree saying women and girls have their own choices of marriage, fixed share of heritage and property, and that no one can deprive them of their basic rights. Enditem

Afghan women attend a graduation ceremony from a vocational training program in Shiberghan city, capital of Jawzjan province, Afghanistan, Dec. 7, 2021. (Photo by Aria/Xinhua)
Source: Xinhua| 2021-12-11 18:01:08|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the Greater Bay Science Forum 2021, which opened in Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong Province, on Saturday.

Noting that the world today is undergoing major changes unseen in a century, Xi said the global scientific and technological innovation is in full swing, and a new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation have made profound impact on global economic structure.

Xi urged Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to focus on its strategic positioning of building an international scientific and technological innovation hub, strive to make itself a global highland for scientific and technological innovation, and foster the development of emerging industries.

China is willing to work with scientists around the world and international science and technology organizations to conduct close international scientific and technological exchanges and cooperation, strengthen the research on major scientific problems, promote breakthroughs in common scientific and technological challenges, and deepen collaborations on key science programs to jointly promote the development of the world's scientific undertakings and better benefit humankind, he added.

The Greater Bay Science Forum 2021, themed "Exploring the Future, Sharing Scientific Achievement," is hosted by the Guangdong provincial government. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-12-11 18:54:18|Editor: huaxia

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WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- At least 50 people are likely "killed" in Kentucky after a tornado swept through the central U.S. state, State Governor Andy Beshear was quoted by local media on early Saturday. 
Source: Xinhua| 2021-12-11 20:27:19|Editor: huaxia

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Aerial photo taken on Jan. 11, 2021 shows a view of the Pacific international container terminal at Tianjin Port in north China's Tianjin Municipality. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

by Xinhua writer Ma Qian

China, as the world's second largest economy, now stands as a great growth globalizer that is well positioned to further boost economic globalization and common prosperity worldwide at the same time, a new form of globalization described by many as "growbalization."



BEIJING, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- Over the past 20 years since its accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), China has embarked on an odyssey to embrace globalization by constantly deepening its integration into the global economy.

Along the way, China has not only honored its WTO commitments, but also played a major role in stimulating growth and electrifying development around the world.

The biggest challenge facing economic globalization today is whether it can reward everyone participating in this unstoppable trend so as to ensure a balance between economic efficiency and social justice. In fact, China, as the world's second largest economy, now stands as a great growth globalizer that is well positioned to further boost economic globalization and common prosperity worldwide at the same time, a new form of globalization described by many as "growbalization."

Why can China become a great growth globalizer?

The first reason is that China, under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, has achieved the two miracles of rapid economic growth and enduring social stability.

People visit the 4th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in east China's Shanghai, Nov. 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

Over the last two decades, China's economic size has grown from the sixth to the second largest in the world, and its outbound direct investment has risen from the 26th place to the first. It has been the largest contributor to global growth for 15 years running, and the world's second largest importer for 11 consecutive years.

Think about it: It would be very unlikely for China to make substantial contributions to the rest of the world if it failed to develop itself and maintain stability within its own borders in the past two decades.

The other reason is China's rock-solid commitment to openness as well as its sustained readiness to share development opportunities.

Over the years, Beijing has taken a host of concrete steps to improve its business environment and level the playing field for domestic and foreign firms, like rolling out the Foreign Investment Law and gradually shortening the foreign investment negative list.

China fully understands that its progress is very much linked to a robust global development. That is why it has proposed the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in a bid to help kickstart economic growth in the developing world, and set up platforms like the China International Import Expo (CIIE) so that the bounty of the Chinese market can be better shared with the wider world.

More importantly, China has also been a strong supporter for global free trade and investment by upholding the multilateral trading regime with the WTO at its core, practicing true multilateralism, and supporting the inclusive development of the multilateral trading regime.

Sida Phengphongsawanh (C), a trainee for China-Laos railway train driver, learns to inspect a train from a Chinese instructor at the China Railway No. 2 Engineering Group (CREC-2) railing base for the China-Laos railway, on the northern outskirts of Vientiane, Laos, Sept. 12, 2021. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua)

For example: Thanks to years of relentless collective efforts from China and other participating countries, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, now the world's largest free trade agreement, will enter into force next month.

Considering rising trade protectionism worldwide, such a victory for multilateralism is hard won.

Looking ahead, China will continue to play the role as a great growth globalizer and stay true to its promise of promoting an economic globalization that it is more open, inclusive, balanced and beneficial for all.

On the one hand, the Chinese economy is still capable of maintaining its growth momentum and long-term resilience against headwinds and uncertainties. It has a consumer market of unparalleled size and growth potential, a complete industrial system as well as prudent, pragmatic and flexible economic policy-making.

On the other, by sticking to the goal of joining the rest of the world to build a community with a shared future for mankind, China will continue to carry forward with high-quality opening-up and strengthen cooperation of mutual benefits.

To that end, China has been fostering a new development paradigm of "dual circulation" featuring domestic and overseas markets reinforcing each other with the domestic market as the mainstay.

People visit the 2021 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) at Shougang Park in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Xu Qin)

With the proposal of a Global Development Initiative, China has also vowed to make global development more equitable, effective and inclusive, so that no country will be left behind. The initiative can be interpreted as a message of long-term development opportunities from China.

Executives from Honeywell, McDonald's, Boeing and a number of other U.S. companies recently have all underscored the importance of the Chinese market and its growth opportunities. Foreign investors were also found to have purchased Chinese government bonds as a global reserve asset through most of the year 2021.

"We will not change our resolve to open wider at a high standard; we will not change our determination to share development opportunities with the rest of the world," Chinese President Xi Jinping vowed when addressing the opening ceremony of the fourth CIIE last month.

Over the last 20 years, China has made extra efforts to honor the WTO spirit through its energetic and persistent "growbalization" drive. Marching forward, the great "growth globalizer" will continue to keep faith with its commitment to the global community by making this world a better place not only through rallying words, but also real actions. 
Source: Xinhua| 2021-12-11 21:24:29|Editor: huaxia

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Ebrahim Raisi attends his first press conference after winning the election in Tehran, Iran, on June 21, 2021. (Photo by Ahmad Halabisaz/Xinhua)

TEHRAN, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- If the United States lifts anti-Iran sanctions, a "good agreement," which Iran is looking for, will be reached in nuclear negotiations, Iran's President said on Saturday.

"The Islamic Republic participated in the negotiations with dignity, and showed by presenting the text (proposals) that it is serious in the negotiations," Raisi was quoted as saying by the presidential website.

The Iranian president, who was making the remarks at a meeting of ambassadors and heads of missions of Iran to the neighboring countries, said that "if the other side is determined to lift the sanctions, a good agreement will be reached and we are looking for that."

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

Underlying his administration's policy for improving relations with the neighboring states, he noted that Iran's neighborhood policy and relations with neighbors to counter and neutralize sanctions is a strategic, not a tactical move.

Iran and other remaining parties to the 2015 nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), reconvened in the Austrian capital of Vienna on Thursday to discuss the ways for the revival of the JCPOA, the fate of which was uncertain after the withdrawal of the former U.S. administration in 2018.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-12-12 02:39:20|Editor: huaxia

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A passenger wearing a face mask is seen on a bus in London, Britain, on Dec. 9, 2021. Britain will move to "Plan B" restrictions to combat the rapid spread of the Omicron variant this winter, said British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday. (Photo by Stephen Chung/Xinhua)

More than 89 percent of people aged 12 and over in Britain have had their first dose of vaccine and more than 81 percent have received both doses, according to the latest figures.



LONDON, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- Another 633 Omicron cases have been confirmed in Britain, the biggest daily increase since the COVID-19 variant was detected in the country, taking the total cases found in the country to 1,898, British health authorities said Saturday.

The latest data came as experts are warning Omicron could cause between 25,000 to 75,000 deaths in England by the end of April if no extra measures are brought in.

The UK health security agency (UKHSA) estimated that if Omicron continues to grow at the present rate, the variant will become the dominant strain, accounting for more than 50 percent of all COVID-19 infections in the country by mid-December. It is also projected that if current trends continue unchanged, Britain will exceed 1 million Omicron infections by the end of this month.

Photo taken on Dec. 7, 2021 shows a COVID-19 rapid test kit in London, Britain. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

Britain reports 54,073 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total number of coronavirus cases in the country to 10,771,444, according to official figures released Saturday.

The country also reported a further 132 coronavirus-related deaths. The total number of coronavirus-related deaths in Britain now stands at 146,387, with 7,413 COVID-19 patients still in hospital.

More than 89 percent of people aged 12 and over in Britain have had their first dose of vaccine and more than 81 percent have received both doses, according to the latest figures. More than 39 percent have received booster jabs, or the third dose of a coronavirus vaccine.

To bring life back to normal, countries such as Britain, China, Germany, Russia and the United States have been racing against time to roll out coronavirus vaccines.

People walk past a sign requiring people to wear face coverings in London, Britain, on Dec. 9, 2021. (Photo by Stephen Chung/Xinhua)
Source: Xinhua| 2021-12-11 09:34:55|Editor: huaxia

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TRIPOLI, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said on Friday it evacuated 176 vulnerable asylum seekers from Libya to Rwanda on a humanitarian flight.

"It was the second such flight to Rwanda this year, using the Emergency Transit Mechanism, the first having taken place in July," the UN refugee agency said in a statement.

Among those evacuees were several babies from Eritrea, Ethiopia, Sudan and South Sudan, said the statement, adding that many of the asylum seekers were victims of trafficking or survivors of gender-based violence and other forms of abuse, with several just released from detention centres.

UNHCR said it aims to help the asylum seekers to find durable solutions such as resettlement to third countries, voluntary return where it is possible, or local integration in Rwanda.

"It's relieving to see more people evacuated to safety in Rwanda. We commend the leadership of this country and our supporters for their generous backing of efforts to revive the hope of the evacuees," said Ahmed Baba Fall, UNHCR representative to Rwanda.

Since 2017, a total of 7,490 refugees and asylum seekers have left Libya through humanitarian evacuations or resettlement to third countries, according to the statement.

Many illegal migrants, mostly Africans, choose to cross the Mediterranean Sea to European shores from Libya, due to the state of chaos the country has been mired in since 2011. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-12-11 12:20:17|Editor: huaxia

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KAMPALA, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- African nations should be allowed to develop their homegrown governance systems instead of adopting the Western-style democracy that has not yielded positive results over the years, said scholars, government representatives and diplomats as they were attending a democracy symposium here on Friday.

Opening the symposium themed "Dissecting Western Democracy in Africa", Okello Oryem, Uganda's minister of state in charge of international affairs, said African people should be allowed to determine a democratic system that works best for them.

"The one-size-fits-all model of democracy cannot deliver the aspirations of the people and it's important that democratic assessment be made based on the unique and peculiar conditions and circumstances" of each country, the minister said at the half-day event.

"There is a need to respect national sovereignty and territorial integrity of each nation. The big and powerful nations should not prescribe, impose and super-impose their systems and values that may not be tailored to local circumstances," he added, noting that there is a need for democratic adaptations based on what serves well the people.

Alemtsehay Meseret, Ethiopia's ambassador to Uganda, said that just as Africa fought for independence, it should fight neocolonialism.

"We should provide solutions to our own problems. As Africans, we fought for our independence, we shall say no to neocolonialism," Meseret said.

David Mafabi, senior presidential adviser to Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, said that no other countries can determine African countries' governance systems.

"It is not for any nation or country to tell us what to do and what not to do. It is not for them to determine how we govern ourselves. We have laws, they may be flawed but we don't have impunity," Mafabi said.

African nations need to realize that they can only defeat foreign intervention when united, and as long as Africa remains balkanized, it will be difficult to fend off interference by foreign powers, Mafabi said.

"As balkanized states, we cannot be able to move, we have to integrate. Integration is a strategic imperative," he said.

The international system also needs to be democratized so that Africans can have an equal say in the international arena, he said, stressing the need to build a new multilateralism that favors all people equally. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-12-11 21:21:04|Editor: huaxia

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DAR ES SALAAM, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- Tanzania and Kenya have agreed to exchange roan antelopes and female black rhinoceros in a move aimed at boosting the reproduction of the two species.

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan said Friday at State House in the commercial capital of Dar es Salaam that Tanzania will offer Kenya 20 roan antelopes at a request by visiting Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Speaking after talks between the two leaders in the day, President Hassan said: "Tanzania will deliver the 20 roan antelopes to Kenya before Christmas."

Tanzania has currently about 4,000 roan antelopes while Kenya has only 12 of the species, according to President Hassan.

President Hassan also said President Kenyatta had accepted Tanzania's request for black female rhinoceros that will be sent to northern Tanzania's Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area where there are two black male rhinoceros to boost reproduction.

In his remarks, President Kenyatta who was on a two-day official visit to Tanzania starting Thursday, confirmed President Hassan's announcement about Kenya having accepted Tanzania's request for female black rhinos to boost reproduction. He did not mention the number of female black rhinoceros to be sent to Tanzania.

"The offer will help to restore the number of roan antelopes and boost the tourism industry," said the Kenyan leader, thanking Tanzania for supplying his country with the 20 roan antelopes. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-12-12 01:41:24|Editor: huaxia

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BENI (DR Congo), Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) and Uganda People's Defense Force (UPDF) on Saturday released the first assessment of their joint military operations against rebels of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), conducted since Nov. 30 in Beni territory, northeastern DRC.

According to a statement jointly signed by FARDC spokesman Leon Richard Kasonga and his UPDF counterpart Flavia Byekwaso, 34 "ADF terrorists" were captured and four ADF bases got destroyed during the joint military operations. The security situation remains calm in the area since the beginning of the joint military operations.

In addition to the military operations, the two forces are currently engaged in road construction and rehabilitation projects to further facilitate and secure the movement for military personnel and displaced civilians. As part of these operations, the two forces also launched an extensive awareness campaign and set up medical centers to combat the toxic propaganda distilled by the ADF rebels and their allies in local villages.

Since Nov. 30, UPDF officially launched, in collaboration with FARDC, air and artillery operations against several positions of the notorious ADF rebels in DRC, a nightmare shared by Kinshasa and Kampala. Uganda accuses the ADF rebels of being behind recent terrorist attacks in the Ugandan capital.

A few hours after the launch of the joint military operations, the Ugandan army immediately deployed troops that crossed the border from Nobili in DRC's North Kivu province.

At least 1,700 Ugandan soldiers have already arrived on the Congolese soil since the beginning of the operations, accompanied by equipment including about 100 vehicles of the troop transport and battle tanks, according to the Congolese and Ugandan authorities.

According to DRC's local press outlet Actualite.CD, this is not the first military intervention by Ugandan forces against the ADF in Beni. In 2017, UPDF claimed that it killed more than 100 ADF rebels during strikes in Beni.

The DRC northeastern provinces of North Kivu and Ituri, long plagued by violence incurred by armed groups, especially the ADF rebels, had been under a state of siege since May 6 due to violence by armed groups, especially the ADF rebels. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-12-11 10:18:21|Editor: huaxia

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Photo taken on Dec. 1, 2021 shows artifacts at Afghanistan's national museum in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan. Afghanistan's national museum after experiencing ups and downs has finally been reopened for visitors from home and abroad to introduce the country's history and civilizations, Director of the museum Mohammad Rahim Rahimi said. (Photo by Aria/Xinhua)

KABUL, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- Afghanistan's national museum after experiencing ups and downs has finally been reopened for visitors from home and abroad to introduce the country's history and civilizations, Director of the museum Mohammad Rahim Rahimi said.

The war-weary Afghans witnessed a political transition as the Taliban took over the capital Kabul on Aug. 15 and announced the formation of a caretaker government on Sept. 7.

Once a popular museum in the region for preserving rich cultural heritage from different eras and ancient civilizations, the Afghan national museum was badly damaged as many of its collections had been looted during the factional fighting in the 1990s.

"Luckily nothing has been stolen and nothing has been damaged during the political change and we have managed to preserve everything during these three months," the official said.

"We have kept the national museum since the collapse of the previous government. We have kept it closed because of security reasons and the safety of the collections. We have provided better security, besides protection of the cultural heritage," the director of the museum told Xinhua in his office recently.

Although the door of the museum is open for visitors nowadays, the number of visitors is still limited as many are unaware about reopening the museum, the entity's director assumed.

"It just freshly opened three or four days ago, we don't have a lot of foreign visitors, but local people we have, we are very happy to come here to visit," Rahimi muttered, adding that more visitors are expected to come later.

Objects representing civilizations from the Koshan empire to Greeks and Buddhism eras have been preserved in the Afghanistan national museum.

Nevertheless, Rahimi said that only 5 percent of the collection is on display nowadays, for a few months, and there are plans to rotate that for exhibition.

Rahimi, however, did not furnish details about the museum's monthly or annual income or the number of foreign tourists expected to visit it in the future.

Over two dozen Afghans were visiting the museum on Dec. 9 and one of the visitors Mohammad Nabi, 39, in talks with Xinhua described his visit as just passing time and getting knowledge about Afghanistan's past civilization.

In the meantime, Rahimi expressed gratitude to the proposal from the director of China's Palace Museum for the protection of cultural heritage in Afghanistan.

We are thinking about how to have more cultural cooperation and have support from our Chinese partners on the protection of the cultural heritage, Rahimi said. Enditem

Photo taken on Dec. 1, 2021 shows the model of a giant Buddha statue in Bamiyan at Afghanistan's national museum in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan. Afghanistan's national museum after experiencing ups and downs has finally been reopened for visitors from home and abroad to introduce the country's history and civilizations, Director of the museum Mohammad Rahim Rahimi said. (Photo by Aria/Xinhua)

Photo taken on Dec. 1, 2021 shows artifacts at Afghanistan's national museum in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan. Afghanistan's national museum after experiencing ups and downs has finally been reopened for visitors from home and abroad to introduce the country's history and civilizations, Director of the museum Mohammad Rahim Rahimi said. (Photo by Aria/Xinhua)

Photo taken on Dec. 9, 2021 shows artifacts at Afghanistan's national museum in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan. Afghanistan's national museum after experiencing ups and downs has finally been reopened for visitors from home and abroad to introduce the country's history and civilizations, Director of the museum Mohammad Rahim Rahimi said. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

People visit Afghanistan's national museum in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan, Dec. 9, 2021. Afghanistan's national museum after experiencing ups and downs has finally been reopened for visitors from home and abroad to introduce the country's history and civilizations, Director of the museum Mohammad Rahim Rahimi said. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

Photo taken on Dec. 9, 2021 shows artifacts at Afghanistan's national museum in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan. Afghanistan's national museum after experiencing ups and downs has finally been reopened for visitors from home and abroad to introduce the country's history and civilizations, Director of the museum Mohammad Rahim Rahimi said. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

Photo taken on Dec. 1, 2021 shows Afghanistan's national museum in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan. Afghanistan's national museum after experiencing ups and downs has finally been reopened for visitors from home and abroad to introduce the country's history and civilizations, Director of the museum Mohammad Rahim Rahimi said. (Photo by Aria/Xinhua)

Photo taken on Dec. 9, 2021 shows an artifact at Afghanistan's national museum in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan. Afghanistan's national museum after experiencing ups and downs has finally been reopened for visitors from home and abroad to introduce the country's history and civilizations, Director of the museum Mohammad Rahim Rahimi said. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)
Source: Xinhua| 2021-12-11 13:41:39|Editor: huaxia

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MANILA, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- The World Bank on Saturday approved a 600 million U.S. dollars loan to support the Philippine government's reform program to position the Southeast Asian country for a competitive and resilient economic recovery.

The World Bank said the loan will support ongoing government reforms for promoting private investment, reducing the cost of doing business, and expanding broadband services to encourage investments in information and communications technology.

According to Ndiame Diop, World Bank Country Director for Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand, these reforms are crucial for addressing immediate and long-term barriers to growth, paving the way for inclusive recovery.

"Reforms that promote competition in broadband and mobile telecommunications will benefit a large portion of underserved populations by increasing coverage and quality of service, increasing their access to markets, as well as access to remote education and health services," Diop said.

Internet access has been essential during the COVID-19 pandemic as employed individuals have shifted to home-based work, and school-aged children also have relied on distance learning.

"Similarly, reforms that lower the costs of trade and improve the business environment are expected to benefit all firms but especially small and medium enterprises, which will have access to a larger market for their products and services," Diop added. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-12-11 14:21:50|Editor: huaxia

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HANOI, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- The Vietnamese government has approved the resumption of regular commercial flights between Vietnam and international destinations which are highly safe from COVID-19 since Jan. 1, 2022.

According to the latest notice by the Vietnamese government office, the destinations included those in China, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Laos, Cambodia and the United States, Vietnam News Agency reported Saturday.

The move is to restore international passenger transport, speed up economic and tourism recovery and enable overseas Vietnamese to return to their homeland for the upcoming Lunar New Year, Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh said in the government directive.

While the resumption of international flights is necessary, effective pandemic control must also be ensured, Minh said, urging relevant authorities and aviation businesses to work actively to realize the approved plan and make recommendations for adjustments in accordance with the actual situation.

Vietnam closed its border and grounded all international flights in March last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, only allowing entry for Vietnamese repatriates, foreign experts and highly-skilled workers with certain quarantine requirements. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-12-11 16:24:18|Editor: huaxia

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NEW DELHI, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- India's capital New Delhi on Saturday recorded the second case of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 that came from Zimbabwe, confirmed Delhi's health department.

According to the patient's travel history, he had traveled to South Africa recently.

The patient has been admitted to the Delhi-based Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital (LNJP), where a separate ward has been set up for Omicron patients.

An official statement said that genome sequencing of 27 foreign travellers admitted to LNJP hospital has been done, of which 25 samples were negative, while Omicron has been found in the samples of two people.

With this, the total number of Omicron cases in India has risen to 33. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-12-11 17:45:07|Editor: huaxia

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ISLAMABAD, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- A policeman was killed and another suffered injuries in an attack on an anti-polio team in Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, a senior police officer said on Saturday.

Unidentified gunmen riding on a motorcycle attacked the security personnel escorting the anti-polio team in Tank district of the province, killing the police officer on the spot while injuring the other one, District Police Officer of Tank Sajjad Ahmed Sahibzada told Xinhua.

The injured policeman has been shifted to a nearby hospital and is being treated for his critical wounds, Sahibzada said. The attackers fled the scene and a search operation is underway to arrest them.

According to media reports, the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan claimed responsibility for the attack. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-12-11 21:15:37|Editor: huaxia

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ISLAMABAD, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani senior officials said on Friday the landmark resolution adopted recently by the Communist Party of China (CPC) is critical for China, and Pakistan can learn from the CPC's governance experience.

They made the remarks at a webinar organized by Pakistani think-tank Pakistan-China Institute, discussing the resolution of the sixth plenary session of the 19th CPC Central Committee and its implications for China and the world.

Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Syed Fakhar Imam stressed the importance of the historic resolution, saying that "this critical juncture will propel China to achieve new heights and help it in creating a community with a shared future for mankind."

"The CPC, since its founding, has launched movements against corruption, waste, bribery, tax evasion," he noted, adding these are "something the developing world, especially Pakistan can learn from."

Deputy Speaker of Pakistan's National Assembly, or the lower house of the country's parliament Qasim Khan Suri, highlighted the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which has successfully completed its first phase and promoted the deep-rooted bilateral partnership in the fields of economy, society, culture, ecology and governance.

He called on Pakistani political parties to deepen communication with China to learn from the governance experience of the CPC.

Sherry Rehman, chair of the Senate's Foreign Affairs Committee, congratulated the CPC on passing the historic resolution which reaffirms the commitment of party leadership to achieve the outlined goals.

"Friendship with China unites Pakistani political parties, especially ties with the CPC," she said.

Mushahid Hussain Syed, chairman of Pakistani Senate's Defense Committee, said that the results would be far-reaching in terms of policy continuity and stability.

In today's era of globalization, challenges like COVID-19 and climate change require collective efforts through wider cooperation, he added. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-12-11 22:02:03|Editor: huaxia

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SHIJIAZHUANG, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- In the first 11 months of 2021, Great Wall Motors, China's leading sport utility vehicle (SUV) and pickup manufacturer, recorded cumulative export sales of over 20,000 units in Australia and New Zealand, making the two markets its largest overseas finished vehicle export destinations.

During the period, the Chinese automobile maker sold a total of 20,359 vehicles in the two foreign countries, up 253 percent year on year.

The company will continue its expansion in the intelligent and new energy products market. In 2022, it is expected to launch more new energy vehicle (NEV) models in Australia.

Headquartered in the city of Baoding, north China's Hebei Province, Great Wall Motors owns several vehicle brands, including HAVAL, GWM Pickup, WEY, and ORA. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-12-11 14:54:00|Editor: huaxia

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HOUSTON, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- At least two people died and five others were seriously injured after a tornado struck a nursing home on Friday in the central U.S. state of Arkansas, authorities said.

At least 20 people were trapped inside the nursing home after the tornado hit the small northeast Arkansas town of Monette, local media outlet KAIT-TV quoted Craighead County Judge Marvin Day as saying.

Other buildings in town also suffered damage, the report added.

Authorities in Monette issued a state of emergency and told residents to shelter in place, the news outlet said.

Tornado warnings were issued Friday night for multiple counties across northeastern Arkansas, northwest Tennessee and southeast Missouri, local media said. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-12-11 20:04:25|Editor: huaxia

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TEHRAN, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- If the United States lifts anti-Iran sanctions, a "good agreement," which Iran is looking for, will be reached in nuclear negotiations, Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi said on Saturday.

"The Islamic Republic participated in the negotiations with dignity, and showed by presenting the text (proposals) that it is serious in the negotiations," Raisi was quoted as saying by the presidential website.

The Iranian president, who was making the remarks at a meeting of ambassadors and heads of missions of Iran to the neighboring countries, said that "if the other side is determined to lift the sanctions, a good agreement will be reached and we are looking for that."

Underlying his administration's policy for improving relations with the neighboring states, he noted that Iran's neighborhood policy and relations with neighbors to counter and neutralize sanctions is a strategic, not a tactical move.

Iran and other remaining parties to the 2015 nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), reconvened in the Austrian capital of Vienna on Thursday to discuss the ways for the revival of the JCPOA, the fate of which was uncertain after the withdrawal of the former U.S. administration in 2018. Enditem
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a programme on "Depositors First: Guaranteed Time-bound Deposit Insurance Payment up to Rs 5 Lakh" on Sunday in Vigyan Bhawan.

Deposit insurance covers all deposits such as savings, fixed, current, recurring deposits, among others in all commercial banks, functioning in India. Deposits in State, Central and Primary cooperative banks, functioning in States or Union Territories are also covered.

In a path-breaking reform, bank deposit insurance cover was enhanced from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakhs.

With deposit insurance coverage of Rs 5 lakhs per depositor per bank, the number of fully protected accounts at end of the previous financial year constituted 98.1 per cent of the total number of accounts, as against the international benchmark of 80 per cent.

The first tranche of interim payments has been released by the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation recently, against claims received from depositors of 16 Urban Cooperative Banks which are under restrictions by the RBI.

Payout of over Rs 1,300 crore has been made to alternate bank accounts of over 1 lakh depositors against their claims.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, MoS Finance Bhagwat K. Karad and RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das will also be in attendance.
The whole nation witnessed the hard work of Indias first CDS General Bipin Rawat for making the countrys security forces self-reliant, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday. Extending his condolences to the families of all those who died in the chopper crash in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday, PM Modi said the demise of Gen Bipin Rawat is a loss to every patriot.

Referring to Gen Rawats effort to strengthen the coordination between the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force, Prime Minister Modi promised that the campaign will continue in order to make the security forces Aatmanirbhar.

Wherever General Bipin Rawat maybe, in the days to come, he will see India moving ahead with new resolutions, the prime minister said.

India is mourning but despite being in pain, neither do we stop our pace nor our development. India won't stop. India won't be at a standstill. Together, we Indians will work hard & face every challenge inside and outside the country, he added
Second case of Omicron variant of the coronavirus has been reported in the national capital.

As per Delhi government sources, the person -- fully vaccinated, came from Zimbabwe and had travelled to South Africa.

The B.1.1.529 variant was first reported to World Health Organization (WHO) from South Africa on November 24, 2021.

The first patient to have tested positive for Omicron in Delhi is a resident of Ranchi and had travelled from Tanzania to Doha and from there to Delhi on a Qatar Airways flight on December 2. The person also stayed in Johannesburg, South Africa, for a week.

The patient was isolated at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Narayan Hospital.

With the fresh case, India has so far reported 33 cases of the new variant that has sparked worries worldwide.

On Friday, Delhi recorded 41 fresh cases of coronavirus, taking the total case tally in the national capital to 14,41,610. The positivity rate stands at 0.07 per cent, according to the data shared by the city health department.

Till December 10, a total of 2,38,58,032 people have been vaccinated in the national capital.
Two civilians were killed and three others injured as a blast targeted a mini-bus in Dasht-i-Barch area of Afghanistan's capital Kabul on Friday, Interior Ministry spokesman Qari Sayed Khosti confirmed.

"Two civilians were martyred and three others sustained injury as a blast ripped through a mini-bus in Dasht-i-Barchi area this afternoon," Xinhua news agency quoted Khosti as saying.

However, eyewitnesses believed that the number of casualties could be higher than reported.

The official also confirmed that another blast almost in the same area injured a woman on Friday afternoon, but he didn't provide more details.

No group or individual has claimed responsibility for the explosions.

The blast took place at 3:25 p.m. local time and targeted a mini-bus in Dasht-i-Barchi area, a suburb of Police District 13 in Kabul, eyewitnesses said.

Daesh, or the hardliner Islamic State (IS) outfit, has in the past claimed responsibility for subversive activities including bomb attacks on two mini-buses in Dasht-i-Barchi district over the past couple of months.
Foundations of Amateur Radio

Getting Amateur Radio propagation data at home

For some time now I've been discussing the potential of weak signal propagation and its ability to create a live map from the data that your own station transmits. There are several systems in place that show a map of where and when your station was heard in the past little while. Using 200 milliwatts, I've been transmitting a WSPR or Weak Signal Propagation Reporter beacon on 10m for the past few weeks.

At the moment, the furthest away my beacon has been heard is 13.612 km away. That's an 0.2 Watt signal heard on the other side of the planet, on 10m. As distance goes, it's a third of the way around the globe. I must point out that there's no way of knowing if this signal travelled the short path or the long path.

If you've heard those terms, short and long path but were wondering what they mean, here's how it works. If I get on my bike at my QTH in Perth in VK6 and peddle East until I hit Sydney, I'll have crossed Australia, taken about 184 hours and travelled about 3.746 km. That's the short path. If I head West instead and start swimming, visit Cape Town, Buenos Aires and Auckland along the way, I'll have travelled much further, still made it to Sydney, but taken the long path.

Radio waves can do the same. Depending on propagation, a signal might take either the shortest route, or go in the opposite direction and take the longest route along the great circle between two stations.

I'm mentioning this because WSPR doesn't tell you if it's one or the other and if you're using a vertical, it could be either. Even directional antennas might receive a signal from unexpected directions.

Using one of the mapping tools, wspr.live, I extracted all the sightings of my callsign and all the reports that I'd made from my receiver. It shows that my newest transmitter has now been heard by 11 stations across three continents.

Those numbers are just the beginning. I wanted to see on the map where these stations were, so, during the week I built a proof of concept world map that I used to visually show the four character Maidenhead grid squares that my station was heard in. I also had a look to see which stations I'd heard over the years and where they were. In all, 771 different stations are in my log, either as a receiver or a transmitter.

N4WQH heard me on 40m, 18.832 km away when I was using 5 Watts. My station has heard, or has been heard across 331 different grid squares. There's reports across some remote parts of Australia, Japan, India, South Africa, Europe, the United States, several across the Pacific and even a few in Antarctica.

I wondered how many of the world's grid squares have actually been activated and which station was heard the furthest and how much power was used. Those numbers will have to wait for another day. I initially started using wspr.live which has a neat way of allowing you to embed an SQL query as part of the URL to download the output.

I was getting some interesting results, so I thought, rather than hammer this lovely resource with my questions, I should download the raw data instead. So I did. Well, I am. Still. It's big.

As of today, there's 166 files, taking up 60 GB of compressed data, with over 3.5 billion reports.

The first spot in that data goes to N8FQ who heard WB3ANQ on Monday, the 17th of March, 2008 across 911 km on the 30m band transmitting with 28 dBm, or about 630 mW, reporting a signal to noise ratio of 1 dB.

Using preliminary data to get started I mapped all the activated squares, each shown as a red box and saw that my entire map was red. At that point I figured that either I've got a bug in my code, or something else is going on.

To give some context before I share what I found, a Maidenhead locator consists of a combination of letters and numbers. For four letter grid squares, there's a grand total of 32.400 different combinations, running from AA00 to RR99. They're 2 degrees wide and 1 degree high and their width depends on where on the planet they are. At the equator it's about 222 km wide and 111 km tall, at the North and South pole, it's 0 km wide. If you travel between two squares, you might have to move a meter, or the entire width of a grid square.

Among the report, I found stations who had activated more than one square. That's fair enough, you can move your station and start making noise where ever you like. I found stations with activations across more than a thousand different squares. Before I start pointing the finger, I will mention that if you attach a WSPR beacon to an aircraft, or a balloon, you can legitimately activate plenty of squares.

When you set-up a WSPR transmitter, you're required to manually enter the locator and mistakes happen. There's plenty of records with invalid Maidenhead locators, typically shown instead is a callsign. Then there are stations that pick desirable locators. This manual entry is also true for the power level and even the callsign, so I'm not outing these stations here, since it's entirely possible that the callsign shown doesn't actually relate to the transmitter or the licensed amateur.

What does all this mean?

It means that the information in the WSPR database cannot be trusted. I suspect it also means that the data used to lodge FT8 contacts across the planet can probably also not be trusted. It means that any propagation data you're deriving is likely contaminated by misreporting, deliberately or not.

As a community, if we want to use this for actual measurements, we'll have to figure out how to make this a trusted resource, because the information that WSPR can bring to propagation is in my opinion extremely valuable.

I would love to hear your thoughts on how we might fix it.

I'm Onno VK6FLAB

 This article is the transcript of the weekly 'Foundations of Amateur Radio' podcast, produced by Onno Benschop, VK6FLAB who was licensed as radio amateur in Perth, Western Australia in 2010. For other episodes, visit http://vk6flab.com/. Feel free to get in touch directly via email: cq@vk6flab.com
GB120MT to commemorate Marconi transatlantic signal Listen out for Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society Special Event call GB120MT marking the 120th anniversary of the first reception by Marconi of a transmission made across the Atlantic on December 12, 1901



Follow the Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society on Twitter

https://twitter.com/ChelmsfordARS



In 2001 Chelmsford club members operated 2MT from the Marconi factory in New Street to mark the 100th anniversary. This was the first time the UK communications regulator, then called the Radiocommunications Agency, had issued a special short three-character amateur radio callsign

http://www.g0mwt.org.uk/events/marfold/marconi.htm



Germany's DARC say on Sunday, Dec 12, there will be a special programme on Radio DARC 6070 kHz to mark the 120th anniversary

https://darc.de/
Ashgabat hosted an international conference titled Policy of Peace and Trust  Foundation of International Security, Stability and Development marking the 26th anniversary of the permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan and the International Day of Neutrality. The forum was attended by President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

The conference brought together members of the Turkmen parliament, cabinet of ministers of Turkmenistan, heads of international and regional organizations, diplomatic missions and representative offices of international organizations in Ashgabat, rectors of higher education establishments, representatives of national mass media, as well as foreign journalists accredited in Turkmenistan.

In his speech, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized that the principles of peacefulness, trust, openness to dialogue are inherent in Turkmenistan's foreign policy which is based on the permanent neutrality. The President of Turkmenistan also stressed the importance of following a new philosophy in international relations based on clear political criteria, healthy, positive pragmatism, universally recognized and understandable to all human values.

The conference participants heard the statements by Secretary General of the Economic Cooperation Organization H. Noziri; Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States B. Amreev; Secretary General of the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY) D. Kaseinov; Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for Central Asia, Head of the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia N. German; UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan D. Shlapachenko and Head of the OSCE Center in Ashgabat D. McGregor.

The International Conference of Peace and Trust resulted in signing an impressive set of documents comprising 26 multilateral acts. The international conference continued in plenary sessions.

 TURKMENISTAN.RU, 2022
New Delhi, Dec 11 (UNI) Indian Army on Saturday commemorated fifty years of the airdrop of the Indian Armys 2nd Parachute Battalion at Tangail, in erstwhile East Pakistan, which is now Bangladesh.

The battalion group, led by Lt Col Kulwant Singh Pannu with an Artlillery Battery of 17 Parachute Field Regiment, platoon of 411 (Independent) Parachute Field Company, medical detachment, surgical team and other administrative troops from the Shatrujeet Brigade were tasked to cut off the retreat of the Pakistani troops from the north towards Dhaka.

The landmark event was commemorated at Agra today, in the presence of the Victory Flame as a poignant and touching tribute to the veterans who had participated in the Airdrop 50 years ago.

As a mark of respect to his professional dynamism, the parachute jump was dedicated to first CDS, Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat and the soldiers and air warriors who lost their lives in the line of duty on December 8.

"Gen Bipin Rawat envisioned jointmanship amongst the services to touch the highest standards of integration and execution. The Parachute jump was marked by precise coordination between the Army and Air Force in the best spirit of jointmanship," the Indian Army said in a statement.

Several veterans who had participated in the Tangail airdrop and subsequent operations in Bangladesh were also at Agra to witness the commemoration of the landmark event. The presence and experience of veteran paratroopers continues to inspire the current generation to achieve loftier heights of professional excellence.

The mass parachute jump by the Shatrujeet Brigade was led by Lt Gen Yogendra Dimri, GOC-in-C Central Command himself, who later felicitated the 1971 War veterans to honour their service and contribution to the Nation.

At the Drop Zone, a weapons and equipment display and photo gallery was also setup to showcase the Shatrujeet Brigades participation in the Eastern Sector during the 1971 War and the famous Tangail Air Drop.



Lt Gen Nirbhay Sharma (Retd) who was the Adjutant of the 2nd Parachute Battalion during the 1971 War, was present during the event. Four veteran paratroopers also participated in the parachute jump, viz Lt Gen RR Goswami (Retd), Maj Gen Shiv Jaswal (Retd), Col Thomas Kochappan (Retd) and Col Pramod Tembe (Retd). The event was witnessed by a large number of war veterans, senior serving paratroopers, civil dignitaries, all ranks and families of Shatrujeet Brigade and school children.

UNI AO SHK2011


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Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-23 01:14:25|Editor: huaxia

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YAOUNDE, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Cameroonian Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute met with senior government officials on Thursday to strategize on how to boost the country's tourism potential, which has been badly affected by COVID-19 pandemic, during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) scheduled for next year.

Cameroon's tourism potential will be given huge exposure to the world through AFCON, which will increase the popularity of the central African nation as a tourism destination, Ngute said during the National Tourism Board meeting in the capital, Yaounde.

Cameroon will rehabilitate and renovate hotels, improve health service, beautify its towns and cities, install new signposts and project its touristic destinations via traditional news media and social media, Bello Bouba Maigari, Minister of Tourism and Leisure told reporters at the close of the meeting.

"This is a very important event that will be communicated not only in the country but in Africa and the world over. Our strategy is to sell our country in the best possible way in order to attract more tourists during and after the competition," Maigari said.

The world will have a unique opportunity to experience Cameroon's beauty, culture, environment, modern and distinctive made-in-Cameroon products through creative communication, officials said.

The biennial competition is scheduled to take place in Cameroon from January 9 to February 6 next year. Enditem
Thanks to this ratification, Peru joins other 56 States which have ratified this treaty, thus completing the process of adhesion to the main international instruments on disarmament, non-proliferation, and peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

This treaty is the first multilateral agreement applicable on a global scale which fully prohibits nuclear weapons and constitutes a fundamental pillar to move towards a world free of nuclear weapons by banning the use, threat to use, development, production, testing, and storage of this type of weaponry or other nuclear explosive devices.

Likewise, it is legally binding for the complete destruction and elimination of nuclear weapons in a transparent, irreversible, and verifiable manner within specific deadlines.

The TPNW also broadens the scope of international humanitarian law, as well as establishes a mechanism for cooperation and assistance to nuclear attack victims.

From the perspective of foreign policy, the ratification of this treaty will promote understanding, awareness, and prevention of humanitarian consequences resulting from the use of any form of nuclear weapon, thus highlighting Peru's high commitment to its international obligations in terms of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.

"The ratification of the TPNW is in line with Peru's commitment to promote international peace and security so as to facilitate the development and growth of our peoples," it added.

El 9 de diciembre de 2021, el Congreso de la Republica ratifico el Tratado sobre la Prohibicion de las Armas Nucleares (TPAN). 1/3

La ratificacion del TPAN constituye un paso fundamental hacia el desarme global, permitiendo establecer una norma de derecho internacional de prohibicion categorica de las armas nucleares en toda circunstancia. 2/3

Su ratificacion esta en linea con el compromiso del Peru para promover la paz y seguridad internacionales, con el objeto de crear un ambiente de estabilidad politica y de fomento de la confianza, necesario para el desarrollo y crecimiento de nuestros pueblos. 3/3
Canciller Oscar Maurtua participo de la ceremonia de inauguracion donde expreso su profunda emocion por la trascendencia para el Peru de ser el primer pais del continente americano en presentar un pesebre navideno en la Plaza San Pedro. pic.twitter.com/HDXip9yNxn
El jefe de Estado @PedroCastilloTe participo esta manana en la Cumbre por la Democracia, convocada por el presidente @JoeBiden. Un evento virtual con el que se busca fortalecer la institucionalidad democratica, la lucha contra la corrupcion y el respeto por los derechos humanos. pic.twitter.com/3FVVRS4MU2
" " There are about 300 eastern lowland gorillas in the GRACE habitat that you can watch live via webcam. Grace Gorillas

Staying quarantined all the time probably has you stir crazy by now and maybe even wondering what's going on in the outside world  you know with the animals. And with zoos and aquariums off-limits, there are only so many ways to catch up with our friends in the wild. But no worries, you and you kids can still check in on some pretty amazing species via webcam  and we found five that do the trick.

Depending on what hour you tune, you might be treated to the animals during an actual livestream, but if not, no worries. Most of these kid-friendly webcams also include highlight reels that provide hours of footage that's ready for watching. Just press play and become mesmerized as you watch gorillas in the lush forests of Africa snooze unencumbered or watch brown bears in Alaska catching salmon as they swim upstream.

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Gorillas in the Mist

The Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Center (GRACE) is an organization dedicated to the conservation of the eastern lowland gorilla (Grauer's gorillas) in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The program focuses on the long-term rehabilitation of these majestic primates (the largest in the world!) by creating surrogate families of orphans. There are about 300 gorillas in the habitat. The webcam, which went live on Sept. 24, 2019, in honor of World Gorilla Day, captures male silverbacks, adult females and little ones romping around and dozing in the forest, and snacking on leaves, blissfully unaware of how much joy they're bringing those who are watching from afar.

One Word: Puppies

Umm, puppies, hello! No matter what time of day you check in, you'll likely be greeted with an adorable pile of puppies transmitted live from Brookeville, Maryland. These pups, typically a litter of Labradors, are part of Warrior Canine Connection, a program designed to help service members and veterans who are struggling with both psychological and physical injuries. Veterans with PTSD help train and socialize the pups, starting at 4 weeks old, to become service animals for other physically disabled vets. Everyone benefits from the love and connection the dogs provide along the way. It's a win-win situation for all involved. And when you tune in to the webcam, it's a win-win-win!

Fat Bear Challenge

Established in 2012, the Brown Bear Cam of Brooks Falls in Alaska's Katmai National Park is a classic animal cam that you need to check out immediately if you never have before. If you tune in early in the spring, you might be surprised to see how skinny some of the bears are. But no need to worry, they're just coming out of hibernation. As the months progress into June and July, those bears will thicken right up on a feast of migrating sockeye salmon that leap up the falls. It all leads up to Fat Bear Week, an annual competition in October that awards the biggest chunk through an online bracket.

Carole Baskin's Big Cats

If you're curious to check in on Carole Baskin's cats, check out The Big Cat Rescue in Tampa, Florida. That's where you can see the "Tiger King's" co-stars via The Big Cat Rescue cam from many different vantage points around the sanctuary. The most popular view is of Tiger Lake where two rescue tigers in separate enclosures lounge on wooden platforms  but don't miss Nikita the Lioness or the Kitten Cabana. The latter showcases the smaller cat species at the reserve, such as bobcats, but also regular house cats who live in a fever dream of a scratching post corral.

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Save the Manatee

Tune into the underwater and above-water manatee cams at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park to see the park's permanent residents, Ariel, Betsy and Electra (who was rescued in 1998 after a boat struck her) drift and float across your screen. You might not see them right away but that makes a glimpse of these interesting creatures in their natural habitat all the more rewarding.

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Now That's Interesting There are hundreds of fascinating live cams streaming all kinds of creatures from around the world on Explore.org. Find everything from eagles to elephants to Great Danes and alligators.
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 11, ARMENPRESS. A criminal case has been initiated at the General Military Investigative Department on the murder of a serviceman by his fellow-serviceman and wounding 2 others.

The serviceman that has committed the crime is arrested.

Preliminary investigation is underway.
Adrian Peh, Chief Executive Officer of Synergy Financial Advisers, expressed gratitude for being a recipient of the prestigious award.

Mountbatten Square, Singapore, Dec. 11, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

The widely acclaimed company, Synergy Financial Advisers, will receive the coveted SkillsFuture Employer Award for 2021. This government recognition illustrates the value that Synergy leaders place upon clients, employees, and investment in the future. The company has often been recognized for its trailblazing success due to its rising standard of financial guidance. Alongside wealth management expertise, the firm values compassion above all else, as shown by Synergy's emphasis on employee education and philanthropic endeavors.

Synergy's latest achievement is one of many. Executives are also responsible for earning the Data Protection Trustmark Certification, the SQC STAR with People and Innovation, and many more worthy recognitions. Since its beginning, Synergy has continuously upped the stakes of what it means to embody financial success. The company's dedicated team of advisers share a common culture while appreciating diversity, allowing for custom solutions for all types of businesses.

Chief Executive Officer, Adrian Peh, expressed gratitude for earning the prestigious award. "The SkillsFuture Employer Award endorses our culture of continuous learning. We are truly humbled by this recognition," says Peh. "Synergy is proud to have a lifelong learning culture."

The leaders of Synergy Financial Advisers continue to innovate, educate, and strengthen wealth management every day with tools like OneSynergy, an in-house Continual Professional Development (CPD) training application, and Synergy PLUS, a support program revolving around credible external training institutes. These resources and more lead to a customer experience like no other  one that steers to financial freedom like they never imagined.

Story continues

To learn more about Synergy Financial Advisers, services, products, charity work, and other news, please visit synergy.com.sg.

About Synergy Financial Advisers

Founded in 2014, Synergy Financial Advisers PTE. LTD has quickly become a reputable resource for wealth management, insurance and investment advice, and general financial planning. The Singapore based company has won many prestigious awards, proving its team of advisers to be a dedicated, unique, and much needed addition to the industry. Synergy provides outstanding products, reliable services, philanthropic contributions to the community, and unforgettable innovations. Committed to professionalism, education, and compassion, leaders at Synergy Financial Advisers believe anyone can achieve true financial freedom.

Website: https://synergy.com.sg/





CONTACT: Name: Ms. Kan Ling Siong Organization: Synergy Financial Advisers Phone: +65 6654 1888




Nearly 600 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in the two weeks since Thanksgiving, according to the Cayuga County Health Department.

The statistic was included in a holiday update released by the department on Friday. From Nov. 26 through Dec. 8, 599 residents have tested positive for COVID-19. According to health officials, 70% of the positive cases are unvaccinated and 142 cases are among children under age 18.

With Christmas and New Year's Day approaching, the health department urged residents to "practice safe behaviors" to protect family members and friends. Using recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the department encouraged people to wear masks in indoor or crowded areas, stay six feet away from others, and avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces.

Other guidance includes handwashing, covering coughs, cleaning and disinfecting frequently used objects, and staying home if you feel ill.

"We know these practices work to limit the spread of disease and urge people to perform them to protect yourselves and our community," the department said.

The health department also urged residents to get vaccinated. According to the CDC, 55.3% of Cayuga County's total population is fully vaccinated. The rate is slightly higher (58.3%) among those ages 5 and older who are eligible to get the vaccine.

While the department is holding vaccination clinics, COVID-19 vaccines are available at state-run sites, including the New York State Fairgrounds, and local pharmacies.

In other news:

 A Cayuga County man in his 40s died of COVID-19, according to the health department. The county's virus-related death toll is up to 112.

The health department noted that there have been five COVID-19 deaths since Thanksgiving.

 The county had 63 new cases on Thursday, increasing its December total to 463. It is on pace to have nearly 1,600 cases this month.

There are nine residents hospitalized with COVID-19. The total number of hospitalizations has been unchanged for five consecutive days.

 Cayuga's active case count decreased from 418 to 393 in one day. The number of active cases remains at an 11-month high.

Online producer Robert Harding can be reached at (315) 282-2220 or robert.harding@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @robertharding.

Concerned about COVID-19? Sign up now to get the most recent coronavirus headlines and other important local and national news sent to your email inbox daily. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Mercedes-Benz has become the first automotive company in the world to meet the necessary requirements for approval of the Level 3 autonomous driving system. The approval has been granted by UN-R157 which is a United Nation regulation body that sets the standard of Level 3 autonomous driving technology in vehicles.

Similar Cars

The luxury automaker informed that this automated driving technology called DRIVE PILOT will be available in S-Class and EQS models in the first half of 2022. The first customers of these cars will be able to drive in conditionally automated mode at the speed of 60 kmph in heavy traffic or congested situations or stretches. The special DRIVE PILOT equipment will take the strain off the driver and allow it to perform ancillary tasks on the central display such as online shopping or processing e-mails in the in-car office, added the automaker.

(Also read | This country will allow 400 robo-taxis to ply on roads by early 2022)

The system works on surround sensors of the Driving Assistance Package and also constitutes additional sensors that the automaker considers indispensable for safe conditionally automated driving. These include LiDAR, a camera in the rear window, and microphones designed for detecting blue lights and other special signals from emergency vehicles. One will also find a wetness sensor on the wheel. The system will receive information about the road geometry, route profile, traffic signs and unusual traffic events such as roadworks or accidents from a digital HD map

Markus Schafer, member of the board of management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG, chief technology officer responsible for development and purchasing stated that the company has been working to achieve the vision of automated driving and now with this LiDAR-based system, the company is looking forward to giving customers a unique experience. With the approval of the authorities, we have now achieved a breakthrough: We are the first manufacturer to put conditionally automated driving into series production in Germany," he added.

(Also read | What does future of self-drive technology have in store? Check out this study)

The luxury automaker informed that it is offering the DRIVE PILOT on 13,191 km of motorway in Germany and it is also conducting extensive test drives of this system in countries such as the USA and China. As soon as the regions allow Level 3 technology, the company will start rolling it out.
LOS ANGELESIndustry newcomer Matteo Nevaeh, star of the upcoming Luxxxe Studios release "Friends in Heat, is the guest on the newest episode of the Wyatt! podcast, now streaming on YouTube.

Nevaeh, who will be playing the role of Jonas Donovan in the feature releasing early next year, spoke about the new movie and his career.

Wyatt OBrien Evans, the podcast's host, wrote in the episode description, The adult entertainer in the spotlight is Mr. Matteo Nevaeh, whos just entered the skin game! Matteo is the sizzling and smoldering discovery of porn sensation Mr. J. D. Daniels, founder and CEO of the recently established Luxxxe Studios.

To listen to the podcast, click here.

During the podcast, Evans asked about the new production, but also about Nevaehs backside and his physical appearance in general. Nevaeh answered, Where do I start, I mean heres the thingeven growing up, Ive been known to have a voluptuous booty! I think its just genetics.

Evans replied, Im always curious as to why guys decide to carve out a career in porn. Until Nevaeh, I havent had the opportunity to talk with someone whos brand new to the industry.

But Nevaeh admitted to having hedonism in his blood, explaining that he got his feet wet in the industry by creating content for JustFor.Fans and OnlyFans.

How this happened was that I planned a sporadic trip to Montreal ... nothing was planned for me to film anything," he explained. "However, the opportunity suddenly arose, and I thought, Heres the opportunity Ive been looking for, wanting and waiting to get into!'

Meanwhile, Luxxxe Studios has released a second featurette of behind-the-scenes footage from Friends in Heat, starring Nevaeh, along with award-winning performer Brian Bonds and Luxxxes exclusive model Justin Yurmouth.

To watch the clip on Twitter, click here.

For more updates, follow Luxxxe Studios on Instagram and Twitter.
PHOENIX  Miracle Mile Deli has been proudly serving pastrami sandwiches for 72 years, but the pandemic has Josh Garcias restaurant in survival mode.

What were seeing is the normal products that weve been able to get ahold of easily, like chicken tenders, we cant get ahold of, Garcia said. The manufacturers are experiencing staffing issues like we are, but now that the world is open, they cant keep up with the demand, so theyre trying to recover and were on the receiving end of it.

Small businesses and restaurants across metro Phoenix are struggling to stay afloat because of supply chain shortages and price hikes as they compete with Walmart, Amazon and other powerhouses for products to fill shelves and pantries. They also compete for workers to fill essential staffing positions.

Garcia touts Miracle Mile as one of the biggest pastrami users on the West Coast; the restaurant serves about 3,000 pounds of pastrami each month. But the price, he said, has gone up $2 per pound since the pandemic was declared in March 2020.

Weve taken a 30% price increase on products across the board since COVID started, so whether its disposables, food or drinks, everyone has encountered some form of price increase, he said. All of the big stores have a lot of money and backing with investors and customers, but were just a small mom-and-pop business thats been around for 72 years with 24 employees.

Wells Fargo senior economist Mark Vitner said the $5.2 trillion in stimulus checks issued in 2020 and 21 helped revive consumer spending more quickly than supply, which shut down when demand plummeted at the beginning of the pandemic.

We basically drew down inventories of just about everything, and production has been trying to catch up, Vitner said. We still havent recovered all the jobs that were lost during the pandemic, and factories and warehouses are having a hard time attracting workers back.

Vitner said he expects supply chain worries are at their peak, with prices going up by 7.1% in Phoenix from a year ago, according to October Consumer Price Index data.

I think we have seen some modest incremental improvement in just the last few weeks, he said. And I think that six months from now well be in a better place, but were not going to get completely past these supply chain issues for at least a year.

Although restaurants arent as affected by supply chain problems and shipping issues as much as other industries, such as construction and homebuilding, small businesses dont have the bargaining power when it comes to keeping restaurants open without exhausting staff, Vintner said.

Some chains are even closing underperforming stores while some are converting to ghost kitchens that serve the delivery market, he said. Its a real tough environment to operate in.

Searching for supplies

Chip Mahoney, owner of Wicked Brews, Bites & Spirits in the Ahwatukee Foothills section of Phoenix, hasnt had enough silverware since September. Normally, silverware is washed and folded into cloth napkins at the end of worker shifts but, instead, he spends his days driving to shops and supply stores hoping to find silverware and other supplies for the restaurant while staff washes and folds even during busy hours.

Im driving around getting nowhere and wasting my day, he said. Thats not how I want to run my business  driving around the Valley looking for products that I need to run my business.

Wicked Brews celebrated its first anniversary in November, first opening its doors when pandemic dining restrictions limited what the restaurant could do for the first four months. Mahoney said he and his employees worked to promote the new restaurant while adhering to COVID-19 protocols, such as reduced seating and closing a few days a week.

It was starting to get better until the supply chain and lack of employee interest, which has really been a damper over the past four months, Mahoney said. Thats actually harder than when we first opened.

Mahoney said its a numbers game, from trying to make sure Wicked Brews is stocked with products for the dining room while still trying to keep prices low to keep and attract customers. But even with product price increases that have led to higher menu prices, the bills are still stacking up.

The alcohol industry is also being affected by shipping and other supply chain issues, with many breweries and distilleries struggling to find supplies to bottle their booze.

Brothers Josh and Jason Duren, who co-own Cider Corps in Mesa, have been laboring to get apple juice and fruits to brew their ciders, but they also have had a hard time finding cans for said ciders.

Wendy Tilton from Wild Hare Distillery in Tempe said her issue isnt finding bottles to put their alcohol in, but finding the same style of bottle to continue brand consistency.

Our last order was supposed to come in August, and I still dont have it yet, she said in late November. We ordered 375-milliliter bottles earlier this year and waited for months to get them. And once they did come in, the bottle company could not find corks or sleeves to seal it.

The struggle to staff

Mahoney said another part of his day-to-day routine is finding employees to work in the restaurant. As a mom-and-pop operation, he said the business doesnt have enough money to pay for the number of people needed to properly staff the restaurant.

Mairead Buschtetz and her husband, Fabrice, are also struggling to find workers for their multiple restaurants and bistros across the Valley, including Cuisine & Wine Bistro in Chandler and Copper & Logs in Gilbert.

It feels like theyre in a vicious circle, Mairead Buschtetz said.

We got great federal help last year to stay open, and we were very blessed, but this year, theres no federal help left, she said.

Normally, Buschtetz said, five people work in the Cuisine & Wine Bistro kitchen at a time: Her husband, the executive chef of all the familys restaurants, works with three other cooks and a dishwasher. Right now, however, Fabrice is the only cook and there is no dishwasher.

Instead, the Buschtetzes and their three children have been filling in where they can to keep the restaurants going with Frenchie Pizza in Gilbert facing the most challenges with staffing.

Even though she needs to hire workers, Mairead said she cant afford to pay them because of increasing costs elsewhere in the business. Even with wages ranging from $13 to $23 per hour, Mairead said, the family cant compete with companies like Amazon and Whole Foods.

Our rent is more expensive by at least $1,000, and the case for the payroll costs are huge with our products coming in at least 30% more expensive than usual, she said. Its a terrible situation to be in, and I cant see a light at the end of the tunnel. I dont know how long people are going to be able to hang in there.

Working together

Many restaurants have had to get creative by either changing restaurant concepts or adding partnered experiences to continue attracting customers and make up for some of the shortages. Josh Duren of Cider Corps said these challenges have created a forced level of creativity that, in the end, could benefit American small businesses.

Its built a really strong kind of bond where people realize that to survive, you have got to rely on other people for help, he said.

Wild Hare partnered with a local chocolate company, Stone Grindz in Scottsdale, to create a tasting event catered by a chocolatier who paired different chocolates with their spirits, and Tilton said they will continue for the holiday season; by reservation only on Fridays, Saturdays and some Sundays.

At Wicked Brews, live music wasnt something Mahoney intended to provide, but since introducing it during the pandemic, it has become a regular thing Wednesday and Friday evenings.

You have to adjust your business plan, know your market and your guests to just stay on top, he said. Every penny counts right now.

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Chinese astronauts conducted a science lecture 400 kilometers above Earth to millions of students on Thursday afternoon, as they orbited in the Tiangong space station.

Major General Zhai Zhigang, Senior Colonel Wang Yaping and Senior Colonel Ye Guangfu, all members of the Shenzhou XIII mission crew, greeted students, teachers and other participants when the lecture started at 3:54 pm. They showed viewers how they live and work inside the space station, which currently consists of a core module, a spacecraft and two robotic cargo spaceships.

The astronauts displayed their exercise equipment and a specially designed space suit, and conducted demonstrations on physical phenomena in microgravity, such as "disappearing buoyancy" and a "water ball". Ye, who is on his first spaceflight, showed how he rotated his body in the weightless environment. The astronauts also answered questions from students during the lecture.

Tens of millions of primary and middle school students across China watched the hourlong televised event hosted by the China Manned Space Agency, the Ministry of Education and other government departments.

A total of 1,420 invited students in Beijing; Nanning, capital of the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region; Wenchuan, Sichuan province; and the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions were present at "ground class venues", with some taking part in video chats with the crew members during the lecture.

It was the first lecture of the Tiangong Class, or Heavenly Palace Class, China's first extraterrestrial lecture series to popularize space science.

More lectures will be held based on the country's manned spaceflights and will also be presented by Chinese astronauts, the manned space agency said. Such activities are intended to spread knowledge about manned spaceflights and spark enthusiasm for science among young people, it added.




(Xinhua) For the Central American country, standing with China is a righteous choice, as well as a choice that benefits the country and its people.

Nicaragua signed with China on Friday a joint communique on the resumption of diplomatic relations, severing the so-called "diplomatic ties" with China's Taiwan.

By recognizing the one-China principle, Nicaragua has followed some other Central American countries by making the right decision and choosing to stand on the right side of history.

Back in 2007, Costa Rica became the first country in the region to forge diplomatic ties with China in the new century. Four years later, a free trade pact between the two countries took effect, and bilateral trade has flourished ever since.

From 2007 to 2020, Costa Rica's exports to China increased nearly fivefold. The goods exported to China's market have seen expanding diversity, and bilateral cooperation in various fields continues to strengthen.

After Costa Rica, Panama, Dominica and El Salvador also established diplomatic ties with China subsequently. Besides, Honduran presidential candidate Xiomara Castro vowed during her election campaign to establish diplomatic relations with China. All these have once again showed that the one-China principle accords with the will of the people and the trend of times, and is therefore unstoppable.

However, for quite some time, a handful of people in some countries have been going against the general trend and playing with fire on the Taiwan question. They attempt to challenge China's bottom line, and to suppress China by playing the "Taiwan card."

For example, a week before Honduras held its general election, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian A. Nichols rushed to the Central American country. He met with people from all walks of life in Honduras, and made clear to Honduran presidential candidates that the United States wants the country to maintain the so-called "diplomatic ties" with Taiwan.

People can tell right from wrong. It is a gross mistake if one believes that playing the "Taiwan card" could harm China's interests and disrupt its development. Washington's gimmickry has neither changed Honduras' presidential election result, nor prevented Nicaragua from making the righteous choice.

There is but one China in the world and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. It is a historical and legal fact that cannot be changed and also the real status quo that brooks no challenge.

Now, Nicaragua has become the 181st country that recognizes and supports the one-China principle. Its courage to make the decision deserves more respect and admiration at a time when the United States and Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party authority are colluding to make waves across the strait.

For the Central American country, standing with China is a righteous choice, as well as a choice that benefits the country and its people.


"At the same time, the investigation initiated by the Lewis and Clark County Sheriffs Office into allegations of distribution of child pornography were substantiated," Cantrell said of the division of criminal investigation's work on the case. "The Department of Justice is glad he pleaded guilty in that case and will be held accountable."

The Montana Public Safety Officer Standards and Training Bureau has put on hold its investigation into Harrington's conduct, according to POST Paralegal and Investigator Katrina Bolger. The POST Bureau will likely revoke Harrington's police certification following his sentencing, which is scheduled for April 13, 2022.

Bolger said that generally when criminal charges are pending, such investigations are put on hold to allow law enforcement officers and agents of the court to do their jobs.
Celiz, 32, was leading an operation to clear an area of enemy forces in Paktia Province, Afghanistan, when his team came under attack.

As a medical evacuation helicopter arrived to recover a casualty, it came under sustained sustained enemy fire.

Celiz exposed himself to heavy fire as he led the evacuation. As the casualty was loaded into the helicopter and his team returned to cover, Celiz remained at the chopper, returning fire and constantly repositioning himself to shield to the aircraft and its crew.

As the helicopter lifted off, Celiz was hit by enemy fire. Though injured, he motioned to the aircraft to depart rather than remain to load him and risk further casualties.

Celiz was a South Carolina native and had enlisted in the Army in 2006.

Plumlee was serving at a base in Ghazni, Afghanistan, when it came under massive attack, with insurgents blowing a sixty-foot breach in the bases perimeter wall.

Ten insurgents wearing Afghan National Army uniforms and suicide vests poured through the breach. Plumlee and five Special Operations members mounted two vehicles and raced toward the site of the detonation.
How is it that we stop this runaway train as it picks up speed and leaves scattered all over the landscape so much destruction and damage along the way?

Racicot said the internet is a marvelous creation, but it has also strained people's social existence, especially in political affairs with irresponsible suggestions that have no basis in fact.

We have to bring more discipline and integrity to our communications and comments, he said.

This needs to be done to fulfill the requirements of fidelity to one another, the cause of freedom and future of the country.

The alternative is to witness our way of life being torn apart at the seams, he said. Its not really a big ask. I am not asking for a return to simpler times. I am calling hopefully for return to simple timeless and enduring values: presuming the best of each the other, listening in good faith before acting or responding, exuding magnanimity and self-correcting our own mistakes.

Much more can be accomplished by shunning rhetorical games of yesteryear, now magnified and given eternal life by the internet, he said.
Hunters who participate in the management hunt are encouraged to submit samples for CWD testing, though it is not mandatory. FWP has provided resources to help hunters collect and submit samples for testing on their own. These resources can be found on FWPs website by visiting fwp.mt.gov/CWD.

Additionally, FWP will have staff available to collect CWD samples from harvested animals beginning Dec. 12. Staff will be stationed at the Madison County Fairgrounds (2 Fairgrounds Loop) in Twin Bridges on Dec. 12 and 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Theyll also be stationed at FWPs Butte Area Resource Office (1820 Meadowlark Lane) on Dec. 13 and 14 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

From Dec. 16 through Feb. 15, sampling station locations and hours of operation will be variable and will be posted on FWPs website. Visit go.usa.gov/xeAnD, then scroll down and click on Sampling Stations.

CWD is not known to infect humans. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people not eat meat from infected animals and have their harvested animals tested before eating them if they were taken from an area where CWD is known to exist. For more information on CDC recommendations, visit go.usa.gov/xAcnc.

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The initial plan was to see if they could bump the bear off the carcass and make it leave the area. But if it got aggressive, the fallback was to kill it.

One team member could see something moving about 50 yards to their east. They fired three more cracker rounds and traveled another 80 yards. Uncertain what was paralleling them, the team kept moving and fired two more cracker shells. Loki kept growling and barking. They saw some brush move across an open boggy area about 50 yards away.

At 2:35 p.m. Bear 449 silently charged out of the brush, head down, ears back and running full out, the report stated. The bear crossed the open wet area and continued charging toward the team members, running into a patch of deep rotten snow in the willows. The bear floundered in the deep snow, dug its way clear and began to charge again. At this point the decision was made to shoot the bear.

FWP game warden Robert Pohle wrote that the bears determination to punch through the deep snow convinced him it was not a bluff charge.
She said a big part of the hospital's financial assistance effort is helping people sign up for public health coverage and that few need financial aid now that many patients qualify for Medicaid as a result of the expansion of the state's program in 2016.

That doesn't help people who don't qualify, like Kirkaldie.

What counts as a community benefit

Montana hospitals use local needs assessments to help them decide how to spend their community benefit money.

Billings' regional assessments found residents needed better access to healthy foods. Melissa Henderson, a manager for Healthy by Design, a community health coalition, said Billings Clinic, St. Vincent Healthcare and the local health department pay for its two full-time employees, who organize a farmers market and advocate for creating bike paths, among other things.

She said it's powerful to have the area's largest employers advocating for improvements like bike lanes even when no money is given.

"What I see is the hospitals are really doing their best to have an impact on their community," Henderson said.
Church leadership officials "told (the survivor) that they had 'prayed' about what to do, and that they thought the Plaintiff should forgive Zitnik in front of all those attending the mission trip. MHCC's leadership/officials also encouraged Plaintiff to not discuss the sexual abuse again," the suit said.

The suit also alleges the church was privy to Zitnik's pattern of abusive behaviors prior to allowing him to travel to the Philippines, as others had accused him of similar conduct.

The suit accuses the Helena church of negligence, negligent hiring, retention and supervision, negligence for failing to report and principal liability, saying the church failed to exercise reasonable care in protecting the survivor from sexual abuse.

As a result of the alleged negligence, Zitnik was given the opportunity to sexually abuse the girl, the complaint reads. Further, the church was obligated to report the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services if they had received a report of child abuse.

The survivor has suffered serious mental health issues and substance abuse as a result of Zitnik and the church's actions, the complaint said. She is seeking compensatory and punitive damages against both Zitnik and the church.
The North Dakota Supreme Court has let stand a sentence reduction keeping a drug convict out of prison that was made by a district judge after she had initially approved a plea agreement stipulating prison time.

The justices in a decision filed Thursday said South Central District Judge Bobbi Weiler abused her discretion in reducing the sentence of Bradley Neilan. But they added that by state law the panels opinion was limited to affirming the sentence and pointing out errors in the trial, because the abuse question wasn't raised in the appeal.

Neilan, of Moorhead, Minnesota, was arrested between Sterling and Driscoll in 2019 when authorities said they found 15 pounds of marijuana in his possession. He entered into a plea agreement in February 2021 that outlined a four-year prison sentence with all but 1  years suspended. Prosecutors agreed to exclude the fact that Neilan had a gun, which removed mandatory minimum sentences.

Weiler accepted the agreement but noted prosecutors were giving her zero option, because they planned to seek the higher mandatory minimum sentence if she rejected the deal, court documents show.

Weiler signed the plea agreement on Feb. 10. Two days later, after filing her own motion to reduce the sentence, she signed an order placing Neilan on probation. State prosecutors appealed, arguing Weilers decision affects the states right to benefit from the plea agreement. Neilan challenged the state's move, saying the state did not have standing to appeal the sentence.

Under state law, the Supreme Court cant reverse or modify a judgment if that would increase a defendants punishment, the justices wrote.

Abuse of discretion

Criminal procedure rules allow a judge to reduce a sentence at his or her own discretion, the panel wrote.

This discretionary power is subject to an abuse of discretion review on appeal, and in this case, the court abused its discretion in reducing Neilans sentence, the justices wrote.

Justice Lisa Fair McEvers in a separate opinion said she reluctantly agreed with the majority that the laws they cited applied in the Neilan case.

Justice Daniel Crothers was the only dissenting voice, saying that if the panel could not modify the sentence, it did not have jurisdiction in the matter.

Reach Travis Svihovec at 701-250-8260 or Travis.Svihovec@bismarcktribune.com

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Morton County and North Dakota Highway Patrol officers arrested three men on Interstate 94 after finding more than 3 pounds of methamphetamine in their vehicle.

Brandon Hall, 30, of Nashville, Tennessee; Anthony Sowell, 20, of Williston; and Anthony Havlicheck, 30, of Bakersfield, California, are charged with drug conspiracy, possession of drugs with intent to deliver, and possession of drug paraphernalia, court documents show.

A Morton County sheriffs deputy assisted a state trooper in searching the vehicle after a traffic stop Wednesday, according to an affidavit. The search was prompted by the smell of marijuana coming from the car and suspected pieces of marijuana on the drivers shirt, authorities said. The officers said they found three heat-sealed bags of meth, plastic bags, a scale and a gun. The weight of the meth was more than 53 ounces, the affidavit states.

Attorneys arent listed for the men in court records. They face the possibility of 20 years in prison on the most serious charge.

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Only a few of the tens of thousands of people who may be eligible have taken advantage of a policy that lets those with low-level marijuana co
Burleigh and Morton counties last year were hot spots for cash, vehicles and firearms found to be involved in criminal activity.

But criminal justice officials say it doesn't appear law enforcement agencies are abusing civil asset forfeiture, a legal process that targets property involved in crimes. North Dakota's attorney general said reports on the property confirm there is no abuse.

A July 2020-June 2021 report published last month by the attorney general shows five vehicles were forfeited in Burleigh County, and eight guns were forfeited in Morton County. Eleven counties had proceedings for property.

Forfeitures are for ill-gotten proceeds and items involved in commission of a crime, notably drug trafficking. Forfeitures require a judge's order, and can also come from criminal judgments in guilty pleas and convictions.

The subject of civil asset forfeiture has been a focus of the Legislature in recent years, pushed primarily by Rep. Rick Becker, R-Bismarck, who raised concerns about a "perverse incentive" to police for profit.

Legislation resulted in reporting requirements, a higher standard of proof and a conviction requirement, albeit with many exceptions, such as evidence beyond a reasonable doubt.

One watchdog looks forward to what information new reporting requirements will yield next year.

No 'policing for profit'

Criminal justice officials say existing data don't indicate "policing for profit."

"I think what we're seeing ... is that this hasn't been a problem in North Dakota, and law enforcement and state's attorneys are not seizing property from anybody who doesn't deserve to have it seized from them, because these are the byproducts of illegal activity," Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem said.

The forfeitures appear to be an "offshoot" of law enforcement efforts to combat illegal drugs such as heroin, according to South Central District Presiding Judge Bruce Romanick.

"Stopping somebody or having a task force get a search warrant is usually not because we know there's a bunch of cash in there," he said. "I can't guarantee you that's not why, but my impression is it's to go to try to get the dealer, the supplier off the street and remove those drugs from the street."

Burleigh County State's Attorney Julie Lawyer called civil asset forfeiture "another tool that we can use, because (criminals) shouldn't be able to keep the proceeds of illegal activity."

The cases stand out on the court docket, with titles such as "State of North Dakota vs. 2015 GMC Sierra."

'Those aren't much'

The attorney general's office reported nearly $425,000 in cash statewide forfeited and divided among law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation and prosecution of cases.

An additional $17,000 was seized but returned to defendants.

The vast majority of cash is seized in connection with illegal drug sales, according to Stenehjem. The same goes for most vehicles, which are seized for transporting drugs, he said.

The major highways traversing Burleigh, Morton and McLean counties could account for the prevalence there of forfeitures, notably cash, according to Romanick. Half of the cash forfeitures statewide came from those three counties, according to the report.

Law enforcement agencies have increasingly seen more out-of-staters bringing drugs into the area, according to Lawyer. Lately, the suspects have been primarily from the Detroit, Michigan, and Bakersfield, California, areas, she said.

She and Romanick said law enforcement agencies, such as the state Highway Patrol, are alert to the signs of drug trafficking and look for them.

The judge acknowledged different tacks of law enforcement agencies and prosecutors could also affect the instances of forfeitures.

"I don't have an opinion one way or the other if somebody's more aggressive or not. I don't see that, but that's a day-by-day situation," he said.

Most forfeited vehicles are sold at auction, and the proceeds are split among the agencies that participated.

The report counted 13 vehicle forfeitures statewide, netting more than $20,000 from the four that sold.

"Those aren't much," Stenehjem said.

Five vehicles were forfeited in Burleigh County, two of which sold, netting about $18,000.

The Bismarck Police Department transferred a forfeited 2015 Ford Edge to its fleet.

Police will occasionally replace an investigations vehicle with a forfeited vehicle, according to Sgt. Mike Bolme, who handles the department's seizures and forfeitures.

"It has to be in good working condition, and the city commission has to approve it," he said.

Fifteen firearms were forfeited, including four in Burleigh County and eight in Morton County. None was sold. Their status isn't clear. The report tracks "forfeited firearms held or sold."

Morton County State's Attorney Al Koppy did not respond to an email inquiry regarding forfeitures in that county.

Romanick said he regularly orders firearms forfeited in connection with felony cases. Felons can't own guns.

"My theory is that those persons no longer have that right, so they shouldn't have them. I'm not going to give them to them," he said.

2019 changes

Lawyer said changes by the 2019 Legislature made little difference in how her office handles forfeiture cases.

Notably, the changes require defendants be convicted before civil asset forfeiture proceedings begin, though some people believe loopholes remain.

"There were a few times that I can think of during the course of my career where we forfeited without a conviction, but typically we're forfeiting in cases where we've obtained a conviction, and we're usually trying to do that through the criminal judgment or through the criminal case," Lawyer said.

Her office handled 17 civil forfeiture cases out of approximately 2,000 felonies in the last fiscal year, she said.

Some forfeitures involved crimes unrelated to drug trafficking, such as fleeing from law enforcement, arranging sex with a minor and committing identity theft, she said.

"The vast majority" of forfeitures to Bismarck police come from criminal judgments, Bolme said.

More to do?

New reporting requirements by the 2021 Legislature will provide greater detail in the next annual report.

Law enforcement agencies will have to detail a seizure's location, as well as the suspect's crime and case outcome, and include their case reports.

That's an improvement, according to Institute for Justice Senior Legislative Counsel Lee McGrath, who has been following civil asset forfeiture in North Dakota for about a decade.

"Next year's report should be more revealing," he said.

Without that additional information, there isn't as good an insight into the instances, he said. Summary data is "not particularly helpful," he said.

"By focusing in on the median size of forfeiture, legislators will learn whether forfeiture is an effective tool being used against members of the international drug cartels," McGrath said.

But the state should end the civil proceeding and leave it to criminal forfeiture, he said.

"No North Dakotan acquitted in criminal court should lose his property through civil forfeiture," McGrath said. "That possibility can occur through the continued use of civil forfeiture."

Lawyer said criminal forfeiture isn't always an option.

She cited an instance of $330,000 in cash hidden in a gun case found in a vehicle's trunk at a hotel where Bismarck police were called to investigate a marijuana odor. The driver claimed the money wasn't his and belonged to other people.

"We didnt know who those people were to be able to charge them criminally; therefore, criminal forfeiture would not have been available as to all owners of that currency," Lawyer said.

The current forfeiture laws protect innocent owners, she added -- people who have an interest in the property but no involvement in a crime.

While there may be enough evidence to show property owners were aware of criminal activity and knew of the property's involvement, they might not be involved in the crime to an extent they could be charged, she said.

Reach Jack Dura at 701-250-8225 or jack.dura@bismarcktribune.com.

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Theres often friendly competition between North Dakota counties, which is healthy. However, when Burleigh County matched Cass County this week for the number of coronavirus-related deaths, there was nothing to brag about.

Burleigh has about half the population of Cass, so having the same number of deaths is both surprising and disappointing. Nearly two-thirds of Cass residents are considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19, compared with a little more than half of Burleigh residents. The daily positivity rate remains high in Burleigh.

Across the nation its well known that unvaccinated Americans are at a higher risk of getting COVID-19 and dying. While vaccinated people can still get COVID-19, their conditions are usually milder.

Its unknown why Cass residents are more willing to get vaccinated than Burleigh residents. Maybe the Burleigh population has more of the Western independent streak than Cass residents. Or, Burleigh may be more conservative and skeptical of the safety of the vaccines. Burleigh residents also might be pushing back against what they perceive as a government effort to force vaccines on them.

Whatever the reasons, statistically Burleigh shouldnt be matching Cass in the number of deaths. The Tribune editorial board believes Burleigh residents and many other North Dakotans arent taking the pandemic seriously enough.

The Tribune realizes many people are tired of wearing masks, constantly using sanitizer and socially distancing. However, those simple, though often irritating, steps have been effective against the coronavirus. Last winter there were fewer flu cases, which was attributed to those steps and to people staying home more.

In Burleigh and across the state, many residents have decided to return to a normal life -- no masks or sanitizer and get as close as you want. And too many dont want anything to do with vaccines.

Thats the wrong approach, and it will contribute to the pandemic continuing. As long as more variants such as omicron appear, the pandemic wont end. Some variants are more wicked and deadly than others. Health officials dont know yet how dangerous omicron will be.

Its madness to expect that ignoring the pandemic will make it go away. Its also foolish to reject vaccines that protect society and offer the best chance to stop the pandemic. Science has advanced to the point where vaccines can be developed in a short period of time. We need to take advantage of that scientific skill.

Burleigh residents should be worried about the number of coronavirus-related deaths in the county, just as they would be concerned about a spike in murders or another disease. Its unacceptable to be matching the Cass death toll. The tools exist to combat the pandemic, and they need to be used. Otherwise the population will remain its worst enemy.

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While questions of police brutality, persistent racism and criminal justice reform should concern all citizens, we must realize that violence and disorder provide no path to a more just future. []

On Nov. 19, Kyle Rittenhouse was found not guilty on all charges related to the fatal shooting of two men and the wounding of another on the third day of widespread rioting and civil unrest in Kenosha, Wisconsin, in August last year.

The trial had for many Americans become a symbol for debates about the Black Lives Matter movement, the right of self-defense, vigilantism, gun rights, white supremacy and the American justice system itself. In short, it had become a sort of Rorschach test for many of the most controversial issues of the day and everything that is either right or wrong with America itself.

President Joe Biden himself made a statement in the wake of the verdict, in which he noted that many Americans were feeling angry and concerned, myself included, but that all must acknowledge that the jury has spoken.

Lord Acton once wrote that the chief difficulty of the study of history is that common report and outward seeming are bad copies of the reality, as the initiated know it.

The common report and outward seeming of the events in Kenosha related to us by some journalists, pundits and public servants often proved bad copies of reality. They were weaponized in our polarized polity to disastrous effect, ignoring both a true understanding of events and our own responsibility in accounting for them.

All this began with a phone call placed to police on Aug. 23, 2020, by a woman reporting a domestic incident. The caller related that her boyfriend had taken her rental cars keys and refused to return them. The boyfriend referred to in the call, Jacob Blake, had an outstanding warrant on charges connected with domestic abuse. Police officers responded to the call and attempted to subdue Blake, firing tasers at him twice but failing to overpower him.

After the initial confrontation with police, Blake was shot multiple times as he entered a vehicle. The officer who shot Blake believed him to have a knife in hand as he twisted toward the officer. Blake later admitted that he had picked up a knife at some point during the first confrontation, that he wasnt thinking clearly, and that he did not intend to use it.

Blake was partially paralyzed as a result of the shooting and pleaded guilty to misdemeanor disorderly conduct. The police officers involved were investigated by the Kenosha County district attorney and the U.S. Justice Department, both of whom declined to bring charges. The arrest gone wrong was tragic but not unlawful.

These details were largely unknown when rioting and civil unrest began in Kenosha later that night. The common report and outward seeming of events  a Black man shot in the back by a White police officer  angered many during a summer in which several of the nations cities descended into chaos. Protesters concerned with police brutality, racism and the criminal justice system in general filled the streets, not to mention opportunistic rioters.

This vacuum of law and order also drew in Kyle Rittenhouse, who claimed he went to Kenosha to protect a car dealership from vandalism and to provide medical aid. On Sheridan Road that night there were two confrontations resulting in the shooting deaths of two men and the injury of another, video of which circulated widely on social media. In the chaos of the evening, Rittenhouse was not arrested but turned himself in to police in his hometown of Antioch, Illinois, after the shootings.

The questions of whether Kyle Rittenhouse lawfully possessed the firearm with which he fatally shot two and injured another and if he acted in self-defense has been settled by a jury of his peers in a court of law, which found him not guilty on all counts. The questions posed by the Black Lives Matter movement and its demands, the right of self-defense, vigilantism, gun rights, white supremacy and the American justice system remain.

Each has become a cypher through which various parties and cliques view the troubling events.

What remains unexplored is just how both state and citizenry failed so utterly in providing the basic security of persons and property on which all civilization rests, how media narratives  both traditional and social  can fuel social breakdown and how we as citizens can act responsibly to avoid such tragedies in the future.

While questions of police brutality, persistent racism and criminal justice reform should concern all citizens, we must realize that violence and disorder provide no path to a more just future.

Wherever we find ourselves, we must follow the admonition of the prophet Jeremiah, who councils us to seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace.

This involves a rejection of violence by citizens and a commitment to maintain law and order by those in political authority.

We must also reject just-so stories that neatly fit our prejudices, and draw on wisdom and patience to find the truth, often hard to discern, of the nature of events and things.

Lastly, we must have solidarity with our fellow citizens, working side by side with them as evidence of our commitment to justice and truth if madness is not to overtake us all.

This article originally appeared in The Detroit News on Dec. 8, 2021.
Lai and two co-defendants were convicted on charges related to their participation in the annual Tiananmen Square Massacre vigil, another Beijing-inspired blow to free speech and free assembly in Hong Kong. []

Hong Kong media tycoon and outspoken pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai has been convicted for his involvement in a vigil commemorating the Tiananmen Square Massacre.

On Dec. 9, Lai, along with two other prominent Hong Kong activists, Gwyneth Ho and Chow Hang Tung, were found guilty of incitement and taking part in unlawful assembly.

According to the BBC, more than two dozen politicians and activists have been charged with unlawful assembly since the passing of Hong Kongs wide-sweeping National Security Law (NSL) in June 2020, which muzzles and punishes any political opposition.

Lai, Ho, and Chow were the last to receive their verdicts, as they contested the charges. During the trial, the defense argued that the trio lit candles in a personal capacity at the vigil and had not incited others to participate.

The presiding judge, Amanda Woodcock, laid aside the defense as frankly nonsensical, while calling their participation an act of protest against the police.

The three convicted activists are set to receive their sentencing on Dec. 13, when they could be handed up to five years in prison.

Ho, a former Hong Kong reporter, now acts as a social activist in opposition to the citys current totalitarian climate. Chow is a former lawyer and vice-chair of the now-disbanded Hong Kong Alliance of Democratic Movements in Chinathe group that organized the annual Tiananmen Square Massacre vigil.

Both Hos and Changs past career experiences, paired with their influential standing as passionate activists in opposition to the sitting Hong Kong government, makes them prime targets for silencing.

The Tiananmen Square vigil was an annual event held every June 4, marking the horrific 1989 Tiananmen Square Massacre, where Chinese troops opened fire at unarmed student pro-democracy protesters, resulting in an estimated 1,000 people killed.

The 2020 vigil was banned for the first time in 30 years, with public officials citing COVID-19 regulations. Many activists ignored the ban, and tens of thousands participated anyway.

Before this years vigil, leaders continued to push COVID-19 restrictions, and a massive police force was sent to barricade main roads leading to Victoria Park, resulting in a dampened commemoration of the massacre.

Outside of banning the large crowds and roaring noise from protesters, the Hong Kong government has consistently attempted to erase even silent memorials of the massacre, like the sculpture The Pillar of Shame, which, in October, was removed from campus grounds by order of Hong Kong University.

Aiming to execute social uniformity through intimidation, the university urged the immediate removal of the statue or else it would be deemed abandoned.

Thursdays ruling is a warning sign to Hong Kong citizens that their city, once a safe-haven for democratic ideals and a gold mine for economic opportunity, may be morphing into a reflection of Chinese society, where totalitarianism is the norm and human rights cease to exist.

Amnesty International, a nongovernmental organization focused on human rights for all people, said in a statement conveyed by ABC News: The Hong Kong government has once again flouted international law by convicting activists simply for their involvement in a peaceful, socially distanced vigil for those killed by Chinese troops on 4 June 1989. The authorities have deemed the vigil unlawful because the police did not approve it, but peaceful assembly does not need government approval. These convictions merely underline the pattern of the Hong Kong authorities extreme efforts to exploit the law to press multiple trumped-up charges against prominent activists.

In October, Amnesty International withdrew operations from its base in Hong Kong, saying it could no longer work freely without fear.

Lai, who turned 74 last week, is a longtime friend of the Acton Institute. He was the recipient of Actons Faith and Freedom award in 2020 for his visible commitment to liberty and his safeguarding of moral and Christian convictions.

Lai was founder of the largest pro-democracy newspaper, Apple Daily, as well as its parent company, Next Digital. The 26-year-old business was a prominent voice critiquing the Beijing government and thus was forced to close this past June after Hong Kong police raided its headquarters, seizing its documents and freezing its assets.

First arrested on Aug. 10, 2o20, and currently serving out prison sentences for other NSL-related charges, Lai has never lost hope in democracy and the good it promotes in any society, even though doing so could result in life in prison. From his jail cell, Lai has sent letters to past co-workers, encouraging them to stand tall and to seek justice as journalists.

The Hong Konger, the Acton Institutes groundbreaking documentary, is set to be released in early 2022 and focuses on the life of Laia successful entrepreneur, outspoken journalist, and Catholic dissidentas well as his courageous efforts against Chinese influence in Hong Kong society.
For two years, Laura Oglesby, 48, of Missouri, posed as her estranged 22-year-old daughter, took almost $20,000 in federal student loans and grants, attended Southwest Baptist University under her daughter's nameLauren Ashleigh Haysand dated college guys who reportedly believed she was in her 20s. After finally getting caught, Oglesby pled guilty to social security fraud. She was sentenced to five years in prison and ordered to pay restitution to her daughter and the school. From the New York Times:

Her story unraveled in August 2018, after the Mountain View Police Department was contacted by the authorities in Arkansas. They were searching for Ms. Oglesby, who they said had stolen Ms. Hays's identity in that state in 2017 to commit financial fraud and embezzle more than $25,000. The authorities in Arkansas told the Mountain View police that they believed that Ms. Oglesby had been living under the fake identity in Mountain View, Mo., a city about 40 miles north of the Missouri-Arkansas state line.

The Mountain View police investigated and learned that Ms. Oglesby was living there and working at a city library, Chief Perkins said.

"She actually was employed here, which was kind of odd," Chief Perkins said. "And that's how we figured out who she was."

The police then pulled her over during a traffic stop. She initially denied that she was Laura Oglesby, Chief Perkins said, but once they showed her proof that they knew who she was, she admitted it.

"She was just running because she was in a domestic violence relationship, and she'd been running for years," Chief Perkins said Ms. Oglesby told the police. "We don't know her life story outside of what she told us, but we know what happened here."
Now that I'm on the outside, I try not to think about my time in school too often. Sometimes I can't shake it. Whether it's sneaking a couple of candy cigarettes behind an authority figure's back or flashing back to the community shower time in middle school when I go to Planet Fitness, I'm forever institutionalized.

That doesn't mean that there aren't a few good memories mixed in here and there. I remember when my friend Andy hijacked the principal's PA to play Radiohead for all the kids on the yard. Those were good times.

Oh, and I also can't stop thinking about that weird "S" that we all used to draw.

I don't even have to elaborate; you know what I mean. How did such a strange little glyph spread across the country? In the video linked above, the brilliant YouTuber Pseudiom delves into the murky history behind one of the most universally scribbled symbols. He also debunks a lot of the fraudulent origins of the "S" that float around the ether. If you want to relive your childhood, give it a watch.
A Texas homeowner unlucky enough to be adjacent to the SpaceX launch facility felt bullied and refused to sell her home.

It seems uncharacteristic for Texas, a state all about property rights and refusing government interference except when it comes to women's bodies, to take one's own private Alamo and hand it to a pretend Texan Baby Warbucks.

Insider:
Jennifer Palaganas needs spinal surgery and, to her, it is essential she have it now.

Ever since a procedure in September, the 42-year-old Orchard Park resident's pain has made it difficult to sit or stand for more than a few minutes.

That's what made it so frustrating when she received a call at 2 p.m. Wednesday that her microdiscectomy scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Erie County Medical Center was canceled.

It was among the procedures ECMC decided to postpone in preparation of a state order that limited nonessential elective procedures, starting Thursday, at New York hospitals with limited staffed bed availability.

Feeling like she was in limbo, Palaganas fired off a 450-word email at 11 a.m. Thursday to a few ECMC executives  at least to the ones whose emails she correctly guessed.

Two hours later, her surgery was back on, rescheduled for Tuesday.

"Advocating for yourself, even if that means being pushy, is sometimes the only way you're going to get something," said Palaganas, who works in human resources.
"I think that we're feeling really good and really hopeful about what this is going to look like going forward," said Brisack, who has worked at the store for about a year. "The next step is trying to get Starbucks to negotiate with us."

Unless Starbucks files objections to the conduct of the election, the next step in the process is for the NLRB regional director to certify the union. If and when that happens, Starbucks will have a legal obligation to bargain in good faith with the union.

But getting the first contract could be a long and difficult process.

Only one out of seven organizing drives results in a first contract within one year of certification, according to Cornell University's Industrial and Labor Relations School's Buffalo Co-Lab.

The process took about a year at a company-operated Starbucks store in Canada: Workers at a Victoria location voted to unionize in August 2020 and ratified a three-year collective agreement in late June.

But the process also could take years, especially with employers determined not to have a union, said Cathy Creighton, director of the Buffalo Co-Lab and an attorney who once represented labor unions.
Coming off an election campaign during which he was criticized for not paying more attention to neighborhoods, Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown on Friday said he would press for more development, small business growth and infrastructure improvements across the city.

Some have talked about the tremendous development that has happened in the city being uneven," Brown told block club leaders in a virtual appearance sponsored by the city's Division of Citizen Services and the Board of Block Clubs of Buffalo and Erie County. "Well, we want to accelerate development. We want to make sure that its happening all over the city  not just downtown, not just the medical campus, not just the waterfront  but on the East Side, the West Side, the north side, the south side and into the neighborhoods.

Aid from Washington will go a long way in paying for it.

The city will receive some $331 million in American Rescue Plan aid and expects an infusion from the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill that Congress passed.
Hochul offers backing for Kensington Expressway project Capping the inner-city section of the Kensington Expressway with parkland tops the governor's list of priorities for Buffalo-based infrastructure spending under the $1.2 trillion bill President Biden signed last month.

"They really stressed that your community, your county should be involved in your regional transportation planning organizations to help decide where those dollars go and what projects should be submitted," Poloncarz said.

Unlike the money doled out under the two huge pandemic-related economic stimulus bills, funding under the recently signed $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill will not go to localities in lump sums that they could spend largely as they see fit. Instead, much of the transportation funding under the bill will be parceled out to states, which will work with localities to decide which projects to fund.

However, $100 billion in infrastructure funding will be set aside for grants for projects in communities that will have to submit proposals spelling out why they should get the money.

"There are some projects that are just so large that you're going to basically have an opportunity to bid on it to show that it's a value to your region," Poloncarz said.

An estimated $4.2 billion in infrastructure funding is projected to come to the Buffalo metro area in the coming years, and much of it will likely fund smaller-scale road and bridge projects, the replacement of lead water lines and more robust broadband internet service.

+5 How Higgins envisions spending $189 million for Buffalo's waterfront development "I'm talking about a vision that could dramatically change the whole waterfront environment over the next 24 months to three years," Rep. Brian Higgins said.
Above all else, Hill said every instance leaves profound and lasting wounds for the families of the lost. He also spoke with empathy of the emergency crews called each time to the river, and he saw it all as coming together in the kind of larger emotional revelation about Niagara that happened Wednesday.

Social media can be a place of division and debate, but what became clear in every tweet sent out by Watson was that most immediate problems in our lives were secondary to this drama at the falls:

A young Coast Guard swimmer and an entire helicopter crew, in a situation that no one else had ever exactly faced, were putting their lives at high risk to save another.

Hill said it is a high-profile reminder  played out at one of the most famous places on the continent  of the level of courage these Coast Guard teams often display in rescues no one sees, far from shore. The Twitter images told the story of what Duryea accomplished, how he made his way to the flooded and buffeted car, how he managed to reach the woman inside through the front passenger door, how he got her out and locked with her together in his harness, then raised his arm so the helicopter could lift them up and carry them to shore, where they were quickly engulfed by emergency crews.
New York State Parks officials haven't figured out a way to remove the car in which a Williamsville woman died Wednesday from the brink of Niagara Falls without endangering more lives.

But there's a chance the forecast high winds for Saturday might push enough water down the Niagara River to dislodge the car and send it over the falls to crash amid the rocks at the base of the cataracts.

+4 Woman's body pulled from submerged car above falls in dramatic Niagara River rescue attempt The rescue attempt ended with the somber news that the woman in the vehicle was already dead before the diver was lowered by helicopter to the vehicle, opened the passenger door, pulled her out and lifted her to shore.

Late Friday, the black Toyota remained stuck in an estimated 4 feet of water about 30 to 40 feet from the brink of the American Falls.

No one is certain what is holding it in place.

The powerful flow of the mighty Niagara  at least 50,000 cubic feet of water every second when New York and Ontario hydropower plants are on their winter settings  shoved the car a short distance after the body of a local woman in her late 60s was retrieved Wednesday afternoon by a U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer rappelling from a hovering helicopter.

+2 'This isn't something that we train for every day': Coast Guard swimmer describes tense falls rescue attempt As I was coming down on the cable, the only thing that was going through my head was, How am I going to get to this survivor?  said Petty Officer 2nd Class Derrian Duryea, who did not know at the time that the woman was already dead.

We are continuing to consult with rigging and engineering experts to identify a method for removing the car from the Niagara River, while protecting the life and safety of those at the scene," a State Parks statement said Friday afternoon.
It's not just a matter of semantics.

Doctors want people to realize that they may not be as protected from Covid-19 as they think if they haven't gotten a booster shot yet. And health departments and institutions are requiring proof of being "fully vaccinated"  based on the CDC's definition, which doesn't include boosters or third doses.

Fans need to show proof of vaccination to watch the Bills play at Highmark Stadium or the Sabres skate at KeyBank Center. The state is mandating health care workers be fully vaccinated.

Thanksgiving week amid a steady rise in new cases and hospitalizations due to Covid, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz announced a new indoor masking requirement that allowed businesses to opt out of the mask rules if they to required proof of full vaccination.

On Friday, Gov. Kathy Hochul ordered an even stricter mask requirement for the entire state, effective for a month beginning Monday. The statewide rules also allow public spaces to drop the mask mandate if full vaccination is required.

Last week, Dr. Anthony Fauci indicated it's probably just a matter of time before the CDC changes the definition of what it means to be fully vaccinated.
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50. Connecticut

Anyone living in Connecticut might consider other ways to save for retirement in case the state government doesn't get its house in order. It has the lowest funding ratio -- the percentage of money owed that's been funded -- for 2017 in the study.

Read: 42 Easy Ways To Save For Retirement

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49. Arkansas

If you're an Arkansas resident who's counting on your pension and not saving anything for retirement, you might want to consider some backup options: Arkansas saw an increase in its unfunded liabilities by a third, the largest increase in the study.

Find Out: How Long $1 Million in Retirement Savings Will Last in Every State

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48. Mississippi

Mississippi is the seventh-best state to live in if you're in the middle class, but that could just as easily change if the state doesn't take better care of its pension system in the coming years.

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47. Kentucky

While concerns about the pension system must weigh heavily on Kentucky residents, the news isn't all bad for retirees in the Bluegrass State: Louisville is among the cities where your retirement nest egg will stretch the furthest.

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46. Hawaii

Hawaiians are already dealing with the highest cost of living in the country, but without more done to protect the state's pension system, that could get even harder for its retirees.

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45. Alaska

While the total unfunded liabilities are relatively low, that has more to do with Alaska's small population than anything else. Per capita, the state's unfunded pension liabilities are the highest in the country.

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44. Oregon

Oregon is one of just 13 states that have more than $25,000 in unfunded pension liabilities per state resident.

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43. Illinois

At 23.3%, Illinois has the third-lowest funding ratio for its pension system in the United States.

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42. California

California is the state with the most unfunded pension liabilities in 2017, with nearly $1 trillion in pensions that aren't currently accounted for.

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41. Colorado

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Coloradans' pensions might not be as solid as they would like, but if they own their own home, they might have some flexibility. At over $350,000, the median home price in the state is the fifth highest in the nation.

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40. New Jersey

At over a quarter of a trillion dollars, New Jersey's total unfunded pension liabilities for 2017 are the sixth highest in America.

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39. Georgia

Georgia saw the size of its unfunded pensions grow by over 16 percent from 2016 to 2017, the fourth-largest increase over that time frame in the country.

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38. Ohio

Ohio might be struggling to fund its pensions, but that doesn't mean it's a bad state for retirees. Clintonville in Columbus, Ohio, is ranked the No. 5 best neighborhood to retire in.

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37. South Carolina

South Carolina might be facing down an underfunded pension system, but it made up ground last year. In the 12 months ending June 30, the state's five pension funds added almost 12% to their value.

Find Out: 35 Retirement Planning Mistakes That Waste Your Money

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36. Arizona

Arizona's unfunded pension liabilities jumped by just under 13% from 2016 to 2017, taking them to over $100 billion.

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35. New Mexico

New Mexico might be looking at a pension system that's underfunded, but the state's retirees have some bright spots. Albuquerque, N.M., is one of the best places to live on only a Social Security check.

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34. Nevada

The culprit for Nevada's pension problems could be the state's labor market, as its unemployment rate of 4.9% is the fifth-highest in the country.

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33. Alabama

The retirement system of Alabama manages some 23 funds with total assets of more than $40 billion, but it's still looking at almost double that in total unfunded liabilities.

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32. North Dakota

North Dakota's $11.5 billion in unfunded pensions for 2017 is the second-lowest total on the list, but that was an increase of 12.9% from 2016, the ninth-largest proportional increase in the nation.

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31. Wyoming

The current Wyoming Retirement System was created in 1953 to bring all of the state's teachers and public employees into a single system, but today the state has more than $25,000 in unfunded liabilities per person. Whatever issues the pension system in Wyoming might have, the state's retirees can enjoy the fact that they live in the second-most tax-friendly state for retirees.

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30. Texas

While Texas might have nearly $400 billion in unfunded pension promises, it remains a relatively friendly state to retirees. Texas has eight different cities among the best cities to retire on a budget of $1,000 a month.

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29. Michigan

A recent study found that more than 110 of the 490 local units of government in Michigan have underfunded pensions or retirement healthcare plans.

Pension or no, you need less than $1 million to survive retirement in the Great Lakes State, which is the fourth lowest in the country.

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28. Washington

Washington has eight state-administered public retirement systems that include 15 different plans and serve nearly 750,000 current and former employees with almost $4 billion in annual payments.

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27. Massachusetts

Massachusetts set aside $2.4 billion for pension contributions in 2017, but that figure is expected to balloon to $5.2 billion by 2027 and $11.2 billion by 2036.

Retirees in Massachusetts had better hope their pension system remains intact into the future: The cost of a comfortable retirement there is higher than in any other state.

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26. Vermont

Vermont has the lowest amount of total unfunded pension liabilities as of 2017 of any state in the U.S.

Click to Read: 15 Mistakes Even Smart People Make in Retirement

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25. Minnesota

The state of Minnesota might owe almost $120 billion in unfunded pensions, but the state could be doing better with finances than its residents: Minnesota is one of just seven states where a recent GOBankingRates survey found the average debt level per person is over six figures.

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24. Pennsylvania

With over $223 billion in unfunded pension liabilities, Pennsylvania is among the top 10 states for the most total pension promises that aren't currently budgeted for.

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23. North Carolina

North Carolina might be doing relatively well for now, but the state is trending in the wrong direction. Its unfunded pensions jumped by over 15% from 2016 to 2017, the sixth-largest increase in this study.

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22. Rhode Island

Rhode Island has much of its pension system under control, but the state still has some work to do. It is one of 17 that has less than 30% of total pension liabilities funded.

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21. Idaho

Idaho's pension system doesn't have large levels of unfunded pensions, but that could be changing. It is among the top 10 states for the highest percentage increase in its unfunded pension liabilities.

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20. Louisiana

Louisiana's per-capita unpaid pension liabilities exceed $20,000 for every resident of the state.

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19. Delaware

Total unfunded pension liabilities for Delaware jumped by 12.8% from 2016 to 2017, despite the fact that the state's fund had a weighted return of 11.3% for the fiscal year 2017. The more retirement income, the better in Delaware; it ranked as the top state to retire rich in another GOBankingRates study.

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18. Missouri

Almost half the states in America have unfunded pension liabilities of $100 billion or more, including Missouri.

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17. Montana

Montana's public pensions provide an average of $34,308 a year to its retirees and manage to do so while keeping the second-lowest total tax burden in the country.

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16. Maryland

Maryland's $51.9 billion pension fund is in better shape than most, but the state did see the size of its unfunded liabilities creep up 6.2% last year, putting it just shy of $100 billion in total unfunded pension promises. Plenty of Marylanders might not be heavily reliant on pensions: The state has the third-highest average household income of any state in the country.

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15. Iowa

Iowa's unfunded pension liabilities just cleared $50 billion for the first time in 2017.

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14. New Hampshire

New Hampshire is one of just five states that managed to improve their funding ratios from 2016 to 2017. The state boosted the total percentage of its pensions that are funded by 2.9% last year.

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13. Florida

Florida's unfunded pension liabilities are the seventh highest on the study, but on a per-capita basis, it's just under $11,000, the sixth lowest in the country.

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12. West Virginia

West Virginia actually closed its teacher pension plan in 1991 and shifted to a 401k-style plan for new teachers, only to switch back in 2006 after discovering that a pension plan cost about half as much. West Virginia has the highest percentage of its residents collecting Social Security benefits -- one of the largest pension systems in the world -- out of any state in the country.

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11. Indiana

Indiana's pension system has about $32 billion in assets under management, servicing 473,000 members and retirees from more than 1,200 different employers.

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10. Virginia

Virginia's per-person unfunded pension liabilities increased by only 5.9% last year, placing it among the 15 lowest in the country.

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9. Nebraska

Nebraska structures its pension with five mandatory plans -- State, County, School, Judges and Patrol employees -- with approximately $23 billion in managed assets across them all. Nebraska's pension system might be relatively healthy, but retirees are struggling with at least one thing: The state is the least tax-friendly to retirees in the country.

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8. Maine

Maine needs to keep its pension system in good working order as it's the oldest state in the country by median age. Good thing, then, that Maine's funding ratio is over 40%, and its unfunded liabilities grew less than 5% last year.

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7. Wisconsin

Wisconsin has got the most of its total pension system funded for the future; it has the largest funding ratio of any state in the country.

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6. Oklahoma

Oklahoma's pension system managed to boost its funding ratio from 2016 to 2017 by 2%, one of just five states that raised its ratio.

And Oklahoma's pensioners have more going for them than just the stability of their system. It is also the state where $1 million lasts the third longest in retirement.

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5. Tennessee

At just $7,601, the per-capita unfunded pension liabilities in Tennessee are the lowest the country.

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4. South Dakota

Totaling $11.7 billion, South Dakota's total unfunded pension liabilities are the third lowest in the country. What's more, Aberdeen, S.D., is among the best cities to retire in states without any income tax.

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3. New York

New York's $345.3 billion in unfunded pension promises is the fifth highest in the country, but it is ranked third in this study because it lowered that number in 2017 and boosted its funding ratio by 3.1 percent.

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2. Utah

Utah might have the least to gain from a solid pension system of any state just now, as it has the lowest median age in the country. That youthful populace might also be helping the state keep its pension system in good health, as the state trimmed its per-capita unfunded pension liabilities by 3.3% from 2016 to 2017.

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1. Kansas

Kansas saw the largest decrease in its unfunded pension liabilities in the country, dropping the total unfunded liabilities by 5.4%.

GOBankingRates

How the States Compare

The unfunded pension liabilities in the United States total more than $6 trillion as of 2017, approaching a third of the country's total GDP. Of that, about 16.5% of the total is accounted for by California alone.

Click through to learn about the retirement planning mistakes that waste your money.

More From GOBankingRates

Methodology: GOBankingRates analyzed all 50 states in terms of three overarching factors: (1) unfunded pension liabilities for 2016 and 2017; (2) unfunded pension liabilities per capita for 2016 and 2017; and (3) funding ratio of public pension plans for 2016 and 2017, sourced from American Legislative Exchange Council. States were scored using these three factors and scored for their respective year-over-year change for each metric. Scores were combined, with unfunded pension liabilities receiving half weight since larger states naturally have larger liabilities, while all other factors received full weighting.

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Best and Worst States for Pensions
Bridgeport Police Department

The remains of a Connecticut man were discovered buried five feet under a garage more than eight years after he vanished, and now the local landlord who led detectives to his body faces murder charges.

Bridgeport police said on Thursday that strong evidence suggests the two men arrested in connection with the murder of 24-year-old Aryndel Castro had beaten and choked him to death on the night of Sept. 22, 2013. After murdering Castro, Shawn Gibson, 45, and Terrance Boyd, 55, went to The Home Depot to purchase cleaning supplies in an elaborate clean-up effort, cops said.

The pair then rented a van on two occasions, cops said, transporting Castros body multiple times in a large plastic bag in the days after the murder.

According to an arrest warrant affidavit obtained by the Connecticut Post, after he was arrested on Thursday, Gibson both admitted to disposing of Castros body and led them to the young mans remains, which detectives exhumed from under five feet of earth beneath the detached garage of Gibsons cousins home.

He Spent the Night With a Married Woman and Wound Up Dead in a National Park

Lieutenant Chris LaMaine, a detective who vowed never to give up trying to solve the case, emerged from the crawlspace brandishing his shovel after locating Castros remains, which were carried out on a stretcher, according to the Connecticut Post. The search crew first had to bust a covered window to get inside the basement-like space which was so cramped they were forced to forego power tools and instead dig by hand with shovels to find Castros body, LaMaine said.

The more the crew dug, the more they began to think Gibson had deceived them, until they finally found the remains buried very deep, he added.

Bridgeport States Attorney Joseph Corradino said, We did all in our power to find Aris body so his family can have peace and closure.

Castros disappearance had remained a mystery for nearly a decade after he was first reported missing in September 2013. The search for the young man eventually involved the departments homicide unit, which dove into the case the following spring.

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According to the affidavit, in 2014 an informant told detectives that Boyd, who had previously been convicted of beating a woman and drowning her in a swimming pool in the 1980s, had murdered Castro.

Boyd, who was arrested in South Carolina on Wednesday, also admitted to helping Gibson in the murder, according to the affidavit.

After detectives interviewed Boyd in May 2014, he said that he had watched Gibson beat the 24-year-old to death in a rooming house he owned, the affidavit states.

When detectives later approached Gibson about the claims, LaMaine told the Connecticut Post that Gibson declined to talk, heeding the advice of his lawyer. Without a single cell of DNA, it was also difficult to prove Castro was dead, LaMaine said.

According to the affidavit, it wasnt until last month that two witnesses came forward and backed up some of the details Boyd had shared with detectives.

LaMaine told the Connecticut Post that when he went to Gibson with the findings, hoping to pressure the man to lead authorities to Castros body, he finally relented.

The effort has allowed Castros family to get some semblance of closure in his disappearance.

Castros brother, Aneudi Rosa, said that he was grateful to LaMaine for never giving up on the search for his brother.

Its been a long eight years since my brother disappeared, but we never gave up and thankfully the police never gave up, Rosa said from the courthouse lobby as he awaited Gibsons arraignment, according to the Connecticut Post. He kept his promise and found my brothers killers.

A medical examiner is expected to perform an autopsy on Friday to confirm the identity of the body, cops said.

Gibson was charged with murder and is being held on a $250,000 bond. Boyd will be extradited to Connecticut where he will also be charged with murder.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Dena Ausdorn stands at the remains of her home after a tornado in Dawson Springs, Ky., Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021. AP Photo/Michael Clubb

Gov. Andy Beshear said he feared 80 people were killed as a result of Friday night tornadoes.

Beshear declared a state of emergency in the area, and said the death toll could exceed 100.

Tornadoes and severe storms surged through Arkansas, Illinois, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Missouri.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear on Sunday said he feared at least 80 people were killed as a result of tornadoes that ripped through the state late Friday.

During an apperance on CBS's "Face the Nation" on Sunday, Beshear said that "a number of kids" were killed during the severe weather. Kentucky Police previously told 14 News that the youngest fatality was a five-month-old baby.

"Death and this tornado didn't discriminate against anybody in its path, even if they were trying to be safe," Beshear said.

The death toll from the extreme weather could ultimately exceed 100 people, Beshear previously said during a press conference Saturday morning.

"This is going to be some of the worst tornado damage that we've seen in a long time," Beshear said. "This is likely to be the most severe tornado outbreak in our state's history."

Tornadoes and severe weather ripped through several states late Friday, causing catastrophic damage. Rescue teams were working in numerous locations to find people feared trapped in rubble. At least six Amazon workers died when a warehouse collapsed near St. Louis, Reuters reported Saturday, adding that authorities were not expecting to find additional survivors.

Beshear early Saturday said 56,854 people in the state were without power due to the extreme weather. As of Sunday morning, more than 10,000 people remained without power, according to the power company LG&E.

The governor also declared a state of emergency in the state as a result of the weather in the early hours of Saturday morning, deploying the state police and national guard, Insider's Morgan Keith reported.

Story continues

The town of Mayfield, Kentucky, saw some of the worst damage, with a tornado smashing through a candle factory while workers hid inside.

Damage from a tornado at a feed store in Mayfield, Ky.,on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)

One of factory workers had filmed herself and the conditions she was stuck in, saying: "I'm really scared, I'm trying to be cool, but I'm really scared," Insider's Alia Shoaib reported.

Videos posted to social media showed extensive damage to buildings in the town, including the partial collapse of its historic courthouse.

According to The New York Times, director of the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management Michael E. Dossett described these tornadoes as a "significant, massive disaster event" and said these storms could surpass the 1974 super outbreak of tornadoes.

Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) December 11, 2021

Tornadoes and severe storms surged through Arkansas, Illinois, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Missouri.

Read the original article on Insider
Two Wisconsin men were each sentenced Friday to two years of probation and ordered to pay fines for taking part in the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, as Congress met to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election won by Joe Biden.

Brandon Nelson, 29, of Madison, and Abram Markofski, 24, of La Crosse, had pleaded guilty in September to a misdemeanor charge of parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building. Appearing by video in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., both said they were sorry for their actions.

I just want to express how sorry I am for being a part of the breach, Nelson said. I want to say Im sorry to the families of anyone affected by the violence, obviously particularly law enforcement and I know there is an officer who took his life in the aftermath of that. That doesnt make me feel very good.

Nelson said he exercised bad judgment that day and said that since then Ive made better decisions.

Markofski said his thoughts were summarized in a letter to U.S. District Judge John Bates that was not part of the public docket.

I want to emphasize only one point, to you, to the government, and to all the police officers present at the Capitol on Jan. 6. Im sorry, he said.

Bates told the men the events they took part in, even though they resulted in misdemeanor convictions, were nonetheless serious.

They involved a threat to our democratic process, an attack on our democratic values, Bates said. The events of Jan. 6 were the most significant assault on the Capitol since the War of 1812. Indeed, this is the single most deadly attack on the Capitol by domestic forces in the history of the United States. And it took lives. We cannot ignore that.

Nelson and Markofski traveled from Madison to Washington to attend a rally by then-President Donald Trump, then marched to the Capitol where surveillance video showed the two enter the building through the Senate wing doors about 2:16 p.m. They left around 3:41 p.m.

Lawyers for Nelson and Markofski sought probation for the two, while Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Meinero asked for 14-day jail sentences. While there was no evidence that the two themselves committed any acts of violence or destruction, Meinero said they were among those who lingered the longest inside the Capitol following the breach, when rioters broke windows and smashed doors to gain entry to the building.

That does not make these offenses something less serious, Bates said. These offenses remain as very serious, an affront to our democratic values. But they do fall on the lower end of the spectrum of offenses.

Markofskis attorney, Jonas Bednarek, said Markofski has already suffered secondary harm as a result of his arrest. Markofski lost his job with Kwik Trip in La Crosse, Bednarek said, and the Army National Guard has begun proceedings to strip his security clearances. He was also placed on probation at Viterbo University for two years for non-academic misconduct.

Nelson, a psychiatric technician at Mendota Mental Health Institute, served in the Air National Guard for six years. Since his arrest, said his attorney, federal defender Jessica Ettinger, he has been shaken and embarrassed by the attention he has received and has cut out any inkling of toxic politics from his life to focus on his future.

In addition to probation, each was ordered to pay $500 restitution to help pay for the estimated $1.5 million damage done to the Capitol during the riot. Nelson was fined $2,500, while Markofski was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine. Each was also ordered to perform 50 hours of community service within a year.

Closing the 90-minute hearing, Bates told both men that it was their acceptance of responsibility, cooperation with investigators and contrition that kept them from receiving a harsher sentence.

I hope that is faith well placed in each of you. I think it is, Bates said. I certainly would be surprised to hear otherwise in the future. I hope that you will put this conduct behind you but that you will continue to reflect on it and on the importance of upholding the democratic values of this great country and abide by the rule of law and the principles that are so valuable in our democratic process.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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RACINE  As a Racine native gets closer and closer to competing on stage on the East Coast for Miss America, she described her feelings as surreal and humbling.

Jennifer Schmidt, who has lived in the Racine area her whole life, said not only does it feel special to compete as the only Wisconsin representative in Miss America, but it feels even more special that its during the 100th anniversary of the event.

I feel especially blessed, Schmidt said. Its a very historic competition and its cool to say Im the only Miss Wisconsin who gets to do that. Im excited to represent the state and I know that our people have the most welcoming people in the country. Its such an honor to represent them on a national level. The support Ive gotten from my hometown has been unlike anything I couldve ever imagined.

She is joining 50 other state representatives at the event at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, which begins with the preliminary competition Dec. 12-13 and wraps up with the final competition Dec. 16.

Schmidt will compete with a private interview, an on-stage interview and social impact initiative pitch, a talent, which for Schmidt will be a jazz dance to Hit Me with a Hot Note, and the red carpet event.

How to watch and vote To vote for Schmidt: The Americas Choice competition will award a $5,000 scholarship to the winner. Go to spotfund.com/teams/americaschoice2022 and click on Schmidt's profile. Each dollar donated equals one vote, and the candidate with the most donations will win the Americas Choice scholarship. To view the competition from home: Two nights of live preliminary competitions will be available for streaming at WatchMissAmerica.com at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 12, and Monday, Dec. 13. Schmidt will be recognized on-stage during the preliminary competition, and 50% of donations will go to the Miss Wisconsin Organization for Scholarship Awards. The Forever Miss Americas pre-show is scheduled for Dec. 16 at 6 p.m. and is to be followed by the final 100th Anniversary Miss America Competition" show at 7 p.m. on NBCUniversals streaming service, PeacockTV.com.

Red carpet ready

Schmidt said preparing for Miss America has been really busy, but also the most rewarding experience.

Her preparations have included trying to become the best version of herself, preparing for the private interview, being comfortable and present on stage and honing in on her talent.

Its really cool to compete for one last time on the Miss America stage and feel that sense of accomplishment, comparing who I started as versus who Ive become along the way, Schmidt said.

In high school, Schmidt said she was extremely shy; she could barely raise her hand in class. She attended The Prairie School in Wind Point, graduating in 2014. Now at age 25, speaking in front of thousands of people comes very natural to her, she said.

Her social impact initiative, Diabetes: YOU Have the Control, was inspired by her grandmother, who has struggled with the many complications and financial burdens associated with Type 2 diabetes. The initiative focuses on resources, awareness and prevention of the disease.

The social impact initiative is not required to remain the same from competition to competition, but Schmidt has focused on the same topic throughout because its something thats really personal to her, she said.

I wanted to keep it the same because it is important, and I can have the greatest impact for change over the years, she said. It gave me an opportunity to do something about it. I can be an advocate for awareness and prevention while volunteering to provide resources and programs to people to feel empowered to take control of their health.

Finishing off competing

Schmidt is a first-generation college graduate, and is grateful to Miss America programs for helping launch her college career. When she was a senior in high school, her parents lost their small business and struggled to find jobs.

Schmidt was crowned Miss Racine, Miss Badgerland, Miss Rock River Valley and Miss Wisconsin throughout the last three years. In all of Schmidts years of competing, shes earned a total of around $14,000 to put toward semesters of school and student loans.

Without the prize winnings, she said she might have had to take a gap year after high school, and it wouldve been harder to get back into going to school after that.

She said she's ready to compete for Miss America and that it almost feels as if shes been preparing for the job as Miss America her whole life.

The process of becoming the best version of myself is probably the best preparation, she said, noting shes traveled the state and met all kinds of people who helped her along the way. Theres this huge misconception that because we wear these sparkly crowns and sashes, that its about us, but its really about serving others.

Schmidt said she is excited to be staying at the Mohegan Sun resort because its beautiful.

It gives you Hallmark Christmas movie vibes, she said, but added with a laugh that since shes from Wisconsin, where it is typically cold this time of year, she wouldve liked to go somewhere warm.

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Freshman applicants to University of Wisconsin System schools can skip sending standardized test scores for another two years under a policy extension approved Friday by the UW Board of Regents.

The move drew criticism from Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, who said schools should be reinstating benchmarks suspended during the pandemic, not removing them.

A longstanding Regents policy requires incoming freshmen to submit ACT or SAT scores, but the board suspended the requirement in 2020 when the pandemic severely restricted the number of testing sites available. The board on Friday agreed to extend the test-optional policy through the 2024-25 school year.

During the pandemic, students of every age have fallen woefully behind, Vos said in a statement. Remedial class attendance numbers have been growing for years because high school students are unprepared for college as it is. Removing ACT/SAT requirements only exacerbates this.

System officials, however, said that continuing the exemption ensures applicants wont be penalized if they cannot take the tests due to cancellations or difficulty in scheduling time to take the tests.

State Sen. Duey Stroebel, R-Saukville, objected to the Systems scheduling explanation, calling it baloney. He also questioned what measurable standard admissions officers use in the absence of tests.

At UW-Madison, admissions officers assess the rigor and progression of courses taken, grades earned, positive contributions to the community, involvement and letters of recommendation.

The move to test-optional admissions was becoming more mainstream even before COVID-19. The pandemic only pushed institutions further in that direction.

Test-optional advocates say eliminating the requirement evens the playing field for lower-income students, pointing to research that found institutions that dropped ACT or SAT mandates saw increases in the number of minority, low-income and first-generation students applying.

Those in favor of testing requirements, including the organizations that make billions in administering the exams, say the exams are a good predictor of college readiness.

Tuition increases

The Regents also approved tuition increases for out-of-state undergraduates and graduate students at seven campuses.

Out-of-state students attending UW-Madison next year will pay about $38,000, or $743 more than this year.

The board also approved increases at UW-Eau Claire, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Platteville, UW-River Falls, UW-Stout and UW-Whitewater.

Tuition for in-state undergraduates hasnt increased since 2013 due largely to a Republican-imposed tuition freeze. That freeze ended this past summer, but System officials declined to increase tuition for this school year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Divestment protest

Even before the board began taking up items Friday, a group of students concerned about climate change grabbed the Regents attention by showing up in silent protest.

About two dozen students who are members of the UW Divestment Coalition, a System-wide student group, donned blaze orange hats and held signs urging the Systems private university foundations to divest from the fossil fuel industry. Orange is the national color of the divestment movement.

Campus disinvestment campaigns are gaining ground across the country. At least five Big Ten schools  Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Michigan and Rutgers  have made some kind of divestment commitment, according to Fossil Free, an organization that advocates for renewable energy and tracks disinvestment pledges.

Officials for the foundation that supports UW-Madison, which is not governed by the university nor the Regents, said the organization already takes climate-related financial risks into account and fossil fuel assets have been a diminishing percentage of its overall investment portfolio over the last decade. Outside managers invest funds on the foundations behalf as opposed to the foundation selecting individual stocks, which is how some larger endowments operate.

The UW Foundation said it, too, is concerned about climate change and will continue taking steps to reduce the groups carbon footprint.

The foundations actions so far fall a bit flat to UW-Stevens Point senior Molly McGuire, who helped organize Fridays protest. She said the foundation  with appropriate pressure by the Regents  could do much more to protect future generations of System students. She also wants the foundation to be more transparent about how much of its $4 billion endowment is invested in oil, gas and coal companies.

The UW Divestment Coalition has tried reaching out to Regents by email in the past, McGuire said, but received no response. She said she was pleased with Fridays organizing effort, which resulted in Regents President Ed Manydeeds agreeing to meet with the students at a later date.

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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 11) Aside from Philippine bet Beatrice Gomez, Miss Universe viewers had their eyes on actress Marian Rivera  who's part of the selection committee  during the pageant preliminaries early Saturday morning.

Rivera shot to the top trending topics as she shared her experience as member of the panel. Making rounds on social media was a clip of her teaching fellow judge, Bollywood star Urvashi Rautela, the dance steps to her hit single "Sabay Sabay Tayo."

"A lot of laughter and a little bit of dancing with my seatmate and new found friend," Rivera wrote on her social media pages.

The Kapuso star also lauded the pageant's all-female panel this year, which includes supermodel Adriana Lima and Miss Universe 2016 Iris Mittenaere.

"Girl power. Had a great time with these wonderful and kind ladies," Rivera said as she shared snaps from the event.

The Miss Universe coronation night will be held in Israel on Dec. 12 (Dec. 13, Philippine time). Gomez will try to best 77 other candidates in hopes of bringing home the country's fifth Miss Universe crown.

LOOK: Beatrice Gomez turns heads at the 70th Miss Universe prelims
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 11)  The World Bank has granted the Philippine government $600 million in new loans to finance the countrys economic rebound.

The Philippines Promoting Competitiveness and Enhancing Resilience to Natural Disasters Sub-Program 3 Development Policy Loan seeks to help fund the government's reforms, including the amendments to Retail Liberalization Act to promote private investment, reduction in the cost of doing business, and expansion of broadband services to promote investments in information and communications technology.

A World Bank official said the reforms are critical to ensure a more inclusive recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Reforms that promote competition in broadband and mobile telecommunications will benefit a large portion of underserved populations by increasing coverage and quality of service, increasing their access to markets, as well as access to remote education and health services," Ndiame Diop, World Bank country director for Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand, was quoted as saying in a World Bank statement released on Saturday.

Almost two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, Filipinos and businesses were forced to rely on internet connectivity as the government continues to limit the movement of people to lessen the spread of infections.

"Similarly, reforms that lower the costs of trade and improve the business environment are expected to benefit all firms but especially small and medium enterprises, which will have access to a larger market for their products and services," Diop added.

The World Bank said the Philippines remains a laggard in enticing foreign investments. But once the reforms in the retail trade sectors are in place, these would provide a level playing field for both local and foreign investorssubsequently creating more jobs and increasing the inflow of new technologies.

The lending program also supports the Philippines' goal of bolstering its digital infrastructure.

"The government has introduced the Philippine Identification System or PhilSys as a digital identification platform to foster the digital economy and increase access to public services," said Rong Qian, World Bank senior economist.

"This is expected to increase access to and improve delivery of public services by providing Filipinos with a unique, verifiable digital identity," Qian added.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 11)  Philippine bet Beatrice Luigi Gomez turned heads during the preliminary competition of the 70th Miss Universe held in Eilat, Israel on Saturday.

The Cebuana beauty confidently walked on stage during the swimsuit competition. She flaunted her killer figure in a pink swimwear.

In the evening gown competition, she graced the runway while wearing a high-slit, red dress designed by Francis Libiran.

For her national costume, Gomez wore a creation by designer Axel Que. The costume is inspired by the Bakunawa, a serpent-like dragon in Philippine mythology that is believed to cause eclipses and able to swallow the moon. Manny Halasan made the intricate and handcrafted metal headdress depicting the moon and accessories.

"She continues this narrative by taking it, the Bakunawa, in its final form: The Golden Lunar Dragon," Miss Universe Philippines captioned the photo of Gomez. "This is a metaphor for Beas growth and personal evolution. The costume is done in gold as it is considered to be the perfect element and acts much like enchanted armor.

Meanwhile, Kapuso actress Marian Rivera was introduced as one of the judges for the preliminary competition.

Gomez is among the 78 candidates vying for the Miss Universe crown. If she wins, it will be the fifth Miss Universe title of the Philippines.

The coronation night will be held on Dec. 12 (Dec. 13, Philippine time).
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 11)  Philippines' Miriam Refuerzo Damoah is now Miss Interglobal 2021 after Thailand's Nachita Jantana relinquished her title due to personal reasons, the pageant organizer announced on Friday.

Damoah finished first runner-up at the pageant held on Dec. 5.

"Nachita had recently informed us...that due to personal reasons beyond her explanation, she will not be able to carry out her duties as the Miss Interglobal 2021. Therefore, she is relinquishing her position," the organizer said in a statement.

"For this reason, after discussion, we as an organization have respected her decisions and the title of Miss Interglobal 2021 will be transferred to the 1st Runner-Up, Miriam Refuerzo Damoah of the Philippines," it added.

The organizer also wished them well on their new journeys.
(CNN)  Healthy men between the ages of 20 and 65 who vaped nicotine daily were more than twice as likely to report experiencing erectile dysfunction, commonly known as ED, than men who did not vape, a recent study discovered.

This association held true even for men without any other health concerns or habits connected to sexual dysfunction, including smoking, a known contributor to erectile dysfunction.

"Our analysis accounted for the cigarette smoking history of participants, including those who were never cigarette smokers to begin with," said study author Dr. Omar El Shahawy, an assistant professor in the Tobacco, Alcohol and Drug Use section of New York University's Grossman School of Medicine.

"It is possible that daily e-cigarette vaping may be associated with higher odds of erectile dysfunction regardless of one's smoking history," he said.

Nicotine's effect on ED

The study, published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine, analyzed data about e-cigarette use from a nationally representative study of US adults over 18 years of age.

"We excluded people with high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease, which is a big reason for ED, and we excluded those with a history of smoking. We adjusted for all that and still we found a very strong and significant association between vaping and ED," El Shahawy said.

"For men who had some history of heart issues, there was more than three times the risk for erectile dysfunction," he said.

There are two main reasons for this effect, said Ahmad Besaratinia, a professor of research population and public health sciences at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, who was not involved in the study.

"One is the fact that nicotine and other chemicals in vapes can reduce the ability of arteries to get larger and dilated, and that is what causes erectile dysfunction. These chemicals can also depress testosterone levels, another main cause of ED," said Besaratinia, who researches the impact of vaping on genetics.

Due to the presence of nicotine and thousands of other chemicals, smoking cigarettes can have the same effect on the systems of the body that control blood flow to the male reproductive organs, as well as causing cancer and many other serious health conditions.

"Of the more than 7,000 chemicals in tobacco smoke, at least 250 are known to be harmful, including hydrogen cyanide, carbon monoxide, and ammonia," the National Cancer Institute stated.

Risk of erectile dysfunction can increase as more tobacco cigarettes are smoked and nicotine levels therefore rise, which also held true in the study for e-cigarettes, El Shahawy said.

"The risk increased for daily vaping, rather than vaping in general," he said. "More exposure is what increases the risk for ED."

An additional factor, he said, is that "newer generations of e-cigarettes deliver a lot of nicotine -- some of them have higher nicotine levels than cigarettes. So it stands to reason that if you vape a lot then you will have the sexual side effects of nicotine."

There was one piece of good news -- physical activity was associated with lower odds of ED, the study found.

Because the research was cross sectional, "which means we're looking at how things relate to each other at a specific point in time," the study could only show an association between vaping and ED and not a direct cause and effect, El Shahawy said.

Vaping as smoking cessation aid

Vaping can be a way to kick the tobacco cigarette habit. The US Food and Drug Administration is in the process of evaluating and approving various e-cigarette brands for just that purpose, requiring companies to show data on how their products accomplish that result.

But if vaping nicotine replaces cigarettes as a daily activity, then risk for ED and other health issues increases. This is especially concerning due to the epidemic of teen vaping in the US -- more than 2 million middle- and high-school kids say they use e-cigarettes, according to a national survey released in September by the FDA and US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The survey found that a quarter of the youth -- 500,000 -- say they vape daily.

Over three quarters of the teenagers preferred flavored e-cigarettes, especially fruit, candy, mint and menthol flavors, the survey found.

But even e-cigarettes labeled as being nicotine free may be a risk, El Shahawy said: "Basic studies have looked at nicotine free e-cigarettes, and they will find traces of nicotine in them."

Another issue is nicotine delivery, El Shahawy explained, as the amount of nicotine actually drawn into the body can differ depending on the delivery mechanism.

"It's not just the amount of nicotine that is advertized in the e-liquid" he said. "The device, the heating coil, how the heat is generated -- all that can change the levels of nicotine actually delivered to the person using the vape."

At this time, El Shahawy said, researchers do not know if there are any permanent changes to male performance due to vaping.

"Is erectile dysfunction something that's going to just go away if somebody stops vaping, or this is something that could have residual effects in the future? We need better studies to be able to evaluate the short and long term impact," he said.

Based on the research, what advice does El Shahawy give to men who are considering vaping for pleasure or using e-cigarettes to stop smoking tobacco?

"If you don't smoke anything, don't start. There is no point in vaping as it's not safe on its own. But if you're already smoking cigarettes and you want to stop, then ration your use of vapes. Keep vaping to a minimal level, just enough to get over your cravings, and then stop."Vaping doubled the risk of erectile dysfunction in men age 20 and older, study finds

This story was first published on CNN.com Vaping doubled the risk of erectile dysfunction in men age 20 and older, study finds
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 10) The work continues for Philippine democracy, President Rodrigo Duterte said Friday as he vowed to implement more reforms for Filipinos for the remainder of his term.

"Philippine democracy is indeed [a] work in progress, but the Filipino is free. The Philippines is free," Duterte said during his intervention at the virtual Summit for Democracy organized by the United States.

"I step down in June 2022. The work of our imperfect democracy will certainly continue," he added.

Duterte noted that while the Philippines is considered the oldest democracy in Asia, its system of governance is "not perfect." He cited how corruption, poverty, and peace and order issues continue to be major challenges for the country.

"They weaken our institutions and deprive many Filipinos of democratic agencies," the chief executive said. "In the remaining months of my term, we will forge ahead, with reforms ensuring that no one is left behind."

The President tackled how he previously pushed for federalism, but did not get the support of Congress.

Duterte also vowed that his administration will ensure a peaceful and free elections in May next year.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 11)  Vice President Leni Robredo unveiled her five-point "Hanapbuhay Para sa Lahat" plan, detailing her ambitious agenda to revive industries and fight for workers' rights, once elected as the country's next president.

Her first order of business: restore trust in government.

"Bubuwagin natin ang mga sindikatong ginawa nang negosyo ang gobyerno. Gagawin nating patas ang merkado at sisiguruhing may isang salita ang pamahalaan (We will dismantle syndicates who have turned the government into their business. We will ensure a fair market and that the government will be true to its word)," Robredo said a press conference Friday.

To do that, Robredo said the Philippine Competition Commission should be strengthened to end monopoly and unfair business practices, and the Ease of Doing Business Act should be efficiently implemented.

Reviving industries

Under her leadership, four industries will be prioritized: maritime, climate, technology, and manufacturing.

Why maritime? Robredo said one-fourth of seafarers in the world are Filipinos - contributing six percent to the country's economy. She added that there's a need to create a national policy to boost the sector.

The presidential aspirant wants to invest heavily in green business - covering e-transport, climate-smart agricultural infrastructure, and clean energy.

"Kung magshi-shift tayo to renewables from fossil fuel, hindi 'yun puwedeng bigla dahil, dahil magsa-suffer 'yung supply natin. Pero meron na ba tayong programa, alin ba 'yung unang, unang ire-retire natin? Ano ba 'yung phasing ng pag-retire? So 'yun importante 'yun," Robredo said.

[Translation: If we will shift to renewables from fossil fuel, it should not be sudden because our supply will suffer. But do we have programs? And which one will we retire first? What is the phasing to retire? That is important.]

Discrimination in the workplace

The Vice President also vowed to end discrimination against workers.

"Kahit may edad ka na, anuman ang natapos mo, anumang kasarian mo, kung handa kang magbanat ng buto, karapatan mong maghanapbuhay (Regardless of age, educational attainment, and gender, if you're ready to work, it is your right to earn a living)," she pointed out.

There's a need to implement the Anti-Age Discrimination Act, she said, but would still push for a comprehensive anti-discrimination bill.

Supporting small businesses

Passing the National Food Security bill, Robredo explained, will allow government to buy from small farmers and fisherfolk for feeding programs.

She promised to link businesses to wider markets, especially in agriculture and tourism.

"Papanday tayo ng mas makabagong patakarang mas angkop sa digital economy. Aalisin natin ang red tape para maging mas madali ang pagnenegosyo. (We will draft new policies that are suitable for the digital economy. We will remove red tape to ease the act of doing business)," she said.

Saving workers

Robredo plans to introduce quality retraining and skills-matching program.

"Ang layunin natin: mga Pilipinong mas analitikal, maliksi ang pag-iisip, malikhain, malawak ang kaalaman, at nakakasabay sa anumang larangan. (Our objective is to make Filipinos more analytical, think faster, creative, have wide knowledge, and can compete in any fields)," she said. To achieve this, she said, the education system must be reformed.

Robredo also said she wants to create a Public Employment Program that would guarantee jobs to around two million Filipinos. At the same time, there must an Unemployment Insurance Program that will be ready to help displaced workers.

The price tag of her jobs plans? The presidential hopeful said she has identified budget sources initially amounting to 192 billion pesos.

"Naka-base sa current budget nila. So, ito, it's not as if merong bagong pera na ilalaan, pero nag i-identify lang tayo kung paano natin gagamitin 'yung perang meron tayo sa mga programang mas makakadulot nang mas malaking ginhawa sa ating mamamayan," she explained.

[Translation: They are based on their current budget. This program will not allocate new funds, but we will identify how we will spend our money to programs that will give greater convenience to our citizens.]
(CNN) -- Nurse Katie Sefton never thought Covid-19 could get this bad -- and certainly not this late in the pandemic.

"I was really hoping that we'd (all) get vaccinated and things would be back to normal," said Sefton, an assistant manager at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, Michigan.

But this week Michigan had more patients hospitalized for Covid-19 than ever before. Covid-19 hospitalizations jumped 88% in the past month, according to the Michigan Health & Hospital Association.

"We have more patients than we've ever had at any point, and we're seeing more people die at a rate we've never seen die before," said Jim Dover, president and CEO of Sparrow Health System.

"Since January, we've had about 289 deaths; 75% are unvaccinated people," Dover said. "And the very few (vaccinated people) who passed away all were more than 6 months out from their shot. So we've not had a single person who has had a booster shot die from Covid."

Among the new Covid-19 victims, Sefton said she's noticed a disturbing trend.

"We're seeing a lot of younger people. And I think that is a bit challenging," said Sefton, a 20-year nursing veteran.

She recalls helping the family of a young adult say goodbye to their loved one.

"It was an awful night," she said. "That was one of the days I went home and just cried."

'We haven't peaked yet'

It's not just Michigan that's facing an arduous winter with Covid-19. Nationwide, Covid-19 hospitalizations have increased 40% compared to a month ago, according to data from the US Department of Health and Human Services.

This is the first holiday season with the relentless spread of the Delta variant -- a strain far more contagious than those Americans faced last winter.

"We keep talking about how we haven't peaked yet," Sefton said.

Health experts say the best protection against Delta is to get vaccinated and boosted. But as of Thursday, only about 64.3% of eligible Americans had been fully vaccinated, and less than a third of those eligible for boosters have gotten one.

Sparrow Hospital nurse Danielle Williams said the vast majority of her Covid-19 patients are not vaccinated -- and had no idea they could get pummeled so hard by Covid-19.

"Before they walked in the door, they had a normal life. They were healthy people. They were out celebrating Thanksgiving," Williams said. "And now they're here, with a mask on their face, teary eyed, staring at me, asking me if they're going to live or not."

'The next few weeks look hard'

Dover said he's saddened but not surprised that his state is getting walloped with Covid-19.

"Michigan is not one of the highest vaccination states in the nation. So it continues to have variant after variant grow and expand across the state," he said.

"The next few weeks look hard. We're over 100% capacity right now," Dover said.

"Most hospitals and health systems in the state of Michigan have gone to code-red triage, which means they won't accept transfers. And as we go into the holidays, if the current growth rate that we're at today, we would expect to see 200 in-patient Covid patients by the end of the month -- on a daily basis."

And that would mean "absolutely stretching us to the breaking point," Dover said.

"We've already discontinued in-patient elective surgeries," he said. "In order to create capacity, we took our post-anesthesia recovery care unit and converted it into another critical care unit."

'There's a lot of frustration'

Nurse Leah Rasch is exhausted. She's worked with Covid-19 patients since the beginning of the pandemic and was stunned to see so many people still unvaccinated enter the Covid unit.

"I did not think we'd be here. I truly thought that people would be vaccinated," the Sparrow Hospital nurse said.

"I don't remember the last time we did not have a full Covid floor."

The relentless onslaught of Covid-19 patients has impacted Rasch's own health.

"There's a lot of frustration," she said. "The other day, I had my first panic attack ... I drove to work and I couldn't get out of the car."

'We need everybody to get vaccinated'

Dover said many people have asked how they can support health care workers.

"If you really want to support your staff, and you really want to support health care heroes, get vaccinated," he said. "It's not political. We need everybody to get vaccinated."

He's also urging those who previously had Covid-19 to get vaccinated, as some people can get reinfected.

"My daughter's a good example. She had Covid twice before she was eligible for a vaccine," Dover said.

"She still got a vaccine because we know that if you don't get the vaccine, just merely having contracted Covid is not enough to protect you from getting it again. And I know that from personal experience."

And those who are unvaccinated shouldn't underestimate the pandemic right now, Dover said.

"The problem is, it's not over yet. I don't know if people realize just how critical it still is," he said.

"But they do realize it when they come into the ER, and they have to wait three days for a bed. And at that point, they realize it."

This story was first published on CNN.com "Covid-19 patients at this hospital are dying 'at a rate we've never seen die before' -- and it's taking a toll on health care workers".
Earlier this week, Nebraska ranked 13th in new COVID-19 cases. Although there was no big jump, cases in the area have gone up.

According to the East-Central District Health Department Facebook page, early data around the latest variant  omicron  suggests that the symptoms associated with it are less severe but it is much more contagious than other variants.

The latest numbers available at time of print were posted Dec. 6. The ECDHD had 152 cases; 41.6 for the seven-day average per 100k; the test positivity for 46.7; and those fully vaccinated (5 and older) was 49%. In Platte only there were 104 cases; 44.4 was the seven-day average per 100k; a 47.9% test positivity; and those fully vaccinated (5 and older) 55%.

According to The Hill, on Dec. 8 Pfizer and BioNTech announced their vaccines appear to provide strong protection against the newest variant  omicron - when paired with the booster.

COVID vaccines are offered free of charge at the East-Central District Health Department FEMA Room, 4321 41st Ave. in Columbus. Weekly clinics are: 3-5 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays (children 5-18 years old are offered the Pfizer vaccine only); and 10 a.m.- 7 p.m. Wednesdays; first, second, third and booster doses are available -- Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson and Johnson for adults 19 and older). Call 402-562-7500 to schedule an appointment.

This week, Hy-Vee announced it will offer free Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine booster doses to 16- and 17-year-olds at Hy-Vee Pharmacy locations including Columbus.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are recommending those 16 and older receive a booster dose for Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine (the only vaccine available to minors at this time) at least six months after their second vaccine dose.

Vaccines are by appointment only and masks are required. A parent or legal guardian must consent to the vaccination and accompany all minors to their vaccination. Those who would like to schedule their appointment can do so by visiting hy-vee.com/covidvaccine

Along with the COVID vaccine, flu vaccinations are also being offered. Call the health department office for more information.

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Carlisle Borough Council unanimously passed its 2022 budget Thursday night.

The budget calls for a 3.48% rise in water rates, which will mean an increase of $2 per quarter for a single user and $9 per quarter for a family of four.

Sewer rates will go up 3.37%. The rate hike will add another $2 per quarter to bills for single customers and $11 per quarter to bills for a family of four.

No increase is planned for the boroughs stormwater rate.

The budget holds the real estate tax at 3.495 mills, which includes a .437 mill fire services tax. That means property in the borough assessed at $150,000, for example, would pay $524.25 in property taxes.

The price for borough trash bags will remain the same at $5.85, and parking rates will also remain the same.

Those are the numbers that come to mind immediately when municipal budgets are discussed and passed, but there are plenty of other interesting numbers that come up along the way.

37%

The percentage of the boroughs general fund revenue that comes from real estate taxes. Another 24% comes from other local taxes. The remaining funds come from fees, charges for services, rents, fines and other government agencies.

$25,000

The amount allocated from the Community Development Block Grant program for snow removal downtown in this years budget. Last year, the borough removed snow from downtown streets to make it easier for shoppers to patronize businesses. The program was well-received and will continue this winter.

56.7

There are 56.7 miles of roads in the borough to keep the public works department busy. The public works department also maintains 18 miles of avenues, 564 fire hydrants, 42 traffic signals, 317 street lights and 990 stormwater inlets. Thats not counting the 77.2 miles of water mains and their associated valves, meters and tanks or the 28.5 miles of storm sewers and 69.5 miles of sanitary sewers.

18,679

The number of calls to which the Carlisle Police Department responded in 2021 through the date of the budget hearing on Nov. 9 for an average of more than 2,000 calls a month.

22%

The boroughs human resources department is putting an emphasis on succession planning as 22% of the borough staff are over the age of 60. The borough is working on cross-training employees to minimize the effect on services as transitions occur between new hires and retirees.

1,169

The number of paid parking spaces in downtown Carlisle. The majority are on-street metered parking (669), but there are also 236 spaces in off-street parking lots and 224 spaces at the Pomfret Street Parking Garage.

$9,186,671

The amount of federal Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds issued under the American Rescue Plan that the borough was awarded. The first half was received this year and the remaining amount is expected in summer 2022. The borough will determine how to use the money at its goal planning session in early 2022.

30

The number of active volunteer firefighters with Carlisle Fire & Rescue and Union Fire Company. The boroughs part-time fire chief oversees the operations of the two departments.

More than 8,000

The number of visits to the boroughs compost site off of Post Road from March 31 through the end of September.

163

The number of acres of recreational land managed by the boroughs Parks and Recreation Department.

Email Tammie at tgitt@cumberlink.com. Follow her on Twitter @TammieGitt.

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I do agree with what Mayor Walker said the other night about how it could discourage someone who would be a very good addition to this board from applying because they feel forced to do something that would make them uncomfortable, she said.

Chairman Bellamy Brown agreed that there should be compromise in that area and that a ride along should not be required, reflecting on his own past bad experiences with police.

Previously in thinking about it, I had no thought about any triggering aspect of it until it was actually, you know, brought up tonight, he said. For me personally, it did make me reflect on my experiences in Fairfax County, and even now its still uncomfortable to think about.

Another issue discussed Thursday was whether the CRB would be able to go into closed hearings and be exempt from the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.

According to Mendez, part of the Boards back-and-forth the Board the past month has been addressing whether Virginia Freedom of Information Act, or FOIA, laws allow an oversight organization to obtain confidential information, discuss it in a closed session and then be exempt from FOIA.
As the country approaches the halfway mark in its once-a-decade redrawing of political maps, competitive congressional districts are becoming rarer and rarer. Lawmakers in both parties, but especially Republicans, are creating districts that shore up their vulnerable members and trying to ensure easy reelections.

The new maps are likely to accelerate the demise of competitive elections, a warning sign for the health of democracy, experts say. Increasingly, party primaries are the contests most likely to unseat an incumbent. That leaves representatives catering to their party's base, with little incentive to appeal to middle-of-the-road voters. Ultimately, it feeds the heightened partisan polarization that has poisoned Washington.

It's definitely a problem and you see it to some degree every cycle, said Joe Kabourek of RepresentUS, an advocate for overhauling redistricting. What the lack of competitive seats means is elections are basically over before they begin.
Our use of tuition has increased, but in 2021-22 we are still providing less per student between state support and tuition dollars than we were [30 years] ago, Magill said.

UVa raised tuition 1.48% for 2016-17; 2.18% for 2017-18; 2.4% for 2018-19, 0% for 2019-20; 3.6% in 2020-21 and 0% again for 2021-22.

For the current school year, the UVa board originally considered a 3.1% rise in tuition and fees but agreed to freeze the rates after receiving input from students at a public comment meeting.

The approved jumps in tuition, fees and housing for the next two years will also help offset price hikes in utilities, income the university lost during the pandemic, increases in faculty salaries and pay hikes for staff. The state also approved wage raises for some employees at UVa, but did not provide the funding to pay for them, leaving the school to make up those funds.

Please note that we dont think that this is a sustainable path, where we rely on tuition for base operating costs, said J.J. Davis, chief operating officer for UVa. We recognize that we must continue to examine and find opportunities in the base budget. As you recall we did significant base budget cuts a year ago, and we do not simply rely on the growth of revenue."
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Five Benton County Sheriffs Office deputies received awards this week for life-saving responses made on the job during calls earlier this year.

The deputies, identified only by last names in a news release, were honored with an award from the Oregon State Sheriffs Association Conference. Deputies Hesseling, Miller, Pratt and Williams were recognized for their response to a reported suicidal subject in Corvallis on May 7.

He wouldn't put down the knife

According to a news release from BCSO, Hesseling arrived at a home where the a man had plunged a kitchen knife into his own chest. Hesseling spoke with the person who had called 911 and could see the man standing inside the residence, still holding the knife. The deputy called to him, but he did not respond. Miller then arrived at the scene.

Pratt arrived next to assist with negotiating with the man. Over the next three hours, Miller and Pratt talked with the man in attempts to get him to put down the knife.

According to BCSO, the man was not responding to their requests and continued to injure himself.

Around 3 1/2 hours into the call, Williams arrived to lend even more assistance. About 30 minutes later, deputies convinced the man to drop the knife and stop hurting himself. They were able to get him the medical treatment he needed from emergency medical personnel.

The man was transported to Good Samaritan Regional Hospital where he was treated for the stab wounds and admitted for a mental health evaluation.

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If it wasnt for the quick, tactful, and compassionate response from the deputies involved, this situation could have had a much different and grave outcome, BCSO Sheriff Jef Van Arsdall said in the news release. Their approach, patience, and willingness to work as a team, directly resulting in saving the life of this male.

"The involved deputies acted with a deliberate and common purpose towards the mission of saving the male's life, without placing him or any of the other involved parties at further risk. Their actions exemplify the mission, vision, and values of the Benton County Sheriffs Office and in turn bring credit to themselves and the Sheriffs Office.

An overdose that could've gone another way

The other award winner was Deputy Gevatosky. According to the news release, on Sept. 1, Gevatosky saved the life of a young woman he encountered on Philomath Boulevard in Corvallis.

The woman had just consumed a large amount of narcotics and believed she could counteract the effects with more stimulant drug use. When Gevatosky arrived at the scene, she was unresponsive.

He administered NARCAN, an opioid overdose nasal spray, and gave chest compressions which resulted in saving her life, all the while having to deal with an interfering man who knew the woman.

The job responsibilities of a deputy have shifted due to the recent decriminalization of dangerous and deadly drugs, Van Arsdall said. Deputy Gevatosky handled this tense situation with poise, and administered chest compressions while dealing with a volatile associated male. I'm aware you dont do your job to receive recognition; however, your actions are commendable and you should be proud of yourself for the measures you took to save a life."

The national suicide hotline is 800-273-8255.
The Linn County Courthouse was on lockdown Thursday, Dec. 9 after Linn County Sheriffs Office deputies received information of a potential threat at around 11:16 a.m.

According to a news release from LCSO issued Friday, initial information suggested someone planned to bring a gun to court and harm others in the courtroom. Deputies quickly closed the courthouse to the public and began an investigation.

Deputies discovered that the defendant in a landlord dispute had made vague threats to the landlords attorney. According to LCSO, knowledge of these threats evolved into inaccurate information.

Deputies contacted all involved in the chain of communication and the defendant. They followed up with relative information and determined there was no actual threat in the courtroom.

According to the news release, within a couple of hours deputies had obtained enough information to reopen the courthouse as normal.
A contractor charged with taking a large down-payment from an elderly couple following Hurricane Michael and then failing to perform the work or refund the money has been found guilty of grand theft, State Attorney Larry Basford announced in a press release this week.

Luis Armando Perez, 54, of Jacksonville, was found guilty of grand theft over $300 Monday after a bench trial before Circuit Judge Dustin Stephenson. A bench trial means the defendant waived his right to a jury.

Prosecutor Frank Sullivan presented evidence gathered by the Bay County Sheriffs Office that the defendant accepted a $7,138 down payment for work on a home that belonged to an elderly couple, but the work never took place. The payment represented about 10 percent of the full price of the repairs to the hurricane-damaged home.

Sheriffs Office Sgt. Craig Romans made the arrest in June, 2019, about six months after the victims had written the defendant and his company, G&G Repairs, a check, which evidence showed was cashed about three days later, officials said.
An employee counts U.S. banknotes at a bank in Hanoi. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy

Vietnamese abroad are set to send home over $18.06 billion this year, a new record, making the country the eighth biggest remittances beneficiary globally.

The value is set to rise 5 percent from last year to account for 4.9 percent of Vietnams GDP, according to a report by World Bank and Global Knowledge Partnership on Migration and Development (KNOMAD).

This means Vietnam will likely move up once place to rank eighth in remittances behind India, China and five other countries.

This is the eighth consecutive year Vietnam has recorded a growth in remittances.

Ho Chi Minh City is the biggest remittances beneficiary locality in Vietnam, accounting for 30 percent of the total, followed by central and northern localities.

Agribank, one of the biggest remittances transfer organizations, is set to see remittances rising 15 percent year-on-year to $1.2 billion this year.

Dao Minh Tuan, deputy director of Vietcombank, said apart from the U.S. and Canada, two major remittances markets, it also saw a large amount coming from Asian economies like South Korea, Japan and Taiwan this year.

Last year Vietnamese sent home $17.2 billion, up nearly 3 percent from 2019.

The World Bank and KNOMAD report also showed remittances to low- and middle-income countries are projected to grow 7.3 percent to $589 billion this year.

Factors contributing to the strong growth in remittance are migrants determination to support their families in times of need, aided by economic recovery in Europe and the U.S., which in turn was supported by fiscal stimulus and employment programs, it added.
Imported Canadian beef in a shop in HCMC. Photo courtesy of the shop

Vietnam imported 8,900 tons of Canadian beef worth $57.9 million between January and October, according to the General Department of Vietnam Customs.

These figures represent 2.8 times and 3.8 times the quantity and value in the same period last year.

Canadian beef import turnover will increase sharply in the coming time, Canadian Consul General in HCMC Behzad Babakhanic said, noting that the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) was boosting trade between Canada and Vietnam, especially in agricultural products, including beef.

Vietnam is Canadas largest market in Southeast Asia with an average two-way trade of CAD9 billion Canadian dollars (US$7.07) a year, Babakhanic said.

Canadian beef is being sold in many supermarkets in Vietnam with prices similar to Vietnamese beef.

"Im surprised to know that the price of Canadian beef here is fairly low, the lowest among all imported beef," said Thanh, a shopper at a supermarket on Nguyen Oanh Road in HCMC.

Thanh noted that the price of one kilogram of U.S. short plate and flank beef was VND350,000 ($15), while that of Canadian beef was VND210,000 ($9).

Vietnam imported 50,000 tons of beef worth $220 million, with half of the volume coming from Australia, between January and October, said the department.
The government has approved the resumption of international flights between Vietnam and nine destinations that have managed high vaccination rates and good pandemic control on January 1.

They are San Francisco or Los Angeles (the U.S.), Singapore, Bangkok (Thailand), Phnom Penh (Cambodia), Vientiane (Laos), Beijing/Guangzhou (China), Tokyo (Japan), Seoul (South Korea), and Taipei (Taiwan).

The resumption of regular flights is meant to restore international passenger transport activities, speed up economic and tourism recovery and enable overseas Vietnamese to return to their homeland for the upcoming Lunar New Year, Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh said in a government directive.

He also stressed that while resumption of flights is necessary, effective pandemic control must continue.

The Ministry of Health has been instructed to consult experts, businesses and the public to issue fresh entry guidelines for people coming on regular international flights.

The foreign affairs ministry will continue negotiations to reach agreements with other countries and territories on mutual recognition of "vaccine passports," with priority for areas to where flights will first resume.

The health, public security and information and communications ministries will soon release the medical declaration software for use by air travelers and businesses and for monitoring and tracing visitors.

Deputy PM Vu Duc Dam on Wednesday instructed the health ministry to scrap the seven-day mandatory quarantine and allow fully vaccinated passengers to self-isolate on arrival.

Vietnam grounded international flights in March last year, for a long time allowing in only its nationals, foreign experts, investors, and highly-skilled workers coming by special flights.
U.S. Bureau of Land Management could issue a draft study on Nevada Gold Mines proposed Goldrush underground mine at the Cortez gold-mining complex early next year, according to the agency.

Currently, the BLM is working to incorporate the scoping comments into a Draft Environmental Impact Statement. It is anticipated to be available for public review and comment in mid-January 2022 with at least one public meeting anticipated in the first half of February 2022, Jess Harvey, public affairs specialist with the BLMs Battle Mountain District, said.

After the draft EIS is issued, based on the current project schedule, we expect to produce a Final Environmental Impact Statement in mid-June 2022, with a decision possibly being issued in late July 2022, he said.

The project 30 miles south of Beowawe in Eureka and Lander counties already has twin declines for underground exploration and test production, but NGM cannot mine commercially until the BLM approves the project.

Barrick Gold Corp. is the operator for Nevada Gold Mines, which is a joint venture with Newmont Corp. Barrick holds 61.5% of NGM and Newmont holds 38.5%.

Barrick President and Chief Executive Officer Mark Bristow said in an Oct. 25 visit to Elko that Goldrush, a world-class project in its own right, heads up a long pipeline of quality prospects for Nevada Gold Mines.

He later said during Barricks November earnings call that NGM has fed the first batch sample from Goldrush through the Goldstrike roaster, and the results were as predicted. Those results and an updated feasibility study of Goldrush led Bristow to say that additional resources will be converted to reserves later this year.

He also said Barrick continues to consider options for linking Goldrush to the nearby Fourmile gold deposit that is still owned by Barrick, not NGM.

Harvey said the BLM received 16 formal public scoping letters and 194 individual public scoping comments in late summer during and after virtual meetings on the NGM Goldrush project. The agency then broke comments into separate concerns.

We are working on addressing 327 items in total, he said.

NGM is expecting the proposed underground Goldrush mine to create hundreds of new jobs, NGMs Joel Donalson, who is on the BLMs permitting team for the project and head of permitting for NGMs Nevada mines and ranches, said during the late August scoping meetings.

He said NGM estimates Goldrush will provide 495 jobs during construction and 570 jobs when in operation, along with 364 indirect jobs. Goldrush will use current facilities at the Cortez Mine, such as the shops, offices, warehouses, and roads to save new disturbance.

Gold ore from Goldrush will be processed at NGMs Carlin site. Ore will be trucked to the processing facilities there.

If Goldrush is approved, the mine life is expected to be 24 years.

The BLM is shooting for completing the EIS process and issuing a record of decision within 12 months, but the rule during the Trump years requiring the one-year time frame is no longer in place, Harvey said.

We are not held to 12 months, he said at the time of the scoping meetings.

But Harvey said a method developed by the district manager at Battle Mountain, Doug Furtado, tries to keep the process at roughly a years time, though thats not a guarantee. He said the districts process takes no shortcuts but there is a lot of preplanning.

He said a lot of factors play into the timing, including public comments and baseline reports.

With the change in administration, the publication in the Federal Register about the project that kicked off the permitting process was delayed, but Harvey said that provided more time for preplanning.

Once permitted, Goldrush is expected to dewater roughly 4,500 gallons per minute to keep the mine dry, Donalson said. The site will include dewatering wells and a water pipeline, and water will go to rapid infiltration basins.

The project also will involve vent raises, backfill plant, crusher, conveyor, shotcrete plant, stockpile sites and a multi-use shop, he said in the virtual presentation.

Bristow reported the estimated initial capital outlay for developing Goldrush is now expected to be a little lower than the earlier estimate of roughly $1 billion.

NGMs plans for Goldrush would involve roughly 1,717 acres of new disturbance and 1,036 acres of existing and already authorized disturbance, and areas of concern that the BLM study will cover include impact to sage grouse habitat and golden eagles and raptors.

Cooperating agencies for the EIS include the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which the BLM will be working with to obtain a take permit for the golden eagles, said Kristi Schaff, Goldrush project manager for contractor Stantec hired to work on the EIS. She said in the scoping meetings she doesnt have the details yet, but stay tuned for the draft EIS.

According to the USFW the Endangered Species Act prohibits the take of listed species through direct harm or habitat destruction, but the agency can issue permits for legal activities that could result in the incidental taking.

Such permits require conservation plans to mitigate harm to the impacted species during a proposed project, the USFW states.

Schaff said that work on golden eagles at Cortez has been ongoing for several years, including aerial surveys to document nests and nest activity.

Goldrushs project area also will come close to sage grouse leks, both active and inactive, so the EIS will look at potential impacts, she said.

The EIS requires many baseline studies beyond the sage grouse and golden eagle, and Schaff said some of them have been done already, going back to the 1990s. Cortez Mine has grown over the years to include both open pit and underground mining, and those projects required studies.

She said in the scoping meetings that the traffic study was updated in 2020, and the monitoring of springs and seeps has been ongoing. A groundwater study also was updated in 2020 and includes all current dewatering at Cortez.

All this baseline data will be used throughout the EIS process, Schaff said.

The BLM also confirmed that Native American tribes have been consulted about Goldrush, including the Western Shoshones Elko and Battle Mountain bands and the Duckwater tribe, as well as the Yumba Tribe. 

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In the aftermath of an asset exchange with Nevada Gold Mines, i-80 Gold Corp. has started managing and updating the Lone Tree Complex along Interstate 80, and the company is now operating the Ruby Hill Mine acquired in a separate acquisition.

Nevada Gold Mines now owns 100% of the South Arturo mining property near the Goldstrike Mine on the Carlin Trend, and i-80 Gold now owns the Lone Tree Complex and Buffalo Mountain property west of Battle Mountain, after finalizing an asset exchange.

In a separate deal that was timed with the asset exchange, i-80 Gold took over the Ruby Hill Mine just outside the town of Eureka.

The recent transactions to acquire Ruby Hill, Lone Tree and Buffalo Mountain not only make i-80 one of the largest holders of gold and silver resources in the United States, but also positions the company to become one of Nevadas most prominent producers with substantial processing infrastructure, including an autoclave, said Ewan Downie, chief executive officer of i-80.

This is a win-win transaction for both Nevada Gold Mines and i-80, said Greg Walker, executive managing director of NGM, when the asset exchange was announced in September with finalization following in October.

NGM also received a low-cost option to acquire i-80s Rodeo Creek exploration property adjacent to South Arturo in the exchange deal. NGM had owned 60% of South Arturo, with i-80 Gold holding the remaining 40%,

NGM is a joint venture of Barrick Gold Corp., which is the operator and owns 61.5%, and Newmont Corp., which holds 38.5%.

Walker said the i-80 Golds acquisition of Lone Tree that NGM had on care and maintenance becomes a transformational asset for i-80. In return, NGMs acquisition of i-80s 40% of the South Arturo Joint Venture secures additional ounces with both open pit and underground optionality for our Carlin operation.

In Barricks earnings presentation in November, Barrick President and Chief Executive Officer Mark Bristow said recent drilling at South Arturo has identified a new ore controlling structure that could again extend the mine life of this asset.

The exchange also allows i-80 Gold to use NGM processing facilities while the Lone Tree facilities are readied for use. Matthew Gollat, executive vice president of business and corporate development for i-80 Gold, said the ability to process ore was a key component of the deal.

He said this will give i-80 Gold the ability to process ore from its Granite Creek, McCoy-Cove development properties and from Ruby Hill while we are retrofitting the Lone Tree autoclave.

Lone Tree will become Reno-based i-80 Golds company hub, Downie said at that time of the asset exchange announcement.

Along with the autoclave, Lone Tree has a carbon-in-leach mill, flotation mill and a heap leach facility, providing i-80 with several ways to process gold and silver ore.

Ruby Hill

The Ruby Hill acquisition for $75 million in cash and $8 million in shares was finalized in October with Waterton Global Resources Managements subsidiaries Waterton Splitter LLC and Waterton Splitter II LLC, and i-80 has taken over operations at the open pit mine. Waterton also has milestone rights for up to $67 million.

The company reported that transactions with NGM and Waterton give i-80 Gold 6.3 million ounces of measured and indicated gold resources and 104.5 million ounces of measured and indicated silver resources, along with 8.4 million ounces of inferred gold resources and 76.5 million inferred silver ounces.

The Ruby Hill property includes the Archimedes open pit, a mill and a larger property package with additional gold and silver deposits, according to i-80, which reported it will begin permitting for the construction of a decline for underground access to the high-grade Ruby Deeps deposit and the Blackjack Zone.

The company is looking at transporting the refractory ore from those underground ventures to the Lone Tree facility for processing.

In the interim, open pit mining and leaching will continue at Ruby Hill.

The company, meanwhile, is continuing to develop an underground mine at Granite Creek near NGMs Turquoise Ridge operations in Humboldt County, and the company is still planning underground mining at McCoy-Cove south of Battle Mountain.

In an Oct. 28 announcement, i-80 Gold stated that initial assay results from the underground drilling program at Granite Creek were positive, and the companys senior geologist, Tyler Hill, said these results confirm the high-grade opportunity that we are developing at Granite Creek and demonstrate excellent continuity of mineralization within the Otto and Adam Peak fault horizons that appear to broaden with depth.

The company stated that it is looking at initially processing refractory ore from Granite Peak at the nearby Twin Creeks mill under the asset deal with NGM that provided for access to NGM processing facilities until Lone Tree is up and running.

The asset exchange with NGM included contingent consideration of up to $50 million based on production from the Lone Tree property and an arrangement for substitute bonding, and the release of NGM bonds, for reclamation obligations at Lone Tree and Buffalo Mountain.

Also, NGM at closing reimbursed i-80 roughly $7.3 million that had been advanced by i-80 for the autonomous truck haulage test work completed at South Arturo and for funds that i-80 advanced that werent used for reclamation.

Along with announcing finalization of the asset exchange with NGM, i-80 Gold also reported it has closed a private placement allowing the company to sell slightly more than 39 million common shares for nearly $83 million. NGM subscribed to nearly 23 million shares in connection with the asset exchange, according to i-80 Gold.

That means NGM owns 9.9% of i-80 shares. Orion Mine Finance also was expected to own 9.9% of i-80 Gold shares, according to i-80 Gold.

Also, Equinox Gold Corp. planned to participate in equity private placement through the exercise of a portion of its anti-dilution rights for the Ruby Hill acquisition. Equinox Gold acquired Premier Gold Mines earlier this year and spun off i-80 Gold into a stand-alone company.

The net proceeds of the private placement will go toward the cost of acquiring Ruby Hill, and exploration and development of Lone Tree, Buffalo Mountain and McCoy-Cove, according to i-80 Golds announcement. 

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We are in the perfect location in Nevada. We dont have the sage grouse issues that they have up north, we dont have the desert tortoise issues that they have down south ..."
ELKO  SkyWest Airlines plans to cut back flights to and from Elko Regional Airport at the start of the new year, but Elko City Council will be talking Tuesday about a guarantee of minimum revenue to entice the company to change its mind.

Elko City Manager Curtis Calder said SkyWest has indicated that Elko must move quickly in this direction, or risk losing air service altogether, so the council will consider an agreement with an air service development consulting firm, Airplanners LLC, to negotiate a minimum revenue guarantee agreement.

In a corporate communications statement Friday, SkyWest didnt mention the potential minimum revenue guarantee but confirmed that it planned to cut back flights.

Due to lack of sustainable long-term demand, SkyWest Delta Connection service at Elko will be reduced to one daily round trip in January, SkyWest stated.

Currently, SkyWest flies from Elko to Salt Lake City twice a day in the early morning and afternoon, and returns from Salt Lake City twice a day.

The once-daily flight remains ideally scheduled for business travel and connections on Deltas worldwide network, SkyWest said.

This will leave Elko with the evening inbound flight and morning outbound flight (with the aircraft remaining in Elko overnight), said Calder, who reported city officials met with SkyWest executives in St. George, Utah, recently.

The second flight would be eliminated beginning Jan. 1.

Elko isnt alone in facing reduced flights.

Similar air service reductions have already taken place in other communities, such as Twin Falls and Pocatello. SkyWest indicated that they are looking at all of their at-risk routes, i.e. non-contract routes which currently receive no air service subsidies through the Essential Air Service Program or through similar state and/or local subsidy programs, Calder said.

He said that because there are no other subsidy programs for Elko, the minimum revenue guarantee is a tool Elko can use to retain (or expand) air service.

The Nevada Legislature failed to pass a bill in 2019 to create a Nevada Air Service Development Fund that would aid air travel in communities like Elko. Even the larger city of Reno was considered for the fund.

Elko hasnt qualified for the federal Essential Air Service Program.

Calder said that SkyWest, which is the largest regional airline and has contracts with Delta, United and other major airlines, has been hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic, a nationwide pilot shortage and higher fuel prices. Elko is one of the routes where the airline is losing money without a subsidy or contract.

According to SkyWest, the leisure air service market has recovered much faster than the business air service market. Unfortunately, Elko is a business-oriented air service market, the city manager said.

The consulting firm Airplanners is experienced in negotiating contracts with minimum revenue guarantees with airlines, according to Calder.

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ELKO  The school board could appoint a local educator to replace Jeff Zander as interim superintendent on Tuesday.

Clayton Anderson and Sarah Negrete were interviewed by school board trustees on Monday afternoon.

The appointment will conclude a brief search for Zanders replacement as interim superintendent open to school district employees only.

Zander, who served as superintendent for eight-and-a-half years, was appointed in August to fill a vacancy left by Dr. Michele Robinson, who resigned three months before; and Deputy Superintendent Mike Smith, who stepped back from interim duties about six weeks after being appointed.

The interim tenure was intended to be brief. Last month, Zander told the school board that although his contract was for a year, it included the stipulation to leave as soon as the board hired an interim or full-time superintendent.

Zander added that his goals were to help the district reconstitute the school board after five members resigned in August, whittling it down to two members. He also wanted to prepare the appointees to hire and work with a new superintendent as soon as possible.

On Nov. 23, board members unanimously approved a motion to open the interim position to internal applicants for 10 days.

Clayton Anderson

Anderson is currently serving as Director of School Improvement. In 2019, he arrived from Texas to become the principal of Wells Combined Schools.

His background in administration includes being the assistant principal of two schools in Texas and working as a specialist in the fields of college and career and academic achievement. He began his career in 2008, teaching Spanish at the high school and sixth-grade levels and working with dyslexic students.

In a cover letter attached to his application, Anderson said his knowledge of working with two very large school districts in Texas and experience in Elko County gave him unique experience for the job.

I have a tremendous capacity to work with students, staff and community members from different backgrounds and experiences, and unite them in working toward the common goal that we all have for our students: learning for all.

Sarah Negrete

Negrete began her career as an elementary teacher in 1993, later becoming an instructor in the Teacher Education Program at Great Basin College for nine years. In 2010, she received her Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction from the University of Nevada, Reno.

Currently, she serves as the Northeastern Nevada Regional Professional Development Program director, a state-funded organization for pre-kindergarten to twelfth-grade teachers in six Nevada school districts.

Negrete explained her experience working with the Nevada Department of Education and attending legislative sessions for funding make her the ideal blend of external and internal candidacy  bringing long-term knowledge and personal commitment to the district, yet being just outside enough to view it with fresh eyes.

My experiences in education have included a variety of levels of leadership in K-12 education, higher education, and across the state of Nevada, she wrote in her cover letter.

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More than 70 people have been killed with predictions the number could rise above 100 in some of the worst tornadoes to strike the US state. A state of emergency has been declared by the governor as rescue operations are underway to search for survivors.

"It's indescribable, unlike anything I've ever seen," Governor Andy Beshear said.

"You see parts of industrial buildings, roofs, or sightings in trees, if trees are lucky enough to stand. Huge metal poles bent in half if not broken, buildings that are no longer there, huge trucks that have been picked up and thrown. And sadly far too many homes that people were likely in, entirely devastated."

"There are a lot of families that need your prayers," he said.

More than 400,000 homes and businesses lost power across eight states in the South and Midwest by 10 a.m. ET Saturday, including more than 130,000 in Tennessee and more than 60,000 in Kentucky.

Buildings ripped apart

Some of the worst damage was inflicted upon a factory which had more than 100 people working in it at the time. Heavy machinery was said to be displaced as well as dangerous liquids leaking. More than 40 people have been rescued from the wreckage so far.

A train was also derailed by wind in Hopkins county.

US President Joe Biden tweeted that he had been briefed about the tornadoes on Saturday morning.

"To lose a loved one in a storm like this is an unimaginable tragedy," he said.

"We're working with Governors to ensure they have what they need as the search for survivors and damage assessments continue."
Production of shrimp for exports at a factory in the Mekong Delta province of Ca Mau. (Photo: VNA)



Vietnam exported over 367 million USD worth of shrimp products in November, bringing the total export revenue in the first 11 months of the year to more than 3.5 billion USD, a year-on-year increase of 3.4 percent, Hang said.



Strongest growth was seen in exports to the US, EU, and Australia while some other markets experienced stagnancy or slight decreases.



Shrimp accounts for a half of Vietnams seafood export value. Shrimp exports have expanded strongly since the beginning of this year before the sector was hard hit by impacts of the COVID-19 restrictions between August and September.



The US remained Vietnams largest importer, purchasing 28 percent of total exports, during the period. It was followed by Japan with 15 percent.



Shrimp exports to the EU has swiftly bounced back since October, with Vietnam being a major supplier to Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium.



However, shipments to China constantly declined largely because the neighbouring country has tightened COVID-19 preventive rules on food imports at all border gates. Revenue from exports to China has decreased over 24 percent so far this year to 375 million USD.



Hang forecast that demand from major markets like the US, EU, Australia, Canada, and the Republic of Korea will be likely on a rise and the US continues to be the main driver of growth./.
The event was jointly held by the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Vietnam and the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics on the occasion of Kazakhstans Independence Day (December 16), towards the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries. (June 29, 1992-2022). (Photo: VNA)



The event was jointly held by the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Vietnam and the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics on the occasion of Kazakhstans Independence Day (December 16), towards the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries (June 29, 1992-2022).



In his remarks, Kazakh Ambassador to Vietnam E. S. Bayzhanov reviewed the 30-year cause of construction and development in Kazakhstan, with its GDP increasing 17 times, from 11.4 billion USD to 188.9 billion USD.



For the Vietnam-Kazakhstan relations, he said apart from cooperation in such traditional spheres as culture and education, the two countries should work to boost economic ties.



According to the ambassador, the next meeting of the Vietnam  Kazakhstan inter-governmental cooperation committee will take place in 2022, saying it is time for the two countries to arrange visits at the highest level.



Vietnamese diplomats, researchers and scholars at the event also proposed solutions to enhance the traditional cooperative relations and friendship in the time ahead./.
In his opening speech, Russian Ambassador to Vietnam Gennady Bezdetko said the event offered an opportunity for Vietnamese researchers who specialise in Russian studies to discuss the role and position of Russia in the Asia-Pacific region, and economic, trade and humanity cooperation between Russia and Vietnam.



Participants at the workshop (Photo: VNA)



He highlighted the flourishing development of the Russia - Vietnam strategic partnership in the last two decades, saying that the relations has been strengthened and is confidently developing across fields in the spirit of friendship and cooperation for mutual benefit.



High-level and top-level political dialogues have been still maintained despite many impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, the ambassador said.



During Vietnamese President Nguyen Xuan Phuc's recent visit to Russia, the two sides approved a joint statement on the vision of the comprehensive strategic partnership until 2030.



According to the diplomat, the most important direction in the Russia - Vietnam cooperation remains the cooperation in oil and gas industry, military and military technology, and coordination of action in areas of energy, transportation, industrial production, digital technology, education and training, science and culture.



Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs To Anh Dung highlighted the significance of the workshop, saying that it helped connect scholars and researchers in the fields Russian studies and Vietnam - Russia relations.



The 13th National Party Congress affirmed that Vietnam would continue pursuing a foreign policy of independence, self-reliance and multilateralisation and diversification of relations, in which Russia is a traditional partner, a comprehensive strategic partner and a top priority in Vietnam's external policy, he said.



Russia is an important partner of Vietnam in the fields of energy, and oil and gas. Joint cooperation projects between the two sides have been implemented effectively in both Vietnam and Russia, he noted, adding that the two countries have also expanded cooperation to clean and renewable energy.



The increasingly tightened and strengthened relations between the two countries will be a foundation for maintaining security and stability in the region and the world, he stressed.



Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Chien Thang, Director of the Institute of European Studies, said Russia is an important subject of international relations that makes active contributions to the integration and cooperation processes in the region and the world.



Scientists of Vietnam and Russia discussed, analysed deeply and proposed solutions to strengthen the role and position of Russia in the Asia-Pacific region in general, and strengthen cooperative ties between Russia and Vietnam in particular./.
The recovery will be slow and uneven across business sectors, BOT governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput was quoted by local media on December 8 at a forum hosted by the Foreign Ministry.



Bank of Thailand governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput (Photo: Bangkok Post)



The pandemic severely hurt the economy, especially the tourism sector, which accounts for 12 percent of GDP, he said.



In 2019, Thailand recorded nearly 40 million foreign arrivals. The central bank expects about 6 million foreign tourists next year.



Earlier, Siam Commercial Bank's research house has downgraded its 2022 economic growth forecast from 3.4 percent to 3.2 percent, as the COVID-19 Omicron variant is expected to take a toll on the global economy and delay Thailand's tourism recovery until at least the beginning of next year.



Overall, the economy in 2022 would see a slow, steady rebound from lasting scarring effects, according to Yunyong Thaicharoen, chief economist at Siam Commercial Bank Economic Intelligence Center (SCB EIC).



SCB EIC expects the economy will return to its pre-pandemic 2019 level by mid-2023, he said.



In 2022, the research house expects a rebound in domestic and external demand, led by buoyant exports, in line with an improving global economy and trade.



The tourism sector will likely regain pace. The research house anticipates around 5.9 million foreign visitors next year and 330,000 this year.



On December 8, the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking issued a forecast for 2022 GDP growth of 3-4.5 percent, compared with its estimate of 0.5-1.5 percent growth this year./.
By Guo Yichu, a international affairs researcher

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the adoption of UNGA Resolution 2758 to restore the lawful seat of the Peoples Republic of China in the United Nations. Many commemorations have been held by the Chinese side and the UN system in China, attracting people from all walks of life and various countries. At such a special moment of commemoration, certain American politicians and think tanks, in collusion with the Democratic Progressive Party (hereinafter referred to as DPP) authorities in Taiwan, have begun to spread false arguments on the issue of Taiwans so-called representation at the UN, distorting UNGA Resolution 2758. Some Americans claim that the Resolution has resolved only the issue of representation of the Peoples Republic of China but not that of Taiwan. It is not difficult to tell from the timing that the U.S., with its hegemonic mentality and power politics logic, is trying to use the Taiwan issue again to contain Chinas development. The U.S. act has not only violated the three China-U.S. Joint Communiques, but also disregarded the common will of the UN Members and undermined the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. It has endangered peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Such an act is doomed to failure.

Under the above background, a symposium on the significance of Resolution 2758 was held jointly by the Chinese Peoples Institute of Foreign Affairs and the United Nations Association of China. Former senior officials and diplomats, scholars and experts reviewed the content and history of the Resolution, analyzed its political and legal connotation, and rebutted the fallacious remarks of certain U.S. and Taiwan politicians by revealing the hidden political intentions.

The adoption of Resolution 2758 is significant, justified and inevitable.

One of the speakers, 92-year-old Nicolae Ecobescu, attended the General Assembly in 1971 as Deputy Head of the Romanian Delegation to the 26th session of the United Nations General Assembly. He described the day on which Resolution 2758 was adopted as a great and special day. When the Resolution was adopted with an overwhelming majority, a prolonged applause broke out in the packed hall. Even some of those who did not vote Yes for various reasons joined the applause. He claimed at the plenary session of UNGA on Oct. 26, 1971, yesterday evenings vote [1976th meeting] was a triumph of political wisdom and lucidity, of legality and justice and, the anachronistic and irrational policy of isolation pursued towards Peoples China has failed. He called on the international community to rationally oppose such arguments as two Chinas and Taiwan independence for legal and moral reasons.

Munir Akram, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, also attended the 26th session of the UN General Assembly in person. He recalled that Chinas friendsthe sponsors of Resolution 2758 including Pakistanwere jubilant at the surprise victory as revealed by the pictures taken on that occasion. All those who were at the General Assembly that night were very aware that they had participated in one of the 20th centurys most important, historical events. That experience is an indelible memory in his long diplomatic career.

Thant Myint-U, Visiting Fellow at Trinity College, Cambridge UK and Senior Advisor of World Bank, is grandson of former United Nations Secretary-General U Thant. He mentioned in his speech that, as a civil servant of Burma (now Myanmar) and as Burmas Representative to the UN before becoming the UN Secretary-General, his grandfather believed very strongly in the admission of the representatives of the Peoples Republic of China to the UN. He was very pleased, in the final weeks of his second term in late 1971 after Resolution 2758 was passed, that he was able to personally receive the credentials of the delegation of the Peoples Republic of China, even though he was unwell and in hospital. Thant Myint-U regards it as a very fitting way for his grandfather to mark the end of his term as UN Secretary-General.

Resolution 2758 has taken root and shall not be tampered with.

Chen Shiqiu, former senior diplomat of China who has been engaged in treaty and law studies for many years, pointed out that as Resolution 2758 successfully resolved the issue of the lawful seat of the Peoples Republic of China in the UN, the one-China principle, widely recognized by the international community, has been endowed with the force of international law. Attempts for Taiwan to reapply to join the UN have no legal and political basis whatsoever, nor will they be possible in practice.

Wu Hailong, President of China Public Diplomacy Association and former senior diplomat of China, summarized the implications of Resolution 2758 as: (a) recognizing that the Peoples Republic of China exclusively enjoys Chinas lawful seat and rights in the UN and related agencies; (b) defining the Taiwan authorities seat in the UN as illegal, denying their representation to the UN and expelling them from the place which they unlawfully occupy at the UN and in all the organizations related to it; (c) recognizing Taiwan as a part of China and representatives of the government of the Peoples Republic of China as the only legitimate representatives of China to the UN. These three aspects together constitute and fully interpret the one-China principle.

Zhang Hua, expert on Taiwan-related issues including Resolution 2758, developed his argument from the wording of the Resolution. He argued that the use of restoration indicates that Resolution 2758 has, from the perspective of international law, recognized the government succession from the Republic of China to the Peoples Republic of China. Naturally, the government of the Peoples Republic of China shall also inherit the sovereignty over Taiwan, recovered by the Republic of China on behalf of the Chinese people in 1945.

Liu Yang, former Law Clerk at the International Court of Justice, pointed out that Article 9 and 18 of the UN Charter provides General Assembly to decide competing claims of Member States representation. In the General Assembly Rules of Procedure, Rule 27 indicates that the General Assembly has such competence. According to UNGA Resolution 396(V) made by the General Assembly in 1950, the decision of the General Assembly on representation should be taken into account by all other UN organs and specialized agencies. All UN Member States must abide by Resolution 2758. The fact that the text of Resolution 2758 did not mention Taiwan is merely because the resolution has fully addressed the issue, and no special mention is needed.

Political intentions are hidden in U.S. and Taiwan authorities advocacy on Taiwans participation in UN affairs.

Donald Ramotar, former President of Guyana, noted that, in spite of the defeat in 1971, the reactionary forces continue to pursue a line of independence for Taiwan. That is a deliberate provocation in creating tensions in the region and is illegal.

Aly El-Hefny Mahmoud, former Deputy Foreign Minister of Egypt and former Ambassador of Egypt to China, stated that, recently, the U.S. has come up with an extremely provocative, unbelievable and illogical issue as an attempt to reopen the matter of the membership of the Peoples Republic of China in the UN and to drag the whole international community to an unnecessary debate about Taiwan and its membership in the United Nations.

Zaitsev Evgenii, a Russian scholar who has thoroughly studied Resolution 2758, noted that the Taiwan authorities, represented by the head of the DPP, Tsai Ing-wen, are persistently trying to aggravate the situation and hinder the process of peaceful unification, putting forward such slogans as Taiwan independence and Taiwanese are not Chinese. It can be assumed, he believes, that talking about independence under the conditions of full control executed by the United States and provoking a military conflict in the Taiwan Strait, Tsai Ing-wen, in fact, returns Taiwan to the humiliating times for China, when foreign colonialists ruled the island.

Wu Hailong talked about the international context in which US politicians advocated Taiwans meaningful participation throughout the UN system and in the international community, and concluded that their true intention is to contain China with the Taiwan issue and to help the DPP authorities seek independence, thus changing the cross-strait status quo by bringing about tensions and crises to the cross-Strait relations.

Zhang Hua stated that the U.S. and Taiwan authorities are questioning Resolution 2758s effect on resolving Taiwans representation for pure political ends rather than legal or procedural ones as it appeared. This is a typical approach for Taiwan independence forces to make up theoretical basis for Taiwan independence and had been pursued by the Lee Teng-hui authorities in the 1990s.

It is proved by the voice of the international community that any act that goes against the spirit of Resolution 2758 leads to a retrogression of history. The U.S. and Taiwan authorities, by distorting Resolution 2758 to pave the path for Taiwans meaningful participation and for Taiwan independence, intentionally brought up an issue that has long been settled by the international community. The essence of their acts is nothing but political manipulation aimed at changing the cross-strait status quo and containing Chinas development. Such acts, without any legal basis, will never be accepted by the international community that upholds justice and are bound to fail.

All data and information provided on this site is for informational purposes only. en.gmw.cn makes no representations as to accuracy, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis.

Editor: WPY
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky announced the need to force the oligarchs to negotiate with the government instead of the state to negotiate with them.

"It seems to me that we need to somehow change the course of history. They [oligarchs] need to negotiate with the government, and not the state should negotiate with the oligarchs. To negotiate with the government is very simple, it sets out its agreements in laws and everything is clear there, how people and businesses need to act, how to work. There will be no questions," Zelensky said in an interview on the 1 + 1 television channel on Friday evening.
British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said that before the G7 Foreign Ministers' meeting, she discussed with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken issues related to support for Ukraine.

"Met Secretary of State Blinken in Liverpool for G7 following the successful Summit for Democracy. We discussed support for Ukraine in face of Russian aggression, importance of reliable and honest investment into developing countries, and stopping [actions of] Iran acquiring nuclear weapons," the Foreign Secretary said on Twitter.

Earlier, the media outlets reported that at the meeting of the G7 Foreign Ministers, issues related to Russian policy towards Ukraine and the so-called threats of a possible Russian "invasion" would be discussed.

The meeting is scheduled for December 11-12 in Liverpool.
Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Denys Monastyrsky says that he has initiated an investigation into an incident at a checkpoint in Donetsk region with the participation of Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Oleksandr Gogilashvili to the Prime Minister of Ukraine and the government.

"Due to the events at a checkpoint in Donetsk region with the participation of Deputy Minister Oleksandr Gogilashvili, I initiated a disciplinary procedure to the Prime Minister of Ukraine and the government, during which all circumstances should be established and conclusions drawn. For the period of disciplinary proceedings, I will propose to the government to remove Oleksandr Gogilashvili from his post, for which he signed a corresponding submission to the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine," Monastyrsky wrote on his Facebook page.

The minister stressed that he would personally examine all the details of the incident and take appropriate management decisions.

Earlier on the Youtube channel Ostannia Kraplia (The Last Drop) a video appeared in which Gogilashvili, at the entrance to the Donetsk region, had a row with law enforcement officers, because his car was stopped.

The website of the Ministry of Internal Affairs states that Gogilashvili was born in 1973 in Georgia. In 2019 he graduated from Lviv University of Business and Law with a degree in Accounting and Taxation, in 2020 he graduated from the same university with a degree in Law. In 2019 he worked as a social worker at the international public organization Center for Healthy Youth (Kyiv).
The Association of Ukrainian Cities has asked the government to establish a fixed electricity tariff for budgetary institutions and municipal enterprises that maintain critical infrastructure facilities of the city.

"The rapid rise in prices for electricity and its supply leads to a critical increase in expenses of local budgets for provision of electricity to social sphere facilities  educational, healthcare and social welfare institutions. The Association of Ukrainian cities calls on the government to ensure the establishment of a fixed tariff for budgetary institutions and social enterprises that maintain critical infrastructure facilities," mayor of Kyiv, head of the Association of Ukrainian Cities Vitali Klitschko said.

According to Klitschko, in 2021, local governments spent UAH 2.5 billion on electricity for budgetary institutions, that is, 40% more than in 2020. Although provision of services for education, healthcare and social welfare are delegated by the state, the head of the Association of Ukrainian Cities recalled.

"This situation leads to a reduction in funding for other vital expenses. There is also a threat to the uninterrupted functioning of enterprises that provide services for centralized water supply," Klitschko said.

On December 10, the Association of Ukrainian Cities approved an appeal to Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal to establish a fixed tariff for budgetary institutions and municipal enterprises.

The meeting was attended by Minister for Communities and Territories Development Oleksiy Chernyshov.
The ship is scheduled to dock at the ECT Delta terminal in Rotterdam for unloading until 3 August and to depart then for Felixstowe, England

The Panama-flagged giant container ship, Ever Given, which ran aground in the Suez Canal in March and blocked trade in the international trade route for six days, finally arrived in the port city of Rotterdam, Netherlands.

The ship is scheduled to dock at the ECT Delta terminal in Rotterdam for unloading until 3 August and to depart then for Felixstowe, England, the Rotterdam port said.

Egypt earlier this month allowed the Japanese-owned ship to leave Egyptian waters, where the vessel had been seized for around 100 days, after signing a settlement agreement with the ship owner.

The settlement followed a legal dispute where Egypt asked for $550 million in compensation, down from $916 million, to cover salvage efforts, reputational damage, and lost revenue.

The Ismailiya Economic Court agreed to lift the impound order against the ship ahead of signing the settlement with Shoei Kisen, the Japanese owner of the vessel.

The actual value of the compensation Egypt has received as per the settlement and the terms of the agreement have been kept confidential, but Egyptian officials said the deal has been satisfactory and preserves both parties mutual interests.

The 400-metre vessel, operated by a Taiwanese Evergreen Marine Corp, had set sail from China and was on its way to Rotterdam. It veered off course late in March and ran aground diagonally while it was passing through the international trade route.

The gigantic ship left hundreds of vessels queued in the waterway or at anchor, awaiting transit through the canal.

Egypt succeeded in refloating the mega container ship less than a week later, thus allowing navigation into the strategic waterway to resume.

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the Ever Given is in east Mediterranean Sea and is expected to reach Port Said Thursday evening, according to vessel and marine tracking websites

The Ever Given ship, which blocked navigation through the Suez Canal for nearly a week in March, is expected to begin transiting Egypts canal in the upcoming hours.

Currently, the Ever Given is in east Mediterranean Sea and is expected to reach Port Said Thursday evening, according to vessel and marine tracking websites.

According to sources in the Suez Canal Authority that spoke to Egyptian media, the Japanese-owned cargo vessel will cross the canal on Friday accompanied by two tug boats.

This will be the 22nd time the Panama-flagged vessel has crossed the Suez Canal since its manufacture in 2018.

The Ever Given ran aground and blocked Egypts Suez Canal in March for nearly a week until it was refloated on 29 March by a fleet of Egyptian tugboats and diggers.

In July, Egypt allowed the Japanese-owned ship to leave Egyptian waters, where the vessel had been seized for around 100 days, after signing a settlement agreement with the ship owner.

The settlement followed a legal dispute where Egypt asked for $550 million in compensation, down from $916 million, to cover salvage efforts, reputational damage, and lost revenue.

The actual value of the compensation Egypt has received as per the settlement and the terms of the agreement have been kept confidential, but Egyptian officials said the deal has been satisfactory and preserves both parties mutual interests.

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Egypts Suez Canal Authority (SCA) announced on Friday that the Ever Given ship, which blocked navigation through the Suez Canal for nearly a week in March, has succeeded in crossing the canal on its way back to China after unloading its cargo in the UK.

According to the statement issued by the SCA, the Ever Given vessel crossed the canal as part of a convoy coming from the north adding that the authority assigned several highly experienced transit guides to be on board and two tug boats to accompany it during its trip through the canal.

The fact that Ever Given crossed the Suez Canal for the 22nd time reflects the confidence in the Suez Canal as the fastest naval route that connects east and west, it also show the good relations between the Suez Canal and the Japanese company owning the vessel, the statement said, quoting the SCA Chairman Osama Rabei.

The Ever Given ran aground and blocked Egypts Suez Canal in March for nearly a week until it was refloated on 29 March by a fleet of Egyptian tugboats and diggers.

In July, Egypt allowed the Japanese-owned ship to leave Egyptian waters, where the vessel had been seized for around 100 days, after signing a settlement agreement with the ship owner.

The settlement followed a legal dispute where Egypt asked for $550 million in compensation, down from $916 million, to cover salvage efforts, reputational damage and lost revenue.

The authority stated that during the Ever Givens return trip on Friday 62 vessels had so far crossed the Suez Canal in both directions with a total cargo of 3.5 million tons.

According to the Vessel Finder website, the Ever Given has a few hours remaining before leaving the Suez Canal and entering the Red Sea on Friday evening.
El-Sisi hailed the role of the civil society as key and important in enhancing and protecting human rights at the political, economic and social levels

Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi announced 2022 Year of Civil Society as he launched on Saturday the National Strategy for Human Rights.

In a speech at the launch of the strategy from the New Administrative Capital, El-Sisi urged the civil society to "continue working hard side by side with the state institutions to achieve sustainable development in all fields."

He also urged the civil society sector to cooperate with the state institutions to "spread awareness of the human rights culture and to contribute to achieving the aspirations of the Egyptian people."

El-Sisi hailed the role of the civil society as "key and important in enhancing and protecting human rights at the political, economic and social levels."

He added that the civil society organisations contribute to "spreading awareness of human rights in society and the culture of volunteer work and efforts to combat extremism and trends against the values of our Egyptian society."

"There is no doubt that the contributions and achievements of the civil society are clear, and its partnership with the state is indispensable," El-Sisi said.

He added that he, hence, had directed the government to reconsider the earlier civil society law, and therefore, a new law was issued.

El-Sisi said the new law, which came into force earlier this year, has included facilitations and guarantees that enhance civil work after a societal dialogue involving 1,300 Egyptian and foreign NGOs was conducted.

Personal and political freedoms

El-Sisi said the Egyptian state is committed to respecting and protecting personal freedoms, the right of political participation, the freedom of expression and the right of the formation of civil society organizations.

He added that Egypt welcomes differences in opinions as long as they respect the freedoms of others and aim, through constructive criticism, to achieve the better for the country and people.

During a roundtable discussion on the new strategy at the event, the President cautioned against the consequences of people imposing their opinions on others.

"We respect diversity and difference, but if someone seeks to impose their opinion on the rest of society then that leads to a dictatorial path," the President said.

Constitutional accomplishments

El-Sisi said the state has attached special importance to the right of participation in the political and public life as an "important component to advance human rights fields and contribute to establishing the pillars of democracy and the rule of law."

He noted that many legislations have been issued and many independent entities have been formed in support of these rights.

"The political and public life in Egypt has witnessed intense activity during the past period, which culminated in the achievement of all the constitutional entitlements," the president said.

He added that these entitlements "ensured the people's expression of their free will through presidential and legislative elections."

The President said the formation of legislative institutions have also been completed through reinstating the Senate and conducting its elections.

Freedom of thought and creativity

"Egypt has always adopted freedom of thought, creativity and expression, which resulted in a fruitful Egyptian contribution to its regional surrounding in art, literature and culture," El-Sisi said.

The President affirmed that the field of culture has received direct support from the state's leadership to encourage creators.

Religious freedom and equality

El-Sisi affirmed that the Egyptian state will continue to exert "tireless" efforts at the level of the freedom of religion and belief.

"Egypt, the country with a rich religious heritage, continues to make unremitting efforts to emphasize the values of citizenship, tolerance and dialogue, and to combat incitement to violence and discrimination," El-Sisi said.

The state has achieved "remarkable progress to ensure equality among the children of one nation in rights and duties," he said, citing the issuance of a law on the construction and restoration of churches as an example.

The President said this law has resulted in the legalization of the status of 1,800 unlicensed churches and adjacent structures.

"Standing side by side in the New Administrative Capital, the Al-Fattah Al-Aleem Mosque and the Nativity of Christ Cathedral harmonized as witnesses to those achievements," El-Sisi stated.

During the roundtable, El-Sisi stressed on Saturday his support for the right to freedom of belief and religion as "a right that God has granted us."

"If somebody told me I'm not a Muslim, Christian, Jewish or from any other faith, I will tell them you are free to not be. Because I am protective of my own religion, I respect others' freedom," El-Sisi said.

Religious affiliation in National ID cards stands

During the roundtable discussion, Egypt's Minister of Justice Omar Marwan explained why the state has opted not to remove the field of religious affiliation of citizens in the national ID card system.

Marwan said the inclusion of religious affiliation in the national IDs is a necessary measure to preserve the rights of Egyptians to be governed in their personal status matters by the jurisprudence of their religions.

The Egyptian constitution stipulates Muslims, Christians and Jews have the right to be governed in personal status matters by their own religious laws, and, therefore, an official proof of each citizen's religion in the ID system is required for the government to protect this right, Marwan said.

"We need the religion affiliation field for marriage, divorce and inheritance because there is no single law that applies to all Egyptians in personal status," the minister explained.

Egypts mandatory national IDs, which every citizen must carry at all times, contain basic information about individuals including age, occupation, place of residence, marital status and religious affiliation.

"Disdain of religion" cases?

During the roundtable discussion, well-known Egyptian writer and media figure Ibrahim Eissa called for a revision of the two-year pretrial detention periods for those accused of crimes, saying the measure "was associated with very specific, complicated circumstances [especially] the threat of terrorism in Egypt, but now the state has become strong and solid."

Eissa also called for the abolition of prison penalties for "disdain of religion", in order for such cases not to be used as "a sword hanging over writers' heads and pens," adding that such penalties restrict the freedom of interpretation of religious texts.

Comprehensive approach

The new National Strategy for Human Rights aims to develop a comprehensive approach to human rights as an integral part of implementing the country's national development project.

The strategy is the "first comprehensive and long-term homegrown-strategy in the human rights field in Egypt," presidential spokesman Bassam Rady said in a statement on Saturday morning.

At the start of the event, the president viewed a documentary film which discusses highlights of current efforts to bolster human rights in Egypt.

The event was attended by a number of ministers, state officilals and representatives of human rights and civil society groups.

Foreign ministry led effort

Speaking at the event, Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry explained that the Supreme Permanent Committee for Human Rights, which is chaired by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, prepared the new strategy.

The permanent committee was established in 2018 as per a decree by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly to manage the human rights file in Egypt under the foreign ministry.

The establishment of the committee constituted an "important addition to the institutional structure supporting human rights," Shoukry stressed.

The committee's establishment also "reflected the firm political determination to translate all constitutional obligations and regional and international conventions' commitments into a tangible reality."

It also confirms the governments keenness to implement human rights as a pivotal component in line with the country's 2030 Vision strategy, Shoukry added.

Shoukry said the state has prepared the National Strategy for Human Rights through a scientific and consultative approaches.

Over the course of a year, the state has studied human rights recommendations put forth by Egypt's National Council for Human Rights and coordinated with more than 30 ministries and bodies to assess the requirements of their implementation, Shoukry said.

Shoukry said Egypt has assessed the final recommendations issued by regional and international human rights mechanisms and studied the human rights strategies of more than 30 countries.

The consultative approach included expanded community dialogue and hearings involving the National Council for Human Rights, the parliament's human rights committee, civil society groups, NGOs and others, Shoukry added.

The strategy spans five years and is based on four main axes: the civilian and political rights; economic, social and cultural rights; rights of women, children, disabled people, youth and the elderly; and education and capacity building in the human rights field.

Shoukry added that the state aims to achieve progress in these four axes in a balanced way through the legislative and institutional development.

"Human rights represent universal, integrated and interdependent values, and therefore must be dealt with comprehensively, and in a fair and equal manner," Shoukry said.

Shoukry noted that human rights should also not ignore national and regional particularities as well as religious and cultural backgrounds.

"What is reasonable and prevalent in one society is not necessarily acceptable in other societies," Shoukry said, affirming that "recognizing and respecting this diversity and specificity is an added value and an activation of human rights."

The country's top diplomat said developing the human rights situation is a "continuous and cumulative process that begins with the commitment of state institutions to their duties towards their citizens to uphold their dignity and safeguard their rights."

"We have a sincere determination to uphold the dignity of the Egyptian citizens and guarantee equal opportunities," Shoukry stated.

He also explained that the protection of human rights constitutes a governmental policy and goal and is backed by an "independent and impartial judiciary that acts as a guarantor of the rule of law and the protection of rights."

Political rights and religious freedoms

In his speech at the event, Ahmed Ihab Gamal El-Din, Egypt's permanent representative to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said the new National Strategy for Human Rights highlights the right of citizens to participation in the political life and formation of political parties.

This right, which has been enshrined in various legislations issued since 2014, guarantees civilian and political rights and leads to the building of a state of law that befits Egypt and the people, Gamal El-Din stressed.

He noted that the strategy also aims to continue efforts exerted by religious institutions to renew the religious discourse.

The strategy also contributes to the promotion and development of public awareness of the culture of practicing all forms of peaceful assembly, Gamal El-Din added.

The strategy seeks to consolidate the values of citizenship and create societal awareness of the importance of respecting religious freedoms, he said.

It also works on ensuring the continuation of the work of the committee tasked with legalizing the status of churches, Gamal El-Din said.

The strategy aims to build skills and capabilities of political parties' cadres for leadership, he added.

Gamal El-Din said that Egypt's draft new labour law, set to be discussed by the parliament in October, could represent a beginning for a strong partnership between the state and the civil society.

The new labour law reflects the state's commitment to the enhancement and protection of the work of civil society organizations as a key partner in protecting human rights, he said.

UNHRC president hails Egypt on new strategy

The President of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHCR) Nazhat Shameem Khan praised Egypt's launching of the first National Strategy for Human Rights.

In a recorded video message screened at the ceremony, Shameem Khan said the new strategy aims to boost and protect human rights for all in Egypt and is a "significant" step for implementing international human rights criteria and guaranteeing human rights,

The new human rights strategy in Egypt is a key tool to protect and promote human rights, a pillar of the work of the UNHRC, she noted.

It targets translating the commitments into concrete steps on the ground, with the aim of strengthening the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights as well as protecting the human rights of vulnerable segments, atop of which are women, children, challenged people and seniors, she added.

She also praised Egypt for taking into consideration during the preparation of the new strategy previous recommendations of the UNHRC on the human rights file in Egypt.

The UNHRC has several useful resources that can be used by Egypt to support the strategy, she stressed, adding the UN council's agenda will ensure the implementation of the strategy effectively.

Economic and social rights

"The integrated development vision of the state, Egypt 2030, is based on the concepts of comprehensive, sustainable and balanced growth, allowing a fair distribution of the benefits of development, achieving the highest levels of societal integration for all groups, and guaranteeing the rights of current and future generations to use the resources," El-Sisi said.

These concepts also reflect the achievements made during the past seven years through the establishment of mega national projects nationwide, according to El-Sisi.

"This has been directly reflects on the level of enforcing the economic, social and cultural rights, especially regarding the right to proper housing and health care, regular work, healthy food, pure drinking water, developed sanitation and good education," the president added.

El-Sisi said the state has taken into account the social protection measures while implementing the economic reform program to ease its effect on the low-income people.

These came through the implementation of many initiatives, the most prominent of which are "Takaful w Karama" and "Decent Life" that seeks to develop the countryside inhabited by more than half of the Egyptian population, El-Sisi said.

"This first national strategy stems from an Egyptian will that believes in achieving integration to advance the society," El-Sisi said.

Human rights: 7 presidential directives

During his speech, El-Sisi called on the Supreme Permanent Committee for Human Rights, which prepared the new strategy, to continue implementing the mandates entrusted to it.

The president also urged the government to take all measures to enhance the strategy as follows:

- First, continuing efforts to integrate human rights goals and principles into the states public policies and within the framework of implementing the sustainable development strategy, Egypt Vision 2030.

- Second, inviting political entities and civil society groups to care for enriching the Egyptian political experience and building trained cadres through expanding participation and expression within a climate of creative interaction and objective dialogue.

- Third, ensuring equal distribution of the benefits of development and the right of every person to enjoy a proper standard of living for themselves and their family to meet their basic needs.

- Fourth, enhancing communication with various civil society institutions and providing all facilitations for the effective implementation of the law organising the civil society work and its executive regulations.

This comes to secure an adequate climate for the civil society organisations to work as a main development partner and spread the culture of human rights in society.

- Fifth, ensuring, while implementing an integrated vision of administrative reform, to build an efficient administrative apparatus that follows the mechanisms of good governance and is subject to accountability.

It also has to enjoy the approval of citizens regarding the level of services provided to them and should be characterised by efficiency, justice and non-discrimination.

- Sixth, developing the system of receiving and following up on complaints regarding human rights to achieve quick and effective response to any complaints.

- Seventh, intensifying national efforts for capacity building and training in the field of human rights.

Human rights and development

The new strategy "includes the main axes of the comprehensive concept of human rights in the state, which is to be integrated with Egypt's national developmental path that consolidates the principles of the establishment of the New Republic and achieves the goals of Egypt's vision 2030," Rady said in the statement.

The strategy will build on the progress achieved during the past years in the field of maximising freedoms and rights and overcoming the challenges in this regard, Rady added.

This comes with the aim of enhancing and respecting all civilian, political, social, economic and cultural rights, the spokesman added.

The strategy strengthens the state's policies in backing the rights of women, youth, the elderly, the disabled and all stratas of society, Rady concluded.

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*Mohamed Soliman and Amr Ramadan contributed to this report.

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EgyptAir has asked air travellers from Egypt heading to the United States to submit a proof of a negative coronavirus test result that was taken within one day only before departure.

In a statement circulated in local media on Tuesday, the Egyptian flag carrier called for travellers to the US, regardless of vaccination status or citizenship, to take a PCR or antigen test within this period.

Some travellers, instead, can submit certified documents proving that they have recovered from coronavirus within 90 days of travelling date, EgyptAir said.

The decision comes after the US has decided to tighten the policy on coronavirus tests for inbound travellers from different countries of the world, starting 6 December in response for the new variant Omicron.

Previously, the US required its citizens, permanent residents, and vaccinated travellers to submit negative test results within three days of departure for the US.

Late in November, the US also barred travellers from Botswana, South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Namibia, Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe in southern Africa, where the variant reportedly first emerged.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) in November classed Omicron as a variant "of concern" with scientists racing time to test its pottential impact on the coronavirus vaccine efficiency.

The WHO emergencies director Michael Ryan told AFP on Tuesday that it highly unlikely that Omicron, will fully dodge the vaccine protection or cause more severe illness than previous variants.

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Egypt reported 822 new coronavirus cases on Friday as the daily recorded cases bringing the total infection tally officially to 367,456 since the outbreak began in February 2020, said Health Ministry in its daily coronavirus update statement.

Egypts Health Ministry reported in its daily coronavirus statement that 47 new deaths related to Covid-19 complications were recorded officially in the past 24 hours nationwide, bringing the total number of deaths from the virus to 20,966.

The statement added that 905 patients have been discharged after recovering from the virus, bringing the total number of recoveries to 367,456.

On Thursday, Egypt received 1.27 million doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine from Spain via the COVAX initiative according to the Spanish Embassy in Cairo.

Egypt has been supplied with around 98.4 million doses of different coronavirus vaccines, whether wholly made or in the form of raw materials, since the start of the pandemic according to Acting Health Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar last this week.

Around 51 million doses are ready for use, and about 48 million single doses have been administered, Abdel-Ghaffar said

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President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi said on Friday that Egypt is keen to consolidate the social, living, economic and service rights of citizens, a something that has been reflected in the National Strategy for Human Rights.

El-Sisis remarks came in a tweet to mark the International Human Rights Day, which is observed every year on 10 December  the day the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.

"The international community is celebrating the Human Rights Day, which aim to safeguard the dignity of every one and their right to a decent life where they will enjoy their rights through a comprehensive approach, a matter which Egypt is keen to achieve through consolidating the social, living, economic and service rights of citizens," El-Sisi said in a tweet.

The president added that a recently launched National Strategy for Human Rights in Egypt is "a practical path to boost the Egyptian peoples rights, in conjunction with the development path, which cements the principles of the foundation of a new republic."

The strategy comes to meet the aspirations and expectations of the current and future generations and support the efforts of a state that is striving to change its status and build a better future within a region that is highly restive and full of challenges, El-Sisi said.

The ntional strategy, which was launched by El-Sisi in September 2021, spans five years and is based on four main axes: the civilian and political rights; economic, social and cultural rights; rights of women, children, disabled people, youth and the elderly; and education and capacity building in the human rights field.

On Thursday, twelve human rights organisations signed a statement commending the accomplishments made by Egypt over the past year to consolidate the culture of human rights, including the launch of the strategy, and especially after ending the state of emergency.

In October, El-Sisi announced that he would not extend the state of emergency that had been renewed every three months since two churches in northern Egypt were subjected to terrorist attacks in April 2017.

The 12 organisations hailed the strategy of human rights saying that it recognises challenges facing the comprehensive implementation of international human rights conventions and highlights the governments pledge to work with Parliament to resolve them.

A careful reading of the national strategy indicates Egypts tendency to build a legislative infrastructure that promotes Egyptian human rights in line with Egypts international commitments while adhering to the features of its unique identity and its cultural and religious components, the organisations said.

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US giant ExxonMobil and Qatar Energy signed a contract Friday for oil and gas exploration and production-sharing off the divided island of Cyprus despite Turkey's opposition to the deal. Cypriot Energy Minister Natasa Pilides, Varnavas Theodosiou, CEO of ExxonMobil Cyprus, and Ali al-Mana, director of Qatar Energy's International Upstream and Exploration, signed the contract in Nicosia.

US giant ExxonMobil and Qatar Energy signed a contract Friday for oil and gas exploration and production-sharing off the divided island of Cyprus despite Turkey's opposition to the deal.

Cypriot Energy Minister Natasa Pilides, Varnavas Theodosiou, CEO of ExxonMobil Cyprus, and Ali al-Mana, director of Qatar Energy's International Upstream and Exploration, signed the contract in Nicosia.

It is the second gas exploration contract that the consortium has signed for Block 5 in the island's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

In February 2019, the consortium discovered a huge natural gas reserve off Cyprus in Block 10, the island's largest find to date, holding an estimated five to eight trillion cubic feet.

The consortium plans to drill an appraisal well on Block 10 in late December, with results expected by the end of February.

Oil and gas drilling off Cyprus has been interrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Despite the increasingly difficult working environment for the global oil and gas industry, today we are taking a decisive step towards enhancing our mutually beneficial partnership," Pilides said at Friday's signing ceremony.

Asked about Turkey's negative reaction to the licensing of Block 5, Pilides said: "We proceed based on international law and the Law of the Sea; this has always been our principle."

Fieldwork on Block 5 will begin in the second half of 2022, she said.

Turkey has threatened to prevent ExxonMobil's search for oil and gas off Cyprus after Nicosia awarded it the rights to Block 5.

Last week, the Turkish foreign ministry said a sector of the licensed area violates Turkey's continental shelf in the eastern Mediterranean.

"Turkey will never allow any foreign country, company or ship to engage in hydrocarbon exploration activities in its maritime jurisdictions," the ministry said.

Ankara would "defend" its rights and those of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, it said.

The breakaway TRNC, recognised only by Ankara, lays claim to energy resources discovered off its coast, insisting the island's natural resources belong to both communities.

The eastern Mediterranean has become an energy hot spot, with significant natural gas finds for Cyprus, Israel and Egypt.

Ankara was accused of "gunboat diplomacy" in February 2018 when the Turkish navy prevented a ship leased by Italy's ENI from reaching its drilling target in Cyprus's Block 3.

The European Commission has urged Turkey to de-escalate and vowed to defend the interests of member states Greece and Cyprus.

Turkey was widely condemned for sending its own drillships into Cypriot waters for energy exploration, with the EU slapping sanctions on Ankara.

In the first half of 2022, ENI and France's Total are expected to drill in their licensed blocks.

Cyprus has been divided since Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third in 1974 in response to a Greek-engineered coup aiming to annex the island.

Nicosia has pushed ahead with offshore energy exploration despite the collapse in 2017 of UN-brokered talks to end the country's decades-long division.

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The European Union will on Monday impose a package of sanctions on targets linked to the Russian private military contractor Wagner, accused of stirring trouble in various conflicts.

Foreign ministers from EU member states will meet in Brussels next week and endorse a list of individuals and firms to hit with asset freezes and visa bans, diplomats said.

Wagner personnel have been identified carrying out operations in several conflict zones, including Russia's neighbour Ukraine, war-torn Syria and several restive African countries.

France in particular has been pressing its EU partners to act, arguing that Wagner's inroads into Libya, Mali and the Central African Republic have had a destabilising effect.

Russia's government denies any link to the group, which has been compared to similar US private military outfits, such as the notorious former Blackwater group.

But French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian has called them "a company of Russian mercenaries which makes war by proxy on Russia's account" and added: "Even if Russia denies it, nobody is fooled".

European diplomats said the bloc would make use of several existing sanctions regimes in order to add names of Wagner-linked personnel and firms to target lists.

They said the list would also be a warning to countries tempted to hire Wagner units, such as Mali, a former French colony where European troops are fighting Islamist insurgents.

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Benin opposition leader Reckya Madougou was sentenced on Saturday to 20 years in prison for terrorism by a special court in the capital Porto-Novo after a brief trial that her lawyers condemned as a "political attack".

After more than 20 hours of hearings, Madougou was found guilty of "complicity in terrorist acts" by the Economic Crime and Terrorism Court, or Criet, which on Tuesday sentenced another key opposition figure to 10 years.

Critics say the court, set up in 2016, has been used by President Patrice Talon's regime to crack down on the opposition and pushed Benin into authoritarianism.

"This court has deliberately decided to penalise an innocent person," Madougou said shortly before her prison sentence was announced.

"I have never been and I will never be a terrorist," the 47-year-old former justice minister added.

"It's a sad day for our justice system, I maintain that there is no proof," one of her lawyers, Robert Dossou, told AFP.

Madougou was one of several Benin opposition leaders banned from running in an election in April in which Talon won a second term with 86 percent of the vote.

She was arrested in the economic capital Cotonou in March -- just weeks before the election -- accused of financing an operation to assassinate political figures to prevent the vote, in an alleged bid to "destabilise" the country.

"Tried at 6am, without witnesses, without documents, without evidence, Recky Madougou was sentenced to 20 years in prison by three accomplices of those in power," her France-based lawyer Antoine Vey tweeted after the sentencing.

"Her crime: to have embodied a democratic alternative to the regime of Patrice Talon."

Vey had told the trial on Friday that "this procedure is nothing but a political attack".

"Even before her arrest, everything was orchestrated," Vey said a day after arriving from Paris.

He asked for the trial to be cancelled, before leaving the court and never returning -- Madougou's Benin-based lawyers stayed for the remainder.

Vey then told AFP that it was "a trial in which nothing was judicial".

Madougou said on the stand at the trial that she had "no illusions" about its outcome.

"I offer myself to the democracy of my country, if my sacrifice can give your court back its independence," she said.

Judge flees pressure

Less than a week before the April election, a judge from the special court fled Benin denouncing political pressure to make rulings, in particular in the case of Madougou's arrest.

Government officials dismiss claims of political interference and say Benin's judiciary is independent.

Benin was long praised for its thriving multi-party democracy in a troubled region. But critics say the West African state's democracy has steadily eroded under Talon, a 63-year-old cotton magnate first elected in 2016.

Some opposition leaders have fled the country while others were disqualified from running in elections, or targeted for investigation.

Joel Aivo, a professor who had been held for eight months, was found guilty on Tuesday of plotting against the state and money laundering.

Aivo, who was also barred from running in the election, was arrested on April 15, four days after the ballot that saw Talon returned to power.

The same special court in 2018 also sentenced Sebastien Ajavon, an opposition figure who came third in the previous election, to 20 years in prison for drug trafficking.

He was again sentenced in early March in absentia to a second sentence of five years in prison for forgery and fraud.

Like most Beninese opposition figures, he now lives in exile.

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Greece will honour a deal to buy three frigates from France, Paris and a source in the Greek defence ministry said Saturday, after a competing offer from the US threatened to overturn the contract.

"Since we have been in discussion with the Greeks, the American offer is no longer on the table... We also signed the contract with the Greeks. It was initialled a few days ago," France's armed forces ministry told AFP.

A source at Greece's defence ministry said "the agreement is on and moving forward".

"It has been done at the highest possible level. The Greek prime minister himself has announced it," the source told AFP on Saturday.

On Friday the US State Department said it had approved the sale for $6.9 billion of four Lockheed Martin combat frigates, known as multi-mission surface combatant ships.

The announcement suggested France faced a fresh commercial arms deal threat after the US wrested away a massive submarine contract for Australia in a shock announcement on September 15 that ruptured relations between Washington and Paris.

France recalled its ambassadors to the United States and Australia and labelled it a "stab in the back" by an ally when Canberra ditched a longstanding deal worth billions of euros to buy conventional French submarines for US nuclear-powered vessels.

Later in September, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis sealed a memorandum of understanding with French President Emmanuel Macron to buy three and possibly four French Belharra frigates for three billion euros ($3.5 billion).

However France said that this time -- unlike for the Australian submarine deal -- the US had given Paris advance warning of its announcement.

"The Americans had warned us that this announcement was going to come out," the armed forces ministry said.

"They wrote to us, saying that 'as part of good relations, following the AUKUS problem, we are warning you'," it said, using the name given to the Australia-UN-US pact that sunk France's submarine deal with Canberra.

"There is no inclination (on their part) to go further," the ministry added.

"What happened there was just a result of an administrative process, which it was apparently complicated for them to stop from an administrative point of view."

On Friday, the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency also approved a $2.5 billion Lockheed program to upgrade Greece's MEKO class frigate, including adding and upgrading weapons systems and electronics.

The French ships would be built by Naval Group for delivery to the Greek navy in 2025 and 2026.

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Egypt's parliament  the House of Representatives  will get down to business this week, grilling Minister of Education Tarek Shawki Tuesday over the state of education in the country.

According to the House's schedule of debate, Minister of Education Tarek Shawki is scheduled to come to parliament Tuesday to answer questions on the problems of the 2021/22 school year.

Minister Shakwi will have to answer 69 "discussion requests" and seven questions on the poor financial conditions of school teachers, the crumbling state of many school buildings, the state of overcrowded classrooms and a chronic shortage in the number of qualified teachers.

MPs complained that Minister Shakwi's bizarre policies have made school curricula very difficult for students to understand. They referred in particular to the fourth grade curriculum in elementary schools, insisting it is very difficult for students to study and for teachers to teach.

MPs also complained that Minister Shawki's decision last week to cancel the division of high school's third year into science and mathematics took them all by surprise and caused a lot of confusion for thanaweya amma (high school) students and their families.

Shawki will also have to answer three "discussion requests" and 12 questions from MPs on the dramatic rise in fees for government and private schools.

A number of MPs, such as Deputy Chairman of the Human Rights Committee Mohamed Abdel-Aziz, have criticised Shawki for instructing the ministry not to give books to students unless they pay school fees first. Abdel-Aziz said Shawki's orders violate Article 19 of the constitution, which states that education is free for all citizens.

Other MPs, such as Mostaqbal Watan party member Hanaa Farouk, complained that the education ministry has increased school fees beyond the financial capacity of low and average-income families. "This also comes at a time Minister Shawki gave private language and international schools a free hand to increase school fees," said Farouk.

Shawki will also answer ten questions on the poor quality of meals offered to students in government schools. Several students in a number of governorates were taken to hospitals this month after eating substandard school meals.

Questions on the crumbling state of many school buildings and the lack of funding to hire teachers will be also directed to Shawki.

On Sunday, the House will discuss legislative amendments to the law on the National Authority for Guaranteeing Education Quality and Accreditation (Law 82/2006).

A report by the House's Education Committee said the amendments aim to raise the quality of education in Egypt and reinforce the role of the Education Quality Authority in this respect. "The amendments will also tackle the financial fees required by the Authority to cover costs and services," said the report.

Sunday's schedule will also see the House discussing legislative amendments of two laws, the first of which regulates the performance of universities (Law 139/1972), and the second deals with the regulation of Al-Azhar (Law 103/1961).

On Monday, the House is scheduled to discuss a new government-drafted law on setting up an Egyptian Authority for Guaranteeing Quality and Accreditation in Education, and Technical and Professional Training.

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Tigrayan rebels denied having looted any food stocks, including items for malnourished children, in the northern Ethiopian town of Kombolcha.

The denial came a day after UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the World Food Programme (WFP) had suspended food distribution after "massive looting of warehouses in Kombolcha in recent days, apparently by some Tigrayan rebels and members of the local population".

He said "large amounts of food, including nutritional products for malnourished children" had been stolen.

The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) in a statement late Friday said these were "unfounded accusations".

"At no time during their stay in Kombolcha have the Tigrayan forces looted aid intended for those in desperate need," said the TPLF, adding it was committed to protecting humanitarian aid stocks.

Instead, the TPLF accused "UN agencies, and particularly the WFP" of having "dragged its feet" in distributing humanitarian aid.

"The result of aid agencies' inability to live up to their humanitarian ideals was predictable: once our forces began to withdraw from the city, raids on aid warehouses became an easy game for locals," it said.

The Ethiopian government on Monday said it had taken over the towns of Dessie and Kombolcha, located at a strategic crossroads in the Amhara region, from the TPLF rebels.

The Tigrayan rebels claim to have left these towns as part of strategic withdrawals.

War in northern Ethiopia erupted in November 2020 after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed sent the army to the northern Tigray region to remove local authorities from the TPLF who challenged his authority and whom he accused of having attacked military bases.

The rebels recaptured most of Tigray at the end of June, then advanced into the neighbouring regions of Afar and Amhara.

The more than 13 months of conflict have plunged 9.4 million people "into a critical situation of food assistance" in the regions of Tigray, Afar and Amhara, the United Nations says.

The UN estimates that 5.2 million people are in need of emergency food aid in Tigray, 534,000 in Afar and 3.7 million in Amhara.

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Washington's top diplomat for Europe and Eurasian affairs will travel to Ukraine and Russia next week for talks about Moscow's build-up of troops, the State Department said Saturday.

Karen Donfried will be in Kiev and Moscow from Monday to Wednesday to meet senior government officials "and to reinforce the United States' commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity", it added.

"Assistant Secretary Donfried will emphasise that we can make diplomatic progress on ending the conflict in the Donbas through implementation of the Minsk agreements in support of the Normandy Format," a statement read.

The 2015 Minsk Agreement aimed at halting fighting inside Ukraine, bolstered by the Normandy Format -- a diplomatic push by France and Germany to end the conflict.

Donfried will be in Brussels Wednesday and Thursday "to consult with NATO allies and EU partners on efforts to pursue a diplomatic solution" to the stand-off.

US President Joe Biden and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin held a virtual summit earlier this week, in which Washington threatened Moscow with unprecedented sanctions if Ukraine is attacked.

Russia's build-up of up to 100,000 troops on the border with Ukraine has topped the agenda at this weekend's G7 foreign ministers' summit in Liverpool, northwest England.

Russia says the deployment is a defensive measure against a possible shift by the one-time Soviet republic towards NATO.

Biden had said after the call with Putin that they would instruct their teams to work on follow-up talks.

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The US-based Egyptian pianist Mohamed Shams will give a solo recital at Belgrade's Kolarac Endowment concert hall on Monday, performing works by Bach, Beethoven, Schubert and Liszt.

Announcing the concert to the audiences, a Serbian paper quotes Scotland Herald music critic Michael Tumelti as describing the Egyptian pianist as "a deeply impressive pianist of tremendous flair and intellectual strength."

Shams is among the best known Egyptian pianists of his generation.

A graduate of Cairo Conservatory with distinction (2004), he won first prize at the Brevard Music Festival competition (US) in 2001 and 2002, which led to an invitation to play with its orchestra, the Transylvania Symphony, in 2003. He also received a Fulbright grant to study for one year in Washington DC with renowned piano soloist and music educator Marilyn Neeley.

In 2008, Shams received a full scholarship to study in the masters program at the Manhattan School of Music. Another scholarship, this one in 2011, sent him to the Master of Music program at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS) in Glasgow.

At the Royal Conservatoire, he won the Jock Holden Memorial Mozart Prize, the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Competition, the Bamber/Galloway Competition and the Tony and Tania Webster Prize for Russian Music.

He was the recipient of the Governors Prize and the David Knox Memorial Prize for outstanding achievement at RCS. He was also awarded the Silver Medal by the Worshipful Company of Musicians in London and second prize at the Beethoven Competition in London.

Shams has further won first prize in Mieczyslaw Munz competition, and was awarded the Harold Bauer Award for recognition of outstanding accomplishment, cooperation and promise. As a soloist, Shams has appeared with orchestras in his home country and abroad. He has performed with the Cairo Symphony Orchestra, The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, The Royal Scottish National Orchestra, among others. In 2015, he made his debut at the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York City.

Over the years of his growing career, Shams performed across the world, including England, Scotland, Italy, Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Tunisia, China and Hong Kong, Japan.

The concert in Belgrade is organised by in cooperation with the association of artists "ArtLink" and under the patronage of the mayor of Belgrade.

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Egypt has offered its condolences to Nigeria over two attacks that recently targeted a bus and a mosque in different states, leaving dozens of civilians dead and injured, a statement by the Foreign Ministry said on Saturday.

Passengers aboard bus in Sokoto state, northwest of Nigeria, were burnt to death when gunmen torched it on Tuesday, while worshippers were killed on Thursday after gunmen attacked a mosque in a rural village in Niger state, west-central Nigeria, according to reports.

The attacks are the latest in the escalating violence in Africa's most populous country, where armed groups have been targeting villages and commuters for ransoms.

The Egyptian people and government stand with the Nigerian people and government in this terrible tragedy, the ministry said, wishing a speedy recovery for the wounded.

Egypt expresses its solidarity with Nigeria in the face of all forms of terrorism and extremism, the statement stressed.

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The Egyptian and Russian navies wrapped up the joint naval drill Bridge of Friendship 4 in the Egyptian territorial waters of the Mediterranean, the Egyptian Armed Forces announced on Saturday.

The drill comprised several naval formations and artillery firing with live ammunition as well as defence exercises against atypical threats and air defence training on naval formations, said the Egyptian army.

Related Russian warships to dock in Alexandria on Friday for naval drills with Egypt

Special navy forces from the Egyptian and Russian navies also participated in the drill.

The Egyptian Mistral-class helicopter carrier Gamal Abdel-Nasser took part in the exercise.

The closing of the drill was attended by Commander of the Egypt Navy Forces Vice Admiral Ahmed Khaled, Deputy Commander of the Black Sea Fleet Vice Admiral Arkady Romanov, the Russian ambassador in Cairo, and military commanders from the two countries.

The first Egypt-Russia Bridge of Friendship naval drill was conducted in 2015.

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Libya's election commission on Saturday delayed publication of a final list of candidates for a presidential election scheduled in less than two weeks.

It is just the latest twist in a UN-led effort targeting December 24 presidential polls intended to help the oil-rich North African country move past a decade of violence.

The process has been undermined by bitter divisions over the legal basis for the elections, their dates, and who should be allowed to run, with a string of controversial figures stepping forward.

Publication of the final candidate list is supposed to mark the formal start of the election campaign, but the election commission did not give a new date for issuing the list.

Rules governing the ballot -- which would be the first time a Libyan head of state is chosen by universal suffrage -- say the commission should publish the list of candidates two weeks after final court rulings and appeals related to candidacies.

On December 2 a Libyan court reinstated Seif al-Islam Kadhafi, a son of slain leader Moamer Kadhafi, as a candidate.

A day earlier, an appeals court in Tripoli rejected petitions against the candidacy of interim Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah, who heads the Tripoli-based unity government established in March and charged with leading the country to presidential and legislative elections.

Libya descended into chaos with the NATO-backed 2011 revolt that overthrew and killed Moamer Kadhafi.

A year of relative peace followed an October 2020 ceasefire between warring eastern and western camps, but analysts have warned that violence could easily flare again surrounding the elections.

A statement on the election commission's website said it must still adopt a series of judicial and legal measures "before proceeding to the publication of the definitive list of candidates and the start of their electoral campaign".

It added that success of the electoral process cannot be borne solely by the elections commission "since the results will cast a shadow over the present and future of the country".

The commission added that it is being careful not to limit its role to implementing the law, but ensuring that its functions extend to "correct interpretation of the law."

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Thousands of Indian farmers packed their belongings and dismantled tent cities on the outskirts of Delhi Saturday as they headed home following a year-long protest against the government's agriculture policies.

In a rare retreat last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced and pushed through parliament the repeal of three contentious laws that farmers claimed would let private companies control the country's agriculture sector.

Hundreds of farmers danced and celebrated the victory early Saturday as they began removing roadblocks and dismantling thousands of makeshift homes along major highways.

They lit firecrackers, hugged each other and distributed sweets as blaring loudspeakers played patriotic and revolutionary songs dedicated to the agitation.

At Singhu, one of the protest sites, long queues of lorries and tractors packed the highway heading north into their home states of Haryana and Punjab.

Farmers in India have political heft due to their sheer numbers -- tens of thousands had camped out since November 2020 to protest against the laws in the biggest challenge to the Modi government since it came to power in 2014.

"We were determined to protest as long as it had taken. But all of us are happy that the government accepted our demands and we are going back to our homes," Sativinder Singh, one of the Singhu protesters, told AFP.

"It is a big day for the farmers as we can peacefully go back to our homes," he said.

Legal guarantees

Protesters had initially refused to leave the sites despite the repeal of the legislation, pressing other demands including a legal guarantee for minimum benchmark rates for their produce.

Some Indian states and central government set minimum prices for crops every year but farmers have long demanded a law to ensure income stability.

The government said it will form a commission on fixing minimum crop prices and promised to stop prosecuting farmers for burning stubble that is blamed for polluting Delhi's air every winter.

It also agreed to pay compensation to the families of more than 700 farmers who died during the demonstrations and withdraw criminal cases lodged against protesters during the year-long campaign.

The three agricultural laws passed in September 2020 aimed to deregulate farm produce markets from state control and allow private companies to enter the sector -- on which two-thirds of India's more than 1.3 billion population rely for a living.

The government said the laws were a necessary reform but farmers opposed the move, saying it would leave them at the mercy of big corporations.

"Government should now ensure that they fulfil the promises made to us," Baljot Bawja, a protester at Ghazipur, told AFP.

"We don't intend to come back but if government goes back on its promises, we will be compelled to launch another protest," he said.

Farmers started local protests in Punjab and Haryana -- India's breadbasket states -- before tens of thousands headed to New Delhi to press their demands.

But they were violently stopped by police at the borders of New Delhi, triggering a year-long impasse that saw authorities erect concrete and steel barricades and metal spikes to stop their advance.

The protests remained largely peaceful, with occasional bouts of violence, including during a tractor rally in January on Indian Republic Day.

Modi's governing Bharatiya Janata Party is campaigning in five states, including political bellwether Uttar Pradesh, for elections early next year.

Analysts say Modi's retreat on the laws came over fears growing discontent among large sections of the rural population and the stalemate at the Delhi borders were hurting its electoral prospectus.

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Britain has granted another 23 licences to French fishermen, a government spokesperson said on Saturday, a day after a deadline set by Paris to resolve a post-Brexit battle over fishing rights.

The European Union had set London a December 10 deadline to grant licences to dozens of French fishing boats under a Brexit deal signed last year, with Paris threatening European legal action if no breakthrough emerged.

The licences were agreed Friday night after British officials met European Union counterparts and followed what the spokesman called an "evidence-based approach" ensuring vessels qualify to work in UK waters.

The spokesperson added that the approach "provides stability and ensures the sustainability of our fisheries", with the United Kingdom granting 18 licences and the Channel Island of Jersey five.

The EU hailed the agreement as "an important step in a long process" towards implementing the 2020 Brexit agreement and said work continued to license seven more vessels by Monday.

But France said it would "continue to work" to obtain a further 80 licences it insists its fishing fleet is entitled to.

France had previously said 104 of its boats still lacked licences to operate in British and Channel Island waters that should have been granted under the Brexit agreement.

With the 23 permits granted Saturday, France is still seeking 81 approvals having received 1,027 in total so far.

Under the deal, EU fishermen can continue to work in British waters if they can prove they used to fish there.

France's Fisheries Minister Annick Girardin and European Minister Clement Beaune said: "This work has accelerated in recent days.

They said in a joint statement: "France and the EU continue to work together to ensure the full application of the trade and cooperation agreement,"

Protest action

Paris had threatened to lodge a complaint with the European Commission over the dispute.

That could have seen the EU impose financial penalties or even tariffs on British goods if Britain was judged to be reneging on its commitments.

Some 83 vessels have received licences since the EU attempted to intensify negotiations over outstanding applications in late November, according to Brussels.

French fishermen last month disrupted cross-Channel ferry and freight traffic in protest at the post-Brexit arrangements and consequent loss of trade.

Half a dozen fishing boats blocked access to ferries at the northern port of Calais and the port of Ouistreham in Normandy to the west.

In May, protesting French trawlers massed in front of Jersey's main port and even caused a brief standoff with Royal Navy vessels.

The UK is highly dependent on French ports, particularly for fresh food imports, and any extended blockade would have the potential to have a significant impact.

The EU and Britain are also locked in a separate trade row over checks on products entering the British province of Northern Ireland after the UK government unilaterally postponed the introduction of checks.

The dispute has exacerbated deteriorating bilateral relations between Britain and France, who have clashed this year over migrant crossings in the English Channel, post-Brexit trade arrangements and submarine sales to Australia.

The British announcement comes a day before EU fisheries ministers meet in Brussels on Sunday to decide on annual fishing quotas in European waters.

The EU is holding talks separately with the UK towards fixing annual fishing quotas in their shared waters by the end of December.

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At the end of last October, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg announced the change of the company's name to "Meta", as well as the entry into a new era called "Metaverse." Ahram Online spoke to Derya Matrash, vice president of Meta for the Middle East, Africa and Turkey, asking her questions about the virtual world. How can someone participate in it? How are accounts secured in the virtual world? What is the future of the other social networks that are part of Meta?

Ahram Online: What does Metaverse mean?

Derya Matrash: The metaverse is a set of virtual spaces where you can create and explore with other people who are not in the same physical space as you. You will be able to hang out with friends, work, play, learn, shop, create and more. Its not necessarily about spending more time online  it is about making the time you do spend online more meaningful.

The metaverse isnt a single product one company can build alone. Just like the internet, the metaverse exists whether Facebook is there or not. And it will not be built overnight. Many of these products will only be fully realised in the next 10-15 years.

AO: Will Facebook change its name? Or will it be a name for the parent company similar to Google's Alphabet?

DM: No. The app is still going to be called Facebook. Meta brings together all of our apps and technologies under one new company brand. We are still going to be putting the name Meta across all of our apps and products, linking them together for people.

We chose Meta because it can mean beyond, which captures our commitment to building social technologies that take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today. We also chose it because of the obvious connection to metaverse - signalling our commitment to helping bring this vision to life.

AO: How will you handle privacy in the virtual world, mainly of posts and videos?

DM: Meta is neither going to build, own, nor run the metaverse on its own. This isnt going to be a Meta product. The metaverse will exist whether Meta is there or not.

However, one key thing will remain of utmost importance and that is the privacy, safety and wellbeing of our users. In the past, the speed with which new technologies have emerged has sometimes left policymakers and regulators playing catch-up. We dont want this to happen this time around. A core principle is going to be "dont surprise people." That's why we are having this conversation out in the open, way in advance of all these technologies being launched.

We will also be collaborating at every stage  with other companies, developers, experts and policymakers. It will be a crucial part of how we navigate future challenges. We have already launched a two-year $50 million investment in programs and external research, collaborating with industry partners, civil rights groups, governments, nonprofits and academic institutions to get input as we build these technologies responsibly. This is alongside being a founding member of the XR Association (XRA), which is committed to help build responsible XR, which includes virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed-reality, and future immersive technology.

Finally, while we will need to continue to get better at anticipating risks, we wont be able to see around every corner. Thats why the principles of privacy, safety and security need to be built in from the start. If we have the principles right, then as a society we will be better at tackling new challenges with these technologies as they arise.

AO: Some countries have poor internet speed. What are the speed limits for the new Metaverse? Does it need smartphones with certain specifications?

DM: Our vision is for the metaverse to reach a billion people in the next decade, but for that to happen, access to hardware has to improve and connectivity across the world has to increase.

This is why we are improving connectivity across the world through cutting-edge technologies. Since 2013, our efforts have helped more than 300 million people benefit from better infrastructure, network analytics or access technologies, and our continued work in this area could help provide connectivity for up to 3 billion people.

Were proud to have reached this milestone  but the work doesnt stop there. As people look for more immersive experiences in new virtual spaces like the metaverse, we need to increase access to more reliable and affordable internet for everyone. We believe this work is fundamental for creating greater equity where everyone can benefit from the economic, educational and social benefits of a digitally connected world.

One area weve been looking at is subsea cables, which form the backbone of the internet and carry 99% of the world's data traffic. Alongside key partners, we build cables that are designed with an open, flexible architecture, making it easier to upgrade the cable equipment to meet future capacity needs. [The proposed 2Africa subsea cable] is a perfect example of our innovative partnership model where everyone benefits through developing scale infrastructure and shared technology expertise that leads the industry in routes, capacity and flexibility.

2Africa will significantly increase connectivity within Africa and better connect Africa to the rest of the world, as it will ultimately interconnect 33 countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, including Egypt.

Expected to launch in 2023, 2Africa will provide connectivity to an additional 1.8 billion people, totalling 3 billion people, or about 36 percent of the global population.

AO: What is meant by investing $50 million to build the Metaverse in a responsible manner?

DM: Building the Metaverse is a long process. But as a starting point, we have announced the XR Programs and Research Fund - a two-year, $50 million investment in programs and external research to help us in this effort. Through this fund, we will collaborate with industry partners, civil rights groups, governments, nonprofits, and academic institutions to determine how to build these technologies in an ethical and responsible way. As a part of this effort, we are also facilitating independent external research with institutions across the globe.

AO: Do you accept suggestions from users/ordinary people regarding the new system?

DM: Building the metaverse will be more like how the internet came about than how anyone app was launched. We will be collaborating at every stage  with other companies, developers, experts and policymakers.

As always, we appreciate all feedback we receive and thank each person who takes the time to send it. Although we can't respond to everyone who submits a suggestion, we review many of the ideas that people send to us and use them to improve the Meta experience for everyone.

AO: Generally, many readers have asked about ways to protect their accounts from being hacked. How can a hacked Facebook account be recovered?

DM: If someone believes their account has been hacked or taken over, they should visit https://www.facebook.com/hackedto secure their account. We'll ask them to change their password and review recent login activity.

An account may have been hacked if someone notices that:

 Their email address or password has changed.

 Their name or birthday has changed.

 Friend requests have been sent to people they don't know.

 Messages have been sent that they didn't write.

 Posts have been made that they didn't create.

Users can also review these tools and tips to help keep their account safe and may want to learn how to protect themselves against malicious software that could compromise their account.

Even in cases where the email address associated with your Facebook account has changed this can be reversed. When an email address is changed, we send a message to the previous email account with a special link. This link, when clicked, reverses the email address change and secures the account.

It is always good for everyone to make sure that their settings align with what they want to be sharing publicly. In this case, updating the How People Find and Contact You control could be helpful. We also recommend people do regular privacy checkups to make sure that their settings are in the right place, including who can see certain information on their profile and enabling two-factor authentication.

Two-factor authentication is a security feature that helps protect your Facebook account in addition to your password. If you set up two-factor authentication, you'll be asked to enter a special login code or confirm your login attempt each time someone tries accessing Facebook from a browser or mobile device we do not recognize. You can also get alerts when someone tries logging in from a browser or mobile device we do not recognize.

AO: What if someone has my ID card or passport? Can they use it to pretend to be me?

DM: Accounts and Pages that impersonate other people go against our Community Standards and aren't allowed on Facebook. If you see an account that's pretending to be you, someone you know or a public figure (example: celebrity, politician), we encourage you to let us know. You can report potentially impersonating accounts to us even if you don't have a Facebook account.

AO: Many users want to authenticate their accounts, mainly journalists and media people. Can you offer this as a special feature for them?

DM: We look at a number of factors when evaluating Facebook Pages and profiles to determine whether they're in the public interest and meet our verification criteria.

In addition to following Facebook's Terms of Service and Community Standards, pages and profiles need to be:

 Authentic: Represent a real person, registered business, or entity.

 Unique: Be the only presence of this person or business. Only one page or profile per person or business may be verified with exceptions for language-specific pages and profiles. We don't verify general interest pages and profiles (e.g. puppy memes).

 Complete: Have an about section, page or profile photo and recent activity, including at least one post.

 Notable: Represent a well-known, often searched person, brand or entity. We review pages and profiles that are featured in multiple news sources and we don't consider paid or promotional content as sources for review.

If a page or profile doesn't meet the criteria for a verified badge there are other ways to let people know it's authentic. For example, they can link to it from an official website, Instagram profile or Twitter account.

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Egyptian actress Laila Eloui talked about her passion for art and film that fuelled her career at Jeddah's Vox cinema Al-Balad as part of the activities of Saudi Arabia's first edition of the Red Sea Film Festival, on 10 December.

The discussion shed light on Eloui's focus on telling stories that concern society in Egypt and the Arab world. "Laila is renowned for being versatile in her roles and for her insightful portrayal of Arab women in her movies," the festival's official press release described the Egyptian star who throughout her sparkling career appeared in over 70 movies. The best known among these are A Little Love Much Violence, and The Destiny by Youssef Chahine. The former was screened at the festival.

Eloui said, the power of cinema is undeniable; the film industry has a huge influence on society and the power to change laws. The role I played in The Rapists was a very hard and challenging role and it took an emotional toll on me, but I felt it was imperative that I portray all the ugliness of that story to raise awareness. I am in awe that the movie had a direct impact on changing the law in Egypt with regards to rape and sexual assault to capital punishment."

Born in 1962, Eloui has starred alongside the most famous Egyptian actors like Adel Imam, Ahmed Zaki, and Farid Shawky.

The Red Sea Film Festival is taking place place between 6 and 15 December in Jeddah.

The festival was originally scheduled for March 2020, but it was postponed until 11 November 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic, before being pushed to 6 December.

Eleven programme sections showcase contemporary international and Arab cinema, Saudi features, shorts and experimental films, retrospectives, and future-oriented AR and VR experiences.

For more arts and culture news and updates, follow Ahram Online Arts and Culture on Twitter at @AhramOnlineArts and on Facebook at Ahram Online: Arts & Culture

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KYODO NEWS - Dec 11, 2021 - 23:17 | Feature

The younger brother of Megumi Yokota, a symbolic figure of North Korea's abductions of Japanese nationals decades ago, on Saturday took the helm of a group representing families of the victims, replacing an aging leader.

"I will continue to raise my voice toward resolving the abduction issue," Takuya Yokota, 53, said at an international symposium in Tokyo, as making progress on the issue has become more pressing over the years with the aging of the abductees' relatives.

Yokota, who had served as secretary general of the group, replaced 83-year-old Shigeo Iizuka, the older brother of Yaeko Taguchi. Iizuka has been in poor health in recent years and, according to his son, is currently hospitalized.

Yokota vowed to keep working with the global community for their cause in seeking the return of all those abducted in the 1970s and 1980s.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno, who is also minister in charge of the abduction issue, reiterated at the symposium that the government of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will make full efforts to bring back all those who had been kidnapped.

Yokota's sister Megumi was kidnapped by North Korea on her way home from school at the age of 13 in 1977, while Taguchi was abducted in 1978 when she was 22.

Iizuka headed the group from 2007, succeeding Yokota's father Shigeru who was its first leader. Shigeru Yokota resigned due to health reasons after having served as the group's chief for over 10 years until November 2007. He died in June 2020 at the age of 87 without ever seeing Megumi again.

During a meeting with Kishida in October, Iizuka vowed to "never give up" in settling the issue, saying, "It is disappointing that there has been no progress in the abduction issue despite the countless changes in prime ministers."

Pyongyang maintains that the issue is "already resolved."

Hitomi Soga, 62, one of five abductees who repatriated to Japan, said in a statement she is frustrated that so much time has passed that their cause had to be taken up by a younger leader.

Koichiro Iizuka, 44, Taguchi's son who became the new secretary general, urged the government to take immediate action, saying, "There is a limit to human life. One cannot wait to see all issues resolved."

Related coverage:

Kin of Japanese abducted by North Korea urges PM Kishida to resolve issue

The Japanese government officially lists 17 citizens as abducted by North Korean agents and suspects Pyongyang's involvement in other disappearances of Japanese nationals.

Of the 17, five, including Soga, 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.
KYODO NEWS - Dec 11, 2021 - 21:58 | World, All, Coronavirus

Taiwan on Saturday reported the first infections with the Omicron variant of the coronavirus, in three people arriving from outside the island.

The island's Central Epidemic Command Center said the cases are unlikely to lead to community infections as they were discovered on the border.

The three, two Taiwanese and one American, had arrived from Eswatini in southern Africa, Britain and the United States. They have been in quarantine.

All 10 others who were sitting near the person arriving from Eswatini on the same flight have tested negative for the virus, according to the center.
KYODO NEWS - Dec 12, 2021 - 00:35 | All, Sports

Japan is considering not sending Cabinet ministers to next year's Beijing Olympics in line with a U.S.-led diplomatic boycott amid rising criticism over China's human rights record, government and ruling coalition sources said Saturday.

Japan's actions would see it side with the United States, along with countries including Australia, Britain and Canada, while stopping short of actually being a diplomatic boycott, the sources said.

Various options are being mulled including sending Seiko Hashimoto, president of the organizing committee of the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics and a member of the House of Councillors, or Japanese Olympic Committee head Yasuhiro Yamashita, the sources said.

Keeping in mind the positions of the Group of Seven industrialized nations and tensions between China and the United States, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida may decide on the matter before year-end, the sources said.

In a break from other G-7 nations, France has said it will send high-level officials to the Winter Olympics in February. Paris is due to host the Summer Games in 2024.

Members of Kishida's ruling Liberal Democratic Party have been urging him to swiftly make a decision. He has said Japan will decide whether to join the diplomatic boycott based on its "national interests."

Japan is considering explaining that its stance to send representatives, but not ministers, is not a diplomatic boycott, as it seeks to strike a balance in dealing with the United States, its key security ally, and China, its largest trading partner, according to the sources.

One of the government sources said Hashimoto will go to Beijing in her capacity as head of the Tokyo Olympic organizing committee, not as a government representative, a move that is likely to appear to the United States as being cooperative with the diplomatic boycott.

At the same time, sending Hashimoto, a seven-time Olympian who played a key role in the Tokyo Games, to the sports event can also be regarded as Japan's face-saving step for China, the source said.

The International Olympic Committee issued a declaration following the virtual Olympic Summit on Saturday that gathered leading sports representatives, saying it is opposed to politicizing the games.

"The Summit stands firmly against any politicization of the Olympic Games and sport, and strongly emphasized the need for the political neutrality of the IOC, the Olympic Games and the entire Olympic Movement," the IOC said.

Representatives from the national Olympic committees of China, Russia and the United States were also present.

China has urged Japan to support the Beijing Olympics, saying it gave its full support to the Tokyo Games this summer.

Earlier this month, the United States said it has decided on a diplomatic boycott, citing China's alleged human rights abuses against the Muslim Uyghur minority and others in its far-western Xinjiang region.

Japan is weighing its decision on the issue in light of China's support for Japan's hosting of the Tokyo Olympics this summer despite challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic.

Tokyo is also being careful to avoid upsetting relations with China ahead of the 50th anniversary of the normalization of their diplomatic ties next year, according to the sources.

For the Tokyo Games, Beijing was initially planning to send Vice Premier Sun Chunlan but eventually decided to send Gou Zhongwen, head of the General Administration of Sport of China.

The sources added the government is considering sending Hashimoto to the International Olympic Committee's meeting scheduled just before the opening of the Beijing Olympics on Feb. 4 and have her stay on there.

Other proposals being floated in the LDP include sending Japan Sports Agency commissioner Koji Murofushi, the sources said.

Related coverage:

Australia, Britain to join diplomatic boycott of Beijing Olympics
KYODO NEWS - Dec 12, 2021 - 01:49 | All, World

Foreign ministers of the Group of Seven industrialized nations on Saturday each spoke their positions on this winter's Beijing Olympics, a Japanese delegation source said, as the United States is taking the lead in diplomatically boycotting the event.

The G-7 meeting in Liverpool, England, comes as Britain and Canada have joined forces with the United States over a diplomatic boycott, citing China's human rights record, but France, to host the Summer Games in Paris in 2024, and Italy, which will host the Winter Games in 2026, are unlikely to follow suit.

Speaking on the first day of the two-day meeting, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi told his G-7 peers that Tokyo will make a decision at an appropriate time after comprehensively taking into account various issues, according to the source.

Hayashi expressed opposition to China's attempts to unilaterally alter the status quo in the East and South China seas, and he voiced serious concerns about the situation in Hong Kong and alleged human rights abuses in China's far-western Xinjiang region, the Japanese Foreign Ministry said.

Hayashi also stressed the importance of ensuring peace and stability over the Taiwan Strait, the ministry said.

"Japan aims to build a constructive and stable relationship with China in which Tokyo asserts when needed and pushes Beijing for responsible action while continuing dialogue and cooperating in common challenges," he was quoted by the ministry as saying.

Other G-7 members -- Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and the United States plus the European Union -- made remarks, including expression of concerns, about China, it said, without providing details.

Among other geopolitical issues, the G-7 ministers expressed deep concerns about the Russian military's movements around the border with Ukraine, according to the ministry.

They reaffirmed the G-7's support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Russian aggression.

The United States and its European allies are concerned that the movement of Russian troops and weapons to the border area may be a prelude to invasion.

"We need to defend ourselves against the growing threats from hostile actors and we need to come together strongly to stand up to aggressors who are seeking to limit the bounds of freedom and democracy," British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said as she opened the meeting, without singling out Russia and China.

On Sunday, the G-7 foreign ministers will for the first time be joined by their counterparts from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations for an expanded meeting.

The two groups are expected to seek coordination over China's military buildup and assertive territorial claims in the Indo-Pacific region.

Of the 10-member ASEAN, Myanmar will be excluded from the meeting as the country has been thrown into political turmoil following the military coup in February.

Britain, which holds the G-7 presidency this year, is also inviting Australia, South Korea and India for expanded sessions Sunday with the G-7 and ASEAN on security and infrastructure development in the Indo-Pacific, the coronavirus pandemic and gender equality.

ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
KYODO NEWS - Dec 12, 2021 - 09:24 | All, Japan

Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi and his U.S. counterpart Antony Blinken agreed Saturday to strengthen the deterrence and response capabilities of their countries' alliance to counter China's growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region and North Korea's nuclear and missile threats.

Meeting on the sidelines of the two-day Group of Seven foreign ministerial meeting through Sunday in Liverpool, England, Hayashi and U.S. Secretary of State Blinken underscored the need to cooperate with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations as well as like-minded nations such as Australia and India, the Japanese Foreign Ministry said.

The two officials agreed it is "indispensable to bolster the deterrence and response capabilities of the alliance amid the increasingly harsh security environment," the ministry said.

During their first in-person talks since Hayashi took up his post in early November, they did not discuss a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics next year, a ministry official said.

Washington announced a U.S. diplomatic boycott last week, citing China's human rights record, and Australia, Britain and Canada have said they will follow suit. Japan has yet to reveal its stance, but government and ruling coalition sources say the country is considering not sending Cabinet ministers to the upcoming global sporting event.

Hayashi and Blinken also confirmed that the two governments will arrange for an early visit to the United States by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida for his first summit with U.S. President Joe Biden after becoming Japan's leader in early October.

Hayashi and Blinken, meanwhile, agreed to aim to hold the next round of so-called two-plus-two security talks involving the countries' top foreign and defense officials at an early date, the ministry said.

In his policy speech recently, Kishida vowed to consider "every option" to boost defense, including the acquisition of enemy base strike capability.

Hayashi and Blinken reiterated their strong opposition to China's bid to alter the status quo by force in the East and South China seas and affirmed the importance of "peace and stability" across the Taiwan Strait, according to a Japanese official.

They also discussed North Korea's nuclear and missile threats, saying trilateral cooperation between Japan, the United States and South Korea is vital, the ministry said.

Blinken "conveyed the value" of the trilateral cooperation "for maintaining a free, open, interconnected, prosperous, resilient, and secure Indo-Pacific region," according to the U.S. State Department.

On bilateral negotiations over Japan's annual budget for hosting U.S. military forces, they pledged to accelerate the final arrangements for concluding such talks, the Japanese ministry said.

Cost-sharing deals between Tokyo and Washington are usually signed to cover a five-year term, but the period has been extended by one year following the power transition in Washington early this year to Biden from his predecessor Donald Trump.

Ahead of the G-7 meeting, Hayashi met with British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss and they exchanged views on the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade deal, which Britain applied to join earlier this year, according to Japan's Foreign Ministry.

Tokyo serves as chair of the TPP's working group on London's accession.

Hayashi welcomed progress made so far by the British government in lifting the import restrictions on Japanese farm products imposed in the wake of the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster, while again seeking an early removal of the measure on a scientific basis, the ministry said.

Related coverage:

G-7 foreign chiefs meet as tensions grow over China, Russia
New Delhi:

The associations of AIIMS and Safdarjung resident doctors, who have been on a strike in protest against certain provisions of the NMC Bill, decided to withdraw their stir, resuming of all services from Monday, i.e. August 5, 2019. The development comes hours after Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan met representatives of RDA at his Delhi residence around 7 am this morning.

In a statement, the Resident Doctors Association (RDA) said, "General Body Meeting of RDA, AIIMS was convened today and Executive Committee conveyed decision of withdrawing strike and resuming of all services by Resident Doctors immediately, provided AIIMS clarifies that strike period (Aug 1-3) will be considered as on duty".

Resident Doctors Assn (RDA):General Body Meeting of RDA, AIIMS was convened today&Executive Committee conveyed decision of withdrawing strike&resuming of all services by Resident Doctors immediately,provided AIIMS clarifies that strike period(Aug 1-3)will be considered as ON DUTY pic.twitter.com/yOD41ciz85  ANI (@ANI) August 4, 2019

READ | Emergency services resume but protest against NMC Bill continues in Delhi

During the meeting, the executives of RDA AIIMS put forward the apprehensions of the students and the resident fraternity across the nation regarding some provisions of the National Medical Commission (NMC) Bill. While Vardhan tried to clear their doubts and queries related to the bill, he is further requested to amend the same.

In case the revision is not possible at this stage, the doctors demanded, AIIMS, New Delhi, be made Ex-Officio member of the National Medical Commission at least in its first term.

Meanwhile, Vardhan assured doctors that all the apprehensions, including Section 14(I) para-2, admission into undergraduate courses at AIIMS New Delhi, Section 15(5) admission into AIIMS, New Delhi vide National Exit Test and Section 32 (Community Health Providers) will be duly addressed while drafting the NMC bill after it is constituted.

READ | Resume work immediately or face suspension: AIIMS tells striking doctors

The doctors are also promised that the representatives of RDS and Student Union of AIIMS will be consulted before framing of regulations of the NMC Bill, vide Section 57 of the bill.

The NMC bill, which seeks to replace the Medical Council of India (MCI) and usher in major changes in the country's medical education sector, was passed 260-48 by a voice vote in Lok Sabha on Thursday. It also proposes a common final year MBBS exam, to be known as National Exit Test (NEXT), for admission to post-graduate medical courses and for obtaining license to practice medicine.

READ | AIIMS doctors wear black badges to work in protest against NMC Bill

The Bill would act as a screening test for foreign medical graduates. Besides, the national entrance test (NEET), common counselling and NEXT will be applicable to institutes of national importance like AIIMS in order to achieve a common standard in medical education sector in the country.

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New Delhi:

The government's decision to abrogate Article 370, which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir, evoked mixed response from legal experts on Monday as some hailed it as "historic" and "long overdue" step while others called it "political misadventure" fraught with danger. The Modi government has abolished Article 370 and simultaneously moved a separate bill to bifurcate the state into two separate Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

Senior advocate and constitutional law expert Rakesh Dwivedi said: "It (the decision) is completely legal. There is no chance of succeeding of plea against the government's decision."

"It was a long overdue historic step. It should go and it is no more required. It is a welcome step. Kashmir was also open for outsiders so I don't understand why there should be Article 35 A."

On the other hand, former Union Law minister and senior Congress leader and advocate Ashwini Kumar said, "The decision of the Union govt to alter the status of the Jammu and Kashmir is fraught with serious political consequences for the nation."

While former Attorney General Soli Sorabjee was of the view that "nothing revolutionary has been done (by the government)" as now the laws which were not applicable to the state till now will be applicable now.

"It is very complicated legal situation and I have not fully analysed it. It appears what they (Centre) have superseded the old Presidential order," former Solicitor General and senior advocate Harish Salve said.

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New Delhi:

India successfully conducted two back-to-back flight tests of its state-of-the-art quick reaction surface-to-air missiles (QRSAM) against live aerial targets from a base in Odisha on Sunday. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully test-fired the two missiles from the integrated test range (ITR) at Chandipur near Balasore in Odisha.

"Two missiles were tested against two live targets meeting complete mission objectives of engaging the targets. QRSAM, with many state-of-the-art technologies, engaged the targets at different ranges and altitudes," an official statement said.

The entire mission was captured by various electro-optical tracking systems, radar systems and telemetry systems. The all-weather and all-terrain QRSAM system has been developed for the Army, with search and track on the move capability having a very short reaction time.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has congratulated the DRDO on achieving the significant milestone, the statement said.

"The systems are equipped with indigenously-developed phased array radar, inertial navigation system, data link and RF seeker," it said.

The missile, which can be mounted on a truck and stored in a canister, is equipped with electronic counter measures against jamming by aircraft radars, defence sources said.

QRSAM uses solid-fuel propellant and has a range of 25-30 km, the sources said.

The first trial of the QSRAM was conducted on June 4, 2017, they said. On February 26, 2019, two rounds of trials were successfully carried out on the same day.

The two missiles were tested for different altitude and conditions. The test flights had successfully demonstrated their aerodynamics, propulsion, structural performance and high manoeuvring capabilities, the sources added.

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New Delhi:

Amid the unprecedented turmoil in Kashmir, National Conference vice-president Omar Abdullah, Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti and chairman of Peoples Conference Sajad Gani Lone along with several other maintream political leaders of Jammu and Kashmir were placed under house arrest on late Sunday night.

The authorities have ordered closure of schools and colleges in Jammu on Monday as precautionary measure and restrictions have also been imposed in Srinagar under Section 144 CrPC. Local cabel TV channels have also been shut across the Valley and internet services across senstitive areas will remain blocked untill further orders.

"There will be a complete bar on holding any kind of public meetings or rallies during the period of operation of this order. Identity cards of essential services officials will be treated as movement passes wherever required," the government said.

Just before being put under house arrest, the former BJP ally and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti tweeted that voices of people of Kashmir were being muzzled and the state is facing oppression of unimaginable magnitude.

"How ironic that elected representatives like us who fought for peace are under house arrest. The world watches as people & their voices are being muzzled in J&K. The same Kashmir that chose a secular democratic India is facing oppression of unimaginable magnitude. Wake up India," Mufti said.

Former chief minister and NC leader Abdullah also took to Twitter to announce that he was being put under house arrest. "I believe I'm being placed under house arrest from midnight tonight and the process has already started for other mainstream leaders. No way of knowing if this is true but if it is then I'll see all of you on the other side of whatever is in store. Allah save us," Abdullah tweeted.

The heaven on earth  Kashmir  has turned into a total mess with people living in fears and uncertainty following Centres sudden decision to move around 38,000 additional troops to the Valley. Following an unprecedented advisory asking tourists and Hindu pilgrims to immediately leave the Valley, rumours have triggering panic buying of essentials among locals.

Thousands of tourists from other parts of the country and world have left the Valley in the last three days. There are speculations that the Government of India was planning to abrogate the special status of Kashmir.

It all started with the two-day Kashmir visit of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval last month. As soon as Dhoval returned to Delhi, the Centre decided to move 10,000 troops of the paramilitary forces to Jammu and Kashmir. It was said that the decision to send additional troops was taken to strengthen anti-terrorist operations in the Valley.

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New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday told BJP MPs to start preparing for the 2024 elections and asked them to ensure the win the seats they could not bag in the recent Lok Sabha elections. The prime minister was addressing more than 380 party MPs of both Houses of Parliament on the second day of 'Sansad Karyashala' at GMC Balyogi Auditorium in Parliament Library Building.

During his address, Modi asked his parliamentarians to work like a normal party worker and never let arrogance come cross their mind. He also said that all the members of Parliament must fulfil their duties towards their families but asked them to refrain from indulging in familism.

Earlier on day one, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked party lawmakers on Saturday to remain connected with party workers and not forget their contribution in making them MPs and ministers.

Modi likened the party and its workers to a mother who nurtures a son but feels a bit neglected when he gets married and pays more attention to his wife.

Modi described BJP as a family and categorically told party MPs that it is growing because of its ideology and thoughts and not because of the legacy of a family, Joshi said.

Joshi said that Modi highlighted the importance of the organisational strength while talking about the partys impressive victory in Tripuras local elections.

The prime minister inaugurated the training programme, Abhyas Varga, at Parliament House complex and recalled his experience of attending a similar event in Surajkund. Modi said it was of great help to him, Joshi added.

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New Delhi:

Five years after the controversial Four Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP) was scrapped, a UGC committee has recommended the introduction of the four-year degree for promoting and improving quality of research in colleges and universities.

The four-member committee which recently submitted its report to the University Grants Commission (UGC) is not the only one pitching for transition to a four-year programme from the current three year undergraduate courses, but the HRD Ministry appointed panel working on the new National Education Policy (NEP) had also recommended the programme among undergraduate courses reforms.

Increase the number of universities offering the four-year undergraduate programme, with a strong research component to provide the pipeline for good quality students for the doctoral programme, the committee headed by professor P Balaram, former director, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, said in its report.

Also, the existing two-year MA and MSc programs should have a research project with a requirement of typically 6-10 credits. It may be important to stop undergraduate programmes that are limited in scope (for example in specialised subjects like Biotechnology or Bioinformatics ), as they provide training only in specialised subjects.

All full-time under-graduate programmes must be broad-based. Professional and vocational courses that facilitate jobs should be run separately as Diploma courses, the report added.

The Four Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP) introduced by the Delhi University under the regime of previous Vice Chancellor Dinesh Singh was scrapped by former Human Resource Development minister Smriti Irani.

The NEP panel led by former ISRO chief K Kasturirangan, which submitted its report to the new HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, has recommended re-introduction of the four-year course as part of the undergraduate reforms.

Both three-year and four-year courses will be allowed to co-exist, but with multiple exit and entry options. The four-year programme will provide for greater rigour and allow students to conduct research optionally, the NEP draft said.

Students will graduate with a four-year Liberal Arts Science Education degree with Honours, or may graduate with a B Sc, BA, B Com or B Voc after completing three years with a suitable completion of credits within their subject, it said.
New Delhi:

At least 10 people have been killed after a gunman opened fire outside a bar in Dayton, Ohio in Sunday. The attack comes in less than 24 hours when a lone gunman in El Paso, Texas, shot dead 20 people. On its Twitter account, the department said the active shooter situation began in the Oregon district at 1.22am, but that officers "in the immediate vicinity" were able to "put an end to it quickly".



There are nine others also deceased. At least 16 others went to area hospitals with injuries," the police department said on Twitter.



Assistant police chief Matt Carper told reporters the unidentified suspect, who had a long gun and fired multiple rounds, had been shot dead by officers. He added: "There is one shooter we are aware of. We are working to identify him to see what his motivation was.

"The FBI are on the scene assisting but we are leading the investigation."

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New Delhi:

Asteroids are small, rocky objects that orbit the Sun. Asteroids are mainly found in an area called the main belt, between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. It is well known that many deadly asteroids have recently approached towards the Earth, but did not hit our planet. Also, it is a known fact that asteroids can bring tsunamis, shock waves and flattening winds that could be catastrophic. The space rocks (asteroid) approach towards the Earth due to the gravitational forces that affect them. There are more than 7 lakh asteroids that have been found in space. And now, scientists have discovered a new type of asteroid which is spinning itself into oblivion, reported express.co.uk. Yes, you read it right.

Olivier Hainaut, of the European Southern Observatory in Garching, Germany, spotted this strange space rock called as Gault. He said, This self-destruction event is rare. Active and unstable asteroids such as Gault are just now being detected because of new survey telescopes that scan the entire sky, which means asteroids that are misbehaving such as Gault cannot escape detection anymore."

Also Read: Is Earth near extinction? 7 asteroids heading towards our planet THIS August, may hit us

Also Read: Supermassive black hole V616 Monocerotis coming dangerously close to Earth: Will Earth survive?

Hubble space telescope captured the image of Gault. In the picture, you can see two narrow, comet-like tails of dusty debris streaming from the asteroid (6478) Gault. Each tail represents an episode in which the asteroid shed its material, key evidence that Gault is beginning to come apart.

Take a look:

Asteroid (Photo Credit: NASA, ESA, K. Meech and J. Kleyna University of Hawaii and O. Hainaut European Southern Observatory)

The disintegration of Gault has been linked to YORP effect. YORP stands for YarkovskyO'KeefeRadzievskiiPaddack, the names of four scientists who contributed to the concept. YORP describes how sunlight heats an asteroid, the resulting infrared radiation escaping from its warmed surface creates a rotational movement momentum. The process creates a tiny torque that can cause the asteroid to continually spin faster.

The researchers estimate that Gault could have been slowly spinning up for more than 100 million years. In the meantime, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) stated that there are 900 asteroids with a diameter more than one kilometre orbiting Earth around the Sun. Of 900, the biggest asteroid is nearly 34 kilometres wide.

Also Read: SIX DAYS TO GO: Potentially hazardous Asteroid 2006 QQ23 to come very close to Earth, may hit

According to the US space agency, if any object passes too close to Earth then it would launch a space campaign to deflect the object.

On the other hand, one of the asteroid hunters said there could be space rocks they dont know about which could pose a threat to Earth.

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New Delhi:

Former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda's son and ex-Congress MP Deepender Hooda reportedly supported the Narendra Modi governments resolution to abrogate Article 370 of the Constitution in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, hours after his senior party colleague Janardan Dwivedi backed the move.

Rajya Sabha on Monday approved a resolution revoking the special constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir and passed a Bill to split the state into two Union Territories, as Home Minister Amit Shah promised to restore full statehood after normalcy is restored in the militancy-hit region.

The House passed by a voice vote the resolution to abrogate Article 370 and the accompanying Article 35A ending seven decades of autonomous state government.

The bill to split the state in two UTs-- Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh -- was passed by 125 votes in favour and 61 against. One member abstained from voting while two PDP members were debarred from the day's proceedings after they tore a copy of the Constitution of India in the House to protest against the move.

Dwivedi said there will be an extensive feel-good factor in the country because of the decision taken by the Centre.

"Ram Manohar Lohia ji under whom I had political training was always against this Article. A mistake of history has been corrected today, albeit late," Dwivedi, who was considered very close to party leader Sonia Gandhi a few years ago, told news agency ANI.

He, however, made it clear that he was not speaking on behalf of the party but giving his personal opinion. Dwivedi asserted that there was no doubt that measures related to Jammu and Kashmir would be passed in Lok Sabha on Tuesday.

The senior Congress man also said that at the end of all, the only issue that maybe there could be the issue of Union Territory status for Jammu and Kashmir but that would not be an issue in the way of development of the region.

Dwivedi added that he has always objected to Indian leadership referring to Kashmir as an integral part of India, which he felt was a wrong expression and should change.

Earlier in the day, Congress chief whip in Rajya Sabha Bhubaneswar Kalita resigned from the party over its stand on removal of the Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir. He said the ideology of todays Congress is suicidal and that the partys current leadership is working towards its destruction.

Kalita said he was asked to issue whip on Kashmir issue but the truth is that the atmosphere has changed and issuing the whip would have been against the wishes of the people.

From the ideology of todays Congress, it seems that the party is committing suicide and I dont want to be part of it. I will not follow this whip and resign from the Congress, he said in a statement shared by Prasar Bharatis news service.

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New Delhi:

A massive earthquake measuring 7.0 on Richter scale may hit some parts of the world on Saturday (August 3). A self-proclaimed seismic researcher named Frank Hoogerbeets had issued an earthquake warning just hours before the powerful quake that rattled different cities of Indonesia.

Indonesian authorities said on Saturday that a strong earthquake that hit off Java island killed four people and damaged more than 200 houses, swaying buildings as far away as the capital. The US Geological Survey said on Friday night's magnitude 6.8 quake was centered 151 kilometers (94 miles) from Banten province off Java's southwest coast.

Agus Wibowo, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency's spokesman, said four people died while fleeing in panic to safety in Banten and West Java. Four others were injured.

Wibowo said 223 houses were damaged, mostly in Banten's Pandeglang region, where a deadly tsunami struck in the dark without warning last December.

On his website, Ditrianum, Frank Hoogerbeets had predicted that seismic activities will see a dramatic rise on August 2 and 3 due to a lunar peak. As a powerful earthquake happened in Indonesia on the timeline predicted by Hoogerbeets, several people believe that another quake that may measure more than 7 in the Richter scale could hit the planet on August 03, 2019.

Interestingly, many of the predictions made by Hoogerbeets have turned true in the recent past, and it includes the California quakes that happened on July 5. However, many experts have already rubbished his claims earlier, saying that earthquake are not possible to predict.

Hoogerbeets, on his website, claims that he was using an advanced system named Solar System Geometry Index (SSGI) to predict potential earthquakes that will happen in the future.

"Also, contrary to what is falsely being claimed, we are not part of any conspiracy theory group. We are not against anyone or anything. We provide information in an impartial manner about the seismic effects from specific planetary and lunar geometry," Hoogerbeets says.

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New Delhi:

Reacting to Indias decision to revoke Article 370 and 35A in Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan on Monday said that it will exercise all possible options to counter the illegal steps. As the party to this international dispute, Pakistan will exercise all possible options to counter the illegal steps. Pakistan reaffirms its abiding commitment to the Kashmir cause, reads a statement issued by Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that the move has resurrected Kashmir problem.

"The move to abolish Article 35A has left India's so-called democratic face open to the world. The Kashmir leadership does not agree with India's decision. India has resurrected the Kashmir problem with its decison," Mehmood Qureshi said.

ALSO READ: Kashmir masterstroke by Modi-Shah duo: Article 370, 35A scrapped, state bifurcated into UTs

Earlier, the government revoked Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir and proposed that the state be bifurcated into two union territories, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

Meeting a long-held promise of the BJP, Union Home Minister Amit Shah moved a resolution in the Rajya Sabha that Article 370, which allowed Jammu and Kashmir to have its own Constitution, will no longer be applicable.

"The president on the recommendation of Parliament is pleased to declare as from 5th of August 2019, all clauses of the said Article 370 shall cease to be operative... ," stated the resolution moved by the Home minister.

ALSO READ: Delhi Metro on high alert in wake of Independence Day, recent developments on Kashmir

Shah also moved a bill proposing bifurcation of the state of Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories -- Jammu and Kashmir division and Ladakh.

Shah, who introduced the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation bill, said the union territory in Ladakh will have no legislature like Chandigarh. The other union territory of Jammu and Kashmir will have a legislature like Delhi and Puducherry.

The government's move on Article 370, said senior party leader Arun Jaitley, is a monumental decision towards national integration.

His party colleague Ram Madhav also hailed the decision.

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New Delhi:

The Civil Aviation Ministry on Saturday advised airlines to keep fares from Srinagar in check as Amarnath pilgrims and tourists prepared to leave the Kashmir Valley, a day after the J&K administration asked them to curtail their stay due to security threats.

According to Airports Authority of India (AAI), 6,126 passengers reported at the Srinagar International Airport on Saturday to travel out of the Valley.

Out of this, 5,829 passengers travelled by 32 scheduled flights. Remaining 387 passengers were accommodated in four IAF aircraft and flown to various destination like Jammu, Pathankot and Hindon.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has advised the airlines to rein in the surging ticket prices, on flights coming out of Srinagar, for yatris returning from the Amarnath dham, a source told PTI.?

Travel websites on Saturday showed the ticket prices on Srinagar-Delhi route between Rs 11,000 and Rs 20,000 for August 4.

The ticket prices for Srinagar-Mumbai flights for August 4 started from Rs 14,000 onward.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation said on Twitter,Honble Minister for Civil Aviation Shri Hardeep Singh Puri has asked all the airlines to rein in the surging air fares for pilgrims returning from Amarnath dham.

The AAI said all passengers were flown out of the valley in a planned and systematic manner. The entire operation was conducted smoothly by AAI officials in close coordination with IAF, J&K Police, CRPF, BSF, the airlines and state authorities, it said.

Aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation had advised airlines on Friday to be ready to operate additional flights from the Srinagar airport if the need arises.

On Friday, the Indian Army, citing intelligence inputs, had said Pakistan-based terrorists were planning to target the Amarnath yatra.

The Armys disclosure prompted the Jammu and Kashmir administration to ask the yatris and tourists to curtail their stay in the Valley and leave immediately.

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New Delhi:

The Delhi University is expected to release the 7th cut-off list for admission to undergraduate courses across the varsity today i.e. 5 June, 2019. The list will be uploaded on the official website i.e. du.ac.in by late evening. The candidates who make it to the cut-off will have to get their documents verified and submit the required fee. The window is open till August 8, 2019.

So far, the university has released six cut-off lists for the admissions under regular mode. For NCWEB or the weekend category classes around four lists have been released. The NCWEB is a non-formal system of obtaining degrees from the Delhi University with lectures being delivered only on the weekends. Only women students residing in the National Capital Territory of Delhi can enrol themselves as students of the board.

Spot admissions are scheduled to take place for BTech, BA (H) humanities and social sciences, and integrated programme in journalism on August 7. The admissions to these courses was done on the basis of entrance test.

Under the 7th cut-off list, it is expected that more students might enrol under EWS category as the University has allowed the students to change their categories under the special drive. During the drive, students could edit their application and apply for reservations including EWS, religious minority, SC/ST category etc. Last year a total of 10 cut off list were released for UG admissions to the Delhi University.
New Delhi:

Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Education (MSBSHSE) is likely to release the Maharashtra HSC, SSC Supplementary Result 2019 by the end of August. This year, Maharashtra HSC Supply Exam was conducted from July 17 to August 3, 2019. As for the Maharashtra SSC Supplementary Exams, there were conducted from July 17 to July 30. Once officially announced, the results will be available on the official website i.e. mahresult.nic.in.

In 2018, Maharashtra HSC July Results were declared on August 24 while the Maharashtra SSC July results were declared on August 28. In 2017 as well, the results were announced in the month of August. However, there has been no official confirmation by the board yet.

Maharashtra SSC, HSC Supplementary Result 2019: How to check?

Step 1: Visit the official website of Maharashtra Board - mahresults.nic.in

Step 2: Click on the link reading as Maharashtra SSC Result or Maharashtra HSC Result 2019

Step 3: On the Maharashtra Board Result 2019 login window, enter the required details like roll number, registration number



Step 4: Click on submit button to get your Maharashtra 10th, 12th Result 2019



Step 5: The Maharashtra SSC, HSC Result 2019 can viewed and downloaded



Step 6: Take a print out for future reference

The Maharashtra Board had declared Maharashtra HSC Result 2019 on 28 May, 2019. Over 14 lakh students had appeared for the HSC examinations this year. Of which, over 12 lakh students cleared the exam.

As for Maharashtra SSC examination, about 12 lakh students had qualified the examination this year. The pass percentage was 77.10 per cent in 2019.



About Maharashtra State Board of Secondary & Higher Secondary Education:

The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary & Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE), Pune was founded in the year 1965 under the Maharashtra Act No. 41 of 1965. The jurisdiction of the board extends over the nine divisional boards located at Pune, Mumbai, Aurangabad, Nasik, Kolhapur, Amravati, Latur, Nagpur and Ratnagiri. Almost 30 lakh plus students participate in the bi-Yearly examination conducted by The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary & Higher Secondary Education, Pune at HSC and SSC level every year.




New Delhi:

Regional parties in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday unanimously resolved to fight any attempt to abrogate the constitutional provisions that guarantee it special status or any move to trifurcate the state.

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, reading out a resolution adopted at the meeting, said the parties have decided to send delegations to meet the president, the prime minister and leaders of various political parties to apprise them about the consequences of any attempt to abrogate Article 370 and Article 35A of the Constitution or carry out delimitation of constituencies or trifurcating the state.

The meeting was held as Kashmir remained on edge on Sunday with authorities stepping up security deployment at vital installations and sensitive areas amid heightened terror threat and flare up of hostilities with Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC).

The meeting was also attended Mehbooba Mufti (PDP), Omar Abdullah (NC), Taj Mohiuddin (Congress), Muzaffar Beig (PDP), Sajad Lone and Imran Ansari (Peoples Conference), Shah Faesal (J&K Peoples Movement) and M Y Tarigami (CPI-M).

"It was unanimously resolved that all the parties would be united in their resolve to protect and defend identity, autonomy and special status of J-K against all attacks and onslaughts whatsoever. That modification, abrogation of Articles 35A and 370, unconstitutional delimitation or trifurcation of the state would be an aggression against the people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh," Farooq Abdullah said.

He said the parties resolved to make an appeal to President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and leaders of various political parties to safeguard the legitimate interests of the people of the state with regard to constitutional guarantees given to them.

"The parties decided to seek audience with the president and the prime minister," he added. The former Union minister said the parties would also apprise them of the "unwholesome consequences bound to follow" the unconstitutional violation of these guarantees.

The parties appealed to India and Pakistan not to take any steps that will escalate tension in the region, Abdullah said.

He also appealed to the people of the state to maintain peace.

"The representatives of the political parties resolved to remain together and stand united in their struggle for safeguarding identity, autonomy and special status of the state," he said.

The resolution was described as "Gupkar Declaration" as the meeting was held at Abdullah's residence in the Gupkar area of Srinagar.

The meeting, which was scheduled to be held at the residence of Mehbooba, was held at Abdullah's residence due to his ill-health.

After the Jammu and Kashmir administration curtailed the Amarnath Yatra and asked pilgrims and tourists to leave the valley at the earliest on Friday, anxious residents continue to throng markets to stock on essentials and serpentine queues have been visible outside shops and fuel stations.

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New Delhi:

Recently launched Tata Tigor EV is currently available for cab aggregators and fleet operators. Soon, Tata Motors will start retailing its first electric vehicle to the private buyers, reported NDTVs carandbike.

"We wanted to bring a more relevant product for the private segment before opening it up to them because we need to give the right solution to different segments. We are planning to come out with a higher range version for the Tigor which we will be bringing out in the market very shortly. That is the time when we intend to open it to the private buyers also," NDTVs carandbike.com quoted Shailesh Chandra, President Electric Mobility Business & Corporate Strategy, Tata Motors, as saying.

Recently, the automaker announced price reduction on Tigor EV. The price of Tata Tigor has been slashed by Rs 80,000. Following the price reduction, Tata Tigor EV now costs Rs 11.58-11.92 lakh. The price reduction comes after the Modi government slashed the GST rate on electric vehicles from 12 per cent to 5 per cent. The government even reduced the GST rates on EV chargers from 18 per cent to 5 per cent. The reduced pricing on the Tigor will come into the effect from August 2019.

Tata Tigor EV is available in white, blue and silver colour options. It is powered by 72 V 3-Phase AC Induction Motor that churns out 30 kW (41 PS) and 105 Nm of torque. The car comes with a 16.2 kWh battery capacity and does 0-60 km/hr in 12 seconds. The Tigor EV can hit a top speed of 80 km/hr and has a certified full charge range of 142 km. 0-80 percent of normal charging takes 6 hrs while fast charging for 0-80 percent with 15 kW charger takes 90 mins.

The Tigor EV is also equipped with dual front airbags, ABS and rear parking sensors. Interestingly, these safety features ensures compliance with the new norms that come into effect on July 1, 2019. Apart from these features, the XT variant comes with 14-inch alloy wheels and electronically adjustable ORVMs.

Other features on both the electric trims include driver's seat height-adjust levers, power windows, body-coloured bumpers and door handles, LED tail-lamps, a climate control system, and a Harman built 2-DIN audio system with Bluetooth, USB and AUX connectivity.

Also, Tata Motors is offering a three-year/ 1.25 lakh kilometre warranty with the vehicle and the battery pack.
New Delhi:

In a major development, the Indian Army foiled an attack by Pakistan Army's BAT on forward post in Keran sector of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, killing at least five to seven soldiers or terrorists. The BAT generally comprises special forces personnel of the Pakistani Army and terrorists.

"A BAT attempt was made on one of the forward posts in Keran sector (in Kupwara district) and foiled by alert troops resulting in neutralising of five to seven Pak regulars/terrorists," defence spokesman Col Rajesh Kalia said.

In the last 36 hours, Indian Army has foiled an infiltration attempt by a Pakistani BAT (Border Action Team) squad in Keran Sector. 5-7 Pakistani army regulars/terrorists eliminated, their bodies are lying on the LoC, not retrieved yet due to heavy firing. (Source: Indian Army) pic.twitter.com/gBa89BuQ0M  ANI (@ANI) August 3, 2019

He said Pakistan has made a number of attempts in the last 36 hours to disturb peace in the Valley and to target Amarnath Yatra.

The defence spokesperson said four hardcore Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists were neutralised in two operations in which a cache of sniper rifle, IED and mine with Pakistan markings were recovered.

"This clearly indicates complicity of Pakistan in terror activities. Security forces will continue to respond to all nefarious activities along the LoC and hinterland," he said.

Sources said the BAT attempt was made on the intervening night of July 31 and August 1.

At least four bodies, possibly of Pakistan Army's Special Service Group (SSG) commandos or terrorists, were seen in close proximity of an Indian post in the sector, they said, adding search operations and attempts to take the bodies were being continuously interfered with by Pakistani troops deployed in the area.

The defence spokesperson said Pakistan has made a number of attempts in the last 36 hours to disturb peace in the Valley and to target Amarnath Yatra.

Four hardcore Jaish-e-Mohammad militants were neutralised in two operations in which a cache of sniper rifle, IED and mine with Pakistan markings were recovered, he said.

"This clearly indicates complicity of Pakistan in terror activities. Security forces will continue to respond to all nefarious activities along the LoC and hinterland," he said.

A senior Army official said that Pakistan has desperately attempted to push terrorists belonging to Jaish-e-Mohammad and other outfits into Jammu and Kashmir over the last few days.

"The response by security forces vindicates the build up in the hinterland," he said.

The official said the terrorists who were killed in the last few days in Kashmir included Zeenat ul Islam, Umar Wani and Khalid Bhai.

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New Delhi:

In India, Realme X has become one of the most anticipated smartphones. Isnt it? However, the smartphone has gone on sale from Saturday onwards, reported NDTVs Gadgets 360. The sale of Realme X began at 12:00 pm on Saturday via Realme online store and Flipkart. It is worth mentioning here that Realme X is already on sale via Realme partner physical retailers in the country. The key features in the Realme includes a snapdragon 710 SoC, pop-up selfie camera, 48-megapixel primary shooter on the back, and a 6.53-inch full-HD+ screen.

Realme X: Specification

The Realme X is equipped with a 6.53-inch full-HD+ (1080x2340 pixels) AMOLED screen with 19.5:9 aspect ratio, 91.2 percent screen-to-body ratio. It also features Gorilla Glass 5 protection and have an in-display fingerprint sensor for authentication. The dimensions of the handset is 161.2x76.9x9.4mm and it weighs 191 grams.

The Realme X is powered by a Snapdragon 710 SoC chipset clocked at 2.2GHz and comes in a total of three variants with up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. The smartphone runs Android 9 Pie with ColorOS 6.0.

Coming to the optics, the Realme X packs a 48-megapixel primary camera with f/1.7 aperture that is accompanied by a 5-megapixel secondary sensor with an f/2.4 lens. Also, there is a 16-megapixel selfie camera with f/2.0 aperture on the front.

Other features Realme X nclude a USB Type-C port, Dolby Atmos support, 4G LTE support, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5, GPS.

On the competition front, the Realme X will be up against Redmi K20 in the Indian market after the launch.

Realme X: Price & Sale offers

The 4GB RAM + 128GB storage option of Realme X costs Rs 16,999, while the price for 8GB RAM + 128GB storage variant of the smartphone is set at Rs 19,999. The smartphone comes in Polar White and Space Blue colour options.

According to a report of NDTVs Gadgets 360, Realme X sale offers on Flipkart include no-cost EMI options, 10 per cent off with Axis Bank Buzz credit card, five per cent unlimited cashback on Flipkart Axis Bank credit card and five percent cashback on HDFC Bank debit cards. On the other hand, Realme online store has listed a 10 percent MobiKwik SuperCash worth Rs 1,500 and Jio benefits worth Rs 7,000 that will be credited in the form of cashback vouchers.
New Delhi:

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during a debate on the governments move to revoke Article 370 and Article 35(A) of the Constitution on Monday, said Jammu and Kashmir will be reverted to a state when the right time comes.

Putting an end to all wild speculations and online and offline rumours, the Narendra Modi government on Monday revoked the Article 370 that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also proposed the bifurcation of the state. The third key takeaway of the big announcement was the scrapping of Article 35A, which empowered Jammu and Kashmir state's legislature to define permanent residents of the state and provide special rights and privileges to those permanent residents. The Mondays big announcements will have far reaching effects on the ground.

How long will J&K remain a Union Territory - to that I have an answer, when the right time comes then Jammu and Kashmir will revert to being a state. We don't want to remain a Union Territory forever. It may take time but it will become a state once again, one day, Shah said in Rajya Sabha.

Shah moved a resolution in Rajya Sabha that Article 370 of the Constitution, which gives special status to Jammu and Kashmir, will not be applicable in the state. Making a statement, Shah said this will come into effect when the President gives assent and the central government notifies it.

The Upper House witnessed massive uproar soon after the announcement by the Home Minister.

Shah also said the government doesnt believe in politics of religion.

We don't believe in politics of religion, what vote-bank politics? Only Muslims live in Kashmir? What do you want to say? Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists all live there. If 370 is good it is good for all, if it is bad then it is bad for all, Shah said in the Upper House of Parliament.

This is a breaking news story. More details will be added soon. Please refresh the page for the updated version.

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New Delhi:

Bending the rules that a student needs to be at least 14 years of age to appear in Class 10 examinations of the UP Board, eight-year-old prodigy Rashtram Aditya Shri Krishna from Lucknow has been granted special permission by the UP Board to be admitted in Class 9 directly. He will hence appear in the high school examinations at the age of 10 in 2021 from M.D.Shukla Inter College in the Nakhas area.

Board Secretary Nina Srivastava said Rashtrams father was informed about the order.As of now his (Rashtram) focus is on studies. He received primary education at home. He has sound knowledge of mathematics and social science, and has mastered yoga and meditation. He also knows Hindi, English as well as French (up to some extent). We filed an application with the UP Board and it was acknowledged, said his astrologer father, Pawan Kumar Acharya.

School principal H.N. Upadhyay said, His father came to us seeking admission in Class 9. Teachers conducted an admission test in which the boy proved to be extraordinarily talented. We wrote a letter to the board seeking permission for his admission and after the permission, formalities are been done.

Mukesh Kumar, district inspector of schools, said, The board has given special permission for admission of Rashtram directly in Class 9.

Talking about child prodigies, Ananya Verma at just 4 years got direct admission at Class 9 following suit of her older sister Sushma Verma who passed the 10th grade when she was just 7 years old passing the BSc examination at the age of 13.

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New Delhi:

Amid the growing uncertainty in Kashmir, authorities have postponed all Kashmir University examinations scheduled to be held from August 5 to August 10. Internet services in the Valley will reportedly be suspended from Monday and remain blocked till Independence Day on August 15.

Reacting to the internet suspension news, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah, citing state government officers, claimed that an unofficial curfew is going to start and mainstream leaders will be detained.

"If officers in the state government are to be believed mobile internet is going down now, an unofficial curfew is going to start & mainstream leaders are going to be detained. No idea who to believe & where this is heading," Abdullah tweeted.

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and BJP ally Mehbooba Mufti also hinted that a curfew is likely to imposed in the Valley. "Hearing reports about internet being snapped soon including cellular coverage. Curfew passes being issued too. God knows what awaits us tomorrow. Its going to be a long night," she said.

Suggested Read | Amid tension, satellite phones issued to top government officials in Kashmir

The heaven on earth  Kashmir  has turned into a total mess with people living in fears and uncertainty following Centres sudden decision to move around 38,000 additional troops to the Valley. Following an unprecedented advisory asking tourists and Hindu pilgrims to immediately leave the Valley, rumours have triggering panic buying of essentials among locals.

Thousands of tourists from other parts of the country and world have left the Valley in the last three days. Troops have increased patrolling the streets of the Valley after Army claimed that it has received intelligence of a major terrorist attack.

It all started with the two-day Kashmir visit of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval last month. As soon as Dhoval returned to Delhi, the Centre decided to move 10,000 troops of the paramilitary forces to Jammu and Kashmir. It was said that the decision to send additional troops was taken to strengthen anti-terrorist operations in the Valley.

However, the real panic started when reports came that the Centre has moved more 28,000 troops to Kashmir and directed the Air Force and Navy to remain on high alert. The decision to suddenly send 38,000 troops sent ripple across the Valley.

People of Kashmir as well as local politicians started questioning the Centre about the never seen before security measures. Many believed that the massive troops build-up was part of Modi governments promised plan to abrogate Article 35A. Some said the Centre is planning trifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir.

However, all the rumours were quashed by Governor Satya Pal Malik, who said that his office had not received any communication from the Centre regarding the abrogation of Article 370 or trifurcation of the state.

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New Delhi:

Authorities of the Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday night imposed the Section-144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, which prohibits gathering of more than four people at a time. An advisory by the Jammu and Kashmir government said "there shall be no movement of public and all educational institutions shall also remain closed". It added that there will be a complete bar on holding any kind of public meetings or rallies during the period of operation of this order.

According to initial reports, local cable TV services will remain suspended till the further orders.

As per the order, there shall be no movement of public and all educational institutions shall also remain closed. There will be a complete bar on holding any kind of public meetings or rallies during the period of operation of this order. Identity cards of essential services officials will be treated as movement passes wherever required.

The Jammu DC has also advised educational institutions to remain closed.

"The government has imposed restrictions under section 144 CrPC in District Srinagar with effect from 1200 Hrs on 5th August 2019 which shall remain in force till further orders. As per the order, there shall be no movement of public and all educational institutions shall also remain closed. There will be a complete bar on holding any kind of public meetings or rallies during the period of operation of this order. Identity cards of essential services officials will be treated as movement passes wherever required. However, there is no curfew in place as reported in a section of media," the advisory said.

The Jammu district administration asked authorities of schools and colleges to remain closed on Monday as a precautionary measure, officials said.

"All schools, colleges and academic institutions, both private and government, are advised to remain closed as a measure of caution," Deputy Commissioner of Jammu Sushma Chauhan said on Sunday night.

This step has been taken in view of the situation in Jammu and Kashmir following multi-fold increase in the security deployment due to threat perception, officials said.

Earlier, security across Jammu region was strengthened with additional deployment of paramilitary forces, including Rapid Action Force (RAF), in various districts especially in the twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri, they said.

Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti among several leaders under house arrest

National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah, Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti and chairman of Peoples Conference Sajad Gani Lone along with several other mainstream political leaders of Jammu and Kashmir were placed under house arrest on late Sunday night.

Just before being put under house arrest, the former BJP ally and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti tweeted that voices of people of Kashmir were being muzzled and the state is facing oppression of unimaginable magnitude.

"How ironic that elected representatives like us who fought for peace are under house arrest. The world watches as people & their voices are being muzzled in J&K. The same Kashmir that chose a secular democratic India is facing oppression of unimaginable magnitude. Wake up India," Mufti said.

Abdullah also took to Twitter to announce that he was being put under house arrest. "I believe I'm being placed under house arrest from midnight tonight and the process has already started for other mainstream leaders. No way of knowing if this is true but if it is then I'll see all of you on the other side of whatever is in store. Allah save us," Abdullah tweeted.

The heaven on earth  Kashmir  has turned into a total mess with people living in fears and uncertainty following Centres sudden decision to move around 38,000 additional troops to the Valley. Following an unprecedented advisory asking tourists and Hindu pilgrims to immediately leave the Valley, rumours have triggering panic buying of essentials among locals.

Thousands of tourists from other parts of the country and world have left the Valley in the last three days. There are speculations that the Government of India was planning to abrogate the special status of Kashmir.

It all started with the two-day Kashmir visit of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval last month. As soon as Dhoval returned to Delhi, the Centre decided to move 10,000 troops of the paramilitary forces to Jammu and Kashmir. It was said that the decision to send additional troops was taken to strengthen anti-terrorist operations in the Valley.

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Indore :

Six persons were held with demonetised notes with a face value of over Rs 1 crore in Indore in Madhya Pradesh, police said on Sunday.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ruchivardhan Mishra identified the six as Mohammed Aslam Ali (25), Dilip Zena (31), Rajiv Panda (25), Divyaram Vyovara (27), Vishal Parihar (33) and Jaikush Wah (33).

Aslam, the leader of the gang, and three others are natives of Odisha. The rest are from Gwalior. We seized Rs 1.15 crore in old notes of 200 and 500 denominations. They were stored in school bags, the SSP said.

The demonetised currency notes were received from the traders of Odisha to be exchanged with new ones on commission basis, Mishra said.

The seizure has been reported to the Income Tax Department and the Enforcement Directorate, the official said.

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New Delhi:

Indian Air Force (IAF) will release the admit card for Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT 2019) on August 5, said a notification on its official website.

The candidates who will appear in the examination can download the admit card through the official website- afcat.cdac.in.

Candidates who have applied for the common admission test will be able to download their hall tickets from the IAF's official portal  afcat.cdac.in.

The notification on the website read, "Admit Card for AFCAT 02/2019 will be available for download through Candidate Login from 5 August, 2019 (1:00 pm) onward."

Indian Air force in Februaray had invited online application frm enthusiaiatic and adventurous indian citizens to join the Indian Air Force s commissioned officers in Flying, ground Duty (Technical), ground Duty (non technical) branches.

The recruitment examination is scheduled to be conducted on August 24 and 25, 2019.

The AFCAR 2.2029 will be of two hours duration and will contain multiple choice questions on verbal ability, numerical ability, reasoning, general awareness and military aptitude.

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New Delhi:

A day after the Indian Army termed as "lies and deceit" Pakistan's allegations that Indian troops used cluster bombs targeting civilians along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday condemned India's attack and said the use of cluster munitions was in violation of international humanitarian law.

I condemn India's attack across LOC on innocent civilians & it's use of cluster munitions in violation of int humanitarian law and it's own commitments under the 1983 Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons. UNSC must take note of this international threat to peace & security, Imran Khan tweeted.

President Trump offered to mediate on Kashmir. This is the time to do so as situation deteriorates there and along the LOC with new aggressive actions being taken by Indian occupation forces. This has the potential to blow up into a regional crisis.  Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) August 4, 2019

The strong reaction by the Indian Army's additional directorate general of public information (ADGPI) on Saturday came after Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and its military's spokesperson Asif Ghafoor had accused the Indian Army of using cluster ammunition to target civilians along the Line Of Control.

The allegations of firing of cluster bombs by India are Pakistan's "lies, deceit and deception", the ADGPI said in a brief statement.

"Pakistan army regularly attempts to push terrorists through infiltrations and opens up with multitude of weapons to assist them. India, during numerous Directorate of Military Operations (DGMO) level talks, has maintained the right to respond. Such responses are only against military targets and infiltrating terrorists who are aided by Pakistan Army," the statement said.

Taking to Twitter, Imran Khan said: It is time to end the long night of suffering for the people of Occupied Kashmir. They must be allowed to exercise their right to self determination according to UN SC resolutions.The only road to peace & security in South Asia runs through a peaceful & just settlement of Kashmir

President Trump offered to mediate on Kashmir. This is the time to do so as situation deteriorates there and along the LOC with new aggressive actions being taken by Indian occupation forces. This has the potential to blow up into a regional crisis, he added

Earlier, Qureshi, in a tweet, accused Indian security forces of using cluster ammunition, targeting "innocent civilians."

He also posted a collage of pictures which included images of explosions and young children and adults with bandages. Army sources said the photos of explosions posted on Twitter by the Pakistan Foreign Minister were of mortar fires and not of explosions of cluster bombs.

In a tweet, Ghafoor said, "Use of cluster bombs by Indian Army violating international conventions is condemnable."

Ghafoor alleged that the Indian troops on the night of July 30 targeted citizens in Neelum Valley, killing two civilians and injuring 11 others.

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Lucknow:

The CBI is carrying out searches at the residence of expelled BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar and other accused in connection with the Unnao rape victims accident case, officials said Sunday.

The search operation is spread across at least 17 premises in four districts of Uttar Pradesh- Lucknow, Banda, Unnao, Fatehpur, they said.

The premises of other accused in these districts are also being searched.

Sengar, nine others and 15-20 unidentified persons were booked for murder by the CBI in the accident case.

On July 30, the car in which the victim, who has accused Sengar of raping her at his residence on June 4, 2017, was travelling was hit by an over-speeding truck in Rae Bareli.

Sengar, who is facing a probe since last year, was expelled from the BJP this week after the Uttar Pradesh government came under criticism for not providing enough security to the victim.

Two of the victims aunts were killed, while she and her lawyer were critically injured in the accident.

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Home  Just In  8 developments you can expect in Nepal tourism in the next 7 months

The Covid-19 pandemic broke the back of Nepals tourism industry. Even though there are people coming in, they are in low numbers. Consequently, people who have spent millions of rupees in the industry fear they will never be able to recover the amount they lost to the pandemic.

Amid this situation, Nepal Tourism Board aims to create a space for recovery. The board estimate that Nepal will see around 200,000 tourists by the end of the current fiscal year (mid-July, 2022). To serve them, it has announced a budget of Rs 920 million.

Here, we present to you the major highlights of the budget plan of the countrys top tourism development body.

1. Promotion and publicity

Photo: Pixabay/ Peggy Marco

According to the NTB, around Rs 140 million will be spent on promoting Nepals tourism market. This includes taking part in international travel marts that take place across the globe.

A further Rs 40 million has been set aside for promotion, mostly through digital marketing. The fund will also be used by tourism board officials for emergency travel.

For the proposed research of an online market system, Rs 20 million has been set aside while Rs 15 million will be used for the development of information centres in different provinces.

As always, the board will take part in almost all the important travel marts that it has been taking part in, like the travel marts in Berlin and London.

The board also wants to promote Nepal by mobilising the countrys diplomatic missions abroad, and non-resident Nepalis spread around the world. It also wants to collaborate with airlines that fly to Nepal.

The NTB says it will also go to India and China to promote Nepal as a tourist destination and partner with the private sector to sell packages to the citizens of these two countries.

2. Heritage conservation

For heritage conservation, the board will spend around Rs 73 million. The money will also be used to hold fairs and festivals and improve regions that need improving for the long term.

3. Pokhara-focus acvities

The NTBs Pokhara office has been allotted Rs 45 million, which it will spend on the development and promotion of heritage areas. Along with that, the NTBs Pokhara office has said it will also use the funds to train people as well.

4. Human resource and office operations

The NTB has also set aside Rs 180 million on improving the working standards of its staff. The funds will also be used on office operations.

5. Branding rural tourism

The NTB has planned to start a recovery campaign to lift the tourism industry. The first initiative is changing the face of some tourist areas that are not yet recognised by creating a brand around them. The first place that this will happen so is Tokha of Kathmandu.

The NTB then wants to promote villages in Myagdi, Parbat, Baglung, Gulmi, Syangja, Tanahun, Kaski, Gorkha, Dhading, Arghakanchi, Nuwakot and Kavre as places for agro tourism.

There have also been talks of promoting the Chure region as a place for geo-tourism and the border between Nepal and India for religious tourism.

The NTB has decided that it will host travel marts across all provinces especially in Province 2 and Province 1. Talks are also underway to promote Province 1 as the hub of health tourism. The NTB has also been looking at promoting Sudurpaschim province as a farm-stay destination.

6. Honouring the mountain community

After all the years, the board has finally decided to honour people and organisations involved in mountain tourism. These people will be awarded medals and cash prizes for the work they have done in the mountaineering sector.

The NTB also says it will also honour the people who bring the most number of tourists to Nepal.

7. Rediscovering the hippy trail

The board is looking at rediscovering the hippy trail around the Kathmandu valley. The board believes this will be a good pull factor for tourists who came to Nepal in the 70s and 80s.

A budget is also being set aside for the research of the benefits of hot springs.

8. A tourist bus station in Kathmandu

Not having a tourist bus station in Kathmandu has been a problem for a while. While the roads in Jamal acted as a bus station for years, now, all the tourist busses can be found in Sorhakhutte.

After multiple complaints, the board is also looking at constructing a bus station in Kathmandu. A budget has already been set aside for this.
HOLDEN  A mix of excitement and surprise was part of the lesson plan at Dr. Leroy E. Mayo Elementary School on Friday afternoon.

Army National Guard Capt. Lee Pappas, stationed in Saudi Arabia for 10 months, shocked his son Maverick, a first-grader, with a surprise visit to the school.

Maverick, 7, was unaware his father would be home for Christmas.

"I was so happy and excited, and I thought I was sleeping (that I was in a dream)," Maverick said after reuniting with this dad.

Seven-year-old Maverick Pappas was surprised by his father, Army National Guard Capt. Lee Pappas, who came home for Christmas on Friday in Holden. Pappas, who had been away for 10 months, surprised his son at Dr. Leroy E. Mayo Elementary School during a Choose To Be Nice assembly.

At the end of the school day, while pupils gathered for a "Choose To Be Nice" assembly, Capt. Pappas appeared in the gymnasium as Maverick was participating in a presentation about teamwork.

Father and son embraced amid applause from school children.

"It was tough," Capt. Pappas said. "It was really hard (but I'm) just thankful for the modern technology and FaceTime  it's just the best thing. I can't imagine how the soldiers used to do it back in the days with very rudimentary technology and also before that was just writing letters home."

The surprise was originally Mavericks idea, said Jennifer Pappas, Mavericks mother. She recalled Maverick saying he really wanted his father to surprise him when he got back home.

Maverick was the one who from the very beginning said he wanted Daddy to surprise (him) at school and then he would get to leave school early (so that) he wouldnt have to stay in the pickup line, Jennifer Pappas said. So when we heard that, we knew we would have to make it happen, so we had reached out to the school, (and) the school was so wonderful so helpful. Our neighbors across the street Karen helped set everything up and here we are getting to surprise him.

Before coming back home, Capt. Pappas stayed in Texas for two weeks wrapping up medical screening and paperwork in order to get back home smoothly.

When all the classes were dismissed afterwards, Maverick's class stayed for a while as Capt. Pappas was familiar to some of the students in the class, having spoken to Maverick's class via video link from Saudi Arabia.

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He is a field artillery officer. Students were asking questions about life in the Army.

Maverick said he has so many things that he wants to do together with his father, but first thing first, he said he is going to snuggle in the bed with him.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Capt. Pappas returns home after 10 months and surprises son, 7, at Holden school
VANCOUVER, BC, Dec. 10, 2021 /CNW/ - The Mutual Fund Dealers Association of Canada ("MFDA") and the British Columbia Securities Commission (the "BCSC") have entered into settlement agreements with Credential Asset Management Inc. (the "Respondent") to address the Respondent's failure to establish adequate policies and procedures, controls and supervision to ensure that it complied with applicable securities legislation relating to internal dealer incentive and sales practices, contrary to MFDA Rules 2.5.1, 2.1.4 and requirements set out in National Instrument 81-105.

Pursuant to the terms of the Settlement Agreements with the MFDA and the BCSC, the Respondent has agreed to pay fines and costs totaling $600,000 as particularized in further detail below.

The settlement of this matter was a joint effort of the MFDA and the BCSC. The MFDA would like to thank the BCSC for its assistance in this matter.

MFDA Settlement

A settlement hearing in the matter of the Respondent was held by electronic hearing in Vancouver, British Columbia before a three-member Hearing Panel of the Pacific Regional Council of the MFDA.

The Hearing Panel approved the settlement agreement (the "MFDA Settlement Agreement") between Staff of the MFDA and the Respondent, as a consequence of which the following sanctions were imposed on the Respondent requiring the Respondent to pay:

a fine in the amount of 280,000; and

costs in the amount of $20,000.

In the MFDA Settlement Agreement, the Respondent admitted that it failed to establish and maintain adequate policies and procedures, controls and supervision to ensure that it complied with securities legislation relating to internal dealer incentive and sales practices, contrary to MFDA Rules 2.5.1 and 2.1.4.

BCSC Settlement

In a separate but related proceeding, the BCSC has also entered into a settlement agreement with the Respondent (the "BCSC Settlement Agreement") addressing the same conduct that has been addressed in the MFDA Settlement Agreement. Pursuant to the BCSC Settlement Agreement, the Respondent has agreed to pay $300,000 to the BCSC. Further details of the BCSC Settlement Agreement including the admissions of misconduct that the Respondent made in that proceeding can be found on the BCSC website https://www.bcsc.bc.ca/.

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The MFDA is the self-regulatory organization for Canadian mutual fund dealers, regulating the operations, standards of practice and business conduct of its Members and their approximately 82,000 Approved Persons with a mandate to protect investors and the public interest. For more information about the MFDA's complaint and enforcement processes, as well as links to 'Check an Advisor' and other Investor Tools, visit the For Investors page on the MFDA website.

SOURCE Mutual Fund Dealers Association of Canada

Cision

View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/December2021/10/c3397.html
Photo Illustration by Thomas Levinson/The Daily Beast/Getty

A former head of the mens division at an esteemed modeling agency claims he was pushed out of the company to cover up the presidents alleged misconduct.

In a lawsuit filed in New York state supreme court, John Hendricha former executive vice president at The Society Model Managementalleges he witnessed President Chris Gay inappropriate[ly] touching a junior employee, Olga Tavares. When Tavares later issued a legal threat against The Society, Hendrich claims, the company fired him for failing to report the incident. According to the suit, Gay faced no repercussions. The Society, through counsel, tells The Daily Beast that an independent investigation of Tavares claims found no evidence of harassment or wrongdoing by Gay.

Hendrich and Tavares both worked for the mens division at The Society, a subset of the larger Elite World Groupa modeling and talent agency with 11 offices around the world and more than 5,000 models and other personalities. (Bigger names repped by EWG include Helena Christensen and Christina Aguilera.) According to the suit, Hendrich joined The Society in 2019 to build out the mens division, and Tavares joined shortly after to help scout talent. Gay, as president of The Society and co-CEO of Elite, worked closely with both of them, according to the suit.

Hendrich claims he witnessed two incidents involving Tavares and Gay, the first of which occurred shortly after he and Tavares were hired. According to the suit, Gay overheard a conversation between Tavares and another employee about a visa issue and assumed it was something other than what it was. The suit claims Gay then raised his voice at Tavares and berated her in an unwarranted and aggressive manner, to the point that she was visibly shaken and began to cry.

Model Cleirys Velasquez Claims Marilyn Model Management Body-Shamed Her

The second incident occurred in August 2019. According to the suit. Hendrich, Tavares, and another mens division employee were having a meeting the the New York office when Gay walked in and started asking Hendrich about scouting options in Los Angeles. Then he directed his questioning toward Tavares. According to the suit, he placed his hands on the back of Tavaress chair and rocked it back and forth, then patted her on the shoulders three timeshard enough that Tavares looked surprised and said ouch.

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As The Society points out in its own legal filings, Hendrichs version of events and the lawsuits diverge slightly here. According to the suit, Tavares became visibly upset as a result of the encounter, and Hendrich encouraged her to report it. In an affidavit filed that same month, however, Hendrich states that Tavares did not cry, seek medical attention, or otherwise lead me to believe that she was injured, and adds that he did not think the interaction was remarkable in any way. As a result, he says, did not discuss it with either Tavares or Gay.

Regardless of what happened in the direct aftermath of the incident, both the lawsuit and Hendrichs affidavit claim Hendrich did not address the issue again until that fall, when Tavares sent him an email about it. According to the affidavit, Tavares emailed Hendrich about her recollection of the incident on Sept. 3, and he responded: Yes I acknowledge that all happened and I was there to witness it.

Tavares then issued a legal threat to The Society, citing this and other allegations, according to Hendrichs suit. (Tavares declined to comment to The Daily Beast.) As part of its investigation into Tavares complaints, the company questioned Hendrich. According to filings by both Hendrich and The Society, the vice president confirmed to investigators that he had witnessed the incident and received Tavares email about it, but hadnt reported it to the company. He was fired shortly thereafter.

According to The Society, Hendrich was fired for neglecting to inform the company about Tavares potential claims against them. In a Feb. 10, 2021, letter, included as an exhibit in the fillings, the companys general counsel claims Hendrichs failure to inform them of Tavares injurious conduct was a breach of your obligations and duties under the Employment Agreement, an act of gross carelessness or misconduct in the performance of your duties, and a breach of your fiduciary duties owed to The Society.

This coupled with a pattern of poor judgements, has exposed the company to a series of complaints, the letter states.

After an external investigation, John Taylor Hendrich was dismissed for willfully suppressing a complaint and violating his obligation to report a harassment claim by one of his direct reports, breaching company protocol and delaying an immediate investigation, a spokesperson for The Society Management emailed The Daily Beast after this story had been published.

After The Society Management became aware of the alleged incident, a thorough investigation was conducted by outside counsel, which found no evidence of harassment by Christopher Gay. The investigation includes a sworn affidavit from Mr. Hendrich, which directly contradicts the claims cited in his lawsuit. The Society Management stands by the decision to fire Mr. Hendrich, the spokesperson said.

Hendrichs lawsuit, however, claims he is being retaliated against for confirming that he had witnessed Gays behavior; that he is being scapegoated by the company as part of a misguided attempt to shield Gay from liability. It also claims that Gay fired Hendrich over a Zoom call shortly after the investigation into Tavares claims ended, and that the president belittled him, telling him multiple times that he was not a leader.

The Societys position that Plaintiff was terminated for failing to report Ms. Tavares complaint is implausible, and is an obvious pretext for his termination based upon the fact that he witnessed an incident of alleged harassment by Mr. Gay toward Ms. Tavares, he conferred with Ms. Tavares about it, and then he offered information regarding said incident during the investigation, the suit states.

Why Supermodel Carre Otis Is Taking on This Top Agency Over Sex Abuse

Elite World Group has come under fire lately a womens rights group urging it to confront Elite Model Managements sordid history of alleged sex trafficking and abuse. The founder of Elite Models, John Casablancas, has been accused of sexually exploiting girls as young as 14 years old, and admitted to marrying a 16-year-old when he was 41. Former Elite executive Gerald Marie is currently under investigation by French authorities for allegations of sexual harassment and rape. (Marie has denied any wrongdoing.)

Elite World Group claims the alleged abuse occurred under different management, and that the company now has a zero tolerance policy for sexual misconduct and leave[s] no room for any form of abuse, harassment, discrimination and/or gender bias. But earlier this year, supermodel Carre Otis and the non-profit Model Alliance penned an open letter to Elite World Group co-CEO Julia Haart, accusing her of presenting herself as an advocate for women while profiting off of Elites checkered past. An Elite spokesperson responded by saying that the company was shocked and saddened to see Model Alliance attack the only female leader in this industry.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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There are always some stocks that illusively scale lofty heights in a given time period. Yet, the good show doesnt last for these overblown toxic stocks, as their current price is not justified by their fundamental strength.

Toxic companies are usually characterized by huge debt loads and are vulnerable to external shocks. Accurately identifying such bloated stocks and getting rid of them at the right time can protect your portfolio.

Overpricing of these toxic stocks can be attributed to either an irrational enthusiasm surrounding them or some serious fundamental drawbacks. If you own such bubble stocks for an inordinate period of time, you are bound to see massive erosion of wealth.

Nonetheless, if you can precisely spot such toxic stocks, you may gain by resorting to an investing strategy called short selling. This strategy allows one to sell a stock first and then buy it when the price falls.

While short selling excels in bear markets, it typically loses money in bull markets.

So, just like identifying stocks with growth potential, pinpointing toxic stocks and offloading them at the right time is crucial to guard ones portfolio from big losses or make profits by short selling them. Sendas Distribuidora ASAI, Switch, Inc. SWCH, Custom Truck One Source CTOS and Hawaiian Holdings HA are few such toxic stocks.

Screening Criteria

Here is a winning strategy that will help you to identify overpriced toxic stocks:

Most recent Debt/Equity Ratio greater than the median industry average: High debt/equity ratio implies high leverage. High leverage indicates a huge level of repayment that the company has to make in connection with the debt amount.

P/E using 12-month forward EPS estimate greater than 50: A very high forward P/E implies that a stock is highly overvalued.

% Change in F (1) and F (2) Estimate (12 Weeks) less than -5: Negative EPS estimate revision for this fiscal year and the next during the past 12 weeks points to analysts pessimism.

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Zacks Rank more than or equal to #3 (Hold): We have not considered Buy-rated stocks that generally outperform the market. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Here are four of the 27 toxic stocks that showed up on the screen:

Sendas Distribuidora: Based in Brazil, Sendas Distribuidora is engaged in the retail and wholesale of food as well as other products through its stores. ASAI currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Sendas Distribuidoras 2022 bottom line implies a year-over-year decline of 20%. The consensus mark for 2022 earnings has been revised downward by a penny to 12 cents per share over the past seven days.

Switch: Headquartered in Las Vegas, Switch is a technology infrastructure company engaged in designing and operating hyperscale data centers. SWCH currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 and has a VGM Score of D.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Switchs earnings for the current year has moved south by 2 cents per share over the past 30 days. The consensus mark for earnings for the next year has also declined 2 cents over the past 30 days.

Custom Truck: Kansas City-based Custom Truck is a provider of specialized truck and heavy equipment solutions to utility, telecommunications, rail and infrastructure markets, principally in North America. CTOS currently carries a Zacks Rank #4.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Custom Trucks 2021 bottom line implies a year-over-year decline of 15.4%. The consensus mark for 2021 loss per share has widened from 86 cents to $1.05 over the past seven days. Earnings estimates for 2022 have declined by 4 cents a share over the same time frame.

Hawaiian Holdings: Hawaiian Holdings, the parent of Hawaiian Airlines, is headquartered in Honolulu County. In fact, it is Hawaii's biggest airline and has been serving the islands for more than 85 years. HA currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 and a VGM Score of C.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Hawaiian Holdings 2021 loss per share has widened from $7.33 to $8.18 over the past 60 days. The consensus mark for earnings for the next year has been downwardly revised from $1.09 per share to 66 cents over the same time frame.

Get the rest of the stocks on the list and start putting this and other ideas to the test. It can all be done with the Research Wizard stock picking and backtesting software.

The Research Wizard is a great place to begin. It's easy to use. Everything is in plain language. And it's very intuitive. Start your Research Wizard trial today. And the next time you read an economic report, open up the Research Wizard, plug your finds in, and see what gems come out.

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Disclosure: Officers, directors and/or employees of Zacks Investment Research may own or have sold short securities and/or hold long and/or short positions in options that are mentioned in this material. An affiliated investment advisory firm may own or have sold short securities and/or hold long and/or short positions in options that are mentioned in this material.

Disclosure: Performance information for Zacks portfolios and strategies are available at: https://www.zacks.com/performance.



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-- Updated 48-week data from Phase III ASCEMBL trial consistent with improved major molecular response (MMR) rate of Scemblix (asciminib) vs. Bosulif* (bosutinib) and lower discontinuation rate due to adverse reactions demonstrated in 24-week primary analysis(1)

-- Data support longer-term use of Scemblix in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) who have previously struggled with intolerance and resistance to at least two prior tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatments(2-4)

-- Differentiated by novel mechanism of action, Scemblix is the first FDA-approved CML treatment that works by binding to the ABL myristoyl pocket(2-4)

-- Clinical development program continues, evaluating Scemblix across multiple treatment lines in CML(2-19)

EAST HANOVER, N.J., Dec. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Novartis today announced new 48-week data from the Phase III ASCEMBL trial of Scemblix (asciminib) demonstrating that the results observed in the primary analysis (24 weeks) vs. Bosulif* (bosutinib) were maintained in longer-term follow up for patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase (Ph+ CML-CP) previously treated with two or more tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs)1-4.

In this analysis, presented at the 63rd American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting & Exposition (ASH), the major molecular response (MMR) rate at 48 weeks was 29.3% for patients treated with Scemblix vs. 13.2% for patients in the Bosulif arm, which is consistent with a doubling of the efficacy at 24 weeks (25% vs. 13% [P=0.029])1-4. The proportion of patients treated with Scemblix who experienced adverse reactions leading to discontinuation was more than three times lower than those in the Bosulif arm (7.1% vs. 25%)1.

Scemblix is the first FDA-approved CML treatment that works by binding to the ABL myristoyl pocket2. This novel mechanism of action, also known in scientific literature as a STAMP inhibitor, can help address resistance to TKI therapy in patients with CML and overcome mutations at the defective BCR-ABL1 gene, which is associated with the over-production of leukemic cells2-4. Scemblix continues to be studied across multiple lines of treatment for CML-CP3-12.

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"We often see that sequential use of TKI treatments can be associated with increased failure rates and greater concerns regarding potential treatment side effects as patients move to later lines. Scemblix offers an increasingly proven option for patients living with CML who have previously tried two or more TKIs, and takes a different approach to targeted inhibition to better manage CML," said Dr. Michael J. Mauro**, Hematologist and Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Program Leader at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK).

In this updated analysis, responses were also durable, with 60 out of 62 patients on Scemblix maintaining MMR at time of their last assessment1. Scemblix continued to deliver more favorable deep molecular responses (MRs) with MR4 and MR4.5 rates at 48 weeks of 10.8% and 7.6%, compared to 3.9% and 1.3% in patients treated with Bosulif, respectively1. Additionally, the cumulative proportion of patients achieving a level of BCR-ABL1IS 1% at 48 weeks  a predictor of better long-term outcomes in this heavily pretreated patient population  was higher in the Scemblix arm than in the Bosulif arm (50.8% vs 33.7%)1.

The most common reason for treatment discontinuation was lack of efficacy in 37 (23.6%) patients treated with Scemblix and 27 (35.5%) patients treated with Bosulif1. Median duration of exposure was 15.4 months (range, 0.037.3 months) for Scemblix and 6.8 months (range, 0.234.3 months) for Bosulif1. With a longer duration of exposure, the safety and tolerability profile remains consistent with the primary analysis of the ASCEMBL trial1-4. The most common (incidence  20%) adverse reactions reported in this analysis were thrombocytopenia (29.5%) and neutropenia (23.1%) in the Scemblix arm; and diarrhea (71.1%), nausea (46.1%), increased ALT (28.9%), vomiting (26.3%), rash (23.7%), increased AST (21.1%) and neutropenia (21.1%) in the Bosulif arm1.

"We are excited to see the continued benefit with Scemblix for this long-underserved patient population," said Jeff Legos, Executive Vice President, Global Head of Oncology & Hematology Development at Novartis. "These data are encouraging as we continue to challenge the current standard of care in CML by exploring if and how Scemblix can help more patients living with this disease."

Scemblix received FDA approval in October 2021 and is currently available for physicians to prescribe to appropriate patients in the US2. Scemblix is also being evaluated in studies across multiple treatment lines and indications for CML-CP, including the ASC4FIRST Phase III study for newly diagnosed adult patients, as well as in a Phase Ib/II dose assessment study in pediatric patients with Ph+ CML-CP. Trial-in-progress posters for both are being presented at ASH13-22.

To learn more about our long-standing commitment to transforming the lives of patients with CML with bold science, the latest information from Novartis and access to our ASH 2021 scientific presentations, visit the Novartis Oncology Congress Hub at https://www.hcp.novartis.com/virtual-congress/ash-2021/.

About Scemblix (asciminib)

Scemblix (asciminib) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with Ph+ CML-CP pre-treated with two or more TKIs, as well as adult patients with Ph+ CML-CP with the T315I mutation. The first indication is approved under the US FDA Accelerated Approval Program based on MMR rate at 24 weeks; continued approval for the first indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit from confirmatory evidence2.

Scemblix is the first FDA-approved CML treatment that binds to the ABL myristoyl pocket2. This novel mechanism of action, also known in scientific literature as a STAMP inhibitor, can help address resistance in patients with CML previously treated with two or more TKIs and overcome mutations at the defective BCR-ABL1 gene, which is associated with the over-production of leukemic cells3-12.

Novartis has initiated regulatory filings for Scemblix in multiple countries and regions across the globe.

Scemblix represents an important development for patients who experience resistance and/or intolerance to currently available TKI therapies, and it is being studied across multiple treatment lines for CML-CP3-20. Specifically, the ASC4FIRST Phase III study (NCT04971226) evaluates Scemblix as a first-line treatment and is in the recruitment phase14,21.

About Novartis Commitment to CML

Novartis has a long-standing scientific commitment to patients living with CML. For more than 20 years, our bold science has helped transform CML into a chronic disease for many patients. Despite these advancements, we're not standing still. We continue to research ways to target the disease, seeking to address the challenges with treatment resistance and/or intolerance that many patients face. Novartis also continues to reimagine CML care through its commitment to sustainable access for patients and collaboration with the global CML community.

Indication

SCEMBLIX (asciminib) tablets is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML) in chronic phase (CP), previously treated with 2 or more tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) medicines. The effectiveness of SCEMBLIX in these patients is based on a study that measured major molecular response (MMR) rates. No clinical information is available to show if these patients treated with SCEMBLIX live longer or if their symptoms improve. Ongoing studies exist to find out how SCEMBLIX works over a longer period of time.

SCEMBLIX is also approved for use in adults with Ph+ CML in CP with the T315I mutation.

It is not known if SCEMBLIX is safe and effective in children.

Important Safety Information

SCEMBLIX (asciminib) tablets may cause low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia), low white blood cell counts (neutropenia), and low red blood cell counts (anemia). Patients should tell their doctor right away if they have unexpected bleeding or easy bruising; blood in their urine or stools; fever; or any signs of an infection. SCEMBLIX may increase enzymes in the patient's blood called amylase and lipase, which may be a sign of inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Patients should tell their doctor right away if they have sudden stomach-area pain or discomfort, nausea, or vomiting. During treatment with SCEMBLIX, doctors may check their patients' blood pressure and treat any high blood pressure as needed. Patients should tell their doctor if they develop elevated blood pressure or symptoms of high blood pressure including confusion, headaches, dizziness, chest pain, or shortness of breath.

If a patient has an allergic reaction while on SCEMBLIX, they should stop taking SCEMBLIX and get medical help right away. Signs or symptoms of an allergic reaction include trouble breathing or swallowing; feeling dizzy or faint; swelling of the face, lips, or tongue; fever; skin rash or flushing; or a fast heartbeat. SCEMBLIX may cause heart and blood vessel problems, including heart attack; stroke; blood clots or blockage of patient's arteries; heart failure; and abnormal heartbeat which can be serious and may sometimes lead to death. These heart and blood vessel problems can happen in people with risk factors or a history of these problems and/or previously treated with multiple TKI medicines. Patients should tell their doctor right away if they get shortness of breath; chest pain or pressure; a feeling like their heart is beating too fast or they feel abnormal heartbeats; swelling in their ankles or feet; dizziness; weight gain; numbness or weakness on one side of their body; decreased vision or loss of vision; trouble talking; pain in their arms, legs, back, neck, or jaw; headache; or severe stomach-area pain.

Before taking SCEMBLIX, patients should tell their doctor about all of their medical conditions, including if they have a history of pancreatitis; a history of heart problems; or blood clots in their arteries and veins (types of blood vessels). SCEMBLIX can harm an unborn baby. Women should tell their doctor right away if they become pregnant or think they may be pregnant during treatment with SCEMBLIX. Women who are able to become pregnant should have a pregnancy test before they start SCEMBLIX and should use effective birth control during treatment and for 1 week after the last dose of SCEMBLIX. Women should not breastfeed during treatment and for 1 week after their last dose of SCEMBLIX.

Patients should tell their doctor about all the medicines they take, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. SCEMBLIX and other medicines may affect each other, causing side effects. The most common side effects of SCEMBLIX include nose, throat, or sinus (upper respiratory tract) infections; muscle, bone, or joint pain; rash; tiredness; nausea; and diarrhea. The most common blood test abnormalities include decreased blood counts of platelets, white blood cells, and red blood cells; and increased blood levels of triglycerides, creatine kinase, liver enzymes, or pancreas enzymes (amylase and lipase).

Please see full Prescribing Information for SCEMBLIX, available at https://www.novartis.us/sites/www.novartis.us/files/scemblix.pdf.

Disclaimer

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by words such as "potential," "can," "will," "plan," "may," "could," "would," "expect," "anticipate," "seek," "look forward," "believe," "committed," "investigational," "pipeline," "launch," or similar terms, or by express or implied discussions regarding potential marketing approvals, new indications or labeling for the investigational or approved products described in this press release, or regarding potential future revenues from such products. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations regarding future events, and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. There can be no guarantee that the investigational or approved products described in this press release will be submitted or approved for sale or for any additional indications or labeling in any market, or at any particular time. Nor can there be any guarantee that such products will be commercially successful in the future. In particular, our expectations regarding such products could be affected by, among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including clinical trial results and additional analysis of existing clinical data; regulatory actions or delays or government regulation generally; global trends toward health care cost containment, including government, payor and general public pricing and reimbursement pressures and requirements for increased pricing transparency; our ability to obtain or maintain proprietary intellectual property protection; the particular prescribing preferences of physicians and patients; general political, economic and business conditions, including the effects of and efforts to mitigate pandemic diseases such as COVID-19; safety, quality, data integrity or manufacturing issues; potential or actual data security and data privacy breaches, or disruptions of our information technology systems, and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG's current Form 20-F on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Novartis is providing the information in this press release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About Novartis

Located in East Hanover, NJ Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation  an affiliate of Novartis  is reimagining medicine to improve and extend people's lives. As a leading global medicines company, we use innovative science and digital technologies to create transformative treatments in areas of great medical need. In our quest to find new medicines, we consistently rank among the world's top companies investing in research and development. Novartis employs nearly 15,000 people in the United States. For more information, please visit https://www.novartis.us.

Novartis and Novartis US is on Twitter. Sign up to follow @Novartis at https://twitter.com/novartisnews and @NovartisUS at https://twitter.com/NovartisUS.

For Novartis multimedia content, please visit https://www.novartis.com/news/media-library.

For questions about the site or required registration, please contact media.relations@novartis.com.

* Bosulif is a registered trademark of Pfizer.

** Disclosure: Dr. Mauro has provided consulting services to Novartis.

References

Mauro, JM. Efficacy and Safety Results from ASCEMBL, a Multicenter, Open-Label, Phase 3 Study of Asciminib, a First-in-Class STAMP Inhibitor, Vs Bosutinib in Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in Chronic Phase after 2 Prior Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors: Update after 48 Weeks. Oral presentation at: ASH Annual Meeting; Dec. 11, 2021 Scemblix [prescribing information]. East Hanover, NJ: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp; 2021. Rea D, et al. A Phase 3, Open-Label, Randomized Study of Asciminib, a STAMP Inhibitor, vs Bosutinib in CML After 2 Prior TKIs. Blood. 2021. DOI: 10.1182/blood.2020009984. PMID: 34407542. Novartis Data on File, 2021. Cortes JE, et al. Asciminib, a First-in-Class STAMP Inhibitor, Provides Durable Molecular Response in Patients (pts) with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) Harboring the T315I Mutation: Primary Efficacy and Safety Results from a Phase 1 Trial. Oral presentation at: ASH Annual Meeting; Dec. 7, 2020 Wylie AA, et al. The allosteric inhibitor ABL001 enables dual targeting of BCRABL1. Nature. 2017;543(7647):733-737. Schoepfer J, et al. Discovery of Asciminib (ABL001), an Allosteric Inhibitor of the Tyrosine Kinase Activity of BCR-ABL1. J Med Chem. 2018;61(18):8120-8135. Hughes TP, et al. Asciminib in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia after ABL Kinase Inhibitor Failure. N Engl J Med. 2019; 381(24):2315-2326. Hughes TP, et al. Expanded Phase 1 Study of ABL001, a Potent, Allosteric Inhibitor of BCR-ABL, Reveals Significant and Durable Responses in Patients with CML-Chronic Phase with Failure of Prior TKI Therapy. Poster presented at: ASH Annual Meeting & Exposition; Dec. 5, 2016. Ottmann OG, et al. ABL001, a Potent, Allosteric Inhibitor of BCR-ABL, Exhibits Safety and Promising Single- Agent Activity in a Phase I Study of Patients with CML with Failure of Prior TKI Therapy. Blood. 2015;126(23):138. Mauro MJ, et al. Combination of Asciminib Plus Nilotinib (NIL) or Dasatinib (DAS) in Patients (PTS) with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): Results from a Phase 1 Study. Poster presented at: EHA Annual Meeting; June 15, 2019. Cortes JE, et al. Combination Therapy Using Asciminib Plus Imatinib (IMA) in Patients (PTS) with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): Results from a Phase 1 Study. Poster presented at: EHA Annual Meeting; June 15, 2019. ClinicalTrials.gov. 2017. Study of Efficacy of CML-CP Patients Treated with ABL001 Versus Bosutinib, Previously Treated With 2 or More TKIs. [online] Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03106779. ClinicalTrials.gov. 2021. A Study of Oral Asciminib Versus Other TKIs in Adult Patients With Newly Diagnosed Ph+ CML-CP. [online] Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04971226. ClinicalTrials.gov. 2020. Asciminib in Monotherapy for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in Chronic Phase (CML-CP) With and WithoutT315I Mutation (AIM4CML). [online] Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04666259. ClinicalTrials.gov. 2018. Study of Efficacy And Safety Of Asciminib In Combination With Imatinib In Patients With Chronic Myeloid Leukemia In Chronic Phase (CML-CP). [online] Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03578367. ClinicalTrials.gov. 2021. Study of Efficacy and Safety of CML-CP Patients Treated With Asciminib Versus Best Available Therapy, Previously Treated With 2 or More Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors. [online] Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04795427. ClinicalTrials.gov. 2014. A Phase I Study of Oral ABL001 in Patients With CML or Ph+ ALL. [online] Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02081378. ClinicalTrials.gov. 2021. Study to Determine the Dose and Safety of Asciminib in Pediatric Patients With Chronic Myeloid Leukemia [online] Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04925479 ClinicalTrials.gov. 2021 Asciminib Treatment Optimization in  3rd Line CML-CP. [online] Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04948333 Cortes, J. Trial in Progress: A Multicenter, Open Label, Randomized, Phase III Study of Asciminib (80 mg Once Daily) Vs Investigator-Selected TKI in Newly Diagnosed Adult Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in Chronic Phase. Poster presentation at: ASH Annual Meeting; Dec. 11, 2021 Hijiya, N. Trial in Progress: A Multicenter, Open-Label, Phase Ib/II Study to Determine the Dose and Safety of Asciminib in Pediatric Patients with Philadelphia ChromosomePositive Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in Chronic Phase Treated with 1 Prior Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor. Poster presentation at: ASH Annual Meeting; Dec. 12, 2021

Novartis Media Relations E-mail: media.relations@novartis.com

Anja von Treskow Novartis External Communications +41 79 392 8697 (mobile) anja.von_treskow@novartis.com Julie Masow Novartis US External Communications +1 862 579 8456 julie.masow@novartis.com Floriana Riccio Furnari Novartis Oncology Communications +1 862 778 1866 (direct) +1 862 210 5317 (mobile) floriana.riccio_furnari@novartis.com

Novartis Investor Relations E-mail: investor.relations@novartis.com

North America Sloan Simpson +1 862 778 5052

Cision

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/novartis-scemblix-demonstrates-sustained-response-rate-in-48-week-follow-up-in-patients-with-chronic-myeloid-leukemia-301442665.html

SOURCE Novartis US
LITTLETON, Colo., December 11, 2021--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Rare Element Resources Ltd. (the "Company" or "RER") (OTCQB: REEMF) is pleased to report that its previously announced rights offering of common shares was oversubscribed and generated approximately US$25.4 million in gross proceeds.

Because the rights offering, which expired on December 8, 2021, was oversubscribed, the shares available for issuance will be allocated proportionately among shareholders who exercised their oversubscription privileges based on the number of shares each shareholder subscribed for under its basic subscription privilege. Any excess subscription payments received by the subscription agent will be returned by the subscription agent to investors, without interest or deduction.

Preliminary results indicate that, pursuant to the rights offering, the Company will be issuing approximately 105.8 million common shares (including approximately 85.0 million common shares to be issued to holders who exercised their basic subscription privilege) at US$0.24 per share. Of the total shares to be issued, approximately 65.5 million common shares are expected to be issued to the Companys significant shareholder, Synchron, which exercised its basic subscription and oversubscription privileges in full. The Company will effectively be issuing all of the common shares that were available for subscription under the rights offering. It is expected that the new common shares will be issued by December 16, 2021. Following the issuance of new common shares pursuant to the rights offering, it is expected that Synchron will own approximately 54.8% of the common shares outstanding.

Net proceeds from the offering, after deducting estimated fees and expenses, are expected to be approximately US$25.1 million. The Company plans to use the net proceeds for the permitting, licensing, engineering, construction and operation of a rare earth separation and processing demonstration plant near the Companys Bear Lodge Project and other general corporate purposes, with a portion to be used for the prepayment of outstanding indebtedness of approximately US$1 million. The previously announced US$21.9 million financial award from the U.S. Department of Energy ("DoE") will fund approximately one-half of the expected total cost of the demonstration plant, with the balance of the required funding being provided by the Company.

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In the United States, the rights offering was made pursuant to the shelf registration statement on Form S-3 that was previously filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and the prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, which were filed with the SEC as part of the shelf registration statement. In Canada, the rights offering was made on a private placement basis that was exempt from the prospectus requirements of applicable Canadian securities laws.

The results of the rights offering are subject to finalization and verification by the subscription agent. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation or sale of 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.

Rare Element Resources Ltd. is a publicly traded, strategic materials company focused on delivering rare earth products for technology, energy and defense applications by advancing the Bear Lodge Critical Rare Earth Project in northeast Wyoming. Bear Lodge is a significant mineralized district containing many of the less common, more valuable, critical rare earths that are essential for high-strength permanent magnets, electronics, fiber optics, laser systems for health and defense, as well as many technologies like electric vehicles, solar panels and wind turbines.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of securities legislation in the United States and forward-looking information within the meaning of securities legislation in Canada (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). Except for statements of historical fact, certain information contained herein constitutes forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are usually identified by our use of certain terminology, including "will," "believes," "may," "expects," "should," "seeks," "anticipates," "plans," "has potential to," or "intends" (including negative and grammatical variations thereof), or by discussions of strategy or intentions. Such forward-looking statements include statements regarding the rights offering, the expected proceeds from the rights offering, the number of shares to be issued in the rights offering and the expected timing for such issuance, Synchrons expected ownership percentage of the outstanding common shares and the expected use of proceeds from the rights offering. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, the finalization and verification of the rights offering results by the subscription agent, the ability to obtain demonstration plant licensing, successful further permitting activities for the Bear Lodge Project, the availability of sufficient capital for the future development and operations of the Company, and other matters discussed under the caption "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, and our other periodic and current reports filed with the SEC and available on www.sec.gov and with the Canadian securities commissions available on www.sedar.com. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting the Company will be those anticipated by management. Please refer to the discussion of these and other uncertainties and risk factors set out in our filings made from time to time with the SEC and the Canadian regulators, including, without limitation, our reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q. Any forward-looking statement made by us in this news release is based only on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. While we may elect to update our forward-looking statements at any time, we undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211210005577/en/

Contacts

Randy Scott

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By Alexander Ratz and Humeyra Pamuk

LIVERPOOL, England (Reuters) -Germany's foreign minister warned on Saturday that time was running out to find a way to revive a 2015 nuclear deal between world powers and Iran, speaking after meetings with her counterparts from G7 countries.

Talks have resumed in Vienna to try to revive the nuclear pact, with both sides trying to gauge the prospects of success after the latest exchanges in the stop-start negotiations.

"Time is running out," German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock told reporters in Liverpool, England where G7 foreign ministers are meeting.

"It has shown in the last days that we do not have any progress."

Baerbock said Iran had resumed the talks with a position that set the negotiations back six months. The current round of talks in Vienna follow a pause of five months after the election of a hardline anti-Westerner as Iran's president, Ebrahim Raisi.

Earlier, U.S. officials said Secretary of State Antony Blinken had held a "productive" meeting with counterparts from Britain, Germany and France on Friday, discussing the way forward for the Iran talks.

A senior State Department official said there was an "intense" conversation among the G7 countries, which were united in their position on the nuclear talks. "The statement will also be strong on the importance of getting Iran back to the table and that it is possible to conclude a deal but that the time is shrinking, so we're united in that," the official, briefing reporters on the condition of anonymity, said.

The official added that U.S. Special Envoy for Iran Robert Malley was heading back to Vienna for talks.

Iranian officials have previously said they were sticking to their tough stance.

Under the original nuclear deal, abandoned in 2018 by then-President Donald Trump, Iran limited its nuclear programme in return for relief from U.S., European Union and U.N. sanctions. The West fears the programme would be used to develop weapons, something Tehran denies.

Story continues

Raisi said on Saturday that Tehran was serious in its nuclear talks in Vienna, the official IRNA news agency reported.

The indirect U.S.-Iranian talks, in which diplomats from France, Britain, Germany, Russia and China shuttle between them because Tehran refuses direct contact with Washington, aim to get both sides to resume full compliance with the accord.

The G7 meeting which is expected to result in a joint call for Iran to moderate its nuclear programme and grasp the opportunity of the Vienna talks.

(Reporting by Humeyra PamukWriting by William JamesEditing by Edmund Blair, Frances Kerry and David Evans)
GIBRALTAR, Dec. 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- World Trade Center Gibraltar and a small team of partners have now completed a successful daring covert operation, code named 'Operation Magic Carpet' to evacuate 92 individuals, including 33 children and new-born babies from escalating and imminent danger in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Operation Magic Carpet Evacuee

Among the evacuees are 60 former staff members and their dependents of the international arm of the animal welfare charity "Mayhew London" (for which Megan Markle is a Patron) former NATO and MoD liaisons and a team of veterinarians, with their respective families.

The humanitarian operation, the largest privately funded humanitarian evacuation mission undertaken since the American led withdrawal at the end of August was conducted by an experienced extraction team in an increasingly hostile environment, with a rapidly closing window, amidst eye-witness reports of raids of properties and neighbourhoods in the immediate vicinity to these individuals.

Following the fall of Kabul to the Taliban, on 15th August, the entire world watched as the frenzied non-combatant evacuation operation ensued from Hamid Karzai International Airport. It was clear that despite the heroic efforts of Allied forces resulting in nearly 120,000 people being evacuated within this timescale, many vulnerable individuals were left behind at risk of acts of retribution by uncontrolled terror groups.

British based animal welfare campaigner Dominic Dyer, internationally recognised for his work in evacuating Pen Farthing and his Nowzad employees and animals from Kabul in August played a leading role in the rescue operation working alongside a British vet and a Jerusalem based translator.

Businessman and owner of World Trade Center Gibraltar, Gregory Butcher, also generously helped finance part of the operation along with several individuals from Britain and the United States.

The complex and dangerous evacuation took over 2 months to complete, during a period which has seen Afghanistan spiral into escalating violence and economic collapse. The growing threat of widespread famine, made all the more desperate by the approach of winter, puts the survival of millions of Afghan citizens at risk according to UN reports.

Story continues

As of 8th December, all 92 evacuees have safely arrived in accommodation in Islamabad, Pakistan. The sense of relief, sadness and uncertainty will no doubt be overwhelming for this group, as they now embark on a new life outside of their home country, having left everything but a few belongings behind.

Speaking about the successful completion of Operation Magic Carpet, Dominic Dyer said:

"It has been immensely tough for all concerned, but these are the lucky ones, people for whom there is, at least, the chance of a better future. The rout of US, UK, and other forces from Kabul, leaving almost the entire country in the hands of the Taliban, means the prospect for millions is bleak indeed. Operation Magic Carpet could not help everyone, but this extraordinary band of committed individuals have done what they can for the Kabul 92. Every life is precious, and I will now be asking Britain and other nations to open their doors to these talented individuals who are looking for a safe place to call home."

Whilst the initial phase is complete, the time to redouble efforts begins now, and a public fundraising campaign will soon be established to help to provide food and accommodation to the 92 adults and children in Pakistan for the necessary timeframe in which onward travel documentation to third countries, such as the UK, USA and other European destinations and also their respective accommodation in those countries, is secured.

Gregory Butcher, owner of the World Trade Center Gibraltar and part-funder of the rescue said:

"Operation Magic Carpet is a miraculous coming together of volunteers in a time of need. Almost everyone will have seen the harrowing photos of the humanitarian disaster that is increasing in its intensity, with uncontrolled terror groups conducting retribution killings more frequently by the day.

I learnt of an Afghan Colonel who had worked with Coalition Forces, including Canadian, British and US representatives, having attended a NATO conference in Brussels and an Afghan team leader of a major British sub-contractor security firm, based in Kabul. They were all at risk of retribution at the hands of the Taliban and needed to be rescued as well.

At World Trade Center Gibraltar, we believe that large corporations have a specific role to play in society, one of humanitarian action, sustainable development, and corporate social responsibility. These principles and values guide us in our daily lives and throughout all our business endeavours. We are partners and friends and seek to support marginalized communities, non-profits and charitable groups that align with our mission.

When we learned of the developing crisis in Afghanistan and heard that others were trying to find a way to get those individuals out, some of whom were female and therefore at considerable risk in Kabul, we could not turn away the chance of helping. They and their children were desperate to leave and were without any hope of doing so, so we teamed up with those other kind people to try and get a total of 92 people out of Afghanistan.

I am so glad we worked tirelessly to achieve this. It really is a life and death situation, with the international community now calling on the Taliban to enforce an amnesty for former Afghan security personnel. We have just read that human rights groups cite scores of ex-soldiers have been rounded up and then executed since mid-August. The retribution has started, and we owe it to those who supported the Coalition to save them.

On the arrival of the 92 in Pakistan, it's been hard thinking what might have happened to them had we all not intervened. Their new lives and future are filled with uncertainty, and now we need to urgently get these brave now-stateless English-speaking people into a refugee resettlement program. Can you help us?"

World Trade Center Gibraltar is working to raise funds and offer vital help to those whose lives have been shattered by conflict and disaster, as they commence a new chapter in their lives, please contact us for more information at eaw@worldtradecenter.gi

Ed Allison-Wright

eaw@worldtradecenter.gi

+350 200 400 48

World Trade Center Gibraltar Logo

SOURCE World Trade Center Gibraltar
It is indeed difficult to prepare and play a match when the opponent announces that they will not come, the pro-France Voices of No Collective said. But the group still called for a massive vote turnout, so as not to be robbed of the result.

Whats at stake in the referendum goes beyond he future of Caledonians alone. France is trying to cement its presence in the Indo-Pacific region after it lost a multi-billion submarine contract because of a partnership Australia formed with the United States and the U.K. The secretly negotiated project, announced in September, was a huge blow to France.

Unlike in previous votes, this time the question of New Caledonias strategic positioning is addressed. This novelty comes in the context of (the submarine partnership) and the assertion of Chinese-American rivalry in the Pacific, University of New Caledonia law professor Caroline Gravelat said.

New Caledonia hosts one of two French military bases in the Pacific, which allows France to contribute to regional security. It currently cooperates with the U.S., Australia and New Zealand on maritime surveillance, search and rescue at sea, ocean demining and the fight against illegal fishing.
In a speech at the Chatham House think tank, Truss urged Iran to rejoin the deal, because we are determined to work with our allies to prevent Iran securing nuclear weapons.

Climate change, tensions in the western Balkans, Afghanistan and North Korea are also on the agenda for a meeting that will include both foreign and development ministers from the G-7 countries.

Unity among members of the group often proves hard to find. G-7 foreign ministers last met in London in May, issuing a statement accusing China of economic mischief and human rights abuses against Uyghur Muslims, but offering little concrete action to deal with an increasingly forceful Beijing.

Britain is keen to work more closely with Asian nations as part of an Indo-Pacific tilt following the U.K.s departure from the European Union last year -- both to boost U.K. trade and as a counterweight to Chinas dominance. Truss has invited ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to the Liverpool meeting, though many will be joining remotely because of the coronavirus pandemic.

For the ministers attending in person, the U.K. has chosen a location steeped in British history and culture.

They are meeting at the Museum of Liverpool in the citys docklands, which were once a symbol of Britain's global reach and economic might, then of post-industrial decline. Now the area on the River Mersey is an example of 21st century urban renewal as a leisure and cultural district, complete with a museum dedicated to the citys most famous sons, The Beatles.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Winn was rushed to the Mary Washington Hospital trauma center, while Evans returned to Caroline. She said she threw the knife out on Interstate 95 somewhere in the Thornburg area. The knife was never recovered.

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Dr. Corey Wright, a MWH trauma surgeon, testified Wednesday that Winn was within 10 to 20 minutes of death when she arrived at the hospital. He said she was in Stage 4 shock and had lost at least 40 percent of her blood.

She had a punctured lung and deep cuts on her arms, legs, face, breasts and back.

Prosecutor Justin Witt showed the jurors pictures of Winns gruesome injuries several times during the trial. One juror appeared to pass out while looking at the injuries and was removed from the trial.

Witt on Thursday urged the jurors to convict Evans of the more serious charge. He said she showed up to a fist fight with a knife and came all the way from Caroline for the confrontation.

Defense attorney Jeremie Childress countered that Evans actions were a clear case of self-defense. Childress said a video showed that Evans was being pummeled for at least 23 consecutive seconds before using the knife to save herself.
Local House of Delegates and state Senate districts would shift drastically under a statewide redistricting plan being considered by the Virginia Supreme Court.

The court released new district maps on Wednesday and political leaders began studying the potential impact. The changes are particularly pronounced in the Fredericksburg region due to a notable population increase, and may result in more compact districts with unfamiliar numbers.

Next week, the public will have an opportunity to weigh in during two virtual teleconferences scheduled from 14 p.m. Wednesday and Friday.

Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science and director of the University of Mary Washington Center for Leadership and Media Studies, said the public hearings are important, as anyone looking at the state as a whole would not be knowledgeable of a specific neighborhoods dynamics. That information, he said, could be useful during the process.

The broad outline of these plans are likely to remain in place, Farnsworth said. But in some cases, you could make the case that this street belongs over here, that street belongs over there, those kinds of things.
Im hiding with my family in a room like prisoners, one of Cervantes clients wrote from Kabul. If they find me, they will kill me brutally. Like before, they killed my father in front of my eyes because of my duty as an interpreter.

In exchange for their service as frontline scouts, interpreters and support personnel, Afghans who affiliated themselves with U.S. forces were promised safe passage to America through special immigration visas.

But before U.S. forces withdrew from the country and the U.S. embassy was closed, thousands of pending documents were shredded or went missing, including special immigration applications, passports and visas some Afghans once hoped would be processed so they could exit the country. Now, with no U.S. forces or support facilities in the country, Cervantes said those Afghan nationals are stranded.

Some of my families, the Taliban has already taken their children, raided their homes, harassed the women whose husbands live in the United States, Cervantes said. There will be a lot of people who do not live over the next [winter] months and the U.S. is not doing anything about it. Its just such a tragedy.
He was unaware most of his life about the identity of Pelham, an Alabama artillery officer who died in Culpeper during the Civil War. Reaves would not answer when asked if the name offended him.

Like I said, Im for the people, not what I want. I go with the people  Once you bring it up, you got to react, he said.

Reaves said he and his supporters campaigned door to door, and hit about 1,400 houses, he said.

I lost 20 pounds, Reaves said. I always like to have someone walk with me, but a few times I walked by myself. I knew it had to be done. We got so many new people you got to get out there and let them know who you are, talk to these people.

Reaves was convinced a few months ago to create a Facebook page to reach more people. He won the election over Jon Russell with 53 percent of the vote. The mayor-elect vowed to treat everyone the same once in office, whether they voted for him or not.

Everybodys going to be in my corner. I want everybody smiling, he said.

Volunteers on the Reaves campaign, Angie Abeijou, his daughter-in-law Michelle Reaves and cousin Carolyn ReavesRichards, joined in on the recent conversation.
First State Fremont, Inc. (First State), the holding company for First State Bank & Trust Co., recently announced the completion of its acquisition of Two Rivers Bank of Blair and Arlington.

We are pleased to complete our acquisition of Two Rivers Bank and welcome their customers and employees to First State Bank & Trust Company, said Chuck Johannsen, President/CEO. Our two organizations share a commitment to community reinvestment and outstanding customer service. This is an opportunity to grow assets, acquire talent, expand our footprint, and build a stronger bank in eastern Nebraska. We look forward to introducing new services to Blair and Arlington that includes financial planning and trust services.

This acquisition brings the number of full-service locations in First States footprint to six. No branches will be closed due to the acquisition. First State is a locally owned bank started in 1956. The acquisition brings the asset size to $436+ million.

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Saturday

HomeStore, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., 701 E. Dodge St., Fremont. The HomeStore sells donated items at discounted prices. Proceeds support the mission of Fremont Area Habitat for Humanity.

Trinity Youth Cookie Walk, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, 1546 N. Luther Rd., Fremont. All proceeds from the sale will go to youth activities.

18th Annual Catholic Daughters Cookie Walk, 8 a.m. to noon, Delaney Hall, St. Patrick Catholic Church, Fremont. Homemade cookies will be packaged in wrapped plates of 4-6 each. Mix and match and pay by weight. There also will be complimentary coffee as well as cider and homemade cookie samples. You also can bring kids to see Santa and his elf.

Breakfast with Santa, 9-11 a.m., Fremont Presbyterian Church, Linden and Nye avenues, Fremont. Families are invited to visit with Santa and take photos, receive gift bags, enjoy a pancake breakfast, make Christmas crafts, and read stories with Mrs. Claus.

Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, 10 a.m., Chapter 5 Club, 136 N. Main St., Fremont.

Alcoholics Anonymous womens heart-to-heart group, noon, Chapter 5 Club, Fremont.

Fremont Eagles Club open, noon to midnight, 649 N. Main St., Fremont. The club may stay open later or close early depending on business.

Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, 5:15 p.m., Chapter 5 Club, Fremont.

Spiritual 12-Step Recovery Program, 7 p.m., Lighthouse, 84 W. Sixth St., Fremont.

Narcotics Anonymous The Lie is Dead meeting, 8 p.m., LifeHouse, 723 N. Broad St., Fremont. The hotline number is 402-459-9511.

Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, 10:30 p.m., Chapter 5 Club, Fremont.

Sunday

Alcoholics Anonymous Happy Sober Sunday Group, 9 a.m., Chapter 5 Club, 136 N. Main St., Fremont.

Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, 10 a.m., Chapter 5 Club, Fremont.

Narcotics Anonymous Seekers of Serenity meeting, 10:30 a.m., LifeHouse, 723 N. Broad St., Fremont. The hotline number is 402-459-9511.

Fremont Eagles Club open, noon to 6 p.m., 649 N. Main St., Fremont. The club may stay open later or close early depending on business.

Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, 5:15 p.m., Chapter 5 Club, Fremont.

Narcotics Anonymous Freedom Works Group, 7 p.m., Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1440 E. Military Ave., Fremont.

Alcoholics Anonymous Sunday speaker, 7:30 p.m., Chapter 5 Club, Fremont.

Monday

TOPS Club (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), 9 a.m., First United Methodist Church, 850 N. Broad St., Fremont. Weigh-ins begin at 8 a.m. Visitors (preteens, teens and adults  male and female) are welcome. The first meeting is free. For more information, call Janet Bloemker at 402-721-8952.

Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, 10 a.m., Chapter 5 Club, 136 N. Main St., Fremont.

Lightkeepers Womens Group, 10 a.m., Lighthouse, 84 W. Sixth St., Fremont.

Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, noon, Chapter 5 Club, Fremont.

Fremont Eagles Club open, 3 p.m. to midnight, 649 N. Main St., Fremont. The club may stay open later or close early depending on business. A trustees meeting will begin at 4 p.m.

Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, 5:15 p.m., Chapter 5 Club, Fremont.

Celebrate Recovery, 6:30 p.m., Fremont Church of the Nazarene, 960 Johnson Road.

Fremont Board of Education meeting, 6:30 p.m., Main Street Education and Administration Building, 130 E. Ninth St., Fremont. The meeting is open to the public.

Fresh Hope Mental Health Support Group, 7 p.m., Lighthouse, 84 W. Sixth St., Fremont.

Narcotics Anonymous Freedom Works Group, 7 p.m., Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1440 E. Military Ave., Fremont.

Alcoholics Anonymous 12x12 meeting, 8 p.m., Chapter 5 Club, Fremont.

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A Fremont man killed by police last May aimed a BB gun at officers but never fired a shot, according to a Nebraska State Patrol investigation.

A previous NSP report located within court documents stated that Aaron Schneider, 33, fired a shot from a firearm before walking down the street toward officers in the 200 block of South Clarmar Avenue.

According to new evidence provided in a press release from the Dodge County Attorneys Office Thursday, Schneider was armed with a realistic-looking Glock CO2 powered BB gun, and arriving police mistakenly thought an officers shot was from Schneiders weapon.

Shortly before 3:30 p.m. May 14, Schneider called 911 advising that he was suicidal and had a gun. He exited the residence and aimed his gun at arriving officers, who shouted at Schneider to drop the firearm.

A few minutes later, an officer fired his handgun at Schneider, but missed. According to the investigation, officers arriving at the scene mistakenly believed Schneider had fired the shot at officers.

While still on the 911 call, Schneider continued to advance while brandishing his weapon. He refused to drop the gun and aimed it at police, despite multiple commands by multiple officers to drop the weapon, before being shot by three officers.

Officers began administering lifesaving measures to Schneider, who was transported to Methodist Fremont Health and pronounced dead shortly before 4 p.m.

On Tuesday, a grand jury determined that there was no criminal conduct in regard to Schneiders death, returning with a no true bill after evidence was presented by Dodge County Attorney and Special Prosecutor Paul Vaughan.

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The World Bank on December 10 said donors have approved the transfer of $280 million from a frozen trust fund to two aid agencies to help Afghanistan respond to its humanitarian crisis.



The funds will be transferred by the end of the year from the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF) to two UN programs, UNICEF and the World Food Program (WFP), the World Bank said.



"This decision is the first step to repurpose funds in the ARTF portfolio to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan at this critical time," the World Bank said in a statement.



The WFP will receive $180 million to scale up food security and nutrition operations, while UNICEF will receive $100 million to provide essential health services.



Money from the ARTF will enable UNICEF to provide 12.5 million people with basic and essential health services and vaccinate 1 million people, while WFP will be able to provide 2.7 million people with food assistance and nearly 840,000 mothers and children with nutrition assistance," the World Bank statement added.



The World Bank said it would continue to work with ARTF donors to unlock additional funds to support the Afghan people.

The money will be used to boost food security and health programs in Afghanistan as it faces a severe economic and humanitarian crisis going into the winter months.



The United Nations has warned that nearly 23 million people -- about 55 percent of the population -- are facing extreme levels of hunger.



The United States and other donors cut off financial aid in August after the Taliban overran the country as the Western-backed government collapsed and the U.S. military and other international forces withdrew.



In the aftermath the U.S. froze about $9.5 billion of the country's reserves, and the World Bank and International Monetary Fund halted Afghanistan's access to funding.



Any of the 31 ARTF donors could have blocked the transfer by lodging an objection, but they all approved it.



The United States, the largest ARTF donor, confirmed ahead of the decision that Washington would not object, according to Reuters.

The United States on December 10 also formalized guidance allowing personal remittances to flow to Afghanistan. The move provides protection to senders and financial institutions from U.S. sanctions.

The license is being implemented in an effort to ensure people can continue to send support to their families in Afghanistan, a Treasury spokesperson told Reuters. Remittances from family and friends abroad have become critical lifelines for numerous Afghans struggling to buy food and other necessities.

The Treasury Department issued a general license authorizing transactions involving the U.S.-blacklisted Taliban or Haqqani network that are necessary to complete the transfer of noncommercial, personal remittances to Afghanistan, including through Afghan depository institutions.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
The Pakistani Taliban has claimed responsibility for the killing of a police officer who had taken part in guarding a polio vaccination team, a frequent target of militants in Pakistan.



An officer was shot dead while another was severely wounded when two militants riding on a motorbike opened fire on them on December 10 in the northwestern Tank district, local police chief Noor Aslam told RFE/RL.



None of the polio vaccine workers was wounded in the attack.



Muhammad Khurasani, a spokesman for the Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP), claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement sent to RFE/RL on December 11.



The incident comes two days after the TTP declared an end to a cease-fire with government forces on December 9.

Militants in Pakistan often target polio teams and security officers assigned to protect them, claiming the vaccination campaigns are a Western plot to sterilize children.



On October 24, a policeman guarding a polio vaccination team was shot dead by two militants riding on a motorbike in Dera Ismail Khan, in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province.



On September 19, another policeman guarding a polio vaccination team was shot dead by militants in the city of Kohat, which is also in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province.



On August 1, militants killed one policeman and injured another in two separate attacks in the province during a polio vaccination campaign.



The three-day campaign began on December 10 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and another such effort will be launched on December 13 in other parts of Pakistan.



The immunization campaign across the country in 156 districts aims to vaccinate more than 40 million children under the age of 5.



Khyber Pakhtunkhwa health officials say about 240,000 children will be vaccinated in the province during the campaign while more than 1,800 health workers are taking part in the drive.



Polio is an incurable disease transmitted through sewage that can cause paralysis and death.



Pakistan along with neighboring Afghanistan are the only two countries in the world where the disease remains endemic.
Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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The idea began as a conversation among retired police officers about the seemingly weekly deaths of law enforcement officers this year. Out of that came the idea that there should be a national law enforcement cemetery, similar to what Arlington is for the nation's war dead and military veterans. "The officers that died in the line of duty, there's a lot of them, and a national cemetery would amplify and remind the public of the ultimate sacrifice that they've given," said Timothy Braun, a retired Leominster, Mass., police sergeant who lives in Cripple Creek. Braun is on the board of the National Law Enforcement Memorial Cemetery and Museum Foundation, along with three other retired officers.
Richard Skorman moseyed into the empty dining area wearing a kitchen apron and K-95 mask.

I was slicing tomatoes, he said.

Even 45 years after he launched Poor Richards, a bookstore, pizzeria, gift shop and cafe in downtown Colorado Springs, customers can still find Skorman in the restaurant's kitchen  slicing tomatoes.

Skorman, 69, started the first iteration of Poor Richards in 1977 with a selection of used books and a menu of soups, sandwiches and salads almost completely prepared by him.

Over the years, Poor Richard's weathered low points like economic downturns and enjoyed high points such as the opening of a popular toy store. Most recently, Skorman's business battled challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Through it all, Skorman continued to stay in the kitchen for the same reason his business lasted throughout the decades  passion. It's the same quality colleagues say he brought to the community when he was elected to the Colorado Springs City Council, a post from which he's stepping down next month to devote more time to his businesses.

I love our food, Skorman said. I think we keep trying to make it better and better, we use a lot of good, healthy ingredients, and in cases organic, but we feel  I feel  really proud of that.

Skorman learned his love of food from growing up in a Jewish family. And he got a taste of business being raised among a family of merchants.

His grandfather, Simon, started an Ohio discount store known as Miracle Mart. As a youth, Skorman worked in the family-run store serving customers popcorn.

You sold things at a low markup and high volume, you had people help themselves, you know, you just kind of cut open the boxes and people help themselves, Skorman said.

The store, one of the first of its kind, spread throughout Ohio with multiple locations.

A couple years into it, this guy named Sam Walton shows up and spent a week with my father and wanted to learn all about the business because he was going to open up a discount store in Arkansas.

Walton's store was called Walmart.

After growing up in Ohio, Skorman went on to attend Colorado College in the Springs. He was set on attending school in the West after watching the television show "Bonanza."

During his senior year in 1975, Skorman bought a collection of used books from a store he worked at that was going out of business.

Skorman built bookshelves out of ammunition cases from Surplus City for 29 cents each.

Some of them would have bullets in them, Skorman said.

He sold the books out of a house on North Tejon Street and his business model mirrored that of his family's discount store. Customers would help themselves, put cash in the cash box and calculate their own sales tax.

Two years later, in 1977, Skorman opened Poor Richards Feed and Read in the 300 block of North Tejon Street  a combination bookstore and cafe whose name he borrowed from Benjamin Franklin's Poor Richard's Almanac.

During those early days, Skorman would come in at 4 a.m. and chop vegetables. At the time, he employed two people. By the start of 2020, his business employed 50.

But his business growth didn't happen overnight. It took years of commitment to nurture it even in the face of hardship.

In 1982, Skorman's restaurant caught fire and the prospects of rebuilding looked bleak.

We were under insured ... significantly, Skorman said.

But the community wasnt going to let the downtown business disappear. Friends, neighbors, carpenters, painters, customers and even a famous poet whom Skorman cold-called came together to volunteer and raise funds to rebuild the store.

(Allen) Ginsberg came down for the opening of the store, Skorman said of the poet and writer. I paid him, but he came back for free to do a benefit for us for the fire.

At that time, part of Skormans space also was dedicated to a mini movie theater where he showed films with two 16 millimeter projectors.

I had a parrot there that used to scream in the middle of movies, Skorman said. ... something would happen in the movie and all of a sudden the parrot would just start screaming.

With books, movies and food, Skorman continued to build up his little corner of Colorado Springs.

In 1986, however, Skorman pivoted his career and lifestyle in a quest for adventure. He sold the business and moved to New York City to write a book about independent films  "Off-Hollywood Movies: A Film Lover's Guide," which was published in 1990.

He would ride the subway carrying film reels to watch movies in his apartment and write about them.

Thats when he met Patricia Seator. Introduced through mutual friends, Seator became his film viewing partner and eventually his wife.

Skorman returned to Colorado with Seator so he could return to Poor Richard's. He bought back his business in 1992.

This time he brought a taste of New York City with him.

I fell in love with New York-style pizza, Skorman said.

He learned the craft of pizza making while training at the Pizza Emporium in Yonkers and introduced the thin-crust, hand-tossed pies to Poor Richards menu.

That wasnt the only addition to Poor Richard's; Seator joined Skorman as his business partner.

Today she runs the retail side of Poor Richard's, including the toys, books and gifts. Their business complex now is composed of Poor Richard's Restaurant, Little Richard's Toy Store, Rico's Cafe and Wine Bar and Poor Richard's Books and Gifts.

The best marriages are the marriages where you work things out  and learn how to be together, Seator said.

So we were very, very happily married and then we started being business partners, she said. And we kind of had to go through the whole process again, relating to business.

In 1995, the couple sold the theater side of their business to Kimball Bales, who owns Kimballs Peak Three Theater a few blocks south of Poor Richards, and Skorman and Seator opened a toy store instead.

We borrowed money, Skorman said. It was a little bit of a risk, but what saved us was Beanie Babies.

Customers would line up around the block during the wee hours of the morning waiting for the release of the latest collectables  stuffed animals that became a sensation in the 1990s.

Beanie Babies are what really created that whole successful toy store, Skorman said.

Poor Richards success continued throughout some of the toughest times, such as the Great Recession.

We were actually growing in 2008, because people were so devoted to their local bookstores, Seator said.

Customers rallied around the store during the COVID-19 pandemic, too, which forced business and restaurant owners to innovate.

For Poor Richards, that meant installing electric stone ovens, respacing restaurant seating and creating online retail. Skorman and Seator also plan to expand their outdoor patio to host live music, book signings and other events.

The two used the lull of the pandemic to implement some of those changes and reopened the restaurant Nov. 15 after a prolonged closure.

Each new horizon, however, brings new challenges.

That's why Skorman says he's stepping down in January from his City Council seat. He's served two stints totaling 12 years on the council, from 1999 to 2006 and from 2017 until now.

During that span, he gained a reputation as a supporter for open space and parks funding, wildfire mitigation, homeless services, affordable housing and the decommissioning of the Market Drake coal-fired plant in downtown Colorado Springs that many critics have called an eyesore.

"The leadership he has brought in those areas, as well as his passion for small business and for creating a more welcoming and inclusive community, I think of as hallmarks, in his professional career, both as a political leader and as a small businessman," said Susan Edmondson, the Downtown Partnership's president and CEO.

As a businessman, Skorman's won't be the only bookstore along downtown's busy Tejon Street retail and restaurant corridor.

The Tattered Cover, Colorado's largest independent bookstore and a Denver-area fixture for a half-century, plans to open a new location early next year at 112 N. Tejon St.

Despite Tattered Cover's arrival, Skorman and Seator are optimistic they'll survive the competition just as they've weathered the pandemic and poor economies.

We really believe that because we've had such loyal customers who have always supported us through hard times that, that will be the case when Tattered Cover opens, Seator said.

What we're concerned about," she said, "is providing the service that we always have, and continuing to have that relationship with our community that has always been very positive and has always been supportive of us.
Following an extended stretch of abnormally mild temperatures, the summery atmosphere ended abruptly as a fast-moving Canadian cold front invaded North Iowa Dec. 6. By sunrise Monday, temps were headed for the basement as thermometers plunged to the lower single digits. Northwest winds -- gusting to as high as 50 mph -- effectively dropped wind chills into negative values.

For North Country trumpeter swans, the signals were clear. It was time to head south. Southbound flocks varying in size from small family groups to gatherings containing twenty or more were soon dotting the Iowa skies.

With only a couple of days remaining in this years [North Zone] duck season, I was making the most of the glorious weather front by attempting to bag a web-foot or two. And although I was successful in shooting a couple of mallards and a single bonus goose, it is the swan migration that I will remember the most. By mid-morning, the swans seemed to be everywhere. I later learned that virtually every lake and marsh that still contained bits of open water had attracted at least some of the huge migrants.

I was hunkered down at Cerro Gordo Countys Mallard Marsh, located near Fertile, where swan numbers peaked with more than 160 of the magnificent birds riding the open water. Trumpeter swans are huge waterfowl [males may exceed 30 pounds] and are equipped with a voice to match their size. The vocalizations were incredible; and the swans combined trumpeting easily outcompeted the roaring wind which, in itself, was like standing next to a passing freight train.

When the winds eventually subsided on Monday night, Mallard Marsh, Clear Lake and virtually every other wetland across Northern Iowa froze solid. Moving out sometime during the night, the swans continued their journey. By daybreak Tuesday, the spectacular concentration of swans and the incredible music that accompanied them was gone. Gone, but not forgotten.

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mikemcgarry wrote:

B is quite wrong because the passage makes very clear --- when a stream is polluted, straying happens, which means dilution happens. The passage describes clearly the straying that resulted from the Mount St. Helen's eruption, and then around line (70) says that the effect of pollution probably would be about the same as what they saw at Mount St. Helen's. When the stream is polluted, the salmon can't use it to spawn, so they stray.





mikemcgarry wrote:



(E) is a typically GMAT RC distractor, and you fell for the bait. It is a statement that's true in general, but not relevant to the argument. Suppose we said that there was no such thing as a "pristine" perfect place for salmon --- suppose even the environments with zero pollution had natural challenges. Well, then, the salmon in those environments, over the centuries, would adapt to those particular conditions and be quite fit, and then if others stray into their unique stream and interbreed with them, it will reduce the fitness of that population.



Mike,Thanks for your kind reply. I am not clear, and I am still confused about both the answer choices.For the first one, as you have stated above, I think that both of us are on the same page : when the stream gets polluted, the polluted stream's salmon population cannot spawn, and hence they have to find other stream to spawn, leading to straying. Isn't this same as saying "preserving without dilution" i.e. the polluted stream's population can be preserved when there is low-level of straying? Now to extend this idea - why do I think that we can preserve the polluted stream's population? It's because in lines 35-40 it's stated that their genes can be preserved. I am still not able to see why B) is incorrect.I see dear Douvik's point in that "dilution" is not explicitly stated while discussing 'low levels of straying.' I am not sure whether these are grounds to eliminate B. The passage does talk about high-levels of straying, and has explicitly stated that low-levels of straying is better than high-level straying because of the dilution issue. Can't we infer that the dilution doesn't happen in the case of low-level straying. I am not sure about this. It seems logical to me and within the boundaries of the passage.For the second one, this is a great 'assumption' question. Let's dissect this further. Conclusion: "Disturbances cause by humans lower the overall fitness of subsequent generation in 'mixed' streams." Premise, as you stated, the salmon in those pristine areas had adaptions particular suited to those areas, which made them quite fit, and along come a bunch of salmon from the polluted stream next door, and they genetically dilute the salmon of that pristine stream, making them less adapted to that unique niche, and hence less fit. I agree 100%. That was my understanding as well. However, I am still not able to see the correctness of C).No let's negate C - Salmonids in none of the streams benefit from particular local adaptations. In my opinion, this has no effect on the conclusion. The conclusion is about comparing the overall fitness levels between "pristine" population (i.e. native population) and "mixed" population (i.e. native + newly strayed ones). Who cares whether 1% of population benefits from the adaptation or 90% of the native population benefits from the adaptation. We are concerned about the causal link between human activity and the lowering of the overall fitness. It could be possible that the native population is only 1% fit, and the straying would decrease this further down to 0.05%. Do I care about the level of fitness of the native population? No. I am only concerned about the "lowering" of fitness. I am still not clear.Now let's negate E- (I must admit that while solving this question, I was unsatisfied with all the answer choices and had no option than to choose E) from C and E (50% chance) ) -- I agree that we don't care whether the pristine streams are affected by natural disaster or not. We are only concerned about the link between "human activity" and the lowering of overall Darwinian fitness.Can you please help me? I am really confused.ThanksVoodoo Child
Averett University marked another first Friday morning at its inaugural family nurse practitioner pinning ceremony.

The event honored Averetts School of Nursings first Master of Science degree in nursing graduates.

Four graduates completed two years of academic and clinical requirements to be pinned as a family nurse practitioner, moving into the advanced practice realm of nursing.

FNPs can serve as the primary health care provider for patients. The status empowers nursing professionals to take on more responsibility and do their job with greater autonomy, handling everything from performing examinations to formulating diagnoses to writing prescriptions.

The nursing profession occupies a cornerstone position in health care, and we anticipate impressive contributions from these graduates that will add to our professional legacy, said Dr. Teresa Beach, associate professor and interim dean of Averetts School of Nursing.

Averett University President Tiffany M. Franks reminded graduates of the universitys commitment to helping students do their part to care for the world, something these students are doing already, she said.

You embody this mission already, having chosen this calling as a career to help those in need and when they need it the very most, Franks said.

Assistant professor and simulation coordinator Karen Oaks  a family nurse practitioner herself  shared just how vital nurse practitioners have become in patient care. More than 1 billion Americans of all ages and in all health care settings received care this past year from a nurse practitioner. Of 325,000 nurse practitioners nationwide, almost 70% of are family nurse practitioners, providing general, family focused care.

Nurse practitioners bridge the gap to meet patient needs, she said. You will listen to your patients, and remember that every patient is uniqueYou are part of an interdisciplinary team to provide all their needs.

Clare Doss, Sherri Eagle and Abigail McGinnis received pins Friday that represent the university and the nursing profession. They also participated in the ceremonial blessing of the hands with university chaplain the Rev. Skyler Daniel, a tradition that serves as a reminder that the human touch is a crucial part of health care and honors the spiritual aspects found in health professions. A fourth graduate of the cohort, Angela Hubble, was unable to attend the ceremony held at Averetts Riverview Campus, which houses the School of Nursing.
A 20-year-old Greensboro man was killed and four juveniles were injured in a collision Friday afternoon on Peters Creek Parkway in Winston-Salem.

Cristian Michael Raman of Silver Avenue in Greensboro was pronounced dead at the scene of the wreck about 4 p.m. near Parkway Plaza Shopping Center, Winston-Salem police said in a news release.

Raman was driving a 2019 Dodge Journey north on Peters Creek Parkway when he collided with a 2009 Hyundai Elantra turning onto the road from the shopping center, police said. The Dodge Journey then hit the bridge support pillar of Salisbury Ridge Road.

The driver of the Hyundai was identified as Darryl Edward McClemmon, 41.

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Speed appears to have been a contributing factor in the crash, police said.

Four juvenile occupants of the Dodge Journey were taken to a local hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in the collision.

Workers with the N.C. Department of Transportation inspected the bridge support pillar after the wreck and deemed it safe.

This is the city's 29th motor vehicle fatality of 2021, as compared with 23 at the same time in 2020.
LIVERPOOL, England (AP)  Top diplomats from the Group of Seven industrialized nations met Saturday in Liverpool for talks dominated by Russia's buildup of troops near Ukraine's border and what host country Britain called Moscow's malign behavior around the world.

The U.K. called for a show of unity against global aggressors as it welcomed U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other G-7 foreign ministers amid the Russia-Ukraine crisis and tensions with China and Iran.

We need to defend ourselves against the growing threats from hostile actors," British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said as she opened the meeting of foreign ministers from the U.K., the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan. And we need to come together strongly to stand up to aggressors who are seeking to limit the bounds of freedom and democracy.

The U.S. and its NATO allies are concerned that the movement of Russian troops and weapons to the border region with Ukraine may be a prelude to an invasion and have said they would inflict heavy sanctions on Russias economy if that happens.

Moscow denies having any plans to attack Ukraine and accuses Kyiv of its own allegedly aggressive designs.
Over the next decade, we expect trillions of dollars to be allocated to impact investing given its potential to drive tangible change, said Donna Parr, Managing Partner at CBIV. The timing could not be better for us to launch our impact fund, which has already attracted interest from investors in global markets that are looking to make a difference in the world while seeking venture returns.

Annie Theriault, Managing Partner at CBIV, has been immersed in impact investing, venture capital, royalty financing, and capital markets throughout her career. As a venture capital investor and venture advisor, she worked with high impact companies to mobilize more than $100 million in non-dilutive capital. Annie was previously a director on the boards of several North American venture-backed companies, is an advisor to crowdfunding fintech company FrontFundr, and, prior to the launch of CBIV, was Chief Investment Officer at Grand Challenges Canada. Annie obtained her PhD in Management from the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto, is a CFA Charterholder, and holds the ICD.D designation. She also has a masters degree in Business Economics from Wilfrid Laurier University and a Bachelor of Science with First Class Honours in Chemistry from Mount Allison University.
Question: For months, we have received unsolicited calls asking us to donate to help the police or support the police. The identity of the caller is usually just a first name, and when we decline and ask that our number be removed, it is not removed. We just get another call within the month. We do support the police but do not support these calls.

J.L.

Answer: As with most unsolicited fundraising call campaigns, hanging up or ignoring them are the best things to do.

Kira Boyd, a spokeswoman for the Winston-Salem Police Department, said the calls are from a large pool of phone numbers available to marketing companies.

Some of the organizations use a computerized message and others use a live person reading a script requesting donations.

Many of these groups are not legitimate and are professional fundraising entities which do not subsequently provide any money to local or state law enforcement groups. Scammers will often use topics or stories in the news (natural disasters, riots, pandemic, etc.) to take advantage of people and pretend they are raising money for what might appear to be a good cause.
Thats something that Ive tried to tell people whenever they call about an eviction hearing, Norris said.

Even before a case gets to court, however, Norris said her program is making a difference.

Due to some of the outreach weve been doing with the landlords, weve been starting to see real success, she said.

One landlord, Norris said, reached out to four of their tenants who they knew were in the process of having an eviction hearing, to see if it was OK if they share the information with me.

****

Many tenants still end up in court before Antonelli or another magistrate and without legal representation, a case can fall apart. Most know little about the court process.

The Center for Housing and Community Studies and others at the courthouse clinic are there to help people get representation through Legal Aid.

The clinic is one way to help tenants meet lawyers right when they need help.
The former governor, who considers himself the frontrunner, is furious over the attacks by Washington-based Club for Growth, a political action committee that's circulating a 12-page mailer and airing television ads attacking McCrory in order to help Budd.

Theyre funding his entire political experience, McCrory said in an interview. Its the D.C. swamp at its worst, and, of course, theyve gone completely negative with deceitful ads about me in the mail and on TV. ... Im not interested in being part of any club. I want to be a change agent in D.C. and bring North Carolina solutions.

"My vote is not for sale.

The group that has vowed to spend at least $10 million boosting Budd said the mailer cost $15,000 and went out to conservative and political thought leaders.

In the meantime, Trump wants Walker to bow out of the GOP primary so Budd can capture more of the Trump base. But Walker said he plans to stay in the race through at least the end of the year, extending for now the dual calls for Budd to get on stage with them.

If he would show up for one of these forums, wed have a chance to talk to him," Walker said of Budd.
RALEIGH  At a time when families are calling on government officials to do more to make classrooms safe, North Carolinas second-highest court has ruled that Iredell County went too far in punishing an 11-year-old who threatened to blow up her school.

A three-judge panel of the N.C. Court of Appeals this week overturned the felony juvenile delinquency conviction of the student  identified in a court document by the pseudonym Sophie.

In a unanimous opinion written by Judge Chris Dillon, the panel ruled that District Court Judge Carole Hicks lacked the evidence to prove that Sophie meant what she said when she threatened mass violence against her unnamed school in September 2019.

The prosecutor handling the girls case, according to the ruling, did not prove that Sophie had made a true threat when she told four classmates of wanting to blow up their school.
Attention is now directed to the Turkish interior, which seemed to show signs of explosion, against the backdrop of the exacerbation of the crises left by the wrong policies of the Justice and Development Party and the Nationalist Movement Party, especially the economic crisis and the deterioration of Turkish relations with the outside world.

Commenting on this, Muslim Sheikh Hassan, a member of the Political Committee of the Kurdish Democratic Unity Party in Syria (Yekiti), said, "The Justice and Development Party is responsible for all crises inside Turkey because it is the one who rules the country, and the Turkish people are living in a difficult situation now." Therefore, it began to revolt at times, due to the wrong policies of this party, and in the future the AKP will receive damage and shrinkage in Turkey and its situation will be critical.

Sheikh Hassan added: "It is not surprising that the AKP fails and its popularity declines in the upcoming elections, as long as it goes in this direction, and another party can take power, because Turkey is a country of parties, and if the AKP wants to preserve itself, it must review itself and its internal and external policies.

"Exporting crises abroad by waging useless wars"

The Kurdish politician Muslim Sheikh Hassan pointed out that "it is not surprising that the Justice Party exports its internal crises outside the country by waging some wars that have no purpose, in order to distract the Turkish people, and the main cause of internal crises in Turkey are the foreign wars it launched in the north and east Syria and other regions.

At the conclusion of his speech, he said, "If the crises intensify and expand inside Turkey, it is not surprising that it withdraws from the areas it occupied in Syria, such as Afrin, Gire Spi / Tal Abyad, Jarablus, Serekaniye / Ras al-Ain and other areas, but not in a short period of time." .

A

ANHA
TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 10, 2021--

Cross-Border Impact Ventures (CBIV) today announced the launch of the firm and its Womens and Childrens Health Technology Fund, which will invest in health technology companies that address the health needs of women, children, and adolescents or make health systems more resilient. CBIV has US$30 million in commitments towards an ultimate fund size of more than US$100 million and anticipates making its first investments in Q1 2022.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211210005089/en/

Cross-Border Impact Ventures will invest in health technology companies with global growth, high return, and impact potential. Its primary focus is on medical device, diagnostic, and digital health companies based in North America, Europe, and Israel. Its secondary focus is on commercial stage companies in emerging markets with global technology transfer potential. (Photo: Business Wire)

The following investors are among the Limited Partners (LPs) in the CBIV Womens and Childrens Health Technology Fund:

Childrens Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), a philanthropic organization focused on transforming the lives of children and adolescents.

Global Health Investment Corporation (GHIC), a non-profit organization catalyzing the development of technologies to improve health worldwide. GHIC is investing in the Womens and Childrens Health Technology Fund with the financial support of the German government through its KfW Development Bank.

Grand Challenges Canada (GCC), a Canadian not-for-profit organization that invests in local innovations that address critical global health, humanitarian, and Indigenous community challenges in Canada and low-resource countries.

Hamilton Community Foundation, a public foundation whose activities include investing in organizations that create positive impact beyond financial returns.

Rally Total Impact Fund, a multi-asset class impact investment fund that uses capital to generate financial returns and create positive social and environmental impact.

RockCreek, a leading global investment firm that applies data-driven technology and innovation to create long-term value.

CBIV also has the support of a strategic healthcare investor, as well as Sida  the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, which provides a guarantee to investors in the fund to encourage private sector participation in the firms impact investing strategy.

CBIV will invest in health technology companies with global growth, high return, and impact potential. Its primary focus is on medical device, diagnostic, and digital health companies based in North America, Europe, and Israel. Its secondary focus is on commercial stage companies in emerging markets with global technology transfer potential. Target investments include healthcare software companies with $1MM - $10MM in revenue, as well as companies developing technology that requires regulatory approval and have at least one product that is CE Mark or FDA approved. The fund will use a gender lens to invest and will work with portfolio companies to improve their diversity and ensure products meet the needs of more users of diverse backgrounds.

In addition to sourcing deals, undertaking due diligence, making investments, and working at the board level to support company growth and exit opportunities, CBIV will also target, measure, monitor, and report on impact in terms of health outcomes. CBIV has set an ambitious impact target across its portfolio companies of 500,000 lives saved and improvements in the lives of 10 million underserved women and children in emerging markets.

As an Impact Fund, CBIV is working towards SFDR Article 9 compliance in Europe, and will be signing on to the UN-developed framework for the Principles for Responsible Investment and the International Finance Corporations (IFC) Operating Principles for Impact Management.

We launched Cross-Border Impact Ventures based on the idea that borders should not dictate who gets access to the best health technologies, said Annie Theriault, Managing Partner at CBIV. Our firm will play an important role in the health technology market by investing in companies that are creating innovations that have the potential to save lives or transform healthcare in North America, Europe, emerging markets, and underserved populations. This includes healthcare tools that are easier to use, provide greater precision, and can rapidly deliver diagnostics.

Over the next decade, we expect trillions of dollars to be allocated to impact investing given its potential to drive tangible change, said Donna Parr, Managing Partner at CBIV. The timing could not be better for us to launch our impact fund, which has already attracted interest from investors in global markets that are looking to make a difference in the world while seeking venture returns.

Women Leaders Bring a Wealth of Investment Experience to CBIV

Annie Theriault, Managing Partner at CBIV, has been immersed in impact investing, venture capital, royalty financing, and capital markets throughout her career. As a venture capital investor and venture advisor, she worked with high impact companies to mobilize more than $100 million in non-dilutive capital. Annie was previously a director on the boards of several North American venture-backed companies, is an advisor to crowdfunding fintech company FrontFundr, and, prior to the launch of CBIV, was Chief Investment Officer at Grand Challenges Canada. Annie obtained her PhD in Management from the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto, is a CFA Charterholder, and holds the ICD.D designation. She also has a masters degree in Business Economics from Wilfrid Laurier University and a Bachelor of Science with First Class Honours in Chemistry from Mount Allison University.

Donna Parr, Managing Partner at CBIV, has more than 30 years of experience managing venture capital, growth equity, and private debt investment portfolios of up to $1 billion. She has managed two biotech related funds (GrowthWorks Canadian Fund and Canadian Medical Discoveries Fund) and has held roles at several notable pension funds and firms, including OMERS, CPP, and TD Capital. She is currently on the boards of Constellation Software and Topicus.com. Donna holds a masters degree in International Relations from the University of Toronto and earned her MBA from Schulich School of Business. She holds the ICD.D designation.

Scientific and Strategic Advisory Boards Support the Investing team

CBIV has a Scientific Advisory Board composed of world-class medical experts in womens, childrens, and adolescents health and innovation. This Board will provide the investment management team with objective and expert scientific views related to clinical trial protocols, product design needs, adoption issues, and trends in health technology. Advisors include: Dr. Majorie Jenkins, Dean of UofSC School of Medicine Greenville and Chief Academic Officer for Prisma Health-Upstate with prior experience with the Office of Womens Health at the FDA; Dr. Alyson McGregor, Director of the Division for Sex and Gender in Emergency Medicine at Brown Universitys Department of Emergency Medicine and expert on gender differences in chronic disease; Dr. Zulfiqar Bhutta, Co-Director at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) Centre for Global Child Health; and Dr. Mario Merialdi, former Senior Director at Becton Dickinsons Global Health division and prior World Health Organization (WHO) research coordinator for maternal and perinatal health.

CBIVs Strategic Advisory Board includes experts in mergers and acquisitions, technology, international sales and marketing, strategic partnerships, and global health. Strategic advisors include Sanjay Cherian, Chief Strategy Officer at ClearDATA, with past roles at TELUS Health, Shoppers Drug Mart, and Accentures Healthcare practice; Colleen Hancock, member of the mothers2mothers board of directors, and past COO at Baby Center and VP within the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies; Renuke Gadde, global health leader and former business lead for the Becton Dickinson Global Health division; Alice Fabiano, Global Director, Social Innovation & Investment at Johnson & Johnson; and Karlee Silver, Co-CEO at Grand Challenges Canada.

Incubated in Partnership with Grand Challenges Canada

CBIV was incubated in partnership with Grand Challenges Canada (GCC), one of the countrys largest impact-first investors. Funded by the Government of Canada and other partners, GCC funds and supports innovators in low- and middle-income countries and Canada to seed and transition to scale their Bold Ideas with Big Impact . Over the past 11 years, GCC has funded over 1,300 projects in more than 105 countries. These innovations are expected to save up to 1.78 million lives and improve up to 64 million lives by 2030.

In addition to providing initial funding to develop the strategy and facilitate the first close of the Womens and Childrens Health Technology Fund, GCC also supports CBIV with access to world class expertise in health and health impact modeling. CBIV also benefits from GCCs connections with other global health organizations and on-the-ground implementation partners. While CBIV is an independent firm, GCC will remain an advisor to CBIV. This includes supporting the evaluation of portfolio company impact, and serving on several fund advisory committees, including the Impact Committee.

Meeting the UNs Sustainable Development Goals requires filling a substantial financing gap; a broader mobilization of resources, both public and private, is necessary. New models like this fund, which leverages global market economics to create a business case for technologies useful in emerging economies, are critical to bring in new resources to save and improve lives, said Jocelyn Mackie, Co-CEO of Grand Challenges Canada. Weve learned from our anchor investment in the Global Health Investment Fund and now incubated a fund more aligned with Canadas strategic priorities: womens and childrens health and gender equality. Grand Challenges Canada is an innovation platform designed to support new models of funding innovation for impact, exactly like Cross-Border Impact Ventures.

Supplemental Quotes

As a Foundation focused on the wellbeing of women, children and adolescents, we are pleased to see the launch of this debut Fund by CBIV. The Funds strategy aligns with our belief in promoting health equity for the most economically disadvantaged, and backing new, innovative and affordable solutions to problems faced by women, children and adolescents. CBIV can help us address inequities in access by more effectively deploying technological and business model innovations.  Imraan Mohammed, Head of Impact Investing, Childrens Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF)

The Global Health Investment Corporation, with the generous support of the Government of Germany through KfW Development Bank, is pleased to support the Womens and Childrens Health Technology Fund, which will invest in technologies that address the health needs of women, children, and adolescents or make health systems more resilient.  Labeeb M. Abboud, Chairman & CEO, Global Health Investment Corporation

By providing funds to invest in the Womens and Childrens Health Technology Fund, the German government underlines its strong political focus on improving women and child health especially in Low and Middle Income countries. This first close is proof that leveraging public with private funds allows us to invest in health R&D in this essential but far too often neglected segment by the private sector.  Michael Krake, Director General, Global Health, Trade, Private Sector Development, German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development ( BMZ )

The opportunity to support the first fund focused on women and childrens health technology and support female fund managers is aligned with our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion across everything we do, including investing.  Annette Aquin, Executive Vice-President, Finance & Operations, Hamilton Community Foundation

Good health is a right  one that requires high quality investments to achieve. Working with Cross-Border Impact Ventures, RockCreek is building on our two-decades of investing to improve health across gender, race, age, and borders.  Alifia Doriwala, Managing Director, RockCreek

Too little attention is being paid to womens and childrens health in low- and middle-income countries and there are too few women venture capitalists. We at Sida, Sweden's government agency for development cooperation, are delighted to support Cross-Border Impact Ventures and are looking forward to following the progress of the fund over the next decade.  Maria Tegborg, Head of Global Social Development Unit, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida)

About Cross-Border Impact Ventures

Cross-Border Impact Ventures (CBIV) is an impact investor in transformative health technology companies that address the needs of women, children, and adolescents or make health systems more resilient. Through its Womens and Childrens Health Technology Fund, CBIV primarily invests in commercial stage health technology companies that have global growth, high return, and impact potential. CBIV has set an ambitious impact target of 500,000 lives saved and 10 million lives improved in emerging markets across its portfolio companies. For additional information, visit crossborder.ventures.

View source version on businesswire.com:https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211210005089/en/

CONTACT: Media:

Jodi Echakowitz

Boulevard Public Relations (for CBIV)

416-271-7250

KEYWORD: NORTH AMERICA CANADA

INDUSTRY KEYWORD: CHILDREN BIOTECHNOLOGY CONSUMER ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY PROFESSIONAL SERVICES HEALTH GENERAL HEALTH WOMEN TELECOMMUNICATIONS OTHER PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONSUMER

SOURCE: Cross-Border Impact Ventures

Copyright Business Wire 2021.

PUB: 12/10/2021 06:00 AM/DISC: 12/10/2021 06:02 AM

Copyright Business Wire 2021.

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Prickly Pear Land Trust recently added more than 1,000 acres of prime, irrigated farmland and over 1.6 miles of Missouri River shoreline to a list of protected properties, marking what officials said is its second conservation easement in Broadwater County.

The Tri G River Ranch, between Toston and Townsend, is the latest project completed by PPLT in its partnership with the Montana Army National Guard and the Department of Defenses base conservation buffer program, trust officials said.

It is the first project in the water and soil-rich valley downstream of the Toston dam, the PPLT, a nonprofit land conservation group, said.

Over the last year, PPLT staff worked with property owners to assemble permanent protection to keep this highly productive farm from being lost to development. The conservation easement also protects a popular stretch of the Missouri River with fish and wildlife habitat that supports the local outdoor economy.

The project reflects PPLTs mission of protecting key, open properties that provide not only for wildlife but also protect the states farm and ranch heritage, officials with the nonprofit said.

You drive right through it between Helena and Bozeman and now, it is protected and will remain as open farmland forever. The value of open space like that will only increase in the future, Mary Hollow, executive director of PPLT, said in a news release.

She said this was a generous legacy that this family is leaving and that PPLT was happy to be a small part of it.

Travis Vincent, project lead for Tri G, said they have been working in the Townsend area for a couple of years.

We hope to see farmers and ranchers working the land long into the future. We want the land to stay in agriculture.

Prickly Pear Land Trust and the Montana Army National Guard worked to protect over 1,700 acres around Fort Harrison and the Limestone Hills Training Area. The Tri G River Ranch joins the Sevenmile restoration, Tenmile Creek Park and land on Mount Helena that expands the regions conservation footprint while helping to ensure the Army National Guards training mission.

Maj. Gen. J. Peter Hronek, adjutant general for Montana and head of the Montana National Guard, said they were pleased with the partnership with the Prickly Pear Land Trust.

Conservation easement projects like this help preserve this land for future generations of Montanans while also ensuring we have the ability to continue to use nearby training areas, he said.

To respect the privacy of the landowner-partners, PPLT asks the public direct their questions about this project and the lands program to PPLT staff at (406) 442-0490.

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Yesterday was Human Rights Day. It is observed every year on Dec. 10, the day the United Nations adopted, in 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This milestone document proclaims the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being.

The theme for this years observance is Equality  rebuild better, fairer, greener. There are, of course, many other aspects to the subject of human rights but equality surely deserves to be front and center.

Equality has the power to tackle the root causes of conflict and crisis, by addressing grievances, eliminating inequalities and exclusion and allowing all people to equally participate in decision-making that affect their lives. Societies that protect and promote equality for everyone are more resilient societies, better equipped to weather unexpected crises such as pandemics and the impacts of the climate crisis. (un.org)

America has much to be proud of in advancing equal rights. The Declaration of Independence stated "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."

There have been hiccups along the way. It took the 14th Amendment to proclaim that the above statement applied to former slaves, the 19th amendment to apply it to women, and court decisions to apply it to followers of other religions, other races, and other minority groups.

The conviction that we belong to one human family is at the heart of the Bahai Faith. Our teachings compare the world of humanity to the human body. Within this body, millions of cells, diverse in form and function, play their part in maintaining a healthy system. The principle that governs the functioning of the body is cooperation. Its various parts do not compete for resources; rather, each cell, from its inception, is linked to a continuous process of giving and receiving. Acceptance of the oneness of humanity demands that prejudicewhether racial, religious, or gender relatedmust be totally eliminated.

This oneness is agreed upon, at least in theory, by both science and religion. The Bible teaches that Adam and Eve were the first humans. According to the Jewish, Islamic, and Christian religions, and all humans have descended from them. (allaboutcreation.org) If you trace back the DNA in the maternally inherited mitochondria within our cells, all humans have a theoretical common ancestor. This woman, known as mitochondrial Eve, lived between 100,000 and 200,000 years ago in southern Africa. She was not the first human, but every other female lineage eventually had no female offspring, failing to pass on their mitochondrial DNA. As a result, all humans today can trace their mitochondrial DNA back to her. (newscientist.com)

At our origin, all humanity was one, and it still is, but we have yet to live by this principle. In terms of equality, we are still a work in progress.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights Drafting Committee was chaired by former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. She wisely remarked: Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home -- so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any maps of the world Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere. Without concerted citizen action to uphold them close to home, we shall look in vain for progress in the larger world."

A delegation of American Bahais was present at these early gatherings and offered advice from the Bahai Writings such as this: Let them purify their sight and behold all humankind as leaves and blossoms and fruits of the tree of being. Let them at all times concern themselves with doing a kindly thing for one of their fellows, offering to someone love, consideration and thoughtful help. Let them see no one as their enemy, or as wishing them ill, but think of all humankind as their friends; regarding the alien as an intimate, the stranger as a companion, staying free of prejudice, drawing no lines.

If you would like to know more, visit the website www.bahai.us or call 1-800-22-UNITE. You could also call me at 406-202-6844. I would love to talk to you or your group about religion in general or the Bahai Faith in particular. God bless you all!

Clifford Stevens is a retired Air Force meteorologist, solar observatory operator, and data superintendent. He is also retired from the Oklahoma Dept. of Environmental Quality where he specialized in air quality and database management. He moved to Helena in 2015 and now works for Pearson Professional Testing Center. He is treasurer of the Bahai Local Spiritual.

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DECATUR  New COVID-19 numbers indicate Region 6, which includes Macon County, is heading in the wrong direction  and local health care professionals say they're worried.

We are always concerned when we see a marked rise in cases, especially during holiday seasons where people tend to gather indoors in close proximity to celebrate, said Marisa Hosier, director of health promotion and public relations for the Macon County Health Department.

The concern comes with the arrival of the fast-spreading omicron strain in Illinois. The variant, which has spread across southern Africa and Europe, was detected in Chicago on Tuesday.

Jill Crum, HSHS St. Marys Hospital chief nursing officer, has seen a rise in the number COVID patients admitted to the hospital. Other health issues have not slowed down either. Our intensive care unit has been running at full occupancy, she said. Were definitely full.

Decatur Memorial Hospital CEO Drew Early said his hospital also has been experiencing a large number of patients.

We are very, very busy right now, he said. Our ICU units are just about full, if not full. Our general units are also incredibly busy.

Early compares the atmosphere to that of last years holiday season. This is mirroring our previous surges, he said.

As of Friday, the Macon County Health Department reported 36 residents hospitalized with COVID. The low for the month has been 19.

Those numbers are not reflective of how many COVID patients are being treated at Decatur hospitals, at a given time, since they also treat patients from outside Macon County. COVID cases are tracked at the home county level.

47 percent vaccinated in Macon County

One of the concerns is potential outbreaks among those who are most at risk, such as unvaccinated persons and those unable to receive the vaccine  children under age 5 and those with a chronic disease or immunocompromised status that prevents their getting it. Those populations are at greater risk of contracting COVID-19.

Since Dec. 1, Macon County has reported 1,014 new cases of the virus, bringing its total to 15,785 since the pandemic began. During the same period, there have been four COVID-related deaths.

The latest statistics from the Illinois Department of Public Health show about 47 percent of Macon County residents were fully vaccinated.

Many of the symptoms have remained the same throughout the pandemic. But it is important to note that they vary from person to person, Hosier said. For the most part, unvaccinated persons have more severe cases and hospitalizations than those who are vaccinated.

Hospital staff have witnessed COVID affect various ages and genders; however, they agree with the current statistics. But what we are seeing is those who have been vaccinated are less critically ill versus those who have not been vaccinated, Crum said.

The DMH staff have found that a few of the patients are those who were vaccinated early, but havent received their boosters. Some of those immunities have waned, Early said. But of our in-patients, less than 10 percent are vaccinated.

Vaccinations have been credited for preventing hospitalizations, according to national and local healthcare providers.

Many patients have visited the emergency department; however, the unit serves various illnesses and issues, Crum said. So we are encouraging people to utilize their primary care (physician) when possible for those non-emergency needs, she said.

The hospital staff has had to keep patients in the emergency department until a bed is available, according to Crum. Sometimes, unfortunately, thats for several hours, she said.

Watch now: Springfield Republican seeks House appointment as springboard to Senate Springfield resident Kelly Thompson announces interest in seat vacated by state Rep. Mike Murphy, already plans run against state Sen. Doris Turner.

Health care professionals encourage individuals who are experiencing symptoms of illness, especially COVID-like illness, to avoid gatherings and be tested for the virus. Proper handwashing, masking, and physical distancing all continue to be recommended courses of action to prevent the spread of the virus, according to healthcare professionals. They continue to encourage those who are able and eligible to be vaccinated to do so as soon as possible.

People have the right to choose, Crum said. And we choose health.

The health department and other providers continue to offer vaccination opportunities each week. They encourage reaching out to primary care providers if patients have questions.

The health department has hosted provider panels, created videos to educate the community, and held off-site clinics to answer questions. Yet, they continue to record the rise of cases in several categories. Including many cases amongst unvaccinated individuals, Hosier said. We continue to see the most severe cases being those of the unvaccinated, and that is why we continue to urge people to receive the vaccine if they are able and eligible.

Local health care professionals have partnered with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Illinois Department of Public Health to learn more about the new omicron variant.

From the information we have received thus far, the vaccines are effective against the variants and boosters are recommended when applicable, Hosier said.

U.S. health officials have also said omicron appears to be less dangerous than the delta strain, which also has resulted in a sharp increase in hospitalizations. Illinois as a whole reported the year's highest number of new COVID cases a week after Thanksgiving. A total of 49,668 new confirmed and probable cases of coronavirus disease over the previous week were reported Friday.

'Continued to work tirelessly'

Although the number of COVID cases is rising, the death toll remains somewhat small. The health department credits the local health care system for the bit of positive news. Our local physicians and practitioners have continued to work tirelessly to learn more about the virus and how to treat it, Hosier said. As well as noting that treatment protocols have continued to progress as we have learned more throughout the pandemic.

Currently, elective surgeries have not been postponed, as they were a year ago. Weve gotten a lot better on how to handle COVID within the hospital, Crum said. Weve learned how to streamline what were doing and how were doing it. Its now become a way of life.

Masks and gowns are utilized for every patient, a task that wasnt needed before the pandemic. Now its for everyone COVID positive or not COVID positive, Crum said.

Hospitals have managed throughout the pandemic to accommodate most medical situations. We know that elective surgeries are necessary too, Early said. Weve learned over the course of the last two years, delaying care is a bad thing.

The winter months also bring other illnesses into health care facilities. This is just the time when people get sick, Early said. Were seeing COVID and everything else right now. Thats leading to a very busy hospital.

For nearly two years, the work pace has not slowed down for health care workers. The pressure thats being put on them right now is just hard to imagine, Early said. These are our friends, our neighbors that are taking care of the community.

The hospitals staff have shown their strength while battling the virus in their workplaces, Crum said.

They continue to come back and perform these difficult, stressful jobs, she said. And I continue to be amazed by the expertise of the staff at St. Marys and their ongoing commitment to care for patients.

Contact Donnette Beckett at (217) 421-6983. Follow her on Twitter: @donnettebHR

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DECATUR  A Decatur man faces up to 10 years in prison after a federal jury found him guilty Thursday of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

According to a news release from the United States Attorneys Office for the Central District of Illinois, DeAngelo Banks, 31, was the sole occupant of the vehicle when it was stopped by Decatur police in May 2020.

During the stop, officers located a loaded Glock Model 43 handgun in a hidden compartment where Banks had been sitting. Banks, a convicted felon, was prohibited from possessing a firearm and was then taken into custody.

The case was investigated by members of the Decatur Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

A sentencing hearing is set for May 9 in Urbana. Banks remains in the custody of the United States Marshals Service.

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Chicagos ward remap standoff has shifted into the holiday doldrums after the frantic politicking that marked the runup to a Dec. 1 deadline, which aldermen promptly ignored.

While the false sense of urgency to redraw the citys 50 wards has waned for the moment, though, coalitions in the City Council are still hard at work claiming territory before the next round of the fight.

The latest front is the Asian-American-majority ward both Black and Latino council caucuses have pledged to create in their competing map proposals.

Last week, City Council Rules Committee consultant Anne Schaeffer mentioned in a presentation to aldermen that her analysis showed the population of the Latino Caucus redrawn 11th Ward, including Chinatown, fell just short of being more than 50% Asian. Supporters of that version countered their 11th Ward in fact does include an Asian majority.

That dust-up came after backers of the Latino map ramped up their efforts to shine a spotlight on Rules Committee attorney Michael Kasper, a powerful Illinois election lawyer with connections to scandal-plagued former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan.

Repeatedly referring to the Rules proposal  which is supported by nearly all the councils Black aldermen along with several white aldermen  as the Mike Kasper map, Latino aldermen said he was working behind the scenes to craft a plan aimed at protecting entrenched interests at the expense of the citys growing Hispanic population.

That drew an angry rebuke from Rules Committee Chair Ald. Michelle Harris, a member of the Black Caucus whos been running the council remap hearings. Its sexist of opponents to claim shes just a front person, Harris said. I dont think wed be hearing these things if I was a man.

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The Rules Committee met Friday and heard during public testimony from several residents of the Canaryville neighborhood, who argued their community should not be partially cut out of the 11th Ward in order to make it majority Asian.

The Rules Committee will now break until January, when Harris has set four additional meetings to give the public more chances to weigh in. The extended timeline is an opportunity for aldermen to continue negotiating privately and try to pull more colleagues to their side in the dispute.

Its also a bid to counteract criticism that a deal on ward boundaries was reached in a backroom. Aldermen are many Chicagoans most important government contact, given that quality of life in the city is measured in part by ward services like snow removal, neighborhood crime and development priorities.

The only real hard deadline the council faces is 40 days before Illinois June 28 primary election, which is the drop-dead date to either come up with a map agreed upon by 41 aldermen or set a ballot referendum to let voters decide between competing proposals.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot would like to avoid that because of the cost and the added acrimony that would certainly result in the already fractious council. The last remap that went to referendum followed the 1990 Census, when taxpayers ended up footing a $20 million legal bill filed by the supporters of the map that lost. The legal fight dragged on for six years.

It remains to be seen whether aldermen can reach a deal before then, and whether residents are convinced their input had any real bearing on the outcome.

The Rules Committee map creates 16 Black-majority wards, 14 Latino wards and an additional ward with a Black plurality. The Latino map has 16 Black-majority wards and 15 Latino-majority wards.

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Tornadoes in the St. Louis area left a wide swath of destruction that stretched from St. Charles County to the Metro East, causing at least seven deaths and several injuries.

Six of the fatalities happened at a partially collapsed Amazon warehouse on Gateway Commerce Center in Edwardsville, which was damaged Friday night as violent weather rolled through the region.

An 84-year-old woman also died in St. Charles County when her Defiance home was blown off its foundation.

In Pemiscot County in the Missouri Bootheel, a young child was killed at home and at least nine people were transported to hospitals, The Associated Press reported.

Among those who died at the Amazon warehouse was Clayton Lynn Cope, a 29-year-old maintenance worker. His mother, Carla Cope told the Post-Dispatch that she was on the phone with Clayton right before the building was hit and urged him to get to shelter. As soon as she realized the storm had hit the warehouse and there was a debris field, she left their Brighton home for Edwardsville at about 9:30 p.m. and waited for news. She learned her son had died at about 4:30 a.m. Saturday, about eight hours after a tornado hit the building.

Carla Cope said her son loved his job, fishing and his dog  a coonhound named Draco.

The identities of other victims were not immediately available.

Edwardsville Fire Chief James Whiteford, at a press conference Saturday evening, said 45 people made it out of the Amazon building safely. One worker was critically wounded and had to be airlifted to a hospital for treatment, Whiteford said.

Officials had set up a reunification area in nearby Pontoon Beach for families who had not yet made contact with loved ones. Residents who need to contact first responders to help locating loved ones were asked to call 618-656-2131.

The deaths and injuries came after a wall about the length of a football field collapsed as well as the roof above it. Amazon began operations in Edwardsville in 2016; the delivery station hit by the storm  one of three Amazon facilities in Edwardsville  opened in 2020. Whiteford said the buildings walls were approximately 11 inches thick and 40 feet high.

Employees killed in the collapse were located in two separate areas of the rubble, he said.

By Saturday evening, first responders had shifted from an emergency response to a recovery effort. While they would continue to go through the rubble during daylight hours over the next three days, Whiteford said he doesnt know whether any other victims will be found inside.

The warehouse doesnt have a specific count of how many employees were in the building at the time that the storm hit, so were unable to determine how many may be missing still, he said.

We dont expect anyone to be surviving at this point, he said.

Officials said they could not speak to Amazons policy regarding emergency preparedness and did not have specifics about whether employees were moved to any other location in response to the tornado warning.

Whiteford said part of the reason they did not have specific count of employees in the building was because there was a shift change in process at the time the tornado hit, and because the warehouse employed several part-time workers.

They have vans that come in and they drop off the vans and then people get in their cars and leave, he said. As the shift change was going on, the number of people was varying.

A representative of the company was not present at the press conference, and it was unclear what steps the company had taken in response to the tornado warnings and in the aftermath.

Earlier Saturday, however, company CEO Andy Jassy said on Twitter the company was heartbroken over the loss of our team members.

There were no other reports of fatalities in Illinois as a result of the overnight storms, Illinois Gov. J. B. Pritzker said.

Pritzker, who joined Edwardsville and Madison County officials at the Saturday press conference, lauded the first response and recovery efforts. He also extended his sympathies to people who lost loved ones.

I really am tremendously grateful to our state and local teams who are on the ground here through the night, working to save lives, he said.

Everyone assumes that theyll be safe at work. Families say goodbye in a routine fashion when their loved ones go off to their jobs. We dont think that theyll never come home. Its devastating. And I cannot imagine the pain that you are feeling at this moment.

This is a tragic day in Illinois history, Pritzker said.

Edwardsville Mayor Art Risavy asked residents to pray for the victims and their families, in Edwardsville and across other parts of the Midwest affected by the tornadoes.

Were all suffering a great loss tonight, Risavy said.

The most important thing you can do is pray for the victims and their families.

Madison County will ask for a disaster declaration from state and federal officials, Whiteford said.

Photos: Amazon warehouse in Edwardsville destroyed by tornado, killing at least six people An EF3 tornado wiped out much of an Amazon distribution facility, killing 6, as a wave of violent weather rolled through the St. Louis metropo

On Saturday morning, cranes were seen pulling sections of ceiling and wall away from the collapsed portion of the warehouse. Tow trucks removed dozens of damaged vehicles. Some cars had been crushed.

An employee who works at a second Amazon facility, across the highway, said the section of the building that collapsed appeared to be a parking garage.

Photos: Severe storms level homes, cause widespread damage in Defiance, St. Charles County At least one person is dead after severe storms and tornadoes ravaged an area along Hwy. F in St. Charles County near Defiance, Missouri, leve

A death in St. Charles County

In St. Charles County, a tornado caused extensive damage in the New Melle and Defiance area, killing one person.

Mark Borgmann combed through what was left of his childhood home Saturday morning, salvaging what he could following a deadly tornado that killed his mother and injured his father overnight.

The tornado swept his parents single-story home and a neighbors house off their foundations, scattering debris at least a half-mile east along Highway F and Stubb Road. His parents one-car garage was gone, their white car overturned. The barn behind the home had collapsed around an old, mustard-colored truck. Nearby, a red car had landed upside down near a riding lawn mower. An orange-and-white vehicle was nearby, smashed as though squeezed by a vice. Carpets and a mattress were in a pile surrounded by trees split to their roots and fallen over.

Its a mess, Borgmann said.

His parents, Ollie and Vernon Borgmann, both 84, were at home when the tornado hit. Vernon was on the phone with his other son, Keith, when the line went dead. The next thing Vernon remembers is waking up in a field surrounded by debris, Mark Borgmann said. Ollie was awake when she was transported to the hospital, where she later died. Vernon has scratches and bruises but is otherwise OK, Mark said.

He described his mother as sweet and a typical grandmother.

The tornado left a trail of debris for at least three miles along Highway F, mostly east of Stubb Road.

Dozens of trees had been uprooted, others snapped in half. Metal blown into a tree wrapped itself around branches. A vehicle lay in an empty field, smashed beyond recognition.

Near Jackola Ranch, a house on the hill had almost completely caved in, a nearby barn was torn up.

A few other homes had missing shingles and broken windows.

The tornado ripped off parts of a roof of a home on Red Barn Lane, with debris strewn across the lawn.

St. Charles County Councilman Joe Brazil said he was up till 2 a.m. Saturday, clearing debris off the road with skid loaders and helping rescuing five horses that were trapped. One horse later died.

It was horrible, Brazil said.

Brazil said there was a lot of traffic out last night due to the Christmas Candlelight Walk. Folks there took shelter and were not injured. There was no damage at the Boone Home, where the event took place.

Most of the damage in St. Charles County was centered along Highway F, with up to 10 homes destroyed and at least 25 others damaged, officials said.

St. Charles County police Captain Chris Hunt, who also serves as the countys regional management director, said the tornado warning sounded around 7:35 p.m. They mobilized resources as soon as debris was detected on radar.

Im extremely surprised we didnt have more injuries or catastrophic damage, Hunt said.

Fallen power lines had initially limited efforts by first responders to help residents. Crews from Ameren and Cuivre River Electric Cooperative were still repairing utility polls as of Saturday afternoon.

Officials with St. Charles County Code Enforcement arrived on scene around 7:45 a.m. and evaluated homes for safety, said County Executive Steve Ehlmann.

The county has sought assistance from AmeriCorps, Salvation Army, Red Cross and other volunteer organizations. More information about how to help will be posted to the countys Facebook page. Otherwise, officials said, people should stay away from the area. Highway F was closed to local traffic.

This is a time in our history where a lot of people disagree about a lot of different issues and unfortunately sometimes it takes a tragedy to bring everybody together, Ehlmann said.

Damage in St. Louis County

The St. Louis County Office of Emergency Management said it did not receive any reports of injuries or severe structural damage as of noon Saturday.

There were some reports of fallen debris and damaged trees in parts of northwest St. Louis County, from Chesterfield to Maryland Heights, said Marshall Pfahler, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

The damage was likely from the tornado that hit Defiance, Pfahler said. Teams surveying damage in Defiance on Saturday morning were expected to cross into St. Louis County to verify whether the tornado crossed the Missouri River into Chesterfield.

The Weather Service had confirmed the tornado had reached speeds between 136 miles per hour and 165 miles per hour, Pfahler said. That put it at the EF3 category  the third-strongest rating on the Fujita Scale. The agency considers EF2 tornadoes, which reach speeds of at least 111 miles per hour, to be strong.

The last tornado of similar strength that hit the St. Louis region was the infamous Good Friday tornado of 2011, which was rated EF4, the second-strongest rating on the scale.

But Pfahler warned that the weather service may revise the rating of the tornado that hit Defiance as it assesses damage in parts of St. Louis County to figure out the tornados path, width and strength.

The damage at the Amazon facility was also rated EF3, Pfahler said, and the winds there could have reached 158 miles per hour.

NWS survey teams are still assessing the path the tornado took, but Pfahler said it continued through Madison, Bond, Montgomery and Fayette counties. He noted, though, Weather Service officials were still unsure if the cyclones path was continuous.

An unseasonably warm and wet air mass from the Gulf of Mexico floated into the Mississippi River valley, Pfahler said, and brought with it strong pressure and a cold front. The lift that the system generated, in tandem with the moist air, produced numerous severe thunderstorms. Strong wind shear encouraged the storms to turn into tornadoes.

The two St. Louis-area tornadoes were part of a system of five in the bistate area monitored by the National Weather Service office in St. Louis, which stretches from Jefferson City and Farmington in Missouri to Quincy and Vandalia in Illinois.

There were three other tornadoes reported in Missouri: one near Middletown in Montgomery County and two near Fayette in Howard County.

Shortly before noon Saturday, Ameren reported there were about 894 homes in St. Louis County without power and about 179 homes without power in St. Charles County. Outages were more severe in the Missouri Bootheel: at least 4,700 homes in Pemiscot County were without power, Ameren said.

In Illinois, Ameren reported about 435 homes in Madison County were without power. More than 1,500 people were without power in and around Carbondale in southern Illinois.

Helping neighbors

Emergency crews with St. Louis County had offered assistance to first responders in Madison County and St. Charles County.

Volunteers with the American Red Cross were sent to Edwardsville and Defiance to assist in rescue operations, the agency said. Red Cross volunteers were also sent to Wright County and Stone County in southwest Missouri and to northeast Arkansas, where homes were damaged by the overnight storms.

The Salvation Army also sent volunteers to Edwardsville to provide water and snacks to first responders and utility workers aiding rescue efforts at the Amazon warehouse.

President Joe Biden spoke with both Pritzker and Missouri Gov. Mike Parson on Saturday to offer assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

To lose a loved one in a storm like this is an unimaginable tragedy, Biden said. Were working with governors to ensure they have what they need as the search for survivors and damage assessments continue.

Parson on Saturday thanked Missourians for stepping up to help.

I want our responders and all neighbors who acted selflessly to help their neighbors stay safe to know how much their efforts are appreciated by all Missourians, the governor said.

The St. Louis Blues announced that proceeds from the 50/50 raffle at their game against the Montreal Canadiens will go toward tornado relief efforts, through donations to the American Red Cross.

Editors note: This story was updated on Monday to clarify that the warehouse that was hit by the storm was a delivery station, one of three Amazon facilities in Edwardsville. It opened in 2020.

Photos: Damage after storms, winds, possible tornadoes pound region Buildings were flattened in areas west and east of St. Louis -- from St. Charles County, Missouri to Edwardsville, Illinois -- damaging houses

Janelle O'Dea  314-340-8349 @jayohday on Twitter jodea@post-dispatch.com

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Updated at 8:33 p.m.

The National Weather Service in St. Louis says a "radar-confirmed tornado" is heading into the Metro East communities in southwestern Illinois. The storm system had been moving through the St. Louis region earlier.

A Lighting Alert also was issued for Macon County.

Updated at 7:56 p.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch until 2 a.m. for the following counties:

CHAMPAIGN, CLARK, CLAY, COLES, CRAWFORD, CUMBERLAND, DE WITT, DOUGLAS, EDGAR, EFFINGHAM, FORD, IROQUOIS, JASPER, KANKAKEE, LAWRENCE, LIVINGSTON, LOGAN, MACON, MCLEAN, MOULTRIE, PEORIA, PIATT, RICHLAND, SHELBY, TAZEWELL, VERMILION, WOODFORD.

Our earlier story ...

LINCOLN  Rain and storms are in store for several Central Illinois communities, National Weather Service meteorologists said Friday.

Their reports said rain rolled across the Bloomington-Normal area Friday afternoon, with morning fog that lingered later that day in some parts. A warmer high crested at 60 degrees, but the night's low was expected to drop just shy of freezing at 35 degrees.

Forecasters said thunderstorms are possible after 5 p.m. Friday around the Twin Cities. Showers may pass through before 1 a.m. Saturday, as will storms with possible severe wind threats. The NWS weather report said 15-20 mph breezes heading south-by-southeast will gain another 5 mph in speed after midnight. And, nightly gusts may hasten gales up to 45 mph.

Between one-quarter to half an inch of rain could fall in and near Bloomington-Normal.

Decatur shared Bloomington's wet and foggy conditions Friday, with more showers expected after 4 p.m., per the reports. Additional rain is feasible in Macon County through the following morning, stopping between 3 to 5 a.m. Saturday. Friday's low is set for 36 degrees, with evening breezes similar in speed to Bloomington's and heading off west-southwest.

Mattoon could see storms after 3 p.m. Friday, as showers and patches of fog remained that afternoon. It topped that day's high at 63 degrees.

Nightly gusts could be hazardous in Decatur and Mattoon, maxing out at 41 mph for both cities. The NWS said rain and thunderstorms may continue through Macon County before 3 a.m. Saturday, and 4 a.m. Saturday in Coles County, with showers possibly extending another hour. Mattoon's low was listed around 39 degrees.

Meteorologists predict sunshine to return to Central Illinois Saturday, with clouds clearing around the middle of that morning. Breezes will remain up to 25 mph in Bloomington and Mattoon, and up to 23 mph in Decatur. Gusts in the mid-40 mph range could persist in all three cities (maxing out at 50 mph in Bloomington), but winds will calm down in the afternoon.

Saturday's high is projected at 40 degrees in the Twin Cities and 41 degrees in Decatur. That day's high is expected to be 44 degrees in Mattoon, falling to 36 degrees by 5 p.m. Saturday.

Mattoon and Bloomington could see the the coldest Saturday night temperatures, diminishing to 28 degrees.

A Wind Advisory is in place until 3 a.m. Saturday.

READER SUBMISSIONS: Send us photos, video of storm damage What are weather conditions like where you are? Send us photos and video of storm damage. Email chris.coates@lee.net.

Earlier story ...

Potential for tornadoes, other severe weather in Chicago-area forecast, depending on how conditions develop later today

Shanzeh Ahmad

Chicago Tribune

The weather system moving into the Chicago area late Friday holds the potential for tornadoes and other forms of severe weather, the National Weather Service said.

A tornado watch wouldnt be issued until later Friday  if at all  depending on how weather conditions play out the rest of the day, meteorologist Jake Petr said. But weather could be severe.

Tornado watches are most often issued two to three hours before those specific weather conditions are expected, while a tornado warning would only be issued if a tornado is expected to form soon or has already formed.

The potential for tornadoes and severe weather threats are for 9 p.m. Friday to 2 a.m. Saturday. The weather service recommends people ensure they have set up multiple ways to get weather alerts, especially ones that can wake a person up if theyve gone to sleep.

Petr said an updated forecast can be expected Friday afternoon.

Friday started off with fog and colder temperatures with low clouds, but temperatures and humidity levels are expected to rise rapidly after sunset, the weather service said via Twitter.

Expect strong winds between 3 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday, Petr said, with gusts up to 45 to 50 mph, especially Saturday morning.

Petr said while not all that common, its not unheard of for one or two winter systems to have potential for severe weather and tornado conditions during the late fall and early winter time frame.

He said a tornado was recorded on Dec. 1 three years ago in downstate Taylorville, Closer to Chicago, tornadoes were recorded on three December dates since 1950: LaSalle County on Dec. 3, 1955; Jasper County, Indiana, on Dec. 8, 1966; and Iroquois County on Dec. 4, 1973.

Other recorded tornadoes in the area during the winter season were on Jan. 7, 2008, when a tornado made its way from Poplar Grove in Boone County to Harvard in McHenry County, and on Feb. 28, 2017, when a total of 10 tornadoes were confirmed across northern Illinois.

MAKAYLA HOLDER

The Southern

All of Southern Illinois should brace for significant severe weather Friday night through the early Saturday hours as the National Weather Service is predicting unusual winter weather resulting in a few strong tornadoes, damaging gusts and large hail.

Moderate severe weather risks such as this is highly unusually for the area, Michael York, a NWS meteorologist, said.

Theyre not very common. A couple or three times a year in a typical year we have a moderate risk, York said. This year I dont know if weve had any. A moderate risk implies a fairly widespread severe weather event. Usually it includes the possibility of a few strong tornados and of course large hail and damaging straight-line winds.

Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are likely caused by a cold front moving across the region along with lots of moisture and wind shear in the atmosphere.

The timing of the system covering Southern Illinois will be from around 7 p.m. through 3 a.m.

The thunderstorms are expected to develop by late today into the early evening across Southern Illinois, Southeast Missouri and possibly West Kentucky.

They will continue through the overnight hours crossing into Indiana and western Kentucky, NWS said.

Outside of the thunderstorms, strong wind gusts of 30 to 40 miles per hour are possible this evening into early Saturday morning.

A couple long-track tornadoes are highly possible as well.

Nighttime tornadoes are one of the biggest problems because they happen when people are normally asleep, York said. We recommend having a means of being woken up at night by a weather radio. Then you can take some protective actions.

The greatest tornado threat is close to the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, near Cairo, according to NWS.

It is advised that you have multiple means of receiving weather updates throughout the storm and that you have a safety plan in place.

Contact Brendan Denison at (309) 820-3238. Follow Brendan Denison on Twitter: @BrendanDenison

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In 2019, the city established its second reinvestment zone, known as the River Mill TIRZ, to fund a portion of the infrastructure and maintenance costs associated with the development of the former Mission Valley Mill complex located on Porter Street. This site is slated for future mixed-use development.
On March 27, 2015, fingerprints lifted from the inside the driver's window were submitted into the integrated automated fingerprint identification system, records show. Then, on April 7, 2015, results from the submission identified Meinhold.

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Police said earlier that they didnt believe Meinhold and Schmidt knew each other.

At the time of the shooting, police said Meinhold lived 2.3 miles away from the scene. Since then, however, Meinhold has lived on Highland Avenue in Bristol, Virginia, and worked at Royal Mouldings.

Geisler then went to Bristol to further investigate.

In July 2015, Meinhold reported that he never had any contact with Schmidt. He said he was a farmworker in the fields on the outskirts of Phoenix in 1978. He also said he never owned a gun, his family never owned a gun, he had never shot anyone and he had never touched a Toyota Celica, the records show. Meinhold also said he had never been to the mall, except for his first visit there in the mid-1990s.

Meinhold described himself as a "shy person unable to shoot anyone," the records show.
This is Peter Hitchenss Mail on Sunday column

To save Alexander Johnsons face, we must all cover our faces. I wont repeat here all the many objections I have made before to compulsory masking, or explain yet again why these measures are of doubtful value, to put it mildly.

It is the motivation for them, an obvious attempt to change the subject away from Partygate, which irks me this time round. But it is also the weird upside-down, inside-out public and media reaction to all this folly. We are angry at the wrong people and the wrong thing.

Here we all are demanding that the police be called to investigate a Christmas party. We are not dealing here with the Watergate burglary or the Profumo Affair.

We are dealing with a few government employees having a drink in the office in the festive season. Personally, I loathe these occasions and would rather go to the dentist, but other people like them and they are quite common.

To save Alexander Johnsons face, we must all cover our faces. I wont repeat here all the many objections I have made before to compulsory masking, or explain yet again why these measures are of doubtful value, to put it mildly

The rage against this event is based on two things. The first is that, at the time of these illegal junketings, insane regulations were keeping husbands from wives, and children from their parents, on their deathbeds. The other is that the courts are still imposing appalling fines on private citizens who likewise defied the Christmas party ban a year ago.

The real reason for fury is that these regulations existed at all. Even if you believe that measures of this kind are much help (I dont), anyone with any sense could see that cruel separation of close relatives at the end of life was not a proportionate response to Covid.

It was a fanatical, inhuman Communist measure that should never have been allowed, like the fearful, heartbreaking limits placed on funerals and the police raids on churches. I keep hearing the word proportionate being used about Covid measures now. But it was not so common then. As I said then, we went mad, like a man who burns down his own house to get rid of a wasps nest.

What you should be angry about is not that people in Downing Street held Christmas parties, but that everyone else was forbidden to do so. If we lived in China, where the authorities actually welded people into their homes, then I suppose such rules would have been normal. But we do not live in that dreadful police state. As Sweden proved, trusting free people to behave sensibly produced results that were certainly no worse than ours.

The real reason for fury is that these regulations existed at all. Even if you believe that measures of this kind are much help (I dont), anyone with any sense could see that cruel separation of close relatives at the end of life was not a proportionate response to Covid, writes Peter Hitchens

Theres one other part of this which gives me the creeps. I do not know Allegra Stratton, the former government spokeswoman, and I doubt I would like her if I did. But I do not think she is a wicked or harmful person, and I think the treatment of her is quite disgusting.

Put simply, some nark and informer has leaked a tape of what she said in private, and made it public for reasons that seem unlikely to be charitable. Again, we should recall that this was not some great abuse of power.

As a result, a fellow creature has been reduced to weeping in public and compelled to humiliate herself before the righteous judges of TV.

Well, I must ask all those involved in gleefully destroying Ms Stratton to consider this: Is there anything you have ever said in private among friends, which you would not wish to be played on national media to the whole world? Anything? Ever? No little incorrect joke that some po-faced Covid Commissar could turn into an indictment that  if well-timed  would ruin your life and career? If so, let us hope for your sake that you have no enemies as unscrupulous as you are.

I am not sure in what way this sort of thing is morally different from the totalitarian surveillance of 1984, which we are all supposed to be so against.

I do not know Allegra Stratton, the former government spokeswoman, and I doubt I would like her if I did. But I do not think she is a wicked or harmful person, and I think the treatment of her is quite disgusting

Beguiled by assurances from the US government that they will not be too horrid to Julian Assange during the decades of hard prison time he faces in America, our judges on Friday allowed his extradition. A pity.

This is a totally political case that ought to have been thrown out on sight by the English courts. Mr Assange is, in the end, a journalist doing his job, and if he can be dragged off to some Federal dungeon then any UK journalist who unveils embarrassing facts about the American state is not safe from this sort of thing.

Our Prime Minister is himself a former journalist, and there may still be enough of the trouble-making spirit in him to see that this is plain wrong. I do hope so. When Theresa May rightly blocked the court-approved extradition of Gary McKinnon to the USA in 2012, the American government did not take elaborate revenge on us. They muttered and grumbled, but in the end the Americans respect nations that stand up to them rather more than they respect those that bow down to them.

The Prime Minister should refuse to allow Mr Assange to be sent to the US, and he should be released from the ridiculously harsh, cruelly prolonged imprisonment in Belmarsh, which he has endured for far too long.

Chinas the Empire that alarms me

Once upon a time reading, not TV or computers, was still the best way into the past, the future and the remote places of the Earth. In those days, I used to read Jules Vernes 19th Century adventure novels with wide-eyed, boyish pleasure.

I loved the solid, stable world he described of steamers and railways, quieter and more secure than ours. So I really ought to look forward to the new BBC serialisation of Around The World In Eighty Days, Phileas Foggs great fictional journey.

But its main actor, David Tennant, wants us to know he disapproves of Vernes world, moaning that in many ways Phileas Fogg represents everything thats alarming and peculiar about that old sense of British Empire. Its a weird thing to say anyway.

But why are modish people such as Mr Tennant so anxious to condemn the British Empire which, for good or ill, vanished long ago?

If he dislikes empires, surely the Chinese one is the thing to worry about, trampling as it does on poor crushed Tibet and the Uighurs of Sinkiang.

It also murders its own people, a crime for which we loudly condemn other nations but which we ignore in Peking. It is both alarming and peculiar and it is here now.

Macho talk on drugs never works

Who else remembers the one-time Met Police Commissioner Ian Blair threatening in 2005 to crack down on middle-class cocaine users? Or Sajid Javid, when he was Home Secretary, making the same threat in 2018?

Now the Prime Minister dons a police woolly hat and declares that he will look at taking away passports and driving licences from such people. As on previous occasions, see if this happens. Bizarrely, he thinks that we still lock people up again and again for using drugs, a claim Id like to see evidence for. Meanwhile, the de facto decriminalisation of drug possession continues. This is why his pledge to stamp out so-called county lines (macho, pseudo-American police-speak for small-town drug dealers) will never succeed. If you dont stamp out the demand, you will never stamp out the supply.

If we want to get anywhere, we should copy Japan and South Korea, where they prosecute drug abusers for possession, not just for dealing. Drug use would dive if we applied the existing law, just as drink driving hugely diminished when they brought in the breathalyser.

If you want to comment on Peter Hitchens, click on Comments and scroll down
A healthy stand of giant sequoia trees bears the signs of a previous fire. Photo credit: NPS

Climate change threatens entire landscapes across the western United States. Meadows, forests, and iconic species like the giant sequoia face pressure from intensifying wildfires and snow drought. Scientists and land managers are looking for practical solutions to cope with these enormous challenges. One solution is to protect climate change refugia. These are areas that experience more gradual effects from climate change than other places. Conserving refugia could allow precious resources to survive, but understanding how to identify and protect them can be difficult. A recent paper published in Conservation Science and Practice shows how we can use existing research and tools to find and preserve climate change refugia on a large scale.



Researchers from several institutions, including the National Park Service, conducted the study described in the paper. They analyzed examples of potential refugia in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California to illustrate how to identify and manage them. Climate change refugia are places buffered from climate change that enable persistence of the things we care about, said Toni Lyn Morelli, an ecologist with the U.S. Geological Survey and a coauthor on the paper. The Sierra Nevada is highly exposed to climate change, she explained, so it feels extra important to find the places more buffered from climate change and protect them.



The Sierra Nevada ecoregion is a prime area to consider for refugia conservation. It contains the highest mountain peak in the Lower 48, the largest alpine lake in North America, and a spectacular array of habitats, animals, and plants. Millions of people rely on its reservoirs for drinking water. Over 60 percent of the region is public land. Morelli thinks that so much of the Sierra Nevada is protected, land management agencies could collaborate on responses to climate change.



The urgency of climate change is acutely visible in the Sierra Nevada. The region recently experienced its most extreme drought in over a thousand years and the largest wildfires it has ever recorded. Experts predict that the end of this century will bring increasing challenges, making climate adaptation planning even more critical.





This was a way for us to get a lot of experts together in the room to brainstorm and refine ideas that will help us in developing our climate adaptation strategies."



The study and paper were catalyzed by a workshop held at Yosemite National Park in 2019. The workshop included representatives from the National Park Service, U.S Geological Survey, and U.S. Department of Agricultures Forest Service, among others. Since then, Morelli and her colleagues at the Refugia Research Coalition have run several such climate change refugia workshops.



Nicole Athearn is the division lead for resource management and science at Yosemite National Park and a coauthor on the paper. She helped put on the first workshop. This was a way for us to get a lot of experts together in the room to brainstorm and refine ideas that will help us in developing our climate adaptation strategies, she said.



Rachel Mazur, a coauthor and program manager for the National Park Service North Cascades Inventory and Monitoring Network, said the primary purpose of the study was to make the intangible tangible. Theres been a lot of talk about refugia, which is an important first step, but how does that talk translate to action on the ground?



To start answering that question, the authors looked at different natural resources in the Sierra Nevada. They divided refugia examples into two kinds of resources: process-based (snow and fire) and ecosystem-based (meadows, old-growth forests, alpine communities, and giant sequoia). They analyzed those resources using the Climate Change Refugia Conservation Cycle that Morelli and her colleagues had previously described.
Reclaiming CultureBefore Its Lost

Gatherers, harvesters, hunters, and healers have lost knowledge as a result of being kept out of national parks and prevented from accessing their own history, their own lands and waters. The loss is accelerating as parks are affected by overcrowding, pollution, and a changing climate.



Sweetgrass grows at the upper edge of salt marshes, a transition zone that is shifting and could disappear as sea levels rise. Higher seas and more intense storm waves threaten other Indigenous cultural spaces in Acadia. Most of the 24 documented archeological sites in the park are coastal shell mounds that are hundreds or thousands of years old. One set of sites at Isle au Haut dates to 4,000 years ago. The National Park Service recommended these sites for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places as a historic district. But it withdrew the recommendation, because erosion had affected the sites integrity.



The archeological sites at Isle au Haut are among the few that have been studied, decades ago. The National Park Service locked away excavated materials from these sites in 1981 and designated the reports as confidential and unavailable to the public. Like access to the sweetgrass fields, accessing historic records has been a challenge for the Wabanaki. Bonnie Newsom, an archeologist and assistant professor at the University of Maine, is a member of the Penobscot Nation. By assuming authority over the management of Wabanaki heritage, archeological practices have distanced communities from their own culture, she said.



Newsom is supported by a Second Century Stewardship Fellowship. She is re-evaluating the parks collections from two previous archeological excavations, including the sites at Isle au Haut. Wabanaki interns Isaac St. John of the University of New Brunswick and Natalie Dana-Lolar of the University of Maine are assisting her. They have retrieved the materials from storage for re-examination and interpretation. They intend to write a new and accessible report summarizing the sites contents and their meaning. Wabanaki people have a history of being relegated to the periphery of archeology, said Newsom. This project puts Wabanaki people at the forefront of the research.





Often we don't use that term family in archeology; we use terms like occupants or inhabitants. But when we call them families, it humanizes them, and it allows us to reconnect on a level of kinship.



Changing the narrative is an important aspect of Newsoms work. We are all trained in Western models of archeological research, said Newsom. But we are making a deliberate shift in how we talk about past people and places and materials, because the terms that people often use are not ours. For example, archeologists and historians often refer to shell mounds as middens, but that term is linked to garbage or waste piles. From a Wabanaki perspective, this may not be an accurate description of shell-bearing sites, said Newsom. These spaces are so much more than that.



Fragments of decorated clay and pieces of flaked stone are not only archeological potsherds and bifaces but also art and gifts from Wabanaki ancestors. Archeological collections reflect past lifeways of Indigenous families. Often we don't use that term family in archeology; we use terms like occupants or inhabitants. But when we call them families, it humanizes them, said Newsom, and it allows us to reconnect on a level of kinship.



The Second Century Stewardship project is personal for Acadia National Park program manager Rebecca Cole-Will. She spent her first season as a professional archeologist working on the same sites that Newsom, Dana-Lolar, and St. John are now evaluating. The place where I was and where archeology was at that time had nothing to do with the Indigenous people who live here today, said Cole-Will. There was never any thought for the people and their participation in the history of this place. When we talked about culture, we werent talking about people at all, we were talking about archeological constructs of what culture was.
Geophysicists collecting ground penetrating radar data. Image  Logic Geophysics / Esther Babcock

Radar to the Rescue

One of our most important tasks was to survey a portion of the site with ground penetrating radar (GPR). GPR is a valuable tool for non-destructively investigating and analyzing sensitive sites like cemeteries. It allowed us to gather data for an initial site assessment and determine which areas within the site would be most vulnerable to damage during the move. It also helped us make a long-term plan for the cemetery.





Relocating graves is a complicated, culturally sensitive endeavor."



Relocating graves is a complicated, culturally sensitive endeavor for these Alaskan communities, said Esther Babcock, the geophysicist who completed the GPR survey. However, she added, before graves can be relocated, they must be located. Geophysical methods provide a tool for locating graves in locations impacted by climate change, whether to move the graves or for other reasons.

GPR uses electromagnetic energy traveling as waves to gain information about subsurface conditions or object locations. Where the energy encounters a change in electrical properties, the change is reflected to a receiver. Several factors are relevant when considering the suitability of GPR as a technique for data collection at a site like Karluk. Soil type and density, water content, and minerology are all important. Collaborating with descendant communities is critical for understanding past and contemporary burial practices. This knowledge aids us in determining the likely presence of formal coffins, simple boxes, other containers, or their absence. The type of burial influences how successful GPR investigations will be.



We conducted the GPR survey at the site in Karluk in two phases. The first phase was completed in advance of the initial building move and covered a rectangular area of approximately 15,000 square feet (1,400 m2) west-southwest of the building. The analysis of this initial survey found a total of 174 likely graves. The graves were from two to six feet (0.6 to 2 m) below the surface, and several were co-located or overlapping at differing depths.



The second phase was completed after we moved the building. This phase covered an L-shaped area of approximately 64,500 square feet (4,600 m2). This brought the total surveyed area to approximately 1.5 acres (6,000 m2). The analysis of the second survey found 434 additional likely burial locations, bringing the total suspected burial locations to 608. The graves were predominantly oriented northeast to southwest.



The GPR survey showed the team where the burials were located and how to best avoid adversely affecting them during the move. It confirmed for the community specific details about the burials. For example, it helped us know which burials are vulnerable to continued erosion and how much effort it would take to relocate them.





Our family and ancestors are buried in the cemetery. Saving all of it means saving who we are as a people of Karluk. Not just us that live here now, but those who no longer do.



This information meant a great deal to the community. The church, cemetery, and property is very important to Karluk, as this is all a part of our heritage, explained Sarah Reft, a working group participant from Karluk. Our family and ancestors are buried in the cemetery. Saving all of it means saving who we are as a people of Karluk. Not just us that live here now, but those who no longer do.



Babcock completed the work under contract with the Russian Orthodox Sacred Sites in Alaska. She expressed confidence in the conditions during data collection and the quality of the data collected. But she did identify several factors that could cause uncertainty, such as the age of the burials, the materials used for caskets, moisture levels, and other soil properties.



Russian Orthodox Sacred Sites in Alaska has been an instrumental and leading partner in this project. Dorothy Gray is chair of the organizations board and a tireless advocate for the church. During the early 1900s, the village of Karluk housed one of the most productive salmon canneries on the entire west coast of the United States, she said. The church cemetery reflects the various people and cultures who were a significant part of that history. If any graves are in danger of being exposed due to climate change and erosion, it will be our sacred duty to move them to the new permanent location of the church.
To mitigate the damage, park staff asked Dominion to replant the right-of-way with a native seed mix and manage it as a grassland. Now, 12 years later, we documented 122 unique grassland plants in the right-of-way, including some that are imperiled. Could this strategy be a way to protect our national park grasslands?

Disturbing Trends

Walk through a natural grassland in the State of Virginia in midsummer, and you might find it hard not to linger. You could watch a monarch butterfly flutter by or smell the fresh scent of mountain mint. Close your eyes and youll hear the buzz of hard-working bees and bird songs in all varieties of tones and rhythms. Youll see vibrant colors and tall grasses, which could reach more than eight feet by the end of summer. It is a dazzling display of natures bounty.



Natural grasslands owe their existence to disturbance. After land is cleared, burned, or mowed, grasses and forbs (flowering plants that arent grasses) are among the first to reappear. Without regular disturbance, a grassland would gradually transition to shrubs and trees until it became a forest a few decades later. Grasslands are ephemeral by nature, an early stage in the natural process called succession.



Prior to European colonization, many believe the eastern U.S. was covered in vast tracts of forest so dense that a squirrel could make its way from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi River without once touching the ground. But the eastern landscape has long been a rich mosaic of forest, wetlands, woodlands, and grasslands. Henslows sparrow is a grassland-specific bird that has evolved independently in the eastern United States and can be found nowhere else on Earth. The existence of such animals is one indication of the persistence of eastern grassland ecosystems across generations.





Some estimates are that over 62 percent of grasslands in North America have been lost.



Disturbances that created grasslands before human arrival were largely driven by fire and flooding. Observations dating back to the 1600s show that Native Americans also created disturbance patterns. They used fire to aid with agriculture and hunting, creating mosaics of successional stages in the process. Even with the onset of intensive agriculture upon European settlement, new crop fields served as habitat for grassland wildlife. Though disturbance patterns changed significantly across these eras, grassland ecosystems persisted throughout, a tribute to natures adaptability.



Natural grasslands serve many purposes. Ranchers use them for grazing livestock. Grassland wildflowers provide food for native bees and other pollinators. Native grasses supply food, shelter, and nests for wildlife. Visitors across hundreds of federally owned lands enjoy visiting natural grasslands. But Bert Harris, director of the Clifton Institute in Northern Virginia, says that natural grasslands today are threatened by development, fire suppression, reforestation, planting non-native pasture grasses, and urban development. Some estimates are that over 62 percent of grasslands in North America have been lost. This is a grim statistic, yet one answer to saving our grasslands could come from an unexpected place.

An Unlikely Solution

Underneath a power line is a section of land called a right-of-way. Power companies have legal access to rights-of-way on public land to perform necessary monitoring and maintenance. This often involves clearing tall or woody plants that could threaten to interfere with the lines. Because of this, power line rights-of-way are uniquely suited for grassland protection and restoration. Eliminating tall woody species serves to maintain the early successional grassland habitat that many species need to survive.



Twelve years had passed since the Dominion power line was installed, and the Manassas resource management team wanted to know how the grassland underneath was faring. We wanted to find out what exactly was growing there, whether it was a healthy grassland ecosystem, and if any management changes were necessary.



To answer these questions, we established 40 randomly dispersed study plots throughout the Dominion power line right-of-way. We analyzed each plot within a one-meter-square area for species presence and abundance using the Braun-Blanquet methodology. We made three rounds of surveys in June, August, and October of 2021. We documented 122 unique species in our surveys and made several important findings.





Grasslands support thousands of pollinator-friendly plants that cant be found in other ecosystems.

Pollinator Plants under the Power Lines

Approximately 90 percent of wild flowering plants and 75 percent of food crops depend on pollinators. Unfortunately, these species are under threat globally. Forty percent of invertebrate pollinators and close to 17 percent of vertebrate pollinators are threatened with extinction. Grasslands support thousands of pollinator-friendly plants that cant be found in other ecosystems; their protection is critical for pollinator populations to recover.



The peak months for flowering plants are July through September. In these months, we found many different types of important pollinator plants under the power lines. We found milkweeds, which are the sole larval hosts for monarch butterflies but also attract a wide array of bees and moths. We also found narrow-leaf mountain mint, which attracts native bees and blue and copper butterflies. Goldenrods of several varieties bloomed in the right-of-way at different points throughout the summer, providing nectar for butterflies, moths, and several species of native bees, as well as seed for songbirds.



Early and late summer did not see as many pollinator-friendly plants in the Dominion right-of-way. Plants that bloom in the early and late season are relatively rare and often overlooked, but they provide crucial ecological services. Early bloomers support early emerging queen bumblebees, solitary bees, pollinator flies, and beetles. Later blooming species are vital nectar sources for fall-migrating monarchs. Seeding these plants under the power line would support a wider variety of pollinators across all lifecycle stages.
Comparing Two Key Data Sets

The data the papers authors had in mind had been collected through point counts by Point Blue staff in Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Point Reyes National Seashore, and neighboring state and local parks, since 1997. More recently, this data gathering project became a part of the San Francisco Bay Area Networks long-term Landbird Monitoring Program, which focuses on tracking birds in riparian habitats (next to a river or stream).



But wait, whats a point count? A point count is when someone stands in a set spot for a set amount of time, and records all the birds they can see or hear, plus how far away they are. We start right after sunrise, Dettling explained, and in these riparian areas, it can be overwhelming at times, just because there's lots of different birds. You kind of have to have had your coffee and be on your toes, ready for that first point.



Though the point counts arent always easy, collecting enough data can be even more challenging. Without enough data, researchers can describe bird populations at moments in time, but they cant answer more complicated questions about population trends. As Dettling told me, those long term data sets are usually pretty difficult to maintain and keep getting funding for, which is why the inventory and monitoring program is such an important part of getting this project done.



So, long-term data to look at bird trends in protected areas: check. But to continue with their study, the Point Blue researchers also needed to compare the land bird program data with long-term trend data from unprotected areas. They turned to data from two North American Breeding Bird Survey regions, one encompassing Point Reyes and Golden Gate, and another just to the north. Founded in 1966, the breeding bird survey is a citizen science project led by the U.S. Geological Survey. Like the land bird program, it uses point counts, making it easier to compare data from the two programs.
Can you eat them? is a question I often get when I mention to visitors that freshwater mussels live in Cub Creek. This 35-mile perennial warmwater stream flows through Homestead National Historical Park, near Beatrice, Nebraska. Homestead sits about four miles upstream of where Cub Creek meets the Big Blue River. The creek drains over 90,000 acres of land. On average, Cub Creek is a little more than 16 feet wide and about one foot deep. It has steep, unvegetated banks, flanked by riparian woodlands with hackberry, bur oak, and elm.

A Vital Underdog in Need of Help

Even though freshwater mussels are overlooked by most visitors to creeks and rivers, they are a vital part of the aquatic ecosystem. They provide valuable services to water users and aquatic organisms. They filter water, repackaging nutrients and making them more available to other aquatic life. Mussels help hold the stream bed in place by acting like rocks, creating places where caddisflies and other small aquatic animals can build their homes. Their long, sedentary lives and their size make them important indicators of ecosystem health.



Estimates are that about 10 percent of freshwater mussel species in the United States are extinct as a result of human activity, and 60 percent are imperiled or vulnerable. We dont fully know the impacts of decreased mussel diversity, but removing any nexus of a food web can have ripple effects throughout the ecosystem. Restoring freshwater mussel diversity will help the aquatic ecosystem be more resilient to change. Evidence exists for 25 different species of native freshwater mussels in the Big Blue watershed in Nebraska. The maximum range of 16 of those species has decreased by 70 percent or more. We are hoping to reverse that trend.
What is an American? Is he white, black, yellow, red or any other certain color? It is generally conceded that he is any one of these or a mixture of them all. That is one of the principles of our constitution, is it not? wrote Sergeant George Yamauchi to the Pasco Herald on December 15, 1943. Prior to writing this article, George, then a student at the University of Washington, had been expelled from his home in Seattle and taken to Minidoka Internment Camp in Idaho. Later, the Yamauchi familys home was demolished for the reconstruction of the Lewis Street Bridge, the only way African American residents of East Pasco could cross the railroad tracks, which separated them from the rest of their city. This is just one of several untold stories highlighted below.

Scroll down for sites that explore the little-known stories of the Manhattan Project 
Arguably the star in any mixed nut bag, pecans are big business in the United States. According to the American Pecan Council, the U.S. produces more than 300 million pounds of pecans annually, mostly in Southern and Southwestern states. With their mild, deliciously nutty and buttery flavor, pecans tend to gain the most attention from American nut-lovers around the holidays.

The Selman family of Oklahoma has been growing pecans commercially for more than 40 years. Chad Selmans father started his business, S&S Pecan Co., with a single orchard outside Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1980. Selman spent his childhood alongside his dad, working the farm as it flourished. After four years at college earning a business degree, the pecans pulled Selman back home, and he re-joined his father in the shady groves. After his dad retired, Selman  a former president of the Oklahoma Pecan Growers Board and member of the American Pecan Council  founded his own company in 2013, Selman Farms LLC, which now includes more than 50 groves (including his dads first orchard). In January of 2021, the entrepreneur expanded and formed the Selman Nut Company to take a crack at wholesale and online retail.

Mighty tall and mighty prosperous

Pecans are the seeds of a species of hickory trees indigenous to the Southern and Southwestern United States and Mexico. A new pecan tree can begin bearing pecans at around 10 years old, but, according to Selman, most really crank things up when theyre teenagers, at around 15 years old. And they dont stop, he says. I think there are trees from the 1800s still alive and producing. Many of these hickories are almost as tall as they are old, reaching about 130 feet into the sky, and can produce 1,000 pounds of nuts a year, each. For comparison, most trees yield about 100 pounds annually.

The native, more sustainable way

The majority of trees in Selmans groves are a wild, native variety. They are the original nut that was growing naturally in Oklahoma, he says. While the state of Oklahoma is around fifth in the nation for total pecan production, its in the top three for native production.

According to Selman, pecans are an easy crop to grow (at least in pecan country), but he praises attributes of the original pecan. Because natives are, as the name says, native to here, theyve adapted to do well without a lot of input from us, he says. That makes them more sustainable.

Selman Farms doesnt need to irrigate its native groves; rainfall does the trick. The areas naturally occurring grasses and clover add the right amount of nitrogen to the soil around the trees, so theres no call for chemical fertilizers either. On the flip side, some other, non-native varieties require fungicides to stop ailments, like pecan scab.

There is a drawback. The natives are cheaper to grow, but they sell for less, which is the opposite of the way things go with some other foods; today, many people will pay a premium for a natural product.

That mindset hasnt made its way to the pecan industry yet, but were pushing for that, Selman says.

From tree, to seed, to store

When its time for harvest, a giant C-clamp-like machine grabs the tree trunks and shakes the nuts loose. The vibrations bring more than pecans to the ground, so workers follow behind and remove the sticks and other debris that fell. Next, another machine collects them. It has rubber fingers that roll over the nuts, sweeping them up into the machine, Selman says. It also uses blasts of air to blow off grass and leaves before emptying the pecans into buckets on a trailer for transport.

At the end of a prosperous season, Selman harvests more than 1 million pounds of pecans from about 30,000 trees, and they all end up at the farms base of operations where theyre evaluated and sorted by sophisticated machines judging weight and color  good pecans are heavier and have a lighter brown hue. Human eyes do the final inspection, examining the nuts as they move past on a conveyor belt.

Theyre then sold on the wholesale market and at that point, theyll head to a sheller, where the meat is removed, resulting in the finished pecans available at grocery stores or from a specialty retailer like Selman Nut Company, which also sells roasted pecans, other nuts and treats like praline candies and pecans enrobed in bourbon-maple coating.

Selman says his work reaps rewards that go beyond the tangible take. Ive just been in it so long, and I love it. And like those mammoth, 200-year-old trees, his satisfaction keeps growing. At the end of a long day, when you get a good crop in, its just a really great feeling, he says. I enjoy knowing Im producing something people want.

Interested in trying Selman Nut Companys pecans for yourself? Get a pack, here.
Mecklenburg County Public Health announced Friday afternoon that a UNC Charlotte student tested positive for the omicron variant. The health department also confirmed that the student had been isolated and is now recovered. There was also only one known contact in the case.

It is not a cause for panic. It is something that we are lucky to have had some lead time to be able to prepare for, educate on, and make sure we are doing everything we can to protect the community, she said. It puts us in a very different place than prior variants of concern because it was detected very quickly, before it was already well embedded into our communities and our populations. It gives us time to mitigate the spread we are likely to see in the ongoing weeks.
During my tenure I have seen our legislative session lengthen to the point where session in October, November, and December (well past our planned adjournment at the end of June) has become the norm, Turner said in a statement on his website. This is unsustainable.

For those who live several hours away from the state capital, the cost of housing while in session can add up, too. Members do receive a daily stipend of $104 while the legislature is in session, but that hardly covers the cost of rent or a hotel stay these days. For years, some legislators, including Turner, have chosen to camp at the state fairgrounds.

Theres a reason so many members of the General Assembly are high-ranking lawyers or business owners, work in real estate or are independently wealthy. There arent many jobs that allow someone to spend the overwhelming majority of their time doing something else entirely  and a legislative paycheck alone is hardly enough for one person, let alone a family, to live off of. County commissioners and city council members across the state typically earn low salaries, too, despite the time commitment.

It selects for certain kinds of people, and those are people with money and flexibility, Cooper said.
Bays joins Mattoon law firm as associate

MATTOON  John P. Bays has joined the Mattoon law firm of Heller, Holmes & Associates, P.C.

Bays graduated from Charleston High School in May 2011. From 2011 to 2017, he was a student at Eastern Illinois University and received a bachelor of arts degree in history magna cum laude and a masters degree in history with distinction.

Bays attended the William S. Boyd School of Law at the University of Nevada Las Vegas and received his Juris Doctor degree in May 2021. While a law student, he was a member of the Nevada Law Journal, was an Education Advocacy Clinic Student attorney and a teaching assistant. He received top scores in nine of his law school classes and graduated first in his class.

Bays was admitted to the Bar of the State of Illinois on Nov. 10. He is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association and the Coles-Cumberland Bar Association.

At the firm, Bays will work in the areas of personal injury, wrongful death, products liability, commercial litigation and transactions.

Bays resides in Charleston with his wife, Kendel.

Taggart receives All-American award

CHARLESTON  Country Financial Representative Matthew Taggart of Charleston has earned a position on the insurance groups distinguished All American team.

Taggart is among a select group of top Country Financial agency managers and financial representatives who qualified for the award. Country Financial has more than 2,000 agency managers and financial representatives in 17 states.

All American is awarded each year to agency managers and financial representatives who have excelled in identifying insurance products and financial solutions that fit the needs of their customers.

This is his 14th consecutive All-American award.

Taggart serves customers in Coles, Clark, Cumberland and surrounding counties from his office at 105 S. Washington St., Westfield. The office phone number is 217-967-5222.

Staton named supervisor at West & Company

MATTOON  West & Company, LLC is pleased to announce that Kathleen M. Staton has joined the firms Mattoon office as a Supervisor.

Staton holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from Illinois State University and a masters of business administration with an accounting concentration from Eastern Illinois University. She resides in Mattoon.

Staton comes to West & Company, LLC with 13 years of previous tax, audit and general accounting experience with both a private company and a public accounting firm.

The partner in charge of the Mattoon office, Diana Smith, stated, We are very happy to add Kathleen to our team. Her experience fits very well with our clientele, allowing us to strengthen our Mattoon office with another experienced professional.

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A 12-year-old was shot in the back and a CTA bus driver attacked within 20 minutes and less than half a mile apart in the Loop last Saturday night.

The attack of the bus driver and videos of teenagers gathering downtown circled social media, causing city officials to develop a plan to curb violence downtown during the holiday season.

This weekend, Chicago police are beefing up patrols and taking other measures to prevent violence and other disorderly conduct from happening again. And a private security firm will monitor the safety of CTA bus drivers, according to the drivers union.

Chicago police Superintendent David Brown held a news conference at police headquarters Friday morning to discuss what occurred last weekend and share police plans for the weekend.

Twenty young people were arrested Dec. 4 downtown for disorderly conduct, battery and reckless conduct, and another nine young people were issued curfew violations, Brown said. The department did anticipate a large crowd of children and teenagers last Saturday and worked with youth outreach workers to help mitigate some of the young people.

Everyone is always welcomed downtown, everyone, Brown said. Chicago belongs to all of us, but if you come downtown or anywhere else to engage in disorderly conduct or other crimes, you will get arrested.

Brown added that the lives of these children and teenagers matter and their futures are valuable, which is why the department is investing in community engagement programs to keep kids involved.

In the short term, officers throughout the department had one of their two regular days off canceled for the weekend so more officers are available to respond to violence downtown and the central business district, Chief of Patrol Brian McDermott said. The department also worked with the mayors office and other city agencies to create a comprehensive plan to deal with any large gathering that may occur in Millennium Park.

Brown said the department believes that young people will gather at Millennium Park and police are prepared to get kids back on a train, call their parents or arrest the kids if needed. He said he could not comment on the specific number of officers that will be deployed over the weekend, but it is a significant increase of officers who will be deployed into neighborhoods and downtown.

Police will also enforce the citys curfew, McDermott said.

After last weekend, the city learned that parents have been dropping off children as young as 12 years old downtown without adult supervision, Brown said.

But that is not the role of police to babysit peoples kids, Brown said.

Shootings are up 9% citywide compared with the same time last year, according to Chicago police data that dates to last Sunday. But since 2019, shootings are up 67% citywide.

When asked about conversations the Police Department has had with downtown business owners, Brown said that Deputy Chief Jill Stevens, whose area covers downtown, has been talking to those people to assure them that there will be a higher presence and more resources in the area.

Chicago aldermen also advanced their own plan this week to levy an additional property tax on Magnificent Mile businesses, with part of the money going toward safety improvements.

The tax of 0.05% on the value of property within the district, which includes North Michigan Avenue and some nearby blocks where high-end boutiques are clustered, is expected to bring in $742,033 annually, with $472,194 dedicated to public health and safety programs.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot tried to fast-track the North Michigan Avenue special taxing district last year, saying business owners on the Magnificent Mile wanted to pay into the fund to improve security following looting incidents there and coax shoppers back to the area during the pandemic.

But downtown aldermen Brendan Reilly and Brian Hopkins opposed the mayors expedited process, saying her administration didnt consult with them about local priorities and gave too little time to take the pulse of commercial property owners within the boundaries of the proposed district. Aldermen declined to approve the plan then, which the mayor called a mistake, and aldermanic prerogative at its worst.

A year later, Reilly and Hopkins dropped that opposition. The full City Council is set to consider the proposed taxing district Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the union representing Chicago Transit Authority bus drivers has indicated its members are fed up worrying about their safety. Keith Hill, president of Local 241, said the union worked with activist Early Walker to find security firms to guard hot spots where CTA workers have been attacked.

One of those locations will be East Washington Street and North Michigan Avenue, the site of the Dec. 4 attack on a CTA bus driver  and steps from the September shooting of a different CTA driver in the first block of East Washington. The Chicago-based Guarded Interest Security Firm has stepped up to volunteer its guards.

Enough is enough, Hill said. Something has to give to give us protection while we try to earn a living and make us feel safe. Not just us, the passengers too as well on the bus.

The CTA does not allow weapons on its property, so the guards will stand outside at the bus stops and check in with the driver about any safety concerns once the doors open, Walker said. He criticized how Chicago police seem to not have enough manpower to handle the violence, saying that its time for private security firms to fill in the gaps.

But while the security guards will be armed, they wont engage with anyone causing trouble, Walkers spokesman Sean Howard said. Instead, they will alert police immediately.

Hill added that assaults on CTA operators on rail and bus lines have doubled from last year, reaching close to 400. In 2020, that number was about 150, and in 2019 it was under 300. Hill said the injuries also appear to be more serious.

The transit union is planning to block traffic Saturday afternoon to protest recent violence against its members, Hill said. The march will start at City Hall and end at Washington and Michigan, close to the Millennium Park Christmas tree.

We just wont quit, Hill said. We want safety for Christmas. Thats it.

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CHICAGO - A 26-year-old man was fatally wounded early Saturday morning while standing on a friends porch, and at least six other victims were injured in city shootings since 9 p.m. Friday, Chicago police said.

The fatal shooting happened about 3:25 a.m. in the Palmer Square neighborhood in the 2100 block of North Palmer Avenue.

Police said the victim was standing on the porch of a friends home when he suffered a gunshot wound to the head. His friend discovered him there after hearing a loud sound of gunfire. He was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

No one was in custody, and detectives were investigating.

In non-fatal shootings overnight Friday into Saturday morning:

Around 2 a.m. Saturday, a 22-year-old man was shot in the leg, and taken to Advocate Trinity Hospital where he was listed in good condition. Police said the victim was uncooperative and would not tell officers any details about the shooting.

Around 12:30 a.m., a 42-year-old man was shot in the 3400 block of West Lake Street in East Garfield Park neighborhood. Police said the man was outside when he was shot multiple times to. the body. He was taken in critical condition to Mount Sinai Hospital.

Around 11:35 p.m. Friday, a 20-year-old man was grazed by gunfire while driving in the 800 block of South Kedzie Avenue in the Homan Square neighborhood, police said. The victim was attempting to make a left turn at a traffic light when he heard several shots and felt pain. The victim believes someone traveling in a white SUV opened fire. He was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital with a graze wound to the head, and listed in good condition.

Shortly before 10:15 p.m., a 25-year-old man was shot while driving in the 3700 block of South Hermitage Avenue in the McKinley Park neighborhood. The victim was traveling south when someone exited a gangway and began shooting in his direction. The victim suffered a leg wound, and was taken to Stroger Hospital where he was listed in good condition, police said.

Around 9 p.m., a 39-year-old woman and a 27-year-old man were both shot in the 7100 block of South Western Avenue in the Marquette Park neighborhood. Both victims were outside when they heard several shots and felt pain. The woman suffered a gunshot wound to the buttocks, and the man suffered two shots to the stomach area. Both victims were taken to Holy Cross Hospital in fair condition, but were expected to be taken to Mount Sinai Hospital for further treatment, police said.

No one was in custody for any of the shootings, and detectives were investigating.

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The recent rise in flash mob retail thefts and violent crime has hit home on North Michigan Avenue and at other iconic Chicago destinations, deterring holiday shopping and tourism as the city tries to emerge from nearly two years of pandemic stasis.

From retailers and restaurants to hotels, businesses are beefing up security and seeking help from law enforcement as visitors stay away in droves, alarmed by the confluence of organized crime and seemingly random assaults plaguing even once safe locales like the Magnificent Mile.

People are paying attention to this, said Kimberly Bares, president and CEO of the Magnificent Mile Association, a private membership organization focused on promoting the shopping district along North Michigan Avenue. If there is an incident or concern about an incident, people are choosing not to come downtown.

Chicago has long grappled with both the reality and perception of violence, from the days of Al Capone to the citys more recent image as a center of gun violence. But that picture was always painted as a split-screen, with the citys gleaming downtown, lakefront and shopping meccas such as North Michigan Avenue seen as somehow insulated from criminal activity.

Some of those imaginary lines have been crossed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A number of smash-and-grab retail thefts have taken place along Michigan Avenue this holiday season, shattering windows and a sense of security at Nieman Marcus, Canada Goose, North Face and Burberry, among other locations.

CTA bus drivers planned a protest march Saturday after a driver was assaulted while stopped on North Michigan Avenue last weekend. Chicago police also planned to increase patrols and enforce curfews in the wake of broader downtown violence, while a private security firm monitors the safety of CTA bus drivers.

Organized retail theft is on the rise nationwide, costing retailers an average of $700,000 per $1 billion in sales, according to the National Retail Federation, with Chicago ranked third behind Los Angeles and San Francisco in reported thefts.

The Chicago Police Department reported 11,865 thefts this year through Dec. 5, up 19% over last year. Thefts during the holiday shopping season are up 36% over last year, according to police data.

The increase in thefts, particularly the coordinated flash mobs that have descended on shopping destinations from Michigan Avenue to Northbrook, have landed like a one-two punch for retailers still struggling to recover from the ongoing pandemic.

Theres nowhere thats immune, said Rob Karr, president and CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association. Its devastating.

Store owners already dealing with labor shortages, supply chain issues and increased online competition are beginning to elevate security to the top of their priority lists, Karr said, spending hundreds of millions of dollars nationwide to address the rise in retail theft.

While retailers are investing more in security measures, there are limits to what they can do to fight crime at the store level, Karr said.

We cant turn our stores into armed camps, Karr said. We cant put everything behind lock and key. Retail doesnt work that way. It doesnt work for the consumer that way.

Karr said the primary responsibility rests with law enforcement, with whom the merchants association is working to develop strategies to combat organized retail theft. He said the association will have some ideas to share in the not-too-distant future.

The increasingly brazen retail thefts and assaults are giving people more reasons to stay home this holiday season, casting a pall on a broader swath of consumer-facing Chicago businesses.

Michael Fassnacht, president and CEO of World Business Chicago and the citys chief marketing officer, said in an email that the city is addressing the problem.

Public safety is one of Mayor (Lori) Lightfoots top priorities, and World Business Chicago works with the Mayors Office and local law enforcement to address public safety concerns within the business community, Fassnacht said. The challenges we are seeing are not a unique problem for Chicago and have not directly impacted our economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Chicago restaurant industry, which has been hard-hit by the pandemic, is already facing a potentially dark winter, with thousands of restaurateurs on the brink of closing permanently without additional federal relief, according to Sam Toia, president of the Illinois Restaurant Association.

Theres no question that people that might come in from the suburbs, or people that might come visit our city, might be a little cautious because of whats going on with crime, Toia said. Crime and public safety are top concerns for restaurants throughout Chicago, especially in our central business district. Its just another issue that restaurant owners and operators need to start dealing with now.

Chicago hotels have also struggled during the pandemic, with occupancy dropping from 74% in 2019 to 26% last year in the central business district, according to data from research firm STR. The industry seemed to be recovering, with occupancy projected to hit 42% this year, but the omicron variant and the rise in crime threaten to halt that progress.

Michael Jacobson, president and CEO of the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association, said the Chicago hotel industry  both convention and leisure travel  is losing business because of the growing fear of crime among travelers.

Absolutely, it is, Jacobson said. And its something that we cant as an industry or cant as a city afford for that to continue.

Chicago reached 54% hotel occupancy in October, but still lags behind Boston, Los Angeles, New York and Dallas as pandemic-era travel begins to increase. Only San Francisco and Washington, D.C., had lower hotel occupancy rates than Chicago, Jacobson said.

Leisure travel, which falls off in Chicago over the winter every year, is facing softening demand during the holiday season, while declining business travel has reduced midweek occupancy to the single digits at some hotels, Jacobson.

Because conventions are planned in advance, the impact of rising crime may take five or six years to fully calculate, Jacobson said.

Where its hurting us on the convention side is for future bids, Jacobson said. Theres no way to quantify how many groups arent considering Chicago now when they otherwise would have if there werent this perception issue on crime.

Chicago hotels are likewise fortifying security while the association meets with city and county officials to strategize a broader plan for reducing crime in the city, Jacobson said.

Sable at Navy Pier, a luxury 223-room hotel that opened at one of Chicagos most popular tourist attractions in March, has struggled with occupancy. The hotel has assuaged worried guests and beefed up its own security  even as its remote peninsular location has helped insulate it from some of the criminal activity plaguing the city.

We hear it all the time from people that are visitors to our city, said longtime hotelier Bob Habeeb, CEO of Maverick Hotels and Restaurants, which developed and operates Sable at Navy Pier. They say, we hear about all these murders and shootings, and were afraid. Were afraid to come there.

Habeeb, 60, said the hotel reached a relatively robust 70% occupancy over the summer months, but that business is declining as winter comes and some leisure travelers get cold feet about Chicagos safety.

In addition to Navy Piers private security force, the hotel has implemented additional measures to protect visitors and guests, Habeeb said.

We have dedicated a lot more of our budget to security than we had planned originally, Habeeb said.

While the pandemic may recede, Habeeb said a reputation for crime could linger, hampering business and deterring travelers for years  even after the city gets it under control. The Sables remote location may be a bright spot in an otherwise gloomy outlook.

Its a strange twist of things that our location has actually turned out to be a huge benefit to us, Habeeb said. Because the marketplace thats remained robust is leisure, and weve got a great leisure location. And people do feel safe out on the pier.

The Magnificent Mile has also faced a tough road during the pandemic, with a Tribune analysis in April finding 28 vacant storefronts, or just over 25% of the 110 businesses on the avenue. In August, Japanese clothing giant Uniqlo became the latest major retailer to depart, following Gap and Macys.

Bares said the rise in crime may discourage new tenants from locating on Michigan Avenue.

It has the potential to influence investors decisions, Bares said. And if they have a choice between a suburban location or a downtown location, they may well choose that suburban location rather than downtown.

Looking beyond this holiday season, the North Michigan Avenue district is taking steps to improve safety and reduce crime in the new year by forming a special service area, which will assess additional property taxes effective Jan. 1, pending City Council approval. The new taxing district would raise an additional $742,033 annually, with $472,194 dedicated to public health and safety programs.

The measure, which is supported by the Magnificent Mile Association, has already earmarked some of the funds for increased security, Bares said

We have funds for off-duty police officers, for new cameras to be installed on properties that dont currently have cameras, Bares said.

But getting crime under control on Michigan Avenue will require more than increased security by the retailers, Bares said.

Bares said the 2016 decision by then newly elected Cook County States Attorney Kim Foxx to raise the limit for charging shoplifters with a felony crime from $300 to $1,000 provided an incentive for retail theft by reducing many hauls to a misdemeanor. The solution, she said, is to turn back the clock on that law.

We would like to see the Cook County states attorneys office lower the limit for felony prosecution, Bares said. I think it sends a message.

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Martha McSally

Martha Elizabeth McSally (March 22, 1966) McSally is the first U.S. woman to fly in combat and also the first to command a fighter squadron. She retired from the Air Force in 2010 achieving the rank of colonel.

Beginning her career in politics, McSally was elected to the House of Representatives in 2014 and served two terms. McSally was the Republican nominee in Arizonas 2018 U.S. Senate election but lost to Democrat Kyrsten Sinema. After interim Sen. Jon Kyl resigned from the states other Senate seat, Gov. Doug Ducey appointed McSally to replace him.

In 2020 there was a special election to determine whether McSally would serve the remainder of a Senate term. She lost the election to the Democratic nominee, former astronaut Mark Kelly, husband of former congresswoman Gabby Gifford. Therefore, McSallys political career ended on Dec. 2, 2020.

While in office she was a staunch Republican opposing same-sex marriage and abortion in nearly all cases, saying both issues should be decided at a state level. She also advocated increased military spending.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, McSally praised President Trump for his response to the crisis. On April 2, 2020, she called for the World Health Organization director general to resign.

A Democratic super PAC targeted McSally over her coronavirus response and comments she made in early March saying that calling on people to stay home from work or to skip spring break trips is too much of a panicked reaction.

In May 2020, McSally said she would not commit to further coronavirus relief funding. She stated that Democratic-voting states and cities, such as Chicago and New York, had mismanaged their budgets for decades and that they should not expect to get aid. A spokeswoman for her office later said her comments were not meant to be public.

McSally voted with President Trump approximately 95 percent of the time. However, she did not endorse Trump in the presidential election in 2016 and did not take a position on whether voters in her district should vote for Trump.

In December 2019, amid the impeachment inquiry into President Trump over his alleged attempts to get the president of Ukraine to announce an investigation into Joe Biden and his son, McSally said she had not been convinced that Trump should be impeached.

In 2020, during Trumps Senate impeachment trial, she voted against allowing additional witnesses and documents and voted to acquit Trump of all charges.

Being in lock step with other Republicans, McSally opposes the Raise the Wage Act, which would gradually raise the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour.

As of 2019, McSally had received $ 372,615 from gun rights groups. Still, she stated that she supported specific legislative efforts to prevent gun violence, like red flag laws, assault weapons bans and stricter background checks.

In her personal life, she married Air Force officer Donald Frederick Henry, but had the marriage annulled. The couple were only married from 1997 to 1999.

McSally continues to be active in politics but currently does not hold an elected office.

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Virginia Marie Spencer was influenced by former Donald Trump and media converage to enter the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, her attorney argues in court documents. She said she followed the crowd, along with her husband and their 14-year-old son, into the Capitol building that day and that she committed no violent acts or damaged any property, the attorney said. He urges a federal judge to consider a 12-month probationary sentence, while prosecutors want her to spend three months in prison.
This newest lawsuit centers on Robert Jenkins. According to the lawsuit, Jenkins was a Forsyth County sheriffs deputy who worked, along with his wife, as a house parent at the Stockton Cottage at the Childrens Home. The lawsuit does not indicate whether any criminal charges were ever filed against Jenkins. It says the attorneys have not been able to find Jenkins and dont know whether he is alive.

The boy and his sister moved to the Childrens Home in 1966. At the time, the boy was 10. He lived in two different cottages over the next four to five years before he ran away, the lawsuit said. When he was found, the boy was sent to live in Stockton Cottage.

The lawsuit said Jenkins often rode around campus in his patrol vehicle and wore his deputy uniform. The alleged sexual assault happened during Easter Weekend in April 1971. Many children had left to spend time with family, but the boy was required to remain behind, according to the lawsuit.

He could walk to downtown Winston-Salem to see a movie. On the day of the alleged assault, it rained, and the boy sought shelter. That led to the boy getting to the cottage late, and Jenkins berated him, shouting obscenities and threatening to hurt him, the lawsuit said.
Since early July, the vast majority of the COVID-related hospitalizations and deaths locally and statewide have been among unvaccinated people, hospital officials say. There also have been deaths among vaccinated people who were immunocompromised or who had other health issues.

Forsyths number of new cases has ranged in recent weeks from 40 a day to a nine-week high of 169 reported Dec. 2.

With Fridays report, Forsyth is at an average of 28.3 cases per 100,000 people over the most recent 14-day period, while Guilford is at 21.7 per 100,000.

Forsyths positive test rate has averaged 9% over the past two weeks. Thats up from 5.1% on Nov. 15.

Dr. Christopher Ohl, an infectious diseases expert with Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, said Thursday that the latest uptick is related to Thanksgiving-related holiday gatherings and travel.

Our travel during this past Thanksgiving was the highest its been since the pandemic, and actually about back to pre-pandemic (passenger) loads for the airlines, Ohl said.

People getting together, people getting exposed and the virus transmits.

Statewide update
As a Wall Street Journal editorial accurately put it: The Biden administrations problem is that it came into office believing that the main threat to world stability was Donald Trump. The editorial adds: China is buying Iranian oil in violation of U.S. sanctions, but the U.S. is also doing little about that. (A) Biden official said that was best handled diplomatically and that the President had taken it up directly with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Mr. Biden weakened Mr. Trumps maximum pressure campaign against Irans nuclear program and has put nothing but diplomatic entreaties in its place.

Rogue regimes only engage in diplomacy if they think they can pick the pocket of their adversary.

The West too often believes everyone wants to be like us. If that were true, wouldnt they already be more like us?

Evil must be opposed, or it grows in nations, as well as in individuals. The crime wave in America is partly the result of soft-on-crime judges, prosecutors, district attorneys and calls to defund the police. Criminals naturally see this weakness as an opportunity to loot and kill, fearing few, if any, consequences.
On Nov. 23, a Charlottesville, Va., jury returned verdicts totaling $26 million against more than a dozen hate groups and white supremacist members. It found these defendants had conspired to intimidate, harass and commit acts of violence during the Unite the Right rally in August 2017. One of the defendants, neo-Nazi James Alex Fields Jr., plowed his car through a crowd of protesters, killing 32-year-old Heather Heyer and striking four of the nine successful plaintiffs. Fields had been criminally convicted earlier and is in prison for life.

How do the plaintiffs collect $26 million? Many people think you walk up to a pay window somewhere in the courthouse and collect your money. Not so!

Collection is time-consuming, arduous, expensive and technical. I know; I went through it in a case before I became a judge. After settling with the deep-pocket District of Columbia government for a lesser amount in lieu of appeal, I collected the entire verdict by pursuing the assets of the two police officers who had mercilessly shot my client. You can read details at www.peterhwolf.blog, post No. 20.

Let me explain the basics of collection by slimming Charlottesville down to just three characteristic parties:
MAYFIELD, Ky. (AP)  A monstrous tornado, carving a track that could rival the longest on record, ripped across the middle of the U.S. in a stormfront that killed dozens and tore apart a candle factory, crushed a nursing home, derailed a train and smashed an Amazon warehouse.

I pray that there will be another rescue. I pray that there will be another one or two, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said, as crews sifted through the wreckage of the candle factory in Mayfield, where 110 people were working overnight Friday when the storm hit. Forty of them were rescued.

We had to, at times, crawl over casualties to get to live victims, said Jeremy Creason, the citys fire chief and EMS director.

In Kentucky alone, 22 were confirmed dead by Saturday afternoon, including 11 in and around Bowling Green. But Beshear said upwards of 70 may have been killed when a twister touched down for more than 200 miles (320 kilometers) in his state and that the number of deaths could eventually exceed 100 across 10 or more counties.

The death toll of 36 across five states includes six people in Illinois, where an Amazon facility was hit; four in Tennessee; two in Arkansas, where a nursing home was destroyed; and two in Missouri.
Meanwhile, some time during this period, Johnson, the groom, asked a clerk how to prevent the marriage from going through.

The clerk told him the marriage was already valid, which led to the issuance of a new marriage license. It was signed by the couple, notarized and then signed by the minister who performed the wedding ceremony. The license was filed by the Clerk's Office in January of 2017, stating the couple had been married two years earlier.

But in about May of 2018, Peterson moved out. Among the evidence submitted in the case were text messages exchanged by the couple at the time in which they referred to each other as husband and wife.

Six months after Peterson moved out, Johnson applied for a marriage license with Natalie Forney. The couple were married on Nov. 15, 2018.

The dual marriage licenses came to light the following year after the first wife attempted to file her income taxes as "married filing jointly" with Johnson. The IRS had rejected her filing, informing her that Johnson had already filed income taxes as married filing jointly with Forney. That led to a police investigation, bigamy charges being filed and rulings by both county court and district court judges that Johnson was guilty of bigamy.
The video showed the employee confront a man, later identified as Nyland, near the exit of the store. Nyland then took out several merchandise items from his jacket. The employee then asked him to open his jacket to ensure there were not anymore concealed items. Nyland then pushed his way to the exit before the employee blocked him. He shoved the employee into the front windows and the two began to wrestle in the foyer area for 10-15 minutes. Nyland then left the store and got into a red Dodge SUV. The employee said that during the fight, Nyland said Im going to kill you. Let me go.
RACINE  As a Racine native gets closer and closer to competing on stage on the East Coast for Miss America, she described her feelings as surreal and humbling.

Jennifer Schmidt, who has lived in the Racine area her whole life, said not only does it feel special to compete as the only Wisconsin representative in Miss America, but it feels even more special that its during the 100th anniversary of the event.

I feel especially blessed, Schmidt said. Its a very historic competition and its cool to say Im the only Miss Wisconsin who gets to do that. Im excited to represent the state and I know that our people have the most welcoming people in the country. Its such an honor to represent them on a national level. The support Ive gotten from my hometown has been unlike anything I couldve ever imagined.

She is joining 50 other state representatives at the event at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, which begins with the preliminary competition Dec. 12-13 and wraps up with the final competition Dec. 16.

Schmidt will compete with a private interview, an on-stage interview and social impact initiative pitch, a talent, which for Schmidt will be a jazz dance to Hit Me with a Hot Note, and the red carpet event.

How to watch and vote To vote for Schmidt: The Americas Choice competition will award a $5,000 scholarship to the winner. Go to spotfund.com/teams/americaschoice2022 and click on Schmidt's profile. Each dollar donated equals one vote, and the candidate with the most donations will win the Americas Choice scholarship. To view the competition from home: Two nights of live preliminary competitions will be available for streaming at WatchMissAmerica.com at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 12, and Monday, Dec. 13. Schmidt will be recognized on-stage during the preliminary competition, and 50% of donations will go to the Miss Wisconsin Organization for Scholarship Awards. The Forever Miss Americas pre-show is scheduled for Dec. 16 at 6 p.m. and is to be followed by the final 100th Anniversary Miss America Competition" show at 7 p.m. on NBCUniversals streaming service, PeacockTV.com.

Red carpet ready

Schmidt said preparing for Miss America has been really busy, but also the most rewarding experience.

Her preparations have included trying to become the best version of herself, preparing for the private interview, being comfortable and present on stage and honing in on her talent.

Its really cool to compete for one last time on the Miss America stage and feel that sense of accomplishment, comparing who I started as versus who Ive become along the way, Schmidt said.

In high school, Schmidt said she was extremely shy; she could barely raise her hand in class. She attended The Prairie School in Wind Point, graduating in 2014. Now at age 25, speaking in front of thousands of people comes very natural to her, she said.

Her social impact initiative, Diabetes: YOU Have the Control, was inspired by her grandmother, who has struggled with the many complications and financial burdens associated with Type 2 diabetes. The initiative focuses on resources, awareness and prevention of the disease.

The social impact initiative is not required to remain the same from competition to competition, but Schmidt has focused on the same topic throughout because its something thats really personal to her, she said.

I wanted to keep it the same because it is important, and I can have the greatest impact for change over the years, she said. It gave me an opportunity to do something about it. I can be an advocate for awareness and prevention while volunteering to provide resources and programs to people to feel empowered to take control of their health.

Finishing off competing

Schmidt is a first-generation college graduate, and is grateful to Miss America programs for helping launch her college career. When she was a senior in high school, her parents lost their small business and struggled to find jobs.

Schmidt was crowned Miss Racine, Miss Badgerland, Miss Rock River Valley and Miss Wisconsin throughout the last three years. In all of Schmidts years of competing, shes earned a total of around $14,000 to put toward semesters of school and student loans.

Without the prize winnings, she said she might have had to take a gap year after high school, and it wouldve been harder to get back into going to school after that.

She said shes ready to compete for Miss America and that it almost feels as if shes been preparing for the job as Miss America her whole life.

The process of becoming the best version of myself is probably the best preparation, she said, noting shes traveled the state and met all kinds of people who helped her along the way. Theres this huge misconception that because we wear these sparkly crowns and sashes, that its about us, but its really about serving others.

Schmidt said she is excited to be staying at the Mohegan Sun resort because its beautiful.

It gives you Hallmark Christmas movie vibes, she said, but added with a laugh that since shes from Wisconsin, where it is typically cold this time of year, she wouldve liked to go somewhere warm.

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Demolition is shown in progress at Giese Elementary School, 5120 Byrd Avenue, on Tuesday. Giese is among the first to be demolished among the 
MILWAUKEE  A local woman working to dismantle racism and empower people of color was recognized for her efforts by YWCA Southeast Wisconsin on Thursday evening in Milwaukee.

Kelly Scroggins-Powell was honored with the One Mission Award for her efforts as co-founder and executive director of the Racine Women for Racial Justice, an organization founded to address issues of racism and inequity, particularly in the criminal justice system.

The 17th annual An Evening to Promote Racial Justice honored black artists and highlighted the YWCA Southeast Wisconsins commitment to its dual mission of eliminating racism and empowering women.

Additionally, speakers throughout the night reflected on the ways in which art has contributed to the racial and gender justice story, which in turn created more positive outcomes towards more just communities.

One Mission Award

The awards given by YWCA Southeast Wisconsin have undergone some fairly recent changes.

Previously, there was an award to celebrate an individual for eliminating racism and a separate award for empowering women.

The One Mission Award is given to the individual accomplishing both and working toward the dual mission.

Scroggins-Powell, who was not able to attend Thursdays event, was one of two women to be honored for their efforts to dismantle racism and empower women, particularly women of color.

Chellie Wiles, a founding board member of RWRJ, accepted the award on behalf of Scroggins-Powell and delivered the remarks she prepared. Mary Pucci, president and co-founder of RWRJ, was also in attendance.

In her prepared remarks, Scroggins-Powell recounted the days in summer and fall 2019 when Pucci took to social media to express her disbelief and outrage after a Mount Pleasant law enforcement officer would not be charged in the shooting death of an 18-year-old black man, TyRese West. That was the spark that led to RWRJ.

The response was the organizing of women  a diverse group of women in both race and socioeconomic backgrounds  and the formation of an organization dedicated to addressing issues of racism and inequity, particularly inequity in the criminal justice system.

I joined forces with her and we quickly became the dynamic duo of the dual mission of empowering women and eliminating racism, Scroggins-Powell noted.

In early 2020, the group hosted its first Woman-to-Woman Courageous Conversation to bring Racine women together to ask difficult questions and learn from each other so we could better understand each other.

It was a huge success and immediately we knew we had to do more, Scroggins-Powell remembered. We had to dig deep beneath the surface of niceties and political correct responses if we were going to get to the core of the matter.

Although they started as a social media group with more than 1,300 women, they envisioned for themselves an organization capable of making transformative changes in Racine, but they also knew it would not be easily accomplished.

Scroggins-Powell came to the organization with nine years of experience in nonprofit leadership and development, and with the help of many in the organization, the Racine Women for Racial Justice Incorporated was formed.

From the start, RWRJ was a grassroots, nonprofit, organization powered by women.

Scroggins-Powell noted that many have asked her why the organization has remained a women-led organization.

She responded: And I guess Ive asked the very same question myself, and the answer has always been: because of a woman I exist.

She referred not just to the fact a woman gave birth to her but also to the many powerful black women who came before her.

I am reminded I stand on the shoulders of many powerful black women, she said while referencing women such as Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, and more recent figures such as Shirley Chisholm and Michelle Obama.

These women  along with her mother  knew their power and were not afraid to empower other black women, Scroggins-Powell related.

She added, I take this call from God on my life as an empowered black woman to empower others.

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1. Crime. Too much violence, too many shootings. Police have to get a handle on it.

2. Coronavirus. The omicron variant and others to follow threaten the community.

3. Roads. Killeen-area roads are still a mess after last years storm  a serious problem.

4.Government. Elections are on the horizon, and voters will have hard choices to make.

5. Unsure. Its hard to say which single issue will stand out at this point.

Vote

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You probably have a beer ingredient for which you have a soft spot  one few and far between enough that you immediately stop scanning when you see a beer with it on the menu, or emphatically put into your cart, or tweet the TAKE MY MONEY! gif.

For me, that ingredient is wild rice, which is why I dont tweet that all too often.

The beer that made me fall in love with liquid wild rice was Zizani, a brown ale from Titletown Brewing Co. I snapped a picture of this beer in December 2011 at the old depot brewpub  this was a few years before Titletown was bottling  during a visit home to see my folks in Green Bay.

I remember being struck by the unique, complex and relatively intense character best described as a kind of feral nuttiness  and how well that complemented the bready-caramel character of the hearty brown ale. My friends at Titletown told me it was so loaded with wild rice  which is not cheap  that it was an exceptionally impractical beer to make. However it did or didnt pencil out, it was over-the-top delicious.

A few months later, Capital Brewing  whose brewhouse at that time was still helmed by Kirby Nelson  released Manoomator, a wild rice doppelbock that I remember liking but didnt ring the bell for me quite like Zizani.

Since then, Id only seen a few wild rice beers here or there, including a bottled version of Zizani  significantly toned down but still solid  called The Great Zizani in 2017.

Then, last year, I discovered my local taproom, the Wauwatosa outpost of The Fermentorium, had one called Manoomin. The name, like Capitals Manoomator, references the Ojibwe name for the food that was so important to Wisconsins first residents.

Manoomin was a nearly perfect wild rice beer: that complex nuttiness layered on a relatively simple base beer Id describe as an amber ale. I rarely repeat-buy seasonal or one-off beers, but I took home three or four four-packs of Manoomin during its late-fall/early winter run. (I didnt review it here because it never got out to distribution.) Needless to say, I was bummed when I was told that Manoomin was not returning this year.

But just a few days after that crest had fallen, I learned that Nelson, a decade after Manoomator, was trying his hand again at a wild rice bock. These days, of course, hes co-owner and brewmaster at Wisconsin Brewing Co., and its always nice to see him flex his bock muscles.

Bock Wild

Style: Marzen-style bock

Brewed by: Wisconsin Brewing, 1079 American Way, Verona

What its like: That Marzen-style here is key, evoking the amber lager so often called Oktoberfest here in America vs. the darker, more traditional bock. Wild rice aside, you might remember a (once) pretty dang good Kirby Nelson Marzen-style doppelbock called Autumnal Fire.

Where, how much: This six-pack of cans runs $9-$10 at your local bottle shop.

Booze factor: This style packs a punch  Bock Wild weighs in at a 6.8% ABV thats not to be trifled with.

Up close: Pouring a gorgeous, clear deep amber topped with healthy white foam, Bock Wild surprises with a spicy black-pepper hop note foremost on the aroma. The wild rice doesnt leap out of the glass there or on the palate, its modest nutty (and, here, fruity) notes instead intermingling with the Marzen-bock hybrid base. If you told me this was a slightly toned-down version of Autumnal Fire, I would nod and might not even put my finger on the wild rice. As much as I like beers that overdo the wild rice, this unquestionably works, the marriage of two venerable German beers carrying the day.

Bottom line: 3 stars (out of 5)

Got a beer you'd like the Beer Baron to pop the cap on? Contact Chris Drosner at chrisdrosner@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @WIbeerbaron.

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The Wisconsin Hospital Association reported no open ICU beds in Western Wisconsin as of Friday, and area medical facilities confirm they are feeling the strain of rising coronavirus case rates.

Following a drop in infections statewide in October, cases have been on an upward trajectory, with a seven day average of over 3,800 cases as of Dec. 4, with a dip to around 3,200 per day as of Dec. 9. Disease activity is still rated as very high at the state and La Crosse County level, with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services showing a growing trajectory in hospitalizations for the two week period ending Dec. 7, though the Western region had no significant change.

During a briefing Wednesday, Gov. Tony Evers warned of hospitals reaching capacity, stating, If you think this doesnt impact you, youd be wrong. We cant just let our hospitals go into crisis mode.

DHS secretary-designee Karen Timberlake shared Wisconsin has requested medical reserve teams from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to aid with packed hospitals and long term care facilities, with around 100 people from FEMA, broken into five teams, anticipated to be ready to assist with facilities most in need in the coming weeks. DHS has since fall been sending nursing staff to hospitals to aid hospitals which are short staffed and seeing large patient numbers.

The state and the federal government have perked up their ears, and I think theyre looking at getting us resources that will help some of this capacity issue, which really were grateful for, says Gundersen Health System CEO Dr. Scott Rathgaber. Gundersen will likely utilize government assistance, while a Mayo Clinic Health System representative said it is not seeking such at this time.

We continue to work with our community partners to identify short and long-term sustainable solutions for the myriad of factors that are creating capacity issues not only in hospitals but other care facilities, Mayo stated.

Rathgaber told the Tribune Gundersen is challenged every day to make sure that we have enough beds. Thankfully, with juggling every day we make it but it is an added stressor.

While bed capacity fluctuates on a daily basis, Rathgaber says usage averages 80% to 90%, which includes adult, pediatric and infant ICU patients.

Theres a tiny bit of capacity, but thats what we worry about, Rathgaber adds, noting around 45-50 beds are being occupied by nursing home residents who cant be discharged due to lack of space or staffing at area nursing homes. Gundersen for around a month received state assistance to help with these patients, but being unable to transfer them after their care is completed is a block in the chain, leaving the hospital unable to open beds for incoming acute care patients, whether they are suffering from COVID or other illness.

Gundersen and Mayo Clinic Health System report around 20% of their current patient population is COVID patients, and the Wisconsin Hospital Association reports as of Friday 67 COVID patients being hospitalized in Western Region, including 11 in the ICU. Statewide, those numbers were 1,634 and 436, respectively.

A Mayo representative confirmed facilities have been operating at or near capacity for months, with an increase in COVID patients over the past week. Mayos Rochester hospital is treating around 100 COVID patients per day, while across Mayos southwest Wisconsin hospitals, which include La Crosse, the average is 12 per day. The rate of hospitalization for unvaccinated COVID ICU patients is 5-6 times higher than the fully inoculated.

Like at Gundersen, Dr. Erin Morcombe of Mayo reports the number of hospital beds available ebbs and flows daily, and in peak times Mayo may need to pause taking in overflow patients from non-Mayo hospitals which cant accommodate every patient that comes in. Rathgaber says Gundersen also scales back on admitting outside patients when capacity is severely limited. Gundersen patients may also be taken to critical care access hospitals in the system.

If the hospital gets too full, we may not be able to accept people from other outlying sites anymore, which really is hard from a patient care perspective for some of those rural areas if they need to get people care that they need, Morcombe said.

Tomah Health CNO Tracy Myhre says the facility is having challenges finding available ICU beds for patients, as the critical access hospital provides emergency and urgent care but does not have an ICU unit.

When we have patients who require ICU level of care, we look to tertiary centers throughout the state to take those patients. We have seen an increase in patients that are requiring ICU care and are having a difficult time finding ICU beds, Myhre says. But we are adapting to the situation.

Myhre, who also serves as incident commander of Tomah Healths pandemic Emergency Response team, notes patients are facing longer wait times and being transferred further away than normal due to the situation.

Both rising COVID rates and an influx in patients who delayed care, and in turn have seen progression in their ailments, are factors in hospital capacity.

People who are coming in are more acutely ill, which then requires more hospitalization, Myhre says.

Patients urged to continue seeking care

Mayo and Gundersen stress individuals who need medical assistance should not delay making an appointment or coming in due to hospital capacity strain. Mayo has not yet needed to defer any elective procedures, Morcombe says, though Gundersen has had to delay a limited number.

Were not to the point where we cant care for everybody, but it is a challenge. Day in and day out is a battle, a battle that we usually win, Rathgaber says. We do ask the community to be patient as we try to work through these different issues.

Gundersen, Rathgaber says, has had to closely manage the number of non-urgent procedures taken on and hold back a little bit. Procedures still being done but at lesser numbers for those who would require post-operation hospital stays during high capacity times.

Earlier in the pandemic, Mayo, Gundersen and other facilities state and nationwide began limiting non-crucial procedures due to safety precautions and limited PPE, which caused the conditions of some patients to worsen.

We are doing everything we can not to repeat that. ... Were working very hard not to do that because the non-COVID care is important, and people need to understand that they should not stay home if theyre having problems, Rathgaber says. Come to see us  were safe, were open, were available and well take care of them. Yes, were busy and we we worry about capacity, but that cant be translated to patients staying home when they need our help.

Vaccination, precautions essential

Rathgaber says it is clear that the vaccine has a direct effect on our ICU, with COVID patients needing longer stays in the hospital and more intensive care. This creates longer waits in the ER, which is distressing to our staff and our patients. Were doing the best we can keep that moving. But it all backs up at the end of the day. Those are the challenges that our our staff are dealing with in multiple areas, day in and day out.

While it is true the delta variant has led to increased breakthrough COVID infections, cases and, especially, hospitalization and death rates, are far lower in those who have completed their vaccine series. Per DHS, in October infections among unvaccinated or partially vaccinated Wisconsin residents were at a rate of 2,255.1 per 100,000, with hospitalizations 132 per 100,000 and deaths 27.3 per 100,000. For those fully vaccinated, those rates were 456.4 per 100,000; 12.2 per 100,000; and 1.8 per 100,000, respectively.

Rathgaber says while vaccines are not a perfect solution, they are the most powerful tool we have at this time, especially in the face of variants. Morcombe stresses all qualifying individuals should get their third dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or second dose of Johnson and Johnson, to increase their levels of protection, in addition to masking and distancing in public areas.

Were in a stage where we need to do everything we can to remain healthy to preserve the capacity of health care systems, to care for everybody, Rathgaber says. People need to understand that their choices are affecting the healthcare system that they may ultimately need. Vaccination will help us continue to be able to serve everybody. ... When we bump up against these capacity issues, it becomes distressing for everyone  for a patients who are looking for a bed, patients who are waiting in the E.R., patients sometimes we cant even take, and our staff who really remaining dedicated to caring for the patients  they want to take care of everybody.

Some 20 months into the pandemic, health care staff  from nurses to infection control to environmental services  are burning out, and Gundersen, Mayo and Tomah Health remind community members vaccination will help with relieving the burden on our frontline and behind the scenes hospital workers.

Im grateful for our our super hard working folks who are dedicated to making sure that we have the ability to care for all of our patients, with COVID or not, Rathgaber says. They get up every day and they come in and they battle all over again. And they just want everybody to be using every (disease prevention) tool. They have to help them be able to continue to do their jobs. Its their passion, its their career, but it would be nice to get all the help that we could get.

Emily Pyrek can be reached at emily.pyrek@lee.net.

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Most of the thousands of people who visit the La Crosse Rotary Lights each year probably attend to see the display's twinkling lights display, find a sentimental present in the gift shop or stop and visit Santa in the park. But they're staying for something sweet.

That's indicated by the thousands of s'mores that are being roasted at the event, a feature of the holiday lights display that has been growing in demand the last two years.

"We never dreamed it would be that popular," said Pat Stephens, Rotary Lights president.

Guests have the opportunity to roast a s'more over an open fire at the events fire pits, which are situated behind the Riverside Park band shell and near Santa's house. Volunteers said the warm fire and quick and easy snack draws people in.

Stephens said that the Rotary Lights went through more than 6,000 s'mores in 2020.

This year, Rotary Lights has added a second fire pit due to the popularity, and in just over a week has given away more than 7,100 s'mores  already surpassing last year.

"That means an average 645 per day. If those numbers continue to hold true, it means by the end of our run this year," Stephens said, "we'll hit 23,200. That's a lot of chocolate."

The sweet, wintry treat has a lot of manpower behind it.

Because of the pandemic, each s'mores is individually packaged  something volunteer Scott Lundeen and his kids do almost every night.

Each package includes two graham cracker squares, one marshmallow and a piece of chocolate, Lundeen said, which are all placed in a plastic bag for guests to grab.

Stephens called Lundeen the "master volunteer" behind the s'mores station. Lundeen started volunteering last year after deciding he wanted to give back to his community.

"Rotary Lights was always a special family activity and memory for my kids of their mom," Lundeen said.

The fire pits and s'mores station only amplify that feeling of tradition.

"That's all about family," said Joe Welch of Caledonia, Minnesota. "They just get to sit around and do such a nice, wholesome, family, warm, giving opportunity. It's just awesome."

Owner of Welch Equipment and member of the Caledonia Rotary Club, Welch has been the support behind the s'mores feature by purchasing the supplies needed.

"The Rotary Lights are about feeding the hungry," Welch said. "But here, we even get to feed you if you get there," he said with a laugh.

Welch said the growing love for the s'mores at the Rotary Lights is a testament to the volunteers who dedicate their time to the event, and will hopefully draw more people in to help the group complete its mission.

"They just add to the whole Rotary Lights experience," Lundeen said. "If everyone who enjoys a s'more also donates cash or food, the event will continue to grow and feed families in our area."

The Rotary Lights display is open now through New Years Eve. The park opens daily at 5 p.m. and closes after the last car in line at 10 p.m.

Hours on Christmas Eve and Day are 5-9 p.m. and on New Years Eve from 5 p.m.-1 a.m. Guests can either drive or walk through the display.

In addition to the s'mores stations, guests can also enjoy carriage rides, a live nativity scene, live music, hay rides, an ice rink (when weather permits) and more at the lights this year.

As always, there is no required admission fee for the event, and instead guests are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food or monetary donations.

For more information, visit rotarylights.org.

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The U.S. Department of Education earlier this week denied a Republican plan for spending $77 million in federal COVID relief on Wisconsin schools that stayed open during the pandemic, saying the proposal does not meet requirements laid out by the American Rescue Plan.

The denial Monday sparked a fierce back-and-forth between the states GOP-led budget committee and the Democratic-backed state superintendent of public instruction.

In a statement Monday, Joint Finance Committee co-chairs, Sen. Howard Marklein, RSpring Green, and Rep. Mark Born, RBeaver Dam, called the denial politically motivated.

In their statement, they allege the state Department of Public Instruction sat on the Legislatures spending plan for the third installment of Wisconsins allotted federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds for months after it was approved by the committee in May while working behind the scenes with their political counterparts in Washington, D.C., to find ways to deny our efforts to reward schools that did the hard work of educating our kids in person during a pandemic.

The state is still slated to receive $1.4 billion in ESSER III funds from the federal government to distribute to schools and districts across Wisconsin.

According to the federal American Rescue Plan Act, 5% of ESSER III dollars are set aside as a reserve for the state to address the disproportional impact of the pandemic on students. The Joint Finance Committees plan earmarked Wisconsins 5%, or $77 million, share for schools and districts that remained open to in-person instruction for at least half of the 2020-21 school year.

According to the letter from U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona to state Superintendent Jill Underly, DPI told the federal agency that the Joint Finance Committees plan explicitly excludes students who lost the most in-person instructional time and were unable to receive much-needed services as a result of the pandemic. That conflicts with federal requirements that the $77 million be used to address the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on students who were most deeply affected by the pandemic.

The federal agency has asked the Joint Finance Committee and DPI to return to the drawing board and work to develop a plan that falls in line with the law.

In a letter to Underly on Thursday, the committee chairs demanded that Underly direct her staff to immediately propose an alternative plan that falls in line with the Joint Finance Committees legislative intent, which guarantees a minimum of $781 per pupil to all school districts with schools that were open to in-person learning more than half of the 2020-21 school year.

Underly fired back in a letter Thursday calling their missive disappointing, disingenuous, and nakedly political.

Despite numerous warnings about how the intent of parts of your motion was in direct conflict with the language of the American Rescue Plan Act  including from the United States Department of Education  you forced DPI and our schools into a game of high-stakes chicken, Underly wrote. And you lost.

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SPARTA  The iconic melodies of The Nutcracker will sound through an unusual venue this weekend: a U.S. military base hosting Afghan refugees.

The Madison Ballet presented the first of four performances of the holiday classic Friday afternoon at Fort McCoy before a crowd of enthralled Afghans at a warehouse on base.

The refugees have been staying at the military installation in Sparta since their country fell to the Taliban following a withdrawal of the U.S. military after 20 years in the country. The base once housed 13,000 refugees, but that number has fallen to around 7,000 as Afghans have been resettled across the U.S., said Eva Rupp, a deputy federal coordinator with the Department of Homeland Security.

The performance on Friday had all the trappings of any other, with refugees presenting their tickets at the door, applauding the top moments and recording much of it on their cellphones.

Jonathan Solari, CEO of the Madison Ballet, said the excitement was palpable in the warehouse on the base that hosted the performance.

Im overwhelmed, my heart is full, Solari said. I cannot articulate how much joy it brought me to see them overjoyed.

There were kids who had their chins on the side of the stage just in awe of our dancers, he said.

Solaris mission to bring The Nutcracker to Fort McCoy started after reading about the thousands of refugees at the base, half of whom are children. He and his spouse had previously worked with refugees in Greece in 2015 and 2016 in the early years of Europes refugee crisis.

What was best for the kids was a craft, a distraction, something to do, Solari recalled.

After messaging a friend last month who worked with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Maryland, Solari was put in touch with officials at the lead agencies overseeing the resettlement of the Afghan refugees.

This might be a way to be able to show people that we care about them and that theyre welcome here, he said. We can give a little piece of ourselves and our culture and we can, in turn, learn a great deal about them.

Mozhgan Karimi, a 30-year-old Afghan woman who attended Fridays performance, said she was not expecting the high caliber performance brought by The Nutcracker cast.

It was amazing, and I had a very good experience seeing that, Karimi said through a translator.

Holiday cheer aside, Karimis experience as a refugee has not been easy.

She came to the United State alone, the rest of her family still in Afghanistan. During the chaotic evacuation at the Kabul airport, her cellphone was broken and she still does not have one, putting her out of touch with loved ones for months.

Though thousands of Afghans have been resettled, Karimi does not know when she will leave Fort McCoy. Once resettled, she wants to continue her career as a makeup artist.

Sometimes Im thinking about it, I wish I never came, Karimi said through a translator.

The afternoons performance had close-to-the-heart importance for Lela Zafari, a 12-year-old who danced with the ballet. Her father came to the U.S. from Afghanistan in the 1980s, and Zafari called the performance very inspirational.

I feel very privileged to get to perform in front of the Afghans, she said. Im just grateful that they liked it. Its almost like Im telling them not to give up on their dreams.

After this weekends performances, The Nutcracker will pack up from Fort McCoy and return to Madison for nine performances at the Overture Center starting at 7 p.m. Dec. 17.

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WAUKESHA, Wis.  The city's 125th year started with celebrations and was supposed to end on a similarly high note. It hasnt exactly worked out that way.

As the city still reels from the Waukesha Christmas Parade tragedy, which is now compounded by a tense evacuation of a high-rise condo building, the year is ending as one municipal officials would just as soon forget. Still, there was one more order of business to attend to as part of an effort to collect some brighter moments.

On Tuesday, the last element of Waukeshas yearlong celebration was the sealing of a time capsule, which ideally would reflect a positive moment in time in the citys history.

Photos of all kinds of community hallmarks were accompanied by timely samples of life in Waukesha in 2021: A Carroll University facemask, a tiny rubber duck from the grand reopening of the Buchner Pool, a ceremonial shovel tied to the Great Water Alliance pipeline that will deliver Lake Michigan water to the city by 2023, among other pieces, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.

Nothing earth-shattering, just mementos and enjoyable bits that will be sealed for 50 years to bring a smile to those living in Waukesha in 2071.

But the backdrop of Tuesdays ceremony at Waukesha City Hall ultimately took a somber tone. Its something Mayor Shawn Reilly felt duty-bound to include in his presentation preceding the closing of the time capsule.

We have been planning the citys 125th anniversary for more than two years and tonight is certainly different than what we had originally planned, Reilly said. Our year ended tragically. Our hearts are heavy and we are still in mourning as we try to figure out how to take steps forward.

Even a video presentation highlighting anniversary events  including the Waukesha Unlocked historic tour and the recent Waukesha Gala  were accompanied by sad images and solemn music of people gathering around the downtown memorial tied to the holiday parade.

There was no way to sidestep the death of six people and injuries to more than 60 others suffered when a driver, since criminally charged with intentional homicide, plowed through the crowd on Nov. 21.

Then again, Reilly said it was correspondingly important to find reason to smile again, if only as a salve to heal.

While there is pain, we must also be grateful for all the good, the mayor said during his presentation before a small crowd of officials and residents. The 125th anniversary celebrations represented our community coming together. Our community, during the last year, celebrated what it meant to be a city. We enjoyed our city, our history, each other and our time together.

Such elements are shared by Waukesha Strong, the citys proclamation following the parade tragedy of residents need and willingness to join physically, spiritually and emotionally in the wake of recent events, he said.

We cant let the evil take away from the good, Reilly added. Our community will be remembered for the ways we continue to come together... . Our community is strong because we work together.

The presentation ended with the formal sealing of the time capsule by Reilly. It will be placed in an alcove behind a glass window in the hallway near the council chambers of City Hall.

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MADISON, Wis. (AP)  First Lady Jill Biden and Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff are set to visit Wisconsin next week.

The White House announced Friday that Biden and Emhoff will travel to New York City on Wednesday morning followed by stops in Milwaukee and Waukesha in the afternoon.

The White House didnt release any additional details.

Their visit comes about three-and-a-half weeks after Darrell Brooks Jr. allegedly drove his SUV through a Christmas parade in Waukesha on Nov. 21, killing six people and injuring more than 60.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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MADISON, Wis. (AP)  A federal judge sentenced two Wisconsin men to probation Friday for joining in the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

The Wisconsin State Journal reported that U.S. District Judge John Bates ordered 29-year-old Brandon Nelson of Madison and 24-year-old Abram Markofski of La Crosse each to serve two years on probation and pay $500 in restitution. He also fined Nelson $2,500 and Markofski $1,000.

The men pleaded guilty in September to a misdemeanor charge of parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building. Prosecutors argued they each should spend two weeks in jail but their attorneys argued they deserved probation since there's no evidence they committed any acts of violence or destruction.

Both men appeared for a sentencing hearing by video in federal court in Washington, D.C. and said they were sorry.

Marofski's attorney, Jonas Bednarek, added that Marofski already has lost his job at Kwik Trip in La Crosse and the Army National Guard has started stripping him of his security clearances. Nelson's attorney, Jessica Ettinger, said Nelson, a psychiatric technician at Mendota Mental Health Institute, is embarrassed and has cut toxic politics out of his life.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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Canine Influenza Outbreak Dissipates at LA City Animal Shelters

Restrictions on access prompted by an outbreak of canine influenza at two Los Angeles city animal shelters have been lifted, meaning potential pet-adopters can again visit the animals at shelters in Chatsworth and West Los Angeles.

An unspecified number of dogs at the West Valley and West Los Angeles shelters tested positive for canine influenza in October and November, prompting safety protocols that barred people from visiting the dogs.

After much hard work by our staff and the medical team, the dogs at our L.A. Animal Services Centers in West L.A. and West Valley are cleared from quarantine by the L.A. County Veterinary of Public Health, said Dana Brown, general manager of city Animal Services, said in a statement.

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Animals at the shelters are vaccinated against canine influenza, however, much like the COVID-19 vaccine for people, the shots dont necessarily mean the dogs wont become infected. That means new dogs brought into the shelter can potentially infect the animals already there. Vaccinated animals, however, are less likely to become severely ill.

While residents can again visit animals at the shelter, city officials said some rules will remain in place. Dogs from the shelters can be fostered, but those who arent fully vaccinated must remain at home and in quarantine until they are. People who already have dogs at home should also refrain from bringing home a new dog from the shelters, unless all of the animals are fully vaccinated. Cats, kittens, rabbits and other small mammals are not affected by canine influenza and are available for adoption as usual.
COVID Cases Rising in County, Possibly Starting Winter Surge

Exactly two weeks after the Thanksgiving holiday and its associated gatherings of family and friends, Los Angeles County is seeing a resulting increase in COVID-19 cases, the public health director said recently, calling the trend a possible start of yet another winter surge of infections.

In an online briefing, Barbara Ferrer said Thursday the increase was visible by Dec. 1, when the countys seven-day average daily number of new cases topped 1,000  a 19% increase from the previous week. She also noted a resulting increase in hospitalizations, with the daily number of COVID patients nearing roughly 600. We do expect increases to continue on the heels of our Thanksgiving gatherings, but already, based on trends, we are looking at possible beginnings of a winter surge, Ferrer said.

She said the countys current average daily rate of new infections has risen to 13 per 100,000 residents, up from 8 per 100,000 residents a week ago. The seven-day cumulative rate of infections rose to 113 per 100,000, moving the county back into the category of high transmission as defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The county was previously in the less-severe substantial transmission category. That category requires a county to have a cumulative seven-day transmission rate of less than 100 cases per 100,000 residents.

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Ferrer said the countys case increase was also reflected in schools In the week following the Thanksgiving break, cases among students in particular rose to their highest level since late September, Ferrer said. If, as we suspect, this increase in cases reflects transmission that took place during holiday gatherings, we should consider this an early warning about the upcoming December holiday.

Ferrer said infections among students are likely due to Thanksgiving gatherings, because transmission at schools remains low thanks to strict infection-control measures on campus, such as regular testing and mandatory mask-wearing.

She acknowledged that with the widespread availability of vaccines and the benefit of more experience preventing and treating infections, the county can be considered to be much better off than last winter. But she insisted, all increases in cases are worrisome. I dont want to downplay the fact that we continue to now be back in what the CDC classifies as the tier of `high transmission, she said.

So we have a lot of community transmission going on. And when you have a lot of community transmission going on and theres lots and lots of opportunities of people intermingling, you run the risk of these numbers just continuing to grow. And every time they grow and we see more and more cases, we all know it results unfortunately in a higher number of people that will end up in the hospital and tragically pass away.

COVID vaccines will likely limit the impact of a major winter surge on hospitals and the countys overall health care system, Ferrer said, noting that while vaccinated people may get infected, they are less likely to become severely ill and require hospitalization. But she said more people need to get the shots to prevent strain on hospitals.

Theres a lot we all need to do to slow down transmission and that were obviously not all doing, she said, urging vaccinated residents to get booster shots to counter waning immunity from the original shots. She said 5 million people in the county are eligible for booster shots, but only 1.6 million booster doses have been administered.

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All of you who are waiting, please dont wait any longer, she said. The boosters are essential to add additional protection. The county reported another 15 COVID-19 deaths on Thursday, raising the death toll to 27,288. Another 1,718 new infections were also reported, giving the county a pandemic total of 1,541,886.

According to state figures, there were 667 COVID-19-positive patients in Los Angeles County hospitals as of Thursday, the same as Wednesday. The number of those patients being treated in intensive care was 158, up from 151 a day earlier. The rolling average daily rate of people testing positive for the virus was 1.4% as of Thursday.

According to the most recent figures, 83% of county residents aged 12 and over have received at least one dose of vaccine, and 75% are fully vaccinated. Of all eligible residents aged 5 and over, 77% have received at least one dose, and 69% are fully vaccinated.

Of the more than 6.15 million fully vaccinated people in the county, 84,931 have tested positive, or about 1.38%. A total of 2,798 vaccinated people have been hospitalized, for a rate of 0.046%, and 537 have died, for a rate of 0.009%.

While the county Department of Public Health has identified a total of four cases of the new Omicron variant of COVID-19  and Long Beach has confirmed one additional case  Ferrer said the Delta variant remains the dominant strain of the virus in the county, accounting for more than 99% of cases that undergo genetic sequencing. Ferrer said the county is now conducting sequencing of 25% of all positive cases to identify COVID variants.
Glendale Police Release Information on Follow-Home Robbery Arrests in 2021

Six suspects have been arrested by Glendale police over the course of 2021 in connection with five separate follow-home robberies in the city, authorities said today.

Since January of 2021, there have been a total of nine follow-home robberies in the city of Glendale that have been reported to the Glendale Police Department, Glendale police Sgt. Christian Hauptmann said in a statement.

Hauptmann said officers have arrested suspects for their alleged involvement in five of the crimes, as follows:

 Donnell Fletcher, 20, of Los Angeles was arrested and booked on March 29 on suspicion of involvement in a follow-home robbery in the 300 block of East Fairview Avenue on Feb. 15.

 Xavier Glaspie, 21, of Los Angeles was arrested and booked on Oct. 8 on suspicion of involvement in a follow-home robbery in the 300 block of East California Avenue on April 5.

 Garfield Graham, 21, of Hawthorne, and Stephon Johnson, 21, of Sunland, were arrested and booked on Aug. 28 on suspicion of involvement in a follow-home robbery in the 1100 block of Norton Avenue on Aug. 24.

 A juvenile whose name was not released was arrested and booked on Oct. 27 on suspicion of involvement in a follow-home robbery in the 1900 block of Rimcrest Drive on Sept, 8. And

 Marquise Hulse, 27, of Los Angeles, was arrested and booked on Nov. 2 on suspicion of involvement in a follow-home robbery and carjacking in the 1100 block of Sweetbriar Drive that same day.

It should be noted there are multiple outstanding suspects involved in these various follow-home robberies that are actively being pursued by the Glendale Police Departments Robbery/Homicide Unit, Hauptmann said.

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When driving home from any location, please be aware of your surroundings, Hauptmann said. Watch to see if you are being followed by another vehicle, and if you are, call 911 immediately and proceed to the nearest police station. Residents were also urged to report suspicious activity by calling the Glendale Police Departments non-emergency line at 818-548-4911.
LAX-Bound Flight Diverted When Passenger Attacks Flight Attendant, Air Marshal

An airline passenger, arrested after his assaults on an air marshal and a flight attendant caused a Los Angeles-bound flight to be diverted to Oklahoma City, is facing possible federal charges.

Flight Delta 342 from Washington D.C. to Los Angeles International Airport had to make an emergency landing around 7:40 p.m. at Will Rodgers Airport in Oklahoma City, where law enforcement took the man into custody, according to Fox 11.

According to news reports, at some point the passenger became combative and allegedly assaulted a flight attendant. An air marshal intervened and the passenger then attacked the marshal, who was eventually able to subdue him. It is unclear what provoked the assaults. Delta Flight 342 landed at LAX just after 10:30 p.m.

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CBS 2 is reporting the passenger, identified as Ariel Pennington, 35, of Washington, D.C., was booked into Oklahoma City Jail on complaints of disorderly conduct and public drunkenness. The flight attendant and air marshal were not seriously injured, CBS 2 is reporting.

Delta applauds the quick action and professionalism of the crew and federal air marshals on Delta flight 324 from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles, which diverted to Oklahoma City after a customer became unruly and was removed from the flight by local law enforcement, the airline said in a statement that was reported by CBS 2. We apologize to our customers for the inconvenience.


COVID-19 vaccine supplies are increasing in Africa. But administering the treatments to people across the continent is proving difficult.

Health experts say successful vaccination campaigns in Africa are important to ending the pandemic worldwide. Africas low vaccination rates increase the risk that the virus will change, like the new Omicron variant spreading in South Africa.

The World Health Organization says 102 million people, or 7.5 percent of Africas population, are fully vaccinated.

African governments repeatedly appealed for increased vaccine supply this year. But production restrictions and storing of extra vaccines by richer countries severely limited supplies until recently.

Shortages of money, medical workers and equipment were already causing problems for vaccination campaigns in some parts of Africa. Experts warn that the expected increase of vaccines in the coming weeks could uncover those weaknesses further.

About 40 percent of vaccines that have arrived so far on the continent have not been used. That information comes from the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, a non-profit policy organization.

The rate of vaccine use will have to increase by four times the current level to keep up with expected supply in coming months, the institute says.

Vaccination rates differ widely across Africa. Some health systems in relatively small nations and in North Africa are having more success.

Cape Verde, off the coast of West Africa and with a population of about 600,000, has vaccinated nearly 65 percent of adults.

In Democratic Republic of Congo in Central Africa, with a population of nearly 90 million, the number is 0.1 percent.

Kenya has received nearly 5 million doses in recent weeks after months of slow supplies.

Willis Akhwale is head of the government's COVID-19 vaccine response team. He said Kenya vaccinated a record 110,000 people on December 1 and aims to maintain that rate for the next month. He said that would bring the total number vaccinated to 10 million out of a population of 47 million people.

But the rural Sekenani health center, about 270 kilometers southwest of Kenyas capital Nairobi, faces many difficulties.

The center started offering COVID-19 vaccinations last month. Gerald Yiaile, one of the workers there, said the center keeps running out of vaccine doses and has only one dependable refrigerator. The refrigerator is also used for other vaccines.

Workers need motorbikes to take vaccines to the community. Many people are too poor to pay for travel to a healthcare site, he said.

Yiaile asked local officials for support for mobile vaccination and has not heard back.

"We have been forced to ask the community to come to us instead of us going to them," he said.

Cameroon in Central Africa had 244 vaccination centers when the country began its vaccination campaign in April. Now, there are 1,000 centers, said Cameroons deputy head of the immunization program.

But health workers and officials say that power failures and a lack of workers have threatened the usability of vaccines.

Leonard Kouadio is head of the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) health section in Cameroon. He said the country has one refrigerated truck able to transport vaccines. He added that Cameroon needs at least 2,500 more refrigerator temperature-measuring devices and more trucks to increase distribution.

Mali, one of Africa's largest and poorest countries, has two refrigerated trucks to carry vaccines long distances. Conflict in the northern part of the country led some health workers there to flee their posts, said UNICEF health program director in Mali, Abdoul Gadiry Fadiga.

Mali expects to receive about 3.5 million doses between now and the end of March 2022. That is more than two times the number it has received since vaccinations began, Fadiga said.

Mali has enough storage resources to deal with the number of vaccination doses until March. But Fadiga added that the country still needs 288 more refrigerators and freezers for the future.

The World Bank has approved $9.8 billion for emergency health assistance in developing countries worldwide. But so far only $4.4 billion have been given out.

Also, some donated vaccine treatments were sent very close to their expiration date. Countries in urgent need of vaccines, including South Sudan and Congo, had to return some donations as a result. Namibia warned last month it may have to destroy thousands of out-of-date vaccine treatments.

South Africa asked Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer to delay delivery of vaccines because it had too many.

One major difficulty in giving out vaccines is community distrust, sometimes caused by religious belief and mistrust of Western drug companies and their governments. A lack of education about COVID-19 vaccines enables rumors to spread.

That can be the result of local worker and financial shortages, health workers across Africa told Reuters.

Ethiopia is worried that vaccines might expire before they are used because of low demand. The country is trying to overcome vaccine hesitancy by reaching out to communities through local religious and civil society groups, said Muluken Yohannes. He is a senior adviser to Ethiopia's health ministry.

"Currently, developed countries ... have satisfied their vaccine needs. As a result, they are pushing leftover vaccines ... to developing countries, he said. But he added that the best time to deliver these vaccines has already passed.

Im Jonathan Evans. And Im Ashley Thompson.

Maggie Fick and Edward Mcallister reported on this story for the Reuters news service. Jonathan Evans adapted this story for Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor.

_____________________________________________

Words in This Story

refrigerator  n. a device or room that is used to keep things such as food and drinks cold

mobile  adj. capable of moving or being moved about readily

distribution  n. the act of giving or delivering something to people

expiration  n. the fact of coming to an end or no longer being valid after a period of time; the fact of expiring

rumors  n. information or a stories passed from person to person but has not been proven to be true
LEXINGTON An Idaho man who fled law enforcement and was pursued for 12 hours near the Overton I-80 interchange in September, pleaded not guilty in Dawson County District Court on three felony charges and a misdemeanor charge.

Matthew B. Davis, 31, of Nampa, Idaho, has been charged with possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person, a Class 3 felony, possession of a firearm while committing a felony, Class 2 felony, theft by receiving stolen property over $5,000, Class 2A felony and obstructing a peace officer, Class 1 misdemeanor.

Davis appeared in Dawson County District Court before Judge James Doyle in October and pleaded not guilty to the charges. A pre-trial date was scheduled for Friday, Jan. 7 at 10 a.m. and a jury trial was set for Tuesday, Jan. 25 at 9 a.m.

Judge Doyle denied a request to reduce the bond, it remains at ten percent of $100,000.00.

On Saturday, Sept. 4, at 9:32 a.m., the Dawson County Sheriffs Office was notified of a stolen vehicle parked at the Jay Brothers parking lot, near the Overton I-80 interchange.

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Deputies made contact with Davis, who was allegedly inside the vehicle, according to court documents.
Karsting said, Reyes has also participated in community-level research and is the co-author of a peer-reviewed publication, highlighting the contributions of CHWs helping others overcome obstacles and barriers to health access.

In 2020, a large audience attending the statewide Health Equity Conference were deeply moved to hear Reyes speak of her experiences helping those hospitalized with COVID-19, critically ill, unable to be with family and without Spanish-speaking caregivers, Karsting said, Reyes translated for patients, families and their caregivers over the phone, even in the middle of the night, during what seemed like the last moments of life.

Kristina Messersmith, Director of Social Services, said Maria is a treasure and fills the gap between the hospital and the community. She is someone who is so passionate and is very rarely someone that cannot be reached.
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BURLEY  On Friday, three months and a day after a preliminary hearing was held, a Cassia County judge sent Jimmy Lee Murphys murder case to district court.

Murphy is accused of killing his wife with a shotgun in Raft River in 2014.

During a preliminary hearing, a magistrate judge listens to testimony and decides if there is enough evidence to turn the case over to district court.

The order came after Cassia County Magistrate Judge Blaine Cannon re-listened to the hearing testimony and allowed additional evidence to be submitted.

Murphy is charged with first degree murder in the death of Whitney Murphy, 26, and attempted first degree murder for shooting his neighbor through a basement bedroom window.

Cannon said Whitney was found dead on the kitchen floor near the table with her purse next to her and grocery bag still clutched in her hand, which shows she was surprised by the shooter.

Cannon said Murphy had three wounds from a 12-gauge shotgun and it appeared he advanced as he shot. The final shot was a contact wound behind her ear.

The evidence suggests that the shooter watched her come home from outside, followed her in and then shot her.

If she would have surprised a burglar, Cannon wrote, she would have been between the burglar and the door.

The home appeared to be staged to look like she had surprised a burglar because items in the home like a cabinet and dresser had been turned over for no apparent reason and a computer tower, which had the cords cut, was found near her body.

An office building on the Raft River farm, where Murphy worked and the couple lived, was also entered and ransacked, but nothing of value was taken.

Cannon said burglars often take the cords to computers because without them the items value is diminished.

The only confirmed item missing from the home was Murphys 12-guage shotgun.

Murphy had also taken out a $650,000 life insurance policy on Whitney and he told police the couple had been fighting and he had been talking with other women online. He said divorce had been brought up and he had packed clothing in his pickup.

Cannon said text messages between the couple indicated that Murphy controlled Whitneys behavior and that while she showed affection towards Murphy, he responded coldly or with disinterest to her affectionate texts, Cannon wrote.

The exchanges between the couple showed he had little affection or love for her.

In his last text message shortly before she died, Murphy told Whitney he loved and missed her and wanted to be with her that night and couldnt wait to see her. He also asked that she let him know when she was on her way home.

The court considers this incriminating, Cannon wrote, and it appears he just wanted to be close by so he could surprise her.

Murphy first told police hed been out shooting doves earlier in the day, to explain the gun powder residue on his hands, but police found no empty shells where he said hed been hunting.

Later, he left out the dove hunting story during a Federal Bureau of Investigation interview.

Cannon said one possible explanation for that is the story was a lie and he forgot hed told it.

Cannon said the neighbor, Levi Bodily, was shot the same night through a window with black curtains as he and his wife lay in bed in their basement bedroom.

Murphy had previously been in the bedroom during a tornado warning and he knew the layout of the room.

The circumstances show the action was premeditated, intentional and malicious, Cannon said.

An arraignment hearing in district court has not been set yet.

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DETROIT (AP)  General Motors and a joint venture partner plan to build an electric vehicle battery factory in Lansing, Michigan, which would be their third such factory in the U.S.

The companies' plans were revealed in documents posted on the city's website Friday. They say that the plant will cost up to $2.5 billion and employ as many as 1,700 workers.

The plant would be built on the site of GM's Lansing Delta Township Assembly factory, which has been annexed by the city.

A joint venture between GM and LG Energy Solution called Ultium Cells LLC will build the factory. The plans were revealed in documents detailing a Renaissance Zone program.

The selection is a big win for Michigan, which missed out on three Ford Motor Co. battery factories and an electric vehicle assembly plant that were placed in Kentucky and Tennessee.

The documents say the joint venture is obligating itself to investment and job creation. It says the building would be about 2.5 million square feet (230,000 square meters) with two-thirds being a clean room environment for battery cell manufacturing.

The machinery and equipment consists of electrode mixing, coating, assembly and formation areas, the documents say.

The plants first year of operation would be in 2025. It would start with 750 workers, with 1,700 sometime in 2028.

GM would not comment specifically on the plant's location, but said it was developing business cases for potential future investments in Michigan. The company said it is discussing incentives with local officials.

These projects are not approved and securing all available incentives will be critical for any business case to continue moving forward, spokesman Dan Flores said. Im not going to speculate on the timing of when GM leadership will make a decision on potential future investments in Michigan.

The step came as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the state Legislature worked to quickly enact economic development incentive bills focused on critical industries and preparing shovel-ready sites for business expansions. It was not clear what new incentives Michigan could offer GM, though it has billions of dollars in federal discretionary pandemic rescue aid and surplus state tax revenues.

Fords decision in September to build electric vehicle and battery plants in southern states was a blow to the nations auto hub, particularly because Ford said Michigan did not have the types of sites it needed.

The Lansing City Council will meet Monday and the following week to approve the tax breaks, said president Peter Spadafore.

Its my understanding theres a competition for a battery plant and Lansing will do everything we can to make sure we are competitive to bring those jobs and billions of dollars of investment to our community, he said.

GM also has applied for tax breaks in Orion Township, Michigan, where a factory that builds the Chevrolet Bolt electric car and SUV is located. The company wants to build an addition to the plant to assemble battery cells into packs that would go into electric vehicles.

This likely means that GM plans to designate the Orion plant as its third electric vehicle assembly plant, along with factories in Detroit-Hamtramck, Michigan, and Spring Hill, Tennessee. Flores would not comment beyond the company statement.

The company has said it would spend about $2 billion upgrading factories to build EVs, so that would bring the total new investment in Michigan to about $4.5 billion.

Shares of GM rose nearly 5% to $62.44 in late-day trading Friday.

GM has said the joint venture will build four North American factories to make EV battery cells.

Two other locations have been announced, in Spring Hill, Tennessee, and Lordstown, Ohio. The fourth location has not been disclosed.

GM has set a goal of selling only electric passenger vehicles by 2035. The company plans to roll out 30 electric vehicles globally by 2025. It also has pledged to invest $35 billion in electric and autonomous vehicles from 2020 through 2025.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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BOISE  The omicron variant of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 has been identified in Idaho, the Central District Health department announced Friday.

The variant had already been identified in neighboring states, including Washington and Utah.

Central District Health said the variant was confirmed in a test sample from an Ada County resident who reported recent out-of-state travel.

The resident is over the age of 50 and experienced very mild symptoms, likely due to being fully vaccinated, CDH said in a news release Friday afternoon.

Its important for people to realize that this new and highly transmissible variant has now been detected in Idaho, and many areas across the U.S., Lindsay Haskell, communicable disease control manager for CDH, said in the release. Many Idahoans regularly travel this time of year, and we need to remember to continue to take precautions, including receiving your vaccine or vaccine booster if you have not done so already.

Idaho public health officials watched for omicron, as delta spread

Idaho laboratories were on the lookout since late November for one of omicrons mutations  one that leaves a telltale sign in COVID-19 test results. That mutation doesnt exist in the delta variant, so its appearance in test results is a red flag for omicron.

The delta variant has dominated Idaho since July. It made up nearly all COVID-19 infections throughout the fall surge that pushed Idahos health care system near collapse.

Labs across the world have put COVID-19 test samples through a special, time-consuming process  sequencing the virus  to find certain mutations. They use that process to confirm the type of variant circulating in a community.

Dr. Christopher Ball, director of the Idaho Bureau of Laboratories, said the bureau reached out to all Idaho labs in late November. He urged laboratories to keep an eye out for test results with that telltale sign that flags them as possible omicron cases. No Idaho laboratories had identified those kinds of test results as of Nov. 30, he said.

Still unclear if omicron spreads easier, makes people sicker or escapes antibodies

The omicron variant was first identified by scientists in South Africa in late November, shocking experts with its dozens of mutations. The mutations were concerning enough that omicron was almost immediately placed on the World Health Organizations variants of concern list.

However, its unclear how much of a threat the new variant is. Scientists are working to determine whether omicron is more easily transmitted than the highly infectious delta, or if theres another reason it seems to spread rapidly.

Theyre also studying whether omicrons mutations make it easier for the virus to fend off antibodies from vaccines, from prior COVID-19 infection, or from monoclonal antibody treatments.

We have to be humble in acknowledging that theres a lot to be learned about this variant, and a lot of work going on, a lot that we just dont know, Idaho State Epidemiologist Dr. Christine Hahn said Nov. 30, prior to the variants discovery in Idaho.

Idaho and CDC epidemiologists recommend vaccines, masks, early treatment

Hahn and others, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, recommend that Idahoans get vaccinated and receive a booster dose, if they havent already.

The CEO of Moderna recently expressed concern about how his companys highly effective vaccine could hold up against omicron.

But Hahn and other public health and infectious disease physicians say Idahoans shouldnt wait for an omicron-targeting vaccine. They should get the existing vaccines now, for two reasons, Hahn said.

First of all, right now we have delta, she said. We still have significant transmission in Idaho. Many of us are planning holiday festivities that are still coming up. And this is a good protection for what we have in Idaho now. So we really urge vaccination for whats out there right now.

Vaccine makers have said it will take at least a few months for them to start producing new vaccines to more precisely target certain variants.

Dr. Sky Blue of Sawtooth Epidemiology & Infectious Diseases said in a recent media briefing that the existing COVID-19 vaccines, especially booster shots, appear to not only protect people from severe infection with older variants, theres evidence they also help peoples immune systems recognize and fight off new variants  even ones that havent been recognized yet.

A preliminary study found that two doses of the Pfizer vaccine, plus a booster, produced enough neutralizing antibodies to fight the virus. Nonetheless, vaccine manufacturers say they are preparing omicron-specific booster shots that would be ready this spring.

Secondly, Hahn said, she thinks of vaccines like a seatbelt: She would choose to buckle up regardless of whether a seatbelt could reduce the likelihood of death or serious injury by 10% or by 90%.

She also noted that its still too soon to know for sure whether omicron can evade immunity.

Its going to be your best protection against (any variant) until manufacturers have time to rethink the vaccine, potentially, or re-engineer one, Hahn said. So, I think the message is twofold. One is: delta is out there right now. Its still circulating, its still a threat. Do it now to protect yourself from what we know is in Idaho. And number two: for the moment, its the best vaccine we have.

Public health officials in Idaho recommend that everyone 5 years of age or older get the COVID-19 vaccine, and that all adults 18 and older get a COVID-19 booster shot. Idahoans age 16 and 17 may also receive a booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine.

Officials also say Idahoans should continue to use face coverings, practice social distancing, stay home when sick, get tested if they have symptoms or an exposure to COVID-19, and seek medical care as soon as they can, in case they need early treatment such as monoclonal antibodies.
HELENA, Mont. (AP)  A Montana man accused of threatening a restaurant manager with a handgun when he was asked to wear a face covering during the height of the pandemic was fined $100 on a misdemeanor charge, after state Attorney General Austin Knudsen intervened in the case to block more serious charges sought by local prosecutors

A state judge accepted Rodney Robert Smith's guilty plea for disorderly conduct during a Thursday hearing in Helena, according to the court. He was also ordered to pay $75 in court fees.

Police alleged that Smith got into a physical altercation with employees at a Helena Restaurant, patting his handgun and saying I'm going to get you after being asked to comply with the statewide mask mandate or leave.

Smith was originally charged by Lewis and Clark County Prosecutor Leo Gallagher in November 2020 with felony assault with a weapon, misdemeanor assault and two concealed weapons charges.

Smith had pleaded not guilty when the Attorney Generals Office told Gallagher to dismiss the concealed carry charges and the prosecutor resisted. Knudsen's office took over the case and offered a plea deal for an amended charge , the Montana State News Bureau reported.

State District Judge Kathly Seeley said she accepted the plea deal reluctantly. The restaurant employees who said they were assaulted strongly disagreed with Knudsens decisions on the case.

Smiths attorney, Palmer Hoovestal, told the judge Smith's wife and friend could dispute the restaurant employees' account. Hoovestal has said allegations that Smith exposed a handgun didnt happen and that the confrontation wasnt a disagreement over the mask mandate.

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Chinas encroaching aggression in the Indo-Pacific region is a threat to international and regional security. Trade is critical not just for economic growth and strength, but also in the context of dealing effectively with China. The Administration cannot stand idly by as China advances its own trade priorities in the region; the United States must lead by forging ambitious new trade deals with our allies.

As Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, with jurisdiction over implementation of reciprocal foreign trade agreements, I had the opportunity in November to meet directly with the leaders of critical Indo-Pacific nation allies about shared efforts to combat Chinas manufacturing imbalances, and threats to free and fair trade. Our congressional delegation trip to the region allowed us to hear firsthand the issues facing our partners in the region.

Engaging in stronger and more consistent discussions on important and robust trade agreements with these partners remains a focus of my work at the Senate Finance Committee. Finally, we must continue to support Taiwan to ensure it remains economically and defensibly secure, confident and free from Chinas increasing efforts to militarily overwhelm the island.

In connection with my official duties as a senior member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, I also participated in conversations about sanctions on Russia and Iran as well as additional efforts to combat national security threats from foreign investment, illicit finance and other economic issues. Combatting illicit finance and addressing other economic issues in the area is critical for furthering deterrence from additional international aggressors like Russia and Iran. Moreover, recent supply chain shortages have highlighted the critical importance of Taiwans semiconductor industry to the basic functioning of the tools we need here in America for everyday life.

We met with officials in the Philippines, Taiwan and India to strengthen ties with these critical allies. According to the Idaho Department of Commerce, Taiwan is Idahos second largest trade partner, accounting for the purchase of more than $413 million in Idaho products in 2020. Goods frequently sold to Taiwan from Idaho include high-tech products (semiconductors and computer parts), food and agriculture and personal care products, the agency reports. The Philippines was the market for $53 million in Idaho products in 2020, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Additionally, outside of a 17 percent drop in overall trade during 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. remains one of Indias largest trading partners.

The discussions followed the Senates overwhelming passage of the Trade Act of 2021, which was included as part of the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act in May. I worked with Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) to negotiate this strong trade package to push back against China in the most critical arenas we face: trade, our economy and working against Chinas efforts to undercut American companies. This legislation combats Chinas unfair trade practices, including censorship, and strengthens our relationship with allies, including by reauthorizing the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) programfor the longest extension in the history of the programand supporting the negotiation of digital trade agreements. The Trade Act of 2021 would strengthen Americas competitive footing and help Idahos hardworking producers compete globally, and I continue to press for its enactment.

Senator Mike Crapo represents Idaho in the U.S. Senate. This guest column ran on FoxNews.Com.

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SAN FRANCISCO (AP)  Caitlin Foster fell in love with San Francisco's people and beauty and moved to the city a dozen years ago. But after repeatedly clearing away used needles, other drug paraphernalia and human feces outside the bar she manages, and too many encounters with armed people in crisis, her affection for the city has soured.

It was a goal to live here, but now Im here and Im like, Where am I going to move to now? Im over it,' said Foster, who manages Noir Lounge in the trendy Hayes Valley neighborhood.

A series of headline-grabbing crime stories  mobs of people smashing windows and grabbing luxury purses in the downtown Union Square shopping district and daytime shootings in the touristy Haight-Ashbury  has only exacerbated a general feeling of vulnerability. Residents wake up to news of attacks on Asian American seniors, burglarized restaurants, and boarded-up storefronts in the city's once-vibrant downtown.

San Franciscans take pride in their liberal political bent and generously approve tax measures for schools and the homeless. They accept that trashy streets, tent encampments and petty crime are the price to pay to live in an urban wonderland.

But the frustration felt by Foster, who moved from Seattle in search of more sunshine, is growing among residents who now see a city in decline. There are signs that the city famous for its tolerance is losing patience.

The pandemic emptied parts of San Francisco and highlighted some of its drawbacks: human and dog feces smeared across sidewalks, home and vehicle break-ins, overflowing trash cans, and a laissez-faire approach by officials to brazen drug dealing. Parents despaired as public schools stayed closed for most of last year as nearby districts welcomed children back to the classroom.

Meanwhile, residents and visitors scurry past scenes of lawlessness and squalor. Just steps from the Opera House and Symphony Hall, drug dealers carry translucent bags filled with crystal-like rocks or stand outside the public library's main branch, flashing wads of cash while peddling heroin and methamphetamine.

Theres a widespread sense that things are on the wrong track in San Francisco, said Patrick Wolff, 53, a retired professional chess player from the Boston area who has lived in the city since 2005.

In a sign of civic frustration, San Franciscans will vote in June on whether to recall District Attorney Chesa Boudin, a former public defender elected in 2019 whose critics say he's too lenient on crime. His supporters say there's no crime surge, and that corporate wage theft is a more pressing issue than cases like that of a San Francisco woman finally arrested after stealing more than $40,000 in goods from a Target over 120 visits. She was released by a judge and arrested again on suspicion of shoplifting after she failed to show up to get her court-ordered ankle monitor.

Wheres the progress? If you say youre progressive, lets get the homeless off the street, and lets get them mental health care, said Brian Cassanego, a San Francisco native who owns the lounge where Foster works. He moved to wine country five months ago, tired of seeing dealers sell drugs with impunity and worrying about his wife being alone outside at night.

The day before he moved, Cassanego stepped out to walk his dogs and saw a man who "looked like a zombie," with his pants down to his knees and bleeding from where a syringe was stuck on his hip. A woman cried out nearby in shock.

I went upstairs, and I told my wife, Were leaving now! This city is done! he said.

Reports of larceny theft  shoplifting from a person or business  are up nearly 17% to more than 28,000 from the same time last year. They remain lower than the more than 40,000 larceny theft cases reported in 2019. Requests to clean dirty streets and sidewalks are the majority of calls to 311, the citys services line.

Overall, though, crime has been trending down for years. More than 45,000 incidents have been reported so far this year, up from last year when most people were shut indoors, but below the roughly 60,000 complaints in previous years.

San Francisco's well-publicized problems have served as fodder for conservative media outlets. Former President Donald Trump jumped in again recently, releasing a statement saying the National Guard should be sent to San Francisco to deter smash-and-grab robberies.

Elected officials say they're grappling with deep societal pains common to any large U.S. city.

A high percentage of an estimated 8,000 homeless people in San Francisco are struggling with chronic addiction or severe mental illness, usually both. Some people rant in the streets, nude and in need of medical help. Last year, 712 people died of drug overdoses, compared with 257 people who died of COVID-19.

LeAnn Corpus, an administrative assistant who enjoys figure skating, avoids the downtown rinks and won't take her 8-year-old son there after dark because of all the open drug use. Still, the city's urban ills have crept into her Portola neighborhood far from downtown.

A homeless man set up a makeshift tent outside her home using a bike and a bed sheet, and relieved himself on the sidewalk. She called the police, who came after two hours and cleared him out, but at her aunt's home, a homeless person camped out against the backyard for six months despite attempts to get authorities to remove him.

This city just doesnt feel the same anymore, said Corpus, a third-generation native.

San Francisco residents who are generally uncomfortable with government surveillance have installed security cameras and deadbolts to prevent break-ins, and they have started eyeing outsiders with suspicion.

The other night, Joya Pramanik's husband spotted someone wearing a ski mask on what was an otherwise warm evening on their quiet street. She worried the masked man was up to no good  and it pains her to say that, since what she loves about San Francisco is its easy embrace of all types of characters.

Pramanik, a project manager who moved to the U.S. from India in her teens, cheered Trump's failed reelection bid but says she realized too late that Democratic activists have hijacked her city.

If I say I want laws enforced, Im racist," she said. Im like, No, Im not racist. Theres a reason I live in San Francisco.'

Last year, Wolff, the retired chess player, helped launch a new political organization that aims to elect local officials focused on solving pressing problems. Families for San Francisco will elect Democrats, but it's organized outside the city's powerful Democratic Party establishment, he said.

Wolff hopes to change a civic mindset that no longer expects much in the way of basic public services.

In hip Hayes Valley, for example, business owners tired of seeing garbage strewn about and the city not doing anything to address the issue banded together to lease enclosed trash cans from a private company, said Jennifer Laska, president of the neighborhood association. After the lease expired, the association managed to get the city to agree to buy and install new public garbage cans designed to keep trash in and pilferers out.

That was four months ago.

Were still struggling just to get the trash cans actually purchased, Laska said.

In the Marina, a wealthy neighborhood with stunning views of the bay and Golden Gate Bridge, dozens of residents recently hired private security after an increase in auto burglaries.

Lloyd Silverstein, a San Francisco native and president of the Hayes Valley Merchants Association, said businesses are considering hiring security guards and installing high-definition security cameras. He rejects the idea that any one city official is to blame for the situation, and he's optimistic the city will recover.

We have been through big earthquakes and depressions and lots of stuff, but we have a pretty good bounce-back attitude. Weve got some problems, but well fix them," he said. It may just take some time.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
The Swiss medicines agency Swissmedic on Friday approved the vaccination of children aged between five and 11 with Pfizer-Biontech's Comirnaty vaccine.

"Clinical trial results show that the vaccine is safe and effective in this age group," it said in a statement.

The Comirnaty vaccine is administered in two doses of ten microgrammes three weeks apart.

An ongoing clinical trial of more than 1,500 people "shows that the Covid-19 vaccine offers almost complete protection against serious illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus in 5 to 11-year-olds", it said.

"Side effects tended to occur less frequently than in adolescents or adults. They included pain at the injection site and tiredness, or less frequently headache, aching limbs or fever," the agency added.

The vaccinations were until now limited to children aged 12 or older.

Switzerland is currently experiencing a strong fifth wave of the virus.

Only the Comirnaty and Moderna vaccine are authorised in Switzerland.

The country joins Portugal, Italy, Greece and Spain in Europe in giving the green light to the vaccination of children in this age group.

Canada and the United States as well as Israel and Chile have also authorised the vaccination of children of a similar age.

In France, vaccination has only been approved for young children at risk of developing serious illness but the government has said it is considering extending it to all children on a voluntary basis.

Explore further Canada authorizes Pfizer COVID vaccine for ages 5-11

 2021 AFP
WASHINGTON (AP)  Amtrak will need to reduce service in January unless more employees get vaccinated against COVID-19, the passenger rail systems president says.

Stephen Gardner says about 95% of Amtrak workers are at least partially vaccinated. The rest face a Jan. 4 deadline that the Biden administration set for employees of federal contractors.

If enough employees resist getting the shots, We anticipate proactively needing to temporarily reduce some train frequencies across our network in January to avoid staffing-related cancellations," Gardner told a congressional panel Thursday.

Gardner said any service reductions would last until March "or as soon as we have qualified employees available.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki downplayed the impact of the vaccine mandate on Amtrak. She touted the high percentage of its employees who are vaccinated and noted that others still have four weeks before the deadline, which will be followed by a period of counseling, accommodations and enforcement.

We dont expect these requirements will cause disruptions to services that people depend on, Psaki said during a briefing Thursday. There is some time to implement it.

Amtrak cut service and reduced its workforce after travel plummeted because of the pandemic  at its low point last year, ridership fell to 4% of its pre-pandemic level.

Gardner said Amtrak has restored most service and about 70% of passenger traffic has returned, but it's going to take several years for ridership to return to 2019 numbers. The exact timing, he said, will depend on how long the pandemic lasts and how quickly business travelers get back on the train.

Amtrak has said it expects to hire 2,500 to 3,500 employees by September 2022, but its own inspector general said this week that the company doesnt have enough staff or leadership in human resources to recruit, screen and hire those workers. Nearly half of the 64 jobs in talent-acquisition are vacant, leading to hiring delays, the auditor said.

Amtrak said in August that all employees would need to get vaccinated or be tested weekly for COVID-19. In September, President Joe Biden ordered that federal workers and employees of federal contractors be fully vaccinated by Dec. 8, a deadline that was later delayed until Jan. 4.

This week, a federal judge in Georgia blocked the administration from enforcing the mandate, saying that Biden exceeded his authority in issuing the executive order for vaccinations. The ruling expanded one issued by a federal judge in Kentucky that was limited to contractors in three states.

Separately, other judges have held up Bidens vaccine mandates for health care workers and companies with at least 100 employees.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
LANSING, Mich. (AP)  Michigan's COVID-19 surge is trending in a deeply concerning direction ahead of the winter holidays and, unlike a year ago, is not subsiding following Thanksgiving, state health officials said Friday while urging vaccines and booster shots.

Infection rates and hospitalizations are near or at all-time highs in the state 21 months into the pandemic. Vaccination rates lag the national average, especially among children and people in their 20s and 30s. Three in four patients hospitalized with the coronavirus are unvaccinated.

Michigan continues to trend in a deeply concerning direction heading into the Christmas holiday and the new year, state health director Elizabeth Hertel said. She warned that the omicron variant  the first case of which was announced Thursday in Kent County  may be be more transmissible than the delta variant that is pounding the state.

The state is deploying ventilators to hospitals and asking for 200 more from the national stockpile.

For individuals who have not yet been vaccinated, I want to be absolutely clear: You are risking serious illness, hospitalization and even death, Hertel said. If you have yet to receive the vaccine or you are not yet fully vaccinated, it is not a matter of if you will get sick but when  particularly with a more transmissible variant spreading across the state."

The state is coordinating with U.S. officials to identify federal staffing to help treat infected people with antibody drugs.

More than 4,700 patients were hospitalized with the virus, including 4,500 adults with confirmed cases  a new record. More than 21% of beds had COVID-19 patients, a figure that never exceeded 20% in past waves, said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, the state's chief medical executive.

Where we are today is really just keeping our heads above water, said Dr. Paolo Marciano, chief medical officer for Beaumont Hospital in Dearborn, one of three Michigan hospitals where U.S. Army doctors and nurses are helping. He called the deployment a tremendous lifeline," one that state officials do not anticipate the U.S. government being able to expand further in Michigan due to limited federal resources.

The number of health care workers is finite, Hertel said. "It will take the efforts and the actions of our citizens and our communities to help to slow the increased number of patients into the hospitals to really ease the burden.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's administration has resisted reinstating capacity restrictions and mask requirements that were in place for more than a year. New York on Friday reinstituted a face covering mandate unless businesses and venues implement a vaccine requirement.

Michigan's COVID-19 death rate is higher than in the third surge last spring, when fewer residents were vaccinated, but lower than in the first and second waves in 2020. The 235 additional deaths reported Friday brought the total number of confirmed and probable deaths to nearly 27,000.

About 55.5% of the population is fully vaccinated, below the national rate of 60.5%. Vaccines and boosters, Bagdasarian said, are the best way to prepare for the omicron variant and flatten the curve. Many critical questions about omicron remain unanswered, including whether the virus causes milder or more severe illness and how much it might evade immunity from past illness or vaccines.

We're really at a critical place in this pandemic, she said, also urging indoor masking in public and testing. It's really time for everyone to do their part.

Follow David Eggert at https://twitter.com/DavidEggert00

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More U.S. states desperate to defend against COVID-19 are calling on the National Guard and other military personnel to assist virus-weary medical staffs at hospitals and other care centers.

People who became sick after refusing to get vaccinated are overwhelming hospitals in certain states, especially in the Northeast and the Upper Midwest. New York, meanwhile, announced a statewide indoor mask order, effective Monday and lasting five weeks through the holiday season.

Were entering a time of uncertainty, and we could either plateau here or our cases could get out of control, Gov. Kathy Hochul warned Friday.

In Michigan, health director Elizabeth Hertel was equally blunt: "I want to be absolutely clear: You are risking serious illness, hospitalization and even death without a vaccination.

The seven-day rolling average for daily new cases in the U.S. rose over the past two weeks to 117,677 by Thursday, compared to 84,756 on Nov. 25, Thanksgiving Day, according to Johns Hopkins University. The number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 has soared to about 54,000 on average, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Meanwhile, the country is approaching a new milestone of 800,000 COVID-19 deaths. More than 200 million Americans, or about 60% of the population, are now fully vaccinated.

In Maine, which hit a pandemic high this week with nearly 400 COVID-19 patients in hospitals, as many as 75 members of the National Guard were being summoned to try to keep people out of critical care with monoclonal antibodies and to perform other non-clinical tasks.

Maine has one of the highest COVID-19 vaccination rates in the country  73%  but that rate lags in many of the state's rural pockets.

The New York National Guard said it had deployed 120 Army medics and Air Force medical technicians to 12 nursing homes and long-term care facilities to relieve fatigued staff.

Dr. Paolo Marciano, chief medical officer at Beaumont Hospital in Dearborn, Michigan, said it was a tremendous lifeline to get assistance from the Defense Department, which has more than 60 nurses, doctors and respiratory therapists assigned to the state.

"It allowed us to be able to care for the COVID patients and at the same time still maintain the level of care that cancer patients require or people with chronic illnesses, Marciano said. "Where we are today is really just keeping our heads above water.

New York's mask order covers all indoor public places unless a business or venue has a vaccine requirement. The state reported more than 68,000 positive tests for the virus in a seven-day period that ended Wednesday, the most for any seven-day stretch since February.

New York City and several upstate New York counties already have mask mandates. Critics, however, said the governor's announcement was another burden for businesses.

"Government overreach at its worst, said Republican Assemblyman Mike Lawler.

Michigan is sending more ventilators to hospitals and asking for even more from the national stockpile. Infection rates and hospitalizations are at record levels, 21 months into the pandemic. The first case of the omicron variant was confirmed Thursday in the Grand Rapids area.

The largest hospital system in Indiana enlisted National Guard for support this week at a time when the number of COVID-19 patients in the state has more than doubled in the past month. The state's COVID-19 hospitalizations are now higher than Indianas summer surge that peaked in September and are approaching the pandemic peak reached in late 2020.

Associated Press reporters David Eggert in Lansing, Michigan, and Carolyn Thompson in Buffalo, N.Y., contributed to this story.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Nearly two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, the origin of the virus tormenting the world remains shrouded in mystery.

Most scientists believe it emerged in the wild and jumped from bats to humans, either directly or through another animal. Others theorize it escaped from a Chinese lab.

Now, with the global COVID-19 death toll surpassing 5.2 million on the second anniversary of the earliest human cases, a growing chorus of scientists is trying to keep the focus on what they regard as the more plausible zoonotic, or animal-to-human, theory, in the hope that what's learned will help humankind fend off new viruses and variants.

The lab-leak scenario gets a lot of attention, you know, on places like Twitter, but theres no evidence that this virus was in a lab, said University of Utah scientist Stephen Goldstein, who with 20 others wrote an article in the journal Cell in August laying out evidence for animal origin.

Michael Worobey, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Arizona who contributed to the article, said he always thought zoonotic transmission was more likely than a lab leak but had signed a letter with other scientists last spring saying both theories were viable. Since then, he said, his own and others research has made him even more confident about the animal hypothesis, which is just way more supported by the data.

Last month, Worobey published a COVID-19 timeline linking the first known human case to the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan, China, where live animals were sold.

The lab leak idea is almost certainly a huge distraction thats taking focus away from what actually happened, he said.

Others arent so sure. Over the summer, a review ordered by President Joe Biden showed that four U.S. intelligence agencies believed with low confidence that the virus was initially transmitted from an animal to a human, and one agency believed with moderate confidence that the first infection was linked to a lab.

Some supporters of the lab-leak hypothesis have theorized that researchers were accidentally exposed because of inadequate safety practices while working with samples from the wild, or perhaps after creating the virus in the laboratory. U.S. intelligence officials have rejected suspicions China developed the virus as a bioweapon.

The continuing search for answers has inflamed tensions between the U.S. and China, which has accused the U.S. of making it the scapegoat for the disaster. Some experts fear the pandemics origins may never be known.

FROM BATS TO PEOPLE

Scientists said in the Cell paper that SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, is the ninth documented coronavirus to infect humans. All previous ones originated in animals.

That includes the virus that caused the 2003 SARS epidemic, which also has been associated with markets selling live animals in China.

Many researchers believe wild animals were intermediate hosts for SARS-CoV-2, meaning they were infected with a bat coronavirus that then evolved. Scientists have been looking for the exact bat coronavirus involved, and in September identified three viruses in bats in Laos more similar to SARS-CoV-2 than any known viruses.

Worobey suspects raccoon dogs were the intermediate host. The fox-like mammals are susceptible to coronaviruses and were being sold live at the Huanan market, he said.

The gold-standard piece of evidence for an animal origin would be an infected animal from there, Goldstein said. But as far as we know, the market was cleared out.

Earlier this year, a joint report by the World Health Organization and China called the transmission of the virus from bats to humans through another animal the most likely scenario and a lab leak extremely unlikely.

But that report also sowed doubt by pegging the first known COVID-19 case as an accountant who had no connection to the Huanan market and first showed symptoms on Dec. 8, 2019. Worobey said proponents of the lab-leak theory point to that case in claiming the virus escaped from a Wuhan Institute of Virology facility near where the man lived.

According to Worobeys research, however, the man said in an interview that his Dec. 8 illness was actually a dental problem, and his COVID-19 symptoms began on Dec. 16, a date confirmed in hospital records.

Worobeys analysis identifies an earlier case: a vendor in the Huanan market who came down with COVID-19 on Dec. 11.

ANIMAL THREATS

Experts worry the same sort of animal-to-human transmission of viruses could spark new pandemics  and worsen this one.

Since COVID-19 emerged, many types of animals have gotten infected, including pet cats, dogs and ferrets; zoo animals such as big cats, otters and non-human primates; farm-raised mink; and white-tailed deer.

Most got the virus from people, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which says that humans can spread it to animals during close contact but that the risk of animals transmitting it to people is low.

Another fear, however, is that animals could unleash new viral variants. Some wonder if the omicron variant began this way.

Around the world, we might have animals potentially incubating these variants even if we get (COVID-19) under control in humans, said David OConnor, a virology expert at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Were probably not going to do a big giraffe immunization program any time soon.

Worobey said he has been looking for genetic fingerprints that might indicate whether omicron was created when the virus jumped from humans to an animal, mutated, and then leaped back to people.

Experts say preventing zoonotic disease will require not only cracking down on illegal wildlife sales but making progress on big global problems that increase risky human-animal contact, such as habitat destruction and climate change.

Failing to fully investigate the animal origin of the virus, scientists said in the Cell paper, would leave the world vulnerable to future pandemics arising from the same human activities that have repeatedly put us on a collision course with novel viruses.

TOXIC POLITICS

But further investigation is stymied by superpower politics. Lawrence Gostin of Georgetown University said there has been a bare-knuckles fight between China and the United States.

The politics around the origins investigation has literally poisoned the well of global cooperation, said Gostin, director of the WHO Collaborating Center on National and Global Health Law. The politics have literally been toxic.

An AP investigation last year found that the Chinese government was strictly controlling all research into COVID-19's origins and promoting fringe theories that the virus could have come from outside the country.

This is a country thats by instinct very closed, and it was never going to allow unfettered access by foreigners into its territory, Gostin said.

Still, Gostin said there's one positive development that has come out of the investigation.

WHO has formed an advisory group to look into the pandemic's origins. And Gostin said that while he doubts the panel will solve the mystery, they will have a group of highly qualified scientists ready to be deployed in an instant in the next pandemic.

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.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The Pentagon said Friday that there are active discussions within the department about making the COVID-19 vaccine booster shots mandatory for service members, even as thousands refuse or seek exemptions from the initial shot requirement.

Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said there have been no final decisions on the matter, but added that Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin absolutely encourages people, if they can and if they qualify, to get the booster. But right now there is no requirement for it.

The defense department in August announced that it would begin requiring all members of the military  including National Guard and Reserves  to get the COVID-19 vaccine. The military services sent out specific guidelines on the mandate, set their own deadlines and laid out the repercussions for those who refused and were not granted a medical, religious or administrative exemption.

Since then, deadlines for the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps have all passed, and thousands still have not gotten the vaccine or are seeking an exemption, which involves a lengthy process including meetings with commanders, chaplains and medical personnel.

Speaking to reporters at a Pentagon press conference, Kirby said about 96.4% of all active duty personnel have gotten at least one shot. The percentage plunges when members of the National Guard and Reserves are included. Only about 74% of the total military force, including the active duty, Guard and Reserve, are fully vaccinated, but the Army Guard has until next June to get the shots.

Kirby said the numbers are trending in the right direction, but we know there's more work to do.

So far none of the services have said that any service members have been forced out due to their refusal to get the shots, although an unknown number have voluntarily retired or left the service over the matter since the mandate was put in place.

The secretary's expectation is 100% vaccination, that's what he wants to see, Kirby said.

He added that Austin also expects the services to implement the mandate in a compassionate and thoughtful way and not immediately go to some sort of punitive or administrative action. The services, he said, must ensure that troops understand the ramifications of the decision to refuse the vaccine, as well as the ramifications to their health and to their military unit's readiness.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
HELENA, Mont. (AP)  More U.S. drivers could find themselves stuck on snowy highways or have their travel delayed this winter due to a shortage of snowplow drivers  a reality that could hit home Friday as winter storms start dumping snow from the Intermountain West to the Upper Great Lakes.

States from Washington to Pennsylvania, including Montana and Wyoming in the Rocky Mountains, are having trouble finding enough people willing to take the comparatively low-paying jobs that require a Commercial Drivers License and often entail working at odd hours in dangerous conditions.

We want the traveling public to understand why it could take longer this season to clear highways during winter storms, said Jon Swartz, the maintenance administrator for the Montana Department of Transportation, which is short about 90 drivers. Knowing this helps motorists to plan ahead and adjust or even delay travel plans.

Several states are either already feeling the crunch or could be soon: A snowstorm hit northern Utah on Thursday night while heavy snow was forecast for higher elevations in Colorado on Friday. Over a half a foot (15 centimeters) could drop in parts of Nebraska and Iowa. Parts of Nevada and New Mexico also expect winter storms. A major storm is expected to hit Northern California starting Sunday, bringing in the first significant rainfall this month to the drought-parched area.

State transportation departments say there are several reasons for a lack of snowplow drivers: the record low unemployment rate, an aging workforce and an increased demand for diesel mechanics and CDL drivers in other industries. Private companies can also be more nimble  raising salaries and offering bonuses to drivers  than state agencies, which usually have to get legislative approval to change salaries.

Everyones sort of competing for the same group of workers and private companies can often offer higher salaries than the state government, said Barbara LaBoe, spokesperson for Washington states Department of Transportation.

Along with the competitive market, LaBoe said Washington also lost 151 winter operations workers who did not want to comply with the states COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

One of the main competitors for states seeking workers with a Commercial Drivers License are private trucking companies that have been raising driver pay, in some cases several times this year, to fill their own shortages and meet the increasing demand to move freight and clear supply chain bottlenecks.

The American Trucking Associations estimates there will be a record shortage of just over 80,000 drivers this year, and that doesnt include the shortfall in drivers for school buses, public transportation or snowplows.

The ATA says the shortage has many roots, including many drivers nearing retirement age, the pandemic causing some to leave the industry and training schools churning out fewer new drivers in 2020. Others may leave the industry because they dont like being away from home while an increase in the number of states legalizing marijuana leads to more drivers being unable to pass a drug test, the ATA says.

Some states are willing to hire snowplow drivers and pay for their CDL training, but its not likely those hires will be ready to work this winter, officials said.

Some snowplow drivers work year-round in highway maintenance jobs, while seasonal workers are hired to fill the additional shifts in the winter.

The shortage is leading states to make plans to shift mechanics and other full-time employees who have Commercial Drivers Licenses into plows, which can cause problems if a plow needs maintenance work and the mechanic is out driving.

Wyoming has priorities for which roads will be plowed first and for how many hours per day plows will operate on each roadway. Interstate 80, the major east-west corridor across the southern part of the state, can be plowed around the clock while plowing stops on other roads, such as Interstates 90 and 25, between midnight at 4 a.m. Those guidelines may come into play more this year, said Luke Reiner, director of Wyomings Department of Transportation.

In Washington, LaBoe said some roads and mountain passes will be closed longer than usual during and after significant storms and some roads may not receive the same level of service.

Brief or isolated storms wont cause problems in most states, in part because departments can move drivers and equipment around based on the weather forecast.

If we have a series of storms over several days or if it hits the whole state at once, (the shortage) is going to become more evident because we dont have as deep a bench, LaBoe said.

Washington is still short about 150 seasonal and full-time workers, but things have improved since October when it was short 300 workers.

Even if states are able to hire drivers with commercial licenses, they still have to train them to run a snowplow and load the truck with salt and sand before learning a route.

When youre plowing the road you need to know where the bridge abutment is and where the expansion joints are so you dont hook that with a plow, LaBoe said.

Pennsylvania is short 270 permanent positions and 560 temporary ones, but the Department of Transportation said that doesnt mean the roads will be treacherous this winter.

Our goal is to keep roads safe and passable rather than completely free of ice and snow, said Alexis Campbell, spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. The roads will be cleared once the snow stops, she said.

Ease of travel is important to businesses. Capitol Courier has contracts with deadlines to deliver electronic replacement parts from their warehouse in Helena, Montana, to about 30 businesses around the state as soon as they call.

The roads are critical to what we do, said Shawn White Wolf, co-manager of Capitol Courier.

Snowplow drivers are devoted to their jobs, understanding their work is critical to the safety of the traveling public and to emergency responders, said Rick Nelson director of the winter maintenance technical service program for the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

Still, he understands that convincing newcomers to be out there in the worst conditions can be difficult.

Nelson said the shortage means states will be shifting resources when they can and making sure roads are clear during times of peak demand while you try to recruit, get out there and beat the bushes and convince folks that jumping in a plow in the middle of the night at Christmastime is a good career choice.

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SANTA FE, N.M. (AP)  The New Mexico House on Friday passed a bill for funneling federal pandemic relief funding to improve broadband internet improvement projects and the state's road infrastructure after a committee added more spending items to the bill.

An amendment put in the bill by the House Appropriations and Finance Committee calls for using $50 million to build a rural hospital. While a location for the hospital has not been determined, some legislators were leaning toward building it in Valencia County, south of Albuquerque.

Another amendment consolidated $123 million in internet funding to allow state officials flexibility in deciding which technology to improve broadband access in underserved areas, especially rural regions. New Mexico has considered methods ranging from traditional fiber optic cable to internet beamed to the ground by satellites and blimps.

Republican committee members complained that $25 million in existing internet projects have stalled because they have not been funded.

Theyve been vetted. Theyve been approved, and theyre sitting on a shelf lacking funding, said Rep. Randal Crowder of Clovis.

Broadband also was also discussed earlier Friday in the Senate, with one lawmaker announcing that state officials are considering buying a new form of satellite internet for rural students  most of whom have lacked internet access through the pandemic.

The state Public Education Department is working on a deal to connect rural students to the internet through StarLink, a SpaceX satellite network that will offer service to the public in New Mexico starting next year. Agency spokeswoman Judy Robinson said the cost would be $1.6 million for the first year of service and for the installation of receivers.

The legislation passed by the House also includes $142 million for roads and $2 million for a teacher training fund.

Boosting the training fund is aimed at pulling the state out of a growing teacher shortage that has swelled to about 1,000 unfilled vacancies. Supporters have said the bill could support as many as 1,500 educators and aspiring educators, mostly by subsidizing university tuition for college students who want to become teachers.

Our teacher shortage is acute, Democratic Rep. Nathan Small of Las Cruces said, adding that he wanted aspiring teachers to know the Legislature is taking action.

Attanasio 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 under-covered issues. Follow Attanasio on Twitter.

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More sexual assault allegations have emerged against a Helena man accused of trying to meet a teenage girl in Missoula, and against Mount Helena Community Church for allegedly allowing the abuse to happen.

A lawsuit filed in Lewis and Clark County on Wednesday alleges that Jerrad Zitnik, 44, sexually abused a teenager on a mission trip in 1995 when he was 19.

The survivor and Zitnik were both members of Mount Helena Community Church when they attended the trip, sponsored by the church, in the Philippines. Zitnik was an adult supervisor, designated by the church as a worship leader.

Zitnik was taken into custody in Missoula in late October after federal agents arrested him on suspicion of trying to meet up with a 13-year-old girl for sex.

At one point on the trip, Zitnik climbed into bed with the survivor and assaulted her without her consent, the suit said. The survivor communicated with her parents about the assault, and they reported it to church officials. The church's response was to sequester the girl alone in a room, and later bring her out of the room and forced her to confront Zitnik.

Church leadership officials "told (the survivor) that they had 'prayed' about what to do, and that they thought the Plaintiff should forgive Zitnik in front of all those attending the mission trip. MHCC's leadership/officials also encouraged Plaintiff to not discuss the sexual abuse again," the suit said.

The suit also alleges the church was privy to Zitnik's pattern of abusive behaviors prior to allowing him to travel to the Philippines, as others had accused him of similar conduct.

The suit accuses the Helena church of negligence, negligent hiring, retention and supervision, negligence for failing to report and principal liability, saying the church failed to exercise reasonable care in protecting the survivor from sexual abuse.

As a result of the alleged negligence, Zitnik was given the opportunity to sexually abuse the girl, the complaint reads. Further, the church was obligated to report the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services if they had received a report of child abuse.

The survivor has suffered serious mental health issues and substance abuse as a result of Zitnik and the church's actions, the complaint said. She is seeking compensatory and punitive damages against both Zitnik and the church.

When he was arrested in Missoula, Zitnik admitted to officials he had been talking with the 13-year-old girl, but said he was baited. Following his arrest in this incident, he stated he had started to change his mind about engaging in sexual conduct with the girl on the drive over and earlier in the week, Missoula County charging documents said. He claimed he was just planning to meet her briefly after leaving work and driving to Missoula from Helena.

He is no longer in custody at the Missoula County jail.

The plaintiff is being represented by John Heenan of Heenan & Cook PLLC in Billings, as well as Michael McLean of Wall, McLean & Gallagher PLLC in Helena.

Mount Helena Community Church did not return a request for comment.

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SEATTLE (AP)  Two artists are facing federal charges that they faked Native American heritage to sell works at downtown Seattle galleries.

Lewis Anthony Rath, 52, of Maple Falls, and Jerry Chris Van Dyke, 67, also known as Jerry Witten, of Seattle, have been charged separately with violating the Indian Arts and Crafts Act, which prohibits misrepresentation in marketing American Indian or Alaska Native arts and crafts.

The U.S. Attorneys Office said Rath falsely claimed to be a member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, and Van Dyke falsely claimed membership in the Nez Perce Tribe. The goods included masks, totem poles and pendants sold in 2019 at Ravens Nest Treasure in Pike Place Market and at Ye Olde Curiosity Shop on the waterfront.

By flooding the market with counterfeit Native American art and craftwork, these crimes cheat the consumer, undermine the economic livelihood of Native American artists, and impair Indian culture," Edward Grace, assistant director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement, said in a news release.

Rath and Van Dyke were due to appear in U.S. District Court on Friday afternoon. Their attorneys, federal public defenders Gregory Geist and Vanessa Pai-Thompson, said in an email Friday they did not have any immediate comment on the charges.

Authorities said the investigation began when the Indian Arts and Crafts Board, an Interior Department agency that promotes Native art, received complaints that the two were fraudulently holding themselves out as enrolled tribal members.

Rath is charged with four counts of misrepresentation of Indian-produced goods, which is punishable by up to five years in prison. Van Dyke faces two counts of the same crime.

Rath also faces one misdemeanor count of unlawfully possessing golden eagle parts, and one of unlawfully possessing migratory bird parts.

According to charging documents, an employee of Ye Olde Curiosity Shop, which has been in business for more than a century, told investigators that she wrote an artist biography of Rath based on information he provided about his tribal affiliation.

Matthew Steinbrueck, the owner of Raven's Nest Treasure, told investigators that the artists told him they were tribal members and that he believed them, according to the documents. He said he did not knowingly sell counterfeit Indian products.

I've been doing this on good faith for many years  for more than 30 years, Steinbrueck told The Associated Press on Friday. Our whole mission is to represent authentic Native art. We've had more than 100 authentic Native artists. I've always just taken their word for it.

He said his family had a long appreciation for American Indian culture, dating to when his great-grandfather adopted a tribal member. Steinbrueck's father, Victor Steinbrueck, an architect credited with helping preserve Pike Place Market and Seattle's historic Pioneer Square neighborhood, brought him up to revere Native culture, he said.

Van Dyke told investigators that it was Steinbrueck's idea to represent his work as Native American.

Steinbrueck denied that, saying Van Dyke appeared to be trying to lessen his own culpability. He called Van Dyke a fabulous carver who made art in the style of his wife's Alaska Native tribe, including pendants carved from fossilized mammoth or walrus ivory.

Neither Ye Olde Curiosity Shop nor Raven's Nest has been charged in the case.

Gabriel Galanda, an Indigenous rights attorney in Seattle who belongs to the Round Valley Tribes of Northern California, said that if shops offer products as Native-produced, they should be verifying the heritage of the creators, such as by examining tribal enrollment cards or federal certificates of Indian blood.

There has to be some diligence done by these galleries, Galanda said.

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BUTTE, Mont. (AP)  A company that turned mining waste into roofing materials at a Montana plant was fined and ordered to conduct medical monitoring of workers on Friday, after pleading guilty to a criminal charge that it exposed employees to arsenic.

Tinley Park, Illinois-based U.S. Minerals was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen to pay a $393,200 fine and will be on probation for five years, according to court records. The company pleaded guilty in August to negligent endangerment, a misdemeanor violation of the federal Clean Air Act.

Prosecutors said U.S. Minerals continued to poison its workers by exposing them to arsenic despite repeated warnings from regulators. Long-term exposure to inorganic arsenic can lead to skin cancer and cancer in the bladder and lungs, according to the World Health Organization.

In its guilty plea, the company acknowledged it negligently placed another person in the imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury.

From 2013 to when it closed in June 2021 the company's Anaconda plant converted mining waste known as black slag  a byproduct of a century of copper smelting in the town  into roofing materials called Black Diamond Abrasive Products.

Under a plea agreement, U.S. Minerals plants in Illinois, Wisconsin, Kansas, Texas and Louisiana will be under increased oversight by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration during a five-year probationary period.

The company would also have to monitor the health of former employees of the Anaconda plant during that time.

Employees who take advantage of the medical monitoring program would not give up the right to pursue civil litigation against U.S. Minerals, under the agreement.

Five of six employees tested at the Anaconda plant in July 2015 had elevated levels of arsenic, according to a 2016 report by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. At the time, respiratory protection was provided but not required, and there was no running water or handwashing stations at the plant

The company was earlier fined nearly $107,000 by OSHA for violations in 2016.

Montanas health department ordered the plant to temporarily close in February 2019 after at least two workers had elevated arsenic levels in their urine in 2018.

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HONOLULU (AP)  The Navy believes that contaminated tap water that went to Hawaii military households came from a one-time spill of jet fuel last month and was not caused by a leak from aging underground fuel storage tanks above an aquifer, a top Navy official told state lawmakers on Friday.

Rear Adm. Blake Converse said Navy officials are very confident that the contamination happened on Nov. 20, when 14,000 gallons (52,995 liters) of jet fuel spilled at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility inside an access tunnel that provides fire suppression and service lines for the complex. The complex supplies fuel for many military planes and ships that operate in the Pacific and its use has been suspended.

The spill was cleaned up, Converse said, but people have complained for weeks of foul-smelling water and some have said they have gone to hospitals because of cramps or vomiting after they drank the water.

Converse said it appears that some of the jet fuel was sent through the Navys water distribution system that serves about 93,000 people, including those in military housing.

Converse also told state lawmakers that Navy officials have moved more than 3,000 families to hotels on the island of Oahu and that they will stay there until the problem is solved.

The overall water system and water systems in all homes and facilities that have been impacted will be flushed with clean water and Navy officials said they hope to complete that process by Christmas.

The Navy is responsible for this crisis. We are taking ownership of the solutions, and we are going to fix it, Adm. Sam Paparo, commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, told the lawmakers.

Before Navy officials divulged the likely cause of the contamination, a U.S. senator called on the Environmental Protection Agency to take the lead in testing to determine whether the Navy's water is safe to drink.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz said the EPA should step in after the Navy disputed the Hawaii Department of Health's analysis of fuel contamination at a well for drinking water to the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam's water system.

Testing last week showed the presence of petroleum in water that comes from a well near the underground fuel tank complex that has been the source of multiple fuel leaks over the years.

The state health department said the Navy reported diesel fuel levels more than double Hawaii health limits for drinking water in samples collected at another one of the Navy's shafts that provide water to the drinking water system.

But the Navy said the sample didn't come directly from the Navy's well and that Navy officials don't believe it indicated contamination.

After receiving results Friday from a California lab, the health department said samples collected from a ground water source called the Red Hill shaft had tested positive on Sunday for "high levels' of gasoline.

Schatz wants the EPA to be the lead agency handling collection, testing, analysis and public communication of the water crisis.

We can't afford another day of the Navy and the state and county agencies disagreeing on the basic question of whether the drinking water is safe, he said in a statement Thursday.

The EPA is not independently testing the water, but is reviewing Navy test results, Julia Giarmoleo, an agency spokesperson, told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

Thiessen reported from Anchorage, Alaska.

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ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP)  Anchorage has won its lawsuit with a federal agency over failed construction at the states largest port.

U.S. Court of Federal Claims Judge Edward J. Damich on Thursday found the U.S. Maritime Administration breached its 2003 and 2011 agreements with the Municipality of Anchorage over construction at the Port of Anchorage, KTUU-TV reported. The facility has since been renamed the Port of Alaska.

Its an enormous vindication of what weve been saying all along, and thats basically that the federal government had control of this project and they didnt perform  they messed it up, assistant municipal attorney Robert Owens said.

In 2014, Anchorage filed a lawsuit against the maritime administration for more than $300 million over failed construction in the effort to replace deteriorating facilities and upgrade port infrastructure to meet increasing demands.

A nine-day trial was held last spring, at which the municipality argued the governments 2003 and 2011 agreements required the agency to provide technical expertise to oversee, design and construct the expansion project free of defect, the court documents show.

The government countered that Anchorage was the party responsible for managing and executing the project, and the maritime administration didn't breach any duties.

The judge sided with Anchorage, saying the federal agency failed to enforce its contractual duties or administer funds properly.

The amount of damages have not been awarded yet. Both sides have 10 days to submit arguments for what they believe the monetary award should be.

Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson called the verdict a victory for Alaska.

The Port of Alaska is a vital piece of infrastructure for all Alaskans, with roughly 90% of our population touched by goods that come through the Port, Bronson said in a statement.

The municipality is working with the state and federal government to secure nearly $1.6 billion to repair the port, Bronson said.

An email sent Friday to the U.S. Maritime Administration seeking comment was not immediately returned.

For copyright information, check with the distributor of this item, KTUU-TV.

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HELENA, Mont. (AP)  A Montana man accused of threatening a restaurant manager with a handgun when he was asked to wear a face covering during the height of the pandemic was fined $100 on a misdemeanor charge, after state Attorney General Austin Knudsen intervened in the case to block more serious charges sought by local prosecutors

A state judge accepted Rodney Robert Smith's guilty plea for disorderly conduct during a Thursday hearing in Helena, according to the court. He was also ordered to pay $75 in court fees.

Police alleged that Smith got into a physical altercation with employees at a Helena Restaurant, patting his handgun and saying I'm going to get you after being asked to comply with the statewide mask mandate or leave.

Smith was originally charged by Lewis and Clark County Prosecutor Leo Gallagher in November 2020 with felony assault with a weapon, misdemeanor assault and two concealed weapons charges.

Smith had pleaded not guilty when the Attorney Generals Office told Gallagher to dismiss the concealed carry charges and the prosecutor resisted. Knudsen's office took over the case and offered a plea deal for an amended charge , the Montana State News Bureau reported.

State District Judge Kathly Seeley said she accepted the plea deal reluctantly. The restaurant employees who said they were assaulted strongly disagreed with Knudsens decisions on the case.

Smiths attorney, Palmer Hoovestal, told the judge Smith's wife and friend could dispute the restaurant employees' account. Hoovestal has said allegations that Smith exposed a handgun didnt happen and that the confrontation wasnt a disagreement over the mask mandate.

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LIVERPOOL, England (AP)  Top diplomats from the Group of Seven industrialized nations met Saturday in Liverpool for talks dominated by Russia's buildup of troops near Ukraine's border and what host country Britain called Moscow's malign behavior around the world.

The U.K. called for a show of unity against global aggressors as it welcomed U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other G-7 foreign ministers amid the Russia-Ukraine crisis and tensions with China and Iran.

We need to defend ourselves against the growing threats from hostile actors," British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said as she opened the meeting of foreign ministers from the U.K., the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan. And we need to come together strongly to stand up to aggressors who are seeking to limit the bounds of freedom and democracy.

The U.S. and its NATO allies are concerned that the movement of Russian troops and weapons to the border region with Ukraine may be a prelude to an invasion and have said they would inflict heavy sanctions on Russias economy if that happens.

Moscow denies having any plans to attack Ukraine and accuses Kyiv of its own allegedly aggressive designs.

A senior U.S. official who participated in Saturdays discussions said the G-7 ministers were united in their extreme concern about developments on the Russia-Ukraine border. The official said the ministers had agreed that any Russian invasion of Ukraine would be met with a response that would bring massive consequences and severe costs from the G-7.

The official would not elaborate on what those consequences might be but said they will be implemented very, very fast if Russia does not heed warnings to back down.

The U.S. and its allies have played down talk of a military response to defend Ukraine, with efforts focusing on tough sanctions that would hit the Russian economy, rather than just individuals.

European Union foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell, who is also attending the two-day conference, said the ministers were determined "to make Russia understand that anything that could represent an attack to Ukraine would have a high price.

Getting a unified response from the G-7, a group of countries with disparate interests, has often proved tough. Germany plans on getting gas from Russia soon through the contentious Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which bypasses Ukraine. Britain, which is not dependent on Russian gas, generally takes a tougher line on the pipeline  but faces tough questions about London's financial district and property market, both hubs for Russian money.

Truss said she wanted to work with other countries to make sure that free democratic nations are able to have an alternative to Russian gas supplies. She met on the sidelines of the gathering with Germanys new foreign minister, Annalena Baerbock, a politician from the environmentalist Greens who previously opposed Nord Stream 2.

Alongside efforts to agree on tough sanctions should Russia invade, efforts to find a diplomatic solution to the Russia-Ukraine crisis appear to be accelerating. The State Department announced Saturday that the top American diplomat for Europe, Karen Donfried, will visit both Kyiv and Moscow next week to reinforce the United States commitment to Ukraines sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and to seek a resolution. Donfried will go later to Brussels to talk with NATO and European Union allies.

China's muscle-flexing in the Indo-Pacific region and the ailing Iran nuclear deal were also on the agenda for the weekend meeting at the dockside Museum of Liverpool.

The gathering is taking place as negotiators meet in Vienna to try to revive an international deal to limit Irans nuclear ambitions. Blinken met German, French and British diplomats in Liverpool to discuss next steps over Iran, and the Biden administration's special envoy on Iran, Robert Malley, also stopped in the city on his way to Vienna.

Truss warned this week that the Vienna talks are the last chance for Iran to sign up again to the deal, which was meant to rein in Tehran's nuclear program in return for loosened economic sanctions.

Truss also invited ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to the Liverpool meeting, though many were joining remotely because of the pandemic. Delegates and journalists face daily virus tests and mask mandates at the conference, as Britain records more cases of the omicron virus variant, which scientists say will become the dominant strain in the U.K. in the next week or so.

Britain is keen to work more closely with Asian nations as part of an Indo-Pacific tilt following the U.K.s departure from the 27-nation European Union last year  both to boost U.K. trade and as a counterweight to Chinas dominance.

Truss told her G-7 counterparts that democracies needed to fight economic coercion and win the battle of technology  both pointed references to Beijing's growing influence around the globe. The G-7 has launched a Build Back Better World initiative to offer developing nations funding for big infrastructure projects as an alternative to money from China that, the West argues, often comes with strings attached.

A unified stance towards China continues to prove elusive, however, with the U.S. and Britain generally more hawkish than other G-7 members.

The U.K. chose a setting steeped in British history and culture for final meeting of its year as G-7 president. Liverpools docklands, once a symbol of Britains global reach and economic might, came to represent the country's post-industrial decline, but now the area along the River Mersey is a prime example of 21st century urban renewal.

A museum dedicated to the citys most famous sons, the Beatles Story Museum, was the setting for the G-7 ministers' dinner on Saturday night. Delegates were serenaded by a Fab Four cover band before eating a locally sourced meal in a recreation of Liverpool's famous Cavern Club, where the band played many of its early gigs.

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Although the failure of a specialized dam part resulted in significant dewatering of an upper Madison River below Hebgen Lake Dam on Nov. 30, stranding and killing fish, it was lower flows farther downstream that violated NorthWestern Energys requirements with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

The company also violated its license because it is required to limit changes in outflows from Hebgen Lake Dam to no more than 10% a day.

Details of the incident are revealed in a Dec. 9 filing by NorthWestern Energy with FERC. FERC oversees the license under which NorthWestern operates Hebgen Lake Dam and was therefore required to report the incident.

The Madison River is one of the most popular trout streams in the state, funneling millions of dollars into the regional economy while also supporting a blue ribbon trout fishery, wildlife and agriculture.

It was around 2 a.m. when a coupling failed on a gate stem, the energy company reported. The gate disconnected from its drive and fell a foot downward, reducing flows into the river from 648 cubic feet per second to 278 cfs in 15 minutes, a 57% reduction. Within 24 hours the water had dropped to 216 cfs, a 67% reduction, which equated to a 0.76-foot drop in water elevation.

As required by FERC, however, even these low flows were above the required minimum of 150 cfs immediately below the dam. By 2:30 p.m. the water had dwindled to 395 cfs at the Kirby Ranch USGS river gauge. Under its license, flows at Kirby Ranch are supposed to be maintained at no less than 600 cfs. It wasnt until Dec. 2 at 7:15 p.m. that flows hit that rate again.

Immediately downstream of the dam, fish were stranded by the quick drawdown and died. Brown trout eggs laid in stream gravels earlier in the fall may have also been dewatered long enough to perish.

Severity of impacts to the fishery is currently unknown and may not be known for several years, NorthWestern reported to FERC. NorthWestern is committed to working with the resource agencies to determine appropriate studies to evaluate impacts over time to the Madison River fishery.

Because the failure occurred below instrumentation that would have alerted dam operators to the problem, the issue was not identified by the dams control system, NorthWestern wrote.

It was an angler driving past the river who first noticed the low flows. After stopping at a nearby fly-fishing shop, calls were made to NorthWestern but officials could not be reached. So instead the anglers contacted Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks staff who alerted NorthWestern officials. Their first response was to check with the U.S. Geological Survey to ensure the downstream gauge was properly functioning and to dispatch someone to confirm the problem.

In earlier interviews, the company said it was about nine hours after the part broke before the problem was confirmed. To add more water to the river, spillway gates were opened, but due to the low lake levels because of an extended drought, only 20 cfs was released.

NorthWestern contracted with an Anaconda company to manufacture a new coupler that divers worked late into the night to install on Dec. 1. Once the repair was completed, the gate was opened to restart flows 46 hours after the part failed.

NorthWestern will conduct a thorough investigation, including a root cause analysis, to fully understand the failure, NorthWesterns response, and to identify corrective actions to prevent recurrence of the failure mode and to ensure improved notification of a rapid drop in river flows, the company wrote to FERC.

The agency will review the report and determine next steps, a FERC spokesperson said.

The last inspection of the dam was on Aug. 25 and no problems were identified.

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Montana's richest nonprofit hospitals receive millions of dollars in tax exemptions each year to operate as charities, but some fall short of other medical facilities in what they give back to their communities to get those breaks.

Overall, Montana's nearly 50 nonprofit hospitals directed, on average, roughly 8% of their total annual expenses toward community benefits, such as covering the treatment costs of people who can't afford care. That's according to a KHN analysis of the hospitals' IRS filings ending in 2019, which provide a snapshot of hospitals' financial picture from before the pandemic. The national average as of 2018 was 10%, according to the American Hospital Association.

Hospitals self-report how much they give in community benefits, and their reporting processes are opaque. Even so, KHN's analysis found that some of Montana's wealthiest hospitals were spending well below the state and national averages.

Billings Clinic, the state's largest provider, spent roughly 5% of its operating costs on community benefits, while St. Peter's Health in Helena and Benefis Health System in Great Falls each reported less than 2%. By contrast, St. Luke Hospital in Ronan reported 22%.

Federal law doesn't dictate how much nonprofit hospitals must spend on such benefits, and the definition of what counts is vague. How nonprofits record their giving varies, and hospitals say that makes it an unfair measuring stick. However, it's what hospitals themselves report to the IRS.

Montana nonprofit hospitals face little to no oversight of their community benefit spending  as is the case for much of the nation's nonprofit health systems. That can allow nonprofit hospitals to act more like businesses than charities. Meanwhile, hospitals tend to be among the biggest economic engines in their communities, giving large salaries to their executives while Americans are stuck with at least $141 billion in medical bills they can't afford.

"There are millions of Americans that do not have health insurance, and they need health care," said Gerard Anderson, a health policy professor at Johns Hopkins University who studies hospital giving. "Hospitals are places that have been given tax advantages to help."

Sued for medical debt

Last year, Taruha Kirkaldie, 33, of Havre got a letter from a debt collector  she was being sued over a nearly $19,000 Benefis Health bill.

Kirkaldie didn't have health insurance in 2018 when a cut on her hand turned into a serious staph infection. She needed to travel to Great Falls for intravenous antibiotics and surgery. She said a hospital staffer helped her apply for Medicaid, the federal-state insurance program for those with low incomes, but her family of five made about $50,000 a year, too much to qualify.

Kirkaldie recalled being told that she wouldn't qualify for the hospital's aid program either because she owned a home in Harlem, Montana, that wasn't her primary residence.

Now Kirkaldie pays about $350 a month to pay off her hospital debt. "We still live paycheck to paycheck," Kirkaldie said.

Benefis Health reported making $49.6 million more than it spent in 2019. Of the $21.5 million it put toward community benefits, $1.4 million went to financial aid. By contrast, Bozeman Deaconess Hospital, a smaller hospital, spent $4.8 million on its financial aid.

Still, Benefis spends more on community benefits than it gets in tax breaks, spokesperson Kaci Husted said. The biggest chunk, according to the IRS filing, was nearly $17 million the hospital absorbed to offer services such as palliative care. The hospital also spent roughly $106,000 for health professional education.

Husted said she couldn't provide details about Kirkaldie's case but added that all the hospital's standard billing notices say patients can apply for financial assistance. She said its denial rate was low but didn't provide specifics. Husted attributed the hospital's limited financial aid to a lack of applications. "Perhaps, at times, people just don't want to go through the work of completing the application," Husted said.

She said a big part of the hospital's financial assistance effort is helping people sign up for public health coverage and that few need financial aid now that many patients qualify for Medicaid as a result of the expansion of the state's program in 2016.

That doesn't help people who don't qualify, like Kirkaldie.

What counts as a community benefit

Montana hospitals use local needs assessments to help them decide how to spend their community benefit money.

Billings' regional assessments found residents needed better access to healthy foods. Melissa Henderson, a manager for Healthy by Design, a community health coalition, said Billings Clinic, St. Vincent Healthcare and the local health department pay for its two full-time employees, who organize a farmers market and advocate for creating bike paths, among other things.

She said it's powerful to have the area's largest employers advocating for improvements like bike lanes even when no money is given.

"What I see is the hospitals are really doing their best to have an impact on their community," Henderson said.

In the Billings Clinic tax documents that KHN examined, the hospital reported making $73.9 million above its operating costs from July 2018 through June 2019. In that report, the hospital said it doesn't have the resources to address every community need, including the lack of transportation to health care facilities. However, it paid for rides to help patients who otherwise struggled to get to appointments until 2018. It stopped after it instead backed a successful initiative to increase taxes to bolster local transportation programs, among other services.

Mike Larson, executive director of Billings' nonprofit Adult Resource Alliance, said he saw the need for medical rides increase after the hospital stopped picking up patients. Larson said that his ride program for older adults had trouble meeting demand, despite receiving some of the new tax proceeds, and that his biggest concern was whether the partnership with the city would have enough staffers and vehicles to keep up.

Larson said Billings Clinic's business model causes it to act like a for-profit. "They're very cautious in terms of how they approach community support," he said.

The clinic's transportation service was difficult to offer, hospital spokesperson Zach Benoit said, because many patients needed special assistance such as mechanical lift systems to put wheelchairs into a vehicle. The hospital is considering getting an ambulance, but Benoit said that would be costly and require special staffing.

JJ Carmody, Billings Clinic's director of reimbursement, said the health system spent more than $36 million in 2019 on community benefits, including $12.7 million on financial aid and $3.6 million on programs to train health professionals.

"That's significant, and I also believe that's fair," Carmody said. "That's a large portion of our profit that's dedicated to community benefit."

In 2019, Billings Clinic paid its then-CEO Dr. Randall Gibb more than $1.2 million, according to the tax filing.

'Little motivation to change'

Hospitals, industry watchdogs and policymakers alike debate what should count as a charitable benefit. And when questioned, hospitals often point to different categories that change the picture of how they perform.

St. Peter's Health reported spending $3.1 million on community benefits from July 2018 through June 2019. That's compared with the estimated $10 million it received in tax exemptions in 2016, according to a state audit presented to lawmakers last year.

Nate Coburn, the hospital's chief financial officer, said benefits would be much higher if the hospital counted services that bring in less money than they cost, such as running a behavioral health unit. The hospital used to count them: A 2016 tax document shows it spent more than $16 million on community benefits. Coburn said St. Peter's is considering correcting its forms to add those numbers.

Montana leaders have known hospitals have a transparency problem. The state audit estimated hospitals combined had $146 million in tax exemptions in 2016. That's money that didn't go toward local tax bases that help fund schools and repair roads.

In exchange, the audit said, hospitals reported spending $257 million on community benefits. But that number came with a huge caveat: The audit found hospitals report benefits vaguely and inconsistently, making it hard to determine if they can justify their charity status.

Opaque hospital filings are an issue nationwide. Some states have created minimum community benefit standards, with Oregon among the latest. There, health systems rely on a formula that sets a minimum for how much charity care hospitals give. But such hard lines are rare.

"There's really no enforcement, with very little motivation to change things," said Dr. Vikas Saini, president of the Lown Institute health care think tank in Massachusetts.

Rich Rasmussen, president of the Montana Hospital Association, said hospitals are working with his organization to come up with more consistent ways to count benefits and plan to share those results online next year. But, he added, tax reports don't capture everything hospitals offer.

"We have hospitals that are still showing incredible outcomes in their quality, and that's a benefit to the community," Rasmussen said. "If we can avoid somebody being readmitted, if we can ensure that somebody can be discharged home, those are pieces that you can tell in the narrative of what you're doing outside of what you might fill out."

But hospital pricing experts, including Anderson, said the tax reports can paint hospitals in too good a light for accomplishing goals any business should have. One example, Anderson said, is counting the cost of staff training as a community benefit.

"Walmart trains their employees, for-profit hospitals train their employees, so it makes no sense to me why a nonprofit hospital should be able to call this 'community benefit,'" Anderson said.

Montana policymakers have voiced frustration, doubting whether all hospitals pay their fair share. But little has changed.

The state audit recommended that lawmakers define how hospitals report their spending, but no such laws made it out of the legislative session this year. A bill proposed by Republican state Sen. Bob Keenan would have required the state's largest hospitals to jointly hand over $4.3 million for the state to decide how it's spent on community benefits. Hospital lobbyists called the move a "sick tax" and argued it was the wrong time to burden the systems fighting the pandemic. The bill died in committee.

Many of Montana's large hospitals did well financially after the state's expansion of Medicaid, which now provides heavily subsidized health insurance to about 1 in 10 Montanans. And while hospitals have been strained while caring for COVID patients, they have also received millions of dollars in federal relief. Nationally, many wealthy hospitals got richer during the pandemic.

The audit recommended the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services define charity care and create a review process to ensure hospital policies match industry standards. Department spokesperson Jon Ebelt said that the pandemic delayed that work but that it plans to resume it in the coming months.

Saini, of the Lown Institute, said hospitals that are putting a lot toward community benefits have an interest in wanting more transparency  but they're too busy caring for patients to lobby for change. So holding hospitals accountable will likely have to come from political pressure, he said.

"I don't think all of it is just this data issue," Saini said. "There are some hospitals that do more, full stop."

Methodology

Hospitals have to report how much they spend to help their communities. But hospitals, industry watchdogs and politicians debate how useful the information is and what spending should count as community assistance.

Nonprofits must report financial information to the IRS each year using Form 990. For hospitals, that form includes a section on community benefit spending where they report the amount they spent on financial assistance for patients with low incomes through reduced or waived bills, broader efforts to improve community health, training and education for medical professionals, and research.

For this story, KHN collected those reports for hospitals across Montana and found the overall average that hospitals spent on community benefits as a percentage of their total expenses and then looked at hospitals whose spending was below average. This story relied on financial documents ending in 2019 to provide a snapshot of each hospital's financial picture before the pandemic. Some hospitals' documents cover different time periods  some reports are from July through June, while others are from January through December.

You can find the documents for the largest hospitals here.

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Tenisha Tate-Austin and her husband became suspicious when the Northern California home they spent years renovating was valued by an appraiser far lower than they expected.

So when they asked for a second opinion last year, a White friend pretended to own their home and they removed all artwork and photos that could show that it actually belonged to a Black family.

The new appraisal for their home in Marin County was more than $1.4 million and nearly half a million dollars higher than the previous estimate, they said.

"What that appraisal did is what we were actually asking the appraisers to do, to not consider race, to not consider neighborhoods and or the lines that have been drawn and perpetuated by redlining," Tate-Austin told CNN.

Last week, the couple filed a lawsuit in federal court in San Francisco, arguing that racial discrimination played a role in the low valuation of their home.

In their lawsuit, the Austins say, the first appraiser, Janette Miller, who is a White woman, violated the Fair Housing Act when she took into account the family's race and the racial demographics of the house's location for her appraisal.
Montana Technological University will celebrate its fall commencement ceremony at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, in the HPER. The ceremony is for fall 2021 graduates only. The university is expected to award 158 degrees and certificates to 155 students.

The Order of the Engineer Ring Ceremony was held Friday in the Library Auditorium and the Nursing Pinning Ceremony will be at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, in the Library Auditorium.

Montana Tech alumnus and 5518 Designs owner Jon Wick and 2021 graduate Maria Ralph will be the keynote speakers.

In 2012, Wick started 5518 Designs, a branding, graphics and print design company based in Butte. Through client work and side projects, he developed a unique 5518 style of graphics that emerged out of his love of traveling, adventure and the inspiration gained from time spent exploring.

Wick was diagnosed with rectal cancer at 33 years old. That experience reinforced his creative direction to both escape society's complexity and encourage others to find their passions and see value in lifes simplest forms.

In 2016, 5518 Designs expanded into a retail location at 27 N. Main Street in Butte, and 2021 saw the expansion of 5518 to a second location in Anaconda.

Wick and his wife Cassie are active in the community and have hosted and sponsored many causes and fundraisers.

Wick was awarded the 2013 Butte-Silver Bow Moving Mountains Award and received the Alumni Recognition Award from Montana Tech in 2015. He was honored with the 2016 BLDC Young Professional of the Year award and 2018 Montana Standard 20 under 40 recipient. This past August, the Wicks were awarded the Montana Entrepreneurs of the year from the Montana Ambassador program.

Maria Ralph is a non-traditional student who calls Butte home. She decided to pursue her love of building and construction by attending the carpentry program at Highlands College, where she received her associate's degree in 2019. She loves her tight-knit Butte community, its history, and architecture. Ralph recently started a small home repair business with all the confidence and skill instilled by her education at Montana Tech.

To view the live stream of the ceremony, visit https://www.mtech.edu/live-stream/.

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State prosecutors have ended an investigation into the sexual assault allegations against former East Helena Police Chief William Harrington, who recently pleaded guilty to a separate charge of distributing child pornography.

The Montana Attorney General's Office Division of Criminal Investigation said the allegations of sexual assault were unsubstantiated.

"At the request of city officials, DCI investigated a report of sexual assault by the former police chief. At no point in the investigation did they find that the sexual encounters were non-consensual," attorney general spokeswoman Emilee Cantrell said in an email this week.

Harrington resigned from his post as East Helena's highest ranking police officer March 5, after being put on administrative leave pending the investigation into the sexual assault allegations.

The Lewis and Clark County Sheriff's Office was initially brought in by city leadership, but Sheriff Leo Dutton said he turned over the case to the division of criminal investigation.

Shortly after his resignation, Harrington was arrested and charged with three counts of distributing child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography.

Harrington pleaded guilty to one count of distributing child pornography Tuesday in U.S. District Court. The government will seek the dismissal of the three other counts if the court accepts the terms of a plea agreement in the case.

"At the same time, the investigation initiated by the Lewis and Clark County Sheriffs Office into allegations of distribution of child pornography were substantiated," Cantrell said of the division of criminal investigation's work on the case. "The Department of Justice is glad he pleaded guilty in that case and will be held accountable."

The Montana Public Safety Officer Standards and Training Bureau has put on hold its investigation into Harrington's conduct, according to POST Paralegal and Investigator Katrina Bolger. The POST Bureau will likely revoke Harrington's police certification following his sentencing, which is scheduled for April 13, 2022.

Bolger said that generally when criminal charges are pending, such investigations are put on hold to allow law enforcement officers and agents of the court to do their jobs.

A report resulting from a third-party investigation into workplace culture within the East Helena Police Department, which stemmed from the sexual assault claim and was filed May 11, outlined Harrington's meticulous efforts to isolate his officers and employees from other agencies and each other. The report also claimed Harrington installed video surveillance cameras in the department and GPS tracking devices within the squad cars, allowing only him to monitor employees remotely.

The report, filed by a Great Falls attorney, states "Harrington's tenure with the EHPD did nothing to address these problems (inadequate management and oversight; the failure to define roles and responsibilities; lack of training; outdated policies and procedures; burnout and stress) and in fact seemed to only worsen many of the issues."

Portions of that report, obtained by the Independent Record through a records request, were redacted "to protect the right to privacy of the alleged victim," according to East Helena City Attorney Peter Elverum.

East Helena Mayor James Schell and Mayor-elect Kelly Harris did not respond to requests for comment.

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South African scientist Sandile Cele has successfully grown the omicron variant of the coronavirus under laboratory conditions.

This has allowed the lab, led by Alex Sigal, to test the effectiveness of Pfizer-BioNTechs Comirnaty vaccine on the variant.

Alex Sigal is a member of faculty at the Africa Health Research Institute and associate professor at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

His lab found that the un-boosted Pfizer vaccine protects adequately against severe Covid19 caused by the omicron variant.

However, the omicron variant has extensive but incomplete escape of the vaccine, meaning Comirnaty does not provide good protection from infection by the variant.

Sigal presented his labs findings during a Department of Health media briefing on Friday.

He said that Cele was the first researcher in the world to grow the omicron variant.

A preprint of the research has been published to MedRxiv.

South African Medical Research Council president and CEO Glenda Gray said they would be able to provide formal feedback on the effectiveness of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine in the coming week.

She said that so far, data from healthcare workers vaccinated as part of the Sisonke programme indicated that the J&J vaccine remains effective.

What we can see from the breakthrough infections the majority of these are mild. Very few have gone into hospital, and of those who have, the hospital stay has been around 2.4 days [on average], Gray stated.

She also complimented Sigals team on their work analysing the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

Congratulations on growing the virus in record speed and showing us the data we critically need to help inform our future policy, Gray said.

More good news during the briefing was that despite a surge in positive Covid19 cases in South Africa, hospital admissions around the country remain relatively low.

Michelle Groome from the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) presented their hospital surveillance data, showing that hospital admissions are low relative to the number of people infected with the coronavirus.

Deaths also remain relatively low, but Groome cautioned that an increase in deaths could be lagging the unprecedented surge of new Covid19 cases in South Africa.

She also showed data indicating that the number of patients in ICU, on oxygen, or on ventilators remain relatively low.

Mathabo Mathebula, the CEO of Steve Biko Academic Hospital, corroborated Groomes data with her observations on the ground.

Mathebula also provided data on the number of vaccinated and unvaccinated Covid19 patients currently in their wards.

Based on their observations, she said that vaccination makes Covid19 symptoms almost non-exist.

If you are vaccinated, you are unlikely to need hospitalisation, oxygen, or the ICU, Mathebula stated.
Telkom has expressed misgivings about a new auction process announced by industry regulator Icasa on Friday.

Telkom notes the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) statement on the publication of the Invitation to Apply (ITA) in respect of the licensing process for the International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) spectrum, the company said in a statement.

While Telkom is studying the ITA it is concerned by the separation of the publications of the ITAs and the reasons given by Icasa to separate the licensing process of the Wireless Open Access Network (WOAN).

Icasa was originally set to hold the spectrum auction in March this year, but the process was delayed by legal action brought by Telkom, MTN, and E-tv owner eMedia.

Telkom raised concerns that some of the spectrum was still occupied by TV broadcasters because of South Africas slow digital migration process.

At the same time, MTN took issue with how Icasa was conducting the auction.

Icasa ultimately consented to a Pretoria High Court order which set aside the previous ITA and forced Icasa back to the drawing board.

Following the order, Icasa spent three months consulting with stakeholders by publishing the two information memorandums (IMs).

Icasa said the framing of the new ITA has considered issues raised by stakeholders in their challenge to the previous licensing processes.

Telkom regulatory affairs head Siyabonga Mahlangu said that the licensing of the WOAN is intertwined withand has a bearing onthe current spectrum licensing process.

We hope that a further reading of the published ITA will reflect that the ITA has been designed to substantively deliver much-needed competition in the sector and lower prices for consumers, said Mahlangu.

He said that in the current economic climate, the licensing is an opportunity to drive economic activity.

The expected yield of R8 Billion from the licensing process should be an enabler for further economic growth, Mahlangu stated.

Icasa has a duty to use the consultation process to design ITAs that promote competition, attract foreign direct investment and set South Africa up to participate effectively in the digital economy, he adds.

Although Telkom is confident of its ability to meet the timelines, the timing of the publications of the ITA, though consistent with Icasas previous action, is unfortunate and places pressure on a very important process, Mahlangu said.

The deadline to apply for licencing of the spectrum is 16:00 on 31 January 2022.

The qualifying bidders will then be announced on 21 February 2022, while the auction will take place on 8 March 2022.
Once upon a time  1969, to be exact  a fanciful shop opened in Napa.

From the outside, the store looked like a little Scandinavian cottage. It was painted a cheery light blue and featured white gingerbread trim dotted with red hearts. A faux windmill, lights and more red hearts topped the roof peak. Even the mailbox was decorated.

It was called Helgeland.

Created by a Napa woman of Norwegian descent named Hazelle Robison, Helgeland featured distinctive imports from the land of the Vikings  that will delight all ages, read a Napa Register ad.

At the time, the shop was located behind Robison's house and her other business  a hair salon at 707 Ornduff St.

If you wanted an unusual gift, it was the place to go to, said Napan Stan Krueckemeier about Helgeland. Krueckemeier now works at a different hair salon at the same address, which was later renamed 707 California Blvd.

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Helgeland "was the spot, for teens who adopted the boho look of the late 60s and 70s, recalled Sue Gwin. Gwin is the mother of Hazelles grandson Ty.

We all bought our wooden clogs from her, said Gwin.

Helgeland was very popular, she said. Hazelle opened it at a time when people really wanted that type of interesting ethnic stuff."

Back then Those Nordic countries were being romanticized in a lot of movies, including films featuring characters like James Bond.

Those foreign countries were foreign, emphasized Gwin. And a long ways a way. Scandinavia wasnt a common travel destination for most people. That made Hegeland's wares even more unusual.

Helgeland was only open for nine years, but many a Napan from that era remember its remarkable exterior as well as the carefully curated wares Hazelle marketed inside. The store sold authentic wooden clogs, fine wool sweaters, clocks, jewelry, wooden figures, linens, toys and decor from Norway, Denmark Sweden and elsewhere.

From North Dakota to Napa

Robison, born Hazelle Breimon, grew up in a poor family in North Dakota, but went on to own two small businesses in Napa. She was popular, and wooed both friends and customers with her movie star good looks, style and grace.

She was a nice lady, recalled Napan Ethel Vega, who used to do Hazelles bookkeeping. She was just very pleasant. And down on your level. She didnt act like, I own a store; Im better than you.

How did Hazelle end up in Napa Valley? She followed her older sister, Myrtle.

In 1938, Mrytle moved to Napa, and eventually, Hazelle did the same. Once in Napa, Hazelle met Houston (Robby) Robison. In 1947, they got married. At age 22, it was Hazelles second marriage. Hazelle and Robby would go on to have two sons, Craig and Ken.

They were a great looking couple, said Connie Ramey of Napa. Connie was married to Hazelles son Craig for 32 years (he died this past June).

His dad was quite handsome (and had) dark hair," recalled Connie. "Craig used to say they looked like a Hollywood couple.

She was a very beautiful woman, said Sue Gwin. She was incredibly gorgeous, and tall and had that white-blond hair, beautiful teeth (and) a deep husky voice, likely emphasized by her smoking habit.

Krueckemeier remembers Hazelle driving a great big white Cadillac."

In 1962, Hazelle and Robby bought a house at the former 707 Ornduff St. It was also a workplace  Hazelle cut and styled hair from a front annex that Robby built for her. She called that business Hazelles Gift Shop & Beauty Salon.

Lynda Hyland Burris dated Hazelles son Craig while they both attended Napa High School. She has fond memories of Hazelle and the Robison family.

His mom was always home or in the hair salon, said Lynda.

She was just a delight. She was the sweetest and loved me like another mom. And she would do my hair from time to time just for fun."

Whos idea was it to open Helgeland?

Sue Gwin, Craigs partner from about 1972 to 1985, though it probably was Hazelles doing.

Robby worked for Basalt Rock Co. and later Kaiser Steel. He was a hardworking guy, who sometimes worked two jobs, but any forward movement in that relationship was always her, said Gwin.

She was very entrepreneurial, recalled Krueckemeier. And very creative.

In the months before its October 1969 opening, Hazelle and Robby transformed a dirty old garage behind their house into one of Napas most unique gift shops.

The Register ran a photo on Oct. 18, 1969, of Hazelle, wearing traditional Norwegian clothing and cap while straightening a little figure in her new gift shop.

Helgeland opened with a wide variety of items, including 39 cent hand-carved wooden birds from Sweden to glassware and pewter in the $50 bracket, said the photo caption. The shops name was likely inspired by the Helgeland area in northern Norway.

Hazelle curated her shop carefully, said Gwin.

She had very good taste. Her shop was beautiful. She had an amazing collection of blue Delft plates, a popular collector's item. She also sold hand dyed and embroidered wool sweaters. They were pricey but beautiful.

People would come from all over the Bay Area to go to her store, remembered Gwin. She knew people everywhere. Back then, the distinctive shop was easily visible from Highway 29.

The shop seemed to be a success. By its sixth anniversary, Hazelle moved Helgeland from 707 Ornduff St. to an ordinary commercial building at 2360 First St. Its not clear why she relocated the shop, but it was not a good move.

In Krueckemeiers opinion, She ruined the magic formula. Helgeland wasnt the same after it left its elaborate cottage.

In the midst of all of this, either Hazelle or Robby filed for divorce in 1972. The house at 707 Ornduff St. was sold.

After hosting a going out of business sale, Helgeland closed in 1978.

Gwin recalled how Hazelle and Robby always had an active social life. After her divorce, Hazelle continued socializing and dated a number of Napans, including Krueckemeiers father, for a short time. Napa was a small world back then, Gwin said. Everybody knew everybody.

But Hazelle also faced another challenge. According to Napa Register reports, she was arrested for drunken driving in 1973 and again in 1974.

Connie remembers that Hazelles drinking put a strain on the relationship between the mother and son. Once, in the 1960s, She got arrested for being drunk or something and was put in the Napa jail," but somehow managed to "break out," said Connie. They found her walking down the street.

Those years when she was an alcoholic were really rough, said Gwin. "It was hard on the family and on Craig and I because wed go and get her out of jail. Robby had left her. And thats when she really started spiraling down. It was a bad time.

Craig decided to put some space between him and his mother, and moved to San Francisco to attend San Francisco State. He studied American Literature. He was also a talented musician.

Hazelle faced another significant blow when her son Ken Robison died in 1985.

Around this same time, Hazelle met a man named Boyd Brock. In 1987, when Hazelle was 64 years old, they married. The two settled in LaPine, Ore. She quit drinking, and her life changed, said Gwin. She was really, really happy living up in the country.

They had been together for a decade when Hazelle died in 1997. She had breast cancer, said Gwin.

After Helgeland moved to First Street, a shop called Francies Fancies opened at 707 Ornduff St. Eventually the old Ornduff garage was painted a sober brown.

Today, its just an ordinary storage space. The fancy trim pieces, red hearts and any remaining touches from the land of the Vikings are long gone.

You can reach reporter Jennifer Huffman at 256-2218 or jhuffman@napanews.com

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Napa County has a tentative state mandate to build 1,014 houses in the unincorporated area over eight years and could shift 90% to local cities, mostly Napa and American Canyon.

City-centered growth has long been a Napa County policy. The county has long sought to protect wine country and open space from development.

The county Board of Supervisors during a Tuesday discussion didnt see shifting much of the unincorporated areas housing mandate to cities as shirking responsibility to help ease the state housing crisis.

Heres the moment to acknowledge were taking the number, were just going to share it with our cities that have the capacity to build housing for all the right reasons, Board Chairperson Alfredo Pedroza said.

Cities have sewers, water systems, schools, health care, mass transit and other services. They are outside of the high fire danger areas that cover much of the unincorporated county, county officials said.

The county has enough sharing agreements with cities to account for virtually all of the unincorporated areas state housing mandate for the 2023-2031 cycle. The city of Napa could take up to 811 units, American Canyon 198 and St. Helena a mere two.

But county officials are wary about trying to shift the entire unincorporated-area allocation to the cities.

We cant say, Its just your problem, cities,  Supervisor Brad Wagenknecht said.

Even a 90% shift leaves the county trying to find a place for about 100 homes in its unincorporated area. The county would increase this to about 275 homes, to create a buffer in case some sites didnt work out.

More than half the countys unincorporated housing mandate is for very low-income and low-income units. Developing this type of housing is challenging, given the typical Napa County home value as reported by Zillow is $874,000.

The county is looking for half-acre to 10-acre sites in the unincorporated area that might work. It has struggled to come up with candidates.

Potential housing sites on a county list include the Silverado area, between Highway 29 and Foster Road near the southwest city of Napa, Napa State Hospital, properties near Carneros Resort and Spa, near planned Lake Berryessa resorts and the 9.8-acre former Stone Bridge School in the rural Carneros area.

Supervisor Diane Dillon said the state will scrutinize the county to see if the homes are actually built. Unlike past housing cycles, merely designating the land for housing may not be enough.

We havent been able to get anyone to build in places we previously designated, Dillon said. Whats going to be different this time?

Thats why the county would have a buffer and try to create more housing sites than the state assignment, county Planning, Building and Environmental Services Director David Morrison said.

They (the state) will expect us to be able to produce over the next eight years, Morrison said. If some of these fail, we need to have the contingency of other sites that might fill the gap.

If Napa County follows the path it has outlined, the city of Napa could take on more than 700 housing units that would otherwise go to the unincorporated area. Meanwhile, the city has a tentative state housing mandate of its own for 1,939 new homes.

To reach those numbers in that eight-year cycle will be very difficult and nobodys certain it can be achieved, Mayor Scott Sedgley said on Wednesday. You dont make it difficult for projects to move forward. You have to streamline the process.

Napa County reached the agreement for the city of Napa to take up to 80% of its unincorporated area housing mandate as part of the complex deal for the city to annex Napa Pipe. Napa Pipe is a planned development that is to include a Costco and about 945 homes.

California assigns regions such as the Bay Area a certain number of homes to be planned for over eight-year cycles under the Regional Housing Needs Allocation program. The Association of Bay Area Governments divides the allocation among the region's cities and counties.

ABAG approved draft allocations for 2023-31 of 1,014 for the unincorporated county, 1,939 for the city of Napa, 446 for American Canyon, 254 for St. Helena, 119 for Calistoga and 72 for Yountville. A final vote could come on Dec. 16.

That's 3,844 new housing units over an eight-year period for Napa County and its five cities and town. By comparison, the town of Yountville has a population of about 3,000.

You can reach Barry Eberling at 256-2253 or beberling@napanews.com.

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As Napa Valley College searches for its next permanent president, its board has selected a veteran community college administrator as the schools leader for the transition.

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NVCs trustees on Thursday selected Robert (Rob) Frost as interim president and superintendent of the two-year community college, following the retirement of Ronald Kraft in November after nine years.

Frost, who has worked in higher education for more than three decades, will take over the post on Jan. 10, 2022 from NVCs acting president Oscar De Haro and stay at the helm until the colleges appointment of a full-time president, a step expected in June.

Our board believes that Dr. Frosts skill set and experience are exactly what is needed to assist Napa Valley College at this time, NVCs board president Jennifer Baker said in a statement released by the college after Frosts selection in a special board meeting. He is an accomplished leader with wide experience in both rural and urban colleges.

Frost most recently served as interim dean of business and applied technologies at Chaffey College, a two-year institution in Rancho Cucamonga in the Inland Empire region. Previously, he was dean of City College of San Franciscos John Adams Campus and president of Centralia College in Washington state.

Frost earlier spent 16 years at colleges in Missouri and Illinois as a director of international programs, humanities director, and tenured professor of Latin American studies and Spanish, according to NVC.

Napa Valley College starts recruitment to replace retiring president Ronald Kraft Kraft, the NVC president since 2012, will depart at year's end after more than nine years leading the community college.

Baker, one of the NVC boards seven members, emphasized Frosts past experience helping to stabilize colleges in financial difficulty, a background that may become relevant in Napa after an accreditation agency put the school on notice in October over budget deficits in recent years.

We were particularly impressed by his knowledge and experience with fiscal issues and in dealing with funding challenges, said Baker in the NVC announcement. We anticipate he will be a very visible, engaged interim president who will be transparent and will assist the board in making informed decisions about the colleges future.

In a letter to NVC leadership dated Oct. 5, the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges informed the college it would be placed on enhanced monitoring due to at-risk finances, citing average annual deficits of more than $1.8 million from 2017 to 2020, a 10.8% enrollment decline, and a cash balance that fell 12.7%. The commission can punish schools that remain monitored for three years without resolving their fiscal problems, wrote the agencys president Stephanie Droker.

NVCs Dec. 3 reply to the accrediting agency promised reforms to fiscal and budgeting practices, closer evaluations of staff sizes, and increased funding set aside for employee retirement benefits, among other steps. In addition, a state fiscal crisis management team is working with NVC to review its financial practices, with a report and recommendations expected in March, the college wrote.

Everyone is in support of doing what is necessary to address our financial situation, and restore Napa Valley College to a healthy, efficient community college district, with the primary mission of supporting student success, wrote De Haro, who became NVCs acting president after Kraft announced his retirement Nov. 8.

You can reach Howard Yune at 530-763-2266 or hyune@napanews.com

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The difficulties are clear, and they arise from sharp issues, including historical stratification that exists and, unfortunately, mainly conditions the relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. This is what Ambassador of Russia to Armenia Sergey Kopirkin said in an interview with Orbeli Analytical Center of the Government of Armenia, in response to the question about what difficulties Russia faces as a mediator and during the peacekeeping mission, on the backdrop of the serious processes in the region that are conditioned by the 44-day war.

It is necessary to take into consideration the fully contradicting approaches of the sides to the status of Nagorno-Karabakh, as well as the impact of the political factors in the country and the interests of third countries and geopolitical role-players. Russia understands those interests, but if there is sincere interest in turning the South Caucasus into a region for peace, security and development, all the engaged sides need to be guided by at least the well-known principle of not harming, the Ambassador stated.

Kopirkin added that, in his opinion, when assessing the situation in the region and in the zone of responsibility of peacekeepers, it is necessary to be guided by the opinions of the people living in the region and in that zone. He said the Russian peacekeeping contingent is performing its primary task and is guaranteeing maintenance of the ceasefire regime, making an essential contribution to the stabilization of the situation and ensuring of regional security. Yes, unfortunately, there are incidents, and necessary measures are taken to prevent escalation of the situation in each case. We proceed from the fact that all the provisions of the trilateral statements need to be fully implemented. Constructive dialogue is important, and Russia is making all possible efforts for this. To solve the problem with the detainees, consistent steps are being taken. The result of all this was the return of another ten citizens of Armenia from Azerbaijan on Dec. 4. Overall, 15 citizens of Armenia have already returned to their homeland through Russian mediation, he said.

Kopirkin also mentioned that Russia is also ready to make all efforts to contribute to the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan by supporting the initiatives for the establishment and expansion of relations at all levels, including dialogue between representatives of societies in order to create an atmosphere of confidence between the Armenian and Azerbaijani peoples. Besides the mediation efforts through national capacities, Russia continues to make those efforts as a part of the format of the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, he said.
Special representatives of Armenia and Turkey meeting to take place on January 14 in Moscow

Azerbaijani defense ministry denies news of servicemen deaths

State of emergency introduced throughout Kazakhstan

EU calls on all sides in Kazakhstan to avoid escalation and violence

Azerbaijan starts receiving Turkmen gas through Iran

Prime Minister Pashinyan congratulates Armenians on Christmas

Protesters seize Almaty airport in Kazakhstan

Andranik Grigoryan is the CEO of Converse Bank, Chairman of Executive Management

France intends to help Azerbaijan in search of missing persons during 1st Karabakh war

Aeroflot cancels flight to Almaty: Aktau airport not working

Arnak Avetisyan appointed Armenian State Property Management Committees chair

Armenia appoints new ambassador to Russia

Christmas Eve liturgy takes place in Armenia's Etchmiadzin

Attempts to demolish a monument of Nazarbayev in Kazakhstan

Armenia deputy PM Mher Grigoryan to co-chair intergovernmental joint commission with Iran

Media: Internet cut off in Nursultan and Almaty

Armenia Prosecutor General to head for Moscow

Armenia premier to send 10-member delegation to Russia

Dollar gains value in Armenia

Kazakh president delivers new speech to nation

Kazakhstan protesters disarm police: Mir TV channel's office vandalized

Kazakhstan presidential residence set on fire

Almaty commandant: More than 500 civilians are beaten

OSCE calls for de-escalation of Kazakhstan situation

Protesters try to break into residence of Kazakhstan's president

Kazakh security forces take the side of protesters

Kazakh protesters seize Kazakh president's residence and destroy TV channels premises

Baghdad military base hit by missile attack

Armenian traces destroyed in occupied Shushi

Prosecutor's office building is on fire: State of emergency in Almaty

Azerbaijan declares 2022 year of occupied Armenian city of Shushi

Justice minister not commenting on arresting Armenian captives returned from Azerbaijan

Yerevan homeless shelter residents picketing in front of Armenia labor, social affairs ministry

Hong Kong imposes ban on flights from 8 countries due to COVID-19

Protesters in Almaty riot hospitals and clinics

PM: I have hard time imagining how Omicron variant cannot enter Armenia

New council of Armenias Parakar does not convene first session, new village mayor not elected

7 new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh

Armenia cargo transportation via railway drops but passengers increase in 2021

Government hands over Zangezur Copper and Molybdenum Combine certified rights with 15% Armenia-owned shares

Borrell says EU cannot be a neutral spectator in talks with Russia

Armenian PM urges to throw plastic bags out of life

Oil prices stabilize after jump

Premier recalls that anti-tobacco law has entered into force in Armenia as of January 1

129 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Kazakhstan President accepts governments resignation

Armenia State Property Management Committee dismissed

Armenia PM: We are entering 2022 with quite serious start to reforms

New council of Armenias Parakar convenes first session, village mayor election on agenda

New York prosecutor drops sex crime case against ex-governor Cuomo

England, Wales to make taking pictures of breastfeeding mothers in public illegal

Paraguay presidential guard dies after being impaled by deer while on duty

Flights delayed at Kazakhstan's Aktau airport as rallies continue

NATO foreign ministers to hold videoconference ahead of meeting with Russia

Ford to double production capacity for electric version of F-150 pickup

Oil prices rise by 1%

Borrell not to discuss Nord Stream 2 during Ukraine visit

Mercedes-Benz presents new electric car Vision EQXX

Kazakh authorities to satisfy protesters' demands for lower gas prices

Flooding in Iran: at least 8 people killed

Turkish lira drops for another 4%

Taliban army to be reinforced with suicide bombers

Doctors reveal details of Brazil presidents health condition

NATO head plans special meeting with Russia amid Ukraine crisis

Russian peacekeepers ensure safe entry to Karabakh for about 2,000 vehicles

Wave of protests against COVID-19 measures across Germany

Karabakh President holds new years first working consultation with law enforcement agencies heads

Coronavirus vaccines in Armenia are complemented with another one

Armenia soldier remanded in custody for inflicting fatal gunshot wound to fellow serviceman

Gas futures price in Europe exceed $ 1,000

US holds virtual inauguration ceremony for COVID-19-infected mayor

US court forbids Pentagon to punish military personnel refusing vaccinations

Armenia PM: We need to open new strategic page for transformation of customs service

Armenia ambassador delivers lecture for U.S. Naval War College students

5-month-old baby dies in Yerevan hospital

Armenias Vardenis town hall chief of staff signs mayor-elect inauguration session minutes

Georgia to not attend 2nd 3+3-format meeting in Turkey either, its ambassador says

Turkey airline applies for conducting flights between Istanbul and Yerevan

China urges Russia and US to continue reducing nuclear arsenals

Person, 58, dies in fire in Armenias Hrazdan

Blinken and Cavusoglu discuss relations with Armenia

Armenia law enforcement not permitting reporters to enter Vardenis town hall building

Mayor-elect of Armenias Vardenis takes oath of office at town hall courtyard

Canada court awards $ 107 million to families of passengers killed in Iran plane crash

Armenia police not allowing newly elected council members to enter Vardenis town hall building

90 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Israel photographer captures remarkable momentary image of flock of birds

Trump slams Twitter, Facebook over Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Green account banning

India investigating fake website that purportedly offered Muslim women for sale

Taliban dump 3,000 liters of alcohol into canal in booze crackdown in Afghanistan

Mauritius airport staff find newborn baby in plane toilet bin

Mexico president says he sought Assange pardon from Trump

Military helicopter crashes in Israel: two pilots die

New mayors inauguration to be held in Armenias Vardenis, there are large number of police officers

Armenia soldier dies from gunshot wound

Biden returns from holiday break to D.C. amid snowstorm

Turkey announces meeting with US on supply of F-35s

Brazil President hospitalized after stomach pains

Russia, China, UK, US, France state need to prevent nuclear war

Armenia ex-premier: Opening of regional communications will not give much to our economy
The rhetoric of the "traitorous authorities" generated by some is not at all voicing the pain of a lost homeland. This is an episode of a very well-thought out and prepared hybrid war for many years. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan wrote this on Facebook Saturday morning. He added as follows:

In 2018, as Prime Minister, I did not even have time to read the negotiation papers on the settlement of the NK [(Nagorno-Karabakh)] conflict, the same forces were whispering that our government was going to hand over the lands. That idea was being put into circulation slowly, step by step, from ear to ear.

The goal was one that if/when the time comes to defend the interests of Artsakh [(Nagorno-Karabakh)] and Armenia with weapons, the idea that war and struggle are meaningless will sound credible, everything is agreed upon at the top, "they have handed over the lands," and through these theses the country's resistance, motivation and will soldier's will be broken. And before a possible war, the country's position at the negotiating table will weaken.

Such combinations, of course, are built in close cooperation between outside and inside forces, and those who form such speeches inside very often do not even guess what they are participating in because everything is served with a high "patriotic" sauce. But the narrow elite circle cannot but know its own mission, which is based on mutually beneficial cooperation with external forces. The external forcesterritories, the internal forcespower.

In 2020-2021, the first part came to be, the second partno. But as you can see, the internal "patriots" do not calm down because their foreign partners do not consider the mission over.

Criticism of the government and state bodies is appropriate here. And why dont you prevent? Of course, there are dozens of factors, the key of which is the degree of establishment of state institutions.

This is why I consider that our key issue is the low level of establishment of statehood and state institutions, and the main thing to do is the development of statehood and state institutions, which, in my deep conviction, is the only guarantee for our future.
The US administration prepared a $200mn package of additional military assistance for Ukraine, but held it back despite appeals from the Kiev authorities, according to NBC News sources, TASS reported.

According to the news outlet, "the administration's delay of the smaller shipment of weapons and military equipment was designed to give more time for diplomatic efforts to defuse tensions." The package "has been on the presidents desk for roughly three to four weeks," one of the sources said. Another source noted, however, that "there are a number of other options on the table for further assistance to Ukraine, including a much larger package of aid."

NBC News added that "although its unclear what the proposed $200 million aid package includes, Ukraine has asked for air defense systems, anti-ship missiles, more Javelin anti-tank missiles, electronic jamming gear, radar systems, ammunition, upgraded artillery munitions and medical supplies."

The White House, the US Department of State and the Department of Defense did not respond to a TASS request for comment.
Today we were informed by a letter received from the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) that the Republic of Azerbaijan did not filewithin the timeframe setan appeal to the ECtHR Grand Chamber against the decision on the Badalyan v. Azerbaijan case, as a result of which the decision has entered into legal force. The Court also noted that ensuring the implementation of this decision is the function of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. The chairman of the Bright Armenia Party, Edmon Marukyan, wrote this on Facebook Saturday morning. He added as follows:

Let me remind that the verdict in the case Badalyan v. Azerbaijan (complaint no. 51295/11) had been made on July 22, 2021. With this case, the European Court had recorded that the government of Azerbaijan had not provided a convincing and sufficient explanation that [Armenian man] Artur Badalyan's serious mental health problems, which had arisen immediately after being released from [Azerbaijani] imprisonment, are in no way related to his detention conditions and the treatment Badalyan had received during his imprisonment. Thus, the European Court has concluded that there has been a violation of Article 3 of the ECHR [(European Convention on Human Rights)]that is, "No one shall be subjected to torture or to inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment."

Moreover, the European Court had noted that the Azerbaijani government had not submitted any material or information to prove the fact that Badalyan was a prisoner of war. There was no further argument brought that Article 5 of the Convention does not apply to Badalyan's case, and that Azerbaijan had not claimed that Badalyan's detention had complied with Article 5 1st Section 1st Point of the ECHR, or that any procedural guarantees had been provided to Badalyan.

Thus, the European Court had concluded that there had also been a violation of Article 5 1st Section 1st sub point of the ECHR; that is, "Everyone has the right to liberty and personal immunity. No one shall be deprived of his liberty other than in the cases provided for in this article, and in the manner prescribed by law."

With this case, the ECtHR has obligated the Republic of Azerbaijan to pay 30,000 euros to Badalyan as compensation for moral damage.
YEREVAN.  A number of Armenia servicemen in charge on duty on November 16 have been arrested, whereas one soldier showed exceptional courage. This is noted in a statement issued Saturday by the Investigative Committee of Armenia.

As per this statement, on November 16, the Azerbaijani army units attacked three Armenian military positions located in the Kilisali-border Ishkhanasar section of Syunik Province, during which the head of the Armenian military position involved in the combat duty, a senior, and two observers violated the rules of combat duty.

In particular, the servicemen of the combat duty positions tried to negotiate with the Azerbaijani servicemen who had invaded the territory of the combat position, and who tried to capture the personnel on combat duty. The personnel of these positions left them and fled, as a result of which the servicemen of the Azerbaijani army invaded the sovereign territory of Armeniathe combat positions, which came under the control of the adversary, and the 24 servicemen who fled the combat positions were captured by the adversary. The dead bodies of three of themGurgen Sargsyan, Artur Martirosyanand Davit Amiryanwho were killed, were handed over to the Armenian side on November 17 and 20, seven Armenian servicemenincluding the abovementioned four servicemenwere returned by Azerbaijan on November 26 and December 4, whereas the whereabouts of 14 servicemen is still unknown.

On December 6, the serviceman in charge of the mentioned combat position, a senior, a junior sergeant, and two observers were arrested on suspicion of violating the rules of combat duty or military service. On December 8 and 9, criminal charges were brought against them, a petition was filed with the court to remand them in custody, and the court granted this petition.

In addition, it turned out that the deputy commander of the military unit's battalion in terms of moral and psychological support had violated the rules of combat duty. The servicemen of the Azerbaijani army invaded the sovereign territory of Armeniaa combat position, the 13 Armenian servicemen remaining at this combat position were captured by the adversary, and the combat position came under the control of the adversary. The dead bodies of captured soldiers Taron Sahakyan and Arsen Gasparyan were handed over to the Armenian side on November 17 and 19, respectively, four other servicemen were returned to the Armenian side by Azerbaijan on December 4, whereas the whereabouts of the other seven servicemen are still unknown. .

On December 6, a major was detained, a criminal charged was brought against him, a petition was filed with the court to remand him in custody, but this petition was denied. This court decision has been forwarded to the prosecutor, with a request to consider an appeal.

Criminal charges have been brought against the acting commander of the defense battalion of the same military unit and the observer of the combat position, and they have been remanded in custody.

The investigation continues.

The body conducting the proceedings considers it necessary to also present to the public the exploits of the Armenian position guards who stood out with their exceptional courage while performing their duties during the mentioned military operations. In particular, on November 16, Private Gurgen Sargsyan, a contract soldier on duty in the mentioned military position located in the Kilisali-border Ishkhanasar section of Syunik Province, did not surrender to the adversary during the attack and capture attempt by the adversary forces, showed fighting spirit, exceptional courage, and killed himself by detonating a hand grenade.
The University announced plans to build Centennial Villagea new on-campus housing village for first-year studentsin January 2019, but active work on that project was paused because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, as the University looks toward a brighter future, preconstruction work will ramp up in the coming weeks and months to prepare for the new campus housing village.

Although much of the on-site work stopped, University leaders continued to engage with the projects architects and contractors throughout the past 18 months to re-evaluate the overall approach to the project.

We are delighted to resume progress toward completion of our multiyear plan to modernize our housing on campus, said Jacqueline A. Travisano, executive vice president for business and finance and chief operating officer. When the project was paused, our team used that time to re-evaluate our initial plan and make some enhancements to its scope and timeline.

Initially designed as a complex with four residential colleges offering housing for 1,700 first-year students, plans for the village now call for an added fifth residential college, bringing the total estimated occupancy to approximately 2,025 students.

The projects two-phase construction sequence was also amended: Hecht Residential College will close in May 2022 followed by Stanford Residential College in May 2024. Centennial Villages first two residential colleges are slated to open in fall 2024 and will include a new dining hall. The villages final three residential colleges are expected to open in fall 2026 in further celebration of the Universitys centennial anniversary.

Timeline Summary

Summer 2022: Hecht Residential College closes.

Summer 2024: Stanford Residential College and Hecht-Stanford Dining Hall close.

Fall 2024: Residential colleges 1 and 2 open (including new dining hall).

Fall 2026: Residential colleges 3, 4, and 5 open.

Reordering the phases of the project is beneficial for many reasons, said Jessica Brumley, vice president for facilities operations and planning. For example, the revised sequence brings a new dining hall to resident students two years earlier than anticipated and creates a more compact construction site to limit the disruption on the surrounding campus area.

Following Lakeside Villages successful opening in August 2020, Centennial Village is the second phase of the Universitys ambitious plan to reimagine campus housing for the next generation of students. Complete with modern living spaces, a variety of resident lounges, outdoor gathering areas, and much more, Centennial Village will contribute to students successful transition to life on campus.

With innovative systems and sustainable building materials, the village aims to achieve LEED Gold Certification.

Centennial Village will transform both our campus landscape and the student experience, Patricia A Whitely, senior vice president for student affairs, said. By continuing to offer our successful first-year residential programming in facilities designed for the modern student experience, the new village will greatly enhance life on campus.

During the first phase of construction, first-year resident students are expected to live in Stanford, Mahoney, and Pearson residential colleges; sophomores will primarily dwell in Eaton Residential College and Lakeside Village; and most juniors and seniors will reside in University Village.

The University contracted with Virginia-based VMDO Architects and Zyscovich Architects from Coral Gables to design the project. Coastal Construction will manage the demolition and construction. The project is expected to cost $335 million.
President Shrum presides over first commencement as ceremonies return indoors

Media Contact: Mack Burke | Editorial Coordinator | 405-744-5540 | news@okstate.edu

Oklahoma State Universitys commencement ceremonies returned indoors Saturday for the first time in two years as Chancellor Allison Garrett of the States Regents for Higher Education delivered the keynote address.

OSU President Kayse Shrum presided over her first graduation, making the 143rd commencement the first all-female-led ceremony in OSUs history.

Around 1,300 graduates were recognized as commencement returned to Gallagher-Iba Arena. It was held in Boone Pickens Stadium in the spring because of COVID-19 and no in-person ceremonies were held at all in 2020.

Garrett, who became the states first female chancellor of higher education on Nov. 1, gave graduates three things to take from her speech and use in their careers.

No. 1: Challenge yourselves to do hard things. That is how you grow as an individual. In your careers, whatever they may be, that will help you be a success, Garrett said. No. 2: Keep your priorities straight.  Keep your priorities straight as family and faith should be important in your life. No. 3: Look to serve others. Kindness pays off.

Allison Garrett, chancellor of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, speaks at Oklahoma State University's graduation.

Garrett commended Dr. Shrum for her leadership at OSU and reminded graduates that after the ceremony, they will have started down a path of success.

We are excited to welcome you to the academic fraternity, Garrett said. ... On average, those with a college degree will learn 75 percent more than those with a high school degree.

Also speaking were Dr. Trudy Milner, chair of the OSU/A&M Board of Regents, and Dr. Pamela Lovern, chair of OSUs Faculty Council.

Lovern congratulated the class of 2021 on completing their degrees despite the hardships of the pandemic.

The world has certainly changed since you began your studies at OSU, Lovern said. Graduates, you succeeded in completing your degrees under these many challenging conditions. You did it. As faculty, we recognize the perseverance and effort it took to achieve this goal. As the world was changing, you have been growing and changing, too. As you go forward into the future, we hope you will always seek new opportunities to learn, grow and make a difference in the world.

Shrum ended the ceremony thanking the faculty for their commitment to helping students to their graduation day.

I thank each of you for your guidance and the wisdom that you have provided these students, Shrum said. The degree candidates here today will exponentially increase on the scholarship you have extended to them.

Dr. Kayse Shrum, president of Oklahoma State University, speaks at OSU's fall 2021 graduation.

Mariah Smith, who earned her bachelors degree in biology, said she was excited to see Shrum at the lectern.

It was definitely beyond my expectations. It was awesome to see a female leading the ceremony, said Smith, an Enid, Oklahoma, native.

Nicholas Zickefoose said he was happy to be back in Stillwater. He earned his bachelors degree in horticulture and spent his final year doing online classes. Zickefoose started his career at PGA Frisco in Texas following his junior year.

College was phenomenal. It is one of those things that if you are Oklahoma born and raised, it is the only school to go to, said Zickefoose, a native of Claremore, Oklahoma. It is a home here. It is not just a school, it is a home and a family.

Saturday mornings exercises recognized students from the Ferguson College of Agriculture, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology. The afternoon consisted of ceremonies for the Spears School of Business and the College of Education and Human Sciences.

Graduate students had their ceremony Friday. OSU-IT will hold its fall commencement on Dec. 17 in Okmulgee.

More photos can be found at: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmXjzcXZ

Footage of the Saturday morning ceremony is below. Videos of other ceremonies can be found at insideosu.com.
Sanctions will do 'grave harm', embassy warns US

China's embassy in Washington urged the US to reverse its sanctions decision. File image: Shutterstock

China's embassy in Washington has warned the United States that new sanctions announced on Friday will do "grave harm" to relations between the two countries.



The US Treasury said on Friday that it would add the artificial intelligence company SenseTime to a list of "Chinese military-industrial complex companies" which US investors must avoid.



Washington accuses the company, which plans to list on the Hong Kong stock exchange, of developing facial recognition programs that can determine a targets ethnicity, with a particular focus on identifying ethnic Uyghurs.



Two officials working in Xinjiang have also been sanctioned by Washington, along with dozens of people and entities linked to Myanmar, North Korea and Bangladesh.



China's embassy in Washington denounced the US move as "serious interference in China's internal affairs" and a "severe violation of basic norms governing international relations."



Embassy spokesman Liu Pengyu said it would do "grave harm to China-US relations" and urged Washington to rescind the decision. (Reuters/RTHK)
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 11 (ANI/PNN): Pragabhal's Muddy, India's first 4X4 mud race thriller film, is now screening in theatres all across, and right after its release, it has already become a blockbuster hit. The film received a massive response on its opening day itself and since then has been receiving rave reviews from everyone, and audiences cannot stop showering praises for the film and the team. Expressing gratitude towards everyone for showering the film with praises, director Pragabhal says, "I thank everyone for accepting Muddy Movie. Your applause throughout the movie made the whole team happy. Thank you for accepting us, and that's our success." Film's music director, KGF fame Ravi Basrur who has given a musical treat for his first Malayalam film, too has expressed his gratitude. He says, "Thanks to the people for your huge response. The sound was purely designed for the theatre experience, and you've accepted it. It means a lot." A solid story base, backed with unique visuals and sound experience, Muddy, a full-time 4X4 mud race film, is produced for the first time in India and has already become a mass film. It is also the first film to be released in six languages, including English. The film's choreography design was the biggest challenge for director Pragabhal as there were no other films to refer to for the Muddy race, and it took him five years of research to start the movie. The characters were given training in mud racing for two years, and national level real mud racers too were taken on board to be a part of the film. The technicians behind the film have all proved their skills in Indian cinema. Apart from Ravi Basrur, Bollywood cameraman KG Rathish and 'Rakshasan' fame editor San Lokesh are a part of the team. Directed by Pragabhal and produced by Prema Krishnadas under his banner PK 7, Muddy stars newcomers Yuvan Krishna, Ridhaan Krishna, Anusha Sooraj and Amith Sivadas Nair. It was released in theatres on Friday, December 10, 2021. This story is provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/PNN)
New Delhi [India], December 11 (ANI/NewsVoir): India managed to successfully place its concerns on board, including transparency on climate finance as well as long-term financial support from developed countries at the recently concluded COP26, observed key members of the Indian delegation during a high-level discussion organised by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) on Friday, December 10, at New Delhi. The discussion during the event titled, 'Demystifying COP26: Key takeaways and future roadmap for India', held a month after the conference, was attended by negotiating members from the Union Ministry of Finance, Ministry of External Affairs, as well as the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Delivering the welcome address Dr Vibha Dhawan, Director General, TERI, said, "This is the decade of action. We need to make the best of this window to keep the planet habitable." Dr Dhawan pointed out that the targets of net-zero carbon emissions, technology development and capacity building should go together. "All further growth has to be sustainable. Business as usual is not going to work any longer," she observed. Taking part in the discussions, Chandni Raina, Economic Adviser, Ministry of Finance, said that at COP26, India had managed to "claw back" from 2019 (COP25) when items related to finance were not concluded. "The two most important things for us was transparency on the USD 100 billion goal, and enhanced financial support from developed countries for a period of time," observed Raina. A technical, yet, another important development, is the acceptance that there is no multi-nationally agreed definition of climate finance, she noted. "There is acceptance that USD 100 billion has not come through. If developing countries are to be more ambitious, it can only be on the back of financing," added Raina. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report on Nationally-Determined Contributions (NDCs) had changed the momentum at COP26, noted Srinivas Gotru, Joint Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs. "The expectations were on four issues: enhancement of NDCs, net-zero, global methane pledge, and coal," said Gotru. Observing that give-and-take is part of the negotiating process, Gotru added, "There is stability in terms of policy direction and renewable energy goals. We have been able to give a sense of certainty to the domestic industry, and managed to hold our ground, especially on Article 6 (on carbon markets)." Himangana Gupta, a member of the COP26 delegation from the Ministry of Environment Forest of Climate Change, pointed out that India is one the most vulnerable countries to climate change. "Loss and damage has still not been provided to the developing countries. What the developed countries have provided is not a facility for loss and damage but a facility for technical assistance," she added. Industry representative Mahendra Singhi, MD and CEO, Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Ltd. said a key takeaway from COP26 was that, "Countries could announce their own breakthrough agendas such as India's One Sun One World One Grid initiative." Singhi also noted, "Ninety per cent of the global economy has signed for net-zero carbon." Manjeev Singh Puri, Former Diplomat and Distinguished Fellow, TERI, underscored that "Climate change is not a costless process.. but will the benefits outweigh the costs? Governments take calls on that." Emphasising the heydays of carbon were over, Puri asserted the need for India to be a part of the change. Questioning whether the discourse on net-zero led to increased momentum at COP26, RR Rashmi, Distinguished Fellow and Former Negotiator, opined the discourse cannot change "Unless we are able to change the ambition in the short term." "A key outcome was India was able to protect its position as per flexibility," noted Rashmi. Abhishek Kaushik, Fellow and Area Convenor, TERI, gave a presentation on the outcomes of COP26, including the Glasgow Climate Pact, and also the highlighted key issues under the Paris Rulebook. The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) is an independent, multi-dimensional research organization, with capabilities in policy research, technology development, and implementation. It has pioneered conversations and action in the energy, environment, climate change, and sustainability space for over four decades. Headquartered in New Delhi, TERI has regional centres and campuses in Gurugram, Bengaluru, Guwahati, Mumbai, Panaji, and Nainital, supported by a multi-disciplinary team of scientists, sociologists, economists, engineers, administrative professional and state-of-the-art infrastructure. This story is provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/NewsVoir)
New Delhi [India], December 11 (ANI/ATK): An agreement between Indian Council of Cultural Relations and Routes2Roots - NGO was signed on 10th December 2021 at Azad Bhawan, Indraprastha Estate, New Delhi. Dinesh K. Patnaik, Director General ICCR, signed the agreement with Rakesh Gupta, Founder, Routes2Roots in the presence of Dr Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, President ICCR & Member of Parliament and Teena Vachani, Founder & General Secretary, Routes2Roots. Friends of India, especially the Indian Diaspora community and international students in India / Alumni, have been sharing their experience about India in various ways and through multiple media. ICCR considers them as India's ambassadors of goodwill abroad. ICCR also considers it essential to capture and partake in such reminiscences. To further strengthen these bonds, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations is organising an "International Film Making Competition" in collaboration with Routes2Roots, a reputed international NGO promoting Indian art and culture. Routes2Roots has hosted hundreds of cultural events in India and overseas, including music concerts, dance recitals, theatre and film festivals, art exhibitions and cultural exchange programs. The platform has hosted the leading legends of different art forms, the film industry, and outstanding upcoming artists over seventeen years since its inception. Indian Embassies and Missions abroad shall promote this competition extensively in their respective countries. The competition will invite short films made by participants from across the world in the categories of Indian Diaspora and Foreign Alumni of India on the following themes: -Indian Diaspora *"My roots, My ancestral" *"Away from India: What do I miss the most?" *"Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: World as my family" -Foreign Alumni of India *"Learning in India, Learning from India." *"India: My home away from home." *"Indian Culture: Imprints on my mind." The competition entries will be evaluated by a distinguished Jury, and three awards will be given in each category and theme, having three age groups (total 54 awards). The digital portal for submission of entries by the participants would be opened from January 1 to March 31, 2022. Please refer to the announcement on ICCR and Routes2Roots websites for details. This story is provided by ATK. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/ATK)
Rising domestic passenger traffic along with healthy response to its new intra-regional flights has boosted airline major IndiGo's outlook for 2022. Nevertheless, the airline remains 'cautiously optimistic' on the impact the Omicron Covid-19 variant might have on the country's aviation sector. In conversation with IANS, Sanjay Kumar, Chief Strategy and Revenue Officer, IndiGo revealed that the airline has almost reached 100 per cent pre-Covid capacity utilisation level. "The year 2020 and 2021 have indeed been very challenging for not just the aviation and travel industry but the global economy, and it is the economy which drives demand for our business," Kumar said. "The domestic traffic has been good and has grown very strongly in recent months as restrictions and the pandemic eased. Things are improving gradually, and we are almost back to domestic pre-Covid capacity as well, though international travel may take a little longer." On intra-regional connectivity, Kumar said that the airline is focusing on connecting India's large, mid-size and small cities. "We are continuously exploring new opportunities across the length and breadth of the country and expanding our network as per the demand." "We are closely monitoring the current trends across air traffic, train passengers as well as economic situation. Based on all these factors and various demand estimates, we are working on new routes and flights." Recently, the airline witnessed encouraging demand during the festive season. "With enhanced regional connectivity, we are sure that people will prefer air travel now more than ever. We have seen a very strong festive season and our system capacity was highest ever than even pre-Covid times on November 8." "So, there are some good things happening on capacity and revenue. We are already at 1,500 flights per day which is equal to our pre Covid levels. Also, with the upcoming holiday season and people looking forward to exploring the country, we are expecting stronger domestic demand and we remain optimistic going forward." Besides, he cited that the positive demand trend has become self-sustaining over the last few months. "We have analysed the traffic every month and the trends are up, and it is encouraging that the demand is sustaining now, with the travel trend going up in terms of unit revenue and future bookings." "The demand has certainly picked up in the festive season and we hope for it to continue the upswing. Domestically our capacity now is higher than in pre-Covid times. We are getting above 80-85 per cent load factor so yes; traffic is coming back encouragingly." However, he added that the airline has been seeing challenges in terms of international services coming back with the emergence of another strain and many countries including India reinstating stringent protocols and restrictions for travel. "We are monitoring the situation carefully." (Rohit Vaid can be contacted at rohit.v@ians.in) --IANS rv/ksk/ ( 487 Words) 2021-12-11-14:25:37 (IANS)
Warner Bros. Pictures recently released a new teaser for its upcoming film, 'Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore', giving the movie buffs the first glimpse into the continued 'Fantastic Beasts' series and 'Harry Potter' prequel. The teaser shared on Warner Bros. Pictures' official Instagram page also gives 'Harry Potter' fans their first glimpse of actor Mads Mikkelsen in the role of Gellert Grindelwald. "Whether it's on a page, a stage, or on a screen, it's all part of one wizarding world. Continue the adventure with the new trailer for Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore Monday. #SecretsOfDumbledore," the caption of the IG post read. The trailer of the upcoming film is set to drop on Monday. In the recently-released teaser, Mikkelsen appears as the villain who has a complicated history with Albus Dumbledore, again played by Jude Law. Eddie Redmayne, Ezra Miller and other cast members return, though Hollywood star Johnny Depp, who last played Grindelwald in 2018's 'The Crimes of Grindelwald', is not reprising his role. Depp exited the role in November 2020 amid legal woes involving his ex-wife Amber Heard's assault allegations, which he has denied, reported People magazine. Mikkelsen, known for 'Hannibal', 'Rogue One' and 'Casino Royale', was then cast to replace Depp. The forthcoming film will cover the chapter of Dumbledore and Grindelwald's life where the dark wizard gained infamy. 'Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore' has been helmed by David Yates, who previously directed the first two films of the popular franchise. 'The Fantastic Beasts' series was previously announced as a trilogy but was later changed to a series of five movies. 'Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore' will hit theatres on April 15, 2022. (ANI)
Grammy-winning artists Kanye West and Drake took the stage together for the first time since ending their feud as they hosted the sold-out 'Free Larry Hoover' benefit concert. As per People magazine, the concert took place at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Thursday night. The two rappers walked side by side down the steps of the Coliseum as the choir sang West's 'Ultralight Beam' in a powerful show. West took the stage first to debut 'Praise God'. He then "took it back to day one," performing classics including 'Gold Digger', 'Touch the Sky', 'Stronger' and 'All of the Lights'. Several pictures and videos of the two rappers from the event have been doing the rounds on social media. Drake later took the stage to perform some of his biggest hits, including 'No Friends in the Industry', 'Life Is Good', 'IMY2' and 'Laugh Now Cry Later'. "I appreciate Kanye for having me up here tonight," Drake said. "It's important that we make this happen. When we were walking through the arches right there it felt like a dream. It felt surreal. It was something I always wanted to do being on stage with my idol as he's running through one of the best catalogs in music, period," Drake added. To end the show, West hit the stage with Drake after changing into matching denim jackets and jeans to perform 'Hurricane', his song with The Weeknd, and 'Come to Life'. He also performed 'Bound 2', 'N--s in Paris' and 'Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1'. The show ended with both artists performing Drake's song 'Forever'. The two embraced for a hug and then walked off stage together. The concert comes about a month after the two rappers -- along with J Prince -- met up and said it was "time to put [the feud] to rest." "I'm making this video to address the ongoing back-and-forth between myself and Drake," West said at the time in the video. "Both me and Drake have taken shots at each other and it's time to put it to rest," added West. Drake and West agreed to perform on Thursday to benefit Hoover, who has been incarcerated at the ADX federal prison in Colorado, where other criminals, such as El Chapo Guzman, are locked up, reported People magazine. The show was meant to bring awareness about his incarceration and Hoover's family's efforts to free him after the 2018 Free Step Act gave federal prisoners with drug-related charges the chance to reduce their sentences. Neither Drake nor West made mention of Hoover during the entirety of the show. West raps with Hoover's son Larry Hoover Jr. on his new album Donda on tracks 'Jesus Lord' and 'Jesus Lord Pt. 2'. In the songs, Hoover Jr. promises his father won't be involved in gang activity was he to get out. Hoover is now 71. Hoover was convicted on 40 counts related to leading the Gangster Disciples and trafficking drugs from 1970 and 1997. As for the rappers' feud, it dates back several years and resurfaced this year after the releases of West's 'Donda' and Drake's 'Certified Lover Boy'. On the albums, they both share disses about each other. Though the Canadian rapper never calls out West by name, fans were quick to dissect several lines on multiple songs from 'Certified Lover Boy' that appear to take digs at him, most notably on '7AM on Bridle Path'. The concert also marks Drake's return to the stage after appearing alongside rapper Travis Scott during last month's deadly Astroworld Festival where 10 people were killed. Drake is among those named in several lawsuits related to the tragedy, including one USD 750 million lawsuit. As for West, he's been at the centre of controversy due to welcoming musician Marilyn Manson, who has been accused by more than a dozen women and sued by four for allegations of sexual and physical abuse, on his 'Donda' album and at a recent Sunday Service. (ANI)
'Saturday Night Live' has been adapted in a number of territories, including China, Japan, West Asia, France, Italy, Poland and Brazil. The show also recently returned to Korea after a few years' hiatus, reported Variety.

The tie-up is hardly surprising given both Sky and NBC share the same parent company, and such collaborations have been mooted ever since Comcast outbid Fox to snap up the European media company for USD 39 billion back in 2018.

Given the US/UK crossover of talent, a British version of the show could be substantial, and it's believed local comedians are already throwing their hats in the ring to take part. However, Britain doesn't have the same culture around late-night programming as the US and it's much harder to get shows away in late time slots.

The original US version is produced in association with Broadway Video, with Lorne Michaels as creator and executive producer. (ANI)
Mallika Dua, comedian and daughter of the late journalist, on Saturday, shared a picture of the condolence letter addressed to her by the President of India.

In the letter, President Kovind expressed his grief on hearing about the sad demise of her father.

Further, in the letter, he shared words of praise for her father as an excellent journalist.

Mallika expressed her gratitude for the condolences by adding a folded hands emoticon in the comments section.

Vinod Dua passed away on December 4 at the age of 67.

The 67-year-old journalist, who was a pioneer in broadcast Hindi journalism with stints in Doordarshan and NDTV had lost his wife and Mallika's mother, Padmavati Dua, aka Chinna Dua, to COVID-19 in June. She was a radiologist.

Vinod and Padmavati had been admitted to a hospital in May after testing positive for the deadly virus. His health has reportedly suffered ever since and he had been in and out of hospitals. (ANI)
Kim Kardashian is officially cutting ties with Kanye West as she filed to be legally single on Friday, amid her ongoing divorce from Kanye 'Ye' West. As per E! News, the documents state that Kim wants to become legally single while she and the rapper continue to iron out details pertaining to child custody and property division. Additionally, the KKW Cosmetics guru wants to drop the surname West and revert to her maiden name. Kim initially filed for divorce citing "irreconcilable differences" on February 19. She requested joint legal and physical of their four children, North, Saint, Chicago and Psalm. The exes were seemingly making progress on their separation, with Kim buying their shared Hidden Hills, California home for USD 23 million in October. However, by November, Kanye was saying that he still considers her his "wife," remarking that there "ain't no paperwork" stating otherwise. Though Kanye isn't ready to give up on his marriage, the 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians' alum has started dating 'Saturday Night Live' comedian Pete Davidson. A source close to Kim explained that she "tried for a long, long time" to make their marriage work but eventually "reached her breaking point." And now, she's ready to enter the next chapter in her life. Nonetheless, the 41-year-old reality star is committed to co-parenting with the artist, even if she is dating. A separate source close to her recently told E! News, "Kim likes keeping the peace between (herself) and Kanye." Meanwhile, Kanye is pulling out all the stops to win back the SKIMS guru. At his "Free Larry Hoover" benefit concert, which Drake participated in, the Graduation performer pleaded during his performance of the song 'Runaway', "I need you to run right back to me. More specifically, Kimberly." Numerous members of the Kardashian-Jenner family were in the audience, including Kendall Jenner, Kris Jenner and Corey Gamble. It seems his declaration of love didn't pan out the way he hoped, as Kim filed to be legally single the next morning. (ANI)
'Blue Sattai' Maran said, "We had decided to release our film 'Anti-Indian' in Singapore as well. However, the Examining Committee, which watched our film there, has refused to grant us a censor certificate saying the film contained controversial scenes and dialogues pertaining to religion.

"We have therefore appealed to a higher authority for a re-examination of our film. We hope that our film will hit screens after being re-examined in a day or two."

Meanwhile, rumours started doing the rounds that the film would be released on an OTT platform.

However, the director trashed all such rumours. He said, "'Anti-Indian' will NOT be released in any OTT worldwide for the next 28 days. OTT release in India will be 28 days after the theatrical release. Do not believe in rumours."

--IANS mani/kr

( 166 Words)

2021-12-11-12:08:32 (IANS)
The Union Health Ministry on Friday expressed serious concern over the declining trends of mask usage in the country even amid Omicron threat, citing a recently conducted survey which outlined that this has significantly dropped from September ownwards. "Mask usage is declining in India. We have to remember that both vaccines and masks are important. As far as protection capability is concerned, we are now operating at a risky and unacceptable level. We should learn from the global situation," NITI Aayog's Member, Health, Dr V.K. Paul said, Member-Health, NITI Aayog. He said that the World Health Organisation has warned many times against the decline in mask usage. The global scene of Omicron is disturbing, said Paul, adding that the protocol against Omicron is same as the other variants, of following the Covid Appropriate Behavior. On the question of paediatric vaccine, he said that no recommendation has been made yet by the NTAGI. Indian Council of Medical Research Director General, Dr Balram Bhargava, said that new Covid variant Omicron is not posing any burdeon clinically now on the healthcare system but there is a need to maintain vigil. "Regular meetings are being organised to keep a watch on global scenario with a focus on Omicron. We need help to not spread panic," he said. Meanwhile, India has vaccinated more than half of the adult population in the country with both doses. --IANS avr/vd ( 247 Words) 2021-12-10-22:52:14 (IANS)
Meanwhile the country has registered 11,327 new Covid-19 cases, Xinhua news agency quoted the ministry as saying.

So far, some 45.2 per cent of Ukrainian adults have received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccines, while 39.4 per cent have been fully vaccinated, it said.

Ukraine, which has a population of some 42 million people, has recorded more than 3.5 million Covid-19 cases during the pandemic.

--IANS int/shs

( 104 Words)

2021-12-11-03:20:47 (IANS)
According to a new study by Rutgers University, the use of certain personal care products during pregnancy may impact maternal hormone levels. The research has been published in the 'Environmental Research Journal'. Personal care and beauty products contain several ingredients that often include a wide range of endocrine-disrupting chemicals like phthalates, parabens, phenols, and toxic metals. These chemicals interact with hormone systems, influencing synthesis, regulation, transport, metabolism and hormone reception, which are all especially vulnerable during pregnancy. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and National Institutes of Health-funded study examined the association between personal care product use and the levels of sex steroid hormones, including estrogens and progesterone and thyroid hormones among pregnant women. The researchers also explored how demographic factors impacted the use of certain personal care products. Researchers collected blood samples from 1,070 pregnant women between 18 and 40 years of age enrolled in the Puerto Rico PROTECT Cohort, an ongoing prospective birth study designed to examine environmental exposures in pregnant women and their children who live in the northern karst zone of Puerto Rico. As part of the study, participants underwent physical exams and completed a series of questionnaires providing their demographics, occupation, lifestyle and use of personal care products like fragrances, lotions, cosmetics, nail polish, shaving cream, mouthwash, shampoo and other hair products, such as bleach, relaxers and mousse. Participants also provided blood samples twice throughout their pregnancies, which were analyzed for nine sex steroid and thyroid hormones. The researchers found that the use of hair products, particularly hair dyes, bleach, relaxers and mousse are associated with lower levels of sex steroid hormones, which have a critical role in maintaining pregnancy and foetal development. Disruptions of these hormones may contribute to adverse maternal and pregnancy outcomes like growth restriction, preterm birth and low birth weight. "Alterations in hormone levels, especially during pregnancy, can have vast consequences beyond health at birth including changes in infant and child growth, pubertal trajectories and may influence the development of hormone-sensitive cancers such as breast, uterine and ovarian cancer," said the study's lead author, Zorimar Rivera-Nunez, an assistant professor at the Rutgers School of Public Health. "Additional research should address the public health impact of exposure to chemicals in hair products in pregnant populations," Rivera-Nunez added. The researchers also found that socioeconomic variables, such as income, education and employment status, influenced the use of personal care products among pregnant women in Puerto Rico. For example, participants who reported a household income greater than USD 100,000 used personal care products more often than participants with lower household incomes. Additionally, employed participants reported using more cosmetics than those who were unemployed. "Prior research has shown that non-pregnant populations have also reported associations between frequency of use and socioeconomic markers, such as household income and education," Rivera-Nunez said. "A strong culture of beauty influences Latina women, which may impact consistent use of cosmetics through pregnancy. This data is important because it will allow us to identify populations who are at an increased risk of chemical exposures associated with personal care product use," Rivera-Nunez explained. The researchers, who included individuals from the Rutgers Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, University of Puerto Rico, University of Georgia and Northeastern University, recommended that primary physicians and obstetricians should speak to reproductive-age women about the potential health impact of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, like those found in hair products. (ANI)
Daily consumption of yoghurt could help people manage high blood pressure, according to a study by the University of South Australia. The research has been published in the 'International Dairy Journal'. Conducted in partnership with the University of Maine, the study examined the associations between yoghurt intake, blood pressure and cardiovascular risk factors, finding that yoghurt is associated with lower blood pressure for those with hypertension. Globally, more than a billion people suffer from hypertension (high blood pressure), putting them at greater risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) such as heart attack and stroke. CVDs are the leading cause of death worldwide - in the United States, one person dies from CVD every 36 seconds; in Australia, it's every 12 minutes. UniSA researcher Dr Alexandra Wade said that this study provided new evidence that connected yoghurt with positive blood pressure outcomes for hypertensive people. "High blood pressure is the number one risk factor for cardiovascular disease, so it's important that we continue to find ways to reduce and regulate it," Dr Wade said. "Dairy foods, especially yoghurt, may be capable of reducing blood pressure. This is because dairy foods contain a range of micronutrients, including calcium, magnesium and potassium, all of which are involved in the regulation of blood pressure." Wade added. "Yoghurt is especially interesting because it also contains bacteria that promote the release of proteins which lowers blood pressure. This study showed for people with elevated blood pressure, even small amounts of yoghurt were associated with lower blood pressure," Wade explained. "And for those who consumed yoghurt regularly, the results were even stronger, with blood pressure readings nearly seven points lower than those who did not consume yoghurt," Wade said. The study was conducted on 915 community-dwelling adults from the Maine-Syracuse Longitudinal Study. Habitual yoghurt consumption was measured using a food frequency questionnaire. High blood pressure was defined as being greater than or equal to 140/90 mmHg (a normal blood pressure level is less than 120/80 mmHg). Researchers said that future observational and intervention studies should continue to focus on at-risk individuals to examine the potential benefits of yoghurt. (ANI)
Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur said that the Bhojpuri programmes will be telecasted twice -- in the morning from 11 am to 11.30 am and 8 pm to 8.30 pm in the evening.

Taking Twitter, Thakur greeted people in the Bhojpuri language.

"It is a very joyful day for us. From December 11 onwards, you can watch programmes in Bhojpuri language on Doordarshan Uttar Pradesh channel from 11 to 11.30 am and from 8 to 8.30 pm every day. Congratulations to all of you," the union minister said. (ANI)
A video showing a group of students of a high school in Davanagere high school allegedly misbehaving and assaulting a teacher during classes had gone viral on social media and netizens demanded stringent action against the students. The viral video is of High School Nallur in Channagiri taluk of Davanagere district. The video shows the students reportedly misbehaving with one Hindi teacher when he entered the classroom. One of the students tried to assault him with a dustbin. Later, he puts it on the head of the teacher when he started teaching in the class. Meanwhile, Karnataka Minister of Primary and Secondary Education BC Nagesh took cognisance of the incident and directed a probe and strict action. Taking to Twitter, the minister said, "Assault on a teacher by students at a school in Channagiri taluk of Davanagere district cannot be tolerated. Education Department and police probing the matter. Instructed to take appropriate action. We will always be with teachers." (ANI)
As many as six persons including a teacher and five students from Veda Patasala (Vedic Institute) drowned to death in Krishna River at Madipadu village of Guntur district in Andhra Pradesh on Friday. Speaking to ANI, Vijaya Bhaskar Reddy, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Sattenapalli said, "At about 5 pm today, One Guruji along with 8 students of Veda Vedantha Gurukula Mahavidyalaya went to Krishna river for bathing. Only Guruji and six students went into the river." Further, Reddy informed that they accidentally slipped into a deep pit while taking bath. "They did not know swimming so they drowned in the water and five students and the Guruji died in the river. One student who knew swimming survived the incident while the remaining two students who are sitting on the beach cried for help," he said. The DSP said that the fishermen came to their rescue and brought all the six bodies to the beach. Meanwhile, local MLA from the ruling Yuvajana Shramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) Namburu Sankara Rao informed that, as soon as they came to know the incident, they called the police and extended support for the rescue operation. He said that they will send the bodies to the respective families with the help of the state government. (ANI)
After 378 days, farmers protesting against the (now scrapped) farm laws and other issues on the borders of the national capital are set to return to their homes from Saturday. The majority of the farmers will start returning to their villages in Punjab from the Singhu and Tikri borders, leaving the tents they made their homes since November last year. While the farmers have started dismantling the tents, some have already left for their villages after the government on Thursday sent a letter promising to meet the farmers' demands. Some of the protesting farmers from Punjab will visit the Golden Temple in Amritsar on December 13 to offer prayers after the completion of their successful agitation, which forced the Union government to repeal the three farm laws. To celebrate the success of their agitation, some farmer leaders will leave for their villages on decorated tractors from the different protest sites on the borders of Delhi. For this, the farmers have arranged a 51-foot-long trolley on the Singhu border for all the top SKM leaders. Despite some farmers already heading home, the 'langar' (community kitchen) started a year ago continues to function, giving food parcels to those who are going back. While many farmers were staying in tents, some of them who had constructed temporary concrete structures have started demolishing them. Some women, who were taking care of household chores back in the villages and didn't meet their protesting family members for the past one year, have reached the borders to join their families on the return journey. Almost 15 months after the farmers' agitation began against the (now scrapped) farm laws and other issues, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), an umbrella body of farmer unions that led the protest, said on Thursday that it has suspended the agaitation after receiving positive assurances from the government on their demands. The SKM also said that it would hold a review meeting on January 15. --IANS ssb/arm ( 340 Words) 2021-12-10-21:14:36 (IANS)
Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Director General Satya Narayan Pradhan on Friday said that the NCB would work closely with the agencies of the northeastern states and Central Para-military forces to curb the menace of drug trade and drug trafficking in the region. The NCB chief said this while addressing a two-day workshop-cum-training for the central and state agencies in Guwahati. Pradhan said that with better coordination between the state and central law enforcing agencies, the drug smuggling and its misuse would be curbed to a large extent. Director General of Assam police Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta said that the state police, since May, have seized various drugs worth Rs 325 crore and registered 1,700 cases under Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The police officer said that around 2,900 accused have been arrested which resulted in the seizure of psychotropic substances including 50 kg of Heroin, 37 kg of Opium and 133 vehicles of drug peddlers. Mahanta said the drug trafficking from Myanmar and Golden triangle through the northeast corridor is still a potential threat, and the Assam Police are working on a strategy for reducing the supply and demand of drugs and its harmful effects. During the inaugural session of the training, an app titled 'Drugs Free Assam' was launched by the DGP. The app, developed by the CID along with the National Informatics Centre, would help the citizens of Assam to inform the Police about the selling, storage, shipment, usage of psychotropic substances instantly on a real time basis. "Police can then act on such information immediately without any loss of time," the DGP said. 'Handbook for investigating officers of NDPS Act Cases', compiled by CID, Assam, was released by Pradhan. Additional Director General of Assam Police, CID, A.Y.V. Krishna, said with the advent of Dark Net and use of Crypto Currencies, there is an emerging threat due to online drug trade which is now posing a challenge to the drug law enforcement agencies. "The proceeds of drug trade are being laundered in the form of Crypto currencies. Hence, this particular training programme on 'Digital Forensics, Dark Net and Crypto Currencies' for the drug law enforcement agencies would provide a good opportunity to understand the latest trends in the narco trade and would act as a platform for knowledge sharing," Krishna said. The CID Assam in collaboration with NCB has organised the two-day workshop-cum-training for drug law enforcement agencies of the northeastern states, central para-military forces posted in the region and Central agencies like Directorate of Revenue Intelligence and Customs. In the two-day event, subjects like Dark web, TOR browser, Crypto-currencies, use of block chain technologies by law enforcement agencies, OSINT gathering tools, intelligence gathering and profiling of suspects on social media, digital forensics, CDR and IPDR analysis are being discussed. --IANS sc/pgh ( 481 Words) 2021-12-10-21:26:44 (IANS)
Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister P.K. Sekar Babu on Friday said that no divisive force will be allowed to function in the soil of the state. His reference was to the arrest of YouTuber Maridhas at Madurai on Thursday night, following tweets comparing Tamil Nadu under the DMK to Jammu and Kashmir, in wake of the crash that led to the death of Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Bipin Rawat. In his remarks at the 141st birth anniversary celebrations of C. Rajagopalachari, popularly known as Rajaji, at the Madras High Court premises, the minister also said that Tamil Nadu was the best state as far as law and order was concerned. In another reference to Maridhas, he said that some elements were trying to create divide in the society by spreading false campaigns on social media and that the government would deal harshly with such people. Maridhas had, after the tragic helicopter crash at Coonoor leading to the loss of life of the CDS, his wife, and 11 other armed personnel, said in a tweet that Tamil Nadu is turning into another Kashmir under the DMK regime. Sekar Babu said that the Madras High Court judges have been appreciating the performance of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on several occasions. BJP state chief, K. Annamalai has come out against the arrest of Maridhas and said that the YouTuber was arrested due to "political vendetta" of the DMK. He said that the DMK was curtailing freedom of expression of individuals and said that another BJP leader, Kalyam Raman, and others were arrested by the DMK to "satisfy their ego". --IANS aal/vd ( 287 Words) 2021-12-10-22:04:38 (IANS)
The polling for biennial elections to six seats of Telangana Legislative Council from local authority constituencies was held peacefully amid tight security arrangements on Friday. Local body representatives, including corporators, councilors, ZPTC and MPTC members, cast their votes in the six constituencies in five undivided districts of Adilabad, Karimnagar, Khammam, Medak and Nalgonda The polling was held for two seats in Karimnagar district and one each in the remaining four districts. A total of 5,326 voters were eligible to cast their votes. Chief Electoral Officer Shashank Goel said the highest turnout of 99.70 per cent was recorded in Karimnagar, followed by Medak (99.22 per cent), Nalgonda (97.01), Khammam (96.09 per cent) and Adilabad (91.78 per cent). He said the polling was peaceful and smooth at all the 37 polling stations, in which 26 candidates are in fray. The CEO said that counting of votes will be taken up on December 14, for which tight security arrangements have been made at the strong rooms where the ballot boxes are kept. Goel said Covid-19 protocols will be strictly enforced during the counting, and there will be no permission for victory processions after the declaration of results. Facing rebel trouble, ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) had shifted its local body members to Bengaluru, Goa, Delhi and other places to prevent the opposition parties from poaching. They were brought to a resort on the outskirts of Hyderabad on Thursday, from where they left for their respective districts on Friday morning. TRS rebel candidate and former Karimnagar Mayor Sardar Ravinder Singh is contesting from one of the seats in the district. The BJP extended support to him. Congress candidates are in the fray in Medak, Khammam and Adilabad. The Election Commission of India had last month issued notification for elections to six seats of the Council from local authority constituencies. Earlier, Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao's daughter K. Kavitha and five other candidates of TRS were declared elected unanimously. Kavitha was elected from the Nizamabad constituency. The others who were elected to the upper house of the state legislature are Patnam Mahender Reddy, Shambipur Raju (both from Rangareddy district), Pochampally Srinivas Reddy (Warangal), Kasireddy Narayana Reddy and Kuchumalla Damodar Reddy (both from Mahabubnagar district). --IANS ms/arm ( 386 Words) 2021-12-10-22:18:11 (IANS)
With an eye on the upcoming Uttrakhand and Punjab Assembly polls, the Congress is planning to felicitate the war veterans of the 1971 India-Pakistan War during the end of the year-long celebration of 50th Anniversary of Bangladesh Liberation War The celebrations will formally conclude with a ceremony in the national capital on December 15. Besides, programmes in all the districts would also be held on December 16. Congress president Sonia Gandhi will be the Chief Guest at the ceremonial function here. Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi will be addressing a rally in Dehradun (Uttarakhand) on December 16 that will include a large number of 1971 War Veterans and other military veterans. Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal said: "Programmes like honouring War Veterans and War Widows, and commemorating the Bangladesh Liberation War-1971 shall be conducted in a befitting manner at the district level across the country on December 16." The Bangladesh Liberation War, 1971 (BLW-71) celebrations (which were delayed due to Covid-19) started in mid July with a District level meeting at Panchkula (Haryana) on July 10, 2021. To date, the Indian National Congress has organised over 100 district level meetings throughout the country. The state level functions commenced on November 16 with a meeting in Kohima (Nagaland) followed by other States and are continuing. Maximum District meetings have been held in Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Tamil Nadu. Through the formal concluding ceremony of Bangladesh Liberation War, 1971 (BLW-71) will be held on December 15, several states, which have not concluded their state level functions, have been asked to continue up to December 31 and conclude the celebration programmes with honouring of martyr families as also war veterans. The programmes shall also continue at the District/Block levels in some of the "Soldier States" like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan beyond the end of this year. Venugopal said that all the meetings held so far, a large number of military veterans have enthusiastically participated and have been honoured. The programmes have also left an everlasting impression on the youth of the country making them aware of the saga of the Bangladesh Liberation War under the visionary and courageous leadership of Indira Gandhi, and the decisive military victory planned and executed under an outstanding military leadership of the day led by Field Marshal (then General) Sam Manekshaw. --IANS miz/pgh ( 401 Words) 2021-12-10-22:39:32 (IANS)
Kerala Health Minister Veena George on Friday said that the state government has taken a favourable stand towards the PG doctor's strike and issued orders to appoint 373 non-academic junior residents in medical colleges. Speaking to media persons, George said, "The state government has taken a favourable stand towards PG doctor's strike. One of their demand is to complete the admission process in the first year so that the course would complete earlier. There is a case in the Supreme Court related to reservation, so till the final decision comes, it can not start the first-year admission process." "They have raised genuine reasons and state government took it in such way. But regarding a matter under the consideration of the court, the state government can not do anything. Everyone knows it," she said. The minister further said that she had discussions with the leaders of PG doctors twice. "On the basis of the discussion held on December 7, they have asked to appoint Non-Academic Junior Residents (NAJR ) in hospitals. We have examined it and issued an order to appoint 373 non-academic junior residents in medical colleges," George said. She informed that the medical college Principals are getting applications now and the recruitment procedure is progressing. "The recruitment process will be completed by Monday. But it is unfortunate that a section of PG doctors continues to protest. Poor and helpless people are coming to government hospitals for treatment," she added. (ANI)
"A video is going viral on social media showing police beating a man with a child in his arms. Taking cognizance of that, we have suspended the inspector and department inquiry initiated," Kumar told media.

In the viral video, the cop from the local police station was first seen thrashing the man with sticks and then another policeman was seen violently trying to snatch the child from the man's arms.

The incident took place on Thursday outside a district hospital in Kanpur Dehat district of Uttar Pradesh.

Reacting to the incident, the Inspector further directed the police personnel to handle such situations with sensitivity. (ANI)
Speaking to ANI, Surendran said, "Kerala government is not taking any action against a government pleader who made unfair remarks about CDS Bipin Rawat. It's painful and evident that the state government is promoting sedition among the people."

"Many people are celebrating the tragic incident that happened in Tamil Nadu. Left-Jihadi people are doing a bad campaign on this and the government is still silent," he added.

Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai also informed that some people with perverted minds have tweeted derogative, celebratory messages about the death of Chief of Defence Staff Gen Rawat.

"Offensive tweets and social media posts about the tragic chopper crash in which we lost our #CDSGeneralBipinRawat will not be tolerated. I strongly condemn all such messages and have instructed our police officials to take strict disciplinary legal action against the offenders," Bommai tweeted.

Reacting to these derogatory comments, Bommai said that the police chief has been instructed to take legal action against these elements.

An IAF chopper crash near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday claimed the lives of 13 people including CDS Rawat, his wife and his defence adviser Brigadier Lidder.

Bodies of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat and his wife Madhulika Rawat were cremated with full military honours at the Brar Square crematorium in Delhi Cantonment on Friday. (ANI)
As per an official statement from Prime Minsiter's Office, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, MoS Finance and RBI Governor will also be present on the occasion.

"Deposit insurance covers all deposits such as savings, fixed, current, recurring deposits, etc. in all commercial banks, functioning in India. Deposits in State, Central and Primary cooperative banks, functioning in States/Union Territories are also covered," said PMO.

"In a path-breaking reform, bank deposit insurance cover was enhanced from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh," it added.

With deposit insurance coverage of Rs 5 lakh per depositor per bank, the number of fully protected accounts at end of previous financial year constituted 98.1 per cent of the total number of accounts, as against the international benchmark of 80 per cent.

The first tranche of interim payments has been released by the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation recently, against claims received from depositors of 16 Urban Cooperative Banks which are under restrictions by RBI. Payout of over Rs 1,300 crore has been made to alternate bank accounts of over 1 lakh depositors against their claims, informed the PMO. (ANI)
A Zimbabwe returnee, who is fully vaccinated against COVID-19, tested positive for the variant in a genome sequencing report.

According to the Delhi Government, the travel history of the patient revealed that the person had also travelled to South Africa.

A new variant of COVID-19 was first reported to the World Health Organisation (WHO) from South Africa on November 25. As per the WHO, the first known confirmed B.1.1.529 infection was from a specimen collected on November 9 this year.

On November 26, the WHO named the new COVID-19 variant B.1.1.529, which has been detected in South Africa, as 'Omicron'. The WHO has classified Omicron as a 'variant of concern'. (ANI)
President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday said that the Indian flag shall always fly high because brave men like the Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, who were trained at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), would always preserve and protect its honour. Addressing cadets at IMA's passing out parade at Chetwode Building Drill Square in Uttarakhand's Dehradun, President Kovind said, "Our flag shall always fly high because brave men like late CDS General Bipin Rawat, who was trained here at the IMA, will always preserve and protect its honour." Congratulating the cadets on the successful completion of their training at IMA, he said, "I'm glad to see 387 Gentleman Cadets who'd shortly embark on their journey of valour and wisdom." The President also complimented Foreign Gentleman Cadets and said that India is proud to have Gentlemen Cadets of friendly foreign nations of Afghanistan, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Turkmenistan and Vietnam. "We cherish the special bond between our nations, and it is a matter of great pride for India to train such fine officers and gentlemen. I am positive that you shall preserve the unique relationship forged with your colleagues and instructors during your training at IMA," President Kovind said. As per the IMA's statement, today makes "another landmark milestone" as a total of 387 Gentleman Cadets of 149 Regular Course and 132 Technical Graduate Course, including 68 Gentleman Cadets from 10 friendly foreign countries successfully passed out from the portals of Indian Military Academy, overcoming all challenges of COVID-19. "The Gentleman Cadets displayed inspiring enthusiasm and zeal, and put up an excellent show, marching with perfection to Military tunes of 'Col Bogey', `Sare Jahan Se Achha' and 'Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja' with pride and elan reflecting in each step. They knew that their parents and loved ones were witnessing each step with great pride and affection including those watching the live coverage on all media platforms across the globe," the IMA said. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Governor Gurmit Singh were also present at the event. (ANI)
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel was also present on the occasion.

Shah is on a one-day visit to Ahmedabad.

Later in the evening, the Union Minister will also inaugurate various developmental projects including the opening of a railway bridge.

Soon after the event, he is expected to return to Delhi. (ANI)
The Zimbabwe returnee, who tested positive for Omicron variant on Saturday, is asymptomatic and only complains of weakness, said sources in the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital here. The number of Omicron infected cases in Delhi rose to two after a passenger arriving from Zimbabwe tested positive on Saturday. In the results of the genome sequencing report of 10 samples that arrived this morning, a 35-year-old man was found to be Omicron positive. He had returned to Delhi from Zimbabwe and his travel history also includes South Africa. Earlier, on December 5, the first case of Omicron was reported in the national capital when the genome sequencing report of a patient who had landed in the city from Tanzania was found positive. Delhi's Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital has a dedicated facility for treating Omicron patients. According to hospital sources, "A total of 46 Omicron suspected patients have been admitted in LNJP so far. Out of these, 8 patients have been discharged and a total of 38 patients are still admitted here. Out of the 38 people admitted, 25 are COVID positive patients and two are Omicron positive." Sources further revealed that genome sequencing reports of 27 out of 38 passengers have been received, of which two tested positive while 25 tested negative. "The Zimbabwe returnee who tested Omicron positive today has taken both doses of the vaccine and has no symptoms of the virus and only complains of weakness," sources said. As per information shared by sources, one of the suspected Omicron patients include a woman who came in close contact of the Omicron-positive patient in Rajasthan and then returned to Delhi, breaking her quarantine period. She was admitted to LNJP on Friday. States including Delhi, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Gujarat have reported cases of the new COVID-19 variant with the total number of Omicron cases in the country going up to 33. On November 26, the WHO named the new COVID-19 variant B.1.1.529, which has been detected in South Africa, as 'Omicron'. (ANI)
For this, PMC has announced that no private vehicle will be allowed at Laxmi Road between 10 am to 4 pm today.

As per the notification by the corporation, it said, "With this initiative, the administration aims to provide hassle-free movement as well as shopping for the citizens at Laxmi Road."

PMC has organised various programs at Laxmi Road. (ANI)
West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar has slammed Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over her recent direction to the state police asking it not to allow the Border Security Force (BSF) to enter villages outside its 'jurisdiction of 15 km' and alleged that her statements can create problems between the local police and the paramilitary force. Speaking to media here, Dhankhar said, "BSF is working for the country's safety. Regarding the jurisdiction, it was decided that they will operate in a range of 50 km. Then why does the CM talk about 15 km range and create problems between the local police and BSF?" On December 9, the Chief Minister had hit out at the Union government for its decision to extend the jurisdiction of the Border Security Force (BSF) to 50 km from the prior limit of 15 km in the state, this time directing the state's police to not allow BSF personnel to enter villages without their permission. Later in the day, the West Bengal Governor wrote to CM Mamata Banerjee, urging her to revisit her directives with regard to the BSF. "In a state having international borders with Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan, the BSF and Central Armed Police Forces play a significantly well-defined and crucial role from the perspective of national security and containing criminal illegal activities. There is an obvious need to generate bonhomie and not confrontation: cooperation and not combat amongst these agencies and State apparatus," Dhankhar wrote. He said that to ensure cooperation with the BSF, it is "expedient that the law and order agencies of the State and the CAPF play their respective roles and perform their assigned duties in a coordinated and synergical manner to ensure overall safety and security". The Centre, earlier in the month of October, had empowered the BSF to conduct searches, arrest suspects and make seizures up to an area of 50 km inside Indian territory from the International Border (IB) along India-Pakistan and India-Bangladesh borders. The BSF, which was only empowered to take action up to 15 kilometres in the states of Punjab, West Bengal, and Assam, has now been authorised to extend its jurisdiction up to 50 km without any hurdle or permission either from central or state governments. However, its jurisdiction has been cut short by 20 km in the five northeastern states-- Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Nagaland, and Meghalaya-- where it had jurisdiction up to 80 km. Similarly in Gujarat, the BSF's jurisdiction has been curtailed from 80 to 50 km. In Rajasthan, the BSF's area of jurisdiction will remain the same at 50 km. (ANI)
Speaking to reporters here, Dhami said, "Respect for our soldiers is topmost for us. Late Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat will always be Uttarakhand's pride. If any miscreant makes any objectionable comment about any late defence personnel on social media or otherwise, our government will take stringent legal action against them."

Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has also warned "people with perverted minds" who have tweeted derogative, celebratory messages about the death of Chief of Defence Staff Gen Rawat.

"Offensive tweets and social media posts about the tragic chopper crash in which we lost our #CDSGeneralBipinRawat will not be tolerated. I strongly condemn all such messages and have instructed our police officials to take strict disciplinary legal action against the offenders," Bommai tweeted.

Bommai also said that the police chief has been instructed to take legal action against these elements.

An IAF chopper crash near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday claimed the lives of 13 people including CDS Rawat, his wife and his defence adviser Brigadier Lidder.

Bodies of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat and his wife Madhulika Rawat were cremated at the Brar Square crematorium in Delhi Cantonment on Friday. Gen Rawat was cremated with full military honours. (ANI)
West Bengal government has not yet responded to queries regarding the bill to make divisions in the Howrah Municipal Corporation, State governor Jagdeep Dhankhar said on Saturday. Speaking to reporters today, Dhankar said, "West Bengal Vidhan Sabha has decided to make divisions in the Howrah Municipal Corporation. I have to take the final decision on the bill, but I enquired the West Bengal government on November 24 about the bill and there is no reply till date, I don't appreciate this." "It is very unfortunate and a matter of concern that in such a situation, information is not coming from the Speaker of the Assembly on one hand and on the other hand he is making a public statement that the Governor has withheld the bill, I do not apprise it, I will urge the Speaker to keep the dignity of his post, provide the information that has been sought from the Raj Bhavan on November 24 as soon as possible," he said. Dhankar further said, "I believe that the system of governance in the province should be according to the constitution. It should be according to the rule of law. I do not consider the statements made by the Speaker of the Assembly all the time. I expect him to take care of the dignity of their office." Howrah Civic polls are expected to be held in May 2022. Assembly Speaker Biman Banerjee on Tuesday said that the Governor is yet to sign the Howrah Municipal Corporation bill. The governor also voiced his concerns regarding the West Bengal government's stand on the recent enhanced powers of Border Security Force and jurisdiction. "Border Security Force is working for the country's safety. Regarding the jurisdiction, it was decided that they'll operate in a range of 50 km. Then why does Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee talk about the 15 km range and create problems between the local police and BSF?," Jagdeep Dhankhar said. (ANI)
The Indian Air Force (IAF) officers paid their last tributes to the Lance Naik at the airbase.

Also, the mortal remains of Wing Commander PS Chauhan has been brought to his residence at Saran Nagar in Uttar Pradesh's Agra.

Several people were seen standing on the side of the road as the carriage carrying the mortal remains of the Wing Commander arrived at the city.

The mortal remains of Lance Naik Teja and Wing Commander Chauhan were positively identified by the Indian Army earlier in the day.

Thirteen of the 14 people on board the Mi-17V5 helicopter, including India's first chief of defence staff (CDS), his wife Madhulika Rawat were among those killed after it crashed on December 8.

Those who died in the crash include Chief of Defence Staff General Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat, his Defence Adviser Brigadier Lakhbinder Singh Lidder, Staff Officer Lieutenant Colonel Harjinder Singh and nine other Armed Forces personnel including the Air Force helicopter crew.

Group Captain Varun Singh is the lone survivor of the crash and is presently admitted at Air Force Command hospital in Bengaluru for further treatment.

Earlier, the bodies of General Rawat his wife and his defence assistant Brigadier LS Lidder were cremated with full military honours in the Brar Square crematorium in the national capital on Friday. (ANI)
The ruling BJP in Karnataka has launched a scathing attack on opposition Congress over its stand opposing the proposed anti-conversion law which is to be tabled in the winter session starting Monday in Belagavi. The BJP has taken to social media platforms and in a series of posts chided the Congress for sacrificing the larger interest of the community for political gains. "If anti-conversion law is enacted, one section of the society will be hurt. More than anything else, it may hurt your supreme leader (Sonia Gandhi). Political gains are important for you over the interests of Hindus," the party post read. "There is a competition within the Congress over opposing the anti-conversion law. Few days ago, it was opposition leader Siddaramaiah, and now it is the turn of Karnataka Congress President D.K. Shivakumar. You are the one who was ready to install monolithic Jesus statue illegally in Kanakapura to please high command. There is no surprise in your opposition," the BJP's official twitter handle said. Further attacking Congress, the BJP said, it can't expect more from Congress leaders who celebrated Tipu Jayanti (Tipu Sultan is a warrior king from Mysuru who fought against Britishers. BJP opposes Tipu Sultan by alleging mass conversions of Hindus to Islam religion). The BJP is all set to introduce anti-conversion law in the state which is likely to create a furore in the winter session beginning from Monday (Dec 13). Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj K.S. Eshwarappa has already announced that BJP is bringing the law to stop forceful religious conversions in the state, come what may. --IANS mka/skp/ ( 278 Words) 2021-12-11-10:24:23 (IANS)
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said that the eastern part of the state has been "neglected since independence", adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has liberated the people from the curse of poverty and backwardness. Addressing a gathering at the inauguration ceremony of the Saryu Nahar National Project in Balrampur, the Chief Minister said, "Eastern Uttar Pradesh was continuously neglected since independence, hence, there was poverty and backwardness. But Prime Minister Narendra Modi has liberated the people from the curse here." "The areas which had never dreamt of receiving water for irrigation, in those areas, with the help of the Saryu Canal Project, the farmers have received a historic gift. Dreams of lakhs of farmers have come true," he added. Slamming the previous governments for the delay in completion of the project, Adityanath said, "The Saryu Canal Project was approved in 1972, but ever since, the project could not be completed. The reason was that the then governments; whether it that of Congress, Samajwadi Party (SP) or Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), took no interest. As a result, the project was not even half completed in 40 years." "Saryu Nahar National Project was approved in 1972, the year I was born. I grew up but it never got completed," he added. Listing the achievements of the BJP-led state government, UP CM said, "We launched projects of Rs 10,000cr on December 7 and had inaugurated nine medical colleges in Siddharthnagar and one international airport in Kushinagar." "17 out of the 18 UP projects have been completed, with which UP's nine districts' almost 15 lakh hectare land has now found a great way for irrigation, so as to double the income of farmers," he added. PM Modi today inaugurated the Saryu Nahar National Project in Uttar Pradesh's Balrampur. The Saryu Nahar National Project has been built with a total cost of more than Rs 9,800 crore, out of which more than Rs 4,600 crore was provisioned in the last four years. The project also involves the interlinking of five rivers - Ghaghara, Saryu, Rapti, Banganga and Rohini to ensure optimum usage of water resources of the region. (ANI)
The Delhi High Court on Saturday granted an interim stay over notice issued to Enforcement Directorate officials, who are probing coal mining case, to appear before the West Bengal Police. The Court also issued notice to the West Bengal government and asked it to file its response to the petition within 4 weeks and the petitioners may file a rejoinder affidavit within 2 weeks thereafter. Justice Rajnish Bhatnagar said, "It is a settled proposition of law that the three conditions are required to be established for grant of any interim relief: a strong prima facie case, balance of convenience and irreparable injury to the petitioner. In view of the discussions hereinabove, I find that the present case is a fit case for grant of ad-interim relief." "Therefore, in view of the same, the operation of the notices dated 22.07.2021 and 21.08.2021 passed qua the petitioners in FIR No. 33 dated 05.04.2021 registered by the respondents (WB) has stayed till further orders," the Court said. The Court listed the matter for further hearing on February 18, 2022. The Court was hearing a petition filed by the Directorate of Enforcement and its three officials. They have sought to issue direction to West Bengal to quash the notices dated 22/07/2021 and 21/08/2021 and any other consequential notices and/or orders that may be passed qua the petitioners in FIR No. 33 dated 05.04.2021. ED has earlier moved HC seeking quashing of notices issued by West Bengal Police against its official probing coal mining case and the alleged involvement of TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee in it. ED said the notices were issued by the West Bengal Police on August 21, 2021, and July 22, 2021, to its officials performing their Statutory functions in the headquarters in Delhi. ED told the Delhi High Court that in order to pressurize the officials investigating the case related to illegal coal mining, Abhishek Banerjee lodged an FIR on April 5, 2021, against a news channel and in furtherance of the same, notices have been issued to the investigating officers investigating the case of illegal coal mining by the West Bengal Police. "The said FIR has been registered with a malafide intention to derail the investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) being conducted by the Directorate of Enforcement," ED said in its petition filed before Delhi High Court. ED and its officers have filed the petition through advocate Amit Mahajan. The petitioners include investigating agency and its officers, who are working as Assistant Directors in the Directorate of Enforcement. On November 27, 2021, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has lodged a case against some persons for alleged commission of a cognizable offence dealing with criminal conspiracy of IPC and provision of Prevention of Corruption Act. On the basis of CBI's FIR, ED on November 28 2020 also lodged a complaint under the Prevention of Money-laundering Act against some persons and initiated an investigation in the matter. On July 22, 2021, ED issued a summons to TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee for appearance. Abhishek Banerjee through counsel replied to the summons dated 04.08.2021 seeking three weeks' time to arrange the information. On August 18, issued a summons to Abhishek Banerjee for an appearance on September 6, 2021. As per the ED's FIR, illegal excavation and theft of coal were being done by criminal elements from the leasehold area of Eastern Coalfield Ltd. in active connivance of the officials of ECL, CISF, and Indian Railways and concerned other departments. The agency alleged that illegal mining is going on at the leasehold area of ECL behind Topsi village under Kunustoria Area and at Lachhipur Village under Kajora Area by the coal mafias in active connivance with officials of Eastern Coalfields Limited and those of Central Industrial Security Force. (ANI)
Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu will inaugurate an exhibition on 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' (EBSB) in Hyderabad on December 12, Sunday, informed the Ministry of Tourism on Saturday. As per the Ministry, the exhibition will be organized by the Regional Outreach Bureau, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. This exhibition would highlight the various interesting aspects of the paired states of Haryana and Telangana like art forms, cuisine, festivals, monuments, tourism spots etc. The exhibition will be open for viewing from December 12 to 14 at Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University Campus, Nampally, Hyderabad. The Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat program is a unique initiative by the Government to promote the spirit of national integration and to strengthen the fabric of emotional bonds between the people of our country. The Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB) program was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 31, 2015 on the occasion of the 140th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who played a significant role in the unification of the country post-independence. This objective of EBSB is to be achieved through the concept of state/UT pairing. Every State and UT in the country would be paired with another State/UT for a time period, during which they would carry out a structured engagement with one another in the spheres of language, literature, cuisine, festivals, cultural events, tourism, etc. In the present scheme of things, the state of Telangana is paired with Haryana. Many activities in varied fields as mentioned above would be carried out by both states like learning of keywords in both languages, performing folk dances of the paired state, cooking cuisines of the other state, tourism promotion activities etc. (ANI)
As per a Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) order, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has been given the charge of providing round the clock security cover to the BJP leader.

The CISF was given the order on December 7 mentioning to provide 'Y' category security to Sajal Ghosh, who is the BJP candidate in the Kolkata Municipal Corporation elections, a source told ANI on condition of anonymity.

The CISF personnel have been providing the ordered security cover to Ghosh since after it received the MHA order, the source added.

The BJP leader, who was arrested after the Assembly polls for allegedly commenting on women, was given the protection based on an analysis of a security threat to his life.

According to the notification issued by the State Election Commission (SEC) on November 25, voting will be held on December 19 from 7 am to 5 pm. The counting of votes will be held on December 21.

This will be the first major electoral battle in West Bengal after the May 2021 assembly polls, which the Trinamool Congress won comprehensively.

The Mamata Banerjee-led TMC registered a landslide victory in polls winning 213 seats in the 294-member West Bengal assembly. The BJP lost the polls but emerged as the second-largest party with 77 seats. (ANI)
The five-day India Water Impact Summit (IWIS-2021) that commenced on December 9 and will go on till December 14 is being held in the national capital. Its plenary session on 'River Resource Allocation- Planning and Management at the Regional Level Upper Segment' focused on the uppermost segment of the Ganga river in Uttarakhand wherein a multitude of Himalayan headstreams combine to form the Ganga river before it enters the Indo Gangetic plains. The segment provides immense scope for hydro-power generation, tourism, and recreation, irrigation, sand mining, etc. and there is a need to develop and strategize planned interventions to fulfill the river's own needs, especially at the middle and lower segments. The Summit is being organized by National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) and cGanga in a hybrid mode - online and physically at the NMCG office, New Delhi and IIT, Kanpur. The India Water Impact Summit (IWIS-2021) is a five-day event from December 9 to December 14 and this year's theme is 'River Resources Allocation: Planning and Management at the Regional Level'. The day began with the session on 'Challenges for Policy, Law, and Governance for River Resources Allocation and Planning' which deliberated upon the need for identification, assessment, monitoring, valuation, pricing of river resources, and the impact of abstraction of river resources locally. G Ashok Kumar, Mission Director, National Water Mission presiding over the session, gave an overview of the 'Catch the Rain' campaign and apprised the audience about its impact and quantifiable results. Jal Shakti Abhiyan-2: 'Catch the Rain, Where it Falls, When it Falls,' was launched on 22nd March 2021 on the occasion of World Water Day by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Kumar said that the National Water Mission collaborated with Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) to make Jal Shakti Abhiyan-2 a peoples' movement across 623 districts of the country. D.P. Mathuria, ED, Technical, NMCG discussed the planning and management at the regional level of river resources allocation in the Upper Segment of River Ganga. The special address was given by Dr Guillermo Mendoza, International Program Manager, Institute for Water Resources, US Army Corps of Engineers. He also shared his experiences of the recently conducted workshop by the US Army Corps on 'Climate Risk Informed Decision Analysis (CRIDA)' for the water sector which concluded on December 10, 2021, in which NMCG also participated. Mendoza is the lead author of the UNESCO publication 'Climate Risk Informed Decision Analysis (CRIDA)', which is technical guidance for bottom-up decision scaling in the planning of water resources. Unlike most attempts to consider future climate risks in water resources planning, the CRIDA process does not begin with climate models or a selection of future scenarios to be used in the planning and design of a project. Instead, CRIDA uses a bottom-up approach to identify planning objectives and problems that need to be solved. Then the planning team addresses how the uncertainties affect the choices of options and trade-offs. Over the last few years, the CRIDA Tool has been applied in several countries like Canada, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Thailand, and the USA. This workshop was organized to train participants in the knowledge and application of this tool so that it can be applied in the Indian context. He also met Rajiv Ranjan Mishra, DG, NMCG along with a team of experts led by Col Evan Ting, Senior Program Manager, Interagency and International Services and several areas of cooperation between US Army Corps of Engineers and NMCG along with NIUA were also discussed. The 2nd and 3rd sessions of Day 2 focused on 'Roles and Responsibilities for River Resource Assessment and Monitoring' and 'Economics and Financing of Sustainable Agricultural Finance.' The discussion of the session on 'Roles and Responsibilities for River Resource Assessment and Monitoring'pertained to the importance of developing a systematic assessment and inventorisation in order to conduct a comprehensive plan for river resource management. The session brought attention to the need to identify the roles and responsibilities of various government agencies and stakeholders for this purpose. The session on 'Economics and Financing of Sustainable Agricultural Finance' deliberated upon how technological innovation can bring about a disruption in the agricultural sector and the potential impact of water-efficient solutions in the overall water balance of the country. The last session of the day was the international session and focused on the Government of India's collaboration with the European Union and its member states. The session highlighted the multi-faceted partnership with EU with managing water resources and extends to river basin planning, circular economy principles, data and information systems, sustainable energy transportation, amongst others. During the session, Rajiv Ranjan Mishra, Director General, National Mission for Clean Ganga said that more than the shortage of water, today managing water is a bigger challenge. There is a need to work on multiple aspects such as technologies, sustainability of the global environment, continuous flow of rivers, and others. He also informed about the recent launch of the River City Alliance in which representatives from Germany and Denmark had also participated. The international session was marked with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The first MoU was signed between the Innovation Centre Denmark (ICDK) India and IIT Kanpur, wherein synergies between Denmark and India will be developed in the water sector to share knowledge and increase multifaceted collaboration and participation of the water and environment sector industry from Denmark in the River Basin Restoration and Conservation program. The second MoU was signed between IIT Kanpur and UPS, Hugary with the aim to encourage the sharing of knowledge and increase participation of the Hungarian industry in the Ganga River Basin Restoration and Conservation Program. The second day of IWIS was streamed live on the social media handles of the Namami Gange viewed by thousands of stakeholders including students, experts from the technical and financial community, civil society, government and non-government organizations, and various other partners. (ANI)
Kashmir Police Inspector-General (IG) Vijay Kumar and General Officer Commanding of Army's Kilo Force, Sanjiv Singh Slaria chaired a joint meeting of security officers in Bandipora, a day after terrorists shot dead two policemen in the district. Jammu and Kashmir DGP Dilbagh Singh and Kashmir IG Vijay Kumar visited the residence of constable Muhammad Sultan Dar who was shot dead by terrorists yesterday, in the Sopore area of Baramulla. "Police have received some initial clues and are working on it," the DGP said. As per the police, the terrorists had fired upon police party of Police Station Bandipora near Gulshan Chowk area of Bandipora in which two police personnel Selection Grade Constable Mohd Sultan and Constable Fayaz Ahmad received critical gunshot injuries. "Both the injured were shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment of their injuries, however, both of them succumbed to their injuries and attained martyrdom," the police said. The police have registered a case under relevant sections of law. Reacting to the incident, former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir and National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah on Saturday slammed the government and said if the police personnel is not safe in the Union Territory, then how is a common man safe. "It's sad. The government says everything is hunky-dory. When police personnel aren't safe, how is a common man?" Farooq Abdullah said while talking to the media. Asked whether India should initiate talks with Pakistan, he said that the government has to talk to Pakistan, there is no way out. "You have to talk. There is no way out. China has occupied our territory, they have made their own houses. Does the Government of India allow discussion in the Parliament to understand what the Chinese are doing?" he said. Earlier on Friday, a wreath-laying ceremony was held in Bandipora evening for two police personnel Selection Grade Constable Mohd Sultan and Constable Fayaz Ahmad who were killed in a terrorist attack in Bandipora. (ANI)
Punjab Chief Minister accompanied by the State Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Randeep Singh Nabha handed over appointment letters as Clerks to 11 family members of the farmers who lost their lives in the farmers' protest against the three farm laws. A statement issued by the Punjab government read, "Living up to the commitment of standing shoulder to shoulder with the farmers in their hour of need, the Punjab Chief Minister accompanied by the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Randeep Singh Nabha handed over appointment letters as Clerks to 11 family members of the farmers who lost their lives in the movement against the three black farm laws." Calling farmers the backbone of the economic structure of the State, the Chief Minister said that the State Government would always undertake every possible step to ensure the Welfare of the victim families. Those who were given the appointment letters included Boota Singh, Manish Kumar, Amritpal Kaur, Manpreet Kaur, Kamalpreet Singh, Nirmal Singh, Gurvinder Kaur, Bakhshish Singh, Narinder Singh, Diksha, and Gagandeep Kaur. (ANI)
Remembering Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat, who lost his life in a recent chopper crash in Tamil Nadu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday stressed that efforts to make the country's armed forces self-reliant, campaign to strengthen coordination between the three armed forces will continue, adding that the late General Rawat will see India marching ahead with new resolutions in days to come. Addressing the launch event of the Saryu Nahar National Project in Balrampur, PM Modi paid homage to India's first Chief of Defence Staff and said that his demise is a great loss for every Indian, for every patriot. "The whole country has been a witness to the hard work that General Bipin Rawat ji was doing to make the country's forces self-reliant. Though India is in sorrow but even after suffering the pain, we neither stop our pace nor progress. India will not stop. Efforts to make the country's armed forces self-reliant, campaign to strengthen coordination between the three armies, will continue. Wherever he is, General Bipin Rawat, in the days to come, will see his India moving forward with new resolutions," said the Prime Minister. He further said that the work of improving the security of the country's borders, work to strengthen border infrastructure will continue. PM Modi said that the doctors are working hard to save the life of Group Captain Varun Singh who is a son of Uttar Pradesh, a resident of Deoria. "I pray to Maa Pateshwari to save his life. The nation is with the family of Varun Singh ji today and with the families of the heroes we have lost", the Prime Minister added. General Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat and 11 other defence personnel were killed when a Mi17V5 helicopter carrying them crashed near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday last week. Other 10 defence forces personnel who died in the chopper crash are Staff Officer Lieutenant Colonel Harjinder Singh, Wing Commander Prithvi Singh Chauhan, Squadron Leader Kuldeep Singh, Junior Warrant Officer Rana Pratap Das, Junior Warrant Officer Arakkal Pradeep, Havildar Satpal Rai, Naik Gursewak Singh, Naik Jitendra Kumar, Lance Naik Vivek Kumar and Lance Naik B Sai Teja. Group Captain Varun Singh, the lone survivor in the crash, has been shifted to Air Force Command hospital at Bengaluru for further treatment. (ANI)
"The test was successful in meeting all its mission objectives. The release mechanism, advanced guidance and tracking algorithms, all avionics with integrated software, performed satisfactorily and tracking systems monitored all mission events," the ministry said.

The SANT missile is equipped with a state-of-the-art MMW seeker which provides high precision strike capability from a safe distance. The weapon can neutralise targets in a range up to 10 kms.

The missile has been designed and developed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad in coordination with other DRDO labs and participation from industries.

This is the third in the series of indigenous stand-off weapons to be tested in recent times after long-range bomb and smart anti airfield weapons for strengthening the arsenal of IAF.

The indigenous development of various configurations for different applications with advanced technologies is a firm march towards 'Aatmanirbharta' in defence.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the team associated with the mission.

DRDO Chairman Dr G Satheesh Reddy said the successful flight test of SANT missile would further bolster the indigenous defence capabilities. (ANI)
A parachute jump was dedicated to Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawa, his wife Madhulika Rawat, and others who lost their lives in the recent chopper crash in Tamil Nadu. Fifty years ago on this day, a successful airdrop by the Indian Army's 2nd Parachute Battalion was carried out at Tangail, in what was then East Pakistan, was commemorated at Agra on Saturday in the presence of the Victory Flame as a poignant and touching tribute to the veterans who had participated in the Airdrop 50 years ago, a Defence press release said. The landmark event saw the group, led by Lieutenant colonel Kulwant Singh Pannu with an Artlillery Battery of 17 Parachute Field Regiment, platoon of 411 (Independent) Parachute Field Company, medical detachment, surgical team and other administrative troops from the Shatrujeet Brigade was tasked to cut off the retreat of the Pakistani troops from the north towards Dhaka. As a mark of respect to his professional dynamism, the parachute jump was dedicated to the first CDS, General Bipin Rawat, Madhulika Rawat and the soldiers and air warriors who lost their lives in the line of duty on December 8. "General Bipin Rawat envisioned jointmanship amongst the services to touch the highest standards of integration and execution. The Parachute jump on Saturday was marked by precise coordination between the Army and Air Force in the best spirit of jointmanship," the release further reads. Veterans who had participated in the Tangail airdrop and subsequent operations in Bangladesh gathered at Agra to witness the commemoration of the landmark event. The presence and experience of veteran paratroopers continues to inspire the current generation to achieve loftier heights of professional excellence. The mass parachute jump by the Shatrujeet Brigade was led by Lieutenant General Yogendra Dimri GOC-in-C Central Command himself, who later felicitated the 1971 War veterans to honour their service and contribution to the nation. Lieutenant General Nirbhay Sharma(Retd) who was the Adjutant of the 2nd Parachute Battalion during the 1971 War, was present during the event. Four veteran paratroopers also participated in the parachute jump, viz Lieutenant General RR Goswami(Retd), Major General Shiv Jaswal (Retd), colonel Thomas Kochappan (Retd) and colonel Pramod Tembe (Retd). The event was witnessed by a large number of war veterans, senior serving paratroopers, civil dignitaries, all ranks and families of Shatrujeet Brigade and school children. At the Drop Zone, a weapons and equipment display and photo gallery was also setup to showcase the Shatrujeet Brigade's participation in the Eastern Sector during the 1971 War and the famous Tangail Air Drop. (ANI)
Attacking the YSRCP government, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president N Chandrababu Naidu asked its MPs to render mass resignation in support of special category status to the state. Naidu said, "When Jagan Mohan Reddy was in opposition, he had said that if all 25 Lok Sabha resign, the Union government may grant special category status to Andhra Pradesh." Naidu said, "Taking a u-turn after becoming Chief Minister, Jagan Mohan Reddy said that since the BJP won with sufficient numbers in Lok Sabha, they did not need the support of YSRCP in the union government. Hence, we could only request the government to grant special category status to the status." (ANI)
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will inaugurate the "Swarnim Vijay Parv" on Sunday at India Gate in the national capital to commemorate 50 years of India's historic victory in the 1971 war and the Indo-Bangladesh friendship. According to the Ministry of Defence, major weapons and equipment used during the 1971 war will be displayed along with snippets of major battles. After the inauguration, the event would be open to the public. The closing ceremony will be held on December 13, which will be attended by Rajnath Singh. Many dignitaries, including from Bangladesh, will be present. (ANI)
Bharatiya Janata Party MP Saumitra Khan on Saturday said that Mahua Moitra being a capable leader will never get a ticket from Trinamool Congress rather she will have to join the BJP within two years. Reacting to a viral video of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee where she is purportedly seen slamming the TMC MP, Khan said, "Only the position of her nephew can remain forever. Mahua Moitra speaks well, she is progressing which Mamata is not liking. Moitra will have to join the BJP after two years to contest the elections. We are waiting for it and we will see it happening." "She will not be able to stay in TMC for long. Earlier, Arpita was a good MP from TMC, they removed her too because Mamata uses people. Moitra will not be able to get a ticket from TMC after two years," he said while accusing Mamata of using people and not rewarding leaders from her own party by giving them opportunities to contest the elections. The BJP MP alleged that one can only be a worker in TMC and not a leader as Mamata cannot tolerate the emerging leaders from her own party and has the policy to pull back the ones who outshine National General Secretary of TMC Abhishek Banerjee. "One can only be a worker in TMC, not a leader. Moitra has an identity in the Parliament whereas Abhishek Banerjee does not have influence in the Parliament," Khan said. Mamata Banerjee has this policy to pull back the ones who race ahead of Abhishek Banerjee. This is the reason why we had left TMC. This is one of the reasons that nobody would be able to become a leader in TMC," he added. Notably, Mamata Banerjee had allegedly slammed Moitra in the purported video that went viral and said that the party will decide who will fight the elections and who will not, adding that one person cannot live in one position for long. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that people in Balrampur have given two Bharat Ratnas to the country - Nanaji Deshmukh and Atal Bihari Vajpayee. "Whenever we will speak of Ram temple in Ayodhya, the contribution of Maharaja Pateshwari Prasad Singh Saheb of Balrampur princely state (erstwhile) will be mentioned. People in Balrampur are connoisseurs, they gave two Bharat Ratna in the form of Nanaji Deshmukh and Atal Bihari Vajpayee," PM Modi said after inaugurating Saryu Nahar National Project in Balrampur. Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was first elected to Lok Sabha from Balrampur in Uttar Pradesh. Nana Deshmukh had also represented the seat in the Lower House of Parliament. In his remarks, the Prime Minister said that the completion of the Saryu Nahar National Project is a testament to "honest intentions and efficient work". "Proper utilization of the water of the country's rivers, and adequate water reaching the farmers' fields, is one of the top priorities of the government. The completion of the Saryu Canal National Project is proof that when the thinking is honest, the work is also solid," he said. The Prime Minister also expressed condolences over the tragic death of the country's Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, his wife and 11 others in a helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu's Coonoor on Wednesday. "I express my condolences to all brave warriors who died in the helicopter crash on December 8. The demise of India's first CDS Gen Bipin Rawat is a loss to every patriot. He was brave and worked hard to make the country's armed forces self-reliant, the nation is a witness to that," he said. Speaking at the event Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that the way Saryu canal project has been completed, about 63 projects in the country have been completed or are on the verge of completion. "Saryu canal project was pending for over 40 years, not only this scheme but many schemes were pending. The way Saryu canal project has been completed, about 63 projects in the country have been completed or are on the verge of completion," said the Union Minister. He further said that this scheme will bring change in the lives of 25 lakh farmers. "This scheme will bring change in the lives of 25 lakh farmers. An additional 2.5 million tonnes of foodgrains will be produced here. There will be positive change in the lives of farmers of nine districts, through this scheme and Rs 50,000 crore rupees will come to their homes every year" said Shekhawat. According to an official release, the work on the Saryu Canal project started in 1978 but due to "lack of continuity of budgetary support, interdepartmental coordination and adequate monitoring," it got delayed and was not completed even after nearly four decades. The Saryu Nahar National Project has been built at a total cost of more than Rs 9,800 crore, of which more than Rs 4,600 crore was provisioned in the last four years. The project also involves the interlinking of five rivers - Ghaghara, Saryu, Rapti, Banganga and Rohini to ensure optimum usage of water resources of the region. (ANI)
This comes after the Madurai administration banned non-vaccinated people from entering public places.

The people who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 would not be allowed entry into public places in Madurai district from December 13, District collector Dr S Aneesh Sekhar has informed.

"Those who have not been vaccinated in Madurai will be barred from entering public places including fair price shops, business establishments, supermarkets, theatres, wedding halls, shopping malls, garment shops, banks and liquor stores," the order issued by the District collector read.

The notice further stated that the district administration has been taking measures to send those who have not been vaccinated to nearby centres.

Earlier, the administration had given one week's time to people to get at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

"One week's time has been given to people to get at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, failing which those unvaccinated people to be not allowed to enter public places like hotels, shopping malls and other commercial establishments," the District Collector had said.

Meanwhile, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Tamil Nadu has administered as many as 7,46,84,956 COVID-19 vaccine doses so far. (ANI)
Sidhu tweeted, "I congratulate Punjab and it's legal team to be the 1st to approach the Hon'ble Supreme Court by filing an original suit challenging the notification extending the BSF jurisdiction."

He further tweeted, "The fight to retain the principles embodied in the constitution i.e. to retain the federal structure and autonomy of the states has begun ... Notice issued to the centre to respond."

Punjab and West Bengal governments had crossed swords with the Centre over the extension of BSF jurisdiction from 15 km from the international border to 50 km.

The suit was listed before the Registrar on Friday who issued notice to the Centre. The matter will come up before a top court Bench after four weeks. (ANI)
The Bar Council of Delhi (BCD) team which visited the Rohini Court premises on the day of the blast would submit its report to the Delhi Chief Justice by Tuesday, said its Chairman Rakesh Sehrawat. Advocate Sehrawat while talking to ANI said, the Committee would urge the Chief Justice to hand over the vacant parking premises outside the Rohini Court to the Bar so that the minimal entry of vehicles takes place in the court premises and the checking of vehicles can be strengthened. The BCD Chairman would also be meeting the Delhi Police Commissioner with regard to the security of the courts in the national capital. Special Cell of Delhi Police, which is probing the blast case in Rohini's Court, has got no clues for suspects from CCTV so far, sources said on Friday. The police have started scrutinizing the details of all the vehicles, be it two-wheeler or a four-wheeler, entering the court premises since the day of the blast. "So far, the Special Cell of Delhi Police, which is probing the blast case in Rohini's Court No. 102, has not got any special clue from CCTV," it said. A low-intensity explosion in a laptop bag took place at the Rohini court complex on Thursday. Following the incident, the spot was cordoned off and the Forensic team and National Security Guard (NSG) team was called. The forensic team collected the debris from the spot and took it for examination. Delhi Police registered a case and investigation is carried out by Special Cell. Prima facie, the explosion seemed to have taken place in a black-coloured bag which was found lying on spot, said Delhi Police. No causality was reported in the incident. However, a court staff sustained minor injuries and was admitted to a hospital. (ANI)
A delegation of BJP MPs led by party president JP Nadda from Northeast met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the national capital on Saturday to discuss key issues concerning the region. "A delegation of BJP MPs from Northeast, led by BJP President JP Nadda and BJP's National General Secretary B L Santhosh to discuss the key issues concerning the region. Northeast is progressing at a rapid pace, all thanks to PM Modi ji's constant support and guidance," tweeted BJP MP from Mangaldoi Dilip Saikia. (ANI)
The meeting was held at Police Headquarter Jharkhand.

"Although there was no pre-determined agenda for the meeting, issues related to problems faced by women and action being taken for resolving them were discussed in detail during the meeting," said the police.

According to the official statement, although Jharkhand police have not received list of pending matters related to NCW recently, the DGP instructed ADG CID to review pending cases/matters related to NCW and send factual action taken report in all the pending matters within 15 days.

According to the official statement, the meeting took place in a round table format, and due respect, courtesy, and honour were extended towards NCW Chairperson.

"Jharkhand Police is extremely sensitive towards the issues and problems faced by women and consider it as a top priority and is committed towards ensuring speedy redressal of the grievances of women on a priority basis," said the Police.

Earlier in the day, Sharma said that she will write to Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren about the callous attitude of Director-General of Police (DGP) Neeraj Sinha on women's issues. (ANI)
"In exercise of the powers conferred by Clause (1) of Article 174 of the Constitution of India, the Governor of Nagaland has summoned the Tenth Session of the Thirteenth Nagaland Legislative Assembly to meet at 9:30 A.M. on Monday, the 20th December 2021, at 9:30 A.M. in the Assembly Hall, Kohima," an official notice read.

The move came amid growing demand for conducting a special session to adopt a resolution for revocation of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) after the firing incidents that killed 14 civilians.

The firing incident left 14 civilians dead by security personnel in two separate incidents that occurred on Saturday and Sunday and the death of security personnel in a mob attack in the Tizit area of Mon district in Nagaland. (ANI)
Malayalam Filmmaker Ali Akbar said that he and his wife will convert to Hinduism and has adopted a new name as Ramasimhan on Saturday following the alleged incidents of some Muslims putting smiley emoticons below the posts and comments on social media related to the death of the chief of defence staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat in a chopper crash on December 8. He also suggested that government should identify such anti-social elements and punish for their act. He announced renouncing Islam religion after he found smiley emoticons on social media platforms disrespecting and dishonouring a brave officer like CDS General Bipin Rawat. Speaking to ANI, Akbar said, "After the tragic death of CDS Bipin Rawat, several social media handles posted smiley emoticons and celebrated the death of Gen Rawat. They were basically from one specific community that are believers of the Muslim faith. If I am questioning their provocative and anti-national statements then it doesn't mean that I am an anti-religion. I am standing with the nation against such communalism and deplorable statements." He questioned the silence of Muslim religious leaders on these posts. He said, "Several top Muslim religious leaders saw this post, but they did not react to it. I cannot be part of such a religion. It's a protest against those Muslims who were putting smileys emoticons on posts related to the death of CDS General Bipin Rawat. Why are religious leaders not correcting them?" On reports that some of the handles were fake and some of them posted emoticons inadvertently, the filmmaker said, "...if such is the case, then there is government and existence of rule of law. They should be identified and punished. How come a section of people from one specific community post abusive comments? One of the social media handles belongs to a doctor in the medical college." (ANI)
The last rites of Lance Naik Vivek Kumar, who was among the 13 people who died in the military helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu's Coonoor, was performed on Saturday at his hometown Jaisinghpur in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. He is survived by his wife, a 3-6-month-old son, parents and a brother. His wife and other family members mourn the loss as they bid him a final goodbye. "I am the wife of martyr Vivek Kumar and I am proud of him," said his wife Priyanka. Asha Devi, a mother of Lance Kumar said that her family government's support. "I sacrificed my son for the country. I am proud of him. He was our support system. My second son is unemployed. We need the government's support," said Asha Devi. Earlier today, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur paid tribute to Lance Naik Vivek Kumar at Kangra Airport. "We have paid homage to Lance Naik Vivek Kumar, as Kangra mourns. Rs 5 lakh was provided to the kin previously, as per a govt scheme. But I will additionally provide financial aid of Rs 5 lakh from my side. We'll see to all the help needed by the family soon," said Thakur. Thirteen of the 14 people on board the Mi-17V5 helicopter, including India's first chief of defence staff (CDS), his wife Madhulika Rawat were among those killed after it crashed on December 8. Those who died in the crash include Chief of Defence Staff General Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat, his Defence Adviser Brigadier Lakhbinder Singh Lidder, Staff Officer Lieutenant Colonel Harjinder Singh and nine other Armed Forces personnel including the Air Force helicopter crew. On Friday, the bodies of General Rawat his wife and his defence assistant Brigadier LS Lidder were cremated with full military honours in the Brar Square crematorium in the national capital. (ANI)
Taking to Twitter to express his anguish, Lone said that the decades long violence in Kashmir has left behind an army of orphans.

"Twenty years ago, a policeman from Bandipora was killed alongside my father. My father was killed too. Saw photos of orphaned daughter and son. 20 years. No change in savagery. Remember just because today's orphan doesn't belong to you doesn't mean tomorrow's orphan won't belong to you," he tweeted.

In another tweet, he expressed serious concern over the tendency to reduce death to a mere statistic in Kashmir.

"The other policeman killed is from Lalpora Lolab. Fayaz Ahmad Lone. I knew him personally. The biggest threat that we as people face is that death has become a statistic. A good statistic and a bad statistic depending which side of the ideological divide you are on," he said.

--IANS zi/pgh

( 187 Words)

2021-12-11-19:50:25 (IANS)
Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan on Friday slammed Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan regarding the appointment of chancellor in universities, and said that the Universities should be free from any political interference and autonomy must be respected. In a letter to Vijayan, the Governor has expressed his displeasure over political appointments in state's universities and urged him to amend the Acts of the Universities and take over as Chancellor. While speaking to the ANI, Khan said, "I do not want a conflict with the government. If the Kerala government is taking the decisions of appointing the chancellors of the colleges then the decision should be taken by the government itself without including me." The Governor further informed, "I have already written to the Pinarayi Vijayan government advising him to amend acts of universities so that he can personally assume the position of Chancellor and carry out his political objectives without any dependence on the governor. This is not my constitutional duty." Khan further added that academic decisions should be taken by academicians."I asked the government to bring an ordinance where the university's chancellor could be the chief minister or Education Minister, but I cannot do this. Government can easily run universities under the Education Department but universities should be free from any political interference." In the letter to the CM, Khan had said, "The existing scene today is that the authorities Of the universities are packed with political nominees and non-academics are taking academic decisions." (ANI)
The third ABP News-CVoter Battle for the States Tracker predicts closely-fought victories for the BJP in Uttar Pradesh, Manipur, Goa and Uttarakhand, the four states which along with Punjab will go to the polls early next year. The tracker suggests that Punjab is heading towards a hung Assembly with no party being able to cross the majority mark. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) remains in the leading position, followed by the incumbent Congress. As per the opinion poll, in Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav remain the two leading candidates for the CM's post. As per the latest figures, BJP is retaining the state with 212-224 out of 403 seats, followed by SP with 151-163 seats, with the Bahujan Samaj Party a distant third with 12-24 seats. In terms of vote share, BJP is in pole position with 40.4 per cent votes, followed by SP at 33.6 per cent and the BSP at 13.2 per cent. In Punjab, the repeal of farm laws and suspension of protests by the farmers promise to make an exciting finale to the elections. This month's Tracker puts AAP in the lead, maintaining its earlier position with 50-56 seats. The incumbent Congress is second with 39-45 seats, followed by SAD with 17-23 seats. In terms of vote share, AAP is leading with 38.4 per cent votes, followed by Congress at 34.1 per cent and SAD at 20.4 per cent. In Uttarakhand, BJP is consistently maintaining its lead position with 33-39 seats and is set to retain power in the state. The Congress is a close second with 29-35 seats, followed by AAP in a distant third with 1-3 seats. In terms of vote share, BJP is leading the way with 39.8 per cent votes, followed by Congress at 35.7 per cent, and AAP 12.6 per cent. In Goa, BJP continues to remain the most popular party as it is winning 17-21 seats. AAP and Congress are in a tight battle for the second spot with AAP winning 5-9 seats and Congress winning 4-8 seats. Other regional parties and new entrants in Goa politics are also going to be major factors, winning 6-10 seats. In terms of vote share, BJP is leading with 30 per cent votes, followed by others at 25.9 per cent and AAP and Congress at 24.4 per cent and 19.7 per cent, respectively. In Manipur, BJP is set to win a closely-fought contest against Congress. The saffron party is winning 29-33 seats, while Congress is winning 23-27 seats. In terms of vote share, BJP will get 37.9 per cent votes, followed by Congress at 34.3 per cent. The current projections are based on CVoter daily tracking poll conducted between November 13 and December 9, among 18+ adults, including likely voters. As for the methodology and survey details, the survey reached out to a total of approximately 92,000+ persons across five states (UP, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Manipur and Goa). It was conducted through CATI (telephonic survey). The same is also expected to have a margin of error of 3 to 5 per cent and may not necessarily have factored in all the criteria. --IANS san/arm ( 547 Words) 2021-12-11-20:22:15 (IANS)
Manipur is a close contest and the BJP and the Congress are locked in a close battle. They are projected to poll 38 per cent and 34 per cent votes, respectively, as per the third ABP News-CVoter Battle for the States Tracker. The BJP has led the Congress consistently, albeit by a thin margin, as per the Tracker. The current projections are based on CVoter daily tracking poll conducted between November 13 and December 9, among 18+ adults, including likely voters. As for the methodology and survey details, the survey reached out to a total of approximately 92,000+ persons across five states (UP, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Manipur and Goa). It was conducted through CATI (telephonic survey). The same is also expected to have a margin of error of 3 to 5 per cent and may not necessarily have factored in all the criteria. The trend observed so far seems to be crystallising and the BJP has gained a slight edge over the Congress from the previous round of the Tracker. It is currently expected to win a simple majority of 31 seats, while Congress is close on the heels with 25 seats. The Naga ethnic party NPF is expected to mop up the remaining 4 seats. The crystallisation of electoral trend has a lot to do with polarisation along ethnic lines witnessed in the state. The renewed Naga assertion and reaction to it from Manipuri tribes is the defining feature of this election. In case the BJP loses its slender edge, or there is a sudden surge from Congress, we may observe yet another hung Assembly with the role of kingmaker resting with the NPF. The probability of that happening is lesser than what it was a month ago. Manipur poll is important for the BJP to show its continued dominance in Northeast India, especially with worsening internal security situation casting a shadow over its track record. A pacified and progressive Northeast was an important pillar of BJP's national messaging predicated on security and national assertion. --IANS san/arm ( 350 Words) 2021-12-11-21:38:58 (IANS)
The OnePlus Buds Z2 will be launched on Instagram at 2:30 PM CET. It will arrive in two of its colours -- black and white, GizmoChina reported on Friday.

The earphones is also slated to launch in more markets like India. A recent report said that the buds will be launched in India this December.

The Buds Z2 features a similar design to its predecessor model -- OnePlus Buds Z. It has an 11mm driver that supports Dolby Atmos audio. It has three mics for noise reduction. It also has support for 40dB active noise cancellation (ANC).

The TWS buds have Bluetooth v5.2 support and are IP55 water and sweat-resistant. It has a 38-hour long battery with a charging case which is said to be enough and more than what the competition is offering.

The Buds Z2 is priced at 399 Chinese yuans. However, it is expected to be priced similarly in Europe, the report said.

--IANS vc/khz/bg

( 189 Words)

2021-12-11-15:35:05 (IANS)
The pledge came as the European Union warned Russia it would face consequences if it invaded Ukraine after amassing troops on the border with its south-western neighbour, reported France24.

Macron said both presidents agreed on the need to relaunch talks under the four-way Normandy format, which involves Ukraine, Russia, France and Germany.

It aimed to resolve the conflict in eastern Ukraine, where Russia-backed separatists have been fighting Ukrainian forces.

The French president added that he will speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin in the coming days and that he would speak with Zelensky again in Brussels on December 15, reported France24.

Macron's phone conversation with Zelensky came amid rising tensions in eastern Europe following Russia's recent build-up of troops near the Ukrainian border. (ANI)
US former National Security Advisor John Bolton on Friday (local time) said that the interim government of Taliban - Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan must not be recognized as it has breached all its pledges. In an interview with Voice of America, John Bolton accused the Taliban of lying and added that they do not intend to establish an all-inclusive government, reported Khaama Press. "There is no reason for any country in the world to recognize the Taliban at this stage. The US will talk with those who disagree with the Taliban's rule on Afghanistan," said Bolton. It comes as the Taliban's interim set-up is yet to be recognized and the move now seems difficult and far after the United Nations General Assembly delayed a seat for the Taliban and confirmed Afghanistan's former permanent representative Ghulam Muhammad Ishaqzai Permanent Representative of the country. The former NSA acknowledged that his country is not making trouble for the regular people in Afghanistan but what they don't want is the rule of the Taliban, reported Khaama Press. VOA has also cited Taliban's spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid saying, Bolton was belligerent and that the two-decade war in Afghanistan was because of the ideas of this kind of people. Mujahid denied having breached their promises and added that they are very well committed to the Doha agreement and will not allow anyone to use Afghanistan's soil against the US and its allies. (ANI)
Niklasson termed girls in Afghanistan not going to school and women not going to work a frozen asset, reported Pajhwok Afghan News.

He wrote on his Twitter account, "I am deeply concerned about #Afghanistan's frozen financial assets. But girls not going to school, women not being allowed to work, to provide services through NGOs, or to create and lead businesses providing jobs are another frozen asset. The interim government can unfreeze it."

"The #EU will continue to uphold the #universality of #humanrightsand exercise vigilance against any attempt to undermine international commitments," added Niklasson.

The Taliban, after taking control of the country in mid-August, had closed the schools with thousands of girl students confined to their homes, attracting criticism by the international community.

The Taliban takeover of Afghanistan has resulted in the loss of work for Afghan businesswomen who are largely confined to their homes owing to the group's harsh interpretation of Sharia law.

"#Afghanistan will survive, rise and prosper, once it includes its #women. #AFGgirls2School," said Niklasson in the tweet. (ANI)
"Two civilians were martyred and three others sustained injury as a blast ripped through a mini-bus in Dasht-i-Barchi area this afternoon," Xinhua news agency quoted Khosti as saying.

However, eyewitnesses believed that the number of casualties could be higher than reported.

The official also confirmed that another blast almost in the same area injured a woman on Friday afternoon, but he didn't provide more details.

No group or individual has claimed responsibility for the explosions.

The blast took place at 3:25 p.m. local time and targeted a mini-bus in Dasht-i-Barchi area, a suburb of Police District 13 in Kabul, eyewitnesses said.

Daesh, or the hardliner Islamic State (IS) outfit, has in the past claimed responsibility for subversive activities including bomb attacks on two mini-buses in Dasht-i-Barchi district over the past couple of months.

--IANS int/shs

( 178 Words)

2021-12-11-00:58:11 (IANS)
The Belarusian state-owned company is one of the biggest potash producers in the world, and it exports most of its production via Lithuania.

The U.S. introduced sanctions on Belaruskali on December 8 and Lithuanian authorities assumed that Belaruskali's transit across the country would cease on the same day since commercial banks stopped processing the company's transactions.

However, state-owned Lithuanian Railways said the shipments to the port of Klaipeda would continue for another several months, as Belaruskali had paid in advance before the sanctions came into effect.

The railway company said the Foreign Ministry and the Transport Ministry had been informed about the situation, although Landsbergis initially denied any knowledge of it.

On Thursday, Landsbergis said he was ready to step down.

Transport Minister Marius Skuodis has also signalled he was ready to step down if the prime minister asked him to.

Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte said on Thursday she would announce her decision early next week. (ANI/Xinhua)
The Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund donors agreed to provide USD 280 million to UNICEF and the World Food Program by the end of December, said the World Bank, reported Sputnik.

"The Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF) donors today decided to transfer out USD 280 million in ARTF funds by the end of December 2021 to UNICEF and the World Food Programme (WFP)," the World Bank said in a press release.

The release said UNICEF will receive USD 100 million to provide essential health services in Afghanistan, and WFP will receive USD 180 million to bolster up food security and nutrition operations in the country, reported Sputnik. (ANI)
Demonstrators from Tibetans, Uyghurs, and the Vietnamese communities gathered at Paris's Bastille Square for a candlelight vigil to protest against human rights violations and cultural genocide of ethnic groups by the Chinese government. The protest took place on Friday on the occasion of World Human Rights Day. The protestors were joined by French Senator Andre Gattolin, who is also Vice President of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC), an international organisation comprising of parliamentarians from around the world who strongly believe that there is a need for a proactive and strategic approach to protect the democratic world from China's attempts to distort the international legal order. During his speech, Andre Gattolin called for a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics 2022. A similar call was made by other speakers, who urged the French President to declare a diplomatic boycott by France too. The Chinese government has been accused of violating human rights in the Xinjiang region and Tibet. It has been ruling the region with an iron fist, imposing harsh rules, silencing dissent using force, and destroying local culture and tradition. People in the regions are repressed by local authorities who work in tandem with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The Chinese authorities in Tibet's Lhasa have banned the teaching of the Tibetan language in the schools to implement President Xi Jinping's idea of 'Tibetan Buddhism with Socialist Character'. Further, China has stopped the Tibetan medium at school levels and made Mandarin the only language of instruction. Now the latest diktat bans the teaching of basic Tibetan in private Tibetan schools, which are run with public efforts during non-school hours or during winter holidays according to PRG's Strategic Insight. Multiple human rights activists have raised voices against the rising case of detained Tibetans, closed trials, unknown charges and verdicts against the Tibetan religious minorities in China. But Beijing continues to bully its minorities not only within China but all over the world. Scores of reports about torture, re-education camps, and forced labour in the Xinjiang region in China have increased in frequency since 2017. The Chinese government systematically persecutes the Muslim Uyghur minority in Xinjiang, according to Amnesty International. (ANI)
Amid the already deteriorating condition of the minority communities in Pakistan, the country's telecommunication regulator has begun an intuitional crackdown on minorities like Ahmadiyyas. Using the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the Imran Khan government is curbing information sharing by and among the Ahmadiyyas. The telecom regulator recently asked tech giants like Google and Apple to take down mobile applications in the country, created by developers based in other countries, according to The Singapore Post. As many as seven religious apps, published under the name "Ahmadiyya Muslim Community," have been targeted. Besides, some of these apps have been taken down by Google in Pakistan despite being available on app stores in other countries. The order provides a unique instance of a government using anti-blasphemy rules to force international tech companies to censor content. This development comes as Pakistan's government maintains silence in the face of hate speech and the flow of anti-Ahmadi toxic information among Pakistani social media users. According to the Post, social media platforms in Pakistan are flooded with anti-Ahmadiyya content including hate videos targeting the community. The report further said that mobile applications are not the only avenues being used for crushing the voice of Ahmediyya Muslims. The telecom regulator is also targeting other groups within the community who exchange views online and are frequently getting blocked or disrupted. Earlier this year, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) had expressed alarm at the continual persecution of the Ahmadiyya community. In the current composition, the number of serving bureaucrats and representatives of the majority community undermine minority representation. "Besides, to deny the Ahmadiyya community even the option of being represented is to wilfully ignore a long and sorry history of faith-based persecution," HRCP said in its annual report. (ANI)
These medicines will be handed over to the representatives of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Kabul and will be administered at the Indira Gandhi Children Hospital, Kabul.

"In view of the challenging humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, the Government of India has dispatched a consignment of medical supplies on the return flight today," the MEA in a statement, said.

The special flight on Friday brought 10 Indians and 94 Afghans including members of the Hindu-Sikh minority community from Afghanistan to the national capital under operation Devi Shakti as a part of an evacuation mission undertaken by India, the Ministry of External Affairs said.

Under "Operation Devi Shakti", a total of 669 people have now been evacuated from Afghanistan, the MEA said. This comprises hundreds of Indians and Afghans, which includes members of the Afghan Hindu/Sikh minority community.

565 people including 438 Indians were evacuated from Afghanistan earlier in the month of August 2021. (ANI)
Zurich [Switzerland], December 11 (ANI/Sputnik): The Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products, Swissmedic on Friday approved the use of the Pfizer vaccine for children aged 5-11. "Swissmedic has carefully examined all the data submitted with the application for an indication extension for the COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer/BioNTech (Comirnaty). The clinical trial results show that the vaccine is safe and effective in this age group ... it will thus be possible for children aged 5 years and older to be vaccinated against the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in accordance with the federal government's updated vaccination recommendations," Swissmedic said in a statement on its website. The agency said the study involving over 1,500 participants showed that the vaccine provides almost complete protection for children aged 5-11 against COVID-19. The agency added that the side effects included pain at the injection site or tiredness, sometimes headaches, aches in limbs and fever. According to the latest data, 66 percent of Swiss nationals have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. (ANI/Sputnik)
Thousands of people marched on the main streets of the port city of Gwadar in Pakistan's Balochistan on Friday in support of the "Gwadar ko haq do" movement, launched 26 days ago. The participants, which included women and children, took out a procession carrying placards and banners inscribed with slogans in support of their demands, Dawn newspaper reported. The protestors also chanted slogans against the government. Among other things, thousands of residents continue to demand access to clean drinking water and an end to the "trawler mafia". Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman, Balochistan general secretary of Jamaat-i-Islami (JI), said the protest was actually a referendum against the provincial and federal governments and the people would continue their struggle till the achievement of their rights. "It is the movement of the deprived and oppressed people of Balochistan comprising fishermen, poor labourers and students, which will continue till all their demands are accepted and implemented," the JI leader declared. This comes a day after the arrest of senior Pakistani politician and Baloch Muttahida Mahaz (BMM) president Yousuf Masti Khan in Gwadar. Yousuf Khan was arrested on Thursday on the charge of making a "provocative and anti-state" speech at a protest sit-in staged by the people of Gwadar, Dawn reported. The arrest came amid ongoing protests by the residents of Gwadar for rights that have been going on for over 20 days. Pakistani authorities have issued orders to send thousands of police officers from various other districts for maintenance of law and order and on anti-riot duties. (ANI)
After the 2017 standoff at Doklam, China has been moving in to grab more neighbouring territories including Bhutan to ensure its military advantage in larger security perspectives, states a foreign policy report. Ever since 2017, Chinese president Xi Jinping has been outspoken about pushing Beijing to expand into new frontiers along its borders and outside of it. The focus has been around Tibetan borderlands and the border along Bhutan to marginalize India in the South-Asian perspective. Reinforcing the Tibetan borderlands is a sensational intensification in China's long-running attempts to outmanoeuvre India and its friendly nations including Bhutan. It reflects China's similar tactics employed in the South China Sea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Tibet, said a geopolitical intelligence platform. According to Policy Research Group, the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) shares the lengthiest international border with India, Nepal, and Bhutan, and Myanmar. While China has persistent land boundary disagreements with India and Bhutan, which have not been settled despite prolonged consultations conducted over years. Many independent satellite descriptions claim that China is shrewdly involved in the construction of new villages along the border with India to strengthen its challenged territorial assertions, particularly around Arunachal Pradesh, it also said. The foreign policy report highlights that in TAR, new villages are routinely being built by China. Communist Party Secretary of the TAR, Wu Yingjie has visited a new village, called Gyalaphug which is under Bhutan across the international border. The village is in a 232-square mile area asserted by China since the early 1980s but internationally recognized as a portion of the Lhuntse district in northern Bhutan, it added. Since 1990s, China has been proposing to give up 495 square kilometres of its claims in the north if Bhutan yields 269 square kilometres of its territory in the parts of Doklam, Charithang, Sinchulungpa, Dramana, and Shakhatoe, Sakteng. However, Bhutan rejected the package deal given by Beijing even on bribes of huge economic aid like other South Asian countries. India supports Bhutan's claim over Doklam which lies at a tri-junction between India, Bhutan and China. There had been upgradation and erection of the Chinese military facilities, involving heliports and missile bases, all along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the aftermath of the 2017 standoff at Doklam. India responded very aggressively to Chinese aggression and checked their actions at multiple locations after the PLA managed to spring an initial surprise. The Galwan clash also took place in June there in which both sides suffered casualties. India has been working towards establishing peace in the area but has also maintained a high level of preparedness to thwart any misadventure by the enemy troops. Both sides have deployed a large number of troops in the area along with heavy weaponry. The infrastructure build-up has also been very heavy. China has increased its activities in the areas opposite Ladakh by building habitats for troops very close to the LAC and it seems it has a larger gameplan in view of its aggressive infrastructure build-up. (ANI)
Muslim scholars in Pakistan speaking about the Sialkot lynching said the killing of any person over "unsubstantiated blasphemy accusations" is not permissible. Last week, a mob in the Wazirabad Road area in Sialkot had tortured a Sri Lankan national named Priyantha Kumara to death, before burning his body over alleged blasphemy. The "day of condemnation" was observed in mosques across Pakistan on Friday, Dawn newspaper reported. The religious leaders in the country emphasized that all sections of society had to come out against the extremist mindset and extremist thinking. In their Friday sermons, religious leaders said that the whole country agreed on punishment to the perpetrators of the "Sialkot tragedy." They said that Pakistan courts have the authority to punish the perpetrator of blasphemy and taking the law into one's hands is not permissible according to Sharia and law of the land, according to Dawn. Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi, Special Representative of the Pakistan Prime Minister on Religious Harmony said the lynching of the Sri Lankan national had embarrassed the entire nation. Elements involved in making blasphemy allegations for their vested objectives would also be punished under the blasphemy law, he added. On Thursday, Sri Lanka Foreign Minister G L Peiris had a meeting with the Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan in Colombo Tanvir Ahmad to discuss the matters relating to financial security and compensation of the family of late Priyantha Kumara who was killed by a mob in the Sialkot area. Sri Lanka Foreign Ministry said in a press note that Peiris expressed confidence that the Pakistan Government would take the required steps that the family of late Priyantha Kumara gets justice. (ANI)
On Friday, the country recorded 313 fresh coronavirus cases, as per NCOC.

A total of 50,859 samples were tested, out of which 395 turned out to be positive.

The infection rate was recorded at 0.77 per cent, as per the country's nerve centre for COVID response said.

The nationwide tally of confirmed infections climbed to 1,288,761 after the addition of 395 new cases. The death toll rose to 28,823 after eleven more people succumbed to the viral disease.

A total of 759 critical patients of COVID-19 are under treatment in various hospitals across the country while 358 people recuperated from the infection, pushing the number of recovered patients to 1,250,427.

On December 9, the National Institute of Health (NIH) rejected reports that the first case of Omicron, the new variant of coronavirus, has been confirmed in Pakistan. (ANI)
On World Human Rights Day, a group of UN experts called on Pakistan to halt the approval of an amendment to a bill criminalizing enforced disappearances that would harshly penalise families and other sources for reporting alleged cases. The Criminal Laws (Amendment) Bill 2021, which passed Pakistan's National Assembly on November 9 and is due to be taken up by the Senate, includes a clause establishing penalties of up to five years imprisonment and one hundred thousand Pakistani rupees in fines for anyone found guilty of filing a complaint with information 'that proves to be false'. "Relatives of victims of enforced disappearance are already often reluctant to report cases or exchange information with Government officials, either for fear of reprisals or lack of trust," said the experts. "If passed, this law would undoubtedly lead to an increased underreporting of the crime, and foster impunity for the perpetrators," the experts said. "These provisions would have a chilling effect on relatives of the disappeared persons and their representatives, who might find themselves in a climate of self-censorship, eventually leaving them without any effective remedy." The experts said Pakistan should seek the means to encourage affected relatives to come forward rather than creating barriers discouraging them from doing so. The bill, amending the Pakistan Penal Code of 1860 and criminalizing enforced disappearances as an autonomous offense, was first introduced to the National Assembly on 8 June. It was initially welcomed by UN experts, because it was a long-awaited development in line with recommendations from relevant international human rights mechanisms. However, on 29 September, the Standing Committee on Interior of the Assembly introduced amendments that "run contrary to the spirit and objectives of a law to criminalize enforced disappearances", said the experts, who have shared their concerns with the Government. "We call on the Senate of Pakistan to carefully review and amend the bill, aligning it with international human rights standards," said the experts. They added, "We also reiterate our call to Pakistan to enable a process that will allow the participation of victims, families, civil society organizations and other relevant actors in an open, inclusive and transparent discussion of the bill before its approval." Enforced disappearances of political activists, journalists and other intellectuals are a major concern in Pakistan. The family members of the victims allege Pakistan Army and the country's spy agency, the ISI, to be responsible for incidents of enforced disappearances. The majority of cases are reported from Balochistan and Sindh provinces of Pakistan, where thousands of people are victims of enforced disappearances. (ANI)
After a long day of discussions in Paris and Brussels, new German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said his country is ready to work closely with the European Union (EU) and other member states to make Europe "strong and sovereign." Scholz, who was sworn in on Wednesday as the successor of Angela Merkel, followed in his predecessor's footsteps in making France the first stop during his first-ever trip abroad as chancellor, Xinhua news agency reported. During his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, Scholz pledged to work with France on the major challenges confronting the EU. The two leaders discussed the future of the EU with regard to immigration, new sources of energy, border protection and relations with third countries. Macron told a press conference after the meeting that he had seen "a convergence of views, a desire to have our countries work together, and a firm and determined belief in Europe, which I knew already, which we will need in the months and years ahead." Scholz said their talks focused on "making Europe strong and sovereign" in terms of economy, security, and foreign policy. "What is important there is that we work together," he said. The meeting took place a day after Macron had laid out the agenda for a "Europe that is powerful in the world" during France's turn as the rotating president of the 27-member Council of the European Union in the first half of 2022. STRONGER EUROPE, MULTIPOLAR WORLD Then the chancellor arrived in Brussels, where he met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Charles Michel and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg. At a joint press conference with von der Leyen, Scholz emphasised the importance of strengthening the EU's security and defence policy. He also spoke about his vision of a "strong, sovereign European Union" that will be able to respond to foreign policy challenges in a coordinated way. "Any threat against any EU country will not be tolerated," he stressed. Scholz leads a coalition of his Social Democratic Party (SPD), the Free Democratic Party (FDP) and the Greens. The German government works together in a united way, he said. "All three parties are pro-European," he said. Germany, as one of the strongest economies in the EU, bears the responsibility to take the role to ensure progress and a bright future in Europe, the chancellor said. Von der Leyen, a German politician herself, said Germany played an important role in shaping the EU. "The European Commission is ready for intensive cooperation with the new German government," she said, highlighting the fight against the fourth wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, climate action in the framework of the European Green Deal, and large-scale digitalisation as key areas for cooperation between the European Commission and Germany. At another press conference with European Council President Charles Michel, Scholz stressed that the EU should live peacefully with other countries when it seeks strategic sovereignty in the multipolar world of today. The world will not be bipolar as some people speculate, but a multipolar one with "many powers," including the US, Russia, China, Japan, India as well as many other rising economies, he said. The former German Finance Minister and Vice-Chancellor in the Merkel government won 395 of the 707 votes cast in the Bundestag lower house on Wednesday, and pledged broad "continuity" with Merkel's policies while striving to make Germany greener and fairer. ( 575 Words) 2021-12-11-07:22:31 (IANS)
Amid the financial crisis in Afghanistan, the use of worn-out Afghan currency is an added problem to the larger issues of the collapsing country's economy. Tolo News reported that the people of Afghanistan have expressed frustration over the use of the old and damaged banknotes, saying that their usage causes problems in business deals. "There is a lot of worn-out currency in the market, particularly the 100, 50, 20 and 10 Afs bills are very worn," Tolo News reported citing a shopkeeper, Samir. While Asadullah a Kabul resident said: "The government should try to issue a good quality currency." Zia who is a money exchanger and purchases the worn-out currency and then sells it to the government's central bank said: "The bank doesn't want to take the money from us. The bank says it doesn't have the sufficient budget to buy the worn-out currency." Afghanistan is on the brink of mass starvation after nearly four months since the Taliban seized power and now aid groups said that it has threatened to kill a million children this winter, The New York Times reported. Afghanistan which has suffered from malnutrition for decades is witnessing a worsening hunger crisis in recent months. This winter, an estimated 22.8 million people -- more than half the population -- are expected to face potentially life-threatening levels of food insecurity, according to an analysis by the United Nations World Food Program and Food and Agriculture Organization. Of those, 8.7 million people are nearing famine -- the worst stage of a food crisis, said The New York Times. Meanwhile, the International Crisis Group (ICG) in a newly published report said that if the international community does not scale up economic support, more Afghans may die of hunger and starvation in the current crisis than from the fighting in the past 20 years. "Hunger and destitution following the Taliban's takeover of the country seem poised to kill more Afghans than all the bombs and bullets of the past two decades," the report read. As per the ICG report, the Taliban's inability to run a modern economy and the decision of foreign donors to cut off all but emergency aid are the main reasons behind the economic and humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. (ANI)
Religious scholars have raised concerns about the persecution of Shia and Hazara minorities in the Islamic nations, especially Pakistan and Afghanistan. On Friday, JK People's Justice Front (JKPJF) organized a seminar titled "Why is Muslim world bleeding and Shia Rigths" in Jammu city to observe International Human Rights Day. The seminar highlighted the world scenario about minorities like Shia, Yazdi and Hazara communities who are victims of atrocities and are prosecuted for frivolous matters all across the world including Syria, Yemen, Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan as well. The seminar was presided over by Chairman JKPJF Agha Syed Abbas Rizvi. Rizvi said that there is no need to take a tough stance against the growing traits of extremist ideology amongst the youth of the Muslim world. "We need to stop the flow of Petro Dollars, which is fueling the extremist ideologies like ISIS, Daesh, and Taliban who are the root cause of all extremist thoughts and activities and Shia community and at large are soft targets of them in Muslim State of Afghanistan and Pakistan," he said. "The terrorism happening in the Muslim world and especially the targeting of Hazara and other minority communities across the world is increasing at an alarming rate", he added. Further addressing the seminar, Rizvi said: "Afghan Taliban is not only massacring Hazaras but is also displacing them from their lands, they have been living upon for ages. There is a need for collective efforts to tackle this issue. The cause for the rise of extremist ideology is that we have moved far away from Sunnah and Sufism". Agha Syed Abbas Rizvi mentioned in a report published in New York Times in early October 2021, the Taliban and associated militias forcibly evicted hundreds of Hazara families from the southern Helmand province and the northern Balkh province. These followed earlier evictions from Daikundi, Uruzgan and Kandahar provinces. Since the Taliban came to power in August, the Taliban have told many Hazaras and other residents in these five provinces to leave their homes and farms, in many cases with only a few days' notice and without any opportunity to present their legal claims of the land. A former United Nations political analyst said that he saw eviction notices telling residents that if they did not comply, they "had no right to complain about the consequences". The world is observing Human Rights Day but the Shia community is suffering under the umbrella of Islamic countries. Agha Syed also mentioned how Shia Hazaras are ethnically cleansed in Pakistan's Quetta and Karachi. He also mentioned Gilgit Baltistan where Shias have no freedom to carry out their religious activities and other rituals. The seminar was attended by scholars of other sects too like it included Sunni Scholars Molana Javed Quadri Sufi, Moulana Zaheer Quadri, Moulana Haji Basher Ahmad and Hindu social activist Munshi Ram and Devi Dutt. The seminar was also attended by Agha Mubashir Kazmi, Coordinator J&K, JKPJF. Munshi Ram while speaking at the event said that the Taliban is a terrorist organization prosecuting the minorities in Afghanistan and violating their human rights. It was pledged at the end of the seminar that if there is human rights violation anywhere in the world in any form we will stand with victims. Syed Abbas Rizvi also urged upon the UT Administration to accede to the request of Shia community for grant of reservation, like as given to Gujars and Bakarwals in Jammu and Kashmir. He also paid rich tributes to CGS General Bipin Rawat who got martyred in a helicopter crash. (ANI)
The protests were held in Vienna, Hague, Paris, Taipei and other cities of the world.

In The Hague, the members of Pakistan's minority communities like Christians, Hindus and Shias jointly held a protest rally on Friday.

They carried banners reading "Stop Forced Conversions in Pakistan", "Minority Rights Matter in Pakistan" and "Stop kidnap, rape and forced conversions of Christian Girls in Pakistan."

A large number of people belonging to minority communities from Pakistan have migrated to Europe and other parts of the world to protect their lives.

Similar protests were held in Paris and Vienna where protesters asked Pakistan to respect minority rights and ensure protection to them.

They also raised their voice against the draconian blasphemy law in Pakistan, where members of the minority community are being targeted on a regular basis.

In Busan, South Korea, Baloch political activists held a demonstration to highlight the fake encounters and abduction of the Baloch people. Amir Baloch, the president of the Baloch Republican Party - South Korea chapter said, "Human rights violations in Balochistan are increasing day by day. We are requesting the international community to notice and take an immediate action".

Human Rights Day is celebrated on December 10 every year in all countries of the world under the supervision of the United Nations.

On December 10, 1948 the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was declared by the General Assembly of the United Nations.

In Pakistan, a series of protests and seminars were held to mark the day.

A protest rally was held across the country by the Christians and Hindus to demand legislation against forced conversion.

An event titled "Pakistan's Hidden Tragedy" was held in Islamabad to raise the issue of mission persons in Balochistan. A large number of Baloch victim families participated in the event. (ANI)
Taking to Twitter, the Afghan ambassador to India, Farid Mamundzay said the aid will help many Afghan families in this difficult time.

"All kids need a little help, a little hope and somebody who believes in them.' The first consignment of medical aid from India arrived to Kabul this morning. 1.6 metric tonne of life-saving medicines will help many families in this difficult time."Gift from people of India," Mamundzay tweeted.

The Ministry of External Affairs earlier in the day said in view of the challenging humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, the government of India has dispatched a consignment of medical supplies on a return flight that brought evacuated Indians and Afghans.

The special flight on Friday brought 10 Indians and 94 Afghans including members of the Hindu-Sikh minority community from Afghanistan to the national capital under operation Devi Shakti as a part of an evacuation mission undertaken by India, the Ministry of External Affairs said.

Under "Operation Devi Shakti", a total of 669 people have now been evacuated from Afghanistan, the MEA said. This comprises hundreds of Indians and Afghans, which includes members of the Afghan Hindu/Sikh minority community.

565 people including 438 Indians were evacuated from Afghanistan earlier in the month of August 2021. (ANI)
Political and human rights activists from Pakistan, Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Gilgit Baltistan have expressed grave concern about the worsening human rights situation in the country and occupied regions. The speakers at the conference organized by Jammu Kashmir Awami Workers Party at Rawalpindi gave horrific examples of growing human rights violations in Pakistan. Participants from various fields including human rights defenders, representatives of civil society, political workers, social activists, lawyers, women activists, representatives of civil society organizations, and journalists participated in the conference organised on the eve of International Day of Human Rights. Speaking on the occasion, Jammu Kashmir Awami Workers Party chairperson Nisar Shah Advocate said that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government has failed miserably to control the violations of human rights situation in the country and it's under control area of PoK and Gilgit Baltistan. "The people of PoK lack economic, political, social rights and freedom of expression. They are under threat of a growing influence of religious fanatics and an emergence of Afghanistan-like situation," he said. Shah added that religious extremist organizations are regrouping in PoK and some parts of Gilgit Baltistan. Nisar Shah said that the state policy to use the extremist groups as its strategic assets is playing havoc with peoples' lives. Many people of PoK and GB have already sacrificed their young generation in the name of "jihad" and extremism which in fact was a proxy war, not a freedom struggle. He said that if the state will not change its present narrative and soft corner toward the religious extremist originations, then it will fuel more extremism in the region. The innocent people have to face the consequence of this. The recent incident of Sialkot (lynching of Sri Lankan) and other such incidents are the bad examples of this narrative. These types of incidents cannot be stopped if the state does not change its policy. He said on one side the extremist groups are provided a safe way and opportunities to continue their political activities even they are involved in the direct attack on the state and on the other side peaceful progressive, democratic, rights-based political, human rights activists and journalists are being continued face torture, sedition, terrorism charges, life imprisonment and enforced disappearance. Nisar Shah said the constitutional status of PoK and Gilgit Baltistan is still of colonial nature, where people have no rights and even control on their own resources. The whole system is being controlled by the Federal Government. The assemblies and rulers of both regions are powerless. The whole power is at the hands of the lent officers imposed from Pakistan. No one from state subject has to contest election or to get a job without signing the affidavit of affiliation of Pakistan. It is a very big fraud that the area is being called Azad without any real freedom. Dr Basheer of HRCP said that the COVID-19 pandemic has hit hard in all parts of the societies, badly affecting people including medically, socially, politically, and economically. "People's poverty, inequalities and discrimination based on religion/belief/gander or any others exclusion and environmental degradation are making society more vulnerable due to the pandemic and incompetence government policies," he said. The conference demanded the dismissal of Defense Minister Pervaiz Khatak on his statement for justifying the inhuman murder of Priyantha Kumara at Sialkot. They said that if the government is serious about resolving the issue of extremism, the state has to make a policy against the patronization of extremist organizations. The conference also expressed grief and anger over the recent heinous crime of rape and murder of the 13-year teen girl at Dadyal in PoK. They demanded strict action against the culprits. The conference condemned the arrest of Awami Workers Party president Yousaf Masti Khan at Gwadar recently. They said Khan has done nothing more than demanding of the state to give Gwadar residents civil, political and economic rights to which they are entitled. To charge Khan under archaic and repressive colonial laws is undemocratic and unjustified. He must be released immediately and unconditionally. Others speakers Waqar Qazmi UKPNP, Sadaqat Mughal JKLF, Azhar Kashir JKNAP, Laquman Haqeem JKAWP, Umer Ikhlas, Muddassar Mahboob, Abid Rasheed, Talat Rubab Sajad Kashar, Shjahat Hussain HR activist Gilgit Baltistan, Raja Muneer Jammu Kashmir Human Rights Movement, Kabeer Iltaf organizer Azad Patan Dam movement and veteran left leader professor Khalique raised their concern about the mega project being constructed in the area. They said that all mega projects are being constructed without the proper consultation of local governments. The local people do not have any benefit from these projects. Their resources are being plundered, and they are unable to get any benefits from this development. The affected peoples' from these projects are waiting for compensation for their land. The local people are neglected in jobs and even they have no permission to raise their voice for their rights. (ANI)
The teaching and non-teaching staff of Pakistan's Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) announced to call off their strike and resume duty after sorting their differences with the Imran Khan government. The announcement came after the FDE Joint Action Committee held a plethora of talks with Pakistan's Federal Education Minister Shafqat Mahmood and senior officials of the education ministry, according to Express Tribune. FDE Joint Action Committee spokesperson Zia Khan Yousufzai confirmed that the strike has been called off and said the government has sought time to meet their demands. Earlier, FDE Joint Action Committee (JAC) members met with the education minister and senior officials of the ministry to discuss the possible implications of the Islamabad Local Government Ordinance 2021 on the cadre and service structure of the teaching and non-teaching staff after the FDE, according to Express Tribune. Further, the JAC had demanded the reversal of the relevant section of the ordinance, under which the FDE and all educational institutions have been placed under the administrative control of the Islamabad mayor adding to their woes. Meanwhile, JAC had also demanded to reverse the decision of putting 33 model colleges under the administrative control of the Federal College of Education (FCE). Earlier, the FED teaching and non-teaching staff had been on the strike for the last 10 days after Imran Khan's government, through an ordinance, placed the administrative control of all educational institutions under the Islamabad mayor. (ANI)
As China continues to mount pressure in the Taiwan Strait, cyber experts have warned of a possible "disabling cyberattack" on the island from China. Beijing claims full sovereignty over Taiwan despite separate governance for more than seven decades. China has threatened that "Taiwan's independence" means war. Experts believe that a straight-up military invasion would cost lives and mobilize US forces for Taiwan's defence, Washington based American broadcaster Voice of America (VOA) reported. However, disruptive cyberattacks could sow chaos and soften Taiwan's defences, said Chen Yi-fan, assistant professor of international relations at Tamkang University in Taiwan. Chinese operators are already using the internet to launch a great number of attacks each month, mostly targeting websites run by the government and Taiwan's all-important semiconductor companies, Chen said. "PLA's (People's Liberation Army) Strategic Support Force and its Network Systems Department may be those behind the scenes to conduct the manoeuvres," Chen said. "Successful cyberattacks can disable Taiwan's critical infrastructure and make Taiwan vulnerable to follow-up PLA attacks." In a recent report, Taiwan's Defense Ministry said that attacks today seek to steal intelligence and compile a list for cyberattacks in the "precision strike phase of any future operations". According to the report, cyberattacks can be used to sabotage and destroy "national critical infrastructures and C2 [command and control] systems to cause turbulence and chaos in its society and decimate the internal security kept by the military and law enforcement organs of the nation and its government functions." Alexander Huang, chairman of a military strategy research foundation in Taipei, said that successful cyberattacks on financial institutions and other targets would shake people's confidence, VOA reported. All of Taiwan's "critical infrastructure" is connected by the internet, he added, a linkage that could cause "great difficulties" as well as widespread panic among people. Interestingly, the US has also increased its rhetoric in recent months on the question of a possible Chinese attack on Taiwan. In October this year, US President Joe Biden had said that the United States would come to Taiwan's defence if it came under attack by China. "Yes, we have a commitment to do that," said Biden while answering a question at a CNN town hall meeting. (ANI)
The Saudi Crown Prince was welcomed on his arrival on Friday by his Kuwaiti counterpart and several senior officials at the airport, reports Xinhua news agency.

During official talks, the two sides discussed means of boosting and strengthening bonds of brotherly ties between the two countries in all fields as well as expanding cooperation to serve mutual interests and issues of common concern, according to a state media report.

The two sides reviewed means to achieve common interests and meet aspirations of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) peoples in a manner that boosts security, stability and prosperity.

Both sides also focused on continued coordination in the issues that concern the GCC countries and the latest developments on international and regional arenas, the report added.

Earlier in the day, Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah honored the Saudi Crown Prince with a medal in appreciation for his achievements and distinctive efforts for serving stability, security and progress of Saudi Arabia, solidifying the bonds of brotherhood between Kuwait and the kingdom and among the GCC states.

Before arriving in Kuwait, Mohammed bin Salman visited Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain.

--IANS ksk/

( 239 Words)

2021-12-11-10:06:13 (IANS)
"A ninth evacuation flight was operated for those who wanted to return voluntarily, with 417 Iraqi passengers on board," Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmed al-Sahaf said in a statement on Friday.

The number of evacuated migrants on the Belarusian-Polish border has reached over 3,550, many of whom are women and children, Xinhua news agency quoted the Ministry as saying.

In an earlier statement, Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi stressed the importance of taking all "necessary measures to preserve the security and safety of Iraqi citizens, and work to avoid any Iraqis becoming a victim of human trafficking networks".

Since August, thousands of migrants, most of whom are from Iraq, Syria and Yemen, have been stranded at the border between Belarus and its neighbours, seeking to enter the EU territory.

However, more migrants arrived at the Belarusian side of the border with Poland in November.

Numerous clashes have occurred on Belarus's borders with Poland, Latvia and Lithuania.

--IANS ksk/

( 194 Words)

2021-12-11-10:24:25 (IANS)
Two of the latest confirmed cases were imported from abroad, and the remaining ones were local transmissions, the ministry said.

Meanwhile, three more COVID-19 patients aged over 60 have died in the past day, raising the death toll to 1,958, it said.

Currently, 3,602 patients are being treated in hospitals across the country, while 6,534 are receiving home-based care, according to the ministry.

Over 66 percent of Mongolia's population of 3.4 million have received two COVID-19 vaccine doses so far, with over 797,011 people aged over 18 having received a booster dose. (ANI/Xinhua)
The attack also resulted in four people getting injured, including a member of the Taliban, Russian News Agency reported citing sources.

All the killed and injured people were from the same family and were returning home from a wedding when attacked in their car, Sputnik reported.

So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. (ANI)
One person is said to have died in Obion County, while another two died in Lake County. There are reports about severe injuries as well.

The central United States has been hit by several tornadoes caused by a powerful storm. The Fox 2 broadcaster reported earlier about dozens of people trapped in an Amazon warehouse in Illinois after a tornado passed through the city of Edwardsville. (ANI/Sputnik)
Taiwanese Universities have stated that they are considering to provide the necessary support and assistance to Nicaraguan students to remain in school here, in the wake of Central American country's decision to switch diplomatic recognition to China, reported local media. Multiple universities nationwide including National Taiwan University (NTU), National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU), National Chengchi University (NCCU), and others have stated to help with issues like funding and part-time jobs for Nicaraguan students who are studying in Taiwan, reported Focus Taiwan. Taiwan has currently 91 Nicaraguan students of which 53 of whom are on the Taipei government's scholarships granted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). MOFA and Taiwan International Corporation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF) have withdrawn all scholarships for students from the countries that have broken ties with Taiwan. But on Saturday MOFA said that it has yet to decide on whether suspend the scholarships for Nicaraguan students, according to Focus Taiwan. It came after Nicaragua's announcement that it was switching diplomatic recognition to China. Afterwards, Taiwan terminated diplomatic relations with Nicaragua. (ANI)
"There are no serious cases there, they are in a hospital, but there is nothing serious. A mild disease: the patients have already been immunized earlier," Gintsburg said.

Earlier reports said two COVID-19 patients, who arrived from South Africa, tested positive for the Omicron coronavirus strain. (ANI/Sputnik)
Canadian authorities have told Global News that the country's Special Forces (JTF2) will be responsible for ensuring the security of the diplomats, The Khaama Press reported.

This comes more than a week after Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and Indian announced to resume their consular services in Afghanistan after nearly all foreign embassies shut on August 15, said the Afghan news agency.

France has also pledged to restart their diplomatic operations in Afghanistan.

The Canadian government is yet to release a statement regarding the resumption of their diplomatic mission in Kabul.

According to The Khaama Press, sources have also told the Global News that other countries are also willing to resume their diplomatic mission in Kabul deploying their own forces to man the security.

The apparently informal engagement of these Asian and European countries is at a time when the Taliban's interim government is not recognized yet, said the Afghan news agency.

The Taliban entered Kabul on August 15, causing the US-backed government to step down. Later in September, the outfit announced the composition of the new interim government of Afghanistan.

The country is currently battered by the deepening economic, humanitarian, and security crisis following the Taliban takeover. The international community, from governments to non-governmental organizations, has been providing various assistance to the Afghan people. (ANI)
Earlier, in Pakistan's Sindh province of Hyderabad, members of the Christian community held a demonstration outside the local press club against rejection of the 'Forced Conversion Bill' and other issues under the aegis of the Rapha Prayer Ministry International, according to the Dawn.

Meanwhile, Human Rights Day is celebrated annually around the world on December 10 every year.

Further, the protest was led by Sindh province Senator Anwar Lal Deen, Advocate M. Parkash, Pastor Victor, Pastor Suleman Manzoor, Pastor Ghazala Shafi Romas Bhatti and others.

The group observed that underage marriages after forced conversion was a serious prob

Highlighting that forced conversion was a crime and could not be accepted for the purpose of marriage.

Members of minority communities observed that underage marriages after forced conversion was a serious problem.

"The Christian community in Pakistan has performed outstandingly in terms of services in education, medical and defence sectors. In lieu of it, Christians should not, at least, be discriminated against," they said.

Meanwhile, in Sindh's town of Jacobabad, activists of various human rights organisations and members of minority communities took out a rally raising slogans against forced conversion.

Rallies and demonstrations for a better situation vis-a-vis human rights, religious freedom and tolerance, freedom of expression, the dispensation of quick justice in human rights cases etc were held in many other cities and towns of Sukkur, Larkana, Mirpurkhas, Badin, Shikarpur, Kandhkot-Kashmore and Thatta districts. (ANI)
Moscow [Russia], December 11 (ANI/Sputnik): Russia is not planning an attack on Ukraine, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told Greek TV channel ANT1 in an exclusive interview. "No, the problem is very simple. Russia is moving its forces within its territory and we can move our forces in any direction we want and closer to the areas that could pose a threat [and currently] we see US warplanes landing in Ukraine and US military equipment approaching our borders," Peskov said, when asked whether Russian President Vladimir Putin was planning to carry out an attack on Ukraine. The Kremlin spokesperson also criticized Turkey for selling its drones, which are used by Kiev in Donbas, to Ukraine. "We have criticized Turkey for this, because we believe it is a problem that pushes Kiev and the Ukrainian government to choose a violent solution to solve their internal issues in the southeast. If Ukraine starts attacking its own people again, it will be another disaster for Europe," Peskov noted. Peskov was also asked whether the United States and Russia could ever become allies, however, the spokesman noted that considering the current situation "it would be hard to imagine such a thing." Russian President Vladimir Putin held a secured telephone call with his US counterpart, Joe Biden, on Tuesday, discussing the alleged gathering of Russian troops near Ukraine's borders. Bilateral relations between Russia and the US as well as Ukraine have deteriorated amid media reports that Russia has built up around 100,000 troops nears its border with Ukraine and accusations of planning an attack. Russia has repeatedly denied accusations of aggressive actions coming from the West and Ukraine. (ANI/Sputnik)
A large number of rights and political activists attended the rally that started at the Regal Chowk and ended at the Karachi Press Club (KPC) on the occasion of the International Human Rights Day, which falls on December 10, The News International reported.

The activists raised concerns over the rapidly decreasing space for freedom of expression in Pakistan and said that the right to know, dissent, and free expression of ideas was essential to any democratic setup.

They also demanded an end to sedition cases against Awami Workers Party president Yousaf Masti Khan for attending a local residents' rights campaign in Gwadar, The News International reported.

Separately, Muttahida Masihi Council, a Christian rights body has also organized a protest in connection with International Human Rights Day, where speakers said cases pertaining to forced conversion and marriages of underage girls were on the rise but the government was not taking pragmatic steps to stop such incidents.

They demanded that Prime Minister Imran Khan implement legal and administrative measures to protect the minorities, especially their minor girls, from forced conversions and marriages, The News International reported.

Human Rights Day is celebrated on December 10 every year in all countries of the world under the supervision of the United Nations. On December 10, 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was declared by the General Assembly of the United Nations.

In Pakistan, a series of protests and seminars were held to mark the day. (ANI)
Human rights activists and members of the minority communities organised protest rallies in different cities in Pakistan's Sindh province to mark International Human Rights Day on Friday. In Hyderabad, members of the Christian community held a demonstration outside the press club against the rejection of the Forced Conversion Bill and other issues. The protest was held under the aegis of the Rapha Prayer Ministry International. In another protest, the Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz (JSQM) raised their voice against state repression and barbarism in the province. They organised rallies in Hyderabad, Mirpur Mathelo and Mori and asked the Pakistan government to free the Sindhi nationalist leaders who are under arbitrary detention for years. A large number of Sindhi political leaders and intellectuals are picked up by Pakistan's secret agencies. Many of them were killed and others are languishing in jails. In Jacobabad, activists of various human rights organisations and members of minority communities took out a rally raising slogans against forced conversions. They started their march from Shaheed Allah Bux Park and after passing through various roads converged on the local press club. Speaking to the participants and local reporters, Jawahir Singh, Burner B. Newton alias Tony, Shalo Ram, Lachman Das and others claimed that cases of forced conversion of Hindu girls in Jacobabad district and its surrounding areas had been on the rise for quite some time. According to Dawn, they expressed their concern over reports that underage girls and young women of the Hindu community were lured into a love affair and then forced to convert. They termed it an unethical and unlawful trend that caused indignation in the Hindu as well as other minority communities in the country. "Our religious beliefs must be respected for the sake of brotherhood and harmony between Muslims and all minorities including Hindu, Christian and Sikh communities," they said. They urged the federal and all provincial governments to enact and effectively implement a law against forced conversion. (ANI)
The United States on Friday imposed sanctions on dozens of people and entities in China, Myanmar, while blacklisting a Chinese artificial intelligence company for human rights abuses marking International Human Rights Day. This came as the Myanmar military is committing human rights abuses in the country after it ousted the democratically elected government in February. The financial and visa sanctions came on the final day of President Joe Biden's virtual Summit for Democracy, where he unveiled policies to bolster democracy against threats around the world and appealed for solidarity among some 100 participants, Radio Free Asia reported. "On International Human Rights Day, Treasury is using its tools to expose and hold accountable perpetrators of serious human rights abuse," Wally Adeyemo, United States Deputy Secretary of the Treasury said in a statement. Meanwhile, the US has also imposed sanctions on entities associated with rights abuses in China, North Korea and Bangladesh. The sanctions on China also include US visa ban on the current and previous chairmen of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), where thousands of Uyghur are being held in detention camps by the Chinese Communist Party as a part of its crackdown on the minority community, Radio Free Asia reported. These sanctions came a day after a tribunal in London found that Chinese policies in the region constituted genocide. After a series of hearings that lasted several months, a London based independent tribunal has ruled that China committed 'genocide' against Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in Xinjiang province. The Uyghur Tribunal declared the verdict after a panel of Britain-based lawyers and rights experts examined human rights violations in the Xinjiang region. Hearings were held in June, September, and November 2021, during which the Tribunal's expert panel reviewed hundreds of witness statements and heard live evidence from more than 30 witnesses about their experiences of China's oppressive policies, as well as from expert witnesses. Earlier this year, the US became the first country in the world to declare the Chinese actions in Xinjiang as "genocide". In February, both the Canadian and Dutch parliaments adopted motions recognising the Uyghur crisis as genocide. (ANI)
The incident took place in Tank, Dera Ismail Khan district of KP. Armed men came on a motorcycle and attacked the polio security team, killing one security official and injuring another, reported Geo News. The security officer was assigned to protect the Polio team.

District Police Officer Sajjad Ahmed has said that they have launched a search operation to find the armed men, who had fled the scene.

The Pakistani Taliban (Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan), which announced the termination of ceasefire with the government on Friday, has claimed the attack.

Armed men targeting Polio teams in Pakistan is not new. Extremist groups often target polio teams and security assigned to protect them, claiming the vaccination campaigns are a conspiracy to sterilise children, reported Geo News. (ANI)
"The pro-government soldiers were deployed in the Usaylan district of Shabwa and set up a well-planned ambush for a group of Houthi soldiers passing in the area," the official told Xinhua news agency.

An intense armed confrontation erupted between the two sides following the ambush, leaving nearly 12 Houthi rebels killed and a number of others injured, he said.

Military vehicles belonging to the rebel group were completely damaged by the government forces in Usaylan's ambush, he added.

No information, however, was given about casualties among the soldiers of the government during the exchange of fire with the Houthi rebels in Shabwa.

The Iran-allied Houthi militia recently intensified their military operations against the government-controlled areas in different parts of the war-ravaged Arab country and succeeded in capturing key areas from the government forces.

Yemen has been locked into a civil war since the Houthi militia overran much of the country militarily and seized all northern provinces, including the capital Sanaa, in 2014.

Saudi Arabia has been leading the Arab military coalition that intervened in Yemen in 2015 to support the government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi after Houthis forced him into exile.

--IANS ksk/

( 232 Words)

2021-12-11-13:16:13 (IANS)
During the talk, the two leaders discussed the ways to unlock the negotiation process in the Normandy format, designed to end the conflict in Ukraine's eastern region of Donbas through diplomatic means.

Zelensky said that Kiev stands ready to continue active work within the Normandy Four, which includes Ukraine, France, Russia and Germany.

Zelensky and Macron stressed the need to resume the effective functioning of the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) to achieve an effective ceasefire, the release of hostages and the opening of the checkpoints in Donbas.

The TCG, consisting of representatives from Ukraine, Russia and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, was formed to facilitate a diplomatic solution to the conflict in Donbas.

On Thursday, Zelensky held a telephone conversation with U.S. President Joe Biden to discuss the security situation around Ukraine and the prospects for intensifying the peaceful settlement in Donbas.

It is reported that Zelensky will meet Macron on Dec. 15 in Brussels. (ANI/Xinhua)
Taiwan navy could join Rim of the Pacific Exercise from next year under a defense policy bill for the fiscal year 2022 passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. Earlier this week the lower chamber of the US Congress voted overwhelmingly in support of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which defines the country's defense policy and budget, according to Radio Free Asia. Further, the bill suggests "conducting practical training and military exercises with Taiwan, including, as appropriate, inviting Taiwan to participate in the Rim of the Pacific exercise conducted in 2022" in order to support the development of Taiwan's defense forces. The NDAA bill still needs to be passed by the Senate before getting an approval from President Joe Biden's desk. "It will depend on Biden to decide whether inviting Taiwan to joint exercise is worth his political capital," said Richard Bitzinger, senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) in Singapore. "At the moment, I think the chance is 50/50 that an invitation would be granted," he added. Further, RIMPAC is the world's largest multi-national maritime warfare exercise held every two years since 1974. Before that it was held annually. The exercise is hosted by the U.S. Navy's Indo-Pacific Command and joined by navies from dozens of countries. China took part in 2014 and 2016. "Taiwan attending RIMPAC would be very important politically as a sign of support by the U.S. and other attending nations," said Grant Newsham, a retired U.S. Marine colonel who spent 2019 in Taiwan to research the island's defense. "If the Americans do not help Taiwan's armed forces break out of over 40 years of isolation and give them the opportunity to train with somebody, Taiwan's defense capabilities will not improve as they need to improve," he added. . Until now, the U.S. military hasn't conducted any bilateral and joint exercise with Taiwan but it was reported in October that a number of U.S. military trainers have been deployed in the island for at least a year, according to Radio Free Asia. Rim of the Pacific Exercise, is the world's largest international maritime warfare exercise. RIMPAC is held biennially.The first RIMPAC, held in 1971, (ANI)
The decision was taken in a meeting on Friday to "maintain the law and order situation in the province", reported Samaa TV.

The jail administration has been ordered to ensure all arrangements for the trial and the police have also been instructed to complete the case challan at the earliest.

131 men have been arrested by the police and 30 among them are declared prime suspects in the lynching of Sri Lankan national Priyantha Kumara.

Last week, Kumara was tortured, beaten to death and then set on fire by a mob of more than 800 people over alleged blasphemy accusations in the Wazirabad neighbourhood, said Samaa TV. (ANI)
A large number of human rights activists including Tibetans, Uyghurs, Hongkongers, Mongolians held protests outside the Chinese Embassy in London over human rights abuses in China and sought action against the Chinese Community Party (CCP) regime as well as urged to boycott 2022 Beijing Olympics. Hundreds of people were joined by the members of persecuted minority communities from mainland China to express "anguish" against the Chinese Community Party (CCP) regime and invited global attention towards human rights violations being perpetrated against minorities in mainland China and its forcibly occupied territories. A large number of people comprising of young students, activists and veterans gathered outside the Chinese Embassy in London and protested against the mass human rights abuse. They highlighted the injustices taking place across China and its occupied territories. "We are outside the Chinese Embassy today to remind China we will never give up our rights and freedom," said one of the activists. The activists chanted slogans "Free Tibet, Free Turkmenistan, Free Mongolia, Free Hong Kong, Boycott Beijing Olympics, no to CCP etc". The prominent people who addressed the gathering were Tsering Passang, Convenor of Global Alliance for Tibet and Persecuted Minorities (GATPM), Dolkun Isa, President of WYC, Rahima Mehmut (World Uyghur Congress), John Jones, Tenzin Rabga, Pema and leaders from Hong Kong. A speech sent by Dhondup Wangchen -- a famous Tibetan filmmaker and activist who was in a Chinese prison for making a film on Tibetans -- was read by Tsering Passang. During their addresses, the speakers urged the international community to boycott CCP and hold it accountable for the mass human rights violations perpetrated by it against the minority communities in China and other occupied territories. They demanded freedom for Tibet, East Turkmenistan, Hong Kong, Southern Mongolia and other forcibly occupied territories. The speakers also called upon world leaderships to boycott Beijing Olympics-2022 as games and human rights violations cannot go together. The hundreds of protestors then marched, in the form of a rally, towards Piccadilly Circus and organised a protest demonstration there. The rally passed through prominent places and stopped outside the British Foreign Office (FCDO), Whitehall, where they stopped and protested against the Chinese regime. They highlighted the atrocities committed by the CCP leaders against Uyghurs and Tibetans and other persecuted minorities. Carrying flags and placards, protesters afterwards marched toward BBC Headquarters in London where they submitted a joint petition to the BBC. The protestors urged BBC to drop Beijing 2022, and not to broadcast it. The protestors were chanting slogans No rights! No games! No broadcasting of Beijing 2022. Massive Anti-China protest was held outside the office of the British Olympic Association, London. Together with Uyghurs and Hong Kongers, the Tibetans jointly delivered over 7000 signed petitions to boycott Beijing Olympics at the British Olympic association office in London. The prominent organizations who participated in this rally and protest demonstration were Global Alliance for Tibet and Persecuted Minorities (GATPM), Free Tibet, International Tibet Network, World Uyghur Congress and Hong Kong Aid. In a related development, a similar protest demonstration is being held in Manchester-UK on December 11, 2021 which would be addressed by Tsering Passang, Convenor GATPM. Global Alliance for Tibet and Persecuted Minorities is currently organising a week-long series of events to highlight the atrocious behaviour of CCP against the minority communities in China and occupied territories. The GATPM has recently worked on a research paper and published a report titled' 100 Atrocities Committed By Chinese Communist Party (CCP)'. A report was released by Tim Loughten, British MP and Chair of All party Parliamentary Group on Tibet (APPG-T) on 10th of December the World Human Rights Day. The report has been appreciated by a number of British MPs and Human Rights activists across the world as it mentions about 100 most infamous atrocities committed by CCP against the minorities. (ANI)
South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Saturday called for speeding up booster shots for the elderly as the country struggles to tackle the unabated Covid-19 resurgence, including cases of the new Omicron variant. The country added 6,977 new Covid-19 infections, raising the total caseload to 510,538, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). The number of critically ill patients came to 856 on Saturday, up four from a day ago, while the death toll hit a daily high of 80, pushing the total up to 4,210, reports Yonhap News Agency. The KDCA has confirmed 12 new omicron cases, pushing the total up to 75. "Please take special care in speeding up (booster shot inoculations) for seniors in regional communities," Moon said in a phone conversation with Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum, according to the latter's office. Moon also told Kim to better explain to the public the need to vaccinate young people based on scientific data, amid a growing public backlash against the government's plan to expand the vaccine pass scheme to teenagers next year. The KDCA said 83.6 per cent of the country's 52 million population have at least received one vaccine dose, while 81.1 per were fully inoculated and 11.8 per cent have gotten their booster shots. Starting February 2022, the government plans to require not only adults but also children aged 12 to 18 to present Covid-19 vaccination or negative test certificates at multiuse facilities, including public study rooms and cram schools. The government made the announcement last week along with toughened gathering restrictions amid the latest virus resurgence and a pileup of student infections. But it sparked strong backlash from students and parents arguing the measure amounts to forcing vaccination upon minors. On Monday, the government enforced stricter social distancing rules to contain the rapid spread of the coronavirus and the Omicron variant. Under the new measures, which will remain in effect until January 2, 2022, private gatherings are limited to six people in the greater Seoul area and eight in the rest of the country. More business facilities now need to require visitors to be fully vaccinated or to show a negative Covid-19 test result. Newly added to the so-called vaccine pass system include restaurants, coffee shops, cram schools and internet cafes. --IANS ksk/ ( 391 Words) 2021-12-11-13:33:33 (IANS)
Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen on Saturday summoned the US Ambassador Earl R Miller to convey Dhaka's discontent with the designated sanctions imposed by Washington on seven present and former officials of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), local media reported on Saturday. On Friday, the US Department of Treasury and the Department of State imposed the sanction on the seven former and incumbent RAB officials and RAB itself as an entity, allegedly over serious human rights abuses, Dhaka Tribune reported. Foreign Secretary Momen expressed Bangladesh's disappointment at the fact that the decision was taken unilaterally by the US Administration without any prior consultation with the government of Bangladesh, said the Foreign Ministry. He said the issues that were cited for imposing the designated sanctions remain under active discussions, including under the framework of the regular institutional dialogues between the two sides, and that yet, the US decision came without any prior intimation, Dhaka Tribune reported. According to the Bangladeshi newspaper, Foreign Secretary said the allegations made against RAB over certain specific incidents had been explained, along with information on the corresponding justice and accountability measures undertaken, to not just the US Administration but also to a number of UN human rights mechanisms on multiple occasions. Masud stated that the US decision appears to have been based more on "unverified" or "unsubstantiated" allegations of command responsibility than on facts involved in connection with certain specific incidents that had taken place at the local level. The foreign secretary emphasized that the government of Bangladesh remains committed to upholding the rule of law and human rights, and maintains a "zero tolerance" approach to any wrongdoings or aberrations by its law enforcement agencies. He stressed that all uniformed services in Bangladesh follow a set of legal and administrative procedures to address any allegation of wrongdoing against any of their members and that RAB is no exception in this regard. Meanwhile, Ambassador Miller took note of the concerns raised by the government of Bangladesh, and assured of conveying the same to his capital, Dhaka Tribune reported. He concurred that the excellent multifaceted relations between two countries could be further deepened through established consultation mechanisms and high-level visits. Miller further expressed the willingness of the US Government to remain closely engaged with the government of Bangladesh in the coming days on issues of mutual interest, Dhaka Tribune further reported. (ANI)
This came after the HRFP in collaboration with Global Human Rights Defense (GHRD) organised an event on the UN theme of 'EQUALITY' to observe the International Human Rights Day.

The event was held at Faisalabad press club in Pakistan, in presence of media workers. During the event, the human rights groups raised issues concerned with human rights violations of minorities in Pakistan.

GHRTV with civil society and stakeholders also partnered with HRFP.

"The minorities, women, and children are most vulnerable, being easy targets," said Naveed Walter, President of HRFP during the event, adding that "The alarming increase in abductions, forced conversion and forced marriages of minority girls has reached 1500 a year."

"A forced conversions bill was forwarded in Parliament for legislation but that was rejected saying it an un-Islamic which is a clear message about the seriousness of authorities, the President added.

"Abductions, forced conversions and forced marriages are the concerning issues to minorities while the culprits and facilitators never brought to justice," a human rights activist Lala Robin Daniel informed during the event.

He said that Pakistan's judicial system has been ranked 126th of 130th.

Meanwhile, the Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) also informed that it will issue an annual report in January 2022 about the atrocities on minorities in Pakistan in 2021.

In other similar developments, political activists also held protests on the occasion of International Human Rights Day in different parts of the world demanding that Pakistan should protect its minorities.

The protests were held in Vienna, Hague, Paris, Taipei and other cities of the world.

In The Hague, the members of Pakistan's minority communities like Christians, Hindus and Shias jointly held a protest rally on Friday.

Human Rights Day is celebrated on December 10 every year in all countries of the world under the supervision of the United Nations.

On December 10, 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was declared by the General Assembly of the United Nations.

In Pakistan, a series of protests and seminars were held to mark the day.

A protest rally was held across the country by the Christians and Hindus to demand legislation against forced conversion. (ANI)
Referring to the evolving situation in Afghanistan, Imran Khan told the American Senators that the US must have a deeper engagement to promote the shared objectives of peace, stability and economic development, reported Radio Pakistan.

During the meeting with US Senators Angus King, Richard Burr, John Cornyn and Benjamin Sasse, Khan also underlined the need to support the Afghan people by taking all possible measures to prevent a humanitarian crisis and economic collapse.

It comes as a few days after Pakistan refused to participate in the Summit for Democracy organised by the US on December 9-10 virtually.

The US had extended invitations to more than a hundred countries for the summit but China and some other countries were not included in the list.

Pakistan's Foreign Office thanked the US for the invitation but said that it would engage with the country on a wide range of issues "at an opportune time in the future", reported Geo News. (ANI)
People in Myanmar on Friday organised a 'Silent Strike' to boycott the military rule in the country. This came as the world observed International Human Rights Day on December 10. Nearly all businesses -- particularly those in the regions of Yangon, Mandalay, Sagaing, Magway and Irrawaddy, as well as Kachin and Chin states -- were shuttered, and residents avoided any form of public interaction and streets were vacated by the citizens, reported Radio Free Asia. "The action was meant to mourn the loss of human rights under military rule and the people's opposition to the coup," Protesting leaders said. Nan Lin, a spokesman for the University Alumnus Association, said that Friday's Silent Strike was one of the most effective expressions of opposition against the coup since February. "We'd staged a 'Silent Strike' on March 24 that was noted by the international media when millions of people participated in the program ... and now, nine months later, we are having another, but the situation is different," he told Radio Free Asia. On February 1, 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 in the country. As reported by the Radio Free Asia, nearly 1,300 civilians have been killed since the military overthrew the democratically elected government in Myanmar while more than 7,000 people have been detained. Hundreds of thousands of people have also been internally displaced in the country of 54 million people, amid food shortages and the coronavirus pandemic, Assistance Association for Political Prisoners said. (ANI)
According to Taiwan News, a Taiwanese woman, 30, returning from Eswatini was Taiwan's first case of COVID-19's Omicron variant.

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) on Saturday said a traveller from the United States and one from the United Kingdom had also been diagnosed with the new variant.

The announcement of the two additional Omicron cases by the CECC came just two hours after the news that the Taiwanese woman who had visited Eswatini was Taiwan's first incidence of the COVID variant, Taiwan News reported.

A new variant of COVID-19 was first reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) from South Africa on November 25. As per the WHO, the first known confirmed B.1.1.529 infection was from a specimen collected on November 9 this year.

The WHO named the new COVID-19 strain as Omicron and later classified it as a 'variant of concern'. (ANI)
According to the latest notice by the government, the destinations included those in China, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Laos, Cambodia and the US, Xinhua news agency reported on Saturday.

The move is to restore international passenger transport, speed up economic and tourism recovery and enable overseas Vietnamese to return to their homeland for the upcoming Lunar New Year, Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh said in the government directive.

While the resumption of international flights is necessary, effective pandemic control must also be ensured, Minh said, urging relevant authorities and aviation businesses to work actively to realise the approved plan and make recommendations for adjustments in accordance with the actual situation.

The country closed its border and grounded all international flights in March last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, only allowing entry for Vietnamese repatriates, foreign experts and highly-skilled workers with certain quarantine requirements.

--IANS ksk/

( 186 Words)

2021-12-11-15:20:58 (IANS)
"A case of infection with the Omicron strain of COVID-19 was identified in a patient who arrived from abroad," the ministry said on Twitter.

It was further reported that the infected person had no close contact with anyone once he had arrived in Bahrain.

Lebanon's ministry of health had also confirmed the country's first two positive Omicron cases.

"Two positive cases [whose samples] were subjected to genetic sequencing, are indeed infected with the Omicron variant," the ministry confirmed earlier on Saturday.

The infected are isolating at home and showing only mild symptoms.

Omicron was first detected in South Africa in late November. The strain was designated as a variant of concern by the World Health Organization due to its high transmissibility. Amid fears of growing COVID-19 infections, many countries imposed harsher travel restrictions on foreigners arriving from Africa. Despite that, the variant has started to pop up in dozens of states including Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom and many more. (ANI/Sputnik)
Doctors in Pakistan's Punjab province continue to protest for the seventh consecutive day, demanding an increase in the salaries and risk allowances of house officers as well as host graduates, reported local media. They are also demanding that those doctors working for eliminating coronavirus from the country should be made permanent, reported The Express Tribune. In the support of their protests, doctors boycotted OPDs in different hospitals of Sindh, including Karachi. They gathered at hospitals and chanted slogans backing their demands. Sindh Health Department has accepted one of our demands to meet the shortage of doctors in hospitals which was the most important one, said the protesting medics, stressing that until other demands are not met they will continue to protest and boycott OPDs. "We are happy that our demand has been taken seriously, but others are still not accepted. Until all demands are met, we will continue to protest in hospitals and boycott OPDs," The Express Tribune quoted one of the protesters as saying. (ANI)
Vienna [Austria], December 11 (ANI/Sputnik): Thousands of people took to the streets of Vienna on Saturday to protest the government's COVID-19 restrictions, a Sputnik correspondent reported. Several demonstrations are scheduled in Vienna for today. The largest one gathered at the Heldenplatz square, from where it will march through the Ringstrasse street, which encircles the central district of the Austrian capital. The street's traffic was partially restricted. While the organizers called on the participants to wear masks and follow the restrictions, not everyone heeded them. The protesters are carrying placards with slogans like "Hands off our children," "Mandatory vaccination -- dictatorship," "My body -- my choice" and others. The security during the protest is provided by roughly 1,400 police officers. Vienna was rocked by anti-restrictions protests last Saturday as well, which had 40,000 participants, according to the police. The organisers, meanwhile, claim that 1,00,000 people were present. Austria imposed another lockdown in late November, which will end on Sunday for the recovered patients and vaccinated while remaining in place for those who have not received their shot. Also, the law on mandatory vaccination of all people over 14 will enter force in the country on February 1, with noncompliance being punished with a 3,600-euro (USD 4,074) fine. (ANI/Sputnik)
Foreign Ministers from the Group of Seven nations (G7) on Saturday started a two-day meeting in the UK as the world's leading democracies are increasingly being confronted by authoritarian governments like China. The top diplomats from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the US along with the European Union are likely to discuss issues ranging from ways to ensure a post-pandemic global economic recovery to the US-led diplomatic boycott of next year's Winter Olympics in China, Kyodo News reported. "This weekend the world's most influential democracies will take a stand against aggressors who seek to undermine liberty and send a clear message that we are a united front," British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said in a press release issued ahead of the meeting. The foreign ministers from the G7 nations will be joined by their counterparts from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations except for Myanmar which has been thrown into political turmoil following the military's February coup. The leaders are also expected to discuss China's maritime aggression in the region during a session on Sunday, Kyodo News reported. The meeting is being hosted by the United Kingdom, which holds this year's G7 Presidency. The development comes after the UK, Canada and Australia joined President Joe Biden's bid to boycott the Winter Olympics. France and Japan are also mulling over the decision. According to CNN, the move marks an escalation of pressure by the US on China over allegations of forced labour and human rights abuses in China's western region of Xinjiang, particularly against the Uyghur population and other ethnic and religious minority groups. China has been rebuked by a number of countries over the human rights abuses by Chinese Communist Party in Xinjiang province. (ANI)
The provincial Home Ministry in Pakistan's Punjab has highlighted that inmates in Lahore are getting drugs from court lockups, directing the authorities to take necessary actions in this regard, reported local media. Prisoners were found intoxicated on December 8 after their return to the Camp Jail from a court hearing, underlined an alert issued by provincial Home Ministry of Punjab to Lahore police and prison department, reported ARY News. A handout issued from the jail superintendent said, "15 prisoners were found intoxicated on their return from a court hearing," directing police to take action against the guard in charges at the temporary lockups in the courts. Underlining that most of the prisoners are found intoxicated on their return to the prison, the handout further said that inmates easily acquire drugs from the canteen at the 'Bakshi Khanas'. It also stated that some of the families are also involved in providing drugs to the inmates. The Home Ministry has directed the Lahore authorities to take necessary measures in this regard, according to ARY News. (ANI)
Washington [US], December 11 (ANI/Sputnik): The US Department of State has launched the DisinfoHacks project in Greece to counter "Russian disinformation," and the American ambassador to Greece, Geoffrey Pyatt, gave a speech at the ceremony. "Just last week, Secretary of State [Antony] Blinken, my boss, was here in Europe for the NATO and OSCE ministerial. He publicly highlighted what he called a massive Russian disinformation campaign' underway to try to convince people that Ukraine poses a threat to Russia and is somehow seeking confrontation with its much larger neighbour. "This disinformation is part of the Kremlin toolkit to justify aggression and a potential invasion," Pyatt said on Friday, as quoted by the official website of the US Embassy in Greece, and added that disinformation has become one of the major challenges for democracies. The ambassador noted that the project was designed to support democracy, suppress malicious cyberactivity, and counter authoritarianism. DisinfoHacks is funded by the US State Department's Global Engagement Center, according to the diplomat. Pyatt served as the US ambassador to Ukraine when the country saw a coup d'etat in 2014, and he was an active supporter of the regime change. Over the past several weeks, Kyiv and some Western countries have accused Russia of massing troops near its border with Ukraine. Moscow, for its part, rejected the accusations and alleged that the West wants to use them as an excuse to deploy NATO military equipment near the Russian border. (ANI/Sputnik)
The US will stage a diplomatic boycott of the upcoming Winter Olympics in Beijing to protest the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) myriad human rights abuses, according to Taiwan News.

Further, US close strategic ally, Australia confirmed that it too would send no diplomatic representation to the Beijing Olympics, followed by UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirming there were no plans for officials to attend. Later the same day, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau echoed the same.

On the other hand, the Taiwan government has not taken a position at the moment.

Further, the democratic countries around the world sending a clear message to China that its human rights abuses in Xinjiang, Tibet, Hong Kong, and elsewhere, will no longer be tolerated, according to Taiwan News.

Further, there has been much talk about whether the world is edging toward a new Cold War and the Winter Olympics could be one where battle lines are according to Taiwan News. (ANI)
Washington [US], December 11 (ANI/Sputnik): Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, Karen Donfried, will visit Moscow and Kyiv from December 13-15, and then will meet with EU representatives in Brussels to discuss diplomatic resolution of the situation in Ukraine, the US State Department said on Saturday. "Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, Karen Donfried will travel to Kyiv, Ukraine and Moscow, Russia December 13-15 to meet with senior government officials," a press statement said. After Russia and Ukraine, the US official will head to Brussels, where consultations with NATO allies and EU partners will take place. The talks will focus on the diplomatic resolution of the situation in Ukraine. (ANI/Sputnik)
Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi on Saturday met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and agreed to strengthen the deterrence and response capabilities of their countries' alliance to counter China's growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region, local media reported. Meeting on the sidelines of the two-day Group of Seven foreign ministerial meeting through Sunday in Liverpool, England, Hayashi and Blinken underscored the need to cooperate with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations as well as like-minded nations such as Australia and India, Kyodo News reported citing the Japanese Foreign Ministry statement. The two officials agreed it is "indispensable to bolster the deterrence and response capabilities of the alliance amid the increasingly harsh security environment," the ministry said. The ministry said, during their first in-person talks since Hayashi took up his post in early November, they did not discuss a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics next year, which Washington announced last week citing China's human rights record, Kyodo News reported. Following the lead of the United States, Australia, Britain and Canada have said they would engage in a diplomatic boycott. Japan has yet to give its position, but government and ruling coalition sources say the country is considering not sending Cabinet ministers to the upcoming global sporting event. Hayashi and Blinken also confirmed that the two governments will arrange for an early visit to the United States by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida for his first summit with US President Joe Biden after becoming Japan's leader in early October, the Japanese publication reported. Hayashi and Blinken reiterated their strong opposition to China's bid to alter the status quo by force in the East and South China seas and affirmed the importance of "peace and stability" across the Taiwan Strait, according to a Japanese official. They also discussed North Korea's nuclear and missile threats, saying trilateral cooperation between Japan, the United States and South Korea is vital, the ministry added. (ANI)
Diplomats, politicians and experts lambasted Pakistan for promoting radicalisation and using hard-line fundamentalists for their own interest that poses a threat to regional peace and stability. They were speaking at a two-day international conference on "Radicalization: Threats to the Architecture of Global Stability" organised by IIM Rohtak in New Delhi. The conference witnessed the presence of speakers and delegates from over 25 countries. Ambassador of Afghanistan to India, Farid Mamundzay pointed out that after the withdrawal of the US troops from the Afghan soil, the Pakistan Army plundered away the arms and ammunition left behind by the US Army. "Hundreds of military vehicles with large quantities of arms and ammunition were taken away by the Pakistan Army to Sialkot and other places in Punjab, Pakistan where they manufacture their own military equipment", he said in his keynote address. He also asserted that given the positive role that India has played in rebuilding Afghanistan in the last two decades, it should be made part of the Troika constituted on Afghanistan related issues and also suggested that India should be a part of the deliberations of any international body constituted for dealing with the issue of Afghanistan crises. "India's presence in the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member will also benefit Afghanistan. Thus, the presence of India in the UN Security Council must continue," said Farid Mamundzay. He further stated that the international community must exert pressure on the interim Taliban Government to prevent flagrant human rights violations and improvement of the status of women. Hasanul Haq Inu, Member of Parliament from Bangladesh while comparing the foreign policies of India and Pakistan pointed out that while India has spent millions of dollars in building schools and other infrastructure in Afghanistan, Pakistan on the other hand has butchered more than three million Bangladeshi nationals and molested more than 200 thousand women in the 1971 Bangladeshi genocide by the Pakistani Army. Dr Vijay Kant Karna, former Nepalese Diplomat said, "Pakistan's Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba have tried many times to attack India using Nepalese soil but we caught them and handed them over to Indian authorities." He further added, "Measures that could reduce radicalisation include adopting secular policies, eliminating religious, cultural or ethnic differences, equitable access to state resources, empowering the marginalized and minority communities etc. would go a long way in curtailing radicalisation." Dr Nuzhat Choudhury, an eminent speaker on Bangladesh genocide said that the radicalised groups operating in Afghanistan and beyond do not believe in the concept of nation-states or international boundaries. Such challenges to the concept of the nation-state can cause instability in regions across the globe, as extremist ideologies do not respect national boundaries. In the end, she stressed that there is a need for progressive Muslims to rise against Islamic radicalisation so that peace and calm can prevail in the Islamic world. From the deliberations of the conference spanning over two days, Prof Dheeraj Sharma in his closing remarks said, "It has become obvious that radicalisation has become a business for a few selected extremist groups, who are exploiting religion as a commodity for furthering their own propaganda. However, the groups that have promoted the business of radicalisation have not taken into account the negative externalities of promoting radicalization, because of which the entire community has to bear the brunt. As rational thinking members of society, we must create awareness regarding the negative externalities of radicalisation and conferences like these can contribute in this direction". Dr Nuzhat Chaudhury added that Pakistan is the focal point of terror in the world. She also said the CIA and ISI nexus was responsible for radicalization in Bangladesh. Prof Mahmood Marhoon from Afghanistan stated that in the conference where representatives of more than 20 countries participated have reached a consensus that radicalization and instability in Afghanistan are primarily due to Pakistan. He further said, "In international politics, it is frequently observed that local grievances become international and these grievances are then exploited by opportunistic elements as it had happened in the case of Afghanistan as well. However, if we introspect, then we would realise that local grievances become international because the people have low trust in their governments and government officials. Therefore, one of the best ways for countries to reduce their vulnerability to radicalisation is through good governance and building trust in governmental officials." (ANI)
"Last night, following receipt of new evidence from the Commission, the UK licensed 18 replacement vessels on the basis of this methodology. Further technical work on 7 more licences for direct replacement vessels is scheduled to conclude on Monday," a UK government spokesperson said, as quoted by the official website.

When considering licenses for replacement ships, the UK used the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, the agency added.

The Channel Island of Jersey also announced that it can issue five more permanent licenses to the vessels holding temporary permissions for fishing in its waters. In this case, the total of licenses issued by the island will reach 130.

"This now concludes this phase of intensive talks on licensing," the DEFRA said.

French Secretary of State Clement Beaune said on Friday that London should issue 100 more licenses for French fishermen, in addition to those 40 that the UK issued last week.

France and the UK are holding negotiations on settling the tensions raised by issuing fishing licenses, and Paris accuses London of breaking the Brexit contract. (ANI/Sputnik)
The New Yorker Magazine in a report revealed how the Afghan peace talks failed. As per the report, throughout the negotiations between the Taliban and the Trump Administration, Ashraf Ghani and his government were sidelined, reported Tolo News. The report titled "The Secret History of the US Diplomatic Failure in Afghanistan" shed light on the Afghan peace process--from its start in 2010 to the foreign forces' withdrawal in August of this year. It covers the failure of the peace process and the fall of Kabul, and is written by Steve Coll and Adam Entous, reported Tolo News. According to the New Yorker report, the first attempts for making peace between the Taliban and the Afghan government started in November 2010. However, the attempts did not materialize because the Taliban refused to work with the then-president Hamid Karzai government, seeing him as "an illegitimate puppet." On the other hand, Karzai also objected to the US conferring legitimacy to the Taliban. "You betrayed me!" Karzai shouted at Ryan Crocker, the US Ambassador to Afghanistan, during a meeting in late 2011. The peace talks got serious during Donald Trump's administration because the US president was determined to pull out US soldiers from Afghanistan, the report said. According to the New Yorker, Trump even had asked Zalmay Khalilzad, the then US envoy for Afghan peace, to provide the Taliban with money if that would encourage them to have a peace deal. Finally, the US and the Taliban drafted a deal that was signed in February 2020. According to the New Yorker, Ghani asked for military assistance from Biden, such as more helicopters, and the continuation of logistical support by the American contractions. Biden's response was vague, according to Afghan officials present in the room, reported Tolo News. The New Yorker touched upon the release of Taliban prisoners. According to the report, the then US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in a meeting with Ghani in Kabul urged him to be flexible about releasing the Taliban's prisoners and assured him that "The United States is your leverage. If we do not get what we want, we will not leave," he said. "We will only leave when there is a political resolution." "This clarity that you will stand with us in the negotiation is something that we have never had," Ghani told him, according to the report. The New Yorker said the Taliban had agreed on terms over counterterrorism and restrictions on fighting, especially stopping Taliban fighters from attacking US and NATO troops as they withdraw based on the agreement. "If one American dies after the deal is signed, then the deal is off," Miller told the Taliban envoys before the Doha deal. Based on the Doha deal, the intra-Afghan peace talks was scheduled for March 10, 2020, to seek an enduring peace in Afghanistan. The talks, however, started six months later than the date specified in the deal. The talks did not bear fruit, while at the same time war intensified in the country, which according to Miller was clearly "violations in spirit, if not the written word" of the Doha deal. The intra-Afghan talks did not lead to peace and the Taliban continued overrunning provinces. Kabul finally fell on August 15th, 2021. (ANI)
The ministry said that 36 of the infected are returning passengers from South Africa, Britain, France, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Belarus, Hungary, Italy and Namibia.

It added that 11 others were infected in Israel through close contact with passengers returning from South Africa and Britain, while the remaining eight were infected in

Israel without being abroad nor in close contact with a returning traveller.

In addition, 13 of the 55 infected are unvaccinated or recovered more than half a year ago.

The ministry also reported another 51 cases with a high suspicion of infection with Omicron, but the results of their genomic sequencing tests have yet to be obtained. (ANI/Xinhua)
A fire at a Northeast Austin apartment complex early Saturday displaced 13 people, one dog and one cat, fire officials said.

No injuries were reported

According to the Austin Fire Department, about 4 a.m. Saturday fire crews responded to the apartment complex in the 1600 block of East Anderson Lane, where four units were on fire.

Fire crews and Austin Police officers helped evacuate apartment residents from balconies.

Five people and four police officers were seen by Austin-Travis County EMS medics for smoke inhalation but they refused medical treatment, according to the Fire Department.

Firefighters put out the fire around 4:45 a.m. The fire, which investigators said was triggered by improperly discarded smoking materials, caused an estimated $300,000 in structural damage and $100,000 worth of damage to the contents inside, fire officials said.

More: Preparing for the next winter storm: Travis County takes steps, but some ideas lack money

More: Pile of packages on porch leads Travis County deputies to find woman dead in Manchaca home

Austin American-Statesman reporter Natalia Contreras can be reached at 512-626-4036 or ncontreras@statesman.com. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook, @NataliaECG.

Update 1601 E Anderson Lane: 5 civilians, 4 APD officer were seen by AEMS for smoke inhalation, all refusing treatment. 4 apartments were involved in fire on our arrival, AFD units had a quick knock down of the fire and held it to the 4 units. Fire is out and under investigation. pic.twitter.com/f0uo0THenu  Austin Fire Info (@AustinFireInfo) December 11, 2021

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: 13 people, 1 dog, 1 cat, displaced after Saturday fire at apartment complex
Associated Press

Treasure hunters who believe they found a huge cache of fabled Civil War-era gold in Pennsylvania are now on the prowl for something as elusive as the buried booty itself: government records of the FBI's excavation. Finders Keepers filed a federal lawsuit against the Justice Department over its failure to produce documents on the FBIs search for the legendary gold, which took place nearly four years ago at a remote woodland site in northwestern Pennsylvania. The FBI has since dragged its feet on the treasure hunters' Freedom of Information Act request for records, their lawyer said Wednesday.
Hello, Bedford! It's Sunday, so let's get started with everything happening in our area today.

First, today's weather:

A partly sunny today and breezy, cool. High: 45. Low: 34.

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Here are the top stories in Bedford today:

64 Black-And-White Tuxedo Cats Rescued: Bedford residents who want to adopt a cat may find one at the New Hampshire SPCAs new Stratham Shelter. The Shelter is home to more than four dozen black-and-white tuxedo cats and kittens rescued Thursday from a Kensington, New Hampshire home. Police discovered the cats at the home of a couple in their 60s or 70s after the man was admitted to Exeter Hospital with an accidental gunshot wound he received cleaning a rusty gun. When police went to the address, they found the house "overrun with cats." The towns health officer condemned the home as it had toxic levels of ammonia from cat urine. When the New Hampshire Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals rescued the cats, they said more and more cats seemed to be coming from every corner of the house. Lisa Dennison, executive director of the New Hampshire SPCA, said taking in 64 cats and kittens at one time "is a large volume of cats" and they need a few weeks to get them ready for adoption. Anyone who wants to donate to help with their care, or adopt a cat or kitten, is asked not to call but to visit the SPCA Stratham Shelter website. You can read more here. (The Union Leader) Cline: Hospital Bed Shortage A Decades-Long Problem: New Hampshire hospitals are scrambling to find staffed hospital beds for severely ill COVID-19 patients. A dramatic surge in cases and understaffed hospitals is putting a strain on the health care system in the state. Nurses and doctors are giving their all, but there are more patients than available hospital beds. In a New Hampshire Journal article, Andrew Cline wrote that the shortage of hospital beds is a decades-long problem that is the result of restrictive state laws that make it easier for existing hospitals to expand rather than allowing new competitors to enter the market that could help prevent a shortage. You can read more here: (New Hampshire Journal) High Cancer Rates In Merrimack Investigated: On Friday, officials said they are continuing to investigate high rates of Kidney cancer in Merrimack to determine the impact of contaminated drinking water. Officials said it's too early to tell if there's a link between the number of cancer cases and environmental factors, but the numbers of kidney and renal cancers from 2009 to 2018 were higher than expected.The state Department of Health and Human Services has been looking into whether or not any of the cancers may have been caused by high levels of PFOA chemicals, also called "forever chemicals" from the Saint Gobain Performance Plastic Plant in Merrimack that has permanently contaminated wells and drinking water in Merrimack, Litchfield, and parts of Bedford. The state is planning to have virtual town halls to answer questions and address people's concerns. You can read more here: (WMUR)

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Today in Bedford:

The Craftworkers' Guild Annual Holiday Fair (10 a.m.)

Macrame Wine Bottle Tote & Wood Sign (1 p.m.)

From my notebook:

Animal Rescue League of N.H.: "We are excited and honored to have finalized a partnership with Chris' Hero Pets yesterday! This partnership will help to match shelter pets into loving homes with veterans." (Facebook)

Riddle Brook School, Bedford NH: "Congratulations to RBS Strings Club and Fourth Grade Chorus! They did a beautiful job at the Winter Concert!" (Facebook)

Bedford NH Police Department: "This Monday, Dec. 13th is the last day to drop off Toys for Tots donations at our POD!" (Facebook)

Bedford School District: "There will be a School Board Meeting starting at 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 13, 2021." (Facebook)





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 Paula Constance

About me: I am a freelance writer, author, and media producer. I am committed to media projects that empower, engage, and help make the world a better place.

This article originally appeared on the Bedford Patch
ALLEGAN  In the heightened environment of worry following the Oxford High School shooting of Nov. 30, jokes about carrying out a shooting at a school are no laughing matter, police and prosecutors are warning Allegan County parents.

Consequences have already resulted for four kids at Allegan County schools that have been charged with making false threats of terrorism in the last week by the Allegan County Prosecutor's Office.

Myrene Koch, Allegan County prosecuting attorney.

Whether or not the minors, whose ages and schools were not identified by the prosecutor's office, intended to carry out the threats or made them as an excuse to get out of school, law enforcement said they are taking a "zero tolerance approach."

"Any threat, real or implied, against a school, students, or staff is a crime and will be handled as such by law enforcement and my office," Allegan County Prosecutor Myrene Koch and Allegan County Sheriff Frank Baker wrote in a Dec. 9 letter to the parents of Allegan County schoolchildren. "Such crimes can be verbal, written, or posted on-line. It is not a defense to claim the threat is a joke, a hoax, or a way to have the school closed."

More: Districts all over Michigan grapple with copycat threats after Oxford shooting

More: 9 Muskegon County students face charges for threats made against schools

More: Fieger on Oxford lawsuit: Sister saw sibling get shot, 'narrowly escaped the bullets'

Koch told The Sentinel it didn't appear any of the four charged "had the means" to carry out the alleged threats at the time.

Still, police take every threat seriously.

"You don't know when there may be the means to carry these out," Koch said. "The safety and security of our students is so important, when one of these threats comes about there is a massive response from schools and from law enforcement who need to mobilize to investigate [...] It affects a great many people in our community."

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Shooting at Oxford High School

The 15-year-old Oxford student's shooting rampage, which killed four students and wounded seven others, affected schools across the state that closed out of caution as so-called "copy-cat" threats were investigated.

Subscribe: Subscribe to get unlimited access to your local coverage

In the Detroit area, dozens of children as young as 9 years old have been charged with crimes related to threats of violence at their schools, the Detroit Free Press reported.

Koch and Baker's letter notes that not only are there serious criminal consequences to making threats, ranging from misdemeanors to 20-year felonies, students may have to disclose these convictions when they apply for college and college scholarships, jobs and housing, affecting future plans.

"I encourage you to talk to you(r) students about the appropriate use of social media and the lasting consequences of making such threats," the letter reads. "By working together, we can provide our children the safe schools they deserve."

 Contact reporter Carolyn Muyskens at cmuyskens@hollandsentinel.com and follow her on Twitter at @cjmuyskens.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Allegan prosecutor charges 4 students with making threats
"Allyship" peaked as a hot term after the racial justice protests in the summer of 2020. Since then, its meaning and impact have been complicated by questions over what it looks like in action  what's "performative" or real.

Why it matters: Activists for racial justice say allyship is the support and empathy from other groups that forces change  think the end of South Africa's apartheid system and the 1960s civil rights movement.

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Movements don't die, even when moments  like protests over George Floyd's death  come and go, says Ai-jen Poo, founder of the National Domestic Workers Alliance.

"Real allyship is when the spotlight isn't on and when you're not in a moment: What are you doing to help strengthen the ecosystem of leadership that makes movements possible?"

State of play: Black Lives Matter rallies last summer raised awareness of discrimination and injustice for nearly all underrepresented people  not just Black Americans.

The BLM protests gave rise to rallies against anti-Asian hate, recognition of harmful Indigenous stereotypes, and awareness of violence against trans people.

Yes, but: Social support fatigue has set in and even set into motion a political backlash. This year's crusade against critical race theory is one example.

Searches for the word "allyship" peaked near the height of the Black Lives Matter rallies and has never recovered, per a Google Trends analysis.

Similarly, terms related to Asian hate peaked in the spring this year.

Fear of shame or saying the wrong thing often outweighs fear of the status quo, leading to inaction, says Emani Cannady, an organizer with the Black-led prison abolitionist group Harriet's Wildest Dreams.

The big picture: Allyship in the workplace is just as fraught with gaps.

At work, 77% of employees consider themselves allies to women of color, but only 21% consistently advocate for new opportunities for them, according to a McKinsey and Lean In 2021 report on women in the workplace. Just 10% mentor or sponsor women of color.

"The thing about allyship is it has to show up in everything  your day-to-day actions  [and that's] where a lot of employees don't always recognize where they have an opportunity to step up," said Jess Huang, a partner at McKinsey.

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What theyre saying: "It's important to qualify who is this allyship thing new for, or uncomfortable for?" says Jodi-Ann Burey, a speaker and writer who works at the intersections of race, culture and health equity.

That means potential allies need to let go of their own fears of a negative response, according to Cannady. "Whats important to you ... helping or your feelings?"

The bottom line: "Allyship is a verb," Cannady said.

"We need people to stand up and take the problems born of oppression as their own," says Burey.

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Members of the Barmy Army at Greenwoods sports bar in Victoria, London (James Manning/PA) (PA Wire)

The Barmy Army braved the early hours of Saturday morning to cheer on England from a London pub, but were left with little to celebrate as Australia stormed to a 1-0 Ashes lead.

Sliding from 220 for two overnight to 297 all out, they left Australia needing just 20 runs to secure a handsome fourth day victory.

Former England cricketer Ryan Sidebottom hailed the support of the passionate fanbase and put his faith in the absolutely brilliant England captain Joe Root to rescue the series.

Fans were out in force and in full voice as they gathered at the Greenwood Sports Pub and Kitchen in Victoria overnight to watch their heroes.

Sidebottom described the atmosphere as rocking, telling the PA news agency: The Barmy Army are absolutely immense, I mean when I played, and now they support us around the world.

And it means a great deal, you know, the support that we do get is phenomenal.

But some fans were seen holding their heads in their hands as England headed towards defeat.

The former left-arm paceman said while things have not worked in Englands favour so far, there is still time for it to turn around.

He said: Its not just about this Test match, its five tests and its gonna be difficult. Australia is a tough place to play.

For England to have any chance to win these Ashes, I think Joe Roots the man.

Ex-player Ryan Sidebottom

But we have an opportunity to do something special. And Joe Root and his team, its not gone to plan so far but you never know.

Heaping praise on Root, he said his captaincy has grown and grown in strength, adding: Joe Roots absolutely brilliant and for England to have any chance to win these Ashes, I think Joe Roots the man.

Story continues

Sidebottom said the late-night support shows what cricket means to the public and the Barmy Army, and recalled how knowing fans are behind you gives you that extra 5, 10 per cent as a player.

For me to be here, to be part of the Barmy Army is wonderful, supporting the team and getting behind England as best they can, even though theyre not there, theyre there in spirit, he said.

He added: As England players it does mean a lot.

Read More

Australia left sweating over fitness of David Warner and Josh Hazlewood

Joe Root stands by decision to bat first despite crushing defeat in Brisbane

England collapse hands Australia 1-0 series lead  day four of the Ashes

England rue another batting collapse as Australia win opening Ashes Test

England dismissed for 297 as Australia close in on victory at The Gabba

England to play fifth Ashes Test in Hobart
President Biden was briefed on the tornadoes that swept across the central U.S. overnight and pledged to work with the impacted states' governors and provide federal assistance as needed.

"This morning, I was briefed on the devastating tornadoes across the central U.S. To lose a loved one in a storm like this is an unimaginable tragedy. Were working with Governors to ensure they have what they need as the search for survivors and damage assessments continue," the president said.

The president's statement came just hours after Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear warned of "significant loss of life" and declared a state of emergency declaration. He also wrote a letter to Biden Saturday morning requesting federal assistance.

DEADLY TORNADOES RIP ACROSS ILLINOIS, KENTUCKY, MISSOURI, ARKANSAS, TENNESSEE: LIVE UPDATES

The White House also released a readout of a call between the president and Beshear Satruday morning, stating: "The President indicated that he has directed FEMA and other Federal agencies to provide the speediest assistance possible to impacted communities. The President and the Governor agreed to stay in contact throughout the day as search and rescue operations and damage assessments are ongoing."

In addition, Beshear said the death toll could reach between 70 and 100 dead, across five or more counties.

"I request that you declare an emergency disaster for the Commonwealth of Kentucky in response to a severe weather system that has produced numerous tornadoes," wrote Beshear.

KENTUCKY GOV. BESHEAR DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY AFTER DEADLY TORNADO, ASKS BIDEN FOR ASSISTANCE

White House press secretary Jen Psaki also tweeted Saturday, saying that the White House is "closely monitoring" the impacts of the storms that swept over the country, adding that "we are heartbroken by the devastation."

Psaki also said that the White House will provide the federal government's "full support" as needed.

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The massive amounts of debris is making it extremely difficult for search and rescue efforts, and the Kentucky National Guard has been deployed to provide assistance and support to impacted communities. The governor warned Kentucky residents to stay off the roads as emergency crews continue their response.

Heavy damage is seen downtown after a tornado swept through the area on Dec. 11, 2021 in Mayfield, Kentucky. Brett Carlsen/Getty Images

In addition, more than 200,000 customers remain without power in Tennessee and Kentucky on Saturday morning in the hours after the tornadoes tore through the region.
Alex Goodman knew something horrendous was occurring outside, as her house convulsed from a tornado that tore through western Kentucky "like a "bomb," killing dozens and forever changing the face of her town.

"You could definitely feel the house vibrating. The sheer force of the wind and the rain was incredible," the 31-year-old Mayfield resident and mother of a newborn said.

Lucky to be alive after the chaos died down, Goodman and her husband climbed the stairs from their basement and opened the front door, coming face to face with catastrophe.

"It looks like a bomb has exploded in our community," Goodman told AFP Saturday, hours after the disaster.

"We live in a very historic community and all our downtown history is gone," she lamented. "We have four historic churches, our courthouse, the bank -- they are all gone."

In drone footage posted by storm-chaser Brandon Clement, Mayfield appeared post-apocalyptic: city blocks leveled, with almost nothing salvageable; homes beaten down to their slabs; tree trunks stripped of their branches; cars overturned in fields.

Kentuckians were reeling from what is described as the deadliest tornado in the state's history. At least 70 people have been killed in Kentucky alone, and the toll may surpass 100, Governor Andy Beshear said.

About two dozen tornados tore across five states overnight in the American heartland, the Red Cross said, brutalizing several towns, leaving more than a quarter million homes without power, and triggering a massive rescue and recovery operation.

- 'Ground zero' -

Officials described Mayfield -- a city of 10,000 whose picturesque downtown has featured in Hollywood films -- as "ground zero" of the staggering storm.

Several structures collapsed entirely, while one warehouse was left barely standing, wobbly but defying gravity.

The Mayfield Consumer Products Candle Factory, where employees were working overtime for the holidays, was a mountain of twisted metal and debris.

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Ivy Williams was desperately searching through the rubble for his wife Janine, who he said was among about 100 people working in the factory when the tornado hit late Friday night.

"My daughter had called me and told me that the roof was off the building, and I came rushing on over here. When I got over here, it was just like this here. I mean, it wasn't a building, I didn't know what it was," Williams told CNN.

"And then I just jumped in to start helping as much as I could. I did grab two people out -- one lady and a guy. And from then on, I was calling my wife's name, Janine Williams, and I didn't get no response," he added.

One of his wife's coworkers later told him "that she was on the list, that they had pulled her out," Williams said. "But I don't know where they took her."

Emergency workers in yellow slickers combed through the candle factory wreckage searching for survivors, but Beshear prepared Mayfield residents for the worst.

"We're going to lose a lot of lives in that facility," the governor said. "It's a very dire situation."

- 'Four seconds' of pandemonium -

About 65 miles (105 kilometers) to the northeast, the smaller Kentucky town of Dawson Springs also suffered a catastrophic hit, with photographs showing block after block of destruction.

Resident Lori Wooton was at her daughter's home when the tornado unleashed its fury in an instant.

"It didn't seem like it lasted that long... three or four seconds and it was gone," Wooton told CNN.

"But then when we got out and started looking at the damage, it was just unbelievable."

str-sb-mlm/st
By William James and Humeyra Pamuk

LIVERPOOL, England (Reuters) -The Group of Seven richest democracies on Saturday sought to dissuade Russia from invading Ukraine, putting on a united front to warn of dire consequences for any incursion and urging Moscow to return to the negotiating table.

Led by British foreign minister Liz Truss, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the European Union and foreign ministers from France, Italy, Germany, Japan and Canada met in the northern English city of Liverpool.

The G7 meeting comes as the West frets over China's military and economic ambitions, the possibility that talks to prevent Iran pursuing a path to nuclear weapons could fail, and as Russia masses troops on the Ukrainian border.

A senior U.S. State Department official described the day's talks as "intense" and said there was still a diplomatic path to de-escalate the tensions with Russia.

"If they (Russia) choose not to pursue that path, there will be massive consequences and severe costs in response, and the G7 is absolutely united in that," she said. "The kinds of costs that we are talking about are designed to be implemented very very fast."

Addressing the opening session of the talks, British foreign minister Liz Truss had urged the G7 to speak with one voice.

"We need to defend ourselves against the growing threats from hostile actors and we need to come together strongly to stand up to aggressors who are seeking to limit the bounds of freedom and democracy," said at the start of the meeting.

Ukraine is at the centre of a crisis in East-West relations as it accuses Russia of massing tens of thousands of troops in preparation for a possible large-scale military offensive.

Russia denies planning any attack and accuses Ukraine and the United States of destabilising behaviour, and has said it needs security guarantees for its own protection.

"We need to take every action to return to dialogue," German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock told reporters. Germany takes over the rotating G7 leadership from Britain next year.

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Washington is sending its top diplomat for Europe, Assistant Secretary Karen Donfried, to Ukraine and Russia on December 13-15 to meet with senior government officials.

"Assistant Secretary Donfried will emphasize that we can make diplomatic progress on ending the conflict in the Donbass through implementation of the Minsk agreements in support of the Normandy Format," the U.S. State Department said in a statement.

COME TOGETHER

Ministers arrived at the Museum of Liverpool to a brass band playing Christmas carols, before starting behind-closed-doors meetings covering development finance, geopolitics and security. Later they left to take in the city's musical heritage over dinner at an exhibition telling the story of The Beatles.

Britain is calling for G7 members to be more strident in their defence of what it calls "the free world", and discussions focused on Russia, China and Iran throughout the day. A statement on the outcomes from the talks is due Sunday.

The United States, Britain, France and Germany met late into Friday night to discuss the way forward on Iran, following the resumption of talks in Vienna on reviving a 2015 nuclear deal.

Sunday's statement is expected to include a joint call for Iran to moderate its nuclear programme and grasp the opportunity to revive a multilateral agreement under which Iran limits its nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief.

(Reporting by William James, Humeyra Pamuk and Alexander Ratz; Editing by Andrew Heavens, Ros Russell and Mike Harrison, William Maclean)
The Middle Clear Fork Soil & Water Conservation District is accepting orders for 1-year-old evergreen and hardwood seedlings. The program's purpose is to provide affordable seedlings to allow landowners to plant a large quantity of trees for windbreaks.

Evergreen container seedlings of Afghanistan pine and Italian stone pine are $4.50 each. Hardwood bareroot seedlings such as sand plum, bur oak and pecan, are $3.50 each.

For information or to purchase seedlings, call 325-672-1781 or 325-665-5137. Final orders must be received by Feb. 7.

Eastland museum receives arts grant

EASTLAND  The Eastland County Museum has been awarded a $7,200 grant from Humanities Texas, a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Arts, the museum said in a recent news release.

The award, presented as part of the Humanities Texas Relief Grant program, which is intended to help cultural and educational organizations in Texas in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The program was funded through the National Endowment for the Humanities as part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

According to the release, the pandemic forced the closure of the museum for most of 2020 through August of 2021, leading to a loss of donations and other income. The museum, which closes for the winter Saturday, is expected to reopen in late February or early March.

This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: Business notebook: Seedlings on sale for windbreaks
By Mark Hosenball and Steve Gorman

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A California man charged with assaulting police in the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol and using a metal barricade as a battering ram has fled the United States and is believed to have taken refuge in Belarus, federal prosecutors said on Friday.

Evan Neumann, 49, was indicted on Friday on 14 criminal counts stemming from the deadly Capitol siege by supporters of then-President Donald Trump, expanding on charges originally contained in a criminal complaint filed against Neumann in March.

Neumann, of Mill Valley, California, near San Francisco, was seen in video footage donning a gas mask while standing near police in front of barricades set up at the base of the West Front of the Capitol Building, prosecutors said in a statement.

According to documents filed in the case, Neumann later removes his gas mask and shouts at the police, "I'm willing to die, are you?" before he physically assaults several officers and rushes into them using a barricade as a battering ram.

Neumann, who has yet to make a court appearance in the case, fled from the United States on Feb. 16 and "is currently believed to be in Belarus," the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia said in a statement.

According to an account published by news outlet the Daily Beast, Neumann was featured last month in a Belarusian state television special titled "Goodbye, America," recounting his journey to the former Soviet republic and its capital, Minsk.

He said on the program that he was seeking political asylum in Belarus because the United States, in his opinion, is no longer a country of law and order, the Daily Beast reported.

Neumann is one of more than 220 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement during the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, which disrupted a joint session of Congress meeting to formally certify the November 2020 presidential election victory of Democrat Joe Biden over Trump, the Republican incumbent.

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Neumann is believed to be the only international fugitive charged in connection with the Capitol riot.

The siege followed a rally near the White House earlier that day in which Trump exhorted supporters to march on the Capitol during a speech in which he repeated false claims that the election was stolen from him through widespread voting fraud.

Four people died the day of the riot, and one Capitol police officer died the next day of injuries sustained while defending Congress. Hundreds of police were injured during the multi-hour melee and four officers have since taken their own lives.

(Reporting by Mark Hosenball in Washington; Writing and additional reporting by Steve Gorman in Los Angeles; Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)
A Chicago police officer was denied bail Saturday, charged with murder in the shooting death of the 29-year-old mother of his 9-month-old after they argued about another woman, prosecutors said.

Pierre Tyler, 29, appeared before Judge Charles Beach during a hearing that was audio-streamed live on YouTube Saturday afternoon.

Tyler was charged with first-degree murder in the death of 29-year-old Andris B. Wofford, who died of a gunshot wound to the head, according to the Cook County medical examiners office and the Police Department.

The shooting happened between Dec. 7 at 4:30 p.m. and Dec. 9 at 9:49 a.m., Assistant States Attorney Craig Engebretson said in court.

Tyler and Wofford, who were in a dating relationship, share a 9-month-old child. Tyler also had another child with a different woman around the same time, Engebretson said.

On Dec. 5, Wofford learned that Tyler had a pending child support case with the mother of the other child and shortly after that, she mistakenly believed Tyler had married the woman and they quarreled.

On Wednesday, one of several surveillance cameras at her home showed Tyler walking into her place and a neighbor heard the two arguing about 7 p.m.

Around 8:30 p.m. or 9 p.m., the same neighbor heard a loud muffled bang and then no further yelling, Engebretson said.

At 9:01 p.m., cameras showed the front door slightly opening and then abruptly shutting, Engebretson said. Woffords body was later discovered just inside that door.

Within moments, Tyler was captured on video exiting the back door at 9:02 p.m., wearing what appeared to be a handgun in a holster on his back and carrying the same distinct keychain the victim was seen using earlier in the day, Engebretson said. Tyler is then shown leaving in his car.

At 9:11 p.m. Woffords father, who had been watching one of Woffords children, received a text message from her cellphone saying she would be there in a bit, Engebretson said. But Wofford never showed up and her cellphone was never found.

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After relatives could not reach her, Woffords body was found the next day with one shell casing next to her. Wofford, whose apartment was not ransacked and where there was no sign of forced entry, was still wearing her coat, Engebretson said.

Tyler at first was interviewed as a witness and he admitted going to her home between 4 and 9 p.m. and told detectives hed left a gun there, but police never found it.

He also told them hed left the apartment that night alone and in his personal car to meet a confidential informant on the West Side. But his partners said they do not meet CIs alone in their personal cars and they were not with him that night, Engebretson said.

Tyler was arrested after police viewed video footage and obtained a search warrant to search his gun range bag, where they found expended shell casings, one of which matched the one found next to Wofford.

Tylers attorney, Tim Grace, told the judge the case was largely circumstantial.

Grace said Tyler was a graduate of Prosser High School and a veteran of the United States Army. He served from 2010 through 2018, spending four years on active duty as well as four years in the National Guard. Additionally, he was deployed to Afghanistan and Kuwait, Grace said.

Hed reached the rank of sergeant and was discharged honorably from the service. He joined the Chicago Police Department in 2016 and has since received more than 60 departmental honorable mentions, and received the tactical award for excellence, Grace said.

He has three children, including one with Wofford.

He served his country and his city with honor, Grace said.

Officer Steve Rusanov, a police spokesman, said Tyler was relieved of police powers.

Tyler, who will be held in protective custody while at Cook County Jail, is due back in court Monday.
BEIJING (Reuters) - China has ordered some border cities to beef up vigilance against COVID-19 with measures such as mandatory testing for travellers, in its effort to prevent clusters caused by viruses arriving from abroad.

Since mid-October, locally-transmitted symptomatic cases have risen to more than 2,000, with several small northern towns on the borders with Russia or Mongolia, among the hardest-hit, as health resources there are sparser than in major cities.

"There have been multiple local outbreaks in China recently, all caused by viruses imported from overseas via cities with ports of entry," the government said in a notice, citing local areas' weaknesses in monitoring and failure to enforce measures.

People who intend to leave from border cities with overland ports of entry must show proof of negative test results within 48 hours before departure, said the notice, which excluded those from cities with ports of entry linked to Hong Kong or Macau.

Arrivals in such cities must take at least one COVID-19 test, added the notice by national authorities in charge of COVID-19 control.

The testing measures will run until March 15 next year.

In November, authorities in Beijing urged people not to travel unnecessarily to the Chinese capital from counties with overland ports of entry.

Some cities with entry ports could have tight curbs in "buffer" areas, but less tough measures outside, Saturday's notice said.

The measures aim to reduce disruption to livelihoods in areas dependent on cross-border trade, the national health authority said in a statement published alongside the notice.

(Reporting by Roxanne Liu and Ryan Woo; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
Here are the latest developments in the coronavirus crisis:

- Covid deaths hit four-month high in Peru -

Peru, the country with the highest Covid-19 death rate in the world, records more than 100 deaths on Friday, a figure not seen for four months.

The country begins requiring vaccine certificates in stores, banks and airports due to the increase in cases and deaths. It also bans social gatherings including ones in family homes over Christmas and New Year.

- Denmark sees Omicron surge -

Denmark sees 1,840 confirmed cases of the Omicron variant, health authorities say on Saturday, up by 44 percent from Friday. Earlier in the day, the Epidemic Commission raises the risk level for the spread of the infection to four, on a scale of five, indicating there is a "potential for a high disease burden".

- Mauritius sees first Omicron cases -

The Indian Ocean island nation of Mauritius records its first two infections of the Covid-19 Omicron variant, both linked to people returned from South Africa, with a dozen more contact cases feared.

Health Minister Kailesh Jagutpal tells a news conference the pair were asymptomatic and had tested negative the day before.

- France approves antibody therapy for high-risk cases -

French health authorities approve the use of an anti-body treatment made by AstraZeneca for high-risk people who show resistance to vaccines against coronavirus.

Evusheld, developed by the British-Swedish pharma company, this week received emergency use authorisation in the United States for adults and children aged 12 and above.

- Thousands protest compulsory jabs in Austria -

Tens of thousands gather in Austria's capital Vienna to protest mandatory Covid vaccines and home confinement orders for those who have not yet received the jabs.

Police say an estimated 44,000 people attended the demonstration, the latest in a string of huge weekend protests since Austria last month became the first EU country to say it would make Covid vaccinations compulsory.

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- Nearly 5.3 million dead -

The coronavirus has killed at least 5.29 million people since the outbreak emerged in China in December 2019, according to a tally from official sources compiled by AFP on Saturday.

The United States has suffered the most Covid-related deaths with 796,765, followed by Brazil with 616,691, India with 475,128, Mexico with 296,385 and Russia with 288,351.

Taking into account excess mortality linked to Covid-19, the World Health Organization estimates the overall death toll could be two to three times higher.

burs-paj-kd/ber/har/ah/pbr
LAJKOVAC, Serbia (AP)  Belquis Gonzales and her family enjoy something close to celebrity status in a small town in Serbia, where they live after fleeing Cuba five years ago.

While most emigrants from the Caribbean island go to the United States or Spanish-speaking countries, Gonzales and her husband chose Serbia  a rare country in Europe for which Cubans do not need visas - and arrived there via Russia.

We didnt know anything about Serbia, Gonzales told The Associated Press at the family's home in Lajkovac, a town about 80 kilometers (50 miles) southwest of the Serbian capital, Belgrade. "We had many doubts and many fears as well, but things have been a lot better than we had expected.

Still struggling with the aftermath of wars and sanctions in the 1990s, Serbia is far from a promised land for people seeking to build new lives after fleeing violence, repression or poverty at home.

While over a million refugees and migrants have arrived since the big migration wave into Europe in 2015-16, most were only on their way toward wealthy European Union nations further north and west.

Mirjana Milenkovski, who works in Serbia for the U.N. refugee agency UNHCR, said just 3,700 people have formally applied for asylum in the country since 2008, while 212 have received it.

Among them are seven Cubans, including Gonzales, her husband, Yordelis Pimienta, and their 11-year-old daughter, Islena Danay Pimienta.

They are a very good example of integration," Milenkovski said. This is one of the greatest success stories that we have here.

Even as Serbians have emigrated in large numbers for more prosperous countries, Gonzales said her family is happy with its new life.

Gonzales said the family left Cuba because of both political problems and lack of opportunities.

Though Cuba resembles a Caribbean paradise to outsiders, life there is difficult and the system does not favor the people at all. It rather limits them, Gonzales said.

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Once in Serbia, the family stayed in a center for asylum-seekers before being granted refugee status in 2019. UNHCR and Serbian authorities helped the couple find jobs in Lajkovac and move there.

Settled in a small apartment, Gonzales works at a nearby butcher shop and her husband at construction sites in the area. She didnt even seem to miss the Caribbean sunshine on a cold, windy day in late November.

What I like most about this country is that you see all the seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter," Gonzales said.

Unfamiliar with the ways of life in Europe, the Cuban family initially worried whether they would find acceptance. Gonzales said they faced no rejection or racism though people do stare at you, but its like out of curiosity.

They have managed to make friends and socialize despite long hours at work  and Gonzales also has taken accounting and Serbian language classes.

We have our friends and we enjoy each others company or birthday parties....We get along with everyone, she said. Everyone knows that we are the Cubans.

Some locals have commented on the traditionally good relations between Serbia and Cuba that date back to the era when Serbia was part of Communist-run Yugoslavia.

Unused to newcomers and astonished that someone actually moved from Cuba to their drab-looking town of several thousand people, residents of Lajkovac have stopped by the butcher's shop just to see Gonzales, or Belka, as she is nicknamed here.

"They want to know if the weather in Cuba is nice and if she would take them there," said Gonzales' employer, Dragana Isailovic.

____

Follow APs global migration coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/migration
Authorities say Sylvia Matthews called police about her accused stalker Michael Garrett at least twice on Dec. 3 before he allegedly killed her in her own home

An elderly Washington, D.C. woman, who authorities say had been stalked for years by a former inmate she previously met while working at a local jail, was allegedly killed by the same man in her own home eight days ago despite calling police multiple times about him that morning.

Sylvia Matthews, 71, was declared dead at a local hospital on Dec. 4, according to D.C. Metro Police, one day after they found her barely alive with a serious head injury in the basement of her home on Elmira Street in the citys southwest region.

Sylvia Matthews (via screenshot of WUSA)

Matthews accused stalker, Michael Garrett, 66, was also in the basement, according to WUSA-TV. He reportedly told police he had just arrived to check on Matthews and found her there, according to NBC Washington. Police arrested Garrett at the scene and charged him with assault with intent to kill. He has since been charged with second degree murder while armed, police told theGrio on Saturday.

WUSA reports Matthews met Garrett in 1998 while he was locked up in the jail where WBNS reports she worked as a corrections officer. He was out of jail on Jan. 22, 1999, when Matthews heard glass break upstairs in her home and discovered it was Garrett climbing through her bathroom window, according to court records obtained by WBNS.

Garrett reportedly chased Matthews outside her home before police arrived and found him hiding in a closet in Matthews basement, the news outlet reported. He was charged with stalking, assault with a dangerous weapon, destruction of property and multiple counts of burglary before ultimately being sentenced to 24 years in prison, according to multiple sources.

D.C. Superior Court Judge Robert Okun granted Garrett a compassionate release from prison two years early in March because of COVID-19 outbreaks at a D.C. jail, defying the wishes of the U.S. Attorneys Office, according to WUSA.

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Seven months later, on Oct. 7, Garrett was arrested again for allegedly threatening Matthews at the front door of her home. Fifteen days after that, police told reporters Garrett beat Matthews outside her home, but his prosecution was suspended for unnamed reasons, according to WUSA.

Matthews called police on Garrett at least twice during the morning of Dec. 3 when he appeared outside her home yet again, the local news site reported. The first call came around 7:30 a.m. when police said Matthews reported Garrett was breaking into her car and attempting to break into her house, per WUSA. Officers reportedly didnt find Garrett when they responded to the scene.

At 8:44 a.m. Matthews called once more to say she saw Garrett outside yet again. This time, he was on the phone with her, according to WUSA. Police who arrived on the scene reportedly took Matthews phone and told Garrett to leave her be, but he hung up.

Nearly two hours later, a fight reportedly broke out inside Matthews home, according to WUSA. Witnesses told authorities they heard and saw someone matching Garretts description yelling at Matthews and attempting to break into her house. Officers who arrived on the scene minutes later said they found Garrett in the basement with Matthews near-lifeless body, which had suffered apparent trauma.

One of Matthews relatives told reporters her family is devastated by her alleged killing.

Its like the system failed us, the unnamed relative told NBC Washington.

Have you subscribed to theGrio podcasts, Dear Culture or Acting Up? Download our newest episodes now!

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The post D.C. woman found dead after making multiple 911 calls about stalker appeared first on TheGrio.
Due to COVID-19, some meeting times might have changed or have been canceled. Call ahead to guarantee that the meeting is still scheduled.

Email your regular support group or club meetings for the Daily Calendar to americannews@aberdeennews.com. Include town, event, time, place and a number to contact if there are questions. Publication in this calendar is not guaranteed.

Today

Family history research: 10 a.m.-noon, free instruction on genealogical research. Individual consultation by appointment. Aberdeen Family History Center, 1103 24th Ave. N.E. 605-225-0407 or 605-290-7303.

Alcoholics Anonymous: 1 and 7 p.m. (all closed meetings), Yellow House, 519 S. Arch St. 605-225-1292.

Narcotics Anonymous: Open meeting, 8 p.m., Faith United Methodist Church, 503 S. Jay St. Use south door, downstairs. Jeff, 605-290-4675.

Aberdeen Area Genealogical Society: 1:30 p.m., K.O. Lee Aberdeen Public Library (location change), 215 SE 4th Ave. Bring a treat to pass and share family traditions. Bring your own drink.

Sunday

Family history research: 9 a.m.-1 p.m., free instruction on genealogical research. Individual consultation by appointment. Aberdeen Family History Center, 1103 24th Ave. N.E. Call 605-225-0407 or 605-290-7303.

Alcoholics Anonymous Sixth Sense: 10 a.m. spirituality meeting (closed/nonsmoking), 422 Fifth Ave. S.E. (west door); Rich, 605-380-4784.

Alcoholics Anonymous: 1 p.m. (closed meeting) and 8:30 p.m. (open meeting), Yellow House, 519 S. Arch St. 605-225-1292.

Narcotics Anonymous: Open meeting, handicapped accessible, 8 p.m., The Journey Church, 502 E. Melgaard Road. Jeff, 605-290-4675.

Alcoholics Anonymous Pin Night (open meeting): 8 p.m., Yellow House, 519 S. Arch St. 605-225-1292.

Monday

Alcoholics Anonymous: 1 and 8:30 p.m.; Big Book Meeting at 7 p.m. (closed), Yellow House, 519 S. Arch St. 605-225-1292.

Family history research: 1-3 p.m, free instruction on genealogical research. Individual consultation by appointment. Aberdeen Family History Center, 1103 24th Ave. N.E. Call 605-225-0407 or 605-290-7303.

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Steps 2 Recovery, Al-Anon family group: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., 422 5th Ave SE, #111 (west door), Aberdeen. steps2recovery57401@gmail.com.

Alcoholics Anonymous Sixth Sense: Back to Basics: 6 p.m. (closed/nonsmoking), 422 Fifth Ave. S.E. (west door). Rich, 605-380-4784.

Narcotics Anonymous: Open meeting, 7 p.m., Faith United Methodist Church, 503 S. Jay St. Use south door, downstairs. Jeff, 605-290-4675.

Gamblers Anonymous: 7 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, 1732 S. Main St. Kathy 605-225-8632.

Northeast South Dakota Spay and Neuter Coalition: 6 p.m., Brown County Courthouse basement, 25 Market St. 605-228-6563.

H.U.B. City Christian Riders motorcycle association: 7 p.m., Millstone, 2210 Sixth Ave S.E.

Minerva Chapter Eastern Star: 7:30 p.m., Masonic Temple, 503 S. Main St.

NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness) family support group: 6:30-7:30 p.m., west entrance, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1620 Milwaukee Ave. N.E., Brenda.Glasford@yahoo.com.

This article originally appeared on Aberdeen News: Daily calendar for Dec. 11, 12 and 13
The passenger was charged with disorderly behaviour and public drunkness, police said. aviation-images.com/Getty Images

A Delta flight to Los Angeles was diverted after a drunk passenger became violent, police said.

The 35-year-old allegedly assaulted a flight attendant and an air marshal.

He was subsequently charged with disorderly conduct and public drunkness.

A Delta flight was diverted Thursday after a drunken passenger allegedly assaulted a flight attendant and US air marshal, according to the Oklahoma City Police Department.

The flight, which was traveling from Washington to Los Angeles, had to make an emergency landing in Oklahoma City's Will Rogers World Airport.

According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the 35-year-old passenger was intoxicated and became "disruptive, causing a security concern," WUSA9 reported.

Oklahoma City Police Department said in a statement that the suspect was arrested after the plane had landed. He was subsequently charged with disorderly conduct and public drunkness.

"He was screaming," passenger Ana Cobian told WUSA9. "But everyone remained calm and everyone understood that we couldn't create more of a scene.

Oklahoma City Police Capt. Arthur Gregory told NBC News: "An air marshal on board intervened, at which point the passenger assaulted the air marshal," he said. "The air marshal was basically able to get them in custody."

Delta Airlines did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

The airline said in a statement to WUSA9: "Delta applauds the quick action and professionalism of the crew and federal air marshals on Delta flight 342 from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles, which diverted to Oklahoma City after a customer became unruly and was removed from the flight by local law enforcement."

Pennington was released Friday on bond, the Oklahoma County Detention Center told Fox News.

There have been multiple cases of unruly passengers on flights in recent months.

In October, a Delta Airlines flier was arrested after he allegedly punched another passenger. The dispute occurred after one of the passengers put an item in his seat pocket. In a video verified by NBC News, the two men fought in the aisle while several people attempted to restrain them.

In the same month, the US Department of Justice charged a 21-year-old Delta Airlines passenger who allegedly punched a flight attendant in the face and attempted to breach the cockpit.

Read the original article on Business Insider
DIGHTON  Two years ago Brockton native Lori J. Matta moved her farm that rescues and rehabilitates abused and neglected horses to Dighton.

Matta explains she's following a passion and a natural gift that goes back even further than the 32 years she has operated Apache Way Farm Rescue Inc.

When she was a child, stray cats would find their way to her house and she would take care of them. Even when her family went to the beach, dogs playing there would be drawn to her.

Lori J. Matta, left, owns Apache Way Farm Rescue Inc. in Dighton, where she rescues and rehabilitates abused and neglected horses. Cheryl Costa, right, is her volunteer assistant. They are working with horses Henry, left, and Chicklette.

Her two uncles worked with the horses at the Suffolk Downs Race Track for 23 years. From them, she learned at an early age what caring for horses was all about; they needed to be cared for with respect and love.

Career-wise, she joined the family business, a dance studio in Brockton and even spent time as a New England Patriots Cheerleader.

More: 'You can't lie to a horse': Berkley farms harness the power of equine therapy

But following her other family members' legacy, and her own passions, she took in her first rescue horse in 1989. She established "Apache Way Farm Rescue Inc.," now a nonprofit organization, in Middleboro in 1990. By then she had six rescue horses.

She took her horses with her when she moved to Florida in 2005, but she moved back to Massachusetts in November 2019, partly because she missed home and her family.

Lori J. Matta owns Apache Way Farm Rescue Inc. in Dighton, where she rescues and rehabilitates abused and neglected horses. She is seen here with Chicklette, a 28-year-old blind mini-horse who has undergone expensive eye surgery to ease glaucoma pain, though her eyesight could not be saved.

In other words, she's always followed her heart, in more ways than one.

"I've always wanted to be an American Indian," she said to explain the meaning behind her farm's name. "I like the respectful way they treated their animals. When I accept these abused animals, I say, 'You'll never be abused again.'"

Her farm on Williams Street in Dighton now includes five mini-horses and three large horses plus rescued goats and dogs. She hears about them from a variety of sources, local and national, public and private.

"I don't choose a rescue," she said. "I rescue whatever animal needs love."

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She calls her farm a "Forever Home Sanctuary."

"These animals have fought their last battle, from horrible physical abuse and total starvation to being squeezed into trailers headed to the slaughter house, all because no one cared about them," she said.

"I don't adopt them out. I keep them and care for them."

An important part of this caring and rehabilitation is allowing visitors to pet and brush her rescues, even as she advises anyone who approaches them to apply a gentle touch because the animals have suffered trauma at the hands of human handlers.

This interaction with and connection between the animal and humankind becomes mutually beneficial, she said.

"People with disabilities or veterans with PTSD get a different understanding of what the world is all about," she said. "They feel nothing but love."

Caring for her rescues sometimes means expensive medical procedures and certainly the cost of feeding them and keeping the fences around their corrals in good condition. It does get overwhelming sometimes, she said. Daily, she receives an "overabundance" of messages from people wanting to surrender their animals to her, she said.

"It's heartbreaking that I can't take them all."

To help pay her operating expenses she welcomes donations of money or volunteer labor or even sponsorship of an animal. She holds a summer camp at her farm and offers tours to a variety of groups.

The Dighton Scout troop and Eagle Scouts have donated their time to begin the badly needed repairs to her fences. She said she is needing more and more help as she gets older. But she doesn't regret a day of all these efforts.

"I love what I do and I do what I love," she said.

"This sanctuary has also been a second home to many families with physically challenged children, adults with Down syndrome, pre-teens suffering with anxiety and depression and veterans who suffer PTSD," she said.

"And a home for any club  Cub and Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Brownies, youth groups and high school volunteers  in the area who need experience with rescued animals in a safe learning environment or need volunteer hours. They can reach out to me on Facebook."

She said running her "sanctuary" costs a lot, "but to see the countless happy outcomes that pass my way makes it all worthwhile."

This article originally appeared on The Taunton Daily Gazette: Dighton Apache Way Farm Rescue: Abused horses find loving home
FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Europe's automotive sector has become too reliant on Asia and other regions for vital components such as semiconductors and battery cells, Bosch's outgoing chairman told a German newspaper.

Automotive Chips and battery cells have become the two most important components in the age of electric and autonomous vehicles, forcing European carmakers to rely on Asian suppliers as local industry has been slow to build capacity close by.

"Yes, we have become too dependent on other regions, and a change of course is needed," Bosch's Supervisory Board Chairman Franz Fehrenbach, who steps down at the end of the year, told Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.

"However, this is not the fault of politics, but is related to cost optimisation in the supply chain," he said. "The car industry is slowly asking itself how raw material supply will look like, particularly for battery cells."

German firms have outlined plans to claw back control, including Volkswagen which plans to build six large battery cell factories with partners in Europe by 2030.

A global shortage of automotive chips has highlighted the problem, causing the European Union to launch subsidy programmes to attract chipmakers to the continent.

Bosch, the world's largest automotive supplier, opened a 1 billion euro ($1.1 billion) chip plant in Germany this year, its biggest-ever investment, as it stakes a claim to equipping the latest electric and self-driving cars.

($1 = 0.8841 euros)

(Reporting by Christoph Steitz; Editing by Edmund Blair)
A former Missouri police chief says trauma played a large role in his assault of a suspect which ended his law enforcement career.

A federal judge on Tuesday handed down a five-year probation sentence to former Greenwood police chief Greg Hallgrimson, 52.

In an interview Saturday with The Star, Hallgrimson said he suffered after witnessing a baby floating unconscious in a pond. The childs father pleaded guilty to felony child abuse and was sentenced in August to 15 years in prison.

Attempted drowning

On Dec. 17, 2018, Jonathan Stephen Zicarelli, 31, walked into the police station and said he had killed his daughter. Hallgrimson and another officer rushed to the west side of Greenwood, where they found the six-month-old floating unconscious in an icy pond. The girl was pulled from the pond and treated for hypothermia, police said in a report. She survived after first responders performed CPR.

Zicarelli was arrested. His previous defense attorney, Susan Dill, told the Star in June that video from a body-worn camera showed Hallgrimson grabbing Zicarelli by the throat, throwing him to the floor, and punching him in the face, after the child was pulled from the pond. Zicarellis hands were cuffed behind his back at the time. On video, Hallgrimson was seen sitting on the mans chest and beating him, she said.

According to Dill, the police chief told Zicarelli: You deserve to die.

Her client suffered lacerations to his face and injury to his jaw, she said.

The video has not been released publicly.

Hallgrimson says he was taken off the case by his police captain, Steve Hawkins, and told to attend a 5:30 p.m. counseling session on the day of the assault.

The Greenwood Police Department started an investigation into him for excessive force in 2018.

Greenwoods Board of Aldermen placed Hallgrimson on administrative leave shortly after the assault accusations came to light. He resigned from the force on May 29, 2019.

He was indicted by a federal grand jury with violating the mans civil rights and pleaded guilty in August.

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Mental health and policing

Hallgrimson recalled immediately feeling traumatized from seeing the child face up and lifeless in the pond. He said in that instant, he knew he was going to need help mentally.

His police captain did the right thing, he said, and had him see a counselor at 5:30 p.m. on the day of the assault in 2018, but that does not always happen.

Before the incident, he had not sought consistent counseling. While he attended occasional sessions with a counselor at the police department throughout his career, he never felt relief. Instead, he would isolate himself, withdrawing from family and friends. The only solace seemed to come from a good workout session or debriefing with colleagues, who also faced trauma from their work in law enforcement.

When youre standing there with fellow officers its difficult to say you need help, very difficult. And the stigma with police officers is no weakness whatsoever. When youre with your brothers and sisters of law enforcement you never want to let that out, he said.

But while standing in solidarity and shedding tears with colleagues can be helpful, it is not a substitute for counseling, he said.

He said many of the officers he worked with have dealt with some form of anxiety or depression. But few speak openly about the affects of trauma.

Hallgrimson believes he would have been able to better deal with his experience if more leaders in policing spoke about their experiences and emphasized the importance of seeking help.

Police departments, he suggested, should set up monthly visits with professional psychologists for officers. And policies should allow officers who have witnessed a critical incident a chance to distance themselves from the case in its immediate aftermath.

Especially for new people coming up in the profession they need to understand whats going to take place in their own mind, he said.

Gov. Mike Parson signed legislation in late June that established a stress management program for officers recovering from traumatic incidents. The bill also requires they meet with a provider for mental health check-ins once every three to five years. It went into effect Aug. 28, 2021.

Former chiefs future

The felony deprivation of rights conviction means Hallgrimson can no longer serve as a police officer.

As far as what this situation has cost me, Ill be working till the day I die, Hallgrimson said of the assault.

He took cash out of his retirement savings in order to pay for legal fees.

A GoFundMe set up by community members to help out was shut down. The company canceled the fundraiser because it was supporting a criminal, he said

GoFundMe did not respond to a request for comment.

He has received a letter from the Missouri Peace Officers Standards and Training, a regulatory program that licenses peace officers, about the status of his license, but has been too nervous to open it.

Not being able to get back into a career that you knew was the one thing youre made to do, thats heartbreaking, he said of starting over in Tulsa, where he has since moved.

He has a new job, which he is excited about, but he says it does not provide health insurance. Without insurance, he has not been able to access mental health resources, forcing him to lean on his wife for support.

He hopes other officers will be able to look at his situation and choose to act differently in the face of trauma.

In the future, Hallgrimson said he wants to return to school and earn a certificate as mental health counselor for first responders.

He does not believe the oath he took as an officer ended when he left the department and still has faith in the justice system.

I know sometimes its viewed as as not fair, or overly aggressive. We have no other system in place. We have to believe, he said.
The FBI launched the National Use of Force Data Collection program in 2019.

The FBIs National Use-of-Force Data Collection could soon shut down due to the lack of police participation.

theGrio previously reported that the FBI launched the National Use-of-Force Data Collection program in 2019 to provide reliable statistics on law enforcement use-of-force incidents. Despite a presidential order, only 27 percent of police departments have supplied the data for the second year in a row. As a result, the FBIs collection effort is at risk of being discontinued, according to a report released by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), The Washington Post reports.

(Getty Images)

According to the FBIs website, the National Use-of-Force Data Collection provides facts about the circumstances and officers involved in use-of-force incidents. The data does not include specifics about cases, disclose the names of people involved, or provide opinions on whether uses of force were justified.

The system does list the gender, race, and ethnicity of subject(s) and whether the officer(s) was on duty or injured. The FBI does not publicly report data from any specific agency, only by state.

To participate, police and federal law enforcement agencies submit monthly use-of-force reports to the FBI data portal, including fatalities or injuries caused by police. In 2019, 44 percent of law enforcement agencies submitted information, and in 2020, only 55 percent participated, per the GAO report released Tuesday.

I think the lack of ability to have reliable and comprehensive data on police use of force is one of the biggest things that is, in my view, is hampering law enforcements objective, which is really to gain trust to the community, Jason C. Johnson, president of the Law Enforcement Legal Defense Fund, told ABC News.

Its an area that, were very clearly, it has struggled in recent years. And so it is critical that we have thorough, comprehensive data about police use of force.

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Nationwide, the majority of law enforcement agencies still close records or make them hard to obtain. They claim they are personnel matters, privacy violations, or ongoing investigations that could be compromised. They are backed by strong law enforcement unions and the law enforcement bills of rights that protect the privacy rights of officers over the publics right to know, theGRIO reported.

The Office of Budget and Management called on the FBI to compile the use-of-force database, with the goal of gaining 60 percent of cooperation from law enforcement agencies by end of 2022. If the goal is not met, the FBI was to end the data collection effort and explore alternatives for collecting law enforcement use-of-force data.

In the first two years of the program, the police data has not reached that level, per the report.

Due to insufficient participation from law enforcement agencies, the FBI faces risks that it may not meet the participation thresholds established in OMBs terms of clearance for publishing data from the National Use-of-Force Data Collection, and therefore may never publish use-of-force incident data from the collection, the GAO report says.

The report says the FBI data collection will be discontinued by the end of 2022 if more police departments dont participate.

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The post FBI may close police use-of-force database due to lack of officer participation appeared first on TheGrio.
Adam Bettcher/WireImage/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images

A federal judge dismissed My Pillow CEO Mike Lindell's defamation lawsuit against the Daily Mail.

Lindell sued the outlet for publishing a story claiming he had a secret affair with actress Jane Krakowski.

The judge said the lawsuit did not identify any statements "that a reasonable person would view as defamatory."

A federal judge dismissed MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell's defamation lawsuit against British tabloid the Daily Mail on Friday, according to court documents.

In January, Lindell sued the Mail for defamation and libel after the tabloid published a piece claiming that he and "30 Rock" actress Jane Krakowski had a secret affair.

The British tabloid had reported that Lindell courted Krakowski and that they started secretly dating in 2020 for nine months, based on a tip from "an anonymous friend." Days after the article was published, both Krakowski and Lindell denied the story, and in his suit, Lindell claimed that he had never heard of Krakowski.

In the Friday ruling, US District Court Judge Paul Crotty wrote that Lindell had not attached the full article to his lawsuit, but that the Mail had as part of their defense.

"Dating an actress  secret or not  would not cause 'public hatred,' 'shame,' 'ridicule,' or any similar feeling towards Lindell," Crotty wrote, adding that Lindell's lawsuit "has not identified any statements in the Article that a reasonable person would view as defamatory."

In the lawsuit, Lindell claimed that the story caused him "personal harm and emotional distress," largely because the piece alleges that Lindell sent Krakowski alcohol.

The article said Lindell had "wooed Krakowski with flowers and champagne," and in his lawsuit, he mentioned the Lindell Recovery Network, a substance abuse recovery platform he created, alleging that the story has hurt his reputation and ability to provide services.

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"As a recovering addict and alcoholic, who frequently writes and speaks about his spiritual triumphs over substance abuse, Mr. Lindell is horrified by the defendants' fabricated and very public accusations," his lawsuit said.

Crotty found Lindell's claims to be insufficient to qualify as defamatory, according to the ruling.

"The purchase of alcohol is a legal and ordinary act," Crotty wrote. "If even more problematic depictions of alcohol consumption, such as underage drinking or alcoholism, routinely fail to qualify as defamatory in New York courts surely no reasonable reader could find it offensive to exchange champagne or other bottles of liquor as gifts between romantic partners."

The judge added that he "declines to test the Article's statements by asking how they would be understood by an amorphous subset of evangelical Christian readers."

Insider reached out to the attorneys representing the Daily Mail and Mike Lindell for comment. A representative for Krakowski did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment on the dismissal.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Volusia County Corrections

Police arrested a student in Florida for allegedly plotting a shooting after two students reported him to campus security.

The students said the suspect was making references to the Columbine High School shooting on Snapchat.

His arrest comes less than two weeks after a shooting at Oxford High School in Michigan which killed four students.

Snapchat messages tipped off two concerned college students who helped prevent a potential school shooting in Florida.

Police in Daytona Beach, Florida arrested 19-year old John Hagins on Thursday for allegedly planning a shooting on the campus of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Hagin's arrest comes less than two weeks after a shooting at Oxford High School in Michigan which killed four students and injured at least seven others.

According to Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young, police were alerted to the potential threat by campus security after two students reported they were "very concerned" by Snapchat messages from Hagins referencing the 1999 Columbine High School shooting in Littleton, Colorado.

When police detained Higgins, they found a backpack in his apartment containing a collapsible rifle and several boxes of ammunition. Investigators later discovered several social media messages written by Hagins that outlined his plan to use the gun and ammunition on campus, as well as indication that he sold his car in order to purchase the firearm.

"We could have had a tragedy unfold today," Young said in a press statement. "Instead, these students reported it to the school and that allowed us to get to work right away and bring Hagins into custody before he could carry out his plans. We thank them all for seeing something and saying something."

The Daytona Beach Police Department said detectives are still trying to identify a motive, but discovered that Hagins was performing poorly in his classes and had been involved in a traffic infraction on campus the day before his arrest

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After processing, Hagins will be moved to Volusia County Jail, where he will be held without bond on charges of written threats to injure or kill, terrorism, and attempted first-degree homicide.

"The point I want to drive home is the importance of, if you see something, you say something. This is the way we combat what's going on in this country right now," Young said in a press conference on Thursday morning.

He continued: "The credit truly goes to those two students who stepped up, came forward, and brought this to our attention."

Ethan Crumbley, the suspect in the Oxford High School shooting, also allegedly posted allusions to violence and death on his social media accounts leading up to the event, including sharing a threat on Twitter the day before the shooting, according to a lawsuit filed against the school on behalf of two survivors.

"Previous to the November 30, 2021 incident, Ethan Crumbley posted countdowns and threats of bodily harm, including death, on his social media accounts, warning of violent tendencies and murderous ideology prior to actually coming to school with the handgun and ammunition to perpetuate the slaughter," the lawsuit states.

According to the lawsuit, on the night before the shooting Crumbley tweeted "Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds. See you tomorrow Oxford."

Read the original article on Business Insider
A 21-year-old Florida man has been charged with first-degree intentional homicide-use of a deadly weapon after prosecutors say he stabbed another man to death on a Greyhound bus in November that was traveling from Milwaukee to Madison.

Drew Bennett of Panama City, Florida, faces life in prison for the incident. According to the Waukesha County Sheriff's Office, emergency personnel responded to the incident about 6:08 p.m. Nov. 18 in a parking lot near Point Burger Bar, W229 N1400 Westwood Drive, in the City of Pewaukee.

Bennett was charged Dec. 10 in Waukesha County Circuit Court, online court records show.

According to a criminal complaint:

The bus driver called to report an injury to a male passenger who walked to the front of the bus to report that he had been assaulted. The bus pulled off the interstate and parked in a lot on Westwood Drive.

When deputies arrived, they found a man with an apparent knife wound to his neck who was unconscious and not breathing. Passengers performed CPR on the man outside the bus, but life-saving measures were unsuccessful.

After the victim, who was not identified, was declared dead, all of the 14 passengers on the bus were removed via a backdoor. Deputies conducted a search of the bus and observed blood spattered in several areas. They also discovered a knife sheath in the back of the bus.

Deputies eventually identified Bennett as someone who was potentially involved in the incident. Bennett, who was with his grandmother, was traveling from Florida to visit his mother.

Bennett's grandmother told deputies she was sleeping when the bus was on Interstate 94 and when she woke up, she saw the victim bleeding. Bennett, his grandmother and the victim were all sitting in the back of the bus.

Another passenger reported hearing a commotion, looked to the back of the bus and saw the victim covered in blood. The victim fell into the passenger's arms and said something like "I have been stabbed."

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The passenger said he looked behind him and saw Bennett with a distressed look on his face. Deputies later found a sharpening stone for a knife in Bennett's backpack.

Deputies also discovered a knife with a wooden handle that was covered in what appeared to be blood on the bus.

The complaint noted at the last stop before the stabbing took place, Bennett was seen on video getting off the bus with the knife in a sheath in his hand.

During an interview with police, Bennett initially denied stabbing the victim but then admitted to doing so.

When talking about the incident, he said he heard voices on the intercom and from other passengers on the bus saying something "about a secret mission" and thought he was saving a woman and child.

Bennett's cash bail was set at $1 million. He has a preliminary hearing scheduled for Dec. 22.

Contact Evan Frank at (262) 361-9138 or evan.frank@jrn.com. Follow him on Twitter at @Evanfrank_LCP.

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Florida man fatally stabbed passenger on bus in Pewaukee: Police
Ford plans to increase production of the all-electric Mustang Mach E next year with the goal of tripling its current capacity by 2023 to meet "incredible demand," CEO Jim Farley tweeted late Friday.

This is the first time the automaker has provided specific outlook for the Mustang Mach E.

Ford said in November that it would increase its production capacity of electric vehicles to 600,000 units globally by 2023  a goal that would be spread across the Mustang Mach E, F-150 Lightning and commercial E-transit vans. If Ford hits that 600,000 figure it would double the number it had expected to produce over the next two years.

The tweet from Farley reads: "It's hard to produce Mustang Mach Es fast enough to meet the incredible demand, but we are sure going to try. So starting in 2022 we are increasing production and expect to reach 200,000+ units per year for North America and Europe by 2023. That's 3X our 2021 output."

Ford confirmed to TechCrunch that it will be able to increase production capacity of the Mustang Mach E by building some of the vehicles at its factory in Cuautitlan, Mexico.

The tweet came the same day that Automotive News reported Ford was delaying the start of production of battery-electric versions of the Explorer and Lincoln Aviator crossovers by about 18 months, according to memos sent to suppliers and viewed by Automotive News. The EV versions of the Explorer and Aviator were supposed to be assembled at its Cuautitlan, Mexico factory.

Its hard to produce Mustang Mach-Es fast enough to meet the incredible demand, but we are sure going to try. So starting in 2022 we are increasing production and expect to reach 200,000+ units per year for North America & Europe by 2023. That's 3x our 2021 output.  pic.twitter.com/xSMbuHxdEN  Jim Farley (@jimfarley98) December 10, 2021

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

Ford has previously said it expected sales to be around 50,000 Mustang Mach E vehicles for the first year of production (MY 2021) in North America and Europe. Ford has sold 15,602 Mach Es in Europe through the end of the third quarter and 24,791 through end of November in the U.S., according to the company's latest sales data. At 40,393 vehicles to date, the company should hit its 50,000 sales goal.
Miami attorney Aaron Patrick Honaker successfully robbed only two of the five banks he hit last year between Coral Gables and Aventura, according to a criminal complaint filed in a Miami federal court

That was enough for the now-former attorney to receive a sentence of 40 months in prison for committing a string of five bank robberies and attempted bank robberies in South Florida in September and October 2020.

U.S. Attorney Juan Antonio Gonzalez of the Southern District of Florida and FBI Miami Special Agent in Charge George L. Piro announced the sentencing on Thursday.

Honaker, 42, could have been sentenced to 60 months based on recommended sentencing guidelines. United States District Court Judge Marcia G. Cooke sentenced Honaker to 40 months and a term of four years under supervision after his release.

Honaker was disbarred in April, according to Florida Bar records.

A guilty plea

According to the U.S. Attorneys Office, Honaker pleaded guilty in August for attempting to rob a Citibank in Coral Gables in September 2020. He also admitted that days later he robbed a Chase Bank in Aventura.

Prosecutors successfully argued that Honaker also tried to rob a Wells Fargo Bank and an HSBC Bank and robbed a Chase Bank, all in Coral Gables in October 2020.

Honaker admitted to police that he knew each of the tellers that he approached during the robberies were scared as a result of his conduct, the U.S. Attorneys Office said in a news release. Honaker told law enforcement that he carried a hammer into the banks to escape any glass mantraps potentially triggered by bank security.

The arrest

Coral Gables police arrested Honaker on Oct. 20, 2020  five days after the attempted robbery of the HSBC Bank. Detectives spotted and recognized Honaker from surveillance footage. After Honaker and a detective locked eyes, a chase ended inside a parking garage near Alhambra Circle.

Honaker was arrested and had with him a hammer and demand notes. His stashed backpack also held a change of clothes, toiletries and his passport, and he said the TD Bank on Alhambra Circle was next on his robbery attempt list, according to the arrest report.

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The sentencing letter

In a sentencing letter submitted on behalf of Honaker, a fellow inmate described him as kind-hearted, respectful, smart and a willing to give you the shirt off his back kind of guy, and that he easily gains the respect of other inmates (which is not an easy feat), the ABA Journal reported.

Honaker used his legal background  which included three years at Greenberg Traurig from 2008 to 2011  to assist other inmates with their cases, the sentencing letter said.

An explanation

According to the transcript of his detention hearing, filed with court documents in October 2020, Honaker told law enforcement he was homeless and on bad terms with his family and did not want them to be called on the day of his arrest.

According to the court documents, he quit his career and went off the grid by traveling extensively around the world. Honakers passport indicated he had been to China, Mexico, the Philippines, Peru, Ecuador and all over the Caribbean Islands.

When arrested, he asked law enforcement to contact his fiancee, who lives in Colombia.

According to the court transcript, she told them she had filed a missing persons report in South Florida because Honaker was supposed to return to Colombia to live there with her permanently.
Ohio First Lady Fran DeWine read "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" to 10 students in Lisa Green's preschool class at the South Lawn Campus of Coshocton County Head Start. DeWine made similar visits in Mt. Gilead and Fredericktown to promote the Ohio Imagination Library reaching more than 300,000 kids in Ohio from birth to age 5.

COSHOCTON  Ten students in Lisa Greens preschool class at the South Lawn Campus of Coshocton County Head Start had a special guest on Thursday.

Ohios First Lady Fran DeWine read The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle to the class. She asked the children questions as she read and had them count along with images in the classic picture book. Each student received a copy of the book to take home.

I like this book because its very colorful and all the children love it, DeWine said. I find a lot of them know the story. Thats fun too, because they know whats coming and get excited.

DeWine made similar stops at the Head Start and Child Care Center in Fredericktown and the Mt. Gilead Public Library. The tour was to celebrate the Ohio Governors Imagination Library reaching 300,000 enrolled kids from birth to age 5 across the state, or 43% of the state population for the age group.

The program is free to all children in the state. They receive one age-appropriate book each month in the mail. The first received is The Little Engine that Could and the last is Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come.

As of Dec. 1, there were 301,457 kids in the program, which is partnered with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Coshocton County had 1,088 children enrolled, or 47% of the eligible populace. That places it in the top 32% of Ohio counties by percentage of population.

The local affiliate partner helping to register kids and distribute books is the United Way of Coshocton County.

DeWine said about 80% of a childs brain is developed by the time they are 3 and studies related to kindergarten readiness scores showed program participants scored higher than those not receiving the books.

Its a great way for our families to have that time reading and bonding together. Its just not your mom and dad who is going to read to you, but brothers, sisters, everyone, she said.

DeWine said she became aware of the program while babysitting her grandchildren one day when books arrived in the mail.

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It was instantly a read to me moment. They ripped the plastic off and wanted me to read it, DeWine said. I thought this is such a wonderful thing, wouldnt it be great if every child in Ohio could have this opportunity to get these books in the mail and read them.

Susan Craddock, executive director of Coshocton County Head Start, said they try to register all of their students for the Imagination Library. About 60% to 70% are currently signed up, she said.

Ohio First Lady Fran DeWine with a card made for her by 10 students in Lisa Green's preschool class at the South Lawn Campus of Coshocton County Head Start. She read "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" to the kids and each received a copy of the book to take home.

A lot of times our parents dont have transportation, they cant get to the library, so it just gives them bonding time. Also, language and literacy are so important at this age and children using their imagination, Craddock said of the program.

One can register at ohioimaginationlibrary.org or their local library.

llhayhur@coshoctontribune.com

@llhayhurst

740-295-3417

This article originally appeared on Coshocton Tribune: Fran DeWine promotes Ohio Imagination Library in Coshocton
Elevated petroleum levels have now been detected in a water sample taken near a second Navy water well in Hawaii, that  until operations were suspended Dec. 3  provided water to service members and their families at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

The Navy maintains that the Aiea-Halawa well itself is not contaminated, but the state of Hawaii has questioned that assertion. The disagreement has now led a U.S. senator to call for the involvement of the Environmental Protection Agency as the lead agency in the investigation.

The revelation follows the discovery of petroleum products in the Navys Red Hill well earlier this month, which fouled the water for residents at the joint base, sickening many.

The new sample, taken Dec. 5 from an off-service section near the Aiea-Halawa well, showed signs of total petroleum hydrocarbons, according to the Navy. That term is used to describe a broad family of several hundred chemical compounds that originally come from crude oil, according to the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry in Atlanta.

This sample did not come directly from the Navys Aiea-Halawa Well and the Navy does not believe it indicates contamination of the Navys Aiea-Halawa Well, the Navy said in a news release Thursday. The Halawa well has not been used since Dec. 3, and a sample from that day, before the well was off service, indicated that the water was safe.

Even so, the Hawaii Department of Health voiced concern and recommended that all Navy water system users steer clear of using the water for drinking, cooking, oral hygiene or for pets.

Ernest Lau, manager and chief engineer for the Board of Water Supply, said the Navy informed the city agency on Wednesday that a high level of diesel fuel was found in samples near the Aiea-Halawa water shaft.

I got a call a couple hours later, from the same person in the Navy, basically trying to downplay the test result as not indicative of whats in the aquifer, " Lau said. So my question to that individual was: Wasnt the water in that pipe you took the sample from coming out of that shaft? If its not coming out of the shaft, where did the diesel come from?

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Navy secretary suspends operations at Red Hill fuel storage facility following water contamination

Honolulu Board of Water Supply officials have urged more sampling to determine the source of the pollution and figure out which way the contaminated groundwater beneath the Navys tanks is flowing, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, says he wants the EPA to be the lead agency handling collection, testing, analysis and public communication of the water crisis.

We cant afford another day of the Navy and the state and county agencies disagreeing on the basic question of whether the drinking water is safe, he said in a statement Thursday.

Currently, the EPA is providing support, Julia Giarmoleo, an agency spokesperson, told the newspaper. The EPA isnt independently testing the water, but reviewing Navy test results, she said.

The Red Hill well was shut down Nov. 28 following reports from residents that their water smelled like fuel, but service officials initially said the water was safe to drink and use. It wasnt until Dec. 3, after water samples were sent to mainland laboratories, that testing revealed the presence of petroleum products.

Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro issued a memo Wednesday suspending operations at the Red Hill fuel storage facility until the Navys U.S. Pacific Fleet investigation ends, and the continued isolation of the Red Hill and Halawa wells the Navy operates.

I regret I did not tell our families not to drink the water, Hawaii joint base commander says

Even so, the Navy informed Hawaii officials it was contesting a state order demanding that the suspension remain in effect until independent evaluators can ensure that appropriate actions have been taken to protect drinking water.

State officials want the Navy not only to treat contaminated drinking water but also remove all fuel from the massive 20 underground storage tanks at the complex called the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility.

The Navys water system serves about 93,000 people in and near Pearl Harbor and nearly 1,000 military households have complained about their tap water. The system serves five Navy, three Air Force and two Army housing communities.

Within Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, there are about 7,000 housing units for families from all the service branches. Of those, about 1,400 are in areas that have been affected by these water issues, said Chuck Anthony, spokesman for the joint base.

During a news briefing Friday, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is getting daily updates on the water situation in Hawaii.

In fact, he took a briefing by the chief of naval operations [Thursday night] about their progress, mitigating measures, investigative process, how theyre taking care of families that have been displaced, as well as medical care for those who have sought medical care, Kirby said.

So, he is personally monitoring this very seriously, Kirby said. [He] wants to make sure, first and foremost, that the health and well-being of our people are being are being considered and looked after. And hes aware of what the Navy has been trying to do to get people temporary lodging and make sure that they get safe potable water and to restore the plumbing and their housing so that they can go back home.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
BELGRADE (Reuters) - Hundreds of people in Serbia braved sleet and cold weather to block roads across the country for the third straight weekend on Saturday to protest government plans to allow Rio Tinto's open a lithium mine.

To bolster economic growth, Serbia's government has offered mineral resources to foreign investors including China's Zijin copper miner and Rio Tinto.

Green activists say the mining projects will pollute land and water in the Balkan country which is already heavily scarred by industrial pollution.

The protests have become a headache for the ruling coalition ahead of April 3 general elections.

After the first weeks of protests, conservative President Aleksandar Vucic sent an expropriation law, contested by green groups, which allowed swift acquisition of property by the state, back to parliament for reworking.

On Friday, parliament also introduced amendments to a referendum law, including the removal of a requirement for payments of fees by civic groups to launch referendum initiatives.

Critics said the two laws were have been pushed through to ease construction of the mine.

But that does not go far enough, said Aleksandar Jovanovic Cuta, head of the Ecological Uprising civic organisation.

"There will be no respite until Rio Tinto is expelled from Serbia and until lithium mining ... is banned permanently," he told reporters.

Protesters brought traffic to a standstill along a highway in the Novi Beograd neighbourhood and scuffled with a driver who attempted to plough his way through.

"We (must) defend ourselves from these crazy projects which are envisioning construction of tens of mines in Serbia," said Irena Radovanovic, a student from Belgrade.

Lithium is in big global demand as a vital ingredient in batteries for electric cars, while another expected mining product, borates, is used in solar panels and wind turbines.

Rio has promised to adhere to all domestic and EU environmental standards, but environmentalists say the planned $2.4 billion mine in Serbia would irreversibly pollute drinking water in the area.

(Reporting by Aleksandar Vasovic; Editing by Ros Russell)
A group of migrants apprehended by Texas Department of Public Safety officers, who will be charged with criminal trespassing, wait by the side of a road in Kinney County on Nov. 15, 2021. (Kirsten Luce/The New York Times)

BRACKETTVILLE, Texas  Magdaleno Ruiz Jimenez huddled under a waxing moon in the rough brush of a Texas ranch. His journey to the small border community of Brackettville had been long, about 1,300 miles from his home in Chiapas, Mexico. But now a drone was buzzing overhead.

A lone officer, Sgt. Ryan Glenn, emerged from the darkness. He had a flashlight and a screen with coordinates for where Jimenez and six other men could be found on the cold caliche, blobs of heat visible to an infrared camera on the overhead drone. More officers soon arrived.

I spent everything to get here, Jimenez said after the officers wrested him and the other men from the brush.

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The men assumed they had been detained by immigration officers for illegally crossing into the United States. They were wrong. Instead, they were arrested on charges of trespassing on a vast private ranch by highway patrol officers from the Texas state police.

For several months, Texas has been engaged in an effort to repurpose the tools of state law enforcement to stem the sudden increase of people crossing illegally into the country.

To do this, Texas officials led by Gov. Greg Abbott developed a way around the fact that immigration enforcement is a federal government job: State and local police departments partner with the owners of borderland ranches and use trespassing laws to arrest migrants who cross their land.

Thats an effective way of sending a message, Abbott said, flanked by nine other Republican governors, at a news conference along the border this fall. If you come into the state of Texas illegally, you have a high likelihood of not getting caught and released, but instead, arrested and jailed.

The new approach relies on the participation of local officials and, so far, it has been adopted in two of the states 32 border region counties: Kinney, which includes Brackettville, and Val Verde, its neighbor to the west.

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State officials could not say what effect, if any, the program has had on reducing illegal crossings, which have surged to at least 1.2 million in Texas so far this year, the highest recorded figure in more than two decades. (It remains unclear how many migrants are trying to cross multiple times.) But the operation has upended life both for the migrants caught up in its ad hoc processes and for the rural residents living under its net.

Perhaps nowhere has that been more acutely felt than the town of Brackettville, a former frontier outpost of 1,700 known for its surrounding hunting and cattle ranches, an old fort that once housed the armys Black Seminole scouts, and an aging replica of the Alamo built for a John Wayne film.

Lately, it has been flooded with state police.

High speed chases are so frequent that the local school installed rock barriers to protect against crashes. Helicopters patrol the night sky. Ranchers, who are mostly white, lock their doors and carry pistols around their properties, which many never did before. Town residents, a majority of whom are poor and Hispanic, complain they are routinely followed by officers newly assigned to the area.

That happens to a lot of people here in Brackett, said the mayor, Eric Martinez, using the nickname for the town. He said he was followed and then pulled over after leaving a City Council meeting because, the officer told him, his license plate light was not bright enough.

The police push is part of an ongoing clash between Abbott and the Biden administration over how to handle the increase of arrivals at the border with Mexico. Federal agents have been rapidly expelling migrants under a public health rule, but Abbott argues that the government has done little to halt the flow. He has dedicated $3 billion for a series of measures at the border, including sending state police and troops from the Texas State Guard, creating a border barrier with shipping containers and using the National Guard to construct several miles of fencing along the Rio Grande.

But the arrests of migrants for criminal trespassing has been a more disruptive element of what is known as Operation Lone Star, crowding courts and local jail populations and raising alarm among defense lawyers and advocates for migrants.

A spokesperson for U.S. Customs and Border Protection declined to comment on the initiative, and federal agents are not partnering with the state police in making trespassing arrests.

Rep. Joaquin Castro, a San Antonio Democrat, has asked for a federal investigation of Operation Lone Star, saying in a letter this fall to the Justice Department that the program was wreaking havoc on Texas judicial system and has directly led to a violation of state laws and constitutional due process rights.

The men arrested under the program, some 2,000 so far, have often been held for weeks without access to lawyers. More than 1,000 are being held in state prisons that were repurposed to house them. (Women and children have been turned over to federal agents.)

Because the process is new, and taking place in small rural counties, the usual system for assigning criminal defense lawyers has been overwhelmed. Kinney County has also struggled to file arrest paperwork in the time required by law.

After their arrests, migrants are transferred to a single processing center, a large tent in the border town of Del Rio  where a surge of Haitian migrants flooded the community earlier this year  and then transferred to repurposed state prisons in other counties.

While the state police checks identification documents of those arrested, the men are not turned over to federal authorities until the end of their cases, a process that, so far, has often lasted several months. Among those who have gone before a judge, most have had their cases dismissed or have been released on bond as they await hearing dates, their lawyers said.

And many of those released who have sought asylum have been allowed to stay in the United States to pursue their cases, defense lawyers said, unlike those apprehended at the border by federal authorities, because the public health rule that is used to rapidly expel migrants applies to new arrivals, not those already in the country.

Still, many have languished in state prisons awaiting a hearing, raising constitutional concerns.

Despite the extra law enforcement, the tide of migrants across the U.S. border has continued, and tensions have grown in Kinney County. Officials have discussed bringing in a militia group, Patriots for America, for help, or hiring private security contractors with experience in Iraq and Afghanistan. The county has been soliciting donations through a religious fundraising site so it can curb the invasion of America.

More than 50 Kinney County ranchers have signed up with the Texas Department of Public Safety to allow the state police to patrol on their property and arrest people for trespassing, the agency said.

In interviews, ranchers who signed up for the program described feeling increasingly unsafe on their land, because of the possibility of running into groups of migrants, although none of the ranchers said they had been assaulted or threatened. They trade information via Facebook and by text message and share stories on the latest bailout  a familiar local term for the end of a police chase in which migrants attempt to run from a car or truck, often after it has crashed.

Seated on the oak-shadowed patio of their ranch, a few head of cattle walking slowly nearby, Bill and Carolyn Conoly said the situation this year was the worst they could remember.

Were constantly repairing, Conoly said, referring to ranch fences that are bent or cut. We keep the doors locked, and I have a gun available.

Motion-activated cameras on the ranch capture images of passing migrants, information that helps the state police locate them. Earlier that day, cameras had picked up a large group walking through the Conoly family ranch; police caught up with the migrants at night on an adjacent ranch  14 men and one woman.

For months, the Conolys have also had constables from Galveston, just south of Houston and about 370 miles away, staying in their white stucco guesthouse.

If it makes a difference, I dont know, said one of the constables, Lt. Paul Edinburgh, who had never been to the border before. But its better than me sitting on the couch reading about it.

Around 9 p.m. on a recent weeknight, a row of state highway patrol SUVs sat outside the only gas station in town, as two officers, parked nearby, led a woman out of their car and removed her handcuffs.

The woman, a U.S. citizen, had been caught transporting 10 people, who were in the country illegally, in a pickup truck, the officers said, a felony. But because Kinney County did not have a place to hold women, she was given a court date and released.

Not long thereafter, an officer with a drone located a group of men on a nearby ranch. Glenn, who was leading a team of seven officers that night, searched for tracks on the ground. It was then that he found Jimenez, the man who had traveled from Chiapas.

A house painter looking for a job, Jimenez had tried to cross the border once before, in August. After being turned back, he gathered more money and paid to cross again  150,000 pesos, he said, or about $7,000.

Theres almost no work. They suffer, he said of people in Chiapas, a Mexican state along the border with Guatemala. Now, with all his money spent on trying to cross, he would not have enough to return home. (He is being held on $2,500 bond.)

As the officers awaited their prisoner transport  rented white vans without official insignia  they received an alert of movement from a camera deep inside another ranch. It was 12:20 a.m.

Police vehicles bumped across overgrown ranch roads. A helicopter that hovered over what appeared to be three migrants was running out of gas.

The officers arrived at a locked gate and decided to cut the lock. When they could go no further by car, they started walking. But after a long march across rough terrain, and a meticulous search in the thorny brush, no one could be found.

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The clock is ticking on holiday deliveries  don't miss the window! (Photo: Getty)

If youre determined to do all your holiday shopping online this year, youd better hustle! Shoppers have gotten their earliest start ever in 2021  and if theres anything the supply chain crisis has taught us, its that time is of the essence.

Shipping your own gifts? Delivery services like FedEx, UPS and even USPS are doing their meet the needs of a record-breaking year.

We're forecasting we will deliver 100 million more shipments in this holiday season than we did in 2019 [pre-Covid]. FedEx spokesperson Jack Sammons told Yahoo Life. He said FedEx is working closely with merchants to ensure timely deliveries.

UPS spokesperson Jim Mayer told Yahoo Life, we have been preparing for peak season all year long. To that end, UPS hired 100,000 additional seasonal employees and will be able to process 130,000 more packages per hour than last year. Theyre on it!

Here are the official shipping deadline schedules of FedEx, UPS and USPS:

December 9: FedEx Ground Economy and Freight Economy

December 15: FedEx Ground and Freight Priority

December 21: FedEx Express Saver and 3-Day Freight

December 22: FedEx 2-Day, 2-Day a.m., 2-Day Freight,

December 23: FedEx 1-Day Freight, FedEx Extra Hours, FedEx Standard Overnight, FedEx Priority Overnight, FedEx First Overnight

December 20: Normal pickup and delivery service; Ground shipping, check ups.com/ctc for details

December 21: Three-Day Select

December 22: Second-Day Air

December 23: Next-Day Air

December 15: USPS retail ground service

December 17: First-class mail service

December 18: Priority mail service

December 23: Priority Mail Express service

Many (not all) of your favorite retailers have also released their holiday cut-off dates, and they promise to do their best to deliver. Use the shipping deadlines below as a rule of thumb for getting your stuff by Christmas Eve, and add a day or two of padding so you dont have to pray for a Christmas (delivery) miracle.

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Amazon

Amazon has gift guides to help you find the best presents for everyone on your list. (Photo: Amazon)

Whether they choose to shop now or later, we will deliver to customers right up through December 24," said an Amazon representative to Yahoo Life.

While Amazon has not released an official shipping cut-off schedule yet, you can find all the ins and outs Amazon holiday shipping, delivery, pickups, and returns by clicking here.

Amazon Prime members can shop millions items and get free One-Day delivery with no minimum purchase, or same-day delivery, or even "Need it Now" deliveries in as fast as five hours, depending on location, product and other restrictions.

Not yet a Prime member? You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. It's $119 per year to reap the retailers infamous rewards, which include same-day delivery, depending on location.

If you want to skip the online madness, Amazon also has Amazon Hub, a network of designated pickup locations, including grocery stores, gas stations and shopping malls.

For holiday shopping, its best to sign up for a Walmart+ membership and enjoy free next-day and two-day shipping on Walmart orders with no purchase minimum. Shop by December 22 to ensure delivery by Christmas.

For non-members, Walmart offers free two-day delivery on millions of items with a minimum purchase of $35. Walmart also offers a next-day option for select zip codes. If you order at least five business days in advance, you can take a gamble on standard shipping.

Otherwise, many products are available for in-store or curbside pickup, or delivery from your local store. For 2021, Walmart is extending store delivery hours by two hours. Customers can place orders until 6pm and receive deliveries until 10pm. As always, you can pay $7.95 - $9.95 for a one-time delivery and an additional $10 fee to get your order in two hours or less with Express delivery.

Shop Walmart's gift ideas and holiday specials here.

Place your an order of at least $35  or use your Target RedCard for no purchase minimum  by December 18 to get free two-day shipping on eligible items in time for the holidays. Target expects a surge in holiday orders and warns that most packages will deliver within 1 to 2 days of the estimated delivery date.

You can also order gifts and pick them up the same day at your local Target, or enjoy free same-day delivery of your Target order via Shipt. First-time customers get $20 off their order of $50 or more by entering code HOLIDAY20 at checkout.

Shop Target's gift ideas and holiday specials here.

QVC's holiday picks range from cozy apparel to special self-care treats to home accessories and more. (Photo: QVC)

QVC has an under the tree guarantee (thatll be enough rhyming for us today, thank you), which means that until Dec. 19 at 11:59am EST, just use your QCard (QVCs credit card), PayPal or major credit card to order any on-air item (appearing on any QVC show), plus thousands of additional items from QVC.com and QVC apps, and the company guarantees delivery before Christmas at no extra charge (not including shipping and handling or taxes, of course).

For standard delivery on all products, including perishable foods, order by Dec. 14 at 11:59pm EST; for select items, you have until Dec. 19 at midnight.

Physical gift cards are still available through expedited shipping only (thats an extra charge); order by Dec. 13 at 11:59pm EST.

E-gift cards are available until Dec. 24 at 11:59 pm EST, a.k.a. the moment before Christmas, for all you last-minute shoppers.

QVC is also offering Easy Pay installments on almost everything

Shop QVC's gift ideas and holiday specials here.

HSN is making it easy for you by labeling its products Guaranteed by Christmas, and offering first-time customers $20 off their order when they enter code HSN2021 at checkout.

For guaranteed delivery at no extra charge, order by Dec. 16 at the very latest.

You can also order by Dec. 20 and upgrade to Express Shipping (for a fee) to get your gifts on time. Bear in mind that all orders are processed in 24 hours and delivered within three business days via UPS.

The absolute latest you can order for guaranteed holiday delivery is Dec. 21 at 11:59pm EST, but youll have to upgrade to Super Express Shipping for an additional fee.

HSN is offering its Flex Pay installment program on just about anything.

Shop HSN's gift ideas and holiday specials here.

Nordstrom's beauty picks are holiday gold. (Photo: Nordstrom)

Nordstrom acknowledges that this year is particularly challenging for deliveries. The retailer recommends entering your zip code once you put an item in your shopping cart; that way youll see an estimated delivery date in your area.

As a general guideline, Nordstrom offers free shipping on all standard shipping orders  they take three to eight days for delivery. You can also opt for expedited shipping options: two business days (for a $21 fee) or next business day (for $20 fee).

Shop Nordstrom's gift ideas and holiday specials here.

The brand hasnt released its holiday shipping deadlines, but a spokesperson encourages everyone to shop as early as possible. The quirky company offers four shipping options  from Economy (eight to nine business days) all the way to Express (one to two business days); your absolute last day to order would be December 22 if you want to pay that $18 Express shipping fee.

For last-minute shoppers and anyone wary of shipping problems, Uncommon Goods launched Uncommon Experiences earlier this year. Uncommon Experiences go beyond physical gifting by offering fun and unique classes that are taught virtually in real-time by passionate experts...Ranging from crafting and cooking to mixology and astrology, theres an Experience for every recipient, say a rep. The newly added gifting option allows shoppers to download and print the Experience confirmation.

Shop Uncommon Goods' gift ideas and holiday specials here.

If you place your order according to Kohls shipping deadline schedule, the store promises to ensure that your gifts will arrive by Christmas Eve. Standard delivery is no longer guaranteed, but here are the dates for Kohls other shipping options:

December 19 at 1pm CST: Two-day

December 20 at 1pm CST: One-day

You can also get instant delivery of a Kohls e-gift card if you order by 10pm CST on Christmas Day.

Kohls also offers store pickup and curbside pickup in about 100 stores nationwide. Orders placed with Store Pickup or Curbside Pickup are ready within an hour.

Until December 23, order online and select Fast Store Pickup for your order to be ready within one hour.

And this ones for all you super-last-minute shoppers: Until December 24 (Christmas Eve), order online by 5pm local time and select Fast Store Pickup for your order to be ready by 6pm, when stores close.

Shop Kohl's gift ideas and holiday specials here.

Shop the coziest gifts (Ugg blanket, anyone?) at Bed Bath & Beyond. (Photo: Bed Bath & Beyond)

Bed Bath & Beyond has temporarily extended its delivery time frames to accommodate the unexpected this year. They've launched same-day delivery service for an additional $5 to $10 per order. The store has not released holiday cut-off dates, but here are their regular delivery rules:

Get free Standard Shipping within three to six business days on any online purchase of $19 or more, excluding gift cards and store pick up items. For Expedited Delivery, it's two to three business days, and for Express delivery, it's one to two business days. Your last day based on these deadlines would be December 22, but shop early anyway.

For some orders, Bed Bath & Beyond offers Same-Day delivery for a $10 fee.You can also choose the brands contactless curbside pickup option.

Shop Bed Bath & Beyond's gift ideas and holiday specials here.

To get your online order delivered by Christmas Eve, you have three options:

For standard shipping (a $6 fee), place your order by Dec. 16. For express shipping (a $17 fee), place your order by Dec. 22 at 1pm EST. For next-day shipping ( a $22 fee), place your order no later than 1pm EST Dec. 21.

Old Navy offers in-store pickup and contactless curbside pickup, too, all the way up to Dec. 24. Order by 2 pm EST and pick up your stuff in two hours or less.

Shop Old Navy's gift ideas and holiday specials here.

Shop fabulous finds for foodies, audiophiles and more, with Macy's gift guide. (Photo: Macy's)

Macys has a holiday shipping schedule we can work with!

For Standard Shipping Free on qualifying merchandise or Premium Shipping, order by December 22 at 5pm EST.

For Express Shipping, its December 23 at 5pm EST.

You can also get Same-Day Delivery in select areas if you order by Christmas Eve, December 24, at 10am local time.

Same-day in-store and free curbside pickup is also available on Christmas Eve until 3pm local time.

Your order deadline for physical gift cards is December 15 at 11:59pm EST, but for e-gift cards, youve got until Christmas Eve at 1pm EST.

Get free shipping  no minimum  when you shop at Macy's with your Macy's credit card.

Shop Macy's gift ideas and holiday specials here.

Place your order by Dec. 19 at 11:59pm PST to make sure your gifts arrive in time for Christmas Eve. The company offers free shipping (and returns), as well as contactless, same-day pickup curbside or at the door of your nearest store.

Shop Lululemon's gift ideas and holiday specials here.

Best Buy has their holiday shipping deadline schedule on lock.

Order by December 19 at 11:59pm PST to have your order of at least $35 shipped by Christmas Eve with free shipping.

You can also pick up your order in-store within two hours of placing it.

Shop Best Buy's gift ideas and holiday specials here.

Luxe treats plucked from Bloomingdale's holiday array. (Photo: Bloomingdale's)

Bloomingdales has not announced its official holiday cutoff dates, but according to their regular shipping policy, here's how you should order to (hopefully) get your stuff by Christmas Eve:

Order by December 13 and your order will ship Standard in up tp five business days, by December 23.

Order by December 19 before 5pm EST for Premium Delivery, which costs an additional $12.

Order by December 21 before 5pm EST for Express Delivery at an additional $20.

Shop Bloomingdale's gift ideas and holiday specials here.

Order by December 15 at 11:59 PT with Standard shipping and Dicks guarantees Christmas Eve delivery  otherwise your order is free! offers standard shipping (delivery can take up to 10 business days, so order by Dec. 13). Otherwise opt for one of these:

Expedited Shipping: Orders received and cleared credit authorization before 11:59 PM PT on December 19

Express Shipping: Orders received and cleared credit authorization before 11:59 PM PT on December 20

Most Dicks locations offer same-day store pickup, including contactless curbside pickup. They also offer same-day delivery through Instacart.

Shop Dick's gift ideas and holiday specials here.

For most Cabela items, order by December 15th for standard shipping (its free for orders of $50 or more), but make sure to look at your estimated delivery date before checking out.

You can try playing it safe by opting for Express (two-day), which is also free for $50 orders, or One-Day Delivery, which is an extra $25. But Cabelas notes that high volumes of orders may delay its regular shipping times, so they cant make any guarantees.

Shop Cabela's gift ideas and holiday specials here.

Apple lists specific delivery deadlines for each of its products, from watches to phones and beyond. (Photo: Apple)

If you want to gift a MacBook or iPhone this season, get cracking! Actually, Apples holiday shipping deadlines vary by product, and the deadlines are all over the map. Thankfully, Apple has the cutoffs neatly listed by product here.

And theyve listed everything: iPhones, Apple Watches, AirPods, MacBook Airs and more. The latest deadlines are December 22, mainly for iPhones and Apple Watches.

With Apple, you get free delivery or you can choose two-hour courier delivery for a $5 fee.

Shop Apple's gift ideas and holiday specials here.

The Home Depot hasn't announced its cut-off dates. To ensure delivery by Christmas, follow their regular shipping rules. They offer free two-day delivery on thousands of items  your order must be $45 or more. Always check the delivery time for the individual item, as this date is subject to change depending on demand and delivery location.

Note that Home Depot offers free curbside and free in-store pickup in as quick as a few hours.

Shop The Home Depot's gift ideas and holiday specials here.

General orders will arrive in time for Christmas if you order by Dec. 22 at noon and choose free shipping  or Dec. 23 at noon and choose express shipping. Holiday wreaths and centerpieces should be ordered by Dec. 21 for free shipping and Dec. 22 for expedited shipping.

Shop L.L. Bean's gift ideas and holiday specials here.

Send a delicious gift to their door. (Photo: Harry & David)

Order by December 18 for Standard shipping, December 21 for 3-day Express shipping, December 22 for 2-day Express shipping or December 23 for Overnight Express shipping. Fees apply, of course  from about $6 to $25. See the breakdown here.

Shop Harry & David's gift ideas and holiday specials here.

These are Everlane's recommended cut-off dates, but a spokesperson told Yahoo Life that they are not guaranteed.

December 10: recommended last date to order with Standard shipping

December 14 at 8:59pm PT to Dec 21 8:59pm PT - recommend switching to express shipping

Shop Everlane's gift ideas and holiday specials here.

The online shopping cutoff at Ulta is December 14 at 11:59pm CT if you want standard shipping  which is free on orders over $35  in time for Christmas.

Shop by December 20 at noon CST for Expedited shipping (A $10 fee)

Shop by December 21 at noon CST Premium shipping (a $17 fee)

Shop Ulta's gift ideas and holiday specials here.

Hey, gorgeous! Score a holiday deal. (Photo: Sephora)

Sephora has a couple of great options for holiday shoppers. A representative told Yahoo Life that Same-Day Delivery is the best solution for last-minute purchases and the most likely way to receive gifts all the way through December 24. It's best to play it safe with at least a day of padding.

You can also order your Sephora products online by choosing the "Buy Online & Pick Up" option, then pick them up in store by a sign that says "Online Order Pickup."

Shop Sephora's gift ideas and holiday specials here.

The destination for one-of-a-kind gifts has knocked up to 50 percent off almost everything for the holidays. They also acknowledge that the supply chain crisis is likely to affect its deliveries, so Shutterfly encourages you to shop by these cut-off dates:

Shop by December 16 for Economy Shipping

Shop by December 17 for Standard Shipping

Shop by December 18 for Expedited Shipping

Shop by December 19 for Rush Shipping

Shop by December 20 for Super Rush Shipping

The timing cut-off for each date is 7pm EST.

Shop Shutterfly's gift ideas and holiday specials here.

In order to receive your gift by Christmas, order by December 13 at 10am PST for No-Rush Shipping. Or order by December 15 at 8:30am PST for Standard Shipping.

If you prefer to pay for expedited shipping, you can push that deadline a bit depending on what option you choose. Order by December 21 at 8:00am PST for Expedited Shipping or December 22 at 8:00am PST for Express Shipping.

Or get a Nike e-gift card emailed to you within two hours.

Shop Nike's gift ideas and holiday specials here.

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Jimmy Lai and two other pro-democracy activists were convicted Thursday for their roles in last year's banned Tiananmen candlelight vigil under the new law that criminalizes unauthorized assembly.



Convicted activists: Lai, along with vice chairperson of the disbanded Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China Chow Hang-tung and activist and former reporter Gwyneth Ho, were convicted for taking part in or inciting others to join the candlelight vigil in 2020, according to CBS News.



They are among 24 Hong Kong activists who were convicted because of their involvement in the gathering, which took place at Victoria Park on June 4 last year, during which thousands of people gathered to light candles and sing songs in the park, despite police warnings that they may be breaking the law.

Lai, the founder of the disbanded Apple Daily tabloid, was already behind bars after being sentenced to a total of 14 months in prison in April on charges related to other demonstrations held in 2019. He was also convicted of two more charges in April, when he was accused of conspiring to collude with foreign powers and helping activists escape the city.



An attack on rights: Large crowds have previously gathered at Victoria Park for The Hong Kong Alliances annual Tianmen remembrance candlelight vigil for decades prior to last year when authorities banned the protest, citing social distancing restrictions and COVID-related public health risks.



The gathering was again legally banned this year.

"The Hong Kong government has once again flouted international law by convicting activists simply for their involvement in a peaceful, socially distanced vigil for those killed by Chinese troops on 4 June 1989," said Kyle Ward, Amnesty International's deputy secretary general, in a statement to CBS News. "These convictions merely underline the pattern of the Hong Kong authorities' extreme efforts to exploit the law to press multiple trumped-up charges against prominent activists."

Ward added that prosecuting people who mourn and remember the victims of the Tiananmen Square protest is an "egregious attack on the rights to freedom of expression and assembly."

Most of the activists who have been charged over the banned vigil had pleaded guilty.

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Pro-democracy activists have urged supporters to boycott going to the polls in early December in defiance of the law that criminalizes incitement against the government, including those from abroad.



Feature Image via BBC (left), CBS News (right)

Enjoy this content? Read more from NextShark!

Report: University of Chicago sees rise in anti-Black sentiment after murder of Asian student

'The Simpsons' episode referencing Tiananmen Square, Mao Zedong is removed from Disney Plus Hong Kong

20-year-old Hong Kong independence activist sentenced to 43 months in prison under China security law

42-year-old Vietnamese refugee ready for deportation after being behind bars since he was 15 in Hong Kong
Jana Duggar, the sister of former reality television star Josh Duggar who was recently convicted in a separate criminal case, has been charged with a misdemeanor count of endangering the welfare of a child, Arkansas court records showed Friday.

Jana Duggar, 31, pleaded not guilty through an attorney on Sept. 23, the court docket shows. The alleged violation happened Sept. 9, it states. A trial by judge is scheduled for Jan. 10.

The attorney listed on the docket as Jana Duggar's counsel did not immediately respond to a request for comment, nor did an associate. Representatives for the Duggar family did not immediately respond, either.

Jana Duggar sits for an interview on

Details of the case were sealed.

In a 2016 opinion that predates the allegation, Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge said details of a "child maltreatment investigation" can be withheld from the public in the interest of protecting the minor involved.

Such a charge as the one faced by Jana Duggar would generally include the allegation that a defendant engaged "in conduct creating a substantial risk of serious harm to the physical or mental welfare of a person known by the actor to be a minor," according to Arkansas law.

Jana Duggar faces up to three months behind bars and a fine of up to $1,000 if convicted, according the Arkansas Sentencing Commissions standard punishment range for such a charge.

On Thursday, a federal jury in Fayetteville, Arkansas, found Josh Duggar, 33, guilty of downloading and possessing child sex abuse images on his work computer in May 2019. There is no evidence that the allegations against Jana Duggar are related to his case.

Josh Duggar faces up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000 for each count when hes sentenced. His legal team, which includes Justin Gelfand, Ian Murphy, and Travis Story, said in a statement to NBC News that it intends to appeal the decision.

The court docket in Jana Duggar's case shows her address, in a community served by the Springdale, Arkansas post office, is the same as one listed for Josh Duggar and multiple other people with the Duggar family name.

Josh Duggar and Jana Duggar were featured on the TLC network show, 19 Kids and Counting, which ran from 2008 and 2015. The show chronicled the lives of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar and their 19 children.

The show was filmed at a multigenerational Duggar residence in Arkansas.
TOKYO (Reuters) -Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken agreed on Saturday on the need to fortify their countries' alliance amid a tougher regional security environment, a Japanese government official said.

Hayashi and Blinken held talks on the sidelines of a meeting of Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers in the English city of Liverpool.

"The ministers, in light of the increasingly severe security environment in the region, agreed it is indispensable to boost the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. alliance," the official said in a media briefing.

Faced with China's military build-up and North Korea's nuclear and missile programmes, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Monday he plans to fundamentally strengthen Japan's defence posture by looking into options including acquiring the capability to strike enemy bases.

Hayashi and Blinken did not discuss the diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics, the official said.

Earlier this week, Canada joined Australia, Britain and the United States in saying they would not send top officials to the Games, citing longstanding concerns over China's human rights record, while Japan has yet to make its stance clear.

Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun daily reported on Saturday, citing multiple sources with knowledge of the matter, that senior Japanese government officials will likely skip the Games, joining the United States and others in a diplomatic boycott.

(Reporting by Kiyoshi TakenakaEditing by Gareth Jones, William Maclean)
The mayors of Rainbow City and Southside and the chairman of the Etowah County Commission on Thursday announced legal action against the City of Gadsden and the Gadsden Airport Authority. They announced they play to seek an injunction in relation to the proposed siting of a Pilgrims Pride animal parts rendering plant at the Northeast Alabama Regional Airport.

Rainbow Citys major said he had respectfully asked Gadsdens mayor and City Council to reconsider their support for locating the rendering plant at the airport. Their inaction, for more than a year, prompted the three parties to seek the injunction.

Here comes that can of worms again." Pilgrims Pride is attempting to move present litigation concerning the location of the rendering plant to the federal courts. The separate Rainbow City, Southside and Etowah County filings will keep litigation on the local level even if  and thats a big if  Pilgrims succeeds in its federal efforts.

Either way, the GAA seems focused on selling the property to Pilgrims, in spite of a better offer from a consortium of local business people. I think that violates its fiduciary responsibility as a board and could be challenged in court.

The GAA is a non-elected group of individuals responsible to only an appointed board of directors that reports to no one individual or body. The authority derives income from hangar rents and fuel sales, but mainly from the City of Gadsden. The city's taxpayers have subsidized the airports operations for more than 15 years, providing millions of dollars in subsidies in addition to the servicing, at a cost of a half-million dollars annually, of 2004 bonds issued on the airports behalf.

All of this money has been given to an organization that has no reporting responsibility to anybody or anything. The GAA is a standalone organization that spends taxpayer money, and this is not going to change with the election of new city government. Some of these board members have appointments that will last well into the next mayors term.

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I believe the GAA needs fundamental change that somehow gives more responsibility and input to the taxpayers of Gadsden and Etowah County. The airport should be treated as another city organization and have a professional manager in place. That manager should have the same reporting responsibilities as any other department head with a city budget.

The Gadsden-Etowah County Industrial Development Authority is another organization that reports to no one but itself. It has a board of directors, but I went to that link on the authority's website and found a page does not exist message.

I did find a published report indicating that the IDA board was reorganized in 2017. The reported purpose was stated: The City of Gadsden is reorganizing its Industrial Development Authority in a move that city officials said would have direct effects on the citys ability to attract industry.

The permanent positions are president of Gadsden State Community College; director of the Alabama Technology Network, Gadsden; director of Gadsden Water Works and Sewer Board; director of the Gadsden Airport Authority; Gadsden City Schools superintendent; and Etowah County Schools superintendent.

I actually think this is an appropriate mix of talents to oversee an organization like the IDA.

However, it seems obvious that the board had to approve Executive Director David Hooks pursuit of the Pilgrims Pride rendering plant. If they are on board with the project, one would think they should publicly imply or even state as much, but Ive heard nothing along those lines.

Exactly how did the IDA board react when it learned of the Pilgrims Pride proposal? I think they owe Gadsdens taxpayers an explanation.

My apologies to Hooks. I had assumed he alone was involved in pushing the rendering plant. In reality, and whether officially or tacitly, the project has the IDA boards backing.

John F. Floyd is a Gadsden native who graduated from Gadsden High School in 1954. He formerly was director of United Kingdom manufacturing, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., vice president of manufacturing and international operations, General Tire & Rubber Co., and director of manufacturing, Chrysler Corp. He can be reached at johnfloyd538@gmail.com. The opinions reflected are his own.

This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: Unelected organizations too powerful
Jorginho held his nerve for Chelsea (Adam Davy/PA) (PA Wire)

A patched-up Jorginho fired two nerveless penalties to sink Leeds 3-2 at Stamford Bridge and set Chelseas Premier League title chase back on track.

The Italy midfielder played through the pain of a continued back issue to ease the Blues midfield injury problems, with NGolo Kante and Mateo Kovacic sidelined.

Jorginho duly buried his 14th and 15th Premier League spot-kicks for Chelsea, to steer his side two points behind leaders Manchester City.

Raphinha converted his own penalty to send Leeds into an early lead in west London, only to concede a spot-kick at the other end when scything down Toni Rudiger.

Germany defender Rudiger then won Chelseas second penalty at the death to boot, when fouled by Mateusz Klich.

Leeds thought they had scrambled a point as teenage forward Joe Gelhardt climbed off the bench to send the Whites level at 2-2 in the closing minutes.

But Chelsea were determined not to wind up without a win for the fourth time in their last six top-flight outings.

And while Leeds were desperately trying to tiptoe away with the draw, Rudiger piled into the box and forced another penalty.

Jorginho just about remains the worlds surest best from the spot, and the former Napoli player made no mistake to secure all three points for the Blues.

Mason Mount fired Chelsea level in the first half (Adam Davy/PA) (PA Wire)

Boss Thomas Tuchel had demanded Chelsea stopped sitting on leads after a patchy run in the Premier League of late, but again the Blues failed to take control for large swathes of this tetchy encounter.

Jorginhos rescue act might just breathe the kind of renewed confidence and spirit to send the Blues into the rest of a hectic December in top spirits however.

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Chelsea struggled for fluency in a staccato first half, only saving themselves in the closing stages to turn around level at the break.

Marcos Alonso upended Dan James to hand Leeds the ideal chance to open the scoring from the spot, and Raphinha made no mistake with his calm effort.

Chelsea continued to claw away at urgency and efficiency, only to equalise from a moment of pure opportunism.

Joe Gelhardt thought he had secured a point for Leeds (Adam Davy/PA) (PA Wire)

Alonso robbed a flat-footed Stuart Dallas who failed to control Illan Mesliers pass, before sending a low ball to the near post.

Mount peeled off the defensive cover and swept into the net to level the clash, with the Blues mightily relieved to be on terms at the interval.

Chelsea returned far more measured and calm on the ball after the break, eventually stealing into the lead from a penalty of their own.

Raphinha scythed through Rudiger in the box and the spot-kick was duly awarded after a VAR review.

Jorginho held his nerve for Chelsea (Adam Davy/PA) (PA Wire)

Jorginho stepped up and tapped into the top corner, keeping his head to hand Chelsea control.

The hosts failed to build on that advantage however, once again easing off the throttle when finally in charge.

Just when the hosts thought they could grind out a vital win, replacement striker Gelhardt steamed in and buried a cross.

Chelsea refused to roll over though, and Jorginho finally secured the victory, converting again from the spot.

Klich tussled with Rudiger and was censored for the challenge, and as per usual Jorginho did the rest from 12 yards.

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A juror in the Jussie Smollett trial has explained several reasons why the jury felt there was no way they could acquit the star actor in his bombshell trial for staging a fake hate crime attack on himself.

The female juror, who declined to be named, told the Chicago Sun-Times that the jury of six women and six men didnt have any major disagreements but took nine hours to deliberate because they wanted to properly consider all the evidence.

Some doubted that prosecutors had proven their case beyond reasonable doubt when deliberations began, she said. But those people just wanted more time to look over all the evidence again.

It was not evenly split, but there were some doubters, she said.

Jussie Smolletts Ego Is What Finally Brought Him Down

Smollett was found guilty on Thursday evening of five of six counts of disorderly conduct related to filing a false police report about a battery and a false police report about a hate crime in January 2019. He was found not guilty of one count related to telling a detective two weeks later that he was the victim of an aggravated battery.

Smollettan openly gay, Black actor who for nearly three years denied accusations that he hired two brothers as assailants in the alleged attacktestified on his own behalf during the one-week trial.

But the juror said she felt his answers didnt have credible reasoning, especially when there was zero evidence to back up his story.

Smolletts creative director Frank Gatson, who initially called police in 2019, was included on a list of witnesses to testify but was never called.

We all wanted to hear from Frank, the juror said.

Ultimately, the juror said she found testimony from the brothers hired to attack Smollett to be more convincing. Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo gave damning testimony that Smollett had paid them to carry out the task of roughing him up and slipping a noose around his neck after dousing him in bleach. They also claimed that Smollett had walked them through a dry run days before. Videos, messages and money transfers backed up their evidence.

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Rubbing salt in the wound, the juror said Smolletts defense attorney Nenye Uche seemed to be just shooting from the hip with his approach to the trial. He threw out unsubstantiated claims that didnt sit well with the juror, like a claim that the Osundairo brothers wanted a $2 million payout from Smollett to change their story.

In contrast, prosecutor Dan Webb had a methodical, plodding style that made his argument seem water-tight, the juror said.

Jussie Smollett Found Guilty of Faking Hate Crime Attack

Uche said last week that he would be appealing due to the jurys inconsistent verdict. You cannot say Jussie is not lying for the same exact incident, he said.

But the juror explained why they only delivered guilty verdicts on five of the six charges.

We were told it was an aggravated battery [in the second false police report Smollett filed] because [Smollett] said they were wearing a mask, the juror said. But in all [of Smolletts] accounts of what happened, he mentioned a mask.

She added: I just hope that [Smollett and his attorneys] know that we went in there with an open mind. I listened to both sides. We wanted to make sure that those who had doubts didnt feel pressured.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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A memorial outside of Oxford High School continues to grow on December 3, 2021, in Oxford, Michigan. Scott Olson/Getty Images

Two students who survived the Oxford High School shooting are suing the school district for $100 million.

Lawyers for the students claimed school officials have deleted digital evidence.

U.S. District Judge Terrence Berg ordered the defendants to "preserve all electronically stored evidence."

A lawyer for survivors of the Oxford High School shooting claimed school officials have destroyed evidence following the shooting on November 30 that left four dead and several others injured.

In a court filing, attorney Nora Hanna, who represents two Oxford High School students who survived the shooting, accused school officials of deleting digital evidence after "several social media pages of the Defendants and webpages were deleted on behalf of Oxford Community School District."

Lawyers representing Oxford senior Riley Franz, 17, and freshman Bella Franz, 14 in a $100 million lawsuit against Oxford Community Schools claimed actions by school district officials put the sisters at "risk of serious and immediate harm" by allowing the shooting suspect, 15-year-old Ethan Crumbley, to return to class without searching his backpack the day of the shooting or alerting the police. The lawsuit names the Oxford school district superintendent, the high school's principal, and a slew of other administrators and staff members as defendants.

Hanna, alongside attorney Geoffrey Fieger, cited the deleted LinkedIn page of someone who said they worked for the school district, saying it is "evident that Defendant destroyed his social media page." The attorneys also cited error messages on the Oxford High School website and the deletion of school administrator listings as further proof of deleting evidence.

"Not only did defendants fail to take necessary steps to preserve the evidence, but they willfully destructed the evidence by deleting the webpages and social media accounts," Hanna wrote in the filing. "Plaintiffs cannot continue to be blindsided by the defendants by having to search for what evidence is being destroyed or altered."

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Hanna and Fieger did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

Attorney Timothy J. Mullins, who is representing the school district, told The Detroit News that the lawsuits were "bombastic stunts masked as legal filings" that "do a disservice to the people of Oxford and the people of Michigan."

Mullins called the filings "sloppy," claiming the attorneys named someone in the lawsuit who hasn't worked with the district in a year, The News reported. Mullins did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

In addition to requesting the school district and local police to preserve records, the Franzs' attorneys asked a slew of cell phone and social media companies and local businesses to do so as well.

On Friday, U.S. District Judge Terrence Berg ordered the defendants in the case to "preserve all electronically stored evidence that relates to the subject litigation."

Read the original article on Insider
Associated Press

A former hermit in New Hampshire whose cabin in the woods burned down after nearly three decades on the property that he was ordered to leave has been charged with trespassing there once again, turning a shed that survived the fire into a makeshift home outfitted with a wood stove. There had been an outpouring of support for David Lidstone, 81  better known as River Dave" since he was arrested in July and accused of squatting on property owned by a Vermont man. Lidstone was a local celebrity to boaters and kayakers on the Merrimack River before his property dispute caught the attention of the masses, bringing in over $200,000 in donations to help him start a new, law-abiding life.
Athens prices are garbage

Much has been written about Athens Services and their prices. Also, much has not been written about this by newspapers, including The Star. As an example, a few weeks ago in a different newspaper, I read that Athens plan to charge its customers $25 per cart for each cart that does not allow the carts lid to be fully closed. What an absurd charge. What difference does it make if the cart is half full or overflowing, as long as the contents stay inside the cart? Their explanations for this charge are quite frankly very lame. I doubt that this charge will fly once their customers find out about it.

As soon-to-be customers, us Thousand Oaks residents have recently received several instruction mailers regarding what should and should not be put into each of the three different carts. These instructions are so complicated and cumbersome that Athens should be aware of (or advised of) that the likely results of these over-the-top instructions will be that a huge amount of the wrong items will be placed in all three of the colored carts. My advice: Keep it simple.

In one of the published mailers, Athens states that for the Blue Recycle Cart: Acceptable, but may not be recycled currently: Plastics number 4 & 7, cereal boxes (remove bag), egg cartons, frozen food boxes, & soup/milk/juice cartons. Athens, please explain for some of us not-to-bright customers, what does acceptable, but may not be recycled currently clarify? It appears to me that overfilled carts will likely be amongst the least of Athens worrisome issues. And, hang on Athens, your sorters have a huge sorting problem in the making. After all of your years of providing trash pickup services, I would have thought that these kinds of problems would be in your rearview mirror.

Robert J. Ruhr, Thousand Oaks

Long wrong about masks

Re: your Dec. 8 story, COVID-19 infections rise in wake of Thanksgiving:

Regarding Supervisor Kelly Longs comment as quoted in the article, it is baffling that a public official charged with the welfare of her constituents could say, with regard to masking regulations, People should have the choice. How do we get businesses back moving?

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No, Supervisor Long, people should not have the choice to infect others and perpetuate community spread. Masking requirements are intended to protect others, not oneself. Americans have risen to the cause of community good in response to pandemics several times before. How do we get business back moving? Have people wear their masks when they enter a business. No business has to stay closed because of mask requirements. Its that simple.

I recently returned from a conference in another California county in which the masking rule was to wear a mask indoors if unvaccinated, but masks were optional if one was vaccinated. This is no regulation at all. Who, realistically, expects a committed anti-masker to follow such a rule rather than exploit the lack of enforcement? I estimate that fewer than 10% of folks wore masks, while a 90% vaccination rate would be unexpected.

Supervisor Long, follow the guidance of our public health experts, not political breezes.

James A. Merrill, Oxnard

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Letters: Issues with trash services; Long off about mask mandates
Following several tornadoes wreaking havoc in several areas in west Kentucky and potentially killing more than 100 people, local, state and federal Kentucky leaders have taken to social media to offer support.

Here's what more than a dozen leaders, from Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear to U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, are saying about the matter.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said during a 5 a.m. press conference Saturday that the devastation in western Kentucky is likely to go down as "most significant tornado event in Kentucky's history."

He estimated during a press conference later in the day that more than 100 people died as a result of the tornadoes.

Kentucky tornadoes: Kentucky reacts to devastation after overnight tornadoes rip through commonwealth

Tornado last night: Where did Kentucky tornadoes hit? See damage by county

"Remember, each of these lives are children of God, irreplaceable to their families and their communities," he said. "We will make it through this. We will rebuild. We are strong, resilient people."

This has been one of the toughest nights in Kentuckys history, with multiple counties impacted and a significant loss of life. I have declared a state of emergency and submitted a request to @POTUS for an immediate federal emergency declaration. https://t.co/KmMOl95t1N

1/2 pic.twitter.com/Xj5DgTZp1Z  Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) December 11, 2021

U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell

"I am praying for the lives lost and communities impacted by the tornado devastation throughout the Commonwealth," U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, of Kentucky, said in a statement Saturday morning. "Thank you to the first responders and the National Guard for their brave efforts amid this tragedy."

Story continues

"As I continue to get reports from my staff, local and state officials, we will work with the entire Kentucky federal delegation to support Governor Andy Beshear's request for federal assistance in order to aid these hard-hit communities with the funding and resources they need to rebuild."

I am praying for the lives lost and communities impacted by the tornado devastation throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Thank you to our brave first responders. I will work to aid our communities with the federal funding and resources they need to rebuild. My full statement: pic.twitter.com/ZNqisgBCFn  Leader McConnell (@LeaderMcConnell) December 11, 2021

U.S. Sen. Rand Paul

"Our hearts are broken for all those suffering from last nights terrible storms," U.S. Sen. Rand Paul wrote in a tweet Saturday morning. "I and my team will do all we can to assist local and state officials as they lead the immediate response, and will aggressively help families, businesses, and officials access recovery resources."

Our hearts are broken for all those suffering from last nights terrible storms .



I and my team will do all we can to assist local and state officials as they lead the immediate response, and will aggressively help families, businesses, and officials access recovery resources.  Senator Rand Paul (@RandPaul) December 11, 2021

U.S. Rep James Comer, KY-1

"Please be in prayer for the families who lost loved ones in the terrible tornadoes that swept through Western Kentucky last night," U.S. Rep. James Comer, whose Kentucky First Congressional District was hit hard by the tornadoes, wrote in a tweet Saturday. "Also be in prayer for the outstanding first responders who have been on the ground all night long."

Please be in prayer for the families who lost loved ones in the terrible tornadoes that swept through Western Kentucky last night. Also be in prayer for the outstanding first responders who have been on the ground all night long. #KY1  James Comer (@JamesComer) December 11, 2021

U.S. Rep. Brett Guthrie, KY-2

"Im saddened and shocked by the reports of horrific tornadoes that went through Kentucky and surrounding states last night," U.S. Rep. Brett Guthrie, whose Kentucky Second Congressional District encompassed areas hit by the tornadoes, wrote in a tweet Saturday morning.

He added: "My prayers go out to those who lost loved ones. I am also praying for those who were injured and saw their homes or businesses damaged or destroyed."

Im saddened and shocked by the reports of horrific tornadoes that went through Kentucky and surrounding states last night.



My prayers go out to those who lost loved ones. I am also praying for those who were injured and saw their homes or businesses damaged or destroyed.  Rep. Brett Guthrie (@RepGuthrie) December 11, 2021

U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth, KY-3

"Absolutely heartbroken for all of the families affected by last nights devastating storms across Western Kentucky and beyond," U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth, who represents Louisville, wrote in a tweet Saturday morning. "Thankful for all first responders, emergency personnel, and community members coming together to help those in need."

"I have been in contact with the White House to urge any requests for assistance be expedited," he continued. "I have also offered my help to @GovAndyBeshear and will join with the entire Congressional delegation to ensure that our Commonwealth receives the resources needed to rebuild & recover."

Absolutely heartbroken for all of the families affected by last nights devastating storms across Western Kentucky and beyond. Thankful for all first responders, emergency personnel, and community members coming together to help those in need.  Rep. John Yarmuth (@RepJohnYarmuth) December 11, 2021

U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie, KY-4

"My prayers are with the affected families as daylight breaks and the full extent of the havoc caused by this series of tornados is realized," U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie, KY-4, wrote in a tweet Saturday morning.

My prayers are with the affected families as daylight breaks and the full extent of the havoc caused by this series of tornados is realized.https://t.co/52TC76U4Le  Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) December 11, 2021

U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers, KY-5

"We are praying for our neighbors in Western Ky. where tornadoes & severe weather left behind a wake of destruction overnight," U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers, KY-5, wrote in a tweet Saturday morning. "May God be with every family impacted by the deadly storms & our search and rescue teams in the days ahead."

We are praying for our neighbors in Western Ky. where tornadoes & severe weather left behind a wake of destruction overnight. May God be with every family impacted by the deadly storms & our search and rescue teams in the days ahead.https://t.co/mudoLHEbpE  Hal Rogers (@RepHalRogers) December 11, 2021

U.S. Rep. Andy Barr, KY-6

"Please join me in praying for all of the communities across the Commonwealth that experienced the deadly tornadoes last night and early this morning," U.S. Rep. Andy Barr, KY-6, wrote in a tweet Saturday morning. "Thank you to the first responders working to assist in the rescue and recovery efforts."

Please join me in praying for all of the communities across the Commonwealth that experienced the deadly tornadoes last night and early this morning. Thank you to the first responders working to assist in the rescue and recovery efforts.  Rep. Andy Barr (@RepAndyBarr) December 11, 2021

Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron

"Last night and into this morning, Western Kentucky experienced severe weather and tornadoes that caused unimaginable damage in several communities, including Mayfield," Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron wrote in a tweet Saturday morning. "The storms continue to move through Kentucky, so please stay vigilant. Makenze and I are praying for every Kentuckian affected."

Last night and into this morning, Western Kentucky experienced severe weather and tornadoes that caused unimaginable damage in several communities, including Mayfield. (1/2)  Attorney General Daniel Cameron (@kyoag) December 11, 2021

Kentucky Treasurer Allison Ball

"I am heartbroken to see the terrifying, once in a generation destruction in Mayfield, Western KY & all the areas hit," Kentucky Treasurer Allison Ball wrote in a tweet Saturday morning. "@AsaJamesSwan & I are praying for the families who lost their loved ones & their homes in this tragic event. Were praying for miracles for the unaccounted for."

I am heartbroken to see the terrifying, once in a generation destruction in Mayfield, Western KY & all the areas hit. @AsaJamesSwan & I are praying for the families who lost their loved ones & their homes in this tragic event. Were praying for miracles for the unaccounted for.  Treasurer Ball (@KYTreasurer) December 11, 2021

Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles

"My office has been in touch with folks on the ground in Western Kentucky through the night and this morning," Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Quarles said in a statement Saturday morning. "We know weve lost lives in the community, entire towns have been wiped out, and theres been significant damage to agricultural infrastructure."

"I join fellow Kentuckians in praying for those whove lost loved ones to these devastating tornadoes," he continued. "At the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, we are working with other agencies and stand ready to assist in the response."

My office has been in touch with folks on the ground in Western Kentucky through the night and this morning. We know weve lost lives in the community, entire towns have been wiped out, and theres been significant damage to agricultural infrastructure. @kentuckyag pic.twitter.com/E87ScFMynv  Commissioner Ryan Quarles (@KYAgCommish) December 11, 2021

Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams

"Waking up to read of the loss of life and devastation in WKY last night," Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams wrote in a tweet Saturday morning. "Words fail, but state government stands by to assist in any way possible."

Waking up to read of the loss of life and devastation in WKY last night. Words fail, but state government stands by to assist in any way possible. pic.twitter.com/A2PUlhD3Uo  KY Secretary of State Michael Adams (@KYSecState) December 11, 2021

Kentucky Auditor Mike Harmon

"As news and pictures of the devastation come out of Mayfield and other areas, I ask that all Kentuckians join me in praying for all those impacted by these storms," Kentucky Auditor Mike Harmon wrote in a tweet Saturday morning. "It is truly heartbreaking to see the damage."

As news and pictures of the devastation come out of Mayfield and other areas, I ask that all Kentuckians join me in praying for all those impacted by these storms. It is truly heartbreaking to see the damage. https://t.co/j9WTMu4e19  Auditor Mike Harmon (@KyAuditorHarmon) December 11, 2021

Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers

"We are heartbroken to awaken this morning to the devastation caused by the violent weather that tore its way across the Commonwealth last night, claiming lives and most significantly impacting parts of Western, Kentucky," Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers said in a statement Saturday.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to all Kentuckians affected by this tragedy," Stivers said. "We extend our heartfelt appreciation to first responders for providing immediate aid to their communities amid this unimaginable destruction and stand ready to assist in the recovery.

West Kentucky State Sen. Whitney Westerfield

Kentucky State. Sen. Whitney Westerfield, from Crofton in west Kentucky, told The Courier Journal on Saturday morning that he and his family are okay.

"We are," he said. "Spent part of the night in a family member's basement next to weather radios So much damage across an enormous area. Ive never seen anything like Mayfield in person before. Just unbelievable.

Westerfield wrote in a tweet Saturday morning that there was "absolutely catastrophic damage in Mayfield" and "be in prayer for everyone here."

Absolutely catastrophic damage in Mayfield. Be in prayer for everyone here. Gentleman at the roadblock said that his house was fine, but his next-door neighbors house was completely gone There will be lots of stories like that here #kywx pic.twitter.com/yOQQjyMzYK  Whitney Westerfield (@KyWhitney) December 11, 2021

Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer

"My heart is broken for all those impacted by the devastating tornadoes in Western KY," Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer wrote in a tweet Saturday morning. "We are sending first responders from @loukyfire, PRP Fire & Louisville EMS to Mayfield to help with rescue & recovery efforts, & any other needs they may have."

My heart is broken for all those impacted by the devastating tornadoes in Western KY. We are sending first responders from @loukyfire, PRP Fire & Louisville EMS to Mayfield to help with rescue & recovery efforts, & any other needs they may have.  Mayor Greg Fischer (@louisvillemayor) December 11, 2021

Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton

"Deadly tornadoes in western Kentucky have taken many lives overnight," Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton wrote in a tweet. "@GovAndyBeshear has called it the worst string of tornadoes in our state's history. Our prayers are with the families and friends of the victims. Lexington is making plans to help our fellow Kentuckians."

Deadly tornadoes in western Kentucky have taken many lives overnight. @GovAndyBeshear has called it the worst string of tornadoes in our state's history. Our prayers are with the families and friends of the victims. Lexington is making plans to help our fellow Kentuckians.  Mayor Linda Gorton (@MayorGorton) December 11, 2021

U.S. Senate candidate Charles Booker

"Kentucky, I love you so much," Charles Booker, a former state representative from Louisville and current U.S. Senate candidate, wrote in tweet Saturday. "My heart breaks for our families and those who were lost in this terrible storm. I promise to do all I can to help as we work to get through this."

Kentucky, I love you so much. My heart breaks for our families and those who were lost in this terrible storm. I promise to do all I can to help as we work to get through this.  Charles Booker (@Booker4KY) December 11, 2021

Kentucky Senate Minority Leader Morgan McGarvey

"Our Commonwealth is hurting. This is the worst tornado disaster in Kentuckys history. Communities across Kentucky have been devastated," state Senate Minority Leader Morgan McGarvey, D-Louisville, said in a statement.

"Chris and I join everyone in prayer for those who lost their lives, were injured and who lost homes, businesses and belongings. We also know that here in Kentucky we take care of each other, and that Kentuckians stand ready and eager to help their neighbors.

"I want to thank Governor Andy Beshear for his quick and decisive action during this tragedy -- mobilizing all of the states resources, and asking the federal government to do the same. Im also grateful to President Biden for immediately granting that request.

"All Kentuckians also owe an enormous debt to the many emergency responders who braved the storm and are doing the difficult work of finding survivors and administering aid -- and the thousands who will continue to help in the days to come.

"I am in contact with the Governors Office as well as the rest of legislative leadership, and were all ready to make sure our state government works best at this time when Kentuckians need us most. We need to make sure we do all we can to comfort the families of those lost, and then get to work helping our communities recover.

"I urge everyone who is able to contribute to the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund and to donate blood.

"This storm has broken our hearts, but it will not tear Kentucky apart."

NAACP President Derrick Johnson

"We are heartbroken. We are praying for the communities ripped apart and all the lives lost in Kentucky this weekend," NAACP President Derrick Johnson said. "This is a devastating tragedy."

Contact Ben Tobin at bjtobin@gannett.com and 502-377-5675 or follow on Twitter @Ben__Tobin.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky tornadoes: Andy Beshear, Mitch McConnell, leaders react
Registered Nurse Monica Quintana dons protective gear before entering a room at the William Beaumont hospital, April 21, 2021 in Royal Oak, Mich. AP Photo/Carlos Osorio

There were over 4,500 adults hospitalized with COVID-19 in Michigan on Friday.

That's the highest number of COVID-19 hospitalizations in the state since the start of the pandemic.

While vaccines have been available for a year, only 56% of Michigan is fully vaccinated.

Michigan has hit its highest number of COVID-19 hospitalizations since the beginning of the pandemic.

While vaccines have been available for a year, the majority of those hospitalized are unvaccinated, several outlets reported.

According to state data, there were over 4,500 people hospitalized in the state with COVID-19 on Friday, twice the amount who were hospitalized a month ago, The Detroit Free Press.

Fox2 Detroit reported that the number of adults hospitalized with COVID-19 is the highest throughout the entire pandemic.

While cases and hospitalizations surge in the state, it still has one of the lowest COVID-19 vaccination rates. According to state data, only 56% of the residents are fully vaccinated.

Doctors at the University of Michigan Health System told Fox2 Detroit that every patient currently on a ventilator has not been vaccinated against COVID-19.

"Vaccination is the only way out of this pandemic. The unvaccinated aren't just risking their lives and the lives of loved ones, you're risking the lives of others that may die of preventable disease who can't get their needed health care," Michigan Medicine CEO Dr. Marschall Runge told Fox2 Detroit.

Katie Sefton, a nurse at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, Michigan told CNN that she anticipates hospitalizations will get worse.

"We keep talking about how we haven't peaked yet," Sefton said.

Sefton's hospital is already at full capacity.

"We have more patients than we've ever had at any point, and we're seeing more people die at a rate we've never seen die before," Jim Dover, president and CEO of Sparrow Health System told CNN.

Dover said that since January, 75% of the 289 patients who died from COVID-19 in the hospital system were unvaccinated. Those who were vaccinated were more than six months past their initial vaccination and hadn't gotten a booster.

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Health officials like Michigan's Chief Medical Executive, Natasha Bagdasarian, and Health Director Elizabeth Hertel, urged residents to get vaccinated or boosted, Detroit News reported.

"The situation in our state is critical right now," Bagdasarian said on Friday. "Cases are surging. Hospitals are full. And we have a new variant."

Detroit News reported that state health officials have requested 200 additional ventilators from the national stockpile.

Dover told CNN that the situation in the state is overwhelming healthcare systems and workers.

"Most hospitals and health systems in the state of Michigan have gone to code-red triage, which means they won't accept transfers. And as we go into the holidays, if the current growth rate that we're at today, we would expect to see 200 in-patient Covid patients by the end of the month -- on a daily basis," Dover told CNN, adding that it would be "absolutely stretching" workers to "the breaking point."

Healthcare workers are also frustrated because they didn't anticipate they would be dealing with this surge a year after vaccines were made available, CNN reported.

"I was really hoping that we'd (all) get vaccinated and things would be back to normal," Sefton told CNN.

Dover told CNN he hopes people realize how critical the situation is before they have to go to the hospital and wait days for a bed.

Read the original article on Business Insider
A man is in custody after a shooting Saturday in the South Carolina town of Great Falls, officials said.

The suspect, Charles Alexander Boulware, was captured less than an hour after the victim was shot on Washington Street, said Max Dorsey, Chester County Sheriff. Deputies assisted the Great Falls Police Department in the case, Dorsey said.

There was an organized effort to find the suspect quickly and get him into custody, Dorsey said.

Roads blocked during the search for the suspect were later reopened, officials said.

Boulware, 57, is in the Chester County jail, police and jail records show. Charges are pending, Dorsey said.

The identity of the victim has not been released. The victim was airlifted by a helicopter to a hospital, deputies said. The victims condition was unavailable Saturday night.

The relationship between the suspect and victim was not released.

Great Falls is a town of about 2,000 people in southeastern Chester County along the Catawba River, between Rock Hill and Columbia.
Dec. 11New Mexico State Police provided more details in the high-speed pursuit and police shooting near Clines Corners that lead to the death of Christy Dimas and apprehension of Jacob Montoya, suspects in a November robbery in Santa Fe.

State police said the chase began the afternoon of Nov. 26 after a state police officer arrived at a Starbucks on Promenade Boulevard in Santa Fe, where he was told the store had just been robbed by a couple in a black Kia passenger car with no license plate, according to a news release.

Shortly after that information was shared, another state police officer saw the vehicle speeding north on Cerrillos Road near Jaguar Drive but quickly lost sight of it. Moments later, a Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office deputy saw the vehicle heading south on Richards Avenue and began a pursuit, the news release said.

The chase headed north on Interstate 25 before Montoya turned southbound onto U.S. 285.

State police and Santa Fe deputies were joined by Torrance County Sheriff's Office deputies near Clines Corners. During the pursuit, the passenger, Dimas, fired shots at officers, the release said.

Officers from all three agencies fired back at the vehicle, causing it to crash just a few miles south of Clines Corners, according to the release.

The couple did not immediately emerge from the vehicle. Once state police negotiators arrived at the scene, Montoya emerged from the driver's side and was taken into custody, according to the release.

Dimas, 29, was pronounced dead on scene, the release said.

Montoya, 26, was taken to an Albuquerque hospital where he was treated for gunshot wounds, the release said. He was released from the hospital Monday and booked into the Torrance County jail. He faces 15 felony charges, including five counts of shooting at or from a motor vehicle, two counts of possession of a firearm by a felon and assault with intent to commit a violent felony on a peace officer.

He also will face separate charges in the Starbucks robbery.

The state police officer who fired at the vehicle was identified as Bryan Donis. State police declined to identify involved deputies the Santa Fe County and Torrance County sheriff's offices. Donis has been employed with state police for four years and was placed on standard administrative leave, the news release said.

The Santa Fe Police Department is investigating an armed robbery that took place at a Starbucks drive-thru earlier that day. Witnesses reported a black Kia without a license plate fleeing from the area. But investigators have not named Montoya as a suspect in that robbery.
Akron Beacon Journal

The Browns didn't want to imagine where they would be without Baker Mayfield. Unwisely addressing their fears, they have gone nowhere with him.
Illustration by Elizabeth Brockway/The Daily Beast

Senators Mitch McConnell and Chuck Schumer started talking to each other a few weeks ago.

It began with a confab in Schumers car and continued long enough for McConnell to clear the way for Democrats to raise the debt ceiling Thursday afternoon. This follows on McConnell killing a serious threat last Friday by two senators to shut down the government unless Joe Biden withdrew his vaccine mandates. The Old Crow, as Trump derides him, delivered 13 votes for infrastructure, to give his 2022 candidates ribbon-cutting opportunities but also because it was the right thing to do for the nations falling down bridges and roads.

It shouldnt be news that the Senate Minority Leader talked to SchumerBob Dole talked to Tom Daschle all the timebut one-on-one in todays toxic atmosphere is as rare as a total eclipse of the sun. The two are never going to throw back Kentucky bourbons on the Majority Leaders balcony, but slipping off together instead of communicating through aides and the press is a start.

Theres little chance of a similar thaw in the House. The war between House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Speaker Nancy Pelosi remains hot.

Kevin McCarthys Spineless GOP Is a Step Back for Human Evolution

From his permanent position on Donald Trumps lap, Kevin McCarthy remained strenuously opposed to lifting the debt ceiling and in favor of a government shutdown and reminded McConnell of his prior vow to never, ever help those truffle-eating, big-spending Democrats. Trump, who accumulated the largest deficit in history when he was president, piled on from Mar-a-Lago, slamming McConnell for giving up the debt ceiling card for nothing. Nothing? We dont know exactly what would happen to the party perceived to run out on the check for years of four-star meals, but McConnell is not dumb enough to find out.

Since neither McConnell nor McCarthy has a beating heart, and only one has a brain, its hard to tell how much the congressional leaders dont like each other. Its part of McCarthys repertoire to sniff at elitists, and what is the Senate if not the upper chamber. To the stoic McConnell, 79, McCarthy, 56, is a whippersnapper who worked in the district office of a Bakersfield congressman when McConnell was swiftly ascending the slippery pole to Majority Leader. Both of them are Irish, which cant help.

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Mitch McConnell and Kevin McCarthy after their meeting with President Joe Biden and Democratic congressional leaders in May. Nicholas Kamm/Getty

McCarthy once said the quiet part out loud, to Sean Hannity on Fox News of course, about how, Everybody thought Hillary Clinton was unbeatable, until we put together a Benghazi special committee.

That was in 2015, when McConnell, asked about McCarthy then running to replace John Boehner, said, Im not going to give any advice to the House about their various leadership questions. Occasionally, they like to give us advice. Mic drop. McCarthy abruptly withdrew from the Speakers race that Paul Ryan went on to win.

Its no surprise then that the pair are never going to put on Washington Nationals jerseys after a hard day legislating and go off to the ballpark. But its worse than that.. McCarthy is such a captive of Trump, on strict orders from Mar-a-Lago to oppose anything the illegitimate president is for, that everyone knows hes not his own man, forever the substitute teacher with his charges running wild. When Lauren Boebert sent out a copycat Christmas card, mimicking that of Rep. Thomas Massie who decked out his family with assault weapons and asked Santa for more ammo, McCarthy may not have been amused but he was quiet, even though the Yuletide missives came only days after four teenagers were killed in a school shooting.

Trumps fury with the Old Crow keeps rising yet McConnell stands his ground as he sees fit. McCarthy quivers in his boots if Trump wrinkles his brow, even as the former president primaries his incumbents anyway. Hes deluded if he thinks Trump will support him for Speaker, unless it turns out to be in his interest, no matter how much he indulges the antics of Trumps MAGA squad in his caucus.

Boebert has yet to be disciplined for half-joking that she wasnt afraid to share an elevator with Rep. Ilhan Omar as long as she wasnt wearing a backpack. Into the deafening silence from leadership came conservative Rep. Nancy Mace asking everyone to lower the temperature. Just that was enough to ignite the perpetually half-lit fuse of Marjorie Taylor Greene who called Mace trash and told her to go hang with the Jihad Squad. And we think Instagram is full of mean girls.

GOP Women Are Leaning Into Mudslinging and Total Villainy

As much as McCarthy coddled his most servile flunky, cow-suer Devin Nunes, making one of the least intelligent members the ranking member on the Intelligence Committee, Nunes is leaving Congress for greener pastures. Instead of being paid by the taxpayer to carry water for Trump, he will do it directly by running Trumps new media company. Were Don Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle not available? Or Elizabeth Holmes? Nunes might want to check with Rudy about getting paid, and with the feuding Lin Wood and Sidney Powell about how to deal with the SEC investigation into the SPAC Trump merged with that raised nearly $300 million in a few weeks.

At least McCarthy will always have his friend and one-time Freedom Caucus chair Mark Meadows, unless he has to drop him under orders from a vengeful Trump. Trying to temporarily stall the Jan. 6 committee, Trumps last and least chief of staff turned over thousands of documents, many smoking guns among them, including one which came out Thursday proposing to overturn the election by declaring a NatSec emergency and have VP Pence delay Bidens certification and another to declare all electronic voting invalid.

Before this, Trump was furious with his former chief of staff for his new book revealing that Trump tested positive for COVID two days before his first debate with Biden and a week before he was hospitalized, with enough time in between to expose as many as 500 people as he threw numerous parties, including one for new Justice Amy Coney Barrett (which may be where Chris Christie was infected) and another for Gold Star families he then claimed might have infected him.

Donald Trump Thought Mark Meadows Book Was Fucking Stupid

To crawl back into Trumps good graces, Meadows said his own book was fake news and then reneged on his agreement to testify before the Jan. 6 committee and now faces a contempt vote Monday and possible jail time, without the possibility of a pardon. Another federal court ruling Thursday that Trump had no standing to keep his White House records secret renders a suit Meadows filed challenging the committee even more ludicrous.

Its hard to believe that hundreds of grown-ups give up their lunch money to a bully without a fight. In reality, Trump is powerless except for what the party hands him. He just lured former senator and alleged inside trader David Perdue into challenging the re-election campaign of Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, after Perdue said, likely under orders from Mar-a-Lago, that he would have refused to certify Georgias election returns unlike that quisling Kemp. The upshot may be the election of the Democrat Stacey Abrams.

Trumps criminal presidency brought out all the monsters lurking in the Republican party since Newt Gingrich gleefully welcomed the Tea Party, turned governing into blood sport, and greased the skids for Trumps rise. Fast-forward to the current Republican Congress resisting two federal voting rights bills needed to counteract more than a dozen state legislatures working furiously to ensure the next time Trump falsely claims victory, he has partisan hacks in office ready to back him up. Unlike when Brad Raffensperger and other stalwarts who stood up to Trump, there will be operators standing by in 2024 to take Trumps call to find those 11,870 votes.

Who counts the vote is the first thing to go in authoritarian countries, ones where we used to monitor elections for integrity. Whats next? Calling out the military and holding a new election if, at first, you dont prevail? Trump and Gen. Michael Flynn already entertained that.

Its no mystery why were no longer ranked among the top 30 democracies in the world. Were being led by officials who fear that a defeated, impaired, and ruthless man might say something nasty about them. Thats why McConnell speaking to the opposition and caving on the debt ceiling, as Trump saw it, is significant. Unlike McCarthy, hes not so afraid anymore.

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Dozens of people are dead and countless lives are upended after at least four tornadoes cut a historic trail of destruction through western and southern Kentucky late Friday night and early Saturday morning.

The death toll "will probably meet or exceed 100" by the time officials finish sifting through the debris, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said.

This is just pure devastation for blocks because this deadly tornado never lifted up. It just continued to roll and devastate and kill from county to county to county, he said at a press conference Saturday afternoon in Dawson Springs.

More: Where did Kentucky tornadoes hit? See damage by county

More: A massive tornado ripped through Kentucky for more than 200 miles. Here's its path.

Flattened homes and destroyed buildings stretched from the southwestern tip of the commonwealth to counties along the Indiana border. Beshear said he expected fatalities in at least Graves, Marshall, Warren and Hopkins counties. Tens of thousands were without power Saturday morning.

One tornado alone was responsible for much of the devastation. It stayed on the ground for more than 200 miles, crossing the state line from Arkansas and Tennessee.

Kaitlin Bailey of Mayfield, Ky., helps collect her friend's belongings Saturday morning, Dec. 11, 2021. A tornado hit Mayfield, Ky., Friday night, Dec. 10, 2021.

Destruction in Mayfield and Graves County

Mayfield, Kentucky  a town of about 10,000 in Graves County  took the brunt head-on.

It looked Saturday morning as if it had been attacked, with downed power lines draped across roads, yards and parking lots. Debris covered the ground in all directions surrounding the destroyed city square.

More than 40 people were rescued from Mayfield Consumer Products, a plant that manufactures decorative candles. But many others working the late shift were killed.

Were going to lose a lot of lives in that factory, Beshear said. Its a very dire situation at this point.

The storm lopped off the top of the courthouse and decimated its interior. The nearby Mayfield Police Department and a Mayfield fire station were also destroyed.

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Damage to the Graves County Court House in Mayfield, Ky., Saturday morning, Dec. 11, 2021. A tornado hit Mayfield, Ky., Friday night, Dec. 10, 2021.

Marrico Galbreath, who lives on North Sixth Street in Mayfield, was in his basement with his two kids, ages 12 and 18, when the tornado hit.

If it wasnt for the basement, we wouldnt be here today, he told the Courier & Press, standing in the wrecked remains of his home. He said he had remodeled the house and only moved in two months ago.

Down the street, Rick Foley sat on what was left of his front porch and stared blankly ahead. He had no basement, so he took shelter in a hallway.

He emerged covered in dirt and insulation but alive. His two cats, he said, "disappeared" in the storm.

His sister was on her way over. They planned to sift through the rubble and try to salvage what they could. But at 70 years old, he pondered what to do next.

"I have to start over now," he said.

Beshear activated more than 180 members of the Kentucky National Guard to assist with recovery.

"How I lived, I don't know," Katrina Wilson told her friends as they collected their belongings from their demolished home on 8th Street in Mayfield, Ky., Saturday morning, Dec. 11, 2021. A tornado hit Mayfield, Ky., Friday night, Dec. 10, 2021. The family of four rode out the storm in their fiberglass bathtub/shower and nobody was injured.

We are increasing that number as more requests come in, Beshear said Saturday in Mayfield. This has been one of the toughest nights in Kentuckys history, with multiple counties impacted and a significant loss of life.

Mayfields public safety officers said they appreciated all the help they have received from area agencies. But their tasks ahead are imposing. They could be facing months, if not years, of recovery. Around 36,000 people live in Graves County in total.

Mayfield Police Chief Nathan Kent said there would be a curfew of 7 p.m. Fire Chief Jeremy Creason said his top priority is finding a temporary station for 45 of his firefighters.

A statue of the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus stands outside a leveled Catholic Church in Dawson Springs, Kentucky, Saturday morning. At least four tornadoes barreled through the state Friday and Saturday, leaving dozens dead.

Destruction in Hopkins County

Towns in Hopkins County took direct hits as well. There were reports of at least nine people dead in Dawson Springs as of Saturday morning.

Everybody who believes in God, pray, said Wesley Lynn, incident commander in Dawson Springs for the Hopkins County Emergency Management Agency. If you dont, pray anyway.

He urged people to stay out of Dawson Springs. The National Guard had been called and was expected to arrive later Saturday morning. Several outside law enforcement and firefighter agencies responded to help, including officials with the Henderson and Webster county EMAs.

Lee Adams, left, hugs his cousin-in-law Shiela Morris as they part ways after the tornado in Dawson Springs, Ky., Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. The tornado hit the town Friday evening.

The Dawson Springs city park was essentially destroyed, and much of the damage centered on a corridor in the eastern part of town.

Not far off Industrial Park Road, Tiffany Burton sat wrapped in a blanket outside her gutted home at the Belmont Park Apartments Saturday morning. Some apartments had been destroyed, while others remained untouched.

She said shed been sitting at home Friday when her mom called and told her the tornado would hit Dawson Springs in five minutes.

I said, no, mom, its here now, she told a reporter.

Her ears started popping, and right as she climbed into her bathtub and put a pillow over her body, the storm rampaged through the apartment.

It felt like forever when it was going through, even though it was probably only a couple minutes, she said.

In Earlington, the storm derailed 27 train cars on a CSX line. The tornado hurled one up a hill, about 75 yards from the track. Another train car landed in a home, but Earlington firefighters said there were no immediate reports of injuries or fatalities at the site. Several homes near the tracks were destroyed.

Aftermath of the tornado in Dawson Springs, Ky., Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. The tornado hit the town Friday evening.

Police were setting up staging and information centers at Dawson Springs Independent Schools and Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park.

More: Kentucky tornado may have broken 1925 'Tri-State Tornado's' longest continuous path record

National Weather Service: storm could be record-setting

This was an absolutely devastating event, said Chris Noles, lead forecaster for the National Weather Service office in Paducah, Kentucky. It could be record-setting.

He said NWS crews were already spreading across the state to determine how strong  and fast  the storms were. Bowling Green was the biggest city to see widespread damage. Officials with NWS in Louisville said the damage there pointed to an EF-3 tornado, meaning wind speeds could have ranged between 136 and 165 miles per hour.

Evansville and Southwestern Indiana were largely spared of heavy damage, but tornadoes also struck parts of Arkansas, Tennessee and Illinois. The roof of an Amazon facility near Edwardsville, Illinois collapsed, killing at least two people and trapping dozens of others.

Noles called the systems that hit Kentucky a perfect storm. When the sun went down, the wind fields a storm needs to gather strength just skyrocketed. That, combined with warm temperatures, high dew points, and a disturbance rising from Oklahoma, was all the system needed.

The tornado that hit Mayfield and others was able to stay on land so long because there was nothing on the ground to stop it from gathering air flow, Noles said. The record for the longest distance a tornado ever stayed earthbound came on March 18, 1925, when a funnel cloud touched down near Ellington, Missouri and carved a 219-mile path across three states for three-and-a-half hours. Fridays storm could eventually be found to have topped that.

Later dubbed the Tri-State Tornado, the 1925 storm killed 695 people and injured 2,000 others at a time long before the advent of community storm sirens and weather radar.

Residents had plenty of warning this go around. But nothing could stop the tornadoes from leaving death and destruction in their wakes.

Two men, who declined to be identified, help with the retrieval of property from their friend's demolished home Saturday morning, Dec. 11, 2021. A tornado hit Mayfield, Ky., Friday night, Dec. 10, 2021. The family of four rode out the storm in their fiberglass bathtub/shower and weren't injured as the house fell apart around them.

These storms, he said, were a once-in-a-generation thing.

We spent three days talking about it. The day of, we told people it could be bad. Two hours prior, were telling people its looking bad. Were telling people in Fulton, and Hickman and Graves and Marshall counties that its coming right at them, Noles said. We did everything we could, and (the communities) will still have to endure deaths.

Ive worked two or three storms not far off from this one, but (those) dodged populated areas, he said. Evansville (in 2005) was a bad deal. This one is going to be the longest-track tornado, and maybe the most intense that Ive ever worked.

This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: "Pure devastation": 100-plus feared dead in Kentucky tornadoes
The death of Randy Gori has left his friends and family with immense emotional, mental, and physical anguish, his survivors told his murderer and a Madison County judge Friday.

Timothy Banowetz, a 30-year-old former Missouri college student, was sentenced to 70 years in prison for the murder of Gori, a prominent Edwardsville attorney and philanthropist, and two counts of armed robbery against Goris teenage children.

It was the maximum possible sentence, and Banowetz must serve at least 65 of those years. At the earliest, Banowetz will be 93 years old when hes released.

The three family members who addressed the court Friday advocated for the maximum sentence. Several of Goris friends and family members in attendance burst into tears when the sentence was read.

Goris wife, Beth Gori, gave a written statement that was read out loud by a family friend before Judge Kyle Napp.

The PTSD will most likely follow (our children) throughout their lives, she said. No one should have to live in fear that way. Weve all three undergone intensive therapy to help us through this horrific event.

I do not know how long that therapy will continue, but this nightmare continues every day of our lives.

Beth Gori characterized her husband as a trusting man who helped everyone he ever met.

Judy Gori, Randy Goris mother, has been hospitalized for much of the nearly two years since her sons murder, her husband Lee Gori said in his statement. Judy Gori was not in attendance. After her sons death, shes struggled with depression, dehydration, loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, and mental stability, according to her husband.

Laura Perkins Moore, Judy Goris sister and Randy Goris aunt, told those assembled in Napps courtroom that her sister forever lost her soul when her son was murdered.

He gave so much to everyone he knew, personally and professionally, Lee Gori said.   (Banowetz) should be offered no leniency.

In addition to Goris wife, father, and aunt, two family friends submitted victim impact statements that were given to Napp, but not shared with the courtroom.

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As the family was leaving the Justice Center, Perkins Moore said she didnt think hearing about the sentencing would help her sister heal.

Shes going up and down mountains, Perkins Moore said of how her sister had been handling meetings and updates about Goris murder case.

Timothy Banowetz, left, and his former public defender Mary Copeland take questions from the judge at the start of Banowetzs sentencing hearing in an Edwardsville courtroom on Friday, Dec. 10, 2021. Earlier this year Banowetz pleaded guilty to the January 2020 murder of Randy Gori and robbing Goris two children. Copeland, Madison Countys Chief Public Defender, had been representing Banowetz until he told the judge he wished to represent himself at the start of the hearing on Friday.

Banowetz makes another surprise change

Shortly before opening arguments were set to begin in his trial on Oct. 5, Banowetz accepted a deal from Madison County and changed his plea to guilty. The jury hadnt been seated yet.

The moments before his sentencing hearing Friday were similarly dramatic. While reporters, sheriffs deputies, and friends and family of Gori settled into the courtroom, Banowetz told his court-appointed attorney he did not want her to represent him anymore, and that he would be representing himself.

Judge Napp asked Banowetz about his educational background and whether he had any legal experience; he didnt. She asked if he was under the influence of any substances or had been threatened or intimidated into rejecting professional counsel; he told her he was making a conscious choice.

Napp advised him that there was a lot on the line and a lot at risk for him, but allowed him to represent himself.

Initially, Banowetz tried to retract his guilty plea and claimed that he had never been provided with the documents from the pre-sentencing investigation, which both the judge and the public defender disputed.

Im not going to let you play games, Napp told Banowetz, citing previous refusals to cooperate during the investigation.

After that, Banowetz did not object to any evidence submitted by the prosecution and offered no mitigating evidence of his own. Several times, Judge Napp had to say that Banowetz was shaking his head for the record because he didnt actually speak.

At the end of the hearing, Napp asked Banowetz if he had anything else to say.

It really doesnt matter, he replied. Youre going to give me the maximum.

In a press conference after the hearing, Madison County States Attorney Tom Haine said Banowetz showed absolutely no remorse, and characterized him as a delusional, violent narcissist.

Haine said Banowetzs decision to represent himself was a terrible idea. Even if he were being represented by an attorney, though, Haine said he believed Banowetz would have received the maximum possible punishment anyway.

But Banowetz didnt do himself any favors, and painted himself into a corner if he were to try to appeal his sentencing, Haine said.

There is an appeals process, and that process will play out, but in this case, when you plead guilty to a crime, that does reduce your appeal options, Haine said. You can argue fewer problems with the process  the trial didnt take place, and you admitted that you did it. Similarly for the sentencing hearing today, when you represent yourself, when you put on no evidence of mitigation, the judge warns you that its a bad idea, again, that limits the appeal options you have.

Ultimately, Haine said his hope was that the Gori family was able to mourn in peace, without media scrutiny.

Theres a lot of interest in this case, which is reasonable, it was a terrible case, he said. But the Gori family should be allowed to rest.  (Banowetz) is a man who should go into obscurity now.

Lee Gori, the father of Randy Gori, speaks with members of the media after the sentencing of Timothy Banowetz in the murder of his son.

The case against Banowetz

Police found Gori dead in his rural home northeast of Edwardsville while responding to a 911 call around 9 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020. The following Monday, former Madison County States Attorney Tom Gibbons announced that Banowetz was being charged with first-degree murder, armed robbery, aggravated unlawful restraint and an offense related to vehicle theft.

Banowetz ambushed Gori and his two minor children, binding their hands behind their backs with zip-ties before using a knife to stab Gori, according to evidence submitted by the prosecutors. He then stole cash and two cellphones before fleeing in Goris Rolls-Royce.

Surveillance footage from outside Goris home captured when Banowetz first ambushed the family just outside of their home. As the footage played in a nearly-silent courtroom, Banowetz kept his eyes on the video of himself.

Perhaps the most disturbing evidence investigators collected was was a handwritten list reportedly in Banowetzs possession when he was apprehended on the morning of Jan. 5, 2020, near Goris home in rural Edwardsville.

According to the prosecutors, the list read, Watch with binoculars from woods, use gun and knife to subdue, zip-tie hands and Duct-tape mouth, have withdraw $4 to $6 million from bank, kill all of them and take zip ties and Duct tape off, burn bodies and house.

A search of Banowetzs computer also showed that he had viewed photos of Gori and his children on social media on several occasions, that he searched Google Maps for directions to Goris home, and that he Googled the question, What does a million dollars look like.

Banowetz also was carrying more than $4,000 in cash stolen from Goris kitchen and wearing clothes stained with Goris blood, prosecutors said.

Authorities believe Banowetz was homeless at the time of his arrest. He had been attending pharmacy school in St. Louis and was in debt, prosecutors said.
OHIO  The first cases of the omicron variant of COVID-19 have been detected in Ohio.

We have known that it would only be a matter of time until a case of Omicron was detected in Ohio. The CDC believes that this variant has likely been circulating in the U.S. since November, said Ohio Department of Health Director Bruce Vanderhoff.



The two confirmed cases were among adult men in central Ohio, the Ohio Department of Health said. Both infected men were vaccinated but had not yet received a booster shot, health officials added.

While we will continue to learn more about Omicron in the days to come, early reports from South Africa suggest Omicron may be more contagious and more likely to reinfect people. Naturally, there has been concern regarding whether vaccines would remain protective. The results of the early research regarding vaccines are encouraging, reinforcing the benefits of primary vaccination and timely boosters," Vanderhoff said.



Both infected men are currently experiencing mild symptoms of COVID-19 and have not been hospitalized. Neither man had been out of the country. Additional details about the men are not being released to protect their privacy.

Both cases were sequenced by The Ohio State University lab technicians. Over the past three weeks, the university's labs have sequenced more than 1,000 positive COVID-19 tests, meaning the omicron variant is responsible for approximately 0.2 percent of the positive cases in the lab.

This variants arrival and the continued impact of the delta variant underscore the importance of our best prevention tool, which is choosing to be vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccines, coupled with prevention measures, provide the greatest protection from severe illness resulting in hospitalization or death," Vanderhoff said.

Omicron Questions

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the omicron variant has already been detected in some of Ohio's nearby states, including Michigan, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Virginia and New York.

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Is omicron more contagious? Researchers are still studying the variant, but the CDC believes they're likely to discover omicron spreads more easily than the original version of the virus. Whether or not omicron is more contagious than delta is not yet clear, CDC said.

Does omicron make you sicker? More research is needed, CDC said.

Will vaccines protect me from omicron? The CDC believes the answer is yes and Pfizer (one of the vaccine makers) agrees, though it advocates getting a booster shot as soon as possible for maximum protection.

Are there treatments for omicron? It's not yet clear if any of the COVID-19 treatments developed by researchers will be effective against the omicron variant, CDC said.

Booster Shots

While the omicron variant could be more contagious and more sickening than previous strands of COVID-19, said Dr. Joseph Gastaldo, medical director of infectious diseases, OhioHealth, it appears vaccines still provide some protection against the virus.

"Getting vaccinated gives you a wonderful layer of protection against severe disease," Gastaldo said.

Adding a third dose of vaccine  more commonly known as a booster shot  should also improve protection against the variant.



Ohio's Current COVID-19 Surge

While the omicron variant of COVID-19 continues to loom as a menace, the delta variant is driving the state's current uptick in cases and hospitalizations. Northern Ohio's hospital systems have especially reported crowded bedding situations and a need to delay nonessential surgeries.

Nearly 4,300 Ohioans are currently hospitalized because of COVID-19, according to the Ohio Hospital Association. That's the highest level of hospitalized COVID-19 patients since last winter, Vanderhoff noted.



Things are even worse in the state's intensive care units, where 1,100 Ohioans are being treated for COVID-19, the Ohio Hospital Association reported. That number rivals previous highs for COVID-19 patients in intensive care units in Ohio.

"The current surge is putting a dangerous strain on the state's health care infrastructure," Vanderhoff said. "We are, yet again, in a dangerous situation."

Dr. Glen Seaman, medical director for Williams County Health District said the vast majority of hospitalized COVID-19 patients he's seeing are unvaccinated.



This article originally appeared on the Cleveland Patch
Dec. 11CANTON  At least 50 people attended Thursday night's Board of Education meeting in the JM McKenney Middle School cafeteria to voice concerns over the rise of hate-speech bullying in the Canton Central School District.

"I'm here asking for transparency from the board and administration, and for a clear plan of action, on how hate speech is responded to in each school building in regards to both the victims and offenders," said Lauren Diop, one of the organizers of this call to action.

She said students need to know that hate speech will have consequences, and that the school needs to present clear, actionable steps to address the problem.

"I'm here to share with you my and my wife's concerns as a parent at Canton Central, particularly being an LGBTQ couple who are parents of two children of multi-racial, multi-ethnic background," Gabrielle Clover said.

As early as pre-K, she said, her child was excluded and treated differently.

"My child has been humiliated and reprimanded in ways that her white counterparts have not," Ms. Clover said.

Eighth-grader Finley Thomas said she hears "lots of slurs and phrases that are offensive not only to me, but to many of my peers."

"These things are unacceptable and need to be dealt with immediately," Miss Thomas said. "This makes the school feel unsafe and volatile."

Another eight-grader, Ciaran O'Brian, said he has "a real problem with the things that are going on."

"Many people don't feel welcome here," he said. "I've heard hate speech about race, sexual orientation, gender orientation, disabilities, and size or weight.

"This is unacceptable," he added, "and it should be treated that way."

Priscilla Collins, the parent of a student at the high school, said her son has been on the receiving end of racial and homophobic slurs, including the N-word.

"And the school has done nothing about it," she said.

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"Hate speech and aggressive speech is the tip of the iceberg," said the Rev. James T. Galasinski, of the Unitarian Universalist Church in Canton. "We're swimming in a system of oppression, and that's because it's allowed and tolerated."

"We cannot tolerate that," he said.

After public comment, board member Daniel Thomas updated the audience regarding the board's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee on which he sits.

He said the DEI Committee is recommending to the Board of Education to hire the Equity Literacy Institute, which aids in creating and sustaining equitable schools.

"By recognizing and deeply understanding disparities, we prepare ourselves to respond effectively to inequity in the immediate term," Mr. Thomas said. "We also strengthen our abilities to foster long-term change by redressing institutional and societal conditions that create everyday manifestations of inequity."

The DEI Committee is requesting a budget between $40,000 and $50,000 from the district reserve funds to support the initial phase of this work, which will include policy analysis, focus groups, and learning sessions.

The DEI committee hopes to begin working with the Equity Literacy Institute in January.

"I want to let people know who spoke that they have been heard," said J.M. McKenney Middle School principal Joseph D. McDonough. "Even though exchanges like this can be challenging, I think that's precisely where growth happens. So I'm optimistic for this situation and for all of us."

Board of Education President Victor N. Rycroft likewise outstretched his hand to all the speakers.

"Especially the students," he said. "You've made us all proud."
Police use tear gas around Capitol building where pro-Trump supporters broke windows and breached the Capitol building in an attempt to overthrow the results of the 2020 election. Photo by Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images

Robert Palmer pleaded guilty to assaulting police with dangerous weapons during the Capitol riot.

Prosecutors recommended a five-year sentence, which would be the longest to date for a Capitol rioter.

Prosecutors said despite pleading guilty, Palmer has shown a lack of remorse.

A 54-year-old man from Florida who attacked police officers with a wooden plank and fire extinguisher on January 6 could get five years in prison, the longest sentence for any Capitol riot defendant to date.

Robert Palmer pleaded guilty in October to assaulting law enforcement with dangerous weapons during the attack. According to a court document signed by Palmer, he threw a wooden panel at police officers who were protecting an archway that led inside the Capitol from the lower West Terrace.

Moments later, Palmer was at the front of the mob confronting the officers where he sprayed a fire extinguisher in their direction until it was empty. He then hurled the fire extinguisher at the officers. Prosecutors said it did not hit an officer but that it was thrown with enough force to inflict "serious bodily injury."

Capitol riot defendant Robert Palmer throwing a fire extinguisher. US Attorney's Office in Washington, DC

Some of the most violent clashes of the insurrection happened near Palmer. Officer Michael Fanone, who was beaten unconscious, tased, and threatened with death during the riot, was protecting the West Terrace when he was attacked.

Palmer faces a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. In a sentencing memo filed Friday, prosecutors recommended he be sentenced to 63 months in prison, saying despite pleading guilty he has shown a lack of remorse for his actions.

"Palmer's statements  both on January 6 and up to the present -- suggest a distinct lack of remorse for his conduct, a tenuous relationship with truth, and a willingness to repeat falsehoods for personal benefit," Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Juman wrote, citing that Palmer told members of the media he had "done nothing wrong."

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Prosecutors also said the five-year sentence was at the low end of possible sentence lengths, crediting Palmer for cooperating with investigators and pleading guilty early.

More than 700 people have been charged in the Capitol riot. Jacob Chansley, also known as the "QAnon Shaman," has received the longest sentence so far, 41 months in prison.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Pueblo County School District 70's Board of Education is asking the Pueblo County Board of Health to remove its county-wide mask mandate in K-12 schools.

The D70 board made its request in a letter to the board of health on Dec. 10.

The mandate in question has been in effect since Aug. 30 and requires individuals at least two years old to wear masks at indoor schools, child care facilities and camps to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, according to the public health order.

Indoor Mask Mandates: Gradisar drafts letter to county/city leaders requesting mask mandate through January

Several exemptions to the current mask mandate, including exemptions for those who are unable to medically tolerate a mask, are outlined in the order.

"These measures have never had a clear end in sight, and this is causing an undue strain on the learning system," D70's letter said. "We as a community are tired of being forced to adhere to mandates that are not proving affective [sic] in comparison to the despair that they are causing to students and our community."

Contrary to the letter's assertion, mask-wearing has proven effective in preventing the spread of COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"Experimental and epidemiologic data support community masking to reduce the spread of SARS-COV-2, including alpha and delta variants, among adults and children," according to the CDC. "The prevention benefit of masking is derived from the combination of source control and wearer protection."

In addition to opposing mask mandates in schools, the letter sent by Pueblo District 70 opposes vaccine mandates in schools. Currently, there is no vaccine mandate for K-12 schools in Pueblo County, according to the Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment.

"There has been segregation of unvaccinated and vaccinated children in making these mandates, yet there has been no consideration for students having natural immunity," the D70 board said in its letter. "As natural immunity to a virus is proven more affective [sic] than immunization, these are factors that should be taken into account when considering immunity."

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According to recent CDC studies, vaccination offers significantly higher protection from COVID-19 than immunity gained through a prior COVID-19 infection.

A CDC study compiled in August to measure COVID-19 infections in Kentucky among people who were previously infected with the SARS-COV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 showed that unvaccinated individuals "are more than twice as likely to be reinfected with COVID-19 than those who were fully vaccinated after initially contracting the virus."

According to the CDC, reinfection of COVID-19 within 90 days following initial infection is uncommon. However, the CDC recommends that vaccine-eligible individuals get vaccinated to prevent risking COVID-19 related hospitalization or death.

"Vaccine Effectiveness Studies provide a growing body of evidence that mRNA COVID-19 offer similar protections in real-world conditions as they have in clinical trial settings, reducing the risk of COVID-19, including severe illness by 90 percent or more among people who are fully vaccinated," according to the CDC.

All five members of the Pueblo District 70 board signed the letter sent to the Pueblo County Board of Health. Members of the board were sworn in on Dec. 3 during a special meeting. Anne Ochs was named board president and A.J. Wilson was named vice president.

U.S. Congressional races: Congressional candidate Donald Valdez tells Lauren Boebert to resign during Pueblo event

John Christensen, Christopher DeLuca and Cathleen Culhane Howland are the other three newly-elected board directors.

No directors from the previous board were re-elected during the Nov. 2 election. Former directors Paulette Frye, Fredrick Quintana and Staphanie Cordova-Catalano were defeated by Wilson, Ochs and Culhane Howland respectively. Former Board President Mark Emery and former Vice President Debbie Houghton did not run for reelection.

Pueblo Chieftain reporter James Bartolo can be reached by email at JBartolo@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Pueblo D70 requests Pueblo Board of Health remove school mask mandate
RICHMOND, Ind.  Reid Community Benefit has received the Community Service Award from the Boys & Girls Clubs Indiana Area Council for Reid's support of the organization's local programming.

Over the past three years, Reid Community Benefit has given nearly $74,000 in grants to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County for its Prevention Plus and ClubFit programs.

"Reid Community Benefit has been such a blessing to the Boys & Girls Club, Sarah Roddy, director of resource development for Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County, said in a release from Reid. Their partnership and continued support have allowed our organization to continue to build programming that keeps our kids healthy and active."

More: Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County selects Alicia Painter as new leader

ClubFit encourages kids to develop healthy eating habits and be active through a variety of activities while Prevention Plus provides evidence-based substance use prevention programming at the Boys & Girls Clubs facilities and at schools.

"We are honored to receive this award, and it's extra special to know we were nominated by our local Boys & Girls Clubs partner," Angela Cline, director of Reid Community Benefit, said in the release.

"The Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County has been a strong ally for us in combating some of the most difficult health challenges in our area. We look forward to continuing our partnership to promote health in our communities."

This article originally appeared on Richmond Palladium-Item: Reid Community Benefit recognized for support of Boys & Girls Clubs
Associated Press

A rabbi who was badly wounded in a deadly antisemitic attack at the Chabad of Poway synagogue in Southern California was sentenced Tuesday to 14 months in federal prison for running a multimillion-dollar donation fraud, authorities said. Yisrael Goldstein, 60, also was ordered to pay about $2.8 million in restitution. I beg for mercy to accept my repentance and allow me to right the wrongs, Goldstein told the judge at his sentencing, the San Diego Union-Tribne reported. He asked for the chance to do whatever I can to help others to the best of my ability.
Watch: Rose Ayling-Ellis discusses making Strictly Come Dancing history

Rose Ayling-Ellis has admitted she is nursing an injury ahead of the Strictly Come Dancing semi-final.

The EastEnders actor said she sustained bruising to her hip while preparing for the dramatic lift she and dance partner Giovanni Pernice executed in last week's American Smooth routine.

Read more: Rose Ayling-Ellis doesn't follow vibrations on Strictly shows

Ayling-Ellis told Strictly: It Takes Two that she was left with "a big bruise on my hip" after rehearsing the move, in which she leapt into Pernice's arms from a considerable distance.

Pernice added: "She didn't really want to practise with the mat, because she was like, it's actually hurting more ... A few times we tried it without, and she went onto the floor."

Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice performed a classy American Smooth routine on 'Strictly Come Dancing'. (Guy Levy/BBC)

Ayling-Ellis received praise from the judges for her performance, which scored a near-perfect tally of 39 from the panel.

Rival couple Rhys Stephenson and Nancy Xu matched their score with a 39 for their Argentine Tango to In the Air Tonight by Phil Collins.

Read more: Craig Revel Horwood criticises James Jordan for Ayling-Ellis remarks

Ayling-Ellis must now manage her injury ahead of the crucial semi-final, in which all of the remaining couples will perform two numbers.

She and Pernice are due to dance the Argentine Tango to Eduardo Rovira's A Evaristo Carriego and the Waltz to Ellie Goulding's How Long Will I Love You.

Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice have wowed 'Strictly Come Dancing' audiences this year. (Guy Levy/BBC)

The couple are the current bookies' favourites to win Strictly Come Dancing this year and Ayling-Ellis has been praised as an inspiration for succeeding as the show's first deaf contestant.

Earlier this week, she told Sky News it is "nice to be part of history" and pave the way for other deaf dancers in the future.

Read more: AJ Odudu says Strictly romance rumours are scaring off suitors

She added: "I think it's super important because it's an opportunity to show on such a big platform with millions of people watching, and change their concept of what they think deaf people are like. I'm very proud of that.

The semi-final of Strictly Come Dancing is due to air tonight at 7.05pm on BBC One.

Watch: Rose Ayling-Ellis gets perfect score for Tango on Strictly Come Dancing
Siblings A'Kiahla Wright, 11, left, Naomi Wright, 6, Kaden Wright, 4 ,and Kyndall Wright, 4, have their picture taken by their mother, Anniesha Joyce, 30, with Santa and Mrs. Claus on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. Saunders Memorial A.M.E. Church in Detroit held the vaccination effort pop-up, along with Michigan United.

Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect that the mobile units were from the Wayne Health nonprofit.

Santa's reindeer braved the cold, 60-mph winds in southeast Michigan on Saturday afternoon so he could get to Detroit to help encourage community members to get vaccinated.

A Wayne Health Mobile Unit provided COVID-19 vaccines, as well as flu shots and other health screenings, at the pop-up clinic at Saunders Memorial A.M.E. Church. The event also featured a visit with Santa, ice sculptures, and food.

"Even if they come just to get the food, see Santa and ice sculptor, we have an opportunity to give them information so that maybe the next time they'll go and get vaccinated," said Joelynn Stokes, pastor at Saunders Memorial A.M.E. Church.

As health officials say Michigan coronavirus cases continue to trend in a 'deeply concerning direction,' the state lags behind other states in vaccination rates. As of Saturday, only 56.1% of Michigan residents are fully vaccinated.

A Wayne Health Mobile Unit, of the Wayne Health nonprofit affiliated with Wayne State University, offered COVID-19 Pfizer vaccines and COVID testing on Saturday, December 11, 2021.

The omicron variant, shown to be even more transmissible than the delta variant, has been identified in the state and hospitals are overflowing with COVID-19 patients, the majority of whom are unvaccinated.

"The situation in our state is critical right now. Cases are surging, hospitals are full and we have a new variant," said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, the state's chief medical executive. "I strongly urge all Michiganders to ... get vaccinated, get boosted, to wear a well-fitting mask whenever you are in indoor public settings ... and get tested if you have symptoms that could be COVID-19; get tested if you feel you may have been exposed; get tested before any unmasked gatherings. We're really at a critical place in this pandemic and it's really time for everyone to do their part."

More: Where to visit with Santa, get pictures near metro Detroit

More: Explore Michigan's top Christmas towns  including a city named after the holiday

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This isn't Stokes' first effort to get her community vaccinated. A member of Choose Healthy Life and United Way, she has helped organize four events since January 2021.

She said people get vaccinated at each event she has hosted, and that's a success in her book.

"I'm just trying to create a environment that will encourage people to come out," she said. "And then so that we can give them information resources and possibly talk to them about getting vaccinated and the importance of continuing to get tested."

A lot of people come up to the pop-up with a lot of questions and doubts, and she, along with medical experts, can help clear up some of the uncertainty, she said.

The main issues people come to her with are a lack of trust and not wanting to be told what to do, Stokes said.

"If they just talk about this general distrust of government and we just talked about you know, things going on positive that they wanted the government and other vaccinations and how they have helped," Stokes explained.

Sharonda Robinson, 37, of Detroit, holds her 9-year-old son, Aiden Robinson's, hand as Marya Rosenthal, a registered nurse with the Wayne Health Mobile Unit, and Monique Rickel, a registered nurse with the University of Michigan, give him his first COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021

Sharonda Robinson is fully vaccinated, but brought her 9-year-old son Aidan Robinson to get his first dose.

They braved the brutal wind and Aidan's fear of needles to make sure he got his vaccine.

"It's good to see the church giving back again to the community," she said.

Nate and Kelly Mitchell were the event's Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and they said they couldn't be happier to be celebrating the spirit of Christmas and encouraging people to stay healthy and protect their loved ones.

More: Lawyers say Oxford school officials destroyed evidence after mass shooting

More: Strong winds blow through Michigan, over 200,000 without power Saturday morning

They're new to the Santa business and are only on their second year, but say nothing beats the excitement and love they feel when they interact with both children and grown-ups in the community.

"We're just trying to bring some cheer and just want everybody to be safe," Kelly said.

Staff writers Kristen Jordan Shamus and Christina Hall contributed.

Contact Emma Stein: estein@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Santa visits Detroit to encourage vaccinations as the holidays near
Demonstrators for women's rights at the Texas State Capitol in Austin, Oct. 2, 2021. (Ilana Panich-Linsman/The New York Times)

HOUSTON  Within the span of a few hours, a Texas judge and the U.S. Supreme Court appeared to undercut Texas six-week abortion ban, ruling in separate opinions late Thursday and early Friday that aspects of the law were unconstitutional under state law and that federal challenges could go forward.

But the victories for abortion rights supporters were largely hollow, and providers in Texas were not cheering on Friday.

Neither decision altered the reality on the ground in the state. Both left in place the new abortion law, the most restrictive in the country, which effectively bans abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, with no exceptions for rape or incest.

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Today, because the court once again failed to protect our most basic human rights, more people will continue to suffer as this case winds its way through the legal system, Dr. Bhavik Kumar, an abortion provider in San Antonio, said in a call with reporters hosted by the American Civil Liberties Union.

State Sen. Bryan Hughes, the lead sponsor of the law in the Texas Senate, called Fridays ruling a total victory for life.

The Supreme Court is expected to rule next summer on the constitutionality of abortion in a separate case from Mississippi challenging the central holdings of Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision that established a right to abortion.

In the meantime, for Texas women, the new normal will continue. Clinics that have been forced to turn away women will continue to do so. A surge in travel to out-of-state providers for abortions is unlikely to abate. And desperation is likely to deepen among women seeking abortions beyond six weeks of pregnancy. In some cases, clinic staff members have reported women begging them to meet after hours in the parking lot to give them abortion pills.

So many women have been seeking assistance to get abortions outside Texas that one group that helps with travel, Fund Texas Choice, tripled the size of its small staff and still found itself overwhelmed trying to keep up with the demand. From a few dozen calls a month, it now receives about 300, said Anna Rupani, executive director of the fund.

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Were servicing 50 to 60% of the calls that we get, she said. The fund has had to spend more money on each woman  about $1,000 on average now  because women have had to travel much farther to access abortions outside Texas since the law took effect Sept 1. Most round trips are about 1,100 miles, she said.

The abortion ban relies on an usual enforcement mechanism: Private citizens are tasked with enforcing its provisions, and state officials are barred from doing so. It was designed to deny abortion rights groups a state official to bring a case against and was successful in preventing the groups from stopping the law from taking effect.

On Friday, the Supreme Court ruled that a challenge to the law could proceed against certain state officials but not others.

Significantly, the court did not allow abortion providers to name state court clerks or judges as defendants  a blow to abortion providers in their attempt to halt legal actions brought against them by private citizens under the law.

The court allowed cases to go forward against members of state medical licensing boards, arguing that those state officials could potentially take enforcement action against abortion providers for violating the law.

But even if those officials were later ordered not to take enforcement action, it would not remove the teeth from the law: the threat of lawsuits by private citizens.

It doesnt alleviate that burden that has been in place, which is the potential legal liability to abortion providers, said Aimee Arrambide, executive director of Avow Texas, an abortion rights group.

And the potential burden is not just on providers or clinics but on nurses, staff members, abortion funds, and even family and friends who help facilitate the abortion.

The decision followed one issued late Thursday by a state district court judge in Texas, who found that the enforcement mechanism represented an unlawful delegation of enforcement power to a private person and unconstitutionally granted standing to those who were not injured, and that the law violated due process under the federal Constitution.

But the state court opinion did not include an injunction and left the law in place. Abortion providers said they would not change their behavior until a final decision had been reached at the Texas Supreme Court. The anti-abortion group behind the law, Texas Right to Life, immediately appealed the decision.

The twin rulings were a disappointment to abortion rights advocates and a validation of the unique legal gambit employed by opponents of abortion.

At the end of the day, were celebrating, said John Seago, legislative director for Texas Right to Life, which lobbied for the law. The reality is, the law is still having its effect. The law is still forcing the abortion industry to stop abortion after a heartbeat is present.

The Texas law, known as Senate Bill 8, bans abortions once cardiac activity can be detected in the embryo, usually at around six weeks, before many women are even aware they are pregnant. At this stage of development, there is no heartbeat, only electrical activity in developing cells.

The law flouts the standard set out in Roe v. Wade, the decision that prevented states from banning abortions before fetal viability, the point at which fetuses can sustain life outside the womb, or about 23 to 24 weeks into a pregnancy.

But it has evaded legal challenge because of its unique structure. And with the law in effect, the threat of potentially limitless and costly legal actions has ensured that Texas abortion providers have been following the law.

The decisions arrived just over 100 days since the abortion ban took effect in Texas but did little to alleviate the fog of suits, countersuits and overlapping court rulings that have left clinics and women in the state reeling.

Im remarkably disappointed by the decision today, Amy Hagstrom Miller, president and CEO of Whole Womans Health, which operates four clinics in the state, said Friday. Officially on the books its considered a win, but the win is so narrow.

Hagstrom Miller said her clinics have been open and compliant with the law since it went into effect. They are seeing about 25% of their usual patient load, who are receiving abortions before six weeks, and turning away the rest.

The severe restrictions on abortion in Texas have forced women to find clinics in nearby states  New Mexico, Colorado and Oklahoma are top destinations  inundating them with calls and patients.

At Trust Women, a clinic with locations in Oklahoma City and Wichita, Kansas, the Texas law has pressed resources to the breaking point. In Oklahoma, about 60% of patients are now from Texas. The Kansas clinic is receiving patients from Oklahoma who cannot get appointments because of the influx from Texas.

Were turning away patients every single day, said Rebecca Tong, Trust Womens acting co-executive director.

The backlog has meant women have to wait until later in their pregnancies to see providers, Tong said, leading to more surgical abortions rather than medication abortions.

That demand has been so sustained that the clinics are planning to license more physicians, add staff, and double the number of days per week that abortion care clients are seen.

But among abortion providers and advocates, concern has grown with each court argument and decision that abortion rights may soon be curtailed more broadly. That could make assisting Texas women with access to abortion much more difficult.

This paves the way for other states to pass laws like this, because they know the Supreme Court is not going to act, said Rupani of Fund Texas Choice, adding that in the future, abortion could be banned in most or all Southern states. We cant move Texans across the entire nation. Thats not sustainable.

 2021 The New York Times Company
Sirens rang out over Burlington late Friday after radar-indicated rotation south of Wapello spurred the National Weather Service to issue a tornado warning for portions of Des Moines, Henry and Louisa counties.

The tornado warning was issued at 6:26 p.m. for extreme northern Des Moines County, Louisa County and east central Henry County, according to Tim Gross, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service Quad Cities.

"It just showed a sign that was just strong enough for us to issue the warning," Gross told The Hawk Eye as the storm was moving just east of Mount Pleasant while the warning was still in effect.

One Burlington resident ironically was watching "Twister" on the SyFi network when the warning was activated and the NWS banner stating a radar-indicated tornado was located near Mount Union appeared at the top of their television screen.

No touchdowns were confirmed during the brief warning, which was called off a short time later after the storm system had weakened to the point that it was no longer a threat.

The tornado warning came just more than one hour after a tornado watch had been issued for west central Illinois and northwestern Missouri. That watch will remain in effect for those areas until 11 p.m.

Parts of southeastern Iowa may have a warmer than average winter. Northwestern Iowa could have a colder than average or warmer than average winter, NOAA said in its winter weather outlook Thursday.

"We have an area of low pressure that's going to track from northern Missouri toward east central Iowa in the next two to three hours, so that low track and temperatures in the low- to mid-50s right now in that area, all of the ingredients are starting to come together to a possible severe weather threat, at least for this evening," Gross said. "Along a warm front currently draped over northern Missouri and West Central Illinois, and that's the area we're watching for these storms to develop, and once they interact with a warm front, they can potentially bring us some severe weather."

The severe weather threat for southeast Iowa, however, appears to have passed, although another line of isolated thunderstorms may pass through the area at about 10 p.m., according to weather radar.

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Gross said while tornadoes in December are not commonplace, they also are not unheard of.

Friday's out-of-season warning was the product of a large storm system spanning multiple states that spawned a large and dangerous tornado near Jonesboro, Arkansas and a tornadic thunderstorm in the St. Louis, Missouri, area. The same system also dumped several inches of snow over northe Iowa, as well as Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Saturday's forecast for Des Moines County calls for a high of 42 degrees with breezes of 20 to 25 mph and wind gusts as high as 45 mph. Sunday will be warmer, with a high of 49 degrees and clear skies.

The forecast calls for temperatures to continue to rise into the beginning of the week, with highs of 52 and 57 expected Monday and Tuesday, respectively.

This article originally appeared on The Hawk Eye: December 2021 tornado warning called of for Des Moines, Henry and Lee counties
A Springfield man has been arrested and charged with three felonies for allegedly firing a shotgun at a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper late Friday night following a brief pursuit.

Justin Jackman, 36, was charged with first-degree assault, armed criminal action, unlawful possession of a firearm, and a misdemeanor charge of resisting a lawful stop.

The trooper, Colton Beck, was hit in the head and chest. He suffered serious injuries but officials said early Saturday morning Beck was in stable condition.

According to court documents, Trooper Beck was patrolling the area near Glenstone Avenue and James River Freeway at about 11 p.m. Friday when he witnessed a pickup truck run a red light.

Beck tried to conduct a traffic stop on the pickup truck, but the driver  later identified as Jackman  sped off, according to court documents.

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Beck followed and eventually tracked the truck to the 4600 block of South Luster Avenue where the truck had gotten stuck in a ravine.

Beck got out and approached the truck, when court documents say Jackman fired a shotgun blast that hit Beck in the head and chest. Beck then returned fire as he retreated to seek cover.

Court documents say Jackman fled the scene, prompting a large manhunt throughout the early morning hours. Jackman was arrested at about 7 a.m. when another trooper spotted him walking along Fremont Avenue near East Lark Street.

Court documents say Jackman then confessed to fleeing from and shooting Trooper Beck.

Prosecutors say Jackman has prior convictions for burglary, stealing, resisting arrest, tampering with a motor vehicle and drug possession. He is being held in the Greene County Jail and does not have an attorney listed for this case.

Jackman faces a possible life sentence if convicted of the assault charge.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Missouri man accused of firing a shotgun at highway patrol trooper
Stuart Rosenfeldt, a Boca Raton lawyer who went to prison in one of the biggest legal and financial scandals in South Florida history, has died. He was 66.

The cause of death has not been released.

He had been a partner in the Fort Lauderdale law firm of Rothstein, Rosenfeldt and Adler, which collapsed in 2009 amid a federal investigation that exposed a giant Ponzi scheme run out of the firms Las Olas Boulevard offices. Scott Rothstein, the operations mastermind, was sentenced to 50 years in prison.

Rosenfeldt, a highly regarded labor lawyer, founded the firm with Rothstein in 2002, with just seven lawyers. It grew to one of the biggest and most profitable law firms in South Florida, with top partners enjoying what Rothstein described as the rock star lifestyle.

But indication began to emerge that this was not a normal law firm. The firms offices were protected by an elaborate internal security system, and Rothstein employed off-duty police officers to provide him with 24-hour protection. As FBI and Treasury Department agents closed in, Rothstein flew by private jet to Morocco, where he contemplated suicide. Rosenfeldt, his partner from the early days, talked and texted with him, urging him to choose life.

Rosenfeldt, who received a gift of a Ferrari from Rothstein, claimed he never knew about the Ponzi operation, in which investors were lured into putting up money to buy legal settlements from plaintiffs who preferred a lump sum than waiting for payments over time. The legal settlements turned out to be fabricated, and Rothstein was using money from new investors to pay off old investors.

Rosenfeldt was accused of making illegal political campaign contributions, participating in bank fraud and using off-duty police officers to threaten a prostitute and her boyfriend who were threatening to expose Rosenfeldts involvement with her. He acknowledged his crimes and pleaded guilty in 2014 to criminal conspiracy. He was sentenced to 33 months in prison.

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Rosenfeldt testified that he ran up about $1 million in credit card charges, which lawsuits say he spent on jewelry, vacations, pursuing his hobby of collecting reptiles and other expenses.

During his partnership with Scott, like so many others also involved, Stuart lost his way, Rosenfeldts wife, Susanne Rosenfeldt, wrote in a pre-sentencing letter to the judge. If I thought for one minute, however, that his essential character even approximated the person portrayed in various legal documents and articles, I wouldnt be writing you a letter. He is not that person. He was, and is, the warm and loving person I married; this is why we remain married.

David Fleshler can be reached at dfleshler@sunsentinel.com and 954-356-4535.
Prosecutors are still reportedly clueless about the motives behind the seemingly callous murder of a 71-year-old Chinese man near an elementary school in Chicago's Chinatown on Tuesday.



What happened: Prosecutors at the bond hearing on Thursday could only explain that "sometimes individuals just do evil things" as they tried to determine why Alphonso Joyner, 23, shot and killed Woom Sing Tse, according to Chicago Sun-Times.



Thats the situation we have here, Assistant States Attorney James Murphy said. Judge, I cant give you a motive.

Tse was reportedly walking on the 200 block of West 23rd Place near John C. Haines Elementary School when Joyner fired at the elderly man from his car while driving by. The censored surveillance footage shows that the suspect fired at his victim seven times while inside his vehicle, then seven more times after he got out. During the second round of shots, Tse reportedly covered his head and ears before collapsing onto the floor.

The suspect then calmly walked over to Tse and fired nine more times before calmly returning to his car and driving off. Tse, who sustained several gunshot wounds in his head, right hip, right temple and neck, was rushed to Stroger Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, WTTW reported.

Police managed to track down Joyners car using his plate number and at least 10 license plate reading cameras. During his arrest near Jackson Boulevard an hour later, he was reportedly wearing the same outfit that the murderer in the security camera footage wore.

A ghost gun, a firearm without a serial number that is assembled using different parts of firearms, was found inside his vehicle during his arrest. Gunpowder was also reportedly found on his hands, Chicago Tribune reported.

Authorities also discovered that Joyner's gun magazine matched the spent shell casings at the murder scene.

Joyner was charged with first-degree murder and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, among others.

He was denied bail on Thursday by Judge Maryam Ahmad, who declared that the incidents "overwhelming" evidence shows that Joyner is a "real and present threat and danger to the community," the New York Post reported. The court can say, in summary, this was an execution that the people described.

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Prior arrest: Joyner, who was raised in Chicago, was reportedly arrested in December 2020. Court documents revealed he was allegedly driving with a loaded gun with laser sight in his glove box. Although he showed a valid Firearms Owner Identification (FOID) card, Joyner did not have a concealed-carry license.



Felony charges against him were eventually dropped, and he pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor charge. In addition to having his FOID revoked, he was given a two-day jail sentence.

The evidence was insufficient to file felony charges, as the gun was in a closed glove box and the defendant had a valid FOID, the states attorneys office said on Thursday.

Joyner was also convicted of a misdemeanor in October for the unlawful use of a weapon, according to Assistant Public Defender Scott Kozicki.

Authorities are now coordinating with other precincts to determine if Joyner has any connections to other seemingly random acts of violence in the area, Chief of Detectives Brendan Deenihan said on Wednesday.



Other details: William Tse, the victims son, said his father emigrated to the U.S. from China 50 years ago and saved money while working as a cook in Chicago. He eventually opened two restaurants and retired nine years ago.



He was a man who came to this country with a few dollars in his pocket, and with hard work and a determined spirit, he achieved the American Dream, Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown said.



Featured Image via WGN-TV

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'Loving, Kind, Generous, Unselfish': Community Remembers Spa Owner Murdered in Atlanta Shootings
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A woman was caught on video calling her children and telling them this is your Asian family during a racist rant in a Las Vegas hotel parking lot. The video, posted by TikTok user @peachmegladon on Dec. 31, 2021, shows an unidentified woman getting physical with the person trying to film her after she allegedly assaulted them during a confrontation in the parking lot, The Daily Dot reported. Although @peachmegladon did not provide details about the events prior to the filming of the video, the TikTok user wrote in their videos caption that the woman attacked them twice.
NEW YORK  A trip to the movies with Jeffrey Epstein gave 16-year-old Annie Farmer a hint of the sex abuse that was to come, Farmer testified Friday at Ghislaine Maxwells sex trafficking trial.

Farmer was the Maxwell accuser to testify as a prosecution witness in the 10th day of evidence presentation at Maxwells trial. The government rested its case Friday, and the defense is expected to begin presenting its witnesses next week.

Farmer, now 42, told the Manhattan Federal Court jury she met Epstein in 1995, when she was 16, on a trip from her home in Arizona to New York.

Her sister, Maria, made the introduction. Maria was then a 25-year-old student at the New York Academy of Art, and introduced Epstein as a wealthy philanthropist supporting her art career.

Epstein paid for Farmers plane ticket to New York, and his sprawling Upper East Side mansion was nothing the girls low-income family in Arizona could afford, she testified.

Her sister Maria sang his praises.

She had said that Epstein was interested in possibly helping me with my education, and this is one of the reasons that he was purchasing a plane ticket, said Farmer. He seemed very nice.

Farmer  the only Maxwell accuser to testify under her real name at the trial  said that during the outing to the movies, Epstein sat between her and her sister.

Epstein caressed her arms and legs, and stopped and hid his touching whenever Maria said something to him.

At some point, he reaches over and puts his hand sort of on the arm rest in between our seats and starts to reach for my hand and then, you know, caressed my hand and then, you know, interlocked his hands in mine, holding my hand, she said.

And then also, I think I had my legs crossed, so he was rubbing the bottom of my shoe and rubbing my foot and my leg.

I was very surprised. I was very nervous and anxious. I felt sick to my stomach, she recalled. It was not something I at all was expecting.

Farmer decided not to tell her protective older sister about what happened in the Manhattan theater, fearing she would be upset, she told jurors. But she noted it in her journal, excerpts of which were entered in evidence.

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In the journal, Farmer wrote that she couldnt tell Maria, who worshipped Epstein. I know this sounds like me trying to justify him doing something weird, but it isnt, she wrote.

Not long after the New York trip, Epstein invited Farmer to his ranch near Santa Fe, New Mexico, for what she thought was to be an educational group trip, she said. There she met Maxwell for the first time.

Farmer recalled that when she arrived, there were no other students. She was alone with Epstein and Maxwell. She hoped they would help her achieve her academic dreams.

During the April 1996 trip, Epstein and Maxwell took Farmer shopping, and bought her a pair of black leather cowboy boots for horseback riding, her favorite hobby.

Farmer said there was another strange trip to the movies in New Mexico, when Maxwell pulled Epsteins pants down in the theater. When they were seated, Epstein right away began to rub her hand, and arm, and leg, she recalled.

In the following days, Maxwell said she wanted to give Farmer a massage. She said that she wanted me to have that experience.

She told me to get undressed, said Farmer, describing how Maxwell initially massaged her back and legs and made small talk. She pulled the sheet down and exposed my breasts and started rubbing on my chest and on my upper breasts.

I mean, once she pulled down the sheet, I felt like kinda frozen, she replied. I just wanted so badly to get off the table and have this massage be done. Epstein wasnt present, but Farmer said she sensed he was watching.

The following morning, Epstein  then 43 years old  burst into Farmers bedroom saying he wanted to cuddle, and so he climbed into bed with me, and kind of lay behind me and reached his arms around me and like pressed his body into me, said Farmer.

Throughout the questioning by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Pomerantz, Farmer sounded like she was on the brink of tears.

Did you want to cuddle with Epstein? asked Pomerantz.

No, Farmer responded firmly, telling the jury she escaped the bed by saying she needed to use the bathroom.

In the middle of nowhere in New Mexico with just Maxwell and Epstein, Farmer said, she had nowhere to turn.

In a win for Maxwells defense, Manhattan Federal Court Judge Alison Nathan told jurors they could not consider Farmers testimony about physical contact between her, Maxwell and Epstein as illegal. It wasnt illegal for an adult to have sex or sexual contact with a 16-year-old high school student in New Mexico in 1996.

But Farmer, now a psychotherapist, told the jury that she believed what happened to her as a 16-year-old in New Mexico and New York amounted to sexual abuse.

I think this was all a pattern of them confusing my boundaries and making her question what was right and not right, with the ultimate goal of sexually abusing me, she said.

Maria and Annie Farmer sued Epsteins estate in the wake of his suicide, seeking damages for his alleged abuse. They were among more than 100 women who resolved their claims through an out of court compensation fund that distributed nearly $125 million.

Maria says she was sexually assaulted by the couple when she was 26 and never spoke to them again. She contacted law enforcement in 1996, but Epstein maintained his lifestyle until his arrest and suicide in 2019.

Farmers mother, Janice Swain, 71, testified that she let her daughter to travel to New Mexico because Epstein said his wife would be there, too.

The mother realized something was wrong when her daughter returned home withdrawn and remained so in the months to come. I dont want to talk about it, Annie Farmer said, Swain told the jury. And Im not going to let it ruin my life.

Maxwell has pleaded not guilty to charges that allege she trafficked minors for sex for Epstein from 1994 to 2004 and lied about the conduct under oath. The charges could send her to prison for 80 years.

____
LIVERPOOL, England (Reuters) - The United States will send its top diplomat for Europe to Russia and Ukraine to discuss Russias troop build up and reiterate U.S. commitment to Ukraines sovereignty, the State Department said on Saturday.

"Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, Dr. Karen Donfried will travel to Kyiv, Ukraine and Moscow, Russia December 13-15 to meet with senior government officials to discuss Russias military buildup and to reinforce the United States commitment to Ukraines sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity," the department said.

"Donfried will emphasize that we can make diplomatic progress on ending the conflict in the Donbas through implementation of the Minsk agreements in support of the Normandy Format."

(Reporting by Humeyra Pamuk, writing by William James; editing by Michael Holden)
The Biden administration on Friday announced new sanctions on dozens of people and entities with ties to human rights abuses in China, Myanmar, Bangladesh and North Korea.

Why it matters: The move, timed with international Human Rights Day and the State Department's two-day Summit for Democracy, is a tool "to draw attention to and promote accountability for human rights violations and abuses," the department said.

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Details: State has barred 12 people from entering the U.S., including current and former Chinese government officials whom the United States says had a hand in the detention of Uyghurs in Xinjiang.

Two Bangladeshi law enforcement officers were also named for their involvement in a May 2018 extrajudicial killing of a municipal councilor.

The Treasury on Friday designated SenseTime, a Chinese artificial intelligence company, a "Chinese military-industrial complex" entity, accusing it of creating facial recognition programs to identify Uyghurs. The company is now listed on an investment blacklist.

Several Myanmar military entities and chief ministers were targeted for their role in a deadly crackdown after the military overthrew the democratically-elected government.

Treasury also sanctioned a few agencies controlled by the North Korean government.

What's next: Secretary of State Antony Blinken is traveling to the United Kingdom on Friday where he'll meet with G7 colleagues through Sunday in Liverpool.

He will then head to Southeast Asia next week with stops in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.

In Jakarta, according to a State Department release announcing the travel, he will deliver "remarks on the significance of the Indo-Pacific region" and "in each country, [he] will address the worsening crisis in Burma," also known as Myanmar.

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MILAN (Reuters) - UniCredit wants to grow its domestic footprint and could consider tie-ups in Italy and abroad, but has no interest in the country's biggest insurer Generali and its top shareholder Mediobanca, CEO Andrea Orcel said in a newspaper interview.

UniCredit, Italy's No.2 bank by assets, on Thursday unveiled a three-year plan https://www.reuters.com/markets/europe/unicredit-targets-2024-net-profit-above-45-bln-euros-2021-12-09, pledging to return to investors 16 billion euros ($18 billion) by 2024, or virtually all of the profits generated during the period.

Provided UniCredit delivers on the plan, the payout goal would leave intact the bank's excess capital reserves, giving it room to consider potential mergers and acquisitions.

In an interview with Italian daily Il Sole 24 Ore published on Saturday, Orcel reiterated that the group could consider M&A deals that strengthen its franchise and its shareholder return plans.

However, he quashed speculation that UniCredit could be interested in Generali or Mediobanca.

"I don't believe in tie-ups between banks and insurers. They do not work," Orcel said.

"Neither we're interested in managing financial holdings," he said in reference to Mediobanca's 13% stake in Generali, from which it reaps a sizeable share of its income.

Orcel's track record as one of Europe's most experienced dealmakers has fuelled speculation he could seek a deal involving UniCredit, after predecessor Jean Pierre Mustier unsuccessfully tried to strike a cross-border merger.

In October he walked away from a possible rescue deal for state-owned rival Monte dei Paschi because Italy's Treasury refused to meet his terms.

While Mustier sought to reduce UniCredit's exposure to its debt-laden home country, Orcel repeated the bank wanted to grow domestically, noting its recent success in gaining market share with the help of new consumer finance products.

($1 = 0.8841 euros)

(Reporting by Valentina Za; Editing by David Holmes)
Dec. 10CROOKSTON  A meeting held Thursday evening to discuss controversial murals at the University of Minnesota Crookston was calm and respectful, despite high emotions attached to the historic images.

But it wasn't without controversy. Although the meeting was held in a public facility and after an invitation was widely distributed prior to the event  including to the media  reporters were told there were restrictions on how they could cover the event.

The event, held in the Bede Ballroom at UMC, drew approximately 40 former and current students, staff, community members and representatives from nearby tribal nations. Some joined the discussion via the Internet to share their opinions on the controversial murals.

Reporters from the Herald and WDAY were limited in their coverage; when it was learned that a photo had been taken, the organizer admonished a reporter in front of the group.

Organizers of the meeting chose a talking circle approach for the meeting to draw off Indigenous ways of teaching. The woman leading the discussion, Sandra McNichol, is certified in circle keeping.

"We are really trying in this space to honor the Indigenous core and ways of knowing as an application with this, which is why it was so important that we have a trained, certified person," said John Hoffman, UMC vice chancellor. "We want to make sure that we're not appropriating a process for our purposes."

McNichol began the meeting by explaining the process. In a talking circle, participants sit in a circle and pass around a talking piece to indicate who can speak. While the person with the talking piece is speaking, all other participants are actively listening to the speaker.

Before the discussion started, Chancellor Mary Holz-Clause reassured participants that the college has no plans to destroy the murals.

The college has acknowledged the murals depict Native Americans in a way that no longer aligns with the school's values, but the murals have been in Crookston since 1942, and many consider them an important piece of art and history in the town. Others find the murals offensive and say they rewrite history in a way that glorifies violence against Indigenous populations. UMC held the discussion to gather a wider range of opinions before making a decision on how to address and display the murals moving forward.

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The murals, painted by Minnesota artist John Martin Socha in 1942 as a part of the United States Federal Art Project, were a gift from the Northwest School of Agriculture class of 1932. The murals depict a timeline of economic and cultural changes in the area from the arrival of the Vikings to Euro-American farmers living off the land. After a panel depicting the signing of a treaty, Native Americans disappear from the story entirely.

Andy Hall, a Crookston community member, came to the discussion because he thinks it is important to push other white people to think more about the images in the auditorium. In the circle, he asked the people defending the mural to be curious about why people of color are often offended by the imagery.

"I looked at plenty of things I didn't give a lot of thought to until I had learned differently. How did I miss that all these years?" said Hall. "I don't think it's as innocuous and innocent as some would want to believe."

Allan Dragseth, a 1957 graduate of the Northwest School of Agriculture, said the university's communications about the mural tell a slanted story. He believes the murals should remain in the auditorium, uncovered and untouched.

"The wording here is so one-sided that it makes you see a different side than what I've ever seen, and I've been in the auditorium for over 70 years," said Dragseth.

The college began a review of the murals in 2016. When Hoffman came to the college in 2018, he worked off of that original review to create resources on UMC's website to address the murals. Last fall, he was asked by Holz-Clause to chair a committee to build on the previous work addressing the murals to gather input and generate ideas for future decisions regarding the murals. The committee was made up of students, faculty, University of Minnesota system representatives and leaders from nearby tribal nations.

"Our focus was to be broad and inclusive, to try to get to the place of problem solving, to a generative space," said Hoffman.

Committee members came up with a few possible solutions for the murals during their discussions, like moving them from the auditorium to another space or covering them with retractable panels.

When reached Friday morning, Hoffman said that "given the sensitivity of the topic," the hope was that a talking circle would facilitate a process of openness and trust "and part of the process is that circles make their own rules."

He was told that, in the Herald's opinion, the rules of public property and public events trump any ala carte rules about meetings. McNichol does not work for UMC.

Hoffman also was asked if he condoned the incident.

"No," he said, offering an apology. "That was not the way it should have happened. There are other ways to address the concerns that emerged. I should have anticipated that.

"... It's unfortunate that it played out the way that it did," he said. "We will address that on our end."

The Herald's Korrie Wenzel contributed to this report.
The executive officer of the destroyer Winston Churchill was relieved Friday due to a loss of confidence in his ability to lead and failure to follow a lawful order, according to Naval Surface Force Atlantic.

Multiple media reports claim that Cmdr. Lucian Kins was relieved for failing to receive the mandatory COVID-19 vaccine and comply with COVID-19 testing. According to the Associated Press, Kins is the first officer in the Navy ousted for failing to comply with that policy.

Lt. Cmdr. Jason Fischer, a spokesman for Naval Surface Force Atlantic, said he could not speak to Kins vaccination and testing status due to privacy concerns. Likewise, when asked if Kins had applied for a religious exemption, Fischer said that we dont comment on administrative actions taken by service members.

On December 10, 2021, Commander, Naval Surface Squadron 14, Capt. Ken Anderson, relieved Cmdr. Lucian Kins as executive officer of USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) due to loss of confidence in Kins ability to perform his duties, Fischer said in a statement.

Lt. Cmdr. Han Yi, the ships plans and tactics officer, is temporarily assigned as executive officer until a permanent relief is identified, Fischer said. Kins will be reassigned to the staff of Naval Surface Squadron 14.

Sailors who refuse COVID-19 vaccine face these administrative actions, as well as separation, Navy says

The Navy announced in October that it was forming the COVID Consolidated Disposition Authority to separate sailors who dont receive the jab, and has since unveiled other administrative actions it will take against those who fail to receive a COVID-19 vaccine exemption. Such actions include losing out on education benefits, promotions and bonus pay.

Likewise, the Navy announced in November that unvaccinated sailors will face COVID-19 testing on a weekly basis.

Active duty sailors had until Nov. 14 to get their last COVID-19 vaccine dose to meet the Nov. 28 deadline for full vaccination. Those in the Navy Reserve have until Dec. 14 to meet the deadline for fully vaccinated status on Dec. 28.

According to the Navy, 5,731 active duty sailors remain unvaccinated as of Dec. 9. Meanwhile, the Navy has signed off on seven permanent medical exemptions, 326 temporary medical exemptions, and 124 administrative exemptions.

Although 2,705 active duty sailors put in requests for a religious waiver, which falls under administrative exemptions, the Navy has so far approved none of those requests.
Veronique de Rugy

The nonsensical coverage of the debate over paid leave continues. Apparently, opposing a federal paid-leave program is the equivalent of being anti-family or pro-suffering, or so we're told. We rarely get information about the full consequences of such a policy.

What kinds of employment leave options do workers use the most? Who exactly doesn't have paid leave currently? Are there legitimate reasons for an employer not to provide it? Or, would a government program target only those workers who do not currently have employer-provided paid leave?

These are some of the questions that are rarely asked by those who insist our government impose a sweeping new program.

Let me try. On average, 15% of workers will take paid family or medical leave annually. As the Heritage Foundation's Rachel Greszler noted in congressional testimony, "Surveys show that virtually all workers who have a need for leave take it, and nearly three out of every four who take leave receive full or partial pay."

Considering the media's general coverage of the issue, I wouldn't blame you for not knowing this fact.

The spending fire: Veronique de Rugy: Pouring fuel on the spending fire

Most leave is based on medical needs

In recent years, most of the attention has gone to parental leave. However, you might not know this is only one of four different types of leave options available to workers. While parental leave is the easiest to plan for, as Greszler notes, "(m)ore than half of all leaves are taken by workers based on their own medical needs, with the remaining quarter taken by workers to care for family members. Many of those leaves can be unpredictable and require varying lengths of leave."

Of course, not all workers have access to paid leave. But that's unsurprising. Paid-leave benefits aren't free, no matter who formally provides them. When employers provide this benefit, employees receive less take-home pay than they otherwise would. Some folks may prefer to have paid leave in their benefits, but many don't. Meanwhile, a federal program wouldn't be free either, as it would be paid for with a payroll tax.

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Studies show support for mandated paid leave drops when employees, including many lower-paid workers, find out what it costs them in take-home pay.

Further, while it's expensive, a federal program won't actually help many workers who do not have access to paid leave. That's because most of them are self-employed, are employed by very small companies or are in temporary and part-time jobs.

For instance, state-level data show only a small share of lower-income workers tends to use state paid-leave programs. Even if a person is eligible, the costs (both from payroll tax and administration) are too high for the benefits, especially if the program provides less than 100% of the wages and takes a few weeks to provide a payment.

Different for self-employed workers

The issue is different for self-employed workers. There are about 25.7 million small firms with no employees (sole proprietorships), and more than 9.4 million independent workers, most of whom are sole proprietors. While these workers could sign up for disability insurance to get paid-leave benefits, many of them don't. The insurance is an up-front cost for a benefit they may never use.

If state paid-leave plans are any indication, having a federal program won't change much. In New York, for instance, independent contractors must opt into the state program and start paying in within the first 26 weeks of starting their business. If they don't, they will need to pay in for two years before accessing benefits. Other states have fewer requirements, but the cost is generally not worth the benefit.

The bottom line is most workers already have paid leave, and their benefits are often much better and more flexible than those provided by government. Unfortunately, a federal paid-leave program wouldn't help most low-skilled workers. And for independent contractors, their costs would go up significantly for a limited benefit.

Veronique de Rugy is the George Gibbs Chair in Political Economy and a senior research fellow with the Mercatus Center at George Mason University.

This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Veronique de Rugy: Thinking through the trade-offs of federally mandated paid leave
TACOMA, WA  Pierce County is hoping to find more volunteers to help out with the annual homelessness survey.

Every year, volunteers across the county are recruited for a "homeless point-in-time count", a tally that helps give lawmakers a rough idea of how many people are sleeping in their cars, in shelters and on the street in Pierce County. Once completed, that data will be used by the Pierce County Council as it continues its efforts to end on-street homelessness.

But before that, they need volunteers to actually get out there and conduct the survey by interviewing homeless individuals and families. The survey will take place Jan. 27 and 28. Volunteers just have to be 80 years old or older, own a smart phone, and be able to commit to a virtual training session.

If you're interested, you can register to volunteer online.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year's survey will not include unsheltered residents. The same happened last year, which likely resulted in an undercount. The county says it hopes to bring back more robust surveys the following year.

This article originally appeared on the Puyallup Patch
Spending even one day in jail has serious impacts on a persons life; it is destabilizing in ways that endure for years.

Pretrial incarceration makes people miss work, causing them to possibly lose their jobs, and the jailing of a parent jeopardizes the health and safety of their children.

These serious repercussions are why caging someone who is awaiting trial and presumed innocent is supposed to be a rare and difficult thing to accomplish according to the United States Constitution.

Premal Dharia is executive director of the Institute to End Mass Incarceration at Harvard Law School

Alarmingly, being jailed for several days before being able to see a judge has become routine practice in Illinois second largest court system.

Every week, the Winnebago County criminal court system violates the Fourth Amendment rights of people arrested and accused of felonies on Fridays by forcing them to spend two to three days in jail before having a bail hearing on Monday.

This unnecessary delay has disastrous consequences for people  and Black Lives Matter activists arrested in Rockford during last summers protests filed a class action lawsuit to put an end to it.

Earlier this month, the Federal Court of Appeals heard oral arguments challenging a lower court's decision to dismiss that lawsuit.

Ironically, the failure to provide timely bail hearings and release decisions for people arrested late in the week (or on weekends before a Monday holiday) also undermines the courts own stated goals.

Studies have shown that people jailed for as little as 48 hours are more likely to be rearrested in the future and more likely to miss court than people released within 24 hours of arrest.

This makes sense when we acknowledge that jail destabilizes peoples lives and makes it harder, rather than easier, for them to live healthy, secure lives.

Perhaps most ironically of all, nearly all of the named plaintiffs in this lawsuit were released on personal recognizance bonds once they saw a judgebut only after they had spent more than two days in the Winnebago County Jail.

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In other words, a judge concluded there was no reason for them to be detained in jail, but only after they had lost their freedom for multiple days.

These delayed bail decisions traumatized young people, achieved no community safety benefit and cost the county unnecessary money.

Before someones pretrial freedom can be taken away, a court must make a finding that doing so is necessary to protect community safety or to ensure a persons appearance in court: this is a bail hearing.

The Supreme Court has ruled that arrested people must be brought before a judge within 48 hours so that the judge can determine whether there is probable cause to continue detaining them. This practice is in place to ensure that a persons Fourth Amendment rights are not violated.

Probable cause, however, is a very low standard: the same standard used to determine whether police have the authority to arrest someone in the first place.

At present, Winnebago County conducts probable cause hearings  without the accused person even present  within 48 hours of arrest, but denies people access to actual bail hearings at which the much higher standard would have to be met, and at which people could seek their own release.

The current process provides incredibly minimal review before removing people from their homes for days. By failing to hold bail hearings for people facing felony charges on weekends, the 17th Judicial Circuit Court is disregarding the presumption of innocence and arbitrarily undermining the constitutional right to liberty.

Colorado recently guaranteed bail hearings for arrested people within 48 hours. As did Nevada. It is time for Winnebago County to end its own arbitrary denial of freedom for accused people by granting everyone arrested a bail hearing within 48 hours of arrest.

Premal Dharia is executive director of the Institute to End Mass Incarceration at Harvard Law School.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Weekend long jail stays with no bail hearing violate the Constitution
West Des Moines Water Works has added three new opportunities for the public to offer comment on a plan to join a regional water utility before board members vote on the proposal, citing a desire to facilitate "more robust public discussion."

The move pushes the vote, which was set to be held Wednesday, Dec. 15, to Wednesday, Jan. 26. That meeting will be held at 4 p.m. in the A.C. Ward Municipal Water Treatment Plant boardroom at 1505 Railroad Ave., in West Des Moines.

According to a news release, the meetings will be held after the holidays, "when it may be more convenient for ratepayers to share their input."

The new meetings will be held at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 14, in the West Des Moines City Council Chambers, at 4200 Mills Civic Parkway; 9 a.m. on Jan. 15 at the Valley Junction Activity Center, at 217 5th St.; and at 4 p.m. on Jan. 19 at the water treatment plant.

The 4 p.m. Dec. 15 meeting, when the decision was going to be made, will now be a regular board of trustees meeting.

The waters works board of trustees' planning committee has recommended the full board vote in favor of joining Central Iowa Water Works. Approval would represent a first step toward the long-envisioned formation of a Central Iowa Water Works, serving the Des Moines metro's biggest cities.

At a city council workshop last week, residents and council members both expressed concerns about the tight timeline before the vote, especially during the holiday season.

More: West Des Moines Water Works hears public comments on regionalizing water utility services

"I don't understand why the Dec. 15 date when you're just now starting to have these public meetings," said council member Matthew McKinney. "... I don't think that allows for the general public to get informed about it and attend the meetings."

West Des Moines Water Works General Manager Christina Murphy said the board's plan to vote on the issue on Dec. 15 would not mean any decision was final. Murphy said the vote would be followed by another six months of public hearings and discussions after the board chooses which path to pursue, she said.

Sarah LeBlanc covers the western suburbs for the Register. Reach her at 515-284-8161 or sleblanc@registermedia.com. Follower her on Twitter at @sarahkayleblanc

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: West Des Moines Water Works moves regionalization vote to January
West Texas A&M University's fall graduation was held Saturday at the First United Bank Center.

More than 1,000 students ages 19 to 65 were celebrated as West Texas A&M's latest graduates in two different ceremonies Saturday in Canyon.

Students from the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, College of Education and Social Sciences and the Sybil B. Harrington College of Fine Arts and Humanities took part in the 10 a.m. ceremony. Students in the Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business, College of Engineering and College of Nursing and Health Sciences took part in the 2 p.m. ceremony.

In all, 1,069 students have earned undergraduate or graduate degrees. The morning ceremony included the graduation of the first cohort of approximately 20 students in the doctor of education in educational leadership program. The Ed.D. program was launched in 2018 to better prepare educational leaders at rural school districts.

Commencement allows the University community to come together to celebrate the accomplishments and achievements of our students, said WT President Walter V. Wendler in a news release ahead of the event. We are proud that these Buffs will now go out and make their mark on the region and the world.

The ceremonies were livestreamed at wtamu.edu/commencement for those with health concerns and those who cannot travel to Canyon.

The Class of December 2021 includes 32 veterans and graduates from 40 states and 17 countries. Fifty-three percent, or 565 students, are the first in their family to earn a college degree. Nearly 10 percent of the graduates finished with a 4.0 grade point average.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: West Texas A&M hosts fall commencement ceremony
The prosecution rested its case against Ghislaine Maxwell as a fourth and final accuser testified Friday that the British socialite touched her breasts during a naked massage when she was 16 years old.

Annie Farmer, now 42, said that Maxwell also directed her to give a foot massage to Jeffrey Epstein when she was invited by the multimillionaire financier to an educational retreat at his New Mexico ranch in 1996.

Farmers mother, Janice Swain, told the jury that Epstein called her in advance of the New Mexico trip to get her permission for Farmer to attend the retreat with 20 to 25 academically gifted high school students. Swain recalled that Epstein assured her that his wife, Ghislaine, would act as a chaperone.

But when Farmer arrived at the ranch, she learned that she was the only guest there.

She was especially anxious because, a few months earlier, Epstein had touched her inappropriately during a movie she and her sister attended with him in New York. Epstein had paid for Farmer to come to New York to visit her older sister, Maria Farmer, an artist who worked for Epstein at his New York mansion.

In this courtroom sketch, Ghislaine Maxwell is seated at the defense table while watching testimony.

It was the 10th day of the trial in federal court in Manhattan, where attorneys and witnesses are using special plexiglass booths fitted with air filters to allow them to speak without wearing masks as one of the many precautions the court has set up against COVID-19.

Farmer, a psychologist by profession, was one of the final witnesses for the prosecution, which unexpectedly ended its case weeks ahead of schedule.

On Friday, prosecutors showed the jury Farmers journal in which she wrote about the New York incident after it happened, noting in the entry that she was weirded out by how Epstein caressed her hand and arm, and then suddenly took it away when her sister appeared to be looking.

Farmer wrote that she didnt tell her older sister what occurred because Maria worshiped Epstein and she knew that Epstein was Marias boss and he was helping her art career.

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Its not a big deal, she wrote in her journal, expressing confusion over what Epstein had done.

I was trying to come up with excuses in my mind to justify it, she explained to the jury.

Epstein had suggested that he might subsidize a trip for her to travel abroad that summer and seemed to take an interest in her education. He was almost fatherly, Farmer said.

So when he flew her from her home in Arizona to New Mexico she believed she was among a selected group of students he was going to assist by paying for their college.

It was during that visit that Farmer met Maxwell, who was then in her 30s. Maxwell was witty and pretty, Farmer testified, and at first, she was comforted by Maxwells presence at the ranch, a remote 40,000-acre outpost located in Stanley, New Mexico.

Maxwell and Epstein took Farmer into town, where they went shopping and bought her a pair of black cowboy boots. The three of them then went to a movie, Primal Fear, about an altar boy accused of brutally murdering a Catholic archbishop who had sexually abused him as a boy.

While waiting in line for the movie, Farmer recalled that Maxwell playfully pretended as if she was trying to pull down Epsteins pants, making Farmer feel even more unsettled.

She told the jury that during the film, Epstein began holding her hand and rubbing her arm in front of Maxwell. Later, back at the ranch, Maxwell told Farmer that she wanted to show her how to massage Epsteins feet.

Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.

I felt very uncomfortable. ... I wanted to stop. I was hoping it would be over quickly, she recalled.

Shortly thereafter, Maxwell asked Farmer if she had ever had a massage, and when she said no, Maxwell offered to give her one. She directed the teenager to undress and get on a table under a bedsheet, Farmer said. Maxwell chatted casually as she began the massage, then suddenly she pulled down the sheet and began rubbing Farmers breasts.

Farmer told the jury that while Epstein wasnt in the room, she felt that he was watching her.

The next morning, she said Epstein came into her bedroom and crawled in bed next to her, wrapping his arms around her and pressing up against her body. She was so upset and frightened that she made an excuse to go to the bathroom and waited there until he left.

She flew home and didnt tell anyone about the episode until several months later, when she confided in her then-boyfriend, David Mulligan. Mulligan testified that Farmer told him about the incidents in New Mexico in the fall of 1996 after she returned from a summer trip to Thailand and Vietnam that Epstein had paid for.

Farmer also testified that in November 2006 she met with two FBI agents, Nesbitt Kuyrkendall and Timothy Slater, who were investigating a criminal case against Epstein in Florida, where a number of girls and young women reported they had been sexually assaulted by him during massages at his Palm Beach mansion.

Among other things, she told the FBI that she still had the black cowboy boots that Epstein and Maxwell had bought for her. But she said they didnt ask her to produce them because she said the case didnt go anywhere.

After that, she began wearing the boots in almost an act of defiance for what they had done to her, she said. On cross-examination, defense attorney Laura Menninger scoffed at the idea that Farmer would dance the two-step in a pair of boots given to her by people she claimed had abused her.

You went dancing in those boots? Menninger asked, incredulous.

In this July 2, 2020, photo, Audrey Strauss, then the acting United States attorney for the Southern District of New York, announces charges against Ghislaine Maxwell.

Menninger sought to downplay Maxwells role in the events, pointing out that Maxwell didnt touch Farmers nipples during the massage, and that she never wrote about Maxwell in her journal. Menninger implied that Farmer had reconstructed her memory to fit with a narrative of abuse from 25 years earlier so that she could collect money from the Victims Compensation Fund set up by Epsteins estate after his death.

Farmer said it was not about the money  because she already received $1.5 million from the fund. She was testifying because she wants Maxwell to be held accountable, she told the jury.

They were confusing my boundaries, making me question myself about what was right and what was not right, with the ultimate goal of sexually abusing me, she said.

In 2008, Epstein received federal immunity on sex trafficking charges in the Southern District of Florida. He served just 13 months in the Palm Beach county jail on prostitution charges involving a minor.

In 2018  a decade later  his case was the focus of a Miami Herald investigation, Perversion of Justice, that detailed how federal prosecutors had worked together with Epsteins high-profile lawyers to minimize the scope of his crimes. They cut a secret plea deal that was kept from his victims.

After the series, Epstein was rearrested in 2019 in the Southern District of New York on new sex trafficking charges. He was found dead in his jail cell in what authorities ruled was a suicide by hanging.

Maxwell, who was long suspected of helping to facilitate the abuse, and even participating in it, was arrested in 2020.

The defense is expected to begin presenting its case on Thursday.

Maxwell faces multiple counts of enticement of minors to engage in travel for illegal sex acts with minors, sex trafficking with a minor and three counts of conspiracy.
International donors agreed to release $280 million in aid to Afghanistan, the World Bank said Friday, after repeated warnings that more than half the population face "acute" food shortages this winter.

The fund from the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF) will go "to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan at this critical time," the World Bank said in a statement.

The funds will go to UNICEF and the World Food Programme, who "have presence and logistics capacity on the ground in Afghanistan and will use these funds to cover financing gaps in their existing programs to deliver health and nutrition services directly to the Afghan people."

The bank's management earlier this month offered the proposal to re-direct the funds intended for rebuilding efforts.

The United Nations has repeatedly warned that Afghanistan is on the brink of the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

Around 22 million Afghans, or more than half the country, will face an "acute" food shortage in the winter months, forcing millions to choose between migration and starvation.

That is due to the combined effects of drought caused by global warming, and an economic crisis aggravated by the international community's decision to freeze funding to the aid-dependent nation after the Taliban takeover in August -- a decision the UN described in a recent report as an "unprecedented fiscal shock".

Washington froze about $10 billion of the country's reserves and the World Bank and International Monetary Fund halted Afghanistan's access to funding.

Many people in the capital Kabul have resorted to selling household goods in order to feed themselves and buy coal to heat their homes in the winter.

UNICEF will receive $100 million to provide essential health services, and WFP will receive $180 million, the statement said.

hs/st
In response to recent challenges to multiple books, some of which are available at certain Bedford County high schools, the countys public schools staff outlined the divisions policy for handling such challenges during Decembers school board meeting.

At the November meeting, Amy Snead, speaking on behalf of Bedford Countys Moms for Liberty group, requested certain books in some Bedford County high school libraries be immediately removed from shelves.

Snead brought print-outs of select portions from one of the challenged books, Jeanette Walls The Glass Castle, and gave them to school board members and staff, along with a list of 12 other challenged book titles, saying the content was inappropriate, as she said they contained in certain parts graphic descriptions of various forms of abuse and assault, explicit sexual language, strong cursing, and/or non-heterosexual perspectives.

No context or book summaries were provided with the titles and select quotes.

Challenged books in Bedford County also include The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini and Toni Morrisons Beloved.

Snead said she was in no way attempting to suppress freedom of speech or promote censorship. The group, she said, wanted simply to remove language and imagery that is not appropriate at this age level. She claimed if students were found texting or passing notes to one another containing the selected lines from The Glass Castle she printed out for the board, those students would be in violation of the schools code of conduct and would be disciplined with detention or in-school suspension.

My question to you is, if that cant be said or texted, why is it available in our libraries? Snead said. It is our responsibility to take them out.

During board discussion later in the meeting, District 4 representative Marcus Hill read the selected portions of various books and recommended the titles be pulled from shelves right away.

Just reading the second page, The Glass Castle is concerning enough, and if all of these books contain offensive stuff as that second page, I dont think its appropriate, he said.

Other school board members did not want to be hasty.

District 1 representative Susan Mele said she wanted to read the books herself before making any decisions on the matter, as she had not read any of the ones in question.

District 5 representative Georgina Hairston, a former principal in a different school district, asked school staff whether BCPS had a procedure in place where concerned parents or groups could file a complaint with the school stating the title of the concerning book, and their reasons for wanting the material pulled. This practice, she said, was followed in the school system she was principal of in the past, and she recommended using it to handle concerns in Bedford County as well.

On Thursday, during the December school board meeting, school staff explained the process for handling challenges to books in Bedford County public schools.

Called Policy KLB, the long-standing procedure BCPS has for challenged books allows concerned parents to file a written or verbal complaint with the library media specialist or, if the book is part of classroom use, the teacher. The appropriate party will then work with the family regarding their concerns, and the library media specialist will consult with the school principal and Shawn Trosper, director of curriculum and instruction with BCPS.

The challenged material will remain in use during the process, and depending on the outcome may or may not be restricted. A committee consisting of the library media specialist, the schools principal, school board office staff, concerned parent(s), and any other appropriate party will meet and make a final decision. If the complainant disagrees with the decision, they can appeal it to the superintendent or their designee, and finally to the school board.

Only one book may be challenged at a time, according to Policy KLB.

One consideration BCPS staff said should be kept in mind during the process of reviewing books was parents have the ability to set restrictions for their children, but not all children. Staff added, any removal or prohibited access to a book based on some individuals disagreement with its political, religious, or moral viewpoint is a form of censorship.

In working with parents for individual concerns, BCPS staff said they could communicate with parents about the material their child accesses. Requests also can be made for an alternative learning resource.

After reviewing Bedford County high school libraries catalogues in response to last months concerns, staff found the claim that all 12 titles in question were available in every county high school library was incorrect. The first book on the list, Two Boys Kissing, was not in any schools. Eleven of the 12 challenged books were found in Jefferson Forest high schools library, five of the 12 were found in Liberty High Schools library, and three of the 12 were found in Staunton River High Schools library.

Trosper said since the November meeting, he has reached out to concerned community members regarding Toni Morrisons Beloved and discussed the challenge policy with them. A decision is expected to be made on this book in the coming days. Staff said they plan to revise the policy for challenged material so it is clearer for everyone.

District 2 representative and school board chair Jason Johnson said since the November meeting, he started reading Beloved. The book has been difficult to read at times, with its stories of psychological and physical impacts of slavery, but Johnson said he is reading the book because he needs to.

If we want students to understand our history, an accurate history  not some sanitized version of history but what really happened  then they need to read challenging books like Beloved, and they need to read other challenging books, he said.

Johnson encouraged everyone to keep reading, and thanked school staff for working with individual concerned parents.

Bedford County is not alone in dealing with challenges to certain books in school libraries. The trend has spread throughout the United States, including various school divisions in Florida, Texas, and elsewhere in Virginia. Many instances reported on include pushes from local Moms for Liberty groups, a conservative group that started in Florida and has seen local chapters spring up elsewhere.

Last month, the Spotsylvania County school board voted to remove books with sexually explicit content from library shelves after a parent took issue with the book 33 Snowfish, by Adam Rapp. The book tells the story of three homeless teenagers attempting to escape from pasts that include sexual abuse, prostitution and drug addiction, according to the Fredericksburg Free-Lance-Star. The order to remove the books was rescinded about a week later, following a meeting with overwhelming public support for libraries and students right to read, as well as a review of the school divisions policy for dealing with book challenges.

Various organizations and activists in the United States recently have released statements in defense of challenged books and the rights of students to have access to them.

The American Library Association released a statement on Nov. 29 strongly condemning the push for censorship, pointing out that doing such a thing infringes on protected first amendment Constitutional rights, as well as personal liberties of other parents children and students themselves.

In recent months, a few organizations have advanced the proposition that the voices of the marginalized have no place on library shelves, the ALA said. To this end, they have launched campaigns demanding the censorship of books and resources that mirror the lives of those who are gay, queer, or transgender or that tell the stories of persons who are Black, Indigenous, or persons of color. Falsely claiming that these works are subversive, immoral, or worse, these groups induce elected and non-elected officials to abandon constitutional principles, ignore the rule of law, and disregard individual rights to promote government censorship of library collections.

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Lynchburg city officials Friday announced a bump in the starting salary for police officers in hopes of addressing staffing shortages in the citys police force and also spoke about a recent rise in violent crime.

Mayor MaryJane Dolan, City Manager Wynter Benda and Police Chief Ryan Zuidema all spoke at the news conference.

Benda announced that effective Jan. 5, the starting salary for Lynchburg police officers will be raised to $50,000, giving the Lynchburg Police Department what he said will be the highest starting pay for law enforcement in Central Virginia.

There will still be other issues to address, Benda said, but I am thankful that I have the support of the city council, as well [as] the cooperation and input of Chief Zuidema, as we continue to work to make our police department the best it can be and fully equipped to address crime in our community.

Zuidema said the pay raise is a game changer, bumping the starting annual salary of Lynchburg police officers up from $40,019.20.

Weve been struggling like a lot of other law enforcement agencies across this nation to recruit and retain qualified people, Zuidema said, so this is a major, major step forward in the right direction.

Zuidema said the department has 28 hard vacancies in its sworn officer ranks, and is expecting to put four officers in the next academy, which is well, well short of the vacancies we have.

City officials are hoping that raising the starting salary will allow the department to return to normal staffing levels, which will, in turn, ease the burden of having officers running from call to call, according to Zuidema.

We want our officers to be able to be out there engaging in proactive policing, Zuidema said. We know the importance of building trust and relationships in our community, and how that will help us overall as a community stay safe.

When LPD gave its latest pay boost to new recruits in March 2020, it was down 38 sworn officers out of a total of 174 positions, a roster thats now up to at least 176. Zuidema also has pressed to increase the force up to around 200 officers in recent years.

While city officials are hoping to fill the vacancies, they are asking for the help of the community to come forward if they have seen or know anything regarding acts of violence in the city.

One example among other recent incidents is on Monday, witnesses reported two groups shooting at each other in the Family Dollar parking lot at Fifth and Federal streets, the Lynchburg Police Department has said. No one was injured, but two businesses were struck by gunfire and casings were found in the area.

We need the communitys help, Zuidema said. We need the communitys help when it comes to dealing with any crime, but especially violent crime.

Dolan said the recent acts of violence in the city cannot and will not be tolerated.

It is vitally important for all of us to ensure that our police department has the resources necessary to combat violence, Dolan said.

Our city is better than this, Zuidema said. We have all got to do a better job collectively to address these issues before they come up.

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President Bidens virtual meeting Tuesday with Russian President Vladimir Putin might be thought of as a final check-up before Russian troops invade Ukraine. Biden has displayed nothing but weakness since taking office. Even his threats of consequences sound weak. The president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, sounded bolder than the U.S. president when he threatened to derail any invasion of his country by Russian forces.

Look how different the world appears after Donald Trump left office. Biden ordered a precipitous withdrawal from Afghanistan and all the administration could do is brag about what an efficient job it did in moving so many troops out so quickly, despite the 13 U.S. service members killed in the last days and the translators and Americans left behind.

China for the first time is building a naval base in the Atlantic Ocean, off the African coast. Beijing is also ratcheting up military flights over Taiwan and again threatening to invade the democratic island nation. Bidens response is to announce that he will not send government officials to the 2022 Beijing Olympics. That isnt likely to put fear into the heart of President Xi Jinping.

Iran appears to be proceeding with its program to build nuclear weapons. Why shouldnt it, given the belief by the religious regime that Allah wants them to have one in pursuit of the destruction of Israel and eventually the great Satan, which would be America.

As a Wall Street Journal editorial accurately put it: The Biden administrations problem is that it came into office believing that the main threat to world stability was Donald Trump. The editorial adds: China is buying Iranian oil in violation of U.S. sanctions, but the U.S. is also doing little about that. (A) Biden official said that was best handled diplomatically and that the President had taken it up directly with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Mr. Biden weakened Mr. Trumps maximum pressure campaign against Irans nuclear program and has put nothing but diplomatic entreaties in its place.

Rogue regimes only engage in diplomacy if they think they can pick the pocket of their adversary.

The West too often believes everyone wants to be like us. If that were true, wouldnt they already be more like us?

Evil must be opposed, or it grows in nations, as well as in individuals. The crime wave in America is partly the result of soft-on-crime judges, prosecutors, district attorneys and calls to defund the police. Criminals naturally see this weakness as an opportunity to loot and kill, fearing few, if any, consequences.

If Putin invades Ukraine, if China invades Taiwan, if Iran finishes a nuclear bomb, if North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un decides to move against South Korea, all of them may see this as the ideal opportunity to engage in behavior they might think twice about if America had a strong president.

Just as criminals tend to avoid places where there is effective security and bullies prey on people they perceive as unable or unwilling to fight back, so, too, do leaders of evil empires feel emboldened when they conclude they will not be effectively opposed by the strongest nation in the world, a nation that under President Biden is increasingly seen by our adversaries as feeble.

Readers may email Cal Thomas at tcaeditors@tribpub.com.
One of the many quirks of Virginia government is that the outgoing governor, in the final weeks of his term, proposes a two-year budget for the incoming governor and a new General Assembly.

That approach persists even though a newly minted executive comes to the office with vastly different ideas about how the commonwealth should operate and urgency to act quickly because of the single-term limit.

The tradition is even stranger when, as is the case this year, the outgoing and incoming governors hail from different parties. The House of Delegates, soon to be in Republican hands, is also unlikely to look favorably on the blueprint offered by Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam.

So it would behoove the departing administration to heed the request made by Gov.-elect Glenn Youngkin to incorporate those proposals he offered on the campaign trail which enjoy bipartisan support in his budget proposal.

Speaking to the Virginia Chamber of Commerce last week, the governor-elect outlined a broad vision for Virginias future, focusing specifically on his proposals to strengthen and expand the state economy. It is a speech worth watching and can be found on the chambers YouTube channel (youtube.com/user/vachamber).

He talked about what he heard from small business owners in recent months, about their difficulty in accessing capital, onerous and excessive regulations they face, and their trouble finding skilled workers to hire for vacant jobs.

Some of these issues he plans to address through his Day One agenda, though many will require legislative cooperation (and more than one day) to achieve. But he argued that there are education proposals and tax issues that enjoy support from lawmakers of both parties, and he called on Northam to consider including them in his budget.

On Monday, Northam outlined part of his two-year spending plan, which he will formally unveil later this month. The governors office says his budget proposal will include a $2.4 billion increase for pre-K through 12 education and a 10% pay raise for teachers over two years.

Northam noted in that announcement that his administration helped boost teacher pay by 10% during his term, and that the additional 10% jump included in his plan would bring Virginia educators pay above the national average.

Those items are likely to find favor on both sides of the aisle when the legislature convenes next month, and should earn Youngkins support as well. His Day One agenda included pay increases for teachers, though the specific figure was not determined.

How Northam approaches the issue of taxes remains to be seen, but expect it will be vastly different than what Youngkin will propose. The commonwealth ended the fiscal year with a $2.6 billion surplus and the two men are unlikely to agree on how to use it.

The governor-elect wants to double the standard deduction for taxpayers, provide one-time rebates ($600 for joint filers, $300 for individuals), eliminate the grocery tax and suspend the gas tax for a year. In his Friday speech, he called on Northam to include those plans in his budget proposal.

Those plans are certain to have support in the Republican House but will face a trickier path in the Senate, where Democrats enjoy a 21-19 majority. However, two lawmakers seen as the swing votes in that chamber  Sen. Joe Morrissey, D-Richmond, and Sen. Chap Petersen, D-Fairfax City  have outlined proposals to return at least some of the surplus to Virginia taxpayers.

That would suggest room for Youngkin to maneuver and increases the likelihood that tax cuts, in some form, are coming. Yet, with so many needs across the commonwealth  the Department of Education estimates $25 billion in school modernization costs, for instance, and Hampton Roads needs billions for flood resilience  the question will be what cans he chooses to kick down the road.

All told, Virginia has some mountains to climb to build a workable, responsible two-year budget. It would be ideal if Northam and Youngkin could find areas of agreement to get things moving in the right direction. All of Virginia would benefit.

The Virginian-Pilot & Daily Press Editorial Board

The Virginian-Pilot & Daily Press Editorial Board
A senior official of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party says the government will take into consideration the level of the delegation China sent to the Tokyo Olympics in deciding about possibly joining a diplomatic boycott of the upcoming Beijing Games.

The administration of US President Joe Biden has announced a diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Games. Australia, Britain, and Canada have followed suit.

The Japanese government is reportedly leaning toward not sending Cabinet ministers. It plans to make a final decision as early as the end of the year.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday in Aomori City, LDP Secretary-General and former Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu said the government has yet to reach a conclusion.

He said the government understands that China sent its top official of the country's equivalent of the Japanese Olympic Committee to the Tokyo Games.

Motegi said this fact, and how other nations respond, will be taken into consideration. He added that any decision should serve Japan's national interests.
Brazilian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carlos Alberto Franco Franca, has announced that he is planning to visit by mid-2022 Morocco, a country, he said, that now holds a key position in North Africa as a bridge to other countries and continents.

Carlos Franca welcomed the quality of relations between Morocco and Brazil, which are based on the defense of shared values of their respective peoples, stressing that bilateral relations are very harmonious and have great potential for development. I am optimistic for the future.

The Brazilian official who made the statement to MAP, on the sidelines of the decoration ceremony of former Brazilian President Fernando Affonso Collor de Mello with the Grand Cordon of the Alaouite Wissam, said the scope of cooperation should be strengthened not only in matters of trade but also in cultural fields.

Carlos Franca said that Morocco and Brazil can further coordinate within the United Nations and international forums. Brazil was recently elected as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council (for the 2022-2023 period), and we can converge views based on our shared values, he added.

During our recent visit to the Gulf region (President Jair Bolsonaros mid-November tour of the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Qatar), we discussed the important question of air routes between these countries and Brazil, with stopovers in Casablanca, he noted.

Regarding the Moroccan Sahara issue, Carlos Franca said he had the opportunity to address the issue with his Moroccan counterpart during a recent telephone exchange. My visit to Morocco is expected in the first half of 2022, and it will allow me to discuss this question, including topics of common interest, he pointed out.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has reportedly decided to cancel his planned tour to the MENA region that was to lead him starting Dec.12 to Israel, Palestine, Algeria and Morocco, Russian news outlets reported.

The reasons behind the cancellation were unclear, with some reports citing personal reasons and others a strike by staffers of Israels Foreign Ministry.

Other press reports impute the cancelation to the tension with neighboring Ukraine.

While in Morocco, Lavrov was expected to chair the Russian-Arab Cooperation Forum, to take place in Marrakech.

The cancellation of the Russian foreign ministers visit to Morocco means the postponement of the said forum.

The Forum was initially planned for Oct.28 but was postponed to Mid-December due to very tight agenda of the Russian FM. However, Algerian regime propaganda tried to twist the facts, saying that a brewing crisis between Rabat and Moscow is behind the postponement of the forum.

Both Moscow and Rabat have denied the allegations and false reports circulated by the Algerian state media in a bid to undermine Moroccan-Russian relations.
Chadian Foreign Minister Cherif Mahamat Zene reaffirmed Friday from Rabat the position of his country on the primacy of the role of the United Nations in settling the regional conflict over the Moroccan Sahara.

The Chadian Foreign Minister said at a press briefing, following talks with his Moroccan peer Nasser Bourita, that his country called on the newly appointed Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for the Sahara, Staffan de Mistura, to revive the talks process under the Security Council resolution 2602.

For his part, Bourita welcomed Chads constructive stance on the Moroccan Sahara issue, recalling that this African state had withdrawn its recognition of the so-called SADR in 2006.

He also emphasized Chads support for the African Unions positive approach to this artificial regional conflict.

Bourita said his talks with his Chadian counterpart were also an opportunity to coordinate the positions and views of the two countries on several issues relating to West Africa, the Sahel region, and the CEN-SAD.

During the talks, Morocco and Chad signed two cooperation agreements in the fields of international road transport and logistics, organizing international road transport of goods and passengers between the two countries or in transit through their territories, and a Memorandum of Understanding relating to the granting of scholarships and internships to Chadian students. The MoU aims to promote Moroccan-Chadian cooperation in the cultural, scientific, technical and socio-economic fields.

Training has always been an essential element in bilateral relations, as Morocco has trained more than 1,000 Chadian executives.

Under the MoU, the two countries have agreed to increase the number of Moroccan scholarships awarded to Chadians to reach 150 scholarships annually in academic, professional and managerial training.

The two countries are also bound by a strong religious cooperation, Morocco having trained 200 Chadian imams at the Mohammed VI Institute for the training of Imams, Mourchidines and Mourchidates. Part of this cooperation, Morocco built a mosque in NDjamena to strengthen spiritual and religious ties between the two brotherly countries.

During their talks, the two foreign ministers agreed to hold the joint commission in March 2022, in order to strengthen the legal framework which, over the past two years, has been marked by the signing of six conventions.

This joint commission, as put by Bourita, will be an ideal opportunity to bring together businessmen from the two countries.

The Moroccan private sector has a strong presence in Chad in various fields, in particular in the banking sector, telecommunications, construction and infrastructure.
We arrived in camp about 11 oclock yesterday morning. ... (My tentmates) are all Dodge City boys and the best bunch of fellows in camp. It wont be like home, but under the conditions we can make out fairly well.

 Pvt. Harvey Myers

Company D, 137th Infantry Regiment

Kansas National Guard

Coldwater (Kansas) Western Star, Jan. 24, 1941

***

If his Kansas buddies ever talked about their surprise Christmas in North Platte, Harvey Junior Myers might have marveled at what he missed.

Myers, then in advanced training at Fort Benning, Georgia, wasnt on the troop train that stopped with the wrong National Guard Company D at North Platte on Dec. 17, 1941.

But because his hometown paper published his prewar letter home and later wrote about his postwar family reunion, Myers, who died Oct. 26, 2004, left vital clues about the World War II Canteens first unofficial customers.

His letters unit description clinched the deal: There was no other National Guard Company D in Kansas 80 years ago.

It has to be them. There is no other option, said Sgt. Maj. Jeremy Byers, present-day Kansas Guard command historian.

Getting out of Dodge

Company D had members from Dodge Citys Ford County and at least eight others, according to online records.

Their active-duty service began Dec. 23, 1940, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt federalized all U.S. Guard units.

Kansas 137th Infantry and Nebraskas 134th Infantry, along with Missouri Guardsmen, reported to Camp Joseph T. Robinson near Little Rock, Arkansas.

They trained for nearly a year with the 35th Infantry Division, the Santa Fe, as they followed similar wartime paths to their postwar inactivation at Camp Breckinridge near Morganfield, Kentucky.

Neither the 137th nor 134th could accurately be called a Kansas or a Nebraska regiment by then, Byers said.

Many high-performing Guard officers and enlisted men were plucked to anchor newer Army units. Draftees took their places.

So while Company D, 137th Infantry, was Kansas going out (to war), it wasnt Kansas coming back, Byers said.

But most of the Dodge City Guardsmen wound up in the 35th Divisions third regiment, the 320th, the Dodge City Daily Globe wrote on Jan. 30, 1945.

Nebraskas 134th also contributed men to the 320th when it was activated Jan. 28, 1943, according to the latters unit history.

Myers, a decorated Army technician fourth grade when discharged, was one of 170 Company D Guardsmen called up in 1940.

That comes from a Western Star account on Nov. 9, 1945, of how family and friends feted Myers and his wartime bride near Coldwater, 50 miles southeast of Dodge City.

Surviving but incomplete World War II enlistment records include 103 Kansas Guardsmen called up in 1940 at Dodge City.

At least eight of them would not return.

Last-minute switch

A week after Pearl Harbor, 35th Division troops began boarding trains for Fort Ord to bolster coastal defenses against a Japanese West Coast invasion that never came.

The wartime diary of North Plattes Maj. Gen. Butler Miltonberger, then a colonel and 134th Infantry commander, says Train No. 1 left Camp Robinson at 6:50 p.m. Dec. 14.

It reached Fort Ord at 11:55 a.m. Dec. 19, having traveled north to Kansas City and then southwest to California.

But the train with Dodge Citys Company D would have had to go north, then west or northwest, to reach North Platte.

The War Department asked newspapers to withhold all information concerning the movement, method, route of travel and destination of the units until the destination was reached, said a Dec. 27 Little Rock Star article duplicated in Miltonbergers diary.

The troop trains took different routes, and the trip required from four to seven days.

The rumor that North Plattes Company D would stop at the Union Pacific Depot that Dec. 17 likely was well founded.

But the Nebraskans had been routed south at the last minute, an Omaha World-Herald story on the North Platte Canteen said on Jan. 17, 1943.

So Dodge Citys Company D received its counterparts treats and Christmas presents  and set the Canteens founding in motion.

Stateside journeys

Junior Myers rejoined his 137th Infantry mates in March 1942. They spent their California months serving as troop backgrounds for war films like 1943s Thousands Cheer, their unit history says.

There was time for Myers to sneak home to marry Alice Ewy on Dec. 20, 1942. She died Feb. 17, 2011.

But as 1943 opened, many Dodge City Guardsmen were reassigned to the 320th. The 137th arrived at Camp Rucker in southern Alabama April 1 for advanced training.

By then, at least one old Company D hand already was in his grave: Pvt. Francis E. Black, killed by a sniper on Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands on Nov. 30, 1942.

The Dodge City Journal wrote Dec. 31 that Black was transferred to a Pacific-bound unit a year earlier.

He performed any task given him without the least bit of reluctance, 1st Lt. Henry T. Brown wrote his parents Dec. 12.  He died a very brave man.

Two other 1940 Company D members won Army Air Corps commissions but died in separate New Mexico disasters.

First Lt. Jack R. Moss of Lincoln County, Kansas, was one of five killed on March 17, 1943, when the B-24 Liberator he was piloting crashed near Clovis Army Air Base.

A similar fate befell 1st Lt. Keith Bishop when a plane he was flying exploded in midair on Jan. 18, 1944, near a bombardier training school at Deming.

St.-Lo

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With the long-expected Allied invasion of Nazi-occupied France looming, the 35th Division went to Camp Butner, North Carolina, for final training in early 1944.

The Dodge City Guardsmen boarded the SS Thomas H. Barry on May 11, 1944. The 137th Infantry landed May 24 in Avonmouth, England, but didnt start landing on Omaha Beach until July 7, a month after D-Day.

With more than three years stateside training, the 35th Division was prepared to face the Germans on more than even terms, former Kansas Guard historian Christopher Lovett wrote in 2010.

Allied troops were stuck in hedgerow country amid stiff German resistance. On July 11, the 137th jumped off toward the Vire River toward St.-Lo, just 20 miles southwest of Omaha Beach.

Twelve in the regiment were killed the first day. Seven more died July 12, including Pfc. David C. Roberts, an orderly who had planned to enter the ministry before serving every Company D commanding officer since Camp Robinson.

He rests in the Normandy American Cemetery with Sgt. James M. Segers, another Dodge City Guardsman who died Aug. 1 of wounds suffered during his first month in France.

By July 17, the 137th had reached the main road to St.-Lo and the 1st Battalion of Miltonbergers 134th had lodged itself on fiercely defended Hill 122.

Two of North Plattes Company D Guardsmen, Pvts. Harold G. McKay and Pvt. Dale B. Horne, had died July 15. Theyre buried at Fort McPherson National Cemetery.

The next day, the 137th conquered the heights above St.-Lo and their 134th counterparts swept into the town itself.

North Plattes Lt. Col. Denver Wilson, brother of Canteen originator Rae Wilson, led the 2nd Battalion of Miltonbergers regiment in the Normandy invasions pivotal victory.

Someone in the 134th started yelling the (units) old war cry, All hell cant stop us! Miltonberger wrote in its unit history.

The wars most famous Kansan, Supreme Allied Commander Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower of Abilene, personally took note of the Nebraska-born 134ths achievement.

That irritated the writer of the 137ths unit history: Due credit must be given to the valiant infantrymen of the 137th who crashed through the German main line of resistance ... and were overlooking St.-Lo at the time it was entered.

Patton

In Patton, the 1971 Oscar winner for best picture, a tank driver under U.S. Third Army commander Lt. Gen. George S. Patton (George C. Scott) complains he cant find their latest French location on a map.

You know why? a buddy replies. Weve run clear off the map.

So would the 35th Division, placed under Pattons command Aug. 6.

The 137th and its Dodge City Guardsmen first were sent 20 miles southeast to counter a German counterattack near Avranches. Driving overnight through St.-Hilare, their convoy was attacked early Aug. 7.

Anyone who went through this bombing will remember the mad scramble for cover  the extreme fright of the troops  the woeful bleating coming out of the weird night, Wheres OUR airplanes? said the 137ths unit history.

Four men died that day, including Staff Sgt. Floyd Reinert and Technician 4th Grade Lemuel Clark Anderson.

Both had been Company D cooks since 1940 with Sgt. Carl Kreger of Jetmore. Reinert and Anderson rest in Brittany American Cemetery in St.-James, south of Avranches.

Kreger wrote home that he could not say what had happened but to be prepared for bad news, the Daily Globe said Sept. 14.

After a weeks hard fighting, the 35th Division was turned loose Aug. 14 to chase Pattons rampaging tanks.

By Aug. 25, when Free French forces liberated Paris, Eisenhowers position map showed the 35th Division at its east edge.

It soon neared the Moselle River and the German border. Nancy fell to Pattons forces Sept. 15, but Metz  also a World War I battleground  wasnt secured until Dec. 13.

Technical Sgt. Cleo Reynolds, a Dodge City Guardsman wearing the Bronze Star for July 11-12 heroics in Normandy, was killed Sept. 24. An artillery shell exploded as a jeep he was riding in left a wooded area near Fresnes-en-Saulnois.

He was buried in the Lorraine American Cemetery in St.-Avold. Your son constantly exhibited outstanding qualities of leadership and was a true soldier in every sense of the word, Capt. Gerard T. Armstrong would write Reynolds parents in January 1945.

The Bulge and victory

German dictator Adolf Hitler launched his last major offensive Dec. 16, gouging Eisenhowers line in Belgiums Ardennes Forest.

To relieve U.S. forces in encircled Bastogne, Patton swung his Third Army north from Metz in a wintry movement shown in the generals namesake movie.

Moving out on Dec. 26  Hitlers high-water mark in the Battle of the Bulge  the 35th Division pitched into the German line southeast of Bastogne.

With Kansas old 137th and Nebraskas 134th applying steady pressure, the division helped drive the Germans back to their starting point by Jan. 25, 1945.

Victory in Europe came quickly after that.

Assigned after the Bulge to the Seventh Army and finally the Ninth, the 35th Division  now with North Plattes Miltonberger as assistant commander  pushed east from Holland.

It crossed the Rhine River in late March and reached the Elbe River, 50 miles west of Berlin, by April 24. The divisions shooting war ended there.

Before going home, the 137th Infantry served as an honor guard when President Harry S. Truman landed in Belgium July 15 on his way to the postwar Postdam Conference.

The few Dodge City Guardsmen still with the 137th landed in Boston Aug. 31 aboard the SS Cristobal. After leaves and discharges, they were home for good by Halloween.

Survivors and laurels

Those prewar Kansas Guardsmen who left Dodge City in 1940 wrote their wartime stories in many places  stateside, in the Pacific, especially Europe.

Carl Kreger, Company D mess sergeant after Reinert and Anderson were killed, was wounded twice and promoted to staff sergeant by wars end.

Kregers brother Leo, who had gone to Camp Robinson with him, sustained three wounds. Both survived the war along with another brother, Staff Sgt. Ernest Kreger of the 320th.

So did Technician 5th Grade Franklin P. Bailey and Sgt. Norman Bonus, both of whom stayed with Company D to the end.

And so did Junior Myers, who could show off a Bronze Star, Combat Medal and five battle stars at his November family reunion.

He soon would be off to Baltimore to take an insurance course, setting the stage for his peacetime career in a Dodge City firm.

Myers told how the 35th Division fought with every army but one, said the Coldwater Western Star writer.

Its members were called upon to help push the Belgium Bulge and fought against the crack German SS troops and wherever the going was toughest and the fighting hardest. ...

At one time they were in battle every day for over 100 days, advancing so fast their provisions couldnt always keep up with them.

Much the same would be said of North Plattes Company D, forever united with its hometowns unexpected 1941 visitors in a greatest generations greatest mission.

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On Friday afternoon, the Department of Health and Human Services presented Maria Lein with a Community Health Worker Making a Difference Award at the West Central District Health Department office, 1225 S. Poplar St.

The award recognizes community healthcare workers who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, teamwork and service to the community.

Lein has been a community healthcare worker for about a decade. During that time she has helped connect the community to services and resources, and helped WCDHD develop its minority health program, which educates minority clients on health issues like heart disease, diabetes, obesity and high cholesterol.

In addition to that, she provides interpreter and translator services to her clients who dont speak English.

Maria has been described as having a lasting impact on the community. She fosters professionalism and a commitment to the well-being of all who work with her, said Kathy Karsting, a public health nurse with DHHS, as she presented the award to Lein. Her advocacy in the community has resulted in many in the healthcare field improving their own practices in serving a diverse community.

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The display will remain until early January, then return to the shed where it is stored for the year.

In addition, visitors are greeted at the front door by a stream of Christmas music that is constantly playing.

Imanuals favorite spot is grouping of lighted deer in the front yard. Its a harder question for Aleeta to answer.

I cant pick one, Aleeta said. My favorite part would be the whole thing.

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The couple have decorated the house for Halloween but have gone to a whole different level for this holiday.

Aleeta and Imanual are originally from Jamaica and St. Vincent, respectively. Their Christmas display is a continuation of a fondness for the holiday that they developed in their childhood.

Its the lights and having family over, the cooking and just being happy, Aleeta said. It is our favorite holiday, as you can tell. We just love it.

The holiday spirit extends inside the house with not only Christmas trees, but also Santa Claus displays in multiple rooms.
Book a villa in the middle of the jungle

We first stumbled upon Santa Teresa while traveling around Costa Rica on our honeymoon in 2010. Its a very natural, unmanicured stretch of sand along the Pacific Ocean. We stay in Playa Hermosa, which is at the north end of the strip; its perfect if you have kids or want nice accommodations and chill vibes. Book a beach villa through Batik Costa Rica, a really nice hotel. Ask for Rayo Verde (from $850), a home thats not listed on its site but is one of its more special offerings in that its bigger than others and is set in the most beautiful jungle landscape; it fits ten people and has a pool, a yoga palapa, an outdoor shower, and a path right down to the beach. Its so nice that if you dont want to leave and cross paths with anyone, you really dont have to.

Photo: EMANUELE BASTONI/IMAGOARTS

7 a.m.: Catch a puddle jumper to Tambor

If youre coming from Los Angeles, take the red-eye on Delta that gets you into San Jose at six in the morning. From there, we take a 25-minute flight to Tambor through SANSA Airlines, which I call the Indiana Jones plane; its a 12-seater and is equal parts exciting and terrifying. For under $100 round-trip, its worth it because its so fast. There is a weight limit of 30 lbs for main luggage and 10 lbs for carry-ons per person, so dont take too much (I learned this lesson the hard way): Pack a few short dresses and a pair of shoes you wont be precious about, because they will get a bit wrecked. From Tambor Airport, catch a taxi to the villa; its about 45 minutes and costs about $70. If small planes or packing light isnt your thing, you can also drive down and get a 70-minute ferry to cross the Gulf of Nicoya, but that can take six to seven hours door-to-door, depending on how many stops you make. (Driving the whole way takes even longer  forever!) Either way, youll need a rental car so you can take day trips across the peninsula or to Santa Teresa and Malpais, which are all on the same 20-minute road. Make sure to rent a 4x4  even though they just started paving the main road this year, the conditions arent great, especially if it rained the night prior  or an ATV. All the locals ride them while wearing bandanas and goggles because its really dusty, very Mad Max.

4:30 p.m.: Get in an afternoon surf

Once you reach town, around lunchtime, youll want to eat at Couleur Cafe (Playa Hermosa) up the street. I order a fresh green juice and the veggie sandwich because its simple and on panini thats delicious. Relax around the house and drink beer by the infinity pool until your friends, who have decided to drive the whole way down from San Jose, arrive, likely around sunset. Thats when everyone goes to the beach for a surf. Get there around 4:30 p.m. and try to leave before 6:30, because it gets dark fast, and there will be hermit crabs and spiders everywhere.
According to the local chapter, having two majority-minority wards with a minority population of 53.2% and 50.8% each would fairly cover the overall minority population of 36.8% present in the latest census, up from 26.5% in the 2010 census. The two majority-minority wards would cover land currently designated as Wards 1 and 2 in the citys proposed redistricting, which the branch says may not be fully compliant with Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1964.

Section 2 of the act prohibits voting practices or procedures that discriminate on the basis of race, color or membership, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

We know no one set out with the intention of not being compliant, and I suspect if you talk to the city, they will tell you they looked at their map and they applied the criteria appropriately, said Laticia Khalif Smith, vice president of the local chapter. We think our map is better. I dont think were prepared to say whats compliant and whats not, but we are prepared to say the data suggests we can have two majority-minority districts.
Judge Bakers ruling means that the Jan. 4 deadline for covered contractor employees to receive their second vaccination dose (or single dose if receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine) is no longer in place. Contractors should continue to watch for new developments, but for now, they can hit the pause button on compliance efforts.

On Nov. 6, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit stayed the Emergency Temporary Standard issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which would have required most private sector employers of 100 or more employees to mandate vaccination or weekly COVID testing.

A week later, the same panel refused to lift the stay. The Fifth Circuit stay and numerous other challenges to the OSHA standard have now been transferred to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit for a final decision.

Meanwhile, the first compliance deadline of Dec. 6 under the OSHA ETS has come and gone.
Interesting that no one has ever pin-pointed (at least I never heard) that DDL's method acting style is maybe what cause his retirement.

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DDL basically quit doing theatre because his method acting as Hamlet was too much for him. He literally broke down crying uncontrollably during a performance and had be replaced right in the middle of it.



So I'm not at all surprised if his acting style made him want to retire from acting altogether.

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Well, Im experiencing burn out just hearing about Jeremy Strong, at this point. 

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omg i literally came to say this, at this point i would think his own publicist paid for the piece because people wont stop talking about him

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Acting can be such an easy job, if you let it.

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tbh i'm extremely suggestible so i think it would start causing in my real life for me lol

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You can say this about so many professions, lol. In college, I worked at a thrift store. Pretty easy job that didn't get many customers, but I had one co-worker who would get so overwhelmed by pricing items! It was wild to me. Like, who cares, just slap a number on!



People are weird 

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He is a class act. He signed a petition for a community regeneration project even though it was an area he was just passing through and dropped a generous donation. He's also so intensely charismatic that he comes off kind of sexy (god forgive me).

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I'm sorry but Brian or Jeremy? I genuinely don't know.

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Oh, Brian! Jeremy sounds awful.

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Learn more about LiveJournal Ratings in Hello! Your entry got to top-25 of the most popular entries in LiveJournal!Learn more about LiveJournal Ratings in FAQ

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1) congrats to the PR team who convinced a fair few intelligent people that this show is anything more than average. Theres a hard core of us who know the truth.



2) our culture is such a mess that the same talented PR team managed to make this half-baked performance into something thats generating headlines. Its so obviously orchestrated.



At least this is an original property.



Edited at 2021-12-11 08:40 am (UTC)

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Theres a hard core of us who know the truth.



Oh man how elite you must be really intelligent and special

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I literally said that intelligent people have been convinced to overrate this show. I have fallen for shitty shows in the past as well. Happens to the best of us. God bless!

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This is dadeepish world and were just living in it.



Edited at 2021-12-11 11:53 am (UTC)

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lmao I beg you to tell us what's your favorite show

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what other conspiracy theories do you believe?

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What do you think of Brian Cox's performance on Succession?

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I know this is your schtick but the hardcore of us who know the truth is sending me to the moon and back

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Thank God i am not alone.

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omg the people getting mad lmao

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What on earth @ these replies. Its obvious you were being light hearted/tongue in cheek lol.

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Theres a hard core of us who know the truth.







(not making fun of you just couldnt resist using this gif) (not making fun of you just couldnt resist using this gif)

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Lmao Succession is my favorite show rn and definitely a masterpiece but I cant help laughing at all the white liberals who freak out over it.



Sopranos is a fucking masterpiece too but guess what? A lot people still dont give a fuck and never will, even when recommended highly. HBO-produced white narratives on class and capitalism are always entertaining/compelling but ultimately useless to everyone non-white.

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Your openness has encouraged me stop hiding my feelings.

I STILL THINK MAD MEN IS ONE OF THE BEST SHOWS IN HISTORY AND NO ONE CAN SHAME NOR GUILT ME INTO IT.

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In that case, now that I know the truth let me cancel my HBO Max subscription and mute all Succession tweets.



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But I thought the whole cast hated him and theyre writing him off already? Is ONTD not telling the truth?!!!!!

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I mean his concerns are valid. The guy may be acting but his body itself doesn't know that.

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Something's up here.

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I literally had never heard of this man until that profile came out and now I've not only read it but started watching succession lol, the pr this generated was unmatched!!

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I didn't read the profile but started the tv show right away lol

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was he famous pre succession? i cant recall him on anything but tbh he has one of those faces that could just be any random actor you can never name.

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Not really, he had bit roles in a few popular movies.

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he kind of blends into his roles if that makes sense? like only after reading the profile did i realise that i've seen him in a lot

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He was not.

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He was recognizable. Like, "I've seen this dude but I can't remember from which film."



Now when I see him, I know it's Jeremy Strong because of "Succession."

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The Happening was on last night and he played the solider that starts shooting people when they're in a field.

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Jesus christ lmao

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i don't find method acting impressive. i think it's more impressive when someone can shift in and out of a character, and still make that performance believable

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Kind of reminds me of JLaw during Hunger Games. Costars would talk about how shed do an intense scene and then after cut was called, shed be her usual self, laughing and joking around.

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i think it was Charles Dance who told a story about when he did a film with Maggie Smith and Judi Dench...between takes they'd be gossiping and playing cards then do whatever scene they had to and then go right back to gossiping and playing cards. seems like a much more relaxing way to work tbh.



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Method acting on that scale for a TV show on HBO? Well, okay...

To say it with the famous words of Laurence Olivier:

Why don't you just try acting?



I'm far more interested in Gerri/Roman anyway.

Guess they are dunzo by now, though.



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I want to serve with you on the OPS Board of Education because, like us all, I want a brighter future for our children and grandchildren, he wrote in his application to the board.

Juarez is currently retired from the federal government and works part time as a customer service representative at the Papillion Landing Community Recreation Center.

She previously worked with the Social Security Administration and IRS, according to her resume.

Juarez said in her application that she wants to serve on the board because she cares about the improvement and success of OPS. Because she works only part time, she can make the board her top priority, she said.

A successful program will provide great rewards for our community for years to come, Juarez said. Although I will be new to this leadership position, I believe I can make an effective contribution for our district and the families we serve. I welcome the opportunity to be a Latina role model for our students.

Juarez said her top priorities include dealing with the consequences of the pandemic, addressing the districts staff shortage and increasing student safety.
Burkhalter said that had he known before the vote that all utility workers could be eliminated, he would have presented the proposal to union members differently and perhaps been a little more animated about the ramifications of union members rejecting the MOU.

It would have been a different argument, he said.

Ade Lytle was one of the utility workers who learned that his job was terminated. Lytle, who had worked for OHA for 31 years, said he found out through a letter.

With the shock of his termination still fresh, Lytle, 65, said he plans to file for unemployment benefits and assess what his future holds.

Lytle, who said he enjoyed enhancing and making peoples lives better through his service, lamented his termination two weeks before Christmas.

It shows the insensitivity the organization has, the husband and father said.

Poore agreed that the timing was unfortunate but said the union played a role by not holding the vote on the proposed amendment until Nov. 23.
The main violence, physical and cultural, was against Native Americans themselves, Wishart said.

The main motivation of (government) Indian policy was to get land for Whites, he said. The (government) saw it as a trade, basically, we will give you our civilization if you give us your lands. But of course that meant rejecting everything you knew as Indian. It was a policy of cultural genocideand it meant that (by the Homestead Act) Indians were no real threat.

There were plenty of real threats.

In 1891, two pioneer girls got lost in Nebraska's Sand Hills. One did not come home alive Recently, residents of some Sand Hills communities came together to remember two pioneer girls who ventured too far and became lost in the featureless tangle of hills and valleys near Thedford.

Edwards was the first researcher to count the number of homesteaders who claimed Nebraska land and then actually made it to the five-year mark.

His answer: roughly 55%. Basically a coin flip.

The rest got sick, went broke or cut bait and left. And many of those who did make it sold quick and vanished, too.

The people who stayed were leathery and obstinate. They were among the first residents of this new state called Nebraska.

* * *
John and Irene Fay

"We were very provincial in those days. If you lived in the Ingleside, you stayed in the Ingleside. If you lived in the Parkside, you stayed in the Parkside."

28 May 2000 - For our latest interview, we traveled to Healdsburg to talk with John and Irene (Sullivan) Fay. The couple raised eight children over 33 years in the Sunset district, and had some vivid memories of their lives there.

Highlights of the interview included recollections of the grand novenas that drew thousands of Irish-Americans to St. Anne's Catholic Church each year.

Irene remembered the trips to Ocean Beach from her childhood home in the Potrero. Getting to the surf included four transfers on public transportation with her mother and three siblings.

Thank you John and Irene!

One of our primary missions is to record the memories of western neighborhoods people. We preserve these recollections for the future.

Also, you can contribute your own stories, here on our Web site.
BLOOMINGTON  Bloomberg on Friday reported that Rivian Automotive plans to build an assembly and battery plant in Georgia. It would be the second factory for the electric vehicle maker, after the facility in west Normal.

The news agency quoted "people familiar with the matter" and that some said an agreement hasn't been signed yet.

What were those lights over west Normal? Here's the story behind those beams of light seen in the sky Sunday night.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution also Friday reported the factory would be east of Atlanta and that a press conference with Gov. Brian Kemp and Rivian officials is planned for Thursday.

Various reports said the Southern California-based company was looking at sites in Texas and Arizona.

A Rivian representative declined to comment to Bloomberg and the Atlanta newspaper.

Rivian went public Nov. 10 and was valued at about $95 billion as of Friday.

Rivian bought the former Mitsubishi Motors auto plant in Normal in 2017. The company's electric pickup truck was launched in September. A sport-utility vehicle and delivery van are also being developed.

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It's that wonderful time of the year again where Lee Enterprises' reporters, photographers and editors get to reflect on the past year and all the good, good stories they wrote. So, in this week's community news section of the 'Long Story Short' podcast, reporters Kelsey Watznauer and Sierra Henry share some of their favorite articles!

Subscribe to 'Long Story Short' podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts.

For more on any of the stories mentioned, visit pantagraph.com, herald-review.com and jg-tc.com to look up subscription information and consider supporting #localjournalism.

Music by Podington Bear.

Stories mentioned on this week's 'Long Story Short' podcast:

Mclean County Christmas tree sellers go out on a limb to maintain supply.

Amazon partnership helps Midwest Food Bank with donated food and more.

Celebrate Downtown Mattoon returns with bigger holiday parade, festivities.

Poshard, after decades in politics, raises alarm in new documentary.

Omicron variant detected in Illinois; McLean County sees high community transmission rate.

COVID surge, new variant concern McLean County Health Department.

Mary Black and R.J. Podeschi lose interim titles at Millikin.

New District 87 superintendent gets a pay bump.

Illinois finds Cockburn in second half, holds off Iowa.

Always driven to do something more, Brandel named Decatur police chief.

Police report arresting two Decatur gunmen who opened fire, one with a machine gun.

Contact Sierra Henry at 309-820-3234. Follow her on Twitter: @pg_sierrahenry.

Concerned about COVID-19? Sign up now to get the most recent coronavirus headlines and other important local and national news sent to your email inbox daily. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Waves of powerful storms raked across Illinois Friday night, causing damage across multiple counties.

Multiple weather systems moved northeast starting in the evening from the St. Louis area, where 70 mph winds were reported.

In Pontoon Beach, an Amazon distribution center collapsed, trapping employees inside. A large tornado had been reported in the Edwardsville area just after 8 p.m. The National Weather Service in St. Louis issued several reports of "radar-confirmed" tornadoes in the region.

The Collinsville Emergency Management Agency on Facebook called it a mass casualty incident.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker in a tweet said: "My prayers are with the people of Edwardsville tonight, and I've reached out to the mayor to provide any needed state resources."

Various tornado and thunderstorm watches and warnings were issued through the evening as the storm system moved in. Severe weather systems occurred from the mid-Mississippi to Ohio Valleys.

In Central Illinois, the worst damage appeared to be south of Decatur, although the full scope is not yet known.

The National Weather Service says a radar-confirmed tornado was located near Lakewood in southern Shelby County. Damage also was reported in Gays in Moultrie County, where the weather service said a tornado also was confirmed.

Thousands are without power in Central Illinois, with large outages in Dalton City, Lovington, Clinton, Mattoon and Gays, according to Ameren.

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Widely seen as the front-runner in the race to succeed longtime Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, Alexi Giannoulias is being targeted by his opponents in a crowded Democratic primary for supporting a Republican for statewide office seven years ago.

They arent ready to let Giannoulias forget that he backed Tom Cross, then a GOP leader in the General Assembly, in the 2014 race for state treasurer, a major statewide office Giannoulias held from 2007 to 2011.

Cook County Democratic Party leaders will decide how much any of that matters when they meet Monday and Tuesday to make endorsements for secretary of state and other statewide and municipal offices in the June 28 primary election.

The issue has gained renewed interest in light of the fealty pledge that slated candidates are being asked to sign. Its the first time the party in Cook County has sought candidates loyalty in writing.

Giannoulias, who made an unsuccessful run for U.S. Senate in 2010, was a guest on Tribune reporter Rick Pearsons WGN-AM radio talk show in 2014 when he weighed in on the state treasurers contest between Cross and Democratic nominee Michael Frerichs, the eventual winner of the election.

Giannoulias lamented that politicians tend to worry about defying allies within their own party instead of reaching across the aisle to push good policies. He praised Cross for showing he was willing to do that.

Tom Cross has done his homework on the office of treasurer, Giannoulias said in the interview. He understands the role. And when you talk about people who are willing to break with their party and do whats right, I think he represents one of those people.

Ive known Tom Cross for a while  I think hes got courage, Giannoulias said. I think hes a good guy; you know, he sponsored Illinois embryonic stem cell law to help researchers find cures for diseases like diabetes and Alzheimers.

In a Zoom-based forum with several Cook County Democrats earlier this year, Giannoulias denied he ever endorsed a Republican for statewide office. While admitting he has spoken positively about Cross, he said he wouldnt characterize his glowing remarks as an endorsement.

I did say good things about Tom Cross who was in the legislature when I was state treasurer, Giannoulias said in response to a question from Chicago Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza, 10th, during the June Zoom call. And I think that no one should question my commitment to the Democratic Party. I worked very hard to help President Obama become president.

He went on to say that I helped many folks on this call get into office, so Im very proud of that.

Some of Giannoulias Democratic rivals in the secretary of states race arent buying it.

I think that shows you who you are. And you cant lie about that. And no amount of money can rewrite history, Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia said in an apparent reference to his robust campaign account. And so, I also think that if you are lying about something like that, then what else are you not telling us?

Chicago Ald. Pat Dowell, 3rd, another Democrat looking to succeed Jesse White as secretary of state, said Cook County Democratic committee members should consider Giannoulias support of Cross.

Certainly, Democrats asking for party endorsements should be Democrats who support us Democrats, right? We have seen that Alexi Giannoulias in the past has endorsed Republican candidate Cross. You know, thats clear, Dowell said.

Another Democrat in the race, Ald. David Moore, 17th, was more measured in his response saying that whether Giannoulias support of Cross seven years ago should be relevant to the election is up to the voters.

I mean, party leaders are people that guide, Moore said. But voters have to make that decision themselves.

Cross declined to comment on the situation.

During his 2014 radio appearance, Giannoulias was critical of statements Frerichs had made about Illinois investment in foreign bonds.

I think his statements on Israel bonds werent carefully thought out, Giannoulias said in the interview. You know, its been one of the better investments in the state treasurers office. Theres never been a default since the Israel bonds came out. ... I just think its important for folks to sort of do their homework before they make certain statements.

This week, Frerichs told the Tribune he wanted to put the issue behind him and concentrate on getting reelected to a third term. But he did say that Giannoulias has apologized to him for supporting Cross. Frerichs has not endorsed anyone in the secretary of states race.

In a statement to the Tribune issued through his campaign, Giannoulias continued to downplay his statements about Cross as an endorsement, but was clear about his support of Frerichs going forward.

Treasurer Frerichs has been an outstanding Treasurer for our state. I am proud to support him in his upcoming election. Our State is lucky to have him in that role, the statement read. Seven years ago, I said nice things about Tom Cross. I understand how people could have viewed what I said as an endorsement. Ive apologized to the Treasurer and if I could go back in time, I wouldve handled it differently. I look forward to working with the Treasurer in the future to help all Illinoisans.

Giannoulias has the early momentum in the secretary of states race with six months before the June 28 primary. Hes secured an array of key union endorsements, including several labor groups affiliated with the Illinois AFL-CIO that amass more than half a million workers altogether. Hes also been endorsed by Democratic U.S. Reps. Jan Schakowsky of Evanston and Jesus Chuy Garcia of Chicago.

Campaign finance records through early December show Giannoulias has about $3.8 million in cash on hand, more than his three Democratic opponents combined. Valencia has about $820,000 in cash available, while Dowell has about $520,000 in cash, and Moore has reported having about $105,000 in the bank, the records show.

Next weeks slating session will result in party endorsements for Democrats in various other statewide offices.

In addition to Frerichs, Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Comptroller Susana Mendoza and Attorney General Kwame Raoul are up for reelection, but none has any Democratic challengers.

Other endorsements being considered are for numerous state legislative posts, county positions and judgeships.

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BELLEVILLE  Victor May doesn't have cable television in his house just outside Collinsville. It's an extra cost he can't afford  everything goes toward his more than $300 monthly phone and internet bill.

"All the money has to go to internet use," May said, "or phones, I should say."

His service amounts to three wireless hotspots, one each for him, his wife and 16-year-old daughter, on top of three cell phone lines. It's still frustratingly slow when May tries to work from home for his trucking business or when his daughter does homework.

"It's usually easier to hop in my truck and go to Starbucks."

They tried satellite, but at $250 a month for even more dismal speeds, it wasn't worth it. Neither was the cost of relocating a utility pole closer to his property off Lockmann Road, as was proposed by another provider he called for six years before it contacted him with yet another untenable solution.

"I'm just trying to get something, anything," May said.

May is just one of countless Illinoisans who don't lack total access to the internet. They just have bad, expensive internet.

Illinois will soon get at least $100 million from the federal government to provide internet to 600,000 residents who have no home access. But it's not clear if the money will address the other massive connection problem people like May face.

Internet access issues, whether they're about speed, reliability or affordability, cut across all classes. Low-income, middle-class and the wealthy are at the mercy of internet providers and what they want to charge and provide. For those in poverty or living in rural areas, it's usually worse.

Yet they have no choice, said Crystal Calvin, a Belleville mother of three whose neighbors less than a half-mile away have reliable internet. Calvin pays $180 a month for two cell phone hotspots with limited data. When they run out of data, often within a few weeks of the billing period, that's it. No more internet connection at home.

"The price that you have to pay for unreliable service and also the limitation to options is ridiculous," said Calvin, who has considered adding a third hotspot to their monthly bill. "You're forced to pay whatever price is set."

Students and their families in Brooklyn, the historic Black community also known as Lovejoy just east of St. Louis, also used hotspots during the pandemic to connect to school, said Ronald Ferrell, the district's former superintendent. The Lovejoy area still doesn't have reliable broadband.

"It was hell. No wireless internet, the pandemic had hit, the internet was acting up out there. Man, it was rough," Ferrell said. "It's a shame the Lovejoys, the Venices, the Madisons still don't have those services."

Reliability and affordability aren't reflected in the state's numbers on connectivity. More than 99% of Illinoisans have access to minimum speeds set by the federal government, according to Kevin Poe, managing director of the metro-east branch of the nonprofit PCs for People. Only 10% of people lack access to speeds just above the federal minimum.

"The percentages look great, but how affordable is the internet and what kind of internet is it?" said Poe, whose statistics come from the Illinois Office of Broadband.

The office mostly gets its data from the internet providers, and the numbers don't reflect cost or reliability, Poe said. Data based on resident responses tells a different story: 19% of households report not having any internet access at all, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2019 American Community Survey. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity says 600,000 people don't have home internet access.

Whether Illinois will spend its infrastructure money to help free people from slow, pricey internet will depend on how it defines "access." Does it mean a community is completely offline? Will the state count a wireless internet provider that offers snail's pace speeds for $65 a month in an impoverished community? Do residents have access to hotspots?

"Hopefully they're not using hotspots as an example of connectivity," Poe said. "You can flood a community with hotspots and yeah, it helps them, but it's more of a bandaid."

Illinois Department of Broadband Director Matt Schmit said the state is focused on helping Illinoisans gain access to speeds much faster than the federal minimum by investing in fiber.

"We've looked beyond that threshold in Illinois," Schmit said. "We want to be investing in infrastructure that can meet all needs and realize it is a moving goal post because bandwidth needs change over time. Just think of how many devices you have connected in your home at any given time. It's far greater than it was a few years ago, and so we have to anticipate what that bandwidth need of today and tomorrow."

Illinois has already invested hundreds of millions in broadband under Gov. J.B. Pritzker's Rebuild Illinois plan. The governor said that work paved the way for the state to use federal dollars effectively.

"We are, let's say, shovel-ready here in Illinois for making sure that we carry out the mandate that we have broadband for everybody," Pritzker said at an event in Chicago Thursday night.

Much has yet to be determined about how the state will spend federal money to boost its existing broadband strategy. As the discussion of infrastructure spending ramps up, Illinoisans like Calvin continue to suffer slow speeds, few options and expensive service.

"They know these people have no choice," she said.

What is broadband?

Broadband is an umbrella term for multiple types of high-speed internet. Some are faster and more reliable than others, according to the Federal Communications Commission.

The most common types include DSL and cable, which use existing phone and cable television lines to deliver internet. Fiber-optic lines are much faster than DSL and cable, and provide service through transparent glass fibers. Only 13.4% of Illinoisans have access to "future proof" fiber technology.

Wireless broadband travels by radio signal from the provider's equipment to a customer's home. There's also satellite broadband, which delivers internet by connecting to a satellite orbiting the earth. Wireless and satellite can be as fast as DSL and cable, but can also be affected by the weather and "line-of-sight" interference such as trees.

The federal government's minimal acceptable speed is enough for one student doing remote learning, or one person on a telehealth call, or one person working from home, Schmit said.

"That is absolutely the bare minimum," he said.

While that situation may have been more common prior to 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic drastically changed how families use the internet. It's no longer a discretionary item, and is closer in necessity to water or heat, said U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, a Democrat from Illinois.

"It's a utility. Stop thinking of it like people used to think of cable TV 50 years ago. I'm sorry, no, it's a utility. It is just as important as water or sewer or anything else and we saw that during COVID," Duckworth said.

Michael Needles, a father of eight and home-builder living outside of Collinsville, doesn't have reliable access at his home. Throughout most of 2020 and early 2021, he and his wife Karolyn had to get all their kids online for school. Suddenly the federal standard wasn't enough for a large family who all needed to video chat at the same time.

With no access to fiber-optic or wired internet service, they were paying roughly $400 a month during the height of the pandemic for a 3G hotspot and two satellites.

"That definitely did not work," Needles said. "We went through several options and all of them throttle you down after so much data usage."

Now they pay $250 for cell phone plans plus more than $100 for "unlimited" satellite internet that slows down after a week or so of use. On rainy days it hardly works at all. While the kids are back at school in-person, they almost always need reliable internet for homework.

"It's amazing how crucial internet access is to a modern American family. It just really is," Needles said. "Twenty years ago it wasn't imperative to have it, and now it is."

'It's ridiculous'

Illinoisans face frustrating and at times ridiculous dilemmas in trying to access the internet.

Needles said he built his family's home on a three-acre plot off Lebanon Road with a promise from an internet company to provide wired broadband service.

After completing construction nearly three years ago, they made an appointment to connect internet to the house, but no one ever showed up, Needles said. When he inquired again, they told him they book appointments through a third-party service, and their new home was not eligible for service.

Kristi Nichols faced a similar situation when she and her husband moved to a semi-rural area outside New Baden. Frontier Communications, a Connecticut-based broadband provider, told Nichols they would have access. After they moved, Frontier changed their minds.

"When they came out here to install everything, they said you don't get a good enough signal out here for the internet," Nichols said.

A Frontier spokeswoman said the company has since addressed a "simple system issue" that indicated service was available at Nichols' home when in fact it was not. She said the company regrets the inconvenience.

Yet another metro-east resident, Cort Hacker, lives near Lebanon with his three children and pays $300 for satellite television and an AT&T hotspot so he can work from home.

There's a fiber-optic line that runs directly in front of his house, but he's not allowed to access it. It's for commercial use only, he said.

"I live three minutes from the high school. It's crazy thinking we have those kind of problems," Hacker said. "It's 2021. How are we not there yet? It's ridiculous."

Others go to extreme lengths for reliable service. Nathan Stooke, CEO of Mascoutah-based internet provider Wisper, said one of his customers took out almost all the trees on his property just so he could access Wisper's line-of-sight wireless broadband from a nearby tower.

They install a transmitter on a tall structure such as a grain silo or water tower. A dish on a customer's home picks up the signal and transmits it to their home router, connecting them to the internet. Trees could block the signal.

"His brother had borrowed a (bull)dozer for building his house, and he just took the dozer and knocked them all over," Stooke said, "and there was the beautiful tower there."

Internet companies don't have a great track record with keeping promises, but some Illinoisans are hopeful about another promise.

Needles paid $100 to get on a waiting list for Elon Musk's promised Starlink, a network of low-orbit satellites that are expected to provide high-speed internet to those with few options. If Needles is ever able to sign up, it'll be an additional $400 for them to send a satellite dish. He's not sure how much it will cost per month.

"I'm hoping that improves things, but I haven't heard any updates," Needles said.

That technology might help someone like Tom Kirkley, a design engineer who lives in rural St. Clair County. His only option for connecting to work from what he calls "no man's land" in a valley is sluggish satellite broadband for $100 a month.

"It's better than nothing."

Should the internet be a utility?

Nichols, whose husband works from home as an insurance broker, now pays about $300 per month for satellite television and an AT&T cell phone plan plus a hotspot with unlimited data.

It's her only affordable option.

Despite the cost, the internet is hardly useful. It freezes up during video calls, and Nichols and her husband can't use it simultaneously. They thought about signing up for a satellite broadband service, but those plans come with data caps they would run through in no time.

They continue to pay because they have no choice.

"They just gouge you," Nichols said. "We're lucky enough to be able to afford this. There are a lot of people who can't."

There's no incentive for companies to provide better service, said Calvin, the Belleville mother.

"They really need to treat it like a utility rather than all these tight-knit companies owning those lines, owing those services," Calvin said.

While utilities like water, sewer and electric often only have one provider in a community, they're heavily regulated by the government. Many said they'd like to see the internet similarly regulated. Duckworth said she agrees.

"Water companies are not allowed to slow down your water pressure unless you pay more. If you pay for your water bill, everyone gets the same water pressure in the town. So, the utility companies can't slow down your electricity or your water but that's what cable companies want to do."

Legislation to prevent internet providers from slowing down speeds faced Republican opposition in Congress and failed. But some communities took it upon themselves to provide their own services.

Highland, in the metro-east, owns and operates its own fiber-optic internet service for the city's roughly 10,000 residents.

For internet speeds more than twice as fast as the federal minimum standard and a basic cable television bundle, they charge $54 a month. They used $13 million in government bonds to build the network, and service fees go toward paying off debt and expanding service.

For speeds that would easily accommodate Needles' eight children all doing homework online and streaming video at the same time, Highland charges $95 a month. A plan that would work for a retired couple who mainly do some online shopping or web browsing costs $25 a month.

It's not a utility because residents opt-in to the service and it's not considered required infrastructure, said Highland Communication Services Director Angela Imming. But is is an alternative.

"People associate lack of internet access with rural areas, and that's just not the case. The big box companies have a grip on urban areas as well," Imming said.

The internet would be a utility when "the federal government says it doesn't matter where you live, we're still going to make sure you can have drinking water, 9-1-1 or internet connectivity," Imming added.

"That would be a utility."

Highland is only able to offer its internet service to people within city limits. Once it finishes extending service to all residents  Imming hopes that will happen next year  it can begin expanding to people in unincorporated areas.

The city's costs are relatively low compared to legacy internet companies, which is why they can provide cheap service to residents. They're not paying off the cost of installing copper phone wires decades ago.

"To get fiber only two mile linear radius is financially impossible," Imming said. "To have a corporation decide they're going to do this is just not feasible."

Stooke, the Wisper CEO, said Illinoisans should be skeptical of turning internet into a utility.

"I would love to bill you for usage. You pay for usage of water. You pay for usage of electricity. By all means, let me bill you for what you use on the internet, "Stooke said. "But nobody understands what they use on the internet."

With more federal dollars coming in for broadband infrastructure, Stooke believes the country might be moving toward regulating the internet like a utility. The need for competition among internet providers would still exist, he said.

"We don't have water competition. We don't have power competition," Stooke said. "If the phone companies and the cable companies had done what they were supposed to do, there'd be no reason for Wisper. They would've provided service everywhere. There's a business reason why they didn't and that business reason will still be there even if we're treated like a utility."

Yet more municipalities are becoming interested in developing their own high-speed internet service. Imming says she has heard from leaders in Jacksonville, Greenville and other Illinois towns for guidance.

"I expect its going to start coming even more furiously now," she said.

How will Illinois use broadband infrastructure money?

Illinois is expected to get at least $100 million from the infrastructure deal President Joe Biden signed in November. The money will be used to encourage private companies to expand their networks and will also support the state's existing efforts.

There are two parts to the broadband money, Duckworth said. The first will help people who don't have any access and those who can't afford it. The two will overlap.

"Sometimes you have communities that don't have any access at any price. We've got to get those communities hooked up," Duckworth said. "Then there's the affordability piece. It's not affordable if it's $400 a month."

The infrastructure money would support programs like PCs for People. Using pandemic relief and state money, the organization provides low-cost computers and internet hotspots for $15 a month. They also help people access the federal government's $50 per month stipend for connection.

"That's where we need it, to keep doing what the original pandemic money started," Poe said. "That's what I hope to keep doing, bridging the gap."

Connecting communities to reliable internet will also be key. Needles said he would like to see the infrastructure money pay for more wired, reliable access from fiber-optic lines.

But that's costly, about $80,000 per mile. Wireless internet is cheaper and quicker to install, said Stooke, the Wisper CEO. They use fixed wireless broadband technology to provide internet  it costs 20% of fiber-optic installation, according to Stooke.

Using $220 million from the federal Connect America Fund, Wisper has grown its network to include 68 new towers in four states, including Illinois. They plan to use money from the infrastructure deal to continue their expansion, Stooke said, including the rollout of new technology that will allow Wisper's internet signal to pierce through tree cover.

Yet a relatively small number of Illinoisans have nothing. The infrastructure money is expected to help them get online with something and help those who can't afford it pay for service, but there's no guarantee of reliability.

The Office of Broadband called the infrastructure money "a historic level of funding to improve the infrastructure that keeps our communities connected." The state has already laid out its plans for developing broadband under Gov. J.B. Pritzker and has started implementing it through the Connect Illinois program.

The office partnered with other groups, including the University of Illinois Extension, to help communities prepare to use federal infrastructure money for internet improvements. The Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois took part in the Illinois Connected Communities program.

The state set aside $420 million for broadband in Pritzker's Rebuild Illinois infrastructure spending package. In southernmost Illinois, grant money was awarded to build out wireless and fiber internet in Saline, Williamson, Johnson, Union and other counties. In the metro-east, a project will provide broadband service to an unserved area south of Troy on Equus Lane.

Illinois pension news doesnt alleviate financial pressures, report states The state saw its unfunded pension liability decrease in fiscal year 2021 for the first time in four years, due in large part to investment returns exceeding 20%, according to a new report from the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability.

A third round of Connect Illinois will make $350 million available to Illinois communities soon for achieving "universal access," Pritzker said.

Imming says the state will have to make avenues to help underserved communities apply for and win money from the federal pot.

"There are some communities that are really have a hard time getting their trash picked up, getting good clean drinking water, fixing roads," Imming said. "They have so many other things they're worried about that this doesn't even enter their minds. When you get to the point of, 'Hey, we need better options and access,' it's too late."

Imming said she also hopes the state will consult with local leaders and give them power over spending.

"When you give money to the government to decide, it goes right back to the lobbyists," Imming said. "Local government is actually at the end of making sure people have high-speed internet."

Schmit, the director of Illinois' broadband office, said they want to work with communities.

"We really want the community to drive what their broadband vision is, be part of the conversation," Schmit said.

As state leaders begin deciding how to use the millions coming to Illinois, Victor May will continue paying his more than $300 monthly bill. He has considered moving just to get affordable, fast internet, and realizes now he shouldn't have assumed proximity to nearby internet lines means access.

"I thought it was everywhere," he said.

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In the wake of the 9/11 attacks, Americans understandably became obsessed with terrorist threats from abroad, particularly the safe haven of Afghanistan that was the launching pad for the attacks.

Today, however, perhaps the greatest threat to our nation comes from within, and we are ill-equipped to fight it.

The U.S. has become a de facto safe haven for domestic terrorists because of essential constitutional protections, dated strategies, and inadequate funding and focus. The U.S. Constitution has, in effect, become a weapon against us. The First and Second amendments must be preserved, of course, but what can be done when our protected rights endanger the republic?

This is not merely a thought exercise, but a continual point of tension in U.S. counterterrorism efforts over the last two decades and well before that.

In testimony before the House Homeland Security Committee, FBI Director Christopher A. Wray said the internal threat posed by anti-government and racially motivated groups must become a greater focus of counterintelligence work. Wrays sober testimony is wise but understated.

Safe havens are physical spaces, typically not well governed, that allow for extremists to organize, recruit, train, proselyte, spread propaganda and raise capital to plan attacks. Extremists of various ideologies have used U.S. safe havens to collect the tools of murder to kill their enemies. At the same time, their widely disseminated propaganda has spawned acolytes.

Recent attacks in the U.S. show how our meek approach to combating domestic terrorism has costs lives and undermined our security. Dylann Roofs slaughter of nine Black worshippers in Charleston, South Carolina, in 2015; Robert Bowers AR-15 attack in 2018 that killed 11 at a Pittsburgh synagogue; and the insurrectionists Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol each check the three boxes for what constitutes a terrorist act: targeting noncombatants, violence or threat of violence, and provoking fear among an audience that goes beyond the intended direct target.

Neither Roof, Bowers nor any insurrectionists have been charged with terrorism. Why? While the United States has a definition of domestic terrorism, it is still incredibly difficult to charge individuals with carrying out an act of domestic terrorism. That stems from the fact that there isnt a federal crime of domestic terrorism. This partially explains why the overwhelming majority of terrorists who have been successfully prosecuted in the United States have been linked to foreign terrorist organizations.

Those who have exploited the American safe haven have often hidden behind constitutional rights provided by the First and Second amendments. Of course, neither amendment is absolute. The First Amendment does not protect, for instance, the use of social media platforms to plan, foment and fund violence. And though anti-government groups wield absolutist interpretations of the Second Amendment, passing laws that curb access to guns is well within the mandate of federal and state governments. With this in mind, there are some actions the U.S. can take to disrupt Americas role as a safe haven.

First, we need to shift resources. This means devoting more FBI funds to understanding and then blunting the domestic threat, but without neglecting the still-virulent threats from abroad. We also should refocus foreign resources and personnel, such as the CIA, to engage with the transnational far-right threat. This would require adjusting our foreign intelligence collection structure so that we can decipher and then undermine this threat. We have already begun this recalibration of counterintelligence efforts, although we need the sort of domestic-international coordination that was notably lacking in the lead-up to the 9/11 attacks.

Then the U.S. needs to update federal laws so that acts of terrorism can be categorized as such.

We also need to deal with the social media platforms that enable the fundraising, recruiting and planning of attacks to occur with speed and ease. Social media have become fertile ground for a terrorist ecosystem that knows no borders, as Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen has made quite clear. It has been used to groom future extremists and to launder hatred. The U.S. is a net exporter of white supremacy extremism, and Americas safe haven allows the fomenting of violence in the U.S. and abroad.

Jason M. Blazakis is a professor of practice at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies

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Question: While College Avenue in Normal is one of the Twin Cities' most heavily traveled streets, far fewer travel College Street, a little-known, two-block long street off West Empire Street in far west Bloomington. Do you know why it is called College Street?
Updated at 8:33 p.m.

The National Weather Service in St. Louis says a "radar-confirmed tornado" is heading into the Metro East communities in southwestern Illinois. The storm system had been moving through the St. Louis region earlier.

A Lighting Alert also was issued for Macon County.

Updated at 7:56 p.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch until 2 a.m. for the following counties:

CHAMPAIGN, CLARK, CLAY, COLES, CRAWFORD, CUMBERLAND, DE WITT, DOUGLAS, EDGAR, EFFINGHAM, FORD, IROQUOIS, JASPER, KANKAKEE, LAWRENCE, LIVINGSTON, LOGAN, MACON, MCLEAN, MOULTRIE, PEORIA, PIATT, RICHLAND, SHELBY, TAZEWELL, VERMILION, WOODFORD.

Our earlier story ...

LINCOLN  Rain and storms are in store for several Central Illinois communities, National Weather Service meteorologists said Friday.

Their reports said rain rolled across the Bloomington-Normal area Friday afternoon, with morning fog that lingered later that day in some parts. A warmer high crested at 60 degrees, but the night's low was expected to drop just shy of freezing at 35 degrees.

Forecasters said thunderstorms are possible after 5 p.m. Friday around the Twin Cities. Showers may pass through before 1 a.m. Saturday, as will storms with possible severe wind threats. The NWS weather report said 15-20 mph breezes heading south-by-southeast will gain another 5 mph in speed after midnight. And, nightly gusts may hasten gales up to 45 mph.

Between one-quarter to half an inch of rain could fall in and near Bloomington-Normal.

Decatur shared Bloomington's wet and foggy conditions Friday, with more showers expected after 4 p.m., per the reports. Additional rain is feasible in Macon County through the following morning, stopping between 3 to 5 a.m. Saturday. Friday's low is set for 36 degrees, with evening breezes similar in speed to Bloomington's and heading off west-southwest.

Mattoon could see storms after 3 p.m. Friday, as showers and patches of fog remained that afternoon. It topped that day's high at 63 degrees.

Nightly gusts could be hazardous in Decatur and Mattoon, maxing out at 41 mph for both cities. The NWS said rain and thunderstorms may continue through Macon County before 3 a.m. Saturday, and 4 a.m. Saturday in Coles County, with showers possibly extending another hour. Mattoon's low was listed around 39 degrees.

Meteorologists predict sunshine to return to Central Illinois Saturday, with clouds clearing around the middle of that morning. Breezes will remain up to 25 mph in Bloomington and Mattoon, and up to 23 mph in Decatur. Gusts in the mid-40 mph range could persist in all three cities (maxing out at 50 mph in Bloomington), but winds will calm down in the afternoon.

Saturday's high is projected at 40 degrees in the Twin Cities and 41 degrees in Decatur. That day's high is expected to be 44 degrees in Mattoon, falling to 36 degrees by 5 p.m. Saturday.

Mattoon and Bloomington could see the the coldest Saturday night temperatures, diminishing to 28 degrees.

A Wind Advisory is in place until 3 a.m. Saturday.

Earlier story ...

Potential for tornadoes, other severe weather in Chicago-area forecast, depending on how conditions develop later today

Shanzeh Ahmad

Chicago Tribune

The weather system moving into the Chicago area late Friday holds the potential for tornadoes and other forms of severe weather, the National Weather Service said.

A tornado watch wouldnt be issued until later Friday  if at all  depending on how weather conditions play out the rest of the day, meteorologist Jake Petr said. But weather could be severe.

Tornado watches are most often issued two to three hours before those specific weather conditions are expected, while a tornado warning would only be issued if a tornado is expected to form soon or has already formed.

The potential for tornadoes and severe weather threats are for 9 p.m. Friday to 2 a.m. Saturday. The weather service recommends people ensure they have set up multiple ways to get weather alerts, especially ones that can wake a person up if theyve gone to sleep.

Petr said an updated forecast can be expected Friday afternoon.

Friday started off with fog and colder temperatures with low clouds, but temperatures and humidity levels are expected to rise rapidly after sunset, the weather service said via Twitter.

Expect strong winds between 3 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday, Petr said, with gusts up to 45 to 50 mph, especially Saturday morning.

Petr said while not all that common, its not unheard of for one or two winter systems to have potential for severe weather and tornado conditions during the late fall and early winter time frame.

He said a tornado was recorded on Dec. 1 three years ago in downstate Taylorville, Closer to Chicago, tornadoes were recorded on three December dates since 1950: LaSalle County on Dec. 3, 1955; Jasper County, Indiana, on Dec. 8, 1966; and Iroquois County on Dec. 4, 1973.

Other recorded tornadoes in the area during the winter season were on Jan. 7, 2008, when a tornado made its way from Poplar Grove in Boone County to Harvard in McHenry County, and on Feb. 28, 2017, when a total of 10 tornadoes were confirmed across northern Illinois.

MAKAYLA HOLDER

The Southern

All of Southern Illinois should brace for significant severe weather Friday night through the early Saturday hours as the National Weather Service is predicting unusual winter weather resulting in a few strong tornadoes, damaging gusts and large hail.

Moderate severe weather risks such as this is highly unusually for the area, Michael York, a NWS meteorologist, said.

Theyre not very common. A couple or three times a year in a typical year we have a moderate risk, York said. This year I dont know if weve had any. A moderate risk implies a fairly widespread severe weather event. Usually it includes the possibility of a few strong tornados and of course large hail and damaging straight-line winds.

Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are likely caused by a cold front moving across the region along with lots of moisture and wind shear in the atmosphere.

The timing of the system covering Southern Illinois will be from around 7 p.m. through 3 a.m.

The thunderstorms are expected to develop by late today into the early evening across Southern Illinois, Southeast Missouri and possibly West Kentucky.

They will continue through the overnight hours crossing into Indiana and western Kentucky, NWS said.

Outside of the thunderstorms, strong wind gusts of 30 to 40 miles per hour are possible this evening into early Saturday morning.

A couple long-track tornadoes are highly possible as well.

Nighttime tornadoes are one of the biggest problems because they happen when people are normally asleep, York said. We recommend having a means of being woken up at night by a weather radio. Then you can take some protective actions.

The greatest tornado threat is close to the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, near Cairo, according to NWS.

It is advised that you have multiple means of receiving weather updates throughout the storm and that you have a safety plan in place.

Contact Brendan Denison at (309) 820-3238. Follow Brendan Denison on Twitter: @BrendanDenison

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The Gender/International Affairs Unit of the Minerals Commission has held a sensitization programme for key stakeholders in some mining communities in the Central Region to aid in eliminating child labour.



The event, held at Afiefiso in the Upper Denkyira West Assembly, was on the theme: Eliminating Child Labour in the Mining Communities.



Mr Richmond Kodua, the District Chief Executive, urged parents to refrain from engaging their children in hazardous activities at mining sites.



He said the Assembly's bye-laws clearly prohibited children below 15 years from being exposed to economic activities and warned that any parent or guardian who flouted the law would be dealt with.



Mr Joseph Torwoe, the District Health Officer, explained the hazardous dangers illegal mining posed to the health of inhabitants, particularly children, and urged participants to support government to curb the menace.



The District Director of Education, Mrs Betty Smith, elaborated on the importance of education and urged parents and guardians to protect their children by enrolling them in school instead of giving them away for illegal mining activities.



The Chief of Afiefiso, Nana Krobea Asante, lamented how some teachers in the community engaged school children in hazardous activities and asked the District Director of Education to take punitive measures against such teachers to serve as a deterrent.









Source: GNA









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To climax the week-long Annual Thanksgiving Service 2021 of Jospong Group of Companies (JGC) and Zoomlion, the Presiding Bishop of Action Chapel International (ACI), Bishop James K. Saah, has stated that thanksgiving has the capacity to change any situation.



He said this could be likened to yeast on bread dough which increases the dough, adding that thanksgiving also increases the blessing of the thanks giver.



Bishop Saah who made the observation on Friday, December 10, 2021, admonished Ghanaians to be careful not to hold back thanksgiving due to God.



He explained that thanksgiving is a formal public expression of thanks to God.

Quoting from Genesis 8:22 to buttress his point, he said thanksgiving operates by the law of sowing and reaping.



If you sow thanksgiving, God gives you something back, adding that thanksgiving is in words and deeds



"There is no increase when thanksgiving is brushed aside, he advised.



According to the man of God, people who walk in thanksgiving have increased immunity against diseases, saying that thanksgiving can bring the dead to life.



The Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources (MSWR), Mrs Cecilia Abena Dapaah, who represented the Vice President, H.E. Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, said Jospong Group of Companies was being led by an indefatigable humble and God-fearing person, a reason the group has instituted an annual thanksgiving service.



"Dr Siaw Agyepong and his executives have found the key and the key is praise and worship," she added.



"So the secret and the success of Jospong is that they worship God, she noted.



"The annual thanksgiving is of great importance and I see it as a spiritual renewal to the group", Mrs Dapaah said.



She said the company wants to celebrate their gratefulness to God openly so this corporate thanksgiving should be preserved forever.



Jospong Group of Companies/Zoomlion which has become a household name started from a humble beginning, she indicated.



Mrs Dapaah noted that that the government in its capacity has provided an enabling environment to make the private sector including Jospong to thrive.



The company as of now recycles waste and as well turns waste into compost, she said.



She went on to add that Zoomlion would soon have the capacity to turn waste into green energy, and thus appealed for support for Dr Siaw Agyepong and his JGC.



Early on in a welcome address, the Executive Chairman of JGC, Dr Joseph Siaw Agyepong, indicated that the thanksgiving service has been held annually to acknowledge the faithfulness of God in the groups operations, and also appreciate God for sustaining them.



As a company, it is our custom to gather like this at the end of every year to celebrate the goodness of the Lord over our businesses, employees, families, the President and his executives and appointees in government, chiefs, partners and other stakeholders, he said.



According to him, the Akufo-Addo administration has given real meaning to the truism that the private sector is the engine of growth.



Through His Excellencys transformational leadership and relevant policy interventions, an enabling environment for the private sector to grow has been created.



Our achievements this year are largely due to the enabling environment that the government of His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has created.



He stated that the enabling environment created empowers the private sector to do more, advising that we in the sector should not waste it nor take it for granted.



He applauded President Akufo-Addo and his government, for his immense contribution to the environmental sanitation space in the country.



The governments achievement in this sector is unprecedented and historic and it is worthy of note that since independence, over 60 years ago, it is during this administration that Ghana has experienced massive environmental infrastructural improvement.



Thirty-six (36) plants were commissioned within a year! These are 16 IRECoPs, 14 Medical waste treatment plants, 4 wastewater treatment facilities in Tema, Takoradi, Tamale and Kumasi, and decommissioning and reengineering of the two major landfill sites in Kpone in Accra and Oti in the Ashanti region with technical support from our American Partners using very modern technology



He said the above projects have significantly helped to address the sanitation infrastructural deficit in the country and bridged the gap between waste collection and disposal with its accompanying consequences.



Dr Siaw Agyepong also praised his workforce for their hard work towards the growth of JGC and Zoomlion.

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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Member of Parliament for Bortianor-Ngleshie Amanfro constituency, Slyvester Tetteh has rebutted critics' convictions that the 2022 Budget and Economic Policy Statement hasn't been approved and is hanging since the Minority didn't participate in the approval process.



According to the MP, nothing can be done to undo what happened in Parliament on Tuesday, November 30, 2021 where the Majority, by a 138 representation in a quorum, voted in favor of the budget, although the Minority had earlier rejected it through similar process.



The Minority voted against the budget on Friday, November 26, after the Majority staged a walkout from Parliament but their decision was later quashed by the Majority votes.



Speaking to Nana Yaw Kesseh on Peace FM's ''Kokrokoo'', Hon. Slyvester Tetteh picked a heated debate with seasoned journalist Kwesi Pratt, a panelist on the programme, on whether the 2022 budget has been approved or not.



Kwesi Pratt argued that the budget cannot be said to have been approved because the Minority has filed a motion against it.



In reply, the MP stated emphatically that Parliament is currently considering estimates and that, so far as the budget is concerned, the decision of the House clearly shows it has been okayed, and with the Speaker having passed a ruling in support of the Majority's decision, it cannot be overturned.



''Let me place on record that the policy statement of government 2022 has been passed. We are considering estimates; that's procedure in Parliament. If any person has any opinion that we haven't passed it, he should carry on with that but, as far as me as a Member of Parliament representing the good people of Bortianor-Ngleshie Amanfro; I serve on two Committees...yesterday, we commence the estimates with the NDC [in Parliament]. If we haven't passed the policy, why consider estimate? They should stop throwing dust into the eyes of Ghanaians'', he stressed.



He however noted that any opposition member who seeks to challenge the budget approval can go ahead with it but ''per the true records of Parliament, we have passed the policy. We consider estimates. We will pass an appropriation and we move on!''





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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

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Factbox: A global look at abortion and some of the world's toughest laws FILE PHOTO: Anti-abortion and pro-abortion rights protesters gather outside Supreme Court in Washington

(Reuters) - New limits on abortion rights are being pursued in the United States and other countries.

Here is a look at global abortion statistics and some of the world's strictest abortion laws based on information from the U.N. World Health Organization as well as from the Guttmacher Institute research group and the Center for Reproductive Rights legal advocacy group, both of which support abortion rights.

- Approximately 73 million abortions occur worldwide annually, with 61% of all unintended pregnancies and 29% of all pregnancies ending in abortion, according to the World Health Organization. It said about 45% of all abortions are unsafe, of which 97% occur in developing countries. A WHO fact sheet said, "Unsafe abortion is a leading - but preventable - cause of maternal deaths and morbidities."

- There are about two dozen countries where abortion is prohibited altogether, a list that includes Egypt, Iraq, the Philippines, Laos, Senegal, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, Haiti and the Dominican Republic, according to the Guttmacher Institute. About three dozen other countries allow it only to save the life of the mother, a list that includes Nigeria, Brazil, Mexico, Venezuela, Ireland, Iran, Afghanistan and Myanmar, according to the Guttmacher Institute. Around 40% of women of reproductive age live in places where abortion access is illegal or limited.

- In the United States, a series of restrictive Republican-backed laws have been passed at the state level, with the conservative-majority U.S. Supreme Court considering overturning a 1973 precedent that legalized the procedure nationwide in a case involving a Mississippi abortion ban - blocked by lower courts - beginning at 15 weeks of pregnancy. The court on Friday allowed a legal challenge brought by abortion providers to proceed against a Texas law that went into effect in September that bans the procedure at about six weeks of pregnancy.

- Poland in January put into effect a constitutional court decision prohibiting abortions performed due to fetal defects, banning the most common of the few legal grounds for terminating a pregnancy in the largely Catholic country.

Story continues

- El Salvador has some of the world's strictest abortion laws, with the procedure banned without exception since 1998. More than 180 women who experienced obstetric emergencies were prosecuted for abortion or aggravated homicide in the past 20 years.

- Women in Malta are denied access to abortion, even if their lives are at risk. It is the only EU member state that completely prohibits the procedure. Women face up to three years in jail.

- Senegal prohibits abortion but its code of medical ethics allows it if three doctors agree it is needed to save a woman's life. A 2014 study showed the rules force women to seek clandestine abortions and, as a last resort, kill their own infants.

- In the United Arab Emirates, abortion is illegal except if the pregnancy endangers the woman's life or there is evidence the baby will not survive. Women could face up to one year in prison and a hefty fine. Women who seek hospital treatment for a miscarriage may be accused of attempted abortion.

- Anti-abortion laws in the Philippines derive from its time as a colony of Spain. Abortion has been prohibited for more than a century. About 1,000 Filipino women die each year from complications. Spain is among more than 50 countries that have liberalized abortion laws over the past quarter century.

(Reporting by Catarina Demony, Lawrence Hurley and Andrew Chung; Editing by Will Dunham)
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Over the past 40 years, winters in California have become drier. This is a problem for the region's agricultural operations, as farmers rely on winter precipitation to irrigate their crops. Determining if California will continue getting drier, or if the trend will reverse, has implications for its millions of residents.

But so far, climate models that account for changes in greenhouse gases and other human activities have had trouble reproducing California's observed drying trends. When climate models project the future or simulate the past, they can't agree on long-term precipitation trends. Researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) want to know why because these mixed results aren't very useful for future water resource planning.

"When we see these large uncertainties in model simulations and projections, we have to ask whether or not the models are up for the task," said Ruby Leung, a Battelle Fellow and atmospheric scientist at PNNL. "One challenge with modeling California is that long-term natural cycles heavily affect its precipitation."

These cycles range from years long, like El Nino and La Nina, to decades long, like the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation (IPO). They represent natural variability associated with sea surface temperature patterns in the Pacific Ocean and affect winter precipitation in California.

But how much of a role do they play in spawning uncertainty in California's precipitation projections? A big one, it turns out. Results from Leung and a PNNL team show that natural cycles are responsible for >70 percent of the uncertainty in model simulations of precipitation trends over the past 40 years. By isolating the effects of the natural cycles, scientists can focus on improving models to reduce the remaining uncertainty related to how greenhouse gases and other human activities affect climate.

The impact of ensembles

With more computing power, researchers can now run large sets of simulations called large ensemble simulations. To produce them, researchers run climate models from 40100 times with minor differences in their starting conditions. Because everything except for the starting conditions remains the same, these ensembles provide a unique representation of natural variability. Modeling centers around the world also run simulations that contribute toward multi-model ensembles. These represent the total uncertainty due to both natural variability and model uncertainty.

Leung and her team analyzed three ensemble simulations generated by three different climate models and two multi-model ensembles of two recent climate model generations. They wanted to determine the sources of uncertainty in the projections of California precipitation. What they found surprised them.

The team found that natural climate cycles were responsible for roughly 70 percent of the total uncertainty in model simulations of California precipitation trends in the past 40 years. That leaves 30 percent of the uncertainty for how models represent human influence on climate.

"We know that natural cycles have major impacts on California's climate, but we didn't think that they would dominate the total uncertainty in climate simulations to this extent," said Leung. "This result shows the importance of large ensemble simulations for isolating human influence on climate, which may be small compared to natural cycles in some regions."

Natural cycles versus human impacts

Of the natural cycles that influence California's climate, the IPO is one of the most important. Its decades-long phases help determine if California is in a wetting or drying trend. The team's results point to its substantial role in California's drying over the past 40 years.

Currently, climate models have limited skill in predicting the transition between the IPO phasesespecially decades from now. Therefore, future projections of California precipitation have large uncertainty due to IPO cycles.

So where does that leave human-induced changes, like warming and increasing greenhouse gases? They still play a substantial role in shaping the future climate and weather. As greenhouse gases continue to accumulate in the atmosphere and the ocean's large heat capacity catches up with increasing temperatures, warming and its effects will become more pronounced.

"Natural variability, such as the IPO, is like background noise," said Leung. "Although that noise is substantial, the climate response to rising concentrations of greenhouse gases is a signal that grows over time. Focusing our efforts on reducing model disagreement for this signal is impactful, particularly when looking to the far future."

Understanding the extent to which natural and external factors affect California precipitation helps researchers better contextualize their projections. This knowledge helps modelers explain why their models might be missing the mark in simulating past observed trends. Scientists can then communicate more nuanced results to people planning California's water future.

More information: Lu Dong et al, Uncertainty in El Nino-like warming and California precipitation changes linked by the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation, Nature Communications (2021). Journal information: Nature Communications Lu Dong et al, Uncertainty in El Nino-like warming and California precipitation changes linked by the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation,(2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26797-5
Credit: Hany Mahmoud, Author provided

The pig-nosed turtle, an endangered freshwater turtle native to the Northern Territory and southern New Guinea, is unique in many respects. Unlike most freshwater turtles, it is almost completely adapted to life in water. It has paddle-like flippers similar to sea turtles, a snorkel-like "pig-nose" to help it breathe while staying submerged, and eggs that will only hatch when exposed to the waters of the wet season.

It is also the last surviving species of a group of tropical turtles called the carettochelyids, which once lived throughout the northern hemisphere. Scientists thought pig-nosed turtles only arrived at Australia within the past few millennia, as no pig-nosed turtle fossils had ever been found hereor so we thought.

A 5-million-year-old fossil from Museums Victoria's collections has now completely rewritten this story. Discovered at Beaumaris, 20km southeast of Melbourne, this fossil lay unidentified in Melbourne Museum's collection for almost 100 years until our team came across it.

We identified the fossil as a small section of the front of a pig-nosed turtle's shell, as we report today in the journal Papers in Palaeontology. Although the fossil is just a fragment, we were lucky that it was from a very diagnostic area of the shell.

The fossil shows that carettochelyid turtles have been living in Australia for millions of years. But what was a pig-nosed turtle doing in Beaumaris 5 million years ago, thousands of kilometers from their modern range?

Artists impression of the pig-nosed turtle swimming in an ancient river. Credit: Jaime Bran

Well, in the past, Melbourne's weather was a lot warmer and wetter that it is now. It was more akin to the tropical conditions in which these turtles live today.

In fact, this isn't the first prehistoric tropical species discovered here: monk seals, which today live in Hawaii and the Mediterranean, and dugongs also once lived in what is now Beaumaris.

A tropical Melbourne?

Millions of years ago, Australia's eastern seaboard was a tropical turtle hotspot. The warmer and wetter environment would have been perfect for supporting a greater diversity of turtles in the past. This is in stark contrast to modern times; today, Australia is mostly home to the side-necked turtles.

Tropical turtles would have had to cross thousands of kilometers of ocean to get here. But this is not unusualsmall animals often cross the sea by hitching a ride on vegetation rafts.

The 5-million-year-old pig-nosed turtle fossil, in life position on the shell of a modern pig-nosed turtle. Credit: Erich Fitzgerald

Distribution of Australias freshwater turtles today, and the location of the pig-nosed turtle fossil. Star shows where the new fossil was found at Beaumaris. Credit: Author provided, turtle silhouette by Aline M. Ghilardi

So where are these turtles now? Why is the modern pig-nosed turtle the last remaining species of the carettochelyids? Well, just like today, animals in the past were threatened by climate change. When Australasia's climate became cooler and drier after the ice ages, all the tropical turtles went extinct, except for the pig-nosed turtle in the Northern Territory and New Guinea.

This also suggests that the modern pig-nosed turtle, already endangered, is under threat from human-driven climate change. These turtles are very sensitive to their environment, and without rain their eggs cannot hatch.

This is true of a lot of Australia's native animals and plants. In reptile species such as turtles and crocodiles, sex can be determined by the temperature at which eggs are incubated. This is yet another factor that could put these species at risk as the climate changes.

The treasure trove of fossils from Beaumaris shows just how important Australia's previously tropical environment was for ancient animals. Southern Australia used to be home to many tropical species that now have much more restricted ranges.

Just last year, the discovery of tropical monk seals fossils from Beaumaris completely changed how scientists thought seals evolved. This shows just how much we still have to learn about Australia's prehistoric past, when it was so different from the sunburnt country we know today.

Explore further Rare pig-nosed turtles once called Melbourne home

More information: James P. Rule et al, Turtles all the way down: Neogene pignosed turtle fossil from southern Australia reveals cryptic freshwater turtle invasions and extinctions, Papers in Palaeontology (2021). James P. Rule et al, Turtles all the way down: Neogene pignosed turtle fossil from southern Australia reveals cryptic freshwater turtle invasions and extinctions,(2021). DOI: 10.1002/spp2.1414

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
QUEENSBURY  A Queensbury man has been arrested after selling crack cocaine to law enforcement on multiple occasions, according to police.

Police said that Lionel N. Patrick, 44, of Maine Avenue, was arrested and charged with two counts of third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, both of which are felony charges.

During a narcotics investigation conducted by the Warren County Sheriff's Office and the Glens Falls Police Department, police purchased cocaine from Patrick multiple times, according to police.

Patrick was arraigned in Warren County Court and later released on his own recognizance pending prosecution.

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QUEENSBURY  The American Red Cross provided immediate emergency aid to two people after a fire on Gregwood Circle on Thursday.

According to a news release, volunteers from the Northeastern New York Chapter of the American Red Cross provided aid in the form of financial assistance for things such as food, clothing and shelter to those affected.
WARRENSBURG  The Town Board took the first steps toward clean up of the remains of the Grist Mill, the restaurant that burned in November 2020, with a unanimous resolution Wednesday at its regular monthly meeting.

At the time of the fire, owners Ash and Jaime Anand said they would rebuild the local landmark, a former grist mill that dated to 1824. A year later, nothing has happened at the site. Attempts by the town to contact the owners have gone unanswered, Supervisor Kevin Geraghty said. Town residents tell him they want action.

The resolution invoked Town Code 95-2, which addresses unsafe buildings. The town has the authority to hire a structural engineer to inspect the building and report on its condition and whether it can be repaired. The engineer will need either the owners permission or a court order to go on the premises, said Town Attorney Robert Hafner. If the owner refuses or doesnt respond, the town will pursue a court order.

If the engineer determines that the building is unsafe and the owner doesnt undertake a cleanup, the town can go back to court to have cleanup costs applied to the buildings property taxes.

After the meeting, Geraghty estimated that the process could take four to five months.

My hope is that the owner of the property will reach out and do it on his own, he said.

In other matters:

The board accepted with regret the resignation of Town Board member Donne-Lynn Winslow, effective Dec. 31. Her letter of resignation did not give a reason. Winslows term runs until the end of 2023. Geraghty said the board will discuss what to do about the vacancy after Winslow is off the board. Winslow did not attend the meeting.

The economic development committees survey results are in and the committee is evaluating them, Town Board member Richard Larkin said. Larkin, the head of the committee, said the results will be available to the public soon and the committee will hold a public discussion in early January. Larkin said he was impressed by the variety of businesses in town. Several new businesses have opened, some have expanded, and hes been contacted by entrepreneurs who want to locate in the town. He wants to expand the committee in 2022 with as many businesspeople as possible and more community members. Geraghty said more people who arent on Main Street need to be involved, and added that hed recruit some who dont have one agenda. It will be important to have opinions from residents all over town when the town starts its master plan update, he said. Larkin and Geraghty disagreed over how well Warrensburg is communicating with the county EDC. Larkin thought connections could be better, but Geraghty said the county agency is always looking for opportunities for Warrensburg.

The board unanimously approved an $80,000 contract with Warrensburg EMS for 2022. Geraghty praised the service for doing a remarkable job and called the contract very reasonable.

Johnsburg Town Justice David Cavanaugh has been covering the town since Town Justice Bryan Winslow retired, Geraghty said. Cavanaugh will swear in newly elected town officials, including new justice Kathy Ferullo, on Jan. 3.

Warrensburg native Shelby Burkhardt will take over as director of the Richards Library in January, said library board member Suzanne Glebus. She described Burkhardt as having lots of energy and said the board is very excited to have her.

Geraghty said hes received many compliments on the towns holiday lights, and thanked Department of Public Works employees for installing and maintaining them. The lights draw visitors to town, he said. Echo Lake resident Gary Cooper asked whether the town could have its own ice castles on Echo Lake, similar to the attraction set to open in January in Lake George. Cooper said hes had visitors from as far away as Clifton Park renting his property for the weekend just so they can see the ice castles at Lake George.

The town will hold a public hearing on the Route 418 and River Street sidewalk projects at 7 p.m. on Jan. 12, its next regular meeting.

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Assisted evolution was not widely accepted when first proposed.

Van Oppen said there were concerns about losing genetic diversity and critics who said the scientists were "playing gods" by tampering with the reef.

"Well, you know, (humans) have already intervened with the reef for very long periods of time," van Oppen said. "All we're trying to do is to repair the damage."

Rather than editing genes or creating anything unnatural, researchers are just nudging what could already happen in the ocean, she said. "We are really focusing first on as local a scale as possible to try and maintain and enhance what is already there."

MILLIONS OF YEARS IN THE MAKING

Still, there are lingering questions.

"We have discovered lots of reasons why corals don't bleach," said Steve Palumbi, a marine biologist and professor at Stanford University. "Just because you find a coral that isn't bleaching in the field or in the lab doesn't mean it's permanently heat tolerant."

Corals have been on Earth for about 250 million years and their genetic code is not fully understood.
We need to take the time to show, hey, I care about your safety, so I am going to make sure that each and every one of you, that if (the metal detector) beeps off, that we do a mindful inspection, Noel said. We do not need to treat the students like criminals, but we do need to be aware that their safety is important and do the things necessary to keep them safe, so that they are not traumatized over and over again.

High School Principal Lapell Chapman said at the Tuesday board meeting that school officials had investigated rumors circulating on social media and uncovered no credible indication that a gun had been brought onto school grounds. He also discouraged residents from spreading unverified rumors pertaining to gun violence.

Board Solicitor Alicia DAnella encouraged anyone with information about potential wrongdoing or safety issues in school should communicate them to the district. She said at the Tuesday board meeting that many parents concerns stemmed from rumors spread on social media that the district could not act on.

Nobody can take action on rumors, DAnella said. Anytime that the administration is aware of a safety issue in school, addressing that safety issues becomes the first priority of that minute of that second.
Even when he was little, he was a rescuer, said his mother, Sandy. If he knew that his classmates were in need of something, she said, hed take it from home and give it to them.

One year, he earned enough money to buy new clothes for school. But he spent it on clothes for his younger sister instead. He was my protector, said his sister, Angela Owens. He was my best friend.

Dean Jones arrived at Rowan in 2008 and at first dealt directly with students regarding residential learning and university housing issues. Three years later, he was promoted to vice president for student life, and he began to create policies and oversee projects that had greater impact on the student body.

He became vice president for student engagement in 2019 and assumed even more responsibility for campus policy and implementation. He initiated programs to, among other things, support male teachers, advance social justice, and promote conflict resolution.

But he never closed the door of his new office to those who still needed help. My passion is serving students, he told Rowan Confidential. Making sure that students have a transformational experience.
During his 2014 radio appearance, Giannoulias was critical of statements Frerichs had made about Illinois investment in foreign bonds.

I think his statements on Israel bonds werent carefully thought out, Giannoulias said in the interview. You know, its been one of the better investments in the state treasurers office. Theres never been a default since the Israel bonds came out. ... I just think its important for folks to sort of do their homework before they make certain statements.

This week, Frerichs told the Tribune he wanted to put the issue behind him and concentrate on getting reelected to a third term. But he did say that Giannoulias has apologized to him for supporting Cross. Frerichs has not endorsed anyone in the secretary of states race.

In a statement to the Tribune issued through his campaign, Giannoulias continued to downplay his statements about Cross as an endorsement, but was clear about his support of Frerichs going forward.
Recent digging from Wired and the Center for Investigative Reporting examined how cavalier Amazon appears to be with the vast empire of customer data it manages on the retail side of its business. The reporting indicated that Amazons oversight had become so sprawling, fragmented and promiscuously shared within the company that the security division couldnt even map all of it, much less adequately defend its borders. Amazon disputed that account, noting what it described as a strong track record around digital security. It also emphasized its dedication to securing systems throughout the company.

Given that governments and corporations have outsourced so much of their network management, and given how the internet has become as essential as other necessities such as water and electricity, it would be useful to think of cloud services as a public utility of sorts  with all of the requisite disclosure and supervision that comes with that.After all, its hazardous out there. Microsoft said on Monday that a federal court gave it the go-ahead to seize 42 websites from Chinese hackers who had been on intelligence-gathering sprees targeting government agencies, think tanks, universities and human rights organizations. Last week, a rural electric utility in Colorado serving 34,000 customers disclosed that a recent hack of its network led to 90% of internal controls and systems becoming corrupted, broken or disabled. It also said that a majority of historical data dating back more than 20 years was lost.
Here we go again.

After decades of planning, the Interstate 74 bridge in the Quad-Cities is finished. On its heels, planning for a new I-80 bridge over the Mississippi River is entering a new phase.

The Illinois Department of Transportation, DOT, this week authorized its consultant to begin the first phase of engineering studies for the replacement of the span between LeClaire and Rapids City.

Most pressing for those who live, work or own property along the bridge corridor is the question of where the bridge will go  upstream, downstream or in the same location as the current bridge.

The short answer: It's too soon to say.

But also clear is that the new I-80 bridge is on a fast track compared to I-74.

"As it so happens, I was project manager for I-74 for DOT," said Becky Marruffo, engineer of program development for the Illinois DOT. "One thing that's different is that we have funding (for I-80). The 74 was initially a little pie in the sky."

What is happening now
Derrick Brown potted a pair of goals and Hunter Fischbach added three assists as the Badlands Sabres snapped a three-game losing streak with a 5-2 win over the Sheridan Hawks at Whitney Rink in the M&M Center in Sheridan, Wyoming.

Seth Stock also tallied a goal and an assist for the Sabres (9-13-1), while Zach Vockler and Keagon Holloway scored goals. Brown, Kael Delzer, Cole Sykes, Mason Martin, Rhodes Buffalo and Utin Lightning also dished out assists. Zach Broxterman made 45 saves in net.

Badlands took a 2-0 lead into the first intermission. After the Hawks (3-24-0) got on the board in the second period, it added two more goals for a 4-1 lead through 40 minutes. The Sabres and Hawks each added one more goal in the third.

The two teams will face off again Saturday in Sheridan.

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As I visited with a teacher this morning, our exchange led to a conclusion that a sense of excitement fills the air in the school halls. The downhill slide of another semester of education began when the calendar pages turned to December. The "white stuff" has hit the ground and temperatures have been dipping as of late. We inch closer to Christmas Break, which I believe has created that buzz we feel. Students and teachers alike have earned a well-deserved break.

A different wave of "feel goods" carried themselves around a conference room in Chamberlain filled with school superintendents from around the state yesterday to visit about the upcoming legislative session. I displayed my warm and fuzzy mood by wearing an ugly, red, wool sweater with a grumpy-looking cat on it--my favorite this time of year - on a day usually marked for a suit and tie.

Governor Noem gave her budget address on Tuesday, and she recommends a 6% increase in funding for education. On a normal day, we superintendents engage in discussion about how we can politely encourage our state legislature to invest just a few more percentage points in dollars to fund tomorrow's leaders and South Dakota's workforce: the children who shuffle through the halls of our schools every day. The governor also pointed out our strong economy and low unemployment rate; those numbers rank among the top in the nation. Generations of South Dakotans have been "raised right" and educated well, and those numbers reflect that.

Taxpayer dollars fund education, and the governor's recommendation for educational funding sets a precedent, one that can be continued in the future while keeping a balanced budget in South Dakota. This recommendation is the highest a governor has made to the legislature that anyone knows of, or can recall, according to the most veteran superintendents in the group that convened yesterday. To Governor Noem, all the school superintendents present at our meeting appreciated your words and recommendation to the legislature.

Yet, we had other topics to discuss as well. Recently, the Vermillion School District implemented a restroom policy that reflects a strong push from their community and parents of LGBTQ+ students to allow students to use restrooms of the gender with which they identify. Prior to the meeting, a survey was sent to all superintendents. I was one response of the five that stated a desire for a uniform law to be in place for all schools to follow. If I had a crystal ball, I would foresee a lawsuit in the future if we continue to allow local control on this issue, a lawsuit of major implications that will find itself in the Supreme Court. I've taught Educational Law for South Dakota State University in the Educational Administration program going on five years, and I teach about the major case law in education in our nations history. Tinker v. Des Moines and Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, two landmark cases, both come to mind as examples that graduate students learn about to give them an idea of what to do and what not to do as they become leaders in education. If we continue the path we are on, some district in this state will be in a large, hot pot and may end up being a case law lesson I one day teach future administrators about.

We also visited about strategies to attract and retain classified and certified staff. Districts had unique approaches, and every strategy had one common denominator: dollars. Our state's schools suffer from a shortage of educators. We are currently in a search for certified applicants, and my bare inbox tells the tale. When the box stores and fast-food joints offer a more attractive wage, and in some cases benefits, our schools hurt for applicants.

We offer a 5-day week, and you can have the same schedule as your children if you're interested (wink). Bus drivers and substitute bus drivers can earn outstanding wages for routes that may last an hour in the morning and an hour at night in any district. We all NEED bus drivers! Check with your local school district! Some schools offer bonuses on top of the significant pay.

In addition, we talked about the hot words in education right now: Critical Race Theory. We don't feel it's in any state content standards set by the Department of Education, and it's not being taught in our schools in South Dakota. But if it needs to be a discussion point and a bill to be passed or killed, then I say go ahead. If a law relating to K-12 education passes on this subject, more power to the lawmakers and the clout it engenders. However, educational leaders, teachers, and local school boards can handle this one if it becomes an issue.

I hope that you and your yours have a special holiday season filled with laughter, love, and good soup. At my house, soup will be made for the teachers in my district as we approach break. It's not much, but my wife and I surely appreciate the teachers of all five of our children, and it's a small token of thanks for the GREAT year so far.

Remember those in need. Donate to the Salvation Army, who have programs to assist members of our communities who can use a boost. Remember those military men and women deployed around the world in defense of the greatest nation in the world.

That's about it for now, take care!!

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This week is the 80th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. But, did you know that the U.S. Navy already had encounters with both Germany and Japan before Pearl Harbor?

The U.S. Navys first clash with the German Navy occurred in April of 1941 when the USS Niblack attacked a Nazi U-boat off the coast of Iceland.

After departing its base in Newfoundland, the Niblack broke formation in response to a distress call from a Dutch cargo vessel. While survivors were being brought on board, sonar operators detected an unidentified submarine closing fast on the ship. Depth charges were launched by the Niblack. Although the weapons did no damage to the U-boat, this encounter was Americas first offensive action of World War II.

In Oct 1941, the USS Kearny departed its port to assist a squadron of Canadian warships which was escorting a convoy. In the ensuing engagement, a German sub fired on the Kearnys starboard side, severely damaging the vessel and killing 11 crewmen. The crippled ship was able to hobble back to port for repairs.

Five weeks before Pearl Harbor, a German U-boat torpedoed and sank the American destroyer USS Reuben James in the North Atlantic. On Oct 31, 1941, the American vessel was steaming towards Iceland when the British convoy she was guarding came under attack by a pack of German subs.

Just before dawn, the Reuben James was hit near the forward magazine by a torpedo, tearing the whole bow section off the ship. She sunk in a matter of minutes, taking 115 of her crew to the bottom of the sea with her. Forty-four sailors survived the attack.

Japans first attack against the United States came a full four years before Pearl Harbor. In late 1937, the U.S. Navy gunboat Panay was moored in Nanking, China harbor.

The ship was there to rescue American and Chinese civilians fleeing Japanese forces. Although Japan was at war in China at the time, the United States was officially a neutral country.

Even so, the nearly 200-foot-long vessel was repeatedly attacked by a dozen Imperial Japanese fighters over the course of two hours. The Japanese even strafed survivors in the water. This could not have been a case of mistaken identity, as the vessel flew several U.S. flags and had enormous stars and stripes painted on the deck.

The ship sank in the Yangtze River with three crew members killed and an additional 45 sailors injured. Japan quickly apologized for the incident, blaming it on poor field communications and subsequently paying the United States $2 million in compensation. But, from that moment on, relations between the two countries would be severely strained leading up to Japans surprise attack at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.

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For the second year in a row Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is authorizing a whitetail doe hunt in southwestern Montana to reduce populations as chronic wasting disease thrives.

The hunts, running from Dec. 11 through Feb. 15, will be held in nine hunting districts on private and state-owned lands. Last year's hunt identified 52 out of 305 deer that tested positive for chronic wasting disease.

The goal of the hunt is to reduce white-tailed deer density to slow the spread of CWD among whitetails and reduce the probability of spread to mule deer, elk and moose. FWP also hopes to increase understanding of CWD distribution and prevalence through continued testing of hunter-harvested deer.

Several licenses will be valid in the CWD management hunt area, and each  including B licenses  will be valid for either-sex whitetail harvest, including:

 Unused 2021 general deer license;

 003-00 white-tailed deer B license;

 399-00 white-tailed deer B license; this license will remain available for purchase throughout the hunt with a limit of five per hunter;

 White-tailed deer B licenses from any other hunting district.

The hunting districts are: HD 320  Those portions within the Jefferson River watershed. Portions within the Madison River watershed are excluded; HD 322; HD 324; HD 325  Those portions within the Blacktail Deer Creek watershed. Portions within the Beaverhead River watershed south of Barretts are excluded; HD 326; HD 329; HD 330  Those portions within the Ruby River watershed. Portions within the Madison River watershed are excluded; HD 331; and HD 340.

As always, landowner permission is required before hunting. All other 2021 hunting regulations apply.

CWD is a contagious neurological disease that infects deer, elk and moose. It is always fatal, and there is no known cure. It was first detected in Montanas wild herds in 2017.

CWD was detected among white-tailed deer in the Ruby Valley in 2019. These deer are contiguous with white-tailed deer and moose throughout the Ruby, Jefferson, Beaverhead and Big Hole valleys. They are seasonally connected to populations of elk, moose and mule deer.

Observed CWD prevalence varies throughout the hunt area, with some localized portions reaching prevalence levels as high as 45%.

Hunters play a significant role in FWPs management efforts for CWD. Without population reductions, prevalence is expected to increase in the coming years throughout these white-tailed deer populations.

Hunters who participate in the management hunt are encouraged to submit samples for CWD testing, though it is not mandatory. FWP has provided resources to help hunters collect and submit samples for testing on their own. These resources can be found on FWPs website by visiting fwp.mt.gov/CWD.

Additionally, FWP will have staff available to collect CWD samples from harvested animals beginning Dec. 12. Staff will be stationed at the Madison County Fairgrounds (2 Fairgrounds Loop) in Twin Bridges on Dec. 12 and 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Theyll also be stationed at FWPs Butte Area Resource Office (1820 Meadowlark Lane) on Dec. 13 and 14 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

From Dec. 16 through Feb. 15, sampling station locations and hours of operation will be variable and will be posted on FWPs website. Visit go.usa.gov/xeAnD, then scroll down and click on Sampling Stations.

CWD is not known to infect humans. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people not eat meat from infected animals and have their harvested animals tested before eating them if they were taken from an area where CWD is known to exist. For more information on CDC recommendations, visit go.usa.gov/xAcnc.

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The state Public Education Department is working on a deal to connect rural students to the internet through StarLink, a SpaceX satellite network that will offer service to the public in New Mexico starting next year. Agency spokeswoman Judy Robinson said the cost would be $1.6 million for the first year of service and for the installation of receivers.

The legislation passed by the House also includes $142 million for roads and $2 million for a teacher training fund.

Boosting the training fund is aimed at pulling the state out of a growing teacher shortage that has swelled to about 1,000 unfilled vacancies. Supporters have said the bill could support as many as 1,500 educators and aspiring educators, mostly by subsidizing university tuition for college students who want to become teachers.

Our teacher shortage is acute, Democratic Rep. Nathan Small of Las Cruces said, adding that he wanted aspiring teachers to know the Legislature is taking action.

Attanasio 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 under-covered issues. Follow Attanasio on Twitter.
This displacement has had an effect on my mental, financial and physical health. I do believe because I am a recipient of subsidized housing, I am not being treated equally or fair, Thomas stated in the release.

Upon returning to her apartment last month, it still smelled like sewage and was uninhabitable, according to the complaint. The property manager tried to persuade Thomas to move to another South Richmond complex the company is renovating. The apartment was smaller, and it would have required her children to change schools. She declined, and the family returned to the hotel.

Thomas moved back to the Fulton apartment at the beginning of the month. When she arrived, it still reeked. There was no running water because of a planned outage spanning several days that affected all residents of the property. Half of her electrical outlets didnt work. Her freezer, and all the food that she had kept in it, was gone. I came home to nothing, she said.

Thomas will have to move again  when, she doesnt yet know  once the company begins renovating her unit.

During this process I have been patient and communicative with the leasing office the entire 69 days, despite my personal belongings being destroyed, my childrens inability to attend school due to limited transportation, and the financial strain, Thomas stated in the release. My only request has been to come home to a livable home that is sufficient and adequate.
A Virginia State University student was arrested on Friday and charged with murder in Sundays fatal shooting of another VSU student at the University Apartments at Ettrick, where the suspect lived. Police said a dispute between the two men led to the shooting.

Isaac K. Amissah Jr., 21, a VSU student living in University Apartments, surrendered to police on Friday. He also was charged with using a firearm in the slaying of Daniel N. Wharton, 19, a VSU student from Alexandria. Wharton lived in student housing on the VSU campus, police said.

Police said they had obtained warrants for Amissahs arrest on Monday, but he left the Ettrick area after the shooting. Police said hes from the Northern Virginia area.

Chesterfield County police Sgt. Rod Brown said a disagreement between Amissah and Wharton led to the shooting. Because the incident remains under investigation, Brown declined to describe the nature of the dispute but said it wasnt a long-standing disagreement.

I think it was more spontaneous than anything else, Brown said. I dont think they had an issue with each other prior to this situation.
Gerry Hebert, a redistricting consultant and lawyer, said at least three of the citys nine council districts will need to be amended after new census estimates found that the city population increased by 11%, from 204,000 to 226,600, in the last decade.

Ideally, each district will have about 25,000 residents to make each equal. The 2nd and 6th districts are above that number by more than 5%, while the 3rd District falls short by 12%, meaning that all three would need to be adjusted to fall within a reasonable deviation from the ideal head count, Hebert said.

Its unclear why the process is just beginning, as the city had retained Heberts counsel in June, according to a retainer agreement acquired by the Richmond Times-Dispatch through an open records request. The city redacted a section of the contract describing the scope of work to be performed by Hebert, citing attorney-client privilege.

Marty Jewell, a former City Council member and 2nd vice president of the Crusade for Voters, said he understands that theres a constitutionally mandated deadline, but said he worries that rushing the process could result in unintended consequences with regard to the representation of the Black community, given the recent demographic trends reported in the census.
White said she too found no legal impetus for the courts to try to protect incumbents, especially since neither partys incumbents are significantly disadvantaged over the other. She said that at best, the court could decide that weighing in would be somehow beneficial to the commonwealth.

Chambers said there is a case to be made for protecting some incumbents given that nearly half of the legislatures 140 incumbents would be affected.

Chambers said that if lawmakers dont move to a new district to avoid an incumbent match-up, the result would be a legislature made up of many newcomers.

We probably ought to be concerned about the new blood coming into the General Assembly, particularly if they have no real experience in public service. Thats a backside problem that arises, he said.

It could be that legislative aides fill that void. People who you dont know have that much more power and influence. And lobbyists, who wonder about the legislature and have more experience, also may play a bigger role.
A long-running history

of support for broadband

Editor, Times-Dispatch:

I would like to correct the false claims made in recent Letters to the Editor regarding a recent newspaper advertisement on my support for broadband in Virginia. Readers have been misled into thinking my advertisement is tied to President Joe Bidens American Rescue Plan and Build Back Better initiative. I have been a leader in bringing broadband to Virginia for years prior to Biden's presence in the White House.

The ad specifically referred to my continual support for the 2021 Virginia Telecommunications Initiative grant for the Northern Neck and surrounding areas. In September 2020, I submitted a letter of support for the grant to the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, and I spent years advocating for public-private partnerships in the region. This $10.3 million grant was awarded in January for broadband infrastructure in Northumberland, Richmond, Westmoreland and King George counties.
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After graduation, I worked as a contractor at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, but I missed the day-to-day involvement of following the weather story. A friend told me about a job opening at the NBC station in Roanoke, and I started my television career there in the fall of 1995. I was happy to be back in Virginia, although I quickly realized how much different the weather was in the western part of the state versus Richmond. After eight years there, I moved to the ABC station in Lynchburg.

As the 2010s went on, I started paying more attention to the climate in addition to the weather. While not immediately obvious in the daily weather, the longer term data showed that the planet was warming. I understood the fundamentals of why, but I needed to understand how the scientific community came to that conclusion. So I made another change, taking a job at a science and communications organization in central New Jersey called Climate Central.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP)  Politically liberal San Franciscans are used to living cheek by jowl with open drug use, feces-infested streets and petty crime. But a surge in home break-ins and brazen shoplifting has some residents feeling that the city they fell in love with is in decline.

Caitlin Foster is among San Francisco shopkeepers who have repeatedly had to clear away used needles and other drug paraphernalia outside the bar she manages. And after too many encounters with armed people in crisis, the Seattle transplant's affection for her adopted city has soured.

It was a goal to live here, but now Im here and Im like, Where am I going to move to now? Im over it, said Foster, who manages Noir Lounge in the trendy Hayes Valley neighborhood.

A series of headline-grabbing crime stories  mobs of people smashing windows and grabbing luxury purses in the downtown Union Square shopping district and daytime shootings in the touristy Haight-Ashbury  has only exacerbated a general feeling of vulnerability. Residents wake up to news of attacks on older Asian Americans, burglarized restaurants, and boarded-up storefronts in the citys once-vibrant downtown.

The pandemic emptied parts of San Francisco and highlighted some of its drawbacks, including a laissez-faire approach by officials to open drug dealing just steps from the Opera House and Symphony Hall. Parents despaired as public schools stayed closed for most of last year as nearby districts welcomed children back to the classroom.

Theres a widespread sense that things are on the wrong track in San Francisco, said Patrick Wolff, 53, a retired professional chess player from the Boston area who has lived in the city since 2005.

San Franciscans will vote in June on whether to recall District Attorney Chesa Boudin, a former public defender elected in 2019 whose critics say hes too lenient on crime. His supporters say theres no crime surge, and that corporate wage theft is a more pressing issue than cases like that of a San Francisco woman finally arrested after stealing more than $40,000 in goods from a Target over 120 visits.

Wheres the progress? If you say youre progressive, lets get the homeless off the street, and lets get them mental health care, said Brian Cassanego, a San Francisco native who owns the lounge where Foster works.

Cassanego moved to wine country five months ago after stepping out one day to find a man who looked like a zombie, with his pants down to his knees and bleeding from where a syringe was stuck on his hip. A woman cried out nearby in shock.

I went upstairs, and I told my wife, Were leaving now! This city is done! he said.

While crime overall has been trending down for years, reports of larceny theft  shoplifting from a person or business  are up nearly 17% to more than 28,000 from the same time last year. They remain lower than the more than 40,000 larceny theft cases reported in 2019. Requests to clean dirty streets and sidewalks are the majority of calls to 311, the citys services line.

San Franciscos well-publicized problems have served as fodder for conservative media outlets. Former President Donald Trump jumped in again recently, releasing a statement saying the National Guard should be sent to San Francisco to deter smash-and-grab robberies.

Elected officials say theyre grappling with deep societal pains common to any large U.S. city.

A high percentage of an estimated 8,000 homeless people in San Francisco are struggling with chronic addiction or severe mental illness, usually both. Last year, 712 people died of drug overdoses, compared with 257 people who died of COVID-19.

LeAnn Corpus, an administrative assistant, said a homeless man set up a makeshift tent outside her house using a bike and a bed sheet, and relieved himself on the sidewalk. She called the police, who came after two hours and cleared him out, but at her aunts home, a homeless person camped out against the backyard for six months despite attempts to get authorities to remove him.

This city just doesnt feel the same anymore, said Corpus, a third-generation native.

In Hayes Valley, business owners tired of seeing garbage strewn about and the city not doing anything to address the issue banded together to lease enclosed trash cans from a private company, said Jennifer Laska, president of the neighborhood association.

After the lease expired, the association managed to get the city to agree to buy and install new public garbage cans designed to keep trash in and pilferers out. That was four months ago.

Were still struggling just to get the trash cans actually purchased, Laska said.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
HAMPTON  It took four pens to complete one signature  Gov. Ralph Northams  that sealed the final transfer of land from the U.S. Army to the state: the 4.97 acres underneath The Chamberlin.

With that, some $80,000 a year that the owners of the retirement community had been paying the Army will flow into state coffers.

More revenue! Northam joked Thursday afternoon.

The transfer marked the end to 10 years of complex negotiations over various parcels of Army land at the former headquarters for the Training and Doctrine Command and before that for the Coast Artillery, said Northam, who had served for years on the board of the Fort Monroe Authority, the state agency that runs the property.

This is a special place in my mind, he said.

The forts history  it is on the site where the first enslaved Africans arrived in English North America in 1619, and was where the first slaves were freed during the Civil War  makes it an important site for all Americans, he said.

If you want to know where youre going, you have to know where youve been, he said.

Northam arrived at the fort to sign the deed transferring The Chamberlin land after stopping at Norfolk State University to announce the budget he will present to the General Assembly as one of his last acts in office will include $297 million for the states four Historically Black Colleges and Universities: NSU, Hampton University, Virginia State University and Virginia Union University.

We have a $2.6 billion budget surplus and we can level the playing field for these schools, he said.

After heading to the Peninsula, he signed the deed that will transfer the land under The Chamberlin, and with that the 50-year ground lease that the owners of the old hotel signed with the Army.

It will not mean any changes to the operation or business of The Chamberlin itself, Fort Monroe Authority executive director Glenn Oder said.

A unit of the Roanoke-based senior living firm Smith/Packett acquired The Chamberlin in 2012 from the Newport News-based corporation that restored the historic hotel in 2006.

The building had been hit hard by storms in 2009 and 2011, with damage that made the building difficult to insure. The Newport News firm and its bank asked Smith/Packett to step in and take over, according to Smith/Packetts online description of the property for potential investors.

Restoration and continued operation of The Chamberlin since then is an example of the kind of redevelopment that Oder hopes partnerships between the authority and the private sector across the former fort.

Last month, the Fort Monroe Authority issued a request for proposals to redevelop around 300,000 square feet of building space at four separate sites at the fort.

Earlier this year, the Virginia Marine Resources Commission approved work planned for a $40 million project to redevelop Fort Monroes marina area. That project calls for replacing the Old Point Comfort Marina with a 300-slip facility, a 90-room hotel, a marina building, a deck with a pool on pilings and a promenade deck on pilings.
RICHMOND  Gov. Ralph Northam said Friday that his outgoing budget will include $27.4 million to establish and staff a Center for Firearm Violence Intervention and Prevention at the Department of Criminal Justice Services.

The governor said the center would collect data on firearm violence, report its findings and provide resources to localities and community-based organizations.

"Together we've made tremendous progress and we still have much more to do," Northam told several dozen gun-safety advocates gathered at the Bell Tower in Capitol Square Friday afternoon. He added: "We can, and we need to do more," noting that each year Virginia loses more than 1,000 people to gun violence.

On Dec. 16 Northam will present his two-year budget proposal to the General Assembly's money committees. Northam leaves office Jan. 15 as Republican Glenn Youngkin becomes governor.

When Democrats controlled the legislature, Northam signed a series of gun-violence measures. They included bills to require background checks on all gun sales, to restore Virginia's restriction on handgun purchases to one a month and to bar possession of firearms by people subject to protective orders.

Other measures established an "extreme risk" protective order in which a court may temporarily authorize removal of firearms from people in crisis, mandated reporting of lost and stolen firearms within 48 hours and imposed stricter penalties for "recklessly" exposing minors to guns.

Speaking of Virginia's gun deaths, Northam said: "Whether those deaths are homicides, suicides or accidents, every last one of them is a tragedy. Every one of them is a family that will never be the same."

Brian Moran, Virginia's secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security, said at the event that about two-thirds of Virginia's gun deaths are suicides.

Gun-safety advocate Lori Haas, whose daughter was wounded during the 2007 Virginia Tech shooting in which 32 students and professors were slain, endorsed the proposal, saying a "public health approach" is necessary.

"Getting comprehensive data to guide decisions on policy and programs is a must," said Haas, Virginia director of the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence. "We know that laws alone aren't going to reduce gun violence."

Moran said the suicide rate among veterans is significantly higher than that of the rest of the population. Last year 188 veterans in Virginia lost their lives to suicide and 135 used firearms, Moran said, adding that law enforcement officers also have a higher rate of suicide than the general population.

"These tragic statistics illustrate the critical need for a holistic approach to firearm-related deaths," he said.

In 2020 Northam also sought a ban on assault-style weapons but the measure failed in the state Senate. Northam told reporters Friday that he still supports such a ban.

"They intimidate people and they kill people," Northam said. "For that reason we don't need them on our streets."

Further restrictions on guns appear unlikely as Republicans prepare to take control of the House of Delegates.

The governor-elects relationship with the National Rifle Association has been more distant than that of past GOP candidates, and he did not emphasize gun rights during his campaign, other than saying generally that he supports the Second Amendment.

The NRA has called on Youngkin to remove Haas from the Virginia State Crime Commission, an agency that studies and makes recommendations related to public safety. Youngkin declined to weigh in last month on the NRA's request, saying: Theres lots of people calling on me to do lots of things,
To retake power, Democrats cant count on Republicans misbehaving.

Maybe thats why Democrats toyed with misbehaving themselves.

After their lives flashed before their eyes in November, Democrats considered returning to Richmond for a special session of the legislature. With two months until they would surrender to resurgent Republicans the governorship and House of Delegates, Democrats saw a last chance to complete an agenda disrupted by the election and intra-party strife.

There were murmurings about a post-election session  for Gov. Ralph Northam and Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn of Fairfax, it would have been the lamest of a lame-duck sessions  when it was clear, two recounts notwithstanding, Republicans would be back in charge of the House, led by Todd n Terry.

That would be Todd Gilbert of Shenandoah County as speaker and Terry Kilgore of Scott County as majority leader. Emblems of the Republicans rural base, they can be unflinching in their conservatism but as creatures of the divided General Assembly, they can be transactional.

Practical thinking drove the internal Democratic debate over a special session  an idea about which House Democrats were enthusiastic and Senate Democrats and the Northam team were anything but.

Despite repudiation by the voters, Democrats would still run the government until January. There was unfinished business  spending, gun control and abortion rights  for which the left-leaning base pined. Plus it would be a middle finger to Gov.-elect Glenn Youngkin and his Vested Interests.

Besides, Republicans had been similarly smug.

In July 2019, when lawmakers were back at the state Capitol, on Northams orders, to consider new firearms restrictions after the mass shooting two months earlier in Virginia Beach in which 12 died and four were injured, Republicans used their slender majorities in the House and Virginia Senate to bury the proposals in about 90 minutes.

Outrage over the Republicans accommodation of their perceived masters in the gun-rights lobby, paired with enmity for then-President Donald Trump, would cost the GOP both chambers, setting up the Democratic hat trick  control of the House, Senate and governorship  that was disrupted last month.

That the Democratic Party should be similarly arrogant in milking its fleeting power was of little concern to some legislators.

Their view: Democrats had already been punished at the polls. The next legislative elections arent until 2023, when the House and Senate will be decided. Those elections will be in new districts, more of which might favor Democrats. A special session would be old news.

And even if there are special elections for the House in 2022, fresh, friendlier lines  assuming thats what the Virginia Supreme Court produces and Democrats arent facing another anti-Biden downdraft  could make it easier for Democrats to pull off a consequence-free fast.

Besides, the issues on which Democrats might busy themselves include those on which many Virginians  Democrats, Republicans and independents  agree, even though they were subordinated in 2021 to schools, COVID-19 jitters and flagging support for President Joe Biden, who carried the state by 10% a year earlier.

One issue, abortion rights, took on greater urgency last week  stoking the demands of some Democrats for a lame-duck session  when the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments on, and its conservative majority appeared hospitable to, a Mississippi law that challenges protections under the landmark decision in Roe v. Wade nearly a half-century ago.

A month before Youngkin narrowly defeated Terry McAuliffe, a supporter of abortion rights, a poll by the Wason Center for Civic Leadership at Christopher Newport University showed 61% of likely voters favor womens access to abortion.

Nearly as large a percentage said they opposed a Texas law, adopted in September and headed back to the Supreme Court, that banned abortion after six weeks. It was rejected by Youngkin, an abortion foe who would allow exceptions for rape, incest and to save a womans life and vowed to go on offense on restrictions if his party retook the General Assembly

Advocacy of unfettered abortion rights is not universal among Democrats, whove had opportunities since winning back the legislature to anchor in Virginia law Roe-based assurances for women to end pregnancies without excessive government interference.

Sen. Joe Morrissey, D-Richmond, because of his Catholic faith, opposes abortion and has sided with Republicans on restrictions, setting up a tie vote last year  broken by the Democratic lieutenant governor, Justin Fairfax  on a bill expanding abortion rights.

Theres no reason to think Morrissey would vote otherwise  ditto Fairfax  were the issue considered at a special session.

And Northam would sign into law abortion rights guarantees, which some Democrats  including Sen. Jennifer McClellan of Richmond, a once and, presumably, future gubernatorial candidate, want carved into the Virginia Constitution through a voter-approved amendment.

But in the twilight hours of Democratic hegemony, it apparently was deemed un-Virginian to ram through abortion safeguards, more gun control, and  another idea batted about for fears Youngkin, at ribbon-cuttings, will take credit for them  spotlighting infrastructure improvements financed by bipartisan federal legislation that, had it passed before the election, might have helped McAuliffe.

Its possible Democrats just might flop, falling short on these issues. Nothings worse than promising action and failing. Republicans would gloat over that.

And there are logistics: Would defeated Democratic delegates show up? With the legislature convening early in the new year, Christmas travel plans are often set in stone.

Besides, one of the enduring attractions of the annual session is Senate Democratic Leader Dick Saslaws holidays-in-Hawaii suntan.

Contact Jeff E. Schapiro at (804) 649-6814 or jschapiro@timesdispatch.com. Follow him on Facebook and on Twitter, @RTDSchapiro. Listen to his analysis 7:45 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. Friday on Radio IQ, 89.7 FM in Richmond and 89.1 FM in Roanoke, and in Norfolk on WHRV, 89.5 FM.
" " Bill Nye The Science Guy says the U.S. is failing the test when it comes to science literacy. Amanda Edwards/Getty Images

The United States is facing two massive threats  climate change and the coronavirus  that we cannot solve without science. One is playing out slowly, over decades, growing inexorably worse as we continue to burn fossil fuels. The other is advancing rapidly, exacting a grim toll in human lives, as we fail to contain the spread of the virus.

In many ways, these dual crises amount to a national test of our science literacy  our basic understanding of what scientists know and how they know it. And Bill Nye "The Science Guy" isn't feeling good about our performance.

"We are failing the test," he says in a new interview. "It's a very serious problem."

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Why the U.S. Is Failing

The U.S. government has done little to curb greenhouse gas emissions, which need to drop in half over the next decade to keep the planet livable, and its response to the coronavirus has been similarly feeble. The pandemic is surging in the United States, even as new cases dwindle in countries as disparate as Estonia, New Zealand and Vietnam. Nye says that in both cases the U.S. failed to heed the warnings of experts.

"You have to have the ability to evaluate evidence and reach a reasonable conclusion that is based on what experts are saying," he says. "What we want to do is to get everybody in society to become scientifically literate."

Nye, who currently hosts the podcast Science Rules!, says that neither issue can be understood without experts. The U.S. has to rely on scientists to discern the role of climate change in a flood or heat wave, or to determine if our cough is a sign of the coronavirus or just seasonal allergies. When people prize their own intuition over expert opinion, they make poor decisions, Nye says, pointing to a news story about an Oklahoma man who refused to wear a mask even after seeing his friend die of the coronavirus.

"When you tell someone that you need to have a scientist to explain this, and then you have people on the other side saying your opinion is every bit as good as a scientist's, it's not resolvable," he says.

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Blaming Fossil Fuel Cos. and Social Media

Nye says that fossil fuel companies bear a lot of the blame for sowing mistrust in science generally, not just climate science. Over the last 30-some years, the industry has poured millions into climate change denial, attacking the credibility of researchers while exaggerating scientific uncertainty. If scientists offer a range of predictions  say, that temperatures will rise by between 5 and 6 degrees Celsius (9 to 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit) if pollution goes unchecked  deniers will counter that the science is inconclusive.

"The fossil fuel industry in the U.S. has worked very hard, with success, to introduce the idea that scientific uncertainty  plus or minus a few percent  is somehow the same as plus or minus 100 percent," Nye says. "And that's absolutely wrong."

In those cases where genuine uncertainty does exist, the public needs to appreciate that science is a process, Nye says. He pointed to the coronavirus, where new studies are regularly being challenged and their findings overturned.

"As we get more information, we make changes," he says. "We thought that the coronavirus could exist on cardboard for a long time and that that was a real threat. We now know that cardboard surfaces are a little bit of a threat, but the main threat is in the air."

Nye says that social media can be a useful tool for keeping the public informed, but it has proved to be as much a blessing as a curse  a "blurse," he joked  as bad actors turn to social media to spread misinformation.

Social media companies are struggling with this dilemma, as Facebook recently demonstrated when it allowed a political group to spread a false claim about climate change  over the objection of its own fact checkers  while at the same time prohibiting climatologist Katharine Hayhoe from promoting educational videos about climate science on the grounds that the content was too political. Despite the present challenges, Nye is optimistic about the future of social media.

"In the same way that you're not allowed to print just anything, social media outlets may end up getting regulated," he says. "I could also see the issue sorting itself out as information becomes increasingly unreliable."

" " Bill Nye is putting a lot of faith in younger Americans, who he believes are more knowledgeable about climate change than older generations. Tara Ziemba/FilmMagic

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How Can Young Americans Promote Science?

Nye is a relentless optimist. He believes that things will improve as younger Americans  who tend to be more educated and more knowledgeable about climate change than older generations  start to make up a larger share of the electorate.

"As soon as older people are in the minority in voting, this will turn around very quickly. When people who are in their 20s right now are in their 40s  when they're at the height of their earning power and they are most influential in governments  then things will turn around," he says. However, he adds, "If you like to worry about things, this is a fantastic time, because it's not clear if that will happen fast enough."

Nye says that it is harder to persuade older Americans of the severity of climate change, because it challenges their longstanding beliefs. "The older you are, the more set in your ways you are. Your worldview has worked for you for decades, so why would you want to change it now?" he says. As for why young people are more attuned to the problem, he joked, "well, I take full credit."

Nye broached climate change on his PBS children's show, "Bill Nye the Science Guy" in the 1990s, and has continued to educate the public about climate change and other issues of scientific interest in his TV programs, public appearances and his podcast, which has focused almost exclusively on the coronavirus in recent months.

"I was around when the U.S. decided to stop teaching the metric system, to take solar panels off the White House, produce both the Ford Pinto and the Chevy Vega, and I was very concerned about it," he says. "I quit my day job to engage young people in the hope that we could have a better future through science literacy. I'm still fighting that fight."

Nye says the best thing Americans can do now to tackle the threats facing the country is to take part in the political process.

"I just encourage everyone to vote. The more people participate in the political process, the more we will reach a consensus on what to do about these very serious problems  climate change and the coronavirus pandemic," he says. "The more that people participate  especially people who disagree with me at first  the more we will work together."

This story originally appeared in Nexus Media News and is republished here as part of Covering Climate Now, a global journalistic collaboration strengthening coverage of the climate story.
Authorities said the investigation began when the Indian Arts and Crafts Board, an Interior Department agency that promotes Native art, received complaints that the two were fraudulently holding themselves out as enrolled tribal members.

Rath is charged with four counts of misrepresentation of Indian-produced goods, which is punishable by up to five years in prison. Van Dyke faces two counts of the same crime.

Rath also faces one misdemeanor count of unlawfully possessing golden eagle parts, and one of unlawfully possessing migratory bird parts.

According to charging documents, an employee of Ye Olde Curiosity Shop, which has been in business for more than a century, told investigators that she wrote an artist biography of Rath based on information he provided about his tribal affiliation.

Matthew Steinbrueck, the owner of Raven's Nest Treasure, told investigators that the artists told him they were tribal members and that he believed them, according to the documents. He said he did not knowingly sell counterfeit Indian products.
 "Protective State Policies and the Employment of Fathers with Criminal Records" | Main | Accounting for the first 50 sentences imposed on January 6 rioters 

December 11, 2021

New Harvard Law Review article details "The Incoherence of Prison Law"

The new issue of the Harvard Law Review has this notable new article authored by Justin Driver and Emma Kaufman and titled "The Incoherence of Prison Law." Here is its abstract:

In recent years, legal scholars have advanced powerful critiques of mass incarceration. Academics have indicted Americas prison system for entrenching racism and exacerbating economic inequality. Scholars have said much less about the law that governs penal institutions. Yet prisons are filled with law, and prison doctrine is in a state of disarray. This Article centers prison law in debates about the failures of American criminal justice. Bringing together disparate lines of doctrine, prison memoirs, and historical sources, we trace prison laws emergence as a discrete field  a subspeciality of constitutional law and a neglected part of the discipline called criminal procedure. We then offer a panoramic critique of the field, arguing that prison law is predicated on myths about the nature of prison life, the content of prisoners rights, and the purpose of penal institutions. To explore this problem, we focus on four concepts that shape constitutional prison cases: violence, literacy, privacy, and rehabilitation. We show how these concepts shift across lines of cases in ways that prevent prison law from holding together as a defensible body of thought. Exposing the myths that animate prison law yields broader insights about judicial regulation of prisons. This Article explains how outdated tropes have narrowed prisoners rights and promoted the countrys dependence on penal institutions. It links prison myths to the fields central doctrine, which encourages selective generalizations and oversimplifies the difficult constitutional questions raised by imprisonment. And it argues that courts must abandon that doctrine  and attend to the realities of prison  to develop a more coherent theory of prisoners constitutional rights.

December 11, 2021 at 01:14 PM | Permalink

Comments

Its amazing how much ink is spilled trying to convince us that criminals arent dangerous and that innocent people suffer when criminals are coddled.

Waukesha.

Posted by: Federalist | Dec 11, 2021 3:55:16 PM

Federalist,

Harvard Law never saw a hoodlum it didn't swoon for -- unless the defendant was a January 6 protester or at some point worked for Trump, in which case they deserve the max, no questions asked.

If Harvard Law ever said even a skeptical word about the Boston Marathon bomber, I missed it.

Welcome to legal academia. (My own alma mater, Stanford, is no better but manages to stay a bit more quiet).

Posted by: Bill Otis | Dec 12, 2021 2:47:05 PM

Its amazing to me.

Posted by: Federalist | Dec 13, 2021 10:42:57 AM

Post a comment
Green groups block roads in Serbia to protest Rio Tinto's mining project Protest against Rio Tinto's plan to open lithium mine, in Belgrade

BELGRADE (Reuters) - Hundreds of people in Serbia braved sleet and cold weather to block roads across the country for the third straight weekend on Saturday to protest government plans to allow Rio Tinto's open a lithium mine.

To bolster economic growth, Serbia's government has offered mineral resources to foreign investors including China's Zijin copper miner and Rio Tinto.

Green activists say the mining projects will pollute land and water in the Balkan country which is already heavily scarred by industrial pollution.

The protests have become a headache for the ruling coalition ahead of April 3 general elections.

After the first weeks of protests, conservative President Aleksandar Vucic sent an expropriation law, contested by green groups, which allowed swift acquisition of property by the state, back to parliament for reworking.

On Friday, parliament also introduced amendments to a referendum law, including the removal of a requirement for payments of fees by civic groups to launch referendum initiatives.

Critics said the two laws were have been pushed through to ease construction of the mine.

But that does not go far enough, said Aleksandar Jovanovic Cuta, head of the Ecological Uprising civic organisation.

"There will be no respite until Rio Tinto is expelled from Serbia and until lithium mining ... is banned permanently," he told reporters.

Protesters brought traffic to a standstill along a highway in the Novi Beograd neighbourhood and scuffled with a driver who attempted to plough his way through.

"We (must) defend ourselves from these crazy projects which are envisioning construction of tens of mines in Serbia," said Irena Radovanovic, a student from Belgrade.

Lithium is in big global demand as a vital ingredient in batteries for electric cars, while another expected mining product, borates, is used in solar panels and wind turbines.

Rio has promised to adhere to all domestic and EU environmental standards, but environmentalists say the planned $2.4 billion mine in Serbia would irreversibly pollute drinking water in the area.

(Reporting by Aleksandar Vasovic; Editing by Ros Russell)
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NOUMEA, New Caledonia (AP)  Voters in the South Pacific archipelago of New Caledonia are set to decide Sunday whether to break away from France, a referendum that is important for French geopolitical ambitions and is being closely watched amid growing Chinese influence in the region.

But pro-independence forces are refusing to take part, accusing the French government of trying to rush through the vote.

The COVID-19 crisis complicated the campaign for the referendum, the third and last such vote foreseen as part of decades of decolonization efforts. The process is aimed at settling tensions between native Kanaks seeking independence and those who want the territory to remain part of France.

When polls open at 7 a.m. in New Caledonia  a vast archipelago east of Australia that is 10 time zones ahead of Paris  voters will be asked to vote yes or no on the question: Do you want New Caledonia to achieve full sovereignty and become independent?

The territory of 270,000 people won broad autonomy after violence in 1988 led to a political process known as the Noumea Agreement. The accord provided for the progressive, accompanied and irreversible transfer of powers from the French state to New Caledonia, except in the areas of defense, public security, justice, foreign affairs and currency.

In the first such referendum in 2018, 43.6% of voters supported independence, and 46.7% favored it in a second vote held in 2020. While support for a yes vote seemed to be growing, the regions first coronavirus outbreak in September threw the political debate into disarray. Until then, New Caledonia had been one of the few virus-free places left on the planet.

By November, the archipelago had reported 271 COVID-19 deaths, and the regional Senate decreed a year of traditional Kanak mourning. Independence activists felt they couldnt campaign out of respect for their dead, and demanded that the referendum be postponed.

But pro-France groups insisted the vote should take place as scheduled on Dec. 12 to end uncertainty over New Caledonia's future and to boost its economic prospects. After military medics were sent from the mainland, the virus situation stabilized, and the French government decided to stick to the planned date.

Pro-independence activists announced they would refuse to take part in the vote, accusing the government in Paris of imposing the referendum date and violating neutrality by publishing a document seen as casting the consequences of independence in a negative light.

The boycott has made for a strange campaign: empty billboards, no flags in the street, unusual calm.

It is indeed difficult to prepare and play a match when the opponent announces that they will not come, the pro-France Voices of No Collective said. But the group still called for a massive vote turnout, so as not to be robbed of the result.

Whats at stake in the referendum goes beyond he future of Caledonians alone. France is trying to cement its presence in the Indo-Pacific region after it lost a multi-billion submarine contract because of a partnership Australia formed with the United States and the U.K. The secretly negotiated project, announced in September, was a huge blow to France.

Unlike in previous votes, this time the question of New Caledonias strategic positioning is addressed. This novelty comes in the context of (the submarine partnership) and the assertion of Chinese-American rivalry in the Pacific, University of New Caledonia law professor Caroline Gravelat said.

New Caledonia hosts one of two French military bases in the Pacific, which allows France to contribute to regional security. It currently cooperates with the U.S., Australia and New Zealand on maritime surveillance, search and rescue at sea, ocean demining and the fight against illegal fishing.

The potential independence of New Caledonia raises the question of the already very strong Chinese influence in Oceania, a major subject of concern for Western partners, Gravelat said.

New Caledonia became French in 1853 under Emperor Napoleon III  Napoleons nephew  and was used for decades as a prison colony. It became an overseas territory after World War II, with French citizenship granted to all native Kanaks in 1957. Today, its population includes Kanaks and descendants of European colonizers, among others.

The U.N. has supported New Caledonias decolonization process and sent electoral observers to monitor Sundays vote. The Pacific Islands Forum is also watching closely, and sent a delegation to observe the vote.

Even if the territory votes to stay French, the process started by the Noumea Agreement does not end with the referendum. The state, separatists and non-separatists would have 18 months to negotiate a new status for the territory and its institutions within France.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
MAYFIELD, Ky. (AP)  A monstrous tornado, carving a track that could rival the longest on record, ripped across the middle of the U.S. in a stormfront that killed dozens and tore apart a candle factory, crushed a nursing home, derailed a train and smashed an Amazon warehouse.

I pray that there will be another rescue. I pray that there will be another one or two, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said, as crews sifted through the wreckage of the candle factory in Mayfield, where 110 people were working overnight Friday when the storm hit. Forty of them were rescued.

We had to, at times, crawl over casualties to get to live victims, said Jeremy Creason, the citys fire chief and EMS director.

In Kentucky alone, 22 were confirmed dead by Saturday afternoon, including 11 in and around Bowling Green. But Beshear said upwards of 70 may have been killed when a twister touched down for more than 200 miles (320 kilometers) in his state and that the number of deaths could eventually exceed 100 across 10 or more counties.

The death toll of 36 across five states includes six people in Illinois, where an Amazon facility was hit; four in Tennessee; two in Arkansas, where a nursing home was destroyed; and two in Missouri.

If early reports are confirmed, the twister will likely go down perhaps as one of the longest track violent tornadoes in United States history, said Victor Genzini, a researcher on extreme weather at Northern Illinois University.

The longest tornado on record, in March 1925, tracked for about 220 miles (355 kilometers) through Missouri, Illinois and Indiana. But Genzini said this twister may have touched down for nearly 250 miles (400 kilometers). The storm was all the more remarkable because it came in December, when normally colder weather limits tornadoes, he said.

Debris from destroyed buildings and shredded trees covered the ground in Mayfield, a city of about 10,000 in western Kentucky. Twisted metal sheeting, downed power lines and wrecked vehicles lined the streets. Windows and roofs were blown off the buildings that were still standing.

The missing at the candle factory included Janine Denise Johnson Williams, a 50-year-old mother of four whose family members kept vigil at the site Saturday.

Its Christmastime and she works at a place thats making candles for gifts," her brother, Darryl Williams, said. To give up the gift of life to make a gift. We havent heard anything, and Im not presuming anything. But Im expecting for the worst.

He said Johnson Williams called her husband overnight to report the weather was getting bad, the last time anyone heard from her.

Kyanna Parsons-Perez, an employee at the factory, was trapped under 5 feet (about 1.5 meters) of debris for at least two hours until rescuers managed to free her.

In an interview with NBC's Today, she said it was absolutely the most terrifying event she had ever experienced. I did not think I was going to make it at all.

Just before the tornado struck, the buildings lights flickered. She felt a gust of wind, her ears started popping and then, Boom. Everything came down on us. People started screaming, and she heard other workers praying.

Kentucky State Trooper Sarah Burgess said rescue crews were using heavy equipment to move rubble at the candle factory. Coroners were called to the scene and bodies were recovered, but she didnt know how many. She said it could take a day and potentially longer to remove all of the rubble.

Rescue efforts were complicated because Mayfields main fire station and emergency services hub were also hit by the tornado, Creason said.

After a wall at a nursing home in Mayfield collapsed, Vernon Evans said he rushed to help firefighters pull people out, only to find one resident lying dead in a few inches of water.

All I could do is sit there and hold their head up, he said. I never experienced nothing like this.

President Joe Biden approved an emergency disaster declaration for Kentucky on Saturday and pledged to support the affected states.

I promise you, whatever is needed  whatever is needed  the federal government is going to find a way to provide it," Biden said.

Six people were killed in the collapse of the Amazon warehouse in Edwardsville, Illinois, with another injured worker airlifted to a hospital, fire Chief James Whiteford said.

Investigators searched the rubble throughout the day for additional victims and 45 people survived, Whiteford said. Authorities were uncertain Saturday evening whether anyone was still unaccounted because workers were in the midst of a shift change when it was struck by the tornado about 8:30 p.m. Friday.

This is a devastating tragedy for our Amazon family and our focus is on supporting our employees and partners," Amazon spokesperson Richard Rocha said in a written statement.

The Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, which has been trying to organize workers at an Amazon facility in Alabama, criticized the company for keeping the Illinois site open during a weather emergency.

Missouri Gov. Mike Parsons office said the storms killed at least two people in the state and initial assessments indicate they destroyed or did major damage to hundreds of homes and buildings.

Workers at a National Weather Service office had to take shelter as a tornado passed near their office in Weldon Spring, Missouri, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) west of St. Louis.

This was an incredible storm that lasted a long time and covered a lot of territory, said Larry Vannozzi, meteorologist in charge of the National Weather Service office covering the Nashville area.

Meteorologists havent determined whether the storm spawned a single tornado or multiple tornadoes, he said.

In Arkansas, a tornado struck a nursing home in Monette, killing one and trapping 20 people inside as the building collapsed, Craighead County Judge Marvin Day told The Associated Press.

Another person died when the storm hit a Dollar General store in nearby Leachville, Gov. Asa Hutchinson said.

Probably the most remarkable thing is that theres not a greater loss of life, Hutchinson said after touring the wreckage of the nursing home. It is catastrophic. Its a total destruction.

Gov. Bill Lee on Saturday toured tornado-torn parts of western Tennessee in which four people had been killed.

Lee traveled to Tiptonville and then Dresden, a small town of about 3,000 that saw its downtown corridor ripped to shreds.

"This is about the saddest thing Ive ever seen, said Lee, who has had three fatal tornadoes rip through the state during his first term in office. The whole town, the whole town.

Dylan Lovan in Mayfield, Seth Borenstein in Washington, D.C.; Travis Loller in Nashville, Tennessee; Kimberlee Kruesi in Dresden, Tennessee; John Raby in Charleston, West Virginia; and Jeff McMurray in Chicago contributed to this report. Salter reported from O'Fallon, Missouri.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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ROME (AP)  A consortium of Catholic womens groups is calling on the Holy See to join the Council of Europe and to sign the European Convention on Human Rights, arguing that the Vatican should show consistency by expressing its firm commitment to protecting human rights.

In a petition marking the Human Rights Day declared by the United Nations, the groups said the Holy See is recognized internationally as a sovereign state and presents itself as a firm promotor of human rights and dignity. Yet they noted the Vatican hasnt followed up by adhering to the European Convention, regarded as the gold standard for rights protections around the world.

For years, the Holy See has acted like a state in its own right. This gives rise to rights, but also to duties, wrote the signatories, which are European members of the Catholic Women's Council, an international umbrella group, .

The Holy See enjoys observer status at the United Nations and the Council of Europe, and has ratified a host of U.N. and Council of Europe conventions. They include the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child, the U.N. Convention against Torture, the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and other weapons conventions.

But it has never signed the European Convention on Human Rights, which to date has been ratified by 47 European states.

The convention obliges signatories to respect human rights, including the right to life, liberty, security, freedom of expression, assembly, religion and conscience. It prohibits torture, slavery, forced labor and discrimination based on race, religion, gender or political beliefs.

Signatories must also ensure that defendants receive fair trials before independent and unbiased judges. The convention provides recourse to the European Court of Human Rights for ultimate appeals after national appeals are exhausted.

The Vatican is an absolute monarchy in which the pope wields supreme legislative, executive, and judicial power. It would be loath to allow European commissions to evaluate its policies forbidding the ordination of women, for example, or to subject decisions of the Vaticans criminal or ecclesial tribunals to appeals at the Strasbourg-based European Court of Human Rights.

Yet the pope frequently lectures European leaders on protecting human rights and human dignity, most recently during a visit this month to Cyprus and Greece where he chided Europe for its failure to welcome migrants.

During that trip, Francis lamented that authoritarian rule was on the rise in Europe as democracy wanes.

The women's groups that participated in the petition include Catholic Women Speak in Britain; We Are Church in Ireland, Germany and Austria; Women for the Church in Italy; Voices of Faith in Rome and Liechtenstein, as well as similar progressive Catholic groups in Spain, France, Croatia and Switzerland.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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MIAMI (AP)  A senior U.S. diplomat quietly traveled to Venezuela this week and met with imprisoned Americans as part of an ongoing effort to secure release of men the Biden administration believes are being held as bargaining chips by a top U.S. adversary, The Associated Press has learned.

Roger Carstens, the special presidential envoy for hostage affairs and the government's top hostage negotiator, arrived in Caracas on a chartered flight Tuesday evening and returned home Friday in a previously unreported visit.

It was the first known face-to-face outreach by a top U.S. official since the Trump administration shuttered the American Embassy in Caracas in March 2019 after recognizing opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuelas legitimate leader. Ever since, relations between the two countries have grown steadily more hostile, with the U.S. government imposing strict oil sanctions on the country and targeting top officials with criminal indictments, something President Nicolas Maduro has likened to a soft coup.

The timing of the visit is likely to raise eyebrows, coming on the heels of gubernatorial elections considered deeply undemocratic by the Biden administration after numerous opposition candidates were barred from running.

Fearful of the voice and vote of Venezuelans, the regime grossly skewed the process to determine the result of this election long before any ballots had been cast, the State Department said after the Nov. 21 vote.

The Maduro government, which in the past hasn't hesitated to publicize peacemaking missions by prominent American interlocutors, has kept mum about the surprise visit. Carstens confirmed the visit late Friday afternoon.

During his visit, he was permitted to check on a group of six American oil executives held in Caracas infamous El Helicoide prison, a one-time modernist shopping mall converted into a facility housing the governments top opponents.

One person familiar with the visit described Carstens jailhouse meeting with the six executives from Houston-based Citgo, which lasted about 90 minutes, as highly emotional. Carstens told the prisoners he had discussed their case with Maduro government officials while in Caracas but declined to say whom.

The person and several others with knowledge of the meeting spoke on condition of anonymity to AP because they were not authorized to discuss Carstens' travels.

Tomeu Vadell, Jose Luis Zambrano, Alirio Zambrano, Jorge Toledo, Gustavo Cardenas and Jose Pereira were hauled away in 2017 by masked security agents who stormed into a Caracas conference room. The men had been lured to Venezuela just before Thanksgiving of that year to attend a meeting at the headquarters of the companys parent, state-run oil giant PDVSA.

The six were convicted of embezzlement last year in a trial marred by delays and irregularities. They were sentenced to between 8 and 13 years in prison for a never-executed proposal to refinance billions of dollars in the oil companys bonds. Maduro at the time accused them of treason. They all pleaded not guilty and the U.S. considers them to be wrongfully detained.

After having been granted house arrest, they were swiftly thrown back in jail Oct. 16, 2021, the same day that a close ally of Maduro was extradited by the African nation of Cape Verde to the U.S. to face money laundering charges.

While at El Helicoide prison, Carstens also met with Luke Denman and Airan Berry  two former Green Berets arrested in connection with a failed raid aimed at toppling Maduro that was staged from Colombia. He also conducted a wellness check with former U.S. Marine Matthew Heath, who is being held at a separate facility on unrelated allegations.

The visit came just weeks after family members of the Americans jailed in Venezuela, and other relatives of hostages and detainees, complained in a letter to the Biden administration that they felt the releases of their loved ones werent being sufficiently prioritized.

John Pereira, the son of Jose Pereira, who weeks ago was rushed to a private clinic for emergency treatment for a cardiac condition, told the AP at the time that our feeling is that they can do more.

President Joe Biden has so far been less public on the issue of hostage affairs than his predecessor, Donald Trump, who scored several high-profile releases around the world over four years, giving officials great leeway to pursue negotiations.

Trump also invited hostages and detainees who were freed under his watch to appear alongside him in a video aired during the Republican National Convention. That includes Joshua Holt, a Utah man who spent two years in a Caracas jail after traveling to Venezuela to marry a fellow Mormon he met online.

Though no Americans were freed during the current visit, any future releases would represent a significant win for Carstens, a retired U.S. Army Special Forces officer who was a rare holdover from the Trump administration. Last month, journalist Danny Fenster was freed after nearly six months in jail in military-ruled Myanmar.

His release was negotiated by former U.S. diplomat Bill Richardson, who has also traveled to Caracas in the past to push for the Americans' release.

Richardson called Carstens' visit to Caracas a significant" development.

"Speaking directly with those who are holding Americans is important," he said in a statement to The AP. It does not guarantee success, but I commend Roger Carstens for taking that first step, the families of our detainees for pushing for these efforts and the Maduro government for allowing this humanitarian gesture to take place.

At least 61 Americans are known to be wrongfully detained or held hostage abroad, according to the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation, named for James W. Foley, a freelance journalist killed at the hands of the Islamic State group in Syria.

AP Writer Regina Garcia Cano in Caracas, Venezuela and Matthew Lee in Liverpool, England contributed to this report. Tucker reported from Washington.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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YUMA, Ariz. (AP)  Yuma Mayor Doug Nicholls says an emergency situation in the southwestern Arizona border city has eased with federal officials moving in additional personnel in response to thousands of migrants.

As it sits today, people are not waiting along the border wall for very long," Nicholls said Friday, the Yuma Sun reported. It seems that the immediate issue has been resolved. Im still concerned for the long term."

Nicholls on Thursday declared a state of emergency and he said Friday he had spoken with federal officials and with the aides to Gov. Doug Ducey and to both of Arizona's U.S. senators.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is recommitting 110 agents to the Yuma area from throughout the country to help with whats going on here," Nicholls said.

Nicholls emergency declaration cited reports of over 6,000 migrants crossing from Mexico into the United States traveling through the Yuma area. The asylum-seekers were without blankets, food or water and had to wait extended periods because there weren't enough Border Patrol agents to quickly process border-crossers for release to organizations contracted to provide temporary services, Nicholls said.

Ducey on Tuesday demanded that President Joe Bidens administration do more to secure the border. He faulted the Biden administration for incrementally reinstating former President Donald Trumps policy requiring asylum-seekers to stay in Mexico as they await immigration hearings.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki last week described the policy as deeply flawed but said the administration was working to implement it under court order. The administration plans to reinstate the policy beginning Monday in El Paso, Texas.

Ducey said the piecemeal implementation led migrants to rush to other parts of the border and cross into the U.S. before the policy is rolled out more widely.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP)  Palestinians took part in rare municipal elections across the occupied West Bank on Saturday, following months of simmering anger towards their government and the cancellation of promised parliamentary and presidential elections earlier this year.

Some 400,000 Palestinians are eligible to vote in the election where they will select representatives for 154 village councils under the jurisdiction of the Fatah-controlled Palestinian Authority. Municipal elections are typically held every four to five years and last took place in 2017.

The increasingly unpopular president of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, confined the election to rural municipalities, postponing voting in the West Bank's major cities where anger towards his ruling Fatah party is most acute.

Saturdays elections are also being boycotted by the militant group Hamas, which governs the Gaza Strip. Hamass spokesman, Abdulatif al-Qanou, told the Associated Press that the group wants parliamentary and presidential elections and considers holding the municipal vote alone a violation of previous agreements. Todays vote does not satisfy the inspiration and needs of the Palestinian people.

The popularity of the Palestinian government has plummeted since Abbas canceled long-awaited legislative and parliamentary elections in April. Abbas blamed the cancellation on uncertainty around whether Palestinians from east Jerusalem would be able to vote, although critics accused him of postponing out of fear that his party would lose to Hamas.

Popularity for the militant group has surged among Palestinians in the West Bank and east Jerusalem since Mays 11-day war, with many accusing the Palestinian Authority of doing little to aid their struggle against Israeli occupation. Anger towards the government has been further inflamed by the growing crackdown on political dissent, following the death of Palestinian Authority critic Nizar Banat, who died after being beaten by Palestinian security forces. The event ignited widespread demonstrations calling for Abbas' resignation.

The Palestinian Authority administers parts of the occupied West Bank through agreements signed with Israel during the height of the peace process in the 1990s. In 2007 Hamas drove Abbas forces out of Gaza when it seized power after winning parliamentary elections. Israel captured the West Bank in the 1967 Mideast war, along with east Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip, territories Palestinians seek for a future state.



Associated Press writer Fares Akram in Gaza City, Gaza Strip, contributed to this report.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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HASTINGS, Neb. (AP)  Michele Kimle says collaboration with her fellow counselors and support from the administration are keys to her success, highlighted in November as the Nebraska School Counselor Association named Kimle the Nebraska Middle School Counselor of the Year.

Kimle, in her 15th year at Hastings Middle School, said she wasnt really telling anybody about the nomination because she tends to shy away from being the subject of attention. She didnt want people to focus on her over the other middle school counselors, Jill Hoppe and Stephanie Jacobson.

Theyre amazing, too, Kimle told the Hastings Tribune. I feel its really a team effort. Were a good team.

She said each of the trio concentrates on one grade level and sticks with that class through their time at the middle school. Kimle said the approach provides consistency for the students and fosters a deeper relationship.

At the end of three years, I feel like we know those kids really well, Kimle said.

About once a month, the counselors take a day to teach students. She said it helps students work on social/emotional development and allows counselors to develop relationships with students so they are more comfortable seeking them out if issues arise. The sessions also give teachers a break from the classroom to work on grading papers or prepare lessons.

The backing of the schools administration also is a crucial factor to the success of the middle school counselors, she said.

In other areas of Nebraska and across the United States, counselors are being cut, Kimle said  but Hastings has made a commitment to supporting students.

I feel our administration has really fought for three full-time counselors for us, she said.

Kimle said she felt drawn to the education field many years ago.

I always knew I wanted to work with kids, she said. I think middle school is a really interesting age of kiddo. You can joke with them but can have some pretty serious conversations with them, too.

Kimle originally was a teacher in Kearney. She became interested in the subject of counseling after an experience with a student who made a possibly suicidal comment and Kimle wasnt sure how to respond. After that, she started taking extra classes to learn better ways to help students.

When a counselor position opened up in Hastings Public Schools, she applied on a whim. The Kimle family farm south of Kenesaw is closer to Hastings than Kearney.

It was a very, very good move, she said. Hastings is a great place.

Kimle received the award Nov. 4 at the NSCA luncheon, but she hadnt prepared a speech. She knew she was a semi-finalist for the award, but wasnt sure whether she would be chosen.

I was very humbled. I dont deserve it any more than they do, she said of the other candidates.

Angie Kruse, NSCA Professional Recognition Chair, said the award is about finding the school counselors who go above and beyond. One factor is school counselors who are following the American School Counselor Association National Model.

Kruse said they had nearly 40 nominations from across the state. The committee narrowed the field to six semi-finalists, each of whom completed an application that included two recommendations, a resume, and evidence of how they implement the American School Counselor Association National Model. The committee then chose one winner at each level.

She (Kimle) has shown various ways of collaborating with the other professionals in the building and will refer on for additional family support when needed, Kruse said. A few of the consistent attributes that popped up in the letters of recommendation is how Michele Kimle continues to be there for students beyond middle school. She very much cares about her students and families.

Other semi-finalists honored at the Nebraska School Counselor Association Luncheon in November included:

Elementary runner-up Kirk Ramsey with Blue Hill Elementary

Elementary Counselor of the Year Stefanie McAlpin with Anchor Pointe Elementary in Bennington

Middle School runner-up Lisa Bade with Alice Buffett Magnet Middle School in Omaha

High School runner-up Noelle Baker with Seward High School

High School Counselor of the Year Marilynn Peaslee with Lincoln Northeast High School

For copyright information, check with the distributor of this item, Hastings Tribune.

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It feels pretty safe to say now that the field of candidates running to be Iowas next governor is settled.

Rob Sand, the Democratic state auditor, announced this week that he will run for re-election as auditor. Sand had been weighing a run for governor.

Sand made the same decision that U.S. Rep. Cindy Axne and Iowa Sen. Pam Jochum did: to stay put rather than for governor.

Sand was the last potential candidate for governor that Iowa political observers were waiting for. With his decision to run for re-election, the field of gubernatorial candidates is likely set.

Despite the list of names that opted not to run for the right to challenge Republican incumbent Gov. Kim Reynolds, there will be a competitive Democratic primary.

The most prominent candidates are Deidre DeJear and Ras Smith. If elected, either would become the first Black governor in state history. DeJear is a Des Moines businesswoman who ran for Iowa secretary of state in 2018. Smith is a state lawmaker from Waterloo.

Also running in the Democratic field, but less known to Iowa voters, are Joshua Kuhn-McRoberts, an Iowa Finance Authority worker from Waukee, and Kim West, an attorney from Des Moines.

Unless someone new enters the field --- which is fairly unlikely at this point, with the primary election six months away --- or one of them drops out, one of those four candidates will earn the Democratic Partys nomination and be tasked with facing Reynolds in next falls general election.

Before we take a look at that Democratic field of potential challengers, lets take a quick look at those who passed on a gubernatorial run.

Axne is badly needed by U.S. House Democrats, who face a challenge to their slim majority in the 2022 midterm elections. Axnes re-election is no slam dunk, but had she left the seat and created an open-seat race, Republicans chances of winning the race and gaining a seat in the House would have increased significantly.

Jochum has been a stalwart Democrat in the Iowa Legislature for decades, and was the first Democratic woman to serve as Iowa Senate President. She has been floated as a potential candidate for higher office before, but has always chosen to remain in the Legislature.

Sand was the longest holdout. Political observers have been wondering what he might do in 2022 virtually since the day after he was elected auditor in 2018. In his video announcement, Sand listed the reasons he wants to run for another term as auditor, but did not address any reasons he decided against running for governor.

Is he terrified to run against Reynolds, as the Republican Governors Association asserted in a statement? That seems like a bit of hyperbole. (Although, to be fair to the RGA, hyperbole is pretty standard fare in political statements.) Lets not forget that Reynolds won her only gubernatorial election in 2018 by 2.8 percentage points. Thats not exactly a Chuck-Grassley-in-the-1990s-esque landslide.

However, it does bear noting that those prominent Iowa Democrats opted to pass on the chance to challenge Reynolds and Democrats only realistic chance at taking away from Republicans at least one of the states law-making levers in 2022. No serious observer should consider Reynolds unbeatable. But she may be starting her re-election bid from a position of strength, and the tepid interest from Democrats who might challenge her may be a signal that they see that, too.

In the most recent round of polling from the Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll, 51% of Iowans approve of the job Reynolds is doing as governor, 56% approve of her handling of the economy, and 52% approve of her handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and education issues. Those are solid numbers for an incumbent at the onset of a re-election bid.

DeJear, Smith, or whichever Democrat ultimately faces Reynolds will have to break through that with a message that will convince enough Iowans that Reynolds does not deserve another four-year term.

They will also face a challenge right off the bat of introducing themselves to Iowa voters. DeJear and Smith are well-known and well-liked in the bubble of Iowa Democratic politics. But theyll need more than just base support if they are to defeat Reynolds.

That likely will be part of the argument they will be making over the next six months, as Democrats decide who to put up against Reynolds. We know whos on that list, and now we know whos not. Let the primary begin.

Erin Murphy covers Iowa politics and government for Lee Enterprises. His email address is erin.murphy@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter at @ErinDMurphy.

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It was just over three years ago that the Iowa Supreme Court struck down a law requiring women to wait 72 hours after an initial appointment before having an abortion. That 5-2 ruling established access to abortion as a fundamental right for Iowa women.

At stake in this case is the right to shape, for oneself, without unwarranted governmental intrusion, ones own identity, destiny, and place in the world, the late Chief Justice Mark Cady wrote in the majority opinion. Nothing could be more fundamental to the notion of liberty. We therefore hold, under the Iowa Constitution, that implicit in the concept of ordered liberty is the ability to decide whether to continue or terminate a pregnancy.

Its one among a string of rulings by Iowas high court carving out stronger constitutional protections for the rights of Iowans than have been established by federal courts interpreting the U.S. Constitution.

But much has changed since June 2018.

Only three justices who took part in that 2018 ruling remain on the court. Justice Brent Appel is the only remaining justice who joined the majority. Justices Thomas Waterman and Edward Mansfield dissented. Six of seven members of the court have been appointed by Republican former Gov. Terry Branstad or Gov. Kim Reynolds.

GOP lawmakers are at the halfway point of an effort to undermine that 2018 ruling through a constitutional amendment declaring no fundamental right to abortion is guaranteed by the Constitution. It must pass again in the next General Assembly before going to Iowa voters.

And, of course, the conservative U.S. Supreme Court appears poised to end 50 years of abortion rights established by Roe v. Wade, potentially throwing the issue to the states. Many will ban abortion almost immediately if Roe falls in a ruling expected next summer.

And yet, in Iowa, that 2018 ruling still stands. Republicans who run the Statehouse would be wise to leave these decisions in the hands of women and physicians. Although we know thats highly unlikely. A party thats eager to protect the liberty of Iowans who oppose vaccines and masks sees no problem in denying reproductive autonomy for women.

Iowans dont want abortion to be outlawed. In September, the Des Moines Registers Iowa Poll found 57 percent are supportive of legal abortion in all or most cases. Thirty-eight percent said it should be illegal in all or most cases. Although only 13 percent supported an outright ban. A March poll found only 33 percent of Iowans support the anti-abortion constitutional amendment.

Women will still have abortions, especially considering how the GOP Legislature has made it more difficult to obtain contraception. Some will cross the Mississippi River to seek a procedure in Illinois. But others will seek potentially dangerous covert abortions in Iowa. Women will be risking their health and their lives.

Basically, Republican politicians should stop trying to stand between Iowa women and their ability to shape their identity, destiny and place in the world. And if they proceed with a reckless abortion ban, Iowans should take back this fundamental right at the voting booth.

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If you missed Kanye Wests first headlining show in several years, I cant blame you. Despite its easy availabilityAmazon streamed it live Thursday night on both Prime Video and the platforms Twitch channelthe concert started 90 minutes late. Thats in typical West fashion, of course; anyone who tuned into this summers multiple Donda try-out streams will recall waiting impatiently for the artist to come out and debut his new tracks at the promised time. But when Amazon announced that the #FreeLarryHoover concert wouldnt start until 8 p.m. PT anyway11 at night for us East coastersa 90-minute delay is pushing it.

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Which is why I found myself in bed, squinting at Twitch on my phone, fighting to stay awake at 12:30 a.m. Not only was this special stream a rare Kanye concert, but the artist was bringing a special guest along: Drake. Drake and Kanye? Together? Performing? Live? And I dont have to go anywhere to see it? But I also know Wests track record with showing up on time, and thus I woke up abruptly at 2 a.m. to the sound of Kanye rapping on my phone, the concert still going.

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Missing the show because of the late start is one thing. But there are likely many lapsed fansor proud hatersthat wouldnt bother to tune in regardless. West has made a huge mess of his public image over the past decade: blaming Jewish people for Obamas political failings; defending Bill Cosby amid Cosbys sexual harassment lawsuits; calling slavery a choice; publicly stumping for Trump; running for president himself in 2020; the list goes on and on. Most recently, West featured Chris Brown, Marilyn Manson, and DaBaby on Donda, a murderers row of ignorant and/or abusive men who have fallen out of good graces in recent years. Even the night before the #FreeLarryHoover show, West made news after reporters discovered his publicist pressured a Georgia campaign worker to admit to false voting fraud charges after the election in January. And lord knows that Larry Hoover would not be freed from prison thanks to an extremely expensive concert, during which the performers did not say his name once.

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But watching the two-hour show, mercifully archived by viewers for the sleepy or impatient, it became obvious why we continue to be fascinated with West, spitefully or not. Instead of dedicating the show to the weak, scattered Dondawhich his walkout song, Praise God, suggested he mightWest marked his return to the stage by running through a full-bodied career retrospective, reminding us of his almost unparalleled catalogue of hits . After the Sunday Service Choirbest remembered from Wests truncated, delayed Jesus Is King recordopened by singing several gospel-fied covers (Ready Or Not, Easy On Me), West and Drake walked out together onto the foggy, oversized, circular stage to the sounds of cheers and screamsand probably a Praise God or two from the crowd itself, because the guys were finally about to start. Once Drake left and Praise God ended, West played his first song: The College Dropouts Jesus Walks, one of his most beloved, acclaimed tracks.

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He followed this with a straight string of classics, from breakout single All Falls Down to Gold Digger to Runaway, the showstopper from his masterwork My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. While Wests voice is far from where it used to be, often yelling himself hoarse and dutifully letting the audience fill in any of the expletives that he now refuses to sing, he was consistently energized, jumping around magnetically. This history lesson in his past artistic excellence was undeniable: West did not play a single song that wasnt exciting to hear, or memorably provocative for its time, or just incredibly singalong-able. When the backing for Flashing Lights started, it was almost transformativeas if West had shed the exhausting rigidity of his modern persona and transported back to his days as an excellent showman, at least on this stage.

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Drake may be the biggest artist in the world, but Kanyes fans wont let him forget who held the title first.

There is perhaps something discomforting in enjoying West perform, knowing what we know of his character these days. No amount of charisma and catchiness can excuse the harm that his words or actions have caused others, nor did his performance prove that its possible to fully divorce the artist from the art; he still managed to throw in an awkward reference to his ex-wife Kim Kardashian and his desire for her to run right back to me, for example. He is unpredictable and erratic, often detrimentally so, and much of his music over the last five years has seen underwritten or half-baked. Were not wrong for having little faith in him, if not outright being sick of him.

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Yet West was so exuberant that, when he took a break to cede the floor to Drakehimself not bereft of controversies, especially of lateit was a surprising disappointment to see him go. The hand-off was a meaningful gesture between artists who have been feuding on and off forever. But Drake did little to build off that or Wests energy, keeping mostly to tracks from his recent and largely forgettable Certified Lover Boy. Even West, who covered Thank Me Laters Find Your Love during the set, did Drake better than Drake did. When West came back on almost half an hour later, it was welcomeespecially when he threw in a Watch the Throne track alongside a few more solo hits and a casual duet with Drake on Forever. Nine years Drakes senior, West ran circles around Octobers Very Own on the strength of his better-curated setlist. Drake is the biggest artist in the world, but the audience couldnt forget that West held that title before him.

#FreeLarryHoover may not have accomplished its implicit premise of helping get the gang boss, currently serving six life sentences, out of jail. (West and Drake promised proceeds would go toward several foundations that support those who are incarcerated, for what its worth.) What it did instead was reaffirm a truth many of us may find uncomfortable: Kanye Wests music and shows can still slapwhen he actually tries, at least.
The Power of the Dog is widely considered one of the best movies of the year, but that doesnt mean itll reveal itself to you the first time you watch it. Jane Campions movie starts as a Western, flirts with becoming a romance, and by the end unveils itself as a slow-burn thriller, complete with a surprise whodunnit, the answer to which is hinted at almost as subtly as the murder itself.

On this weeks Spoiler Special podcast, Slates movie critic, Dana Stevens, and its features editor, Jeffrey Bloomer, dissected the new Netflix movies final twists in gory detail. The following transcript has been adapted from that discussion.

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Dana Stevens: You wanted to talk because you wanted to love this movie as a longtime Jane Campion fan, and, I gather, did not love it. So I want to hear about that reaction first.

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Jeffrey Bloomer: I cant believe Im saying this, but I found the movie just absolutely miserable. And not only in the ways that it wanted you to feel miserable. I was primed to love it. I mean, Ive always loved Jane Campion movies. Shes made this spare brutal Western. It has a low-key homoerotic thriller hidden in it. There are naked cowboys everywhere, and these beautiful long shots, and its just filled with the things that you would think would be a total gimme for me. And I like a challenging, punishing movie, but this one just left me cold. I really hated watching almost every moment of it the first time through.

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Stevens: And yet, you watched it again.

Bloomer: I did. Because afterward, I was starting to read the reviews, and I was like, Theres got to be something Im missing here. And a lot of places mentioned that the second time the movie opens up a little bit. They all said something like, Oh, this might sound like a nightmare of a movie, but when you watch it again, you start to understand the construction of it. And I did, and I did start to understand it. But Im not sure that I liked it any better because of that. I am now starting to appreciate it.

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Stevens: Im really glad that we disagree about it because we can explore different responses to it. I didnt understand the story the first time either. I literally didnt get the final twist until I had seen it a second time. And the second time made me admire the movie more than the first time because it wasnt just sort of the sensations, but I started to get a sense of how tautly this story is constructed.

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Bloomer: Yeah. I think especially the first time watching it, theres a certain menace to the relationship between Peter and Phil, and youre waiting for it all to snap. You cant quite tell if Phil is trying to assume Bronco Henry-type role with Peter. Theres a scene where theyre sort of whispering to each other about a time that Bronco Henry saved Phils life. And I think its that they huddled in a sleeping bag together when they got caught in extreme weather, and Pete goes, Were you naked? And Phil doesnt say anything. Its building and building toward what you imagine is going to be an unfortunate outcome. But I, at least the first time I watched it, did not understand who the actually sinister person in that interaction is.

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You get little hints of it. Theres the scene where he brings his mother a rabbit, and thenlet it be said that its not a good movie for rabbitsthe next thing you know he has dissected it. Hes like, Oh, I need to learn how innards work. And youre like, OK. And the movie goes on like that where Pete has a lot more agency than you think, especially in the relationship with Phil, and he increasingly starts to feel like an equal to him. And the first time you watch it, you maybe assume that Phils eventually going to snap on him, but it goes a different direction.

Stevens: Right. Well, that scene we mentioned in the barn with the saddle and the stories about Bronco Henry also explicitly makes the point. And I think Pete asks the question, How old were you when you befriended Bronco Henry? What was the age difference between you? And its pretty clearly set out that its the same as the current age difference between Peter and Phil, right? So, you start to think at that moment that theres some sort of seduction being set in place, but like you say, exactly who is seducing whom and for what purpose remains mysterious. And it is really true that Peter is starting to take back the reins already in that scene, right? I mean, when he asks, Were you naked?, he is needling Phil in a very Phil-like way to his face. So, that kind of reversal of the power dynamic, I thought at that point in the movie, once you see it a second time, all makes a lot of sense, but its something thats very hard to read. You honestly dont know.

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Bloomer: Yeah, absolutely. And you dont really know much about Peters sexuality. Whereas with Phil at a certain point, its very clear that he, at the least, heavily eroticizes what happened with Bronco Henry: what this life means, what the dirt means, the whole layer of the cowboy mystique, all of that is very erotic to him. And then with Pete, you dont exactly know whats going on. He mentions that he has a friend at schoolhe calls the friend professor and the friend calls him doctor because thats what they want to bebut he wont bring their friend around because of Phil. And so, you dont really know whats going on there, but it does feel like their relationship is building toward something erotic at least.

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Stevens: And also a little bit of a paternal situation. I mean, theres a moment that they go off riding a horse together and Rose, Petes mother is saying, No, dont go. I dont want him to go. Right? She feels this fear about the closeness that hes achieving with this guy whos become her nemesis around the ranch.

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Bloomer: And I think weve neglected Rose because the movie neglects her a little bit, but she is increasingly losing the thread. Shes just drinking more and more. And shes just really coming undone. This gets into the clues that the movie drops from the very first momenttheres this little spoken prologue before we even see anyone, and its Pete speaking. And he says, When my father died, all I ever wanted to do was protect my mother. And what kind of man would I be if I didnt protect my mother? So, you dont remember that the first time you see it, but when you start watching it the second time, youre like, Oh, OK.

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Anyway, shes losing it. And crucially, some Native Americans come through the land. And one is asking about trading for some hides.

Stevens: That scene winds up being more about Rose and about her motivation to give the hides away, which she then tries to do, right? She winds up trading them instead for a pair of gloves, but she wants to sort of undo the evil that she sees as Phil having done toward herself and toward the world by giving away these hides. And of course, by doing that, she is also guaranteeing that theres going to be some kind of scary repercussion from Phil.

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[Read: The Power of the Dog Marks the Culmination of a Masters 40-Year Career]

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Bloomer: It sets up what we know is going to be a volcanic reaction when he returns. But then when Phils about to lose it, Pete comes and says, Oh, well I have some hide that you can use. And we know earlier in the movie, Pete, on his own, found a dead cow and started cutting it up. And we dont think much of it at the time because hes prone to cutting up animals in this movie.

Stevens: Well, exactly. I think thats a really good misdirect on Campions part. So, we see, yes, that he finds a dead cow on the trail during his ride and starts dissecting it. But weve already seen that hes obsessed with dissection, right? Were not going to necessarily spin out some sort of murder plot from that. And this is what I really didnt get until both a conversation with Kodi Smit-McPhee, who plays Pete, and seeing the movie a second time, is that hes got this slow-burn plan to kill the man who is tormenting his mother, and possibly his other motivation for killing him is anxiety provoked by this flirtation and this strange connection that they have. We dont really know exactly what Petes motivations are. He may be the most unreadable character of the four. But much, much earlier, you heard a minor character say something about looking out for an anthrax outbreak, but what does Pete do? His long-term plan is that he skins this animal so that he has this anthrax infected hide. And then Phil also has a cut on his hand, which is also crucial to him contracting the disease.

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All of this comes together in a second scene in the barnwhich is both I think the creepiest, and maybe the most erotic in a weird way, scene in the moviewhere the two men, Phil and Pete, find themselves back in the barn again. This special hide has been delivered up to Phil, and you see him plunge his hand, his wounded hand into this water where the hide is soaking. The first time I saw that, I thought nothing of it. If anything, it just seemed like, Why are we so concentrated on this hand in a bolt of water? But of course, once you figure out whats going on with the hide, that is a really creepy moment to watch.

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Bloomer: Yes. It all happens quite quickly. Theres that scene where you think they may be about to consummate things, and then instead we cut to next morning, and Phil is very sick and doesnt come down for breakfast. They go up to find him kind of delirious. George takes him to the doctor.

Stevens: And then a crazy thing is that thats the last you see of Phil. This movie always changing its focus and changing its perspective or protagonist. You would think that then what you would do is visit him in the hospital, right? See how sick he is, hear people talk about it. But then I believe that thats the last you ever see him alive.

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Bloomer: I think thats right. Theyre all at his funeral shortly after that. The person who notably is not there is Peter. And then the doctor comes up to George and says, Look, I dont know what happened. Well know in a few days, but what Im thinking is anthrax. And then George says something like, Well, thats weird, because Phil was really good about avoiding sick animals. And then perhaps you realize what happened.

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But then they get back to the house, and Rose looks better, like maybe shes not drinking so much anymore, and theres this sort of sweet moment where they actually seem to connect again for their first time since earlier in the movie. They kiss each other in front of the house. And then we see that Pete is watching them, and he turns around and he smiles, the smile thats giving me goosebumps just to even think about it. Its a real chilling reveal moment where you realize that the person that you thought had the power and the cards in the movie was someone completely different. And then, with gloves on, he takes the rope and slowly puts it under the bed, because he knows whats on the rope. And its quite obvious that he orchestrated the whole thing. And then thats it, baby! You get power of the dog and thats the end of the movie.

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Stevens: Yeah, I believe before he spots his mother and her husband outside, he reads himself a Bible verse that is where the title of the movie comes from, right?

Bloomer: Yes.

Stevens: From the Psalms. Deliver my soul from the sword, my darling from the power of the dog. And so, you see that hes in fact, been cooking up this plan all along and that he sees himself as a kind of angel of vengeance, which loops back again to that opening voiceover and him kind of becoming the protector of his mother. You have to say this for it, Jeffrey, its a real ending. And I admire that. This movie does not trail off vaguely. Even if theres a mystery to it, and you might have to see it a second time to get all the details, it ends on a true twist, on a chilling, as you say, a chilling smile and a chilling gesture of sliding the poisoned rope under the bed. And to me, that was just a very satisfying buckle at the end of this movie. I appreciate that compactness about it. The fact that all the choices that it makes are very deliberate choices.

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Bloomer: Yeah, absolutely. I admire it too, and as I said, Im a huge, huge Jane Campion fan. Its just, for me, I dont really want to have to watch a movie twice to understand it on a basic level. And maybe that says more about me, but I also think that movies should do a little bit more than this one did to connect the dots, unless its pointed ambiguity. But as you say, there is a real, tight plot here.

Stevens: No. I share the annoyance of not wanting to see a movie twice to understand it, but I feel like you could still get a lot from this movie, even if you didnt understand every story detail. And as I say, the mere fact that it clicks into place at the end, is very satisfying to me. What I really cant stand is a movie that deliberately dangles you, ambivalently over some sort of abyss at the end and then sort of pretends thats great filmmaking. And I dont think this movie would fall in that category.

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Bloomer: Oh, not at all. Watching it again, the ending is very satisfying, and I think it is going to go down as one of the great climaxes of recent years, even if I didnt get it at all. Watching it again, I see now that it is just such a powerful punch at the end.

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Stevens: See, I feel like the more you talk  Are you talking yourself into liking this movie any better? Because you barely said anything negative about it.

Bloomer: Well, I have to tell you that when I came out of it for the first time, I felt almost like I was being punkd. Its like one of thoseI dont know if you ever had that experience where you really hear great things about a movie and you go see it, and youre like, Am I watching the same fucking thing everybody else is? And thats how I felt the first time I saw this, but yeah, having read a lot about it and watched it again, the craftsmanship is just sort overwhelming and its hard to dislike it completely, but I stand by that its a very unpleasant watch. And not only in the obvious ways.

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Stevens: Right. You could say that that protagonist-lessness that I was talking about is a weakness of the movie in some ways, and that it may keep you at an emotional distance. Youre not exactly sure who to trust, who to identify with. And ultimately, that makes you watch the story from on high, rather than from a really embedded place in the characters psychologies.

Bloomer: I think thats totally right. This is exactly why I wanted to talk about it with you. Youve helped unlock the problems with the movie, to make me feel better about not liking itand also to like it even more.
How do you make the struggles of an underfunded school into a laugh-out-loud sitcom? ABCs new comedy Abbott Elementary manages to ace that test, thanks to its creator and star, Quinta Brunson. She built the foundation of her comedy career online with her own Instagram series and later working for BuzzFeed, eventually landing a role on HBOs A Black Lady Sketch Show. On Fridays episode of A Word, I spoke with Brunson to discuss the sitcom, and her unconventional path to comedy stardom. This conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.

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Jason Johnson: Congrats on Abbott Elementary. As weve said, youre not just the star, youre the creator. What was the inspiration behind this project for you?

Quinta Brunson: Well, one thing is Im just a huge fan of workplace comedies. Its my favorite kind of sitcom. I was obsessed with that dynamic of people coming together who would not maybe talk to each other if it werent for this workplace. So, that was huge for me. And then mockumentary-style comedies proved to be my favorite in the long run.

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When The Office and Parks and Recreation came along, I was like, well, this is extremely my jam. What made those comedies work was having a veil to go behind. And I thought, we know teachers. We have this one-dimensional version of them in our heads. But whats behind that one dimension? I wanted to make it a little bit more on purpose, having a documentary crew in a school to show us what goes on behind the lives of these people we all know. One of the cast members on the show says, Well, you either are a teacher or you had a teacher. And I had seen other workplace comedies about teachers and stuff, but none that really went behind the veil in that way that I thought could be really cool.

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Whats interesting is that none of these workplace comedies have ever had this many Black people before. All we had was Retta on Parks and Recreation.

I know! And heres the thing, Retta and Darryl in The Office I dont know, something about seeing people like that. Seeing our people in that format, I think that Retta and Darryl are two of the best characters of all time in my world. And I think its because they got to talk to us via that camera about what their life is at these workplaces. And I think thats so special for us. We are people existing in a world where we exist as side characters. Were reduced to our races and not our actual feelings and thoughts, so that really drew me to the mockumentary format. It was honestly one of those things where I was like, why havent we done this yet? There really wasnt anything out there using this format yet with Black people at the forefront. People of color at the front. And yes, we have white characters in our show because thats just the makeup of a Philadelphia public school, but none such stories where Black people were at the forefront.

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How did you pull together this cast for Abbott Elementary? Youve got Tyler James Williams, who everybody loves from Everybody Hates Chris. You did a hilarious segment with him when you guys were both on A Black Lady Sketch Show. How did you decide that he was one of the main characters, and how did you fill out the rest of the cast?

First of all, the role of Gregory, I actually kind of wrote for Tyler. When I worked with him on A Black Lady Sketch Show, I just really enjoyed working with him so much. I talked to him about this show. He mentioned to me that he would love to get a series, just to have some stability. And I was like, Hey, I think I might have a role for you. Im writing it with you in mind and if you want it, Id love for it to be yours. So, fortunately, the network in studio were already in love with Tyler, so that was easy. Then everybody else had to be casted. I didnt necessarily have someone in mind, and I also thought there was this opportunity for new talent.

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I think the other thing that makes sitcoms, specifically workplace sitcoms, work is new people for audiences to fall all in love with. Janelle James who is kind of a newcomer to TV, shes a standup. She blew me away. Janelle told me that she had gotten the script and she DM me and she was like, I just got your script and its funny. And I want to audition. I knew Janelle as a standup, I didnt even know she acted. I was like, Hell yeah. Please audition. The more the merrier. And she was it. It was this specific character. She got it. She got all of it. And having her was just like this dream. And the studio and the network saw her, and were like, Whoa, where did she come from? And Im like, I dont know, but this is who it has to be. The discussion is over.

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Then Sheryl Lee Ralph was our last get. We were so fortunate. She had just come off of a show. We were having trouble casting Barbaras character because I just needed a certain oomph, and Sheryl brought it. I think Sheryl had never been on a show like this before. Sheryl just came off a multicam, and Sheryl hadnt even seen The Office. She had the essence and everything else was an on-the-job learning experience. Like, oh, okay. Im on at all times? Im always in scene because the cameras catching things at all times? But she mastered it and now has developed what I think is a brand new, beautiful character to this format of show.

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So, thats how casting went. And then my character, Janine, was brought about because I originally pitched this show based on Sheryls character, Barbara. It had no Janine in it. And the studio kind of said, youre crazy if you think we didnt buy the show because of you. I was like, all right. So, I developed Janine based off of good friends of mine who are pure optimists who get on my nerves, but without them, nothing would get done. There in how beautiful the world can be is what motivates us to create a better place. And I think that that was a beautiful character to have in a school like Abbott.

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I also grabbed your book, She Memes Well: Essays. And so Ive been reading through the book, really, really enjoying it. And I want to talk in particular about how it has to do with Abbott Elementary. A lot of people, especially in comedy, they talk about how they hated high school, it was miserable. You were prom queen. I mean, you went to Charter High School of Art and Design (CHAD), you went to sort of a tech, science architecture school. But how did your experiences in what appears to be a pretty functional, good high school experience, how does that inform Abbott Elementary? Because most people say that high school was terrible and youre not that person.

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Im so happy you brought that up. My schooling experiences period, I had the most amazing teachers from kindergarten to high school. I had these teachers who cared so deeply. I had a teacher in sixth grade who actually the show was named after, Miss Abbott. She came to my house and picked me up because we were doing a pretzel sale, and my parents were like, We cant get her there. And Miss Abbott was like, Well, Ill come get her. This is important. Were going to make the dough. Im teaching a lesson about food, and learning, and selling.

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Those are the kind of teachers I had in my life from beginning to end. High school teachers that I cant even go down the list of the way those people just cared about us. And so having a good experience informed what kind of show I would create. A lot of people I think have created school shows with the idea that no one wants to be therethe students, the teachers. Not me. People are doing this job or they care that much. Theyre being paid pennies. This is just what they do. So, I was able to show that.

Listen to the entire episode below, or subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.
West Side Story was never meant to represent Puerto Rican communities. Its original creators Stephen Sondheim, Leonard Bernstein, Jerome Robbins, and Arthur Laurents admitted as much when they set out to tell a Romeo and Juliet story based in New York City. It was only too convenient that the Puerto Rican thing, as Bernstein put it, had just begun to explode, and thus provided a community on which the creators could prop their 1957 Broadway musical. In fact, Sondheim even declined to work on the show at first, saying, Ive never been that poor and Ive never even met a Puerto Rican. In the 1961 film version, white actors were cast in two of the main Puerto Rican roles: George Chakiris as Bernardo and Natalie Wood as Maria. Both were in brownface. It wasnt until the 1980 Broadway revival that audiences got to see Latinx performers in those roles expressly made for Puerto Rican individuals. Even then, according to Puerto Rican writer and filmmaker Frances Negron-Mutaner, the Puerto Rican actress chosen to play Maria had her skin and her hair darkened for the part.

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The musical and its seemingly endless masquerades of Latinidad are steeped in controversy, and rightfully so. Its not least because both Hollywood and Broadway continue to uplift it as a dominant depiction of Puerto Rican communities specifically and Latinx communities in general, despite decades of criticism from Puerto Rican writers. In an essay on the 2020 revival of the Broadway musical, critic Carina del Valle Schorske wrote, The U.S. has a compulsion when it comes to West Side Story, restaging, again and again, the primal scene of the colonys incursion into American consciousness, the midcenturys gran migracion of Puerto Ricans to New York City.

Before the 2020 Broadway version by Belgian director Ivo van Hove there was another revival of the musical in 2009, directed by the musicals original book writer, Arthur Laurents, to which Puerto Rican In the Heights creator Lin-Manuel Miranda contributed some Spanish dialogue. Now, Steven Spielberg is the latest white creator compelled to restage the show yet again. It has never left my life, he said earlier this month, mentioning how he spent his childhood playing as both Officer Krupke and all the Jets.

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In his attempt to fix the glaring problems of the original, Spielberg started by hiring an all-Latinx cast to play the Sharks. (Though its a step, its important to note that two of the three main Puerto Rican characters, Maria and Bernardo, are not played by Puerto Rican actors.) He and screenwriter Tony Kushner also devote more time to exploring the Sharks and the Puerto Rican community. Bernardo and his girlfriend Anita, for example, are for the first time given career ambitions beyond the barrio, and many of the musical numbers now take place amid a vibrant Puerto Rican neighborhood. Notably, the original films Anita, Rita Moreno, joined the project as an executive producer in order to push for better representation.

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Perhaps most striking of all the new films changes, however, is that it features a substantial amount of unsubtitled Spanish dialogue. Audiences first hear Spanish around 10 minutes into the film, after following the all-white Jets as they dance and terrorize the Puerto Rican enclaves of a rapidly gentrifying West Side. When they successfully push the Puerto Rican Sharks to brawl with them in an abandoned lot, both gangs are met by the police. Bernardo (the leader of the Sharks, played by Broadways David Alvarez) calls the cops hijos de putas, to which a Shark replies, I dont speak [Spanish]. (The word actually used is a slur used prominently throughout the film.) Immediately, the film sets up a central conflict in its quest for representation that will follow throughout. It toes the line between telling its non-Spanish speaking audience that not everything in the film will be presented for their consumption and, on another level, pushing that audience to associate with the similarly non-Spanish speaking Jets who, up until this point in the film, have dictated the way audiences are shown the world of 1957 New York City.

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The lack of subtitles does begin to accomplish a lot of what Spielberg hoped to do, in that it leaves the Spanish dialogue unadulterated and unmediated through a gringo lens. It doesnt [give] English the power over the Spanish. But it obscures the fact that the entire film and its depiction of Puerto Rican communities are still inherently mediated through the storys original white male creators, and now, through the films white director, white screenwriter, white cinematographer, and mostly white producers.

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Despite the remakes claims to represent the experience of Puerto Ricans in New York more authentically, the choice to leave the Spanish dialogue unsubtitled makes the few specificities of the immigrant experience that the film engages with inaccessible to non-Spanish speaking audiences. When Bernardo (David Alvarez) excludes Anita (the phenomenal Ariana DeBose) from his definition of family, she asks him if its because shes una prietadark-skinned. With this scene, the film makes a passing comment on the very real problem of colorism in Latinx communities in the U.S. and beyond, but that brief engagement with anti-Blackness is not available to non-Spanish speaking audiences, and the topic is not brought up again. In this way, the unsubtitled Spanish feels more like an opportunity for Spielberg and his collaborators to check a box for representation while absolving themselves from meaningfully engaging with the ways in which the film, for its white audiences, continues to uphold the very stereotypes about the Puerto Rican community that its supposed to be rectifying.

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A constant refrain in the new version is white authoritiesthe Jets, the police officers, the host of the high school dancetelling the Puerto Rican characters to speak English. The Sharks push back. When the police first tell Bernardo to stop talking at the beginning of the film, for example, he wastes no time in leading the rest of the gang in a rendition of the Puerto Rican anthem, La Borinquena, using the original revolutionary lyrics from before the U.S. made Puerto Rico its colony and censored it.

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Ethnic studies scholar Lorgia Garcia-Pena says that everyday acts performed by immigrants, such as speaking a foreign language in the public arena, often seek to gain a space within the host nation that attempts to relegate them to the periphery. That is the work that the Sharks defiant Spanish in the face of authority is doing throughout much of the film.

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But its worth noting, too, that Anita is one of the most prominent voices asking everyone around her to speak English for much of the film. We have to practice, she tells Bernardo and Maria at the kitchen table, suggesting that if it werent for her, none of the Puerto Rican characters would ever speak English at home. Because Spielbergs decision to leave these moments unsubtitled makes it impossible to have all-Spanish conversations on screen, Anitas character is instead forced to mediate them and thus pushed further into her complex relationship with assimilation and citizenshipmost spectacularly dramatized in America. But while the film had an opportunity to engage more deeply with the conflict between Anitas hope for the U.S. and her eventual desire to go back to Puerto Rico, it instead is bogged down by the superficial formal constraints of claiming to represent Latinidad in a movie evidently positioned toward white and largely non-Spanish-speaking audiences. Anitas relationship with class and New York is left relatively unexplored.

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By making gentrification the true enemy at the heart of the remakethe opening shots inform us that the territory the gangs are fighting over is being cleared to make room for Lincoln CenterKushner suggests the need for interracial, class-based solidarity. The Spanish dialogue and the constant requests to speak English position the language difference as the main gap the Sharks and the Jets must overcome in order to stand in solidarity against the states ongoing attack on the poor. But that is only because the film chooses to ignore the role played by the blatant racism and white supremacist thinking that characterizes the Jets from the first time the film shows them interacting with the city. Rather than problematize this racism, the film excuses it. In one newly added scene, reformed Jet Tony (Ansel Elgort) tells Maria (Rachel Zegler) that Riff, the leader of the Jets, considers himself an enemy to the Puerto Rican community because the whole world has been against [him] since he was born. Though Maria is quick to counter that life hasnt been much easier for her community, the film repeatedly backs up Tonys original explanation. In a speech added to the new version, Corey Stolls Lieutenant Schrank lays out for the Jets the future of their post-gentrification neighborhood, where white trash like them will be shooed away by the rich new residents Puerto Rican doormen.

Though the steps taken by Spielberg, Kushner, and the rest of the West Side Story team are commendable, and indeed a step forward from the musicals superficial, racist, and exploitative history, they dont ultimately provide enough justification for reviving it in the first placemuch less by another white creator. The changes in the new version act as defenses against necessary criticism of the musical and its shortcomings, rather than avenues to meaningfully question the legacy of West Side Story and the ethics of reproducing that legacy yet again.
Remember Shyne? If youre a fan of the glamour era of 1990s2000s rap, or followed turn-of-millennium celebrity scandals, the name likely rings a bell. He is, most notoriously, known as a key figure in the 1999 nightclub shooting involving Jennifer Lopez and her boyfriend, then known as Puff Daddy. The controversial Brooklyn rapper, who at the time was one of the Bad Boy CEOs proteges, ended up taking the fall for the incident and languishing behind bars for 10 years.

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Perhaps now, as the memories of that bizarre night come back, you might be wondering: Just where is Shyne now? Luckily, Im here to tell you: As of this week, hes the official leader of Belizes conservative opposition party, having ascended to that prominent post after serving for less than a year in the countrys House of Representatives. While thats a lot to process on its own, whats even odder about the situation is that it can be attributed to a domino effect starting right with that notorious shooting, and accelerated by Shynes long-standing family ties to Belizean politics.

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Lets head back to the very start. Shyne was born Jamal Michael Barrow in Belize City in 1978, just three years before the Central American nation gained full independence from the United Kingdom. By the mid-80s, Shynes father, Dean Barrow, was serving on the Belize City Council, while Shyne moved to Brooklyn and got absorbed into the boroughs burgeoning rap scene. 1998 would be a pivotal year for both father and son: Dean would become the Belize House of Representatives opposition leader, taking charge of the weak conservative coalition known as the United Democratic Party, while Shyne would be introduced to Puff Daddy and offered a generous label deal.

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Things went sour for Shyne just the following year. On the night of Dec. 27, 1999, he was celebrating the impending release of his self-titled debut at Club New York when Puffy accidentally bumped into streetwise Brooklynite Matthew Scar Allen and spilled his drink. J. Lo and Shyne stood nearby as Puffy and Scar got into a heated argument that ended with a wad of cash being thrown in the formers face. Shots rang out, and three clubgoers were injured in the ensuing chaos; J. Lo, Puff, and his bodyguard quickly fled the scene before getting pulled over for running a red light and arrested for storing a gun in their getaway car. Both Shyne and Puff Daddy were tried as perpetrators of the shootingbut the latter, who had celebrity lawyer Johnnie Cochran on his legal team, was cleared of all charges.

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Shyne, on the other hand, was done in by a few factors: prominent witnesses alleging that he was carrying a gun that night, with his defense attorney admitting to it as well; multiple accounts told of Scar threatening Shyne specifically, and of Shyne firing his gun in retaliation; and the rappers own self-admitted refusal to snitch on any other suspected gunmen. (Years after, Shyne would admit to brandishing his firearm in self-defense that night and claim that Diddy later told him the mogul had been under a lot of pressure from the lawyers to throw me under the bus. Diddy settled a lawsuit with the three individual survivors of the shooting in 2011.)

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The ordeal changed the lives of everyone involved. J. Lo and Puff Daddy split in the midst of the trial, and the latter soon changed his moniker to P. Diddy in order to dissociate himself from the situation. Shyne, whose 2000 debut went platinum, was condemned to a full decade of imprisonment. Hed continue releasing music while incarceratedbut with Def Jam, not the floundering Bad Boy, whose CEO he subtly dissed in multiple lyrics. After he was finally released in 2009, Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained him for an immigration law violation and deported him to Belize as a nonU.S. citizen felon.

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By then, Belizes politics had massively shifted. Shynes father, Dean Barrow, led his United Democratic Party to a resounding victory in the 2008 elections, becoming the countrys first Black prime minister. Shynes uncle Michael Finnegan also had a significant position, as a founding member of the UDP and a Belize House representative for the UDP-favoring Mesopotamia constituency, which encompasses Belize City, since 1993. In April 2010, Shyne was appointed by his father as the countrys musical goodwill ambassador, which allowed him to eventually visit the U.S. again. He had a mixed tenure on that job. In 2014, a group of Belizean artists demanded that Shyne be removed as ambassador, arguing that neither he nor the countrys National Institute of Culture and History were supporting musicians in any substantial way. But in subsequent years, Shyne would organize events for the benefit of artists and establish new music institutions stocked with instruments he himself donated.

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Over the past decade, Shyne has spent some time in Israel, where he lived as a practicing Orthodox Jew under the name Moses Levi. He also bounced between American record labels from afar, collaborated with artists from Lil Wayne to Orthodox rocker Matisyahu, reconciled with Diddy in Paris (only to diss him again after he promised to procure a U.S. visa for Shyne and never followed through), endorsed presidential candidate Mitt Romney in retaliation for his deportation by the Obama administration, and released a popular new mixtape. In 2016, he joined a Bad Boy reunion show in Brooklyn from Belize, by means of a livestream broadcast on a big screen at the Barclays Center, earning him praise from local media for bring[ing] even more attention to Belize.

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Shyne also made no secret of higher political ambitions, dropping hints of his intent to eventually succeed his uncle Michael Finnegan for the Mesopotamia House seatwith Finnegans supportand then run for prime minister. But public doubt surrounded Shyne, especially when news emerged of his legal battles with artists and donors who claimed he never accounted for the money he owed to them or that they had given to his operations. Yet his own prime minister father was quick to defend him, stating that from the little I see, I get the impression that he has been doing an excellent job as musical ambassador.

Shyne kicked off his House campaign in 2018 and attracted an unusual amount of international attention. Rapper Fat Joe told Shyne he would come to Belize to support him, and even Diddy publicly endorsed his old labelmates run. In November 2020, Shyne won the Mesopotamia seat with 53 percent of the vote. But the election cycle was otherwise catastrophic for his party: Only four other party members besides Shyne were elected to the House, including his aunt Denise Sista B Barrow.

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After entering office, Shyne escalated a feud with his partys leader, Patrick Faber, that had started several years back, when Faber was Dean Barrows culture minister. On May 31, a video was leaked that appeared to show Faber aggressively raging against the mother of his 2-year-old daughter. He apologized, and the UDP backed him upexcept for Shyne. About a week after the videos release, Shyne called for an emergency UDP meeting to address the issue. (Its worth noting that Shyne himself previously faced a domestic dispute allegation that was later retracted.) Then, on Monday, he sent a letter to Belizes governor-general, co-signed by two other House UDP members, stating that he had the confidence of the majority of the partys members, making him constitutionally eligible to take charge. By Wednesday, Shyne had assumed presumptive leadership of the opposition and was formally recognized by the prime minister.

And just like that, the former Brooklyn musician who once took the rap for the Vote or Die guy became one of the Caribbeans most prominent politicians.
Philip Waldron, the retired U.S. Army colonel who was an ardent supporter of challenging the 2020 election results, says he was welcomed at the White House numerous times after the November vote. And Waldron, who circulated the PowerPoint presentation that detailed ways to overturn the election, didnt meet with low-level staffers. Waldron told the Washington Post he spoke with Mark Meadows, the White House chief of staff, maybe eight to 10 times. And Meadows wasnt alone. Waldron also spoke to several members of Congress before the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.

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Waldron, who was working with then-President Donald Trumps outside lawyers on ways to challenge the election, focused his efforts on the allegations that there was foreign interference in the vote. The PowerPoint specifically said Trump could declare a national emergency to delay the certification of the election results. Although Meadows received the presentation titled Election Fraud, Foreign Interference, & Options for 6 JAN on Jan. 5, Waldron insists he wasnt the one who sent it to him. George J. Terwilliger III, a lawyer for Meadows, says the former chief of staff only received the PowerPoint presentation by email but didnt do anything with the document. Meadows handed over the presentation to the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 riot because it wasnt privileged, Terwilliger said.

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It remains unclear just how seriously Trump officials took the ideas that were outlined in the PowerPoint. But the recent revelations suggest Meadows was in far closer contact with those who were proposing extreme measures to keep Trump in power than was previously known. And while he was talking to the conspiracy theorists, he was also calling on senior Justice Department officials to investigate wild claims of election fraud. Waldron claims Meadows offered to support him in any way possible to prove the claims that there had been foreign interference in the election.

Even if he wasnt the one who sent it, Waldron said he wasnt surprised Meadows had received a copy of the presentation. He would have gotten a copy for situational awareness for what was being briefed on the Hill at the time, Waldron told the New York Times. Waldron says members of his team spoke to senators about the claims contained in the presentation and the next day he personally briefed a small group of House lawmakers.
Welcome to this weeks edition of the Surge, your weekly newsletter spreading Christmas cheer with Senate procedural updates!





Congress has, actually, cleared a lot off of its plate. Your elected officials successfully punted government funding into the new year, came up with a characteristically dumb way to raise the dumb debt ceiling, and finally got the annual defense bill moving. Now Senate Democrats just have to figure out how to pass their signature legislation, which Joe Manchin may actually hate. One powerful Republican is quitting Congress to run Trumps fantasy baseball league/media thingie, the Georgia governors race became unnecessarily complicated for Republicans because Trump insisted it be so, progressives are pushing Speaker Nancy Pelosi to punish Rep. Lauren Boebert, and Vice President Kamala Harris controversially purchased cookware.





But first, every time you Googled politics this weekoops, revealed a little trick o the tradethere would be some new weird development with a former presidential chief of staff who may be in over his head.
A devastating tornado outbreak tore through Kentucky and five other states on Friday night, killing dozens of people and leaving people trapped in factories and warehouses. More than 30 tornadoes were reported in Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, Illinois, Kentucky, and Mississippi. The main tornado that struck Kentucky traveled more than 227 miles, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said, specifying that at least 70 people were feared dead in the state and the death toll is likely to surpass 100. This will be, I believe, the deadliest tornado system to ever run through Kentucky, Beshear said.

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Communities across the Midwest and southern United States were rushing to assess the damage on Saturday morning after the powerful storms struck overnight amid fears that dozens of people could be dead. There are confirmed fatalities in an Amazon warehouse in Illinois that saw its roof collapse and rescue workers were still trying to sort through the rubble on Saturday morning.

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Some of the worst destruction appears to have taken place in Kentucky, particularly in the small city of Mayfield. About 110 people were in a candle factory in the city when the tornado hit and tore out the roof. We could feel the wind  then we did a little rock, Kyanna Parsons-Perez, who was inside the factor, told NBC. And then boom everything came down on us. Across the affected states tens of thousands of people were without power Saturday morning, including 132,000 homes in Tennessee and 56,000 in Kentucky.

In Arkansas, at least one person was killed when a tornado struck nursing home in the city of Monette and trapped 20 people inside. Nearby, a woman was killed in a Dollar General store. In Tennessee, at least three people were killed, two in Lake County and one in Obion County.
A version of this article first appeared in Emily Osters newsletter, ParentData.

Last week, I was on the phone with a friend who has been fairly cautious about COVID, and we got onto how she was feeling about omicron, and the current situation in general.

Honestly, Im a little lost. It felt like we were just getting comfortable planning things again. And now  should we stop?

I heard a version of this over and over again last week: We were just going to do the holidays normally again. I was just getting comfortable with the idea of a playdate. I was going to plan a trip to Disney, finally. And the questions all ended in the same way: And now what?

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Of course, much of this was brought on by the omicron discussion. There is a lot that is still unknown, although weve learned much more in the past couple of weeks. Id point you to Katelyn Jetelinas newsletter, Your Local Epidemiologist, for details. On the negative side, the variant appears to be more transmissible, and vaccines provide less robust protection against infection. On the positive side, vaccinesespecially with a boostercontinue to provide a good degree of protection. And (even without a booster) vaccines appear to continue to provide strong protection against severe illness and death. The other good news is that some early data is suggesting that omicron may generate overall more mild illness.

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There is surely more to come here over the next few weeks. From a public health standpoint, the advice in light of omicron hasnt changed. Get all eligible people vaccinated. Get a booster if youre over 18 (and maybe soon if youre 16 or 17). Stay home if youre sick. Rapid test if you can when gathering. Wear a mask in crowded indoor spaces if transmission is high, and on public transit.

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Having said all this: Most of the questions I hear are not really about the medical details of omicron. The angst is broader. The variant renewed feelings of fear, of anxiety. Will we ever just be able to have a fucking playdate or plan a vacation?

Not everyone feels this, but I hear from a lot of readers who do. And, if were being honest, its a way I feel, too. Im struggling with the issue of future planning. I am a planner, always have been. Omicron was a bit of a spiral because I really want to be able to think about what well be doing in February or May, and the specter of returning to a place of uncertainty is upsetting. Its made more so by the Groundhog Day feeling of Is it just always going to be like this?

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In a way, the answer to this is yes, because COVID isnt going away. There will be evolutions, other variants, changes in the disease environment. In another way, though, we can better adapt, to make our decisions more consistent and our emotional reactions less intense. In that spirit, I have two reflections. Maybe they resonate and maybe they dont. But if they do, I hope they help.

At the moment, nothing about omicron suggests that you should act differently, assuming all eligible household members are vaccinated, etc. There is a risk of COVID breakthrough infections even with delta, and it seems likely that vaccines will remain highly protective against serious illness even with omicron. What has happened, though, is that the renewed discussion has reminded people of COVID. It has made it salient again, just as some people were starting to move on.

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The mistake were making isnt the decision to move toward normalcy, which we must do and which we can do safely with reasonable precautions. The mistake is to base that movement decision on just ignoring COVID. If were thinking, Its fine to do playdates now, because COVID is essentially over, then any reminder that its not over can cause us to panic and lurch to a different decision.

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Instead, we need to think about these decisions with a realistic stance on the existence of non-zero COVID risks. And the recognition they will likely exist essentially forever.

Back in May 2020 I wrote about COVID decision-making in a five-step process (read it here), and while much has changed, some hasnt. The first step in that process was to frame the question, and I continue to think that is a crucial step. You cannot ask the question Should I allow my toddler to have a playdate this weekend or not? since or not is an impossible option to evaluate. You need to put something in place of or notan actual, concrete alternative. Next weekend? In a month? When theyre vaccinated? Never?

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If you go through a decision process, you may well decide that allowing a playdate now is preferable to waiting until some uncertain vaccine date in the future. There are benefits to socialization for kids (and adults!), and the risks to small children, even unvaccinated ones, are extremely low. But you make that decision not based on COVID is over! but on a realistic view that COVID is in the range of risks you are comfortable taking. The benefit, then, is that when youre reminded that COVID isnt over, its not so surprising. Your choices could very well still be the right ones.

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Can I plan a trip to Disney in February? Can we still plan for our visit over Christmas?

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Uncertainty can be paralyzing. You want to do it, but  what if? When the virus is more salient, the uncertainty is more salient. Sometimes it feels like looking six months out into some kind of fog. Can I really put plans into the fog?

Yes. You can. The future is always a little foggy. That Christmas trip you planned to the Bahamas? Even before COVID, all kinds of stuff could get in the way. Your toddler could get norovirus. You could miss your flight. Your flight could be canceled. It could rain the whole time. The resort could shut down unexpectedly due to bankruptcy (this happened to me once). COVIDand the possible policy reactions to COVIDadds another dimension to this uncertainty, but it was there in a substantial way before too.

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When we plan, even into the fog, we get the value of what economists sometimes call anticipatory utility. (This is even the topic of some of my research, albeit in a very different context.) We can enjoy thinking about the trip, and this can happen even if it has some uncertainty around it. Before COVID, you enjoyed thinking about your trip even though there was always the possibility of a canceled flight or last-minute work emergency. You can do the same now.

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There is a complicated subtlety to this advice and this phase. Learning to live with endemic COVIDwhich, yes, is what we are going to need to dois going to mean accepting the existence of COVID and taking precautions. But it will also mean acknowledging that it isnt the only risk or even probably the most significant risk we face most of the time. We need to arrive at a point where we take a rapid test when we need to, but COVID doesnt live rent-free in our heads all the time.

Is it always going to be like this? In a sense, yes. But we can learn to adapt.

Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society.
ARCHIVED - Spain reveals plan to digitise water meters in private homes



The ultimate goal is to extend the program to include the agricultural, industrial and tourism sectors in Spain

Spain is breaking new ground as part of its strategic project for economic recovery and transformation (Perte) by aiming to fully digitise water service meters in private homes. This collaborative initiative aims to streamline water management in order to guarantee transparency, improve efficiency and ultimately bring the country a step towards its Sustainable Development Goals, 2030.

Once the plan has been finalised, costs will have to be negotiated with the Ministry of Finance before the Perte is set to the EC for approval.

The initial plan involves the installation of 13.5 million smart water meters by 2025 with an estimated investment of 1.35 billion euros.

The proposal was originally suggested earlier this year by the main public water operators: Canal de Isabel II (Community of Madrid) and Emasesa (Andalucia), and private: Suez, owner of firms such as Agbar, Aqualia, owned by FCC and the Australian fund IFM, and Global Omnium. Also on board are data operator giants Telefonica, Orange and Vodafone, and meter manufacturing companies Contazara, Hidroconta and Indra.

The water companies plan to assume between 70% and 80% of the cost, that is, between 945 and 1,080 million euros. The rest, between 270 and 405 million, would be financed by Next Generation funds.

The current estimates are limited to the digitisation of water meters in private homes but the idea of the Ministry of Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge is to expand the coverage of the programme to industry, agriculture and tourism.

Image: Archive
https://sputniknews.com/20211211/accuser-says-ghislaine-maxwell-gave-her-nude-massage-when-she-was-16-epstein-wanted-to-cuddle--1091434446.html

Accuser Says Ghislaine Maxwell Gave her Nude Massage When She Was 16, Epstein 'Wanted to Cuddle'

Accuser Says Ghislaine Maxwell Gave her Nude Massage When She Was 16, Epstein 'Wanted to Cuddle'

Jeffrey Epstein accuser testified at trial that Ghislaine Maxwell gave her a nude massage when she was 16.

2021-12-11T07:50+0000

2021-12-11T07:50+0000

2021-12-11T07:50+0000

ghislaine maxwell

jeffrey epstein

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The fourth accuser testifying in the Ghislaine Maxwell federal sex-trafficking trial in New York - the only one to use her full name during the current court procedure  took the stand on Friday.According to Annie Farmer, now 42, she first met Epstein in late 1995 through her older sister, who worked for him in New York as a fine arts painter. Maria Farmer told her that the tycoon was possibly interested in helping me with my education, she told the court.As Farmer, identified as "Minor Victim-2" in the indictment, testified on Friday, she read portions of her January 1996 diary entries pertaining to a trip to New York that Epstein had paid for, when she and her sister went to see "Phantom of the Opera" on Broadway.She had written about Epstein holding her hand and "caressing" her foot throughout.In spring 1996 her mother, Janice Swain, told her she would be travelling to see Epstein for a weekend at his New Mexico ranch.Swain, the last witness in the government's case on Friday, told the trial that when Epstein invited her daughter to go to the ranch he claimed she would be one of around 20 other students he was funding for enrichment trips abroad later in the year.The billionaire purportedly told the woman that "his wife, Ghislaine" would be chaperoning the girls. Farmer recalled that news of another woman, Ghislaine Maxwell, being there with Epstein, made her feel more comfortable about the trip.However, Farmer claimed she was 16 when Jeffrey Epsteins alleged pimp gave her a nude massage at the late pedophiles New Mexico ranch. Maxwell purportedly told her she wanted her to experience a genuinely professional massage and instructed her to get undressed.At some point as she lay on her back, Maxwell pulled the sheet down, exposing her naked breasts and rubbed her chest and upper breast, Farmer testified.Prosecutor Lara Pomerantz asked during her direct examination:Farmer responded with, Yes, I do, adding that the individual in question was wearing a brown sweater and seated across the room, to her right.The woman claimed that on her last day at the ranch Jeffrey Epstein came into the guestroom as she was still in bed and told her he wanted to "cuddle."According to the then 16-year-old, she quickly made up an excuse to get out of bed and went to the bathroom.Farmer testified that she told her mother that while she was not raped, something had happened at the ranch that she didn't want to talk about.Farmer also testified that she had told her boyfriend, David James Mulligan, about the massage in New Mexico. Mulligan, in turn, acknowledged that Farmer she told him the massage had made her feel "fearful and awkward and helpless".In summer of 1996 Annie Farmer went on a cultural immersion trip to Vietnam and Thailand that was funded by Jeffrey Epstein. After returning home, she claimed she never had any more contact with Epstein.In 2019 Annie Farmer filed a civil lawsuit against Maxwell and Epstein. However, she agreed to drop it to receive $1.5 million from the Epstein Victim Compensation Program, she testified.Ghislaine Maxwell, allegedly a pimp, or madam of Epstein, was arrested in New Hampshire in July 2020 and faces six charges over her involvement with the late billionaire: one each of enticement of a minor to travel to engage in illegal sex acts, transportation of a minor with intent to engage in illegal sex acts, sex trafficking of a minor, and three counts of conspiracy related to the other counts. If convicted, the British socialite, who pleaded not guilty on all charges, faces up to 80 years in prisonJeffrey Epstein, charged with running a sex trafficking network of minors in 2019, died in his Manhattan cell on 10 August while awaiting trial, having pleaded not guilty to the charges.According to prosecutors, the daughter of the late media mogul Robert Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein created a "pyramid scheme of abuse" to lure underage girls into sexual relationships with the billionaire.Prosecutors in Maxwell's trial rested their case on 10 December, with the defence expected to start its case on 16 December. According to defence attorneys, they anticipate resting their case on 20 December.

https://sputniknews.com/20211209/photo-of-ghislaine-maxwell-jeffrey-epstein-chilling-in-cabin-at-british-queens-estate-revealed-1091393685.html

mandrake Lock her up and dont allow her to serve her time in by the jews illegally occupied Palestine! Yeah but its probably already agreed that she will serve her time in palestine, unless of course she is aquitted! 1

Roland Laycock Just another US show trial like Epstein now living in Israel the same as her dad 0

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https://sputniknews.com/20211211/afghan-interpreters-for-us-forces-face-grave-threats-despite-talibans-amnesty-promise-1091435955.html

Afghan Interpreters for US Forces Face Grave Threats Despite Talibans Amnesty Promise

Afghan Interpreters for US Forces Face Grave Threats Despite Talibans Amnesty Promise

An Afghan interpreter for US forces tells his story of hiding from the Taliban over their threats to kill "infidels".

2021-12-11T09:44+0000

2021-12-11T09:44+0000

2021-12-11T13:42+0000

afghanistan

taliban

interpreter

us

evacuation

pakistan

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After learning to speak English fluently on his own by watching Hollywood movies and English language news channels, Faridon, who only wanted to be identified by his first name, became an interpreter for the US forces in Afghanistan in 2018.His job was to help American military supervisors train pilots and technicians in the Afghan Air Force, who would carry out the bombing campaigns against the Taliban. When General Austin "Scott" Miller, the top commander of the American and NATO forces in Afghanistan, visited the Afghan Air Force and held a meeting with commander Fahim Ramin, Faridon was among the group of interpreters present at the meeting."I was in that meeting between Scott Miller and him [Commander Ramin]. They took pictures and videos from that meeting. The Taliban may not know my name, but they must have seen my face many times. Thats why its too dangerous for me now," Faridon, 28, said.When the Taliban took over Kabul in mid-August, Faridon burned all his personal documents that could link him with this previous job of working for the US forces and went into hiding.Despite the Taliban vowing to offer amnesty for those who worked for the US forces and would not go after them, Faridon knew that those were empty promises."Its just an announcement of general amnesty for those who worked for the [former Afghan] government and those who worked for the coalition forces like me. Its just a promise. But on the other hand, theyre still raiding peoples homes and killing Afghan nationals who did such work every day," he said.Jealous BetrayalFaridons worries were not unfounded. They proved to be true shortly afterwards. A group of Taliban soldiers stormed into his home, where his parents still lived, on 9 October and demanded the family to hand over the "infidel" who worked for the Americans.Fortunately, Faridon had moved to a safe location in another part of Kabul at the end of August. As a result, his father told the Taliban soldiers that his son had already left the country during the evacuation campaign in August. His father vowed that Faridon had never worked for the Americans and was only able to leave the country by luck.The Taliban came to his home again on 13 October and went away empty-handed. To Faridons surprise, he later found out that the reason the Taliban raided his home was not that they saw pictures or videos of him working for the US forces. It was because his aunt, who is a cousin of his mother, reported him to the Taliban."She told my mother: Soon, your son will die. I know where he is. She actually doesnt know where I am right now. My mother told her that they cant catch him, because hes in the US," he said.Faridon explained that his aunt was a very religious person and it was possible that she decided to betray his family because she truly believed he was an "infidel.""You might have heard. In Afghanistan, whoever worked for the US forces or coalition forces are infidels. They should be beheaded. And whoever kills those "infidels" will enjoy the highest rank in paradise. So people are doing that stuff [betraying families] for the paradise. My aunt is a very religious person and a big supporter of the Taliban," he said.Faridon added that his aunt could also be jealous of him because he made a good salary by working for the US forces."In Afghan society, cousins are literally like enemies. For example, if my cousin is richer than me, I want him to be poorer than me. Its just jealousy. I worked for the Americans and made a good salary. Her sons were jobless or earned very little as drivers. She became very jealous," Faridon said.Lost Sole BreadwinnerNevertheless, the two raids carried out by the Taliban showed Faridon how dangerous it could be for him. Thats why he has never visited his family in recent months and didnt even dare to call his family members over a regular phone line."I keep in touch with them through Signal [the instant messaging app]. Calling them over the phone is not safe. Their phones might be wiretapped," Faridon said.During a conversation with one of his brothers, Faridon learned that a neighbour had actually been living with his family for a while to monitor the situation and report to the Taliban if he returns home.Being forced into hiding also meant Faridon, who is the oldest son and the sole breadwinner for his family, could no longer work. His three younger brothers and one younger sister had to rely on his fathers meagre income of $5 a day as a taxi driver.As a result, one of his younger brothers and his younger sister both had to drop out of their universities because the family could no longer afford to pay for their tuition.As for Faridon, he was only surviving on the $1200 he saved from his work for the US forces."I withdrew all my savings, about $1200, on August 31. Im spending it right now. Im living in a remote area of Kabul, where I dont even have electricity. I use solar power to charge my phone," he said.What makes the situation more difficult is the fact that Faridon got married on 29 July. He could only spend a few weeks living with his wife before he had to go into hiding. As Faridon had to live in such terrible conditions, his wife was staying with his parents. That means the newly-wed couple hasnt had a chance to meet for months.Ticking Time BombWithout any chance to find a new job because of the threats he faces, Faridon could only put all his hope on the US governments pledge to evacuate allies who offered assistance.Faridon stressed that the kind of danger he faced was truly life-threatening because the Taliban dont usually arrest the "infidels" and let them go through trials. Many "infidels" would be killed on the spot.One of his friends used to work for the Afghan intelligence service. An associate of this friend was killed last week during a raid in Mazar-i-Sharif.Moving to a neighbouring country such as Pakistan could also be an option for Afghans like Faridon who faces such threats from the Taliban. But when Faridon reached the border with Pakistan in recent weeks, he gave up when he saw there were at least 50,000 people waiting to cross the border.For the former interpreter who worked with US forces almost every day for more than three years, Faridon still puts his hope in the US government fulfilling its pledges to evacuate Afghan allies like himself.*The Taliban is an organisation that is currently under UN sanctions for terrorism.

https://sputniknews.com/20211209/nearly-100-former-british-council-staff-still-hiding-in-afghanistan-reports-say-1091386087.html

https://sputniknews.com/20211202/world-bank-endorses-280mln-frozen-aid-for-afghanistan-to-fend-off-humanitarian-crisis-1091203424.html

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taliban, interpreter, us, evacuation, pakistan
https://sputniknews.com/20211211/assanges-pardon-depends-on-massive-protests-by-ordinary-people-investigative-journo-says-1091432665.html

Assange's Pardon Depends on 'Massive Protests by Ordinary People', Investigative Journo Says

Assange's Pardon Depends on 'Massive Protests by Ordinary People', Investigative Journo Says

On 10 December, a London court ruled in favour of a US appeal to extradite WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, dismissing concerns raised about the journalist's health and the inhumane conditions he could face in the American prison system.

2021-12-11T06:15+0000

2021-12-11T06:15+0000

2021-12-11T06:50+0000

us wins appeal to extradite assange

julian assange

opinion

us

australia

interview

espionage act

imprisonment

uk

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https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/0c/0b/1091433539_0:161:3071:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_ce803b17fbccaf90ba4684d4c7a854e1.jpg

As the London High Court ruled Julian Assange can be extradited to the US, Lucy Komisar, an investigative journalist based in New York, shares her take on the Western media's role in the Assange case, a possible pardon by the US president in case Assange was extradited, while revealing how the Friday court's decision would influence her job as an investigative journalist.Sputnik: Now, after the London High Court ruling, do you believe there's anything the international media community and the American mass-media in particular can do to stop Assange's extradition to the US?Lucy Komisar: The western media, aside from some pro forma criticisms, has large ignored the Assange case. For example, when western media talk about the Summit for Democracy and statements by Biden or Blinken about press freedom, they routinely ignore the persecution of Assange. If they wanted to, they could run a campaign of articles and editorials calling for Biden to drop the prosecution. Not just once, but repeatedly, the way they run a campaign about unproved human rights violations in Xinjiang. But, they wont, because they are invested in U.S. government world view and foreign policy.Sputnik: You are an investigative journalist yourself, how will this verdict impact your work? How are you supposed to work knowing that if you expose sensitive information, you could be treated like Assange?Lucy Komisar: I will never change how I work. I started as a journalist as editor of the Mississippi Free Press in Jackson, Mississippi, in 1962-3 when civil rights advocates were getting killed. People who are afraid of telling the truth need to get other work. But, alas, there are many who lie about U.S. foreign policy, not because they are afraid of persecution by the government but because their careers will suffer. People have been fired for getting out of line on the line.Sputnik: President Biden is holding the Summit for Democracy and praising his support for the free press. Do you think he might grant Assange a pardon in the event that the Wikileaks founder is extradited to the US, or this is an unlikely scenario?Lucy Komisar: Biden is in a long tradition of US presidents whose hypocrisy about human rights know no limits. As an example, I once asked Patt Derian, President Carters human rights secretary, if she was going to write a book about Carters human rights policy and actions. She said, That would be a very short book! American presidents talk a lot, do little.A pardon depends on the political climate. Unfortunately, its very hawkish across political lines. Or cowardly. Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the highest profile progressives, have been silent on Assange. A pardon would depend on massive protests by ordinary people. It could happen, but not without that kind of pressure.Sputnik: Why, in your view, has the American mainstream not been particularly interested in covering the Assange case?Lucy Komisar: Assanges revelations are indictments of American war crimes, to which American foreign policy is tightly linked, and has been for at least a century. The mainstream media is an arm of the U.S. military-industrial-congressional and even think tank complex. Most fall into lockstep on major Deep State issues. Assange is an embarrassment for some media, put apparently not hard to overcome.

https://sputniknews.com/20211210/assanges-friend-on-uk-high-court-decision-taking-away-hope-of-justice-is-the-beginning-of-fascism--1091423483.html

Nevi'im Julian Assange is martyred for the Truth in journalism and politics. He needs maximum support now to defeat the MSM and Deep State and bring it to real justice! 4

Hess Ms Komisar is right on many issues. However, Assange is very well used as an insrtrument to bully and intimidate anyone who dares to criticise or expose US-Western terror and war crimes around the world. Assange torture is a reminder: "Don't step out of the line". 3

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julian assange, opinion, us, australia, interview, espionage act, imprisonment, uk
https://sputniknews.com/20211211/biden-calls-deadly-tornadoes-in-five-us-states-unimaginable-tragedy--1091442938.html

Biden Calls Deadly Tornadoes 'Unimaginable Tragedy' as at Least 70 Confirmed Dead in Kentucky

Biden Calls Deadly Tornadoes 'Unimaginable Tragedy' as at Least 70 Confirmed Dead in Kentucky

US President Joe Biden called the deadly tornadoes that swept across parts of the country an "unimaginable tragedy."

2021-12-11T15:23+0000

2021-12-11T15:23+0000

2021-12-13T09:57+0000

joe biden

us

tragedy

tornado

deadly tornadoes in us

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https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/0c/0b/1091443948_0:135:3000:1823_1920x0_80_0_0_837d7eae03cc7dd05967b9422911831d.jpg

US President Joe Biden called the deadly tornadoes that swept across parts of the country an "unimaginable tragedy." POTUS took to Twitter to say what it is being done to help the survivors and assess the damage.Biden has also ordered federal resources to be allocated immediately to the worst-hit locations.This comes after over 30 tornadoes were reported in at least five US states from Arkansas to Kentucky on Friday and Saturday. In Kentucky, at least 70 people have died as a result of a wave of tornadoes, Governor Andy Beshear said. The roof of a candle factory collapsed in Mayfield, resulting in "mass casualties," he said. Earlier, he said his state had experienced "one of the toughest nights in Kentucky history." The governor added that a 7 p.m. curfew has been imposed across the state after the tornadoes and 189 National Guard personnel were deployed to the worst-hit areas. The White House said that President Biden talked to the Kentucky Governor.The storm also partially destroyed an Amazon warehouse in Illinois, leaving around 100 employees trapped inside. A local police spokesperson reportedly said there were "confirmed fatalities" at the warehouse but did not specify.At least one person reportedly died when a tornado hit a nursing home in the Arkansas town of Monette, a county official said. Another person also died in the state, local media reports said.According to PowerOutage.com, about 200,000 homes in Kentucky and Tennessee were left without power.

keyboardcosmetics Dear USA: Your 9.11 is our every day... thank you, Usrael Occupied Palestine. 7

armor Mr. Biden, Nature and Providence are showing you and all the deep-staters and super rich elites and Pentagon and CIA etc etc etc that there is a price to pay....that you must withdraw from Syria, chop chop, from Iraq chop chop and leave the ME. You are not wanted, you are not welcome AND NEVER INVITED THERE. Go HOME and stay there. The multi-polar is here to stay, YOU may be allowed to join but not on your conditions: remember that. Us of Na leaders, show some humility, a cardinal virtue, and you would be o.k. Sort of. 5

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Sofia Chegodaeva

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joe biden, us, tragedy, tornado
https://sputniknews.com/20211211/china-says-us-using-democracy-as-weapon-of-mass-destruction-to-meddle-in-others-affairs-1091445295.html

China Says US Using Democracy as Weapon of Mass Destruction to Meddle in Others Affairs

China Says US Using Democracy as Weapon of Mass Destruction to Meddle in Others Affairs

US President Joe Biden hosted a two-day virtual Summit for Democracy on Thursday and Friday, sparking consternation from countries not invited to the... 11.12.2021, Sputnik International

2021-12-11T18:24+0000

2021-12-11T18:24+0000

2021-12-11T18:24+0000

united states

china

weapons of mass destruction (wmd)

summit

democracy

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https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/02/0b/1082049363_0:140:2687:1651_1920x0_80_0_0_ed7b8c4934cf65905175bc1c9d511d3d.jpg

The recently concluded Summit for Democracy was an attempt to thwart democracy under the pretext of democracy, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement published Saturday.The international gathering, which did not include officials from China, Russia, Iran, Venezuela, Syria, Serbia, Turkey, Hungary and other countries, served to incite division and confrontation, and divert attention from [Americas] internal problems, and as an attempt to preserve [Washingtons] hegemony over the world, according to Beijing.Accusing Washington of seeking to impose its political system and values on others, the Foreign Ministry said that US pressure on nations to institute so-called democratic reforms abuse unilateral sanctions and incite colour revolutions, had caused disastrous consequences for nations around the world.Unfortunately, the statement noted, Washington continues to try to divide the world into democratic and non-democratic camps based on its criteria. Such efforts, Beijing warned, will only bring greater turmoil and disaster to the world, and face strong condemnation and opposition from the international community.Suggesting that democracy is the right of the people of all countries, and that each nation should have the right to chose its own path to democratic governance without this choice being imposed by a handful of finger-pointing outsiders, the foreign ministry said that the US could not claim to serve as a beacon of democracy for others, and that American-style democracy is full of malaises.Problems like money [in] politics, identify politics, partisanship, political polarization, social division, racial tension, and [the] wealth gap are getting worse. The American-style democracy is a money-based game for the rich. Ninety-one percent of congressional elections are won by candidates with greater financial support. It is one person one vote in name, but rule of the minority elite in reality. The general public are wooed when their votes are wanted but get ignored once the election is over, the ministry alleged.The US-hosted two day virtual Summit on Democracy wrapped up on Friday.The summit was criticized by officials from Russia and China, two major powers who were not invited to the event. On Thursday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused the US and its allies of arbitrarily creating situational coalitions and attempting to imbue them with the right to speak on behalf of the entire world. Lavrov suggested such a selfish approach does little to improve mutual trust, or solve issues affecting all countries, including terrorism, transnational crime, climate change and shortages of fresh water.The summit took place against the background of a ruling of a London high court Friday allowing WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to be extradited to the United States, where he faces up to 175 years in prison under charges under the Espionage Act for the crime of leaking information exposing US war crimes in Iraq.

https://sputniknews.com/20180106/us-human-rights-rhetoric-regime-change-1060559233.html

https://sputniknews.com/20211211/ex-un-expert-bidens-summit-for-democracy-is-sheer-hypocrisy-amid-us-effort-to-persecute-assange-1091443360.html

https://sputniknews.com/20211209/biden-corrects-declaration-of-independence-during-his-summit-for-democracy-address-1091398102.html

vot tak Everything about israeloamericans way of running their fiefdoms is weaponized. They don't practice democracy. They practice oligarchy. Intially feudal, its now more extreme as fascist. 7

Preterist-ADSeventy The Democracy of the US is a dictatorship. The US was founded as a Republic. Members of Congress and the President had Term Limits which would prevent a dictatorship from forming. Todays Congressional members do not represent their constituents. They represent themselves and their masters with their main concern being retaining their seats in Congress. 7

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Ilya Tsukanov

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Ilya Tsukanov

united states, china, weapons of mass destruction (wmd), summit, democracy
https://sputniknews.com/20211211/cummings-says-pics-of-alleged-lockdown-breaching-n-10-parties-exist-will-inevitably-get-out-1091432872.html

Cummings Says Pics of Alleged Lockdown-Breaching No 10 Parties Exist, Will Inevitably Get Out'

Cummings Says Pics of Alleged Lockdown-Breaching No 10 Parties Exist, Will Inevitably Get Out'

Dominic Ciummings, former Downing Street chief adviser, has claimed that that there exist pictures from last years lockdown-breaching Christmas parties at No 10.

2021-12-11T05:36+0000

2021-12-11T05:36+0000

2021-12-11T05:59+0000

boris johnson

uk

dominic cummings

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Dominic Cummings, former Downing Street chief adviser, has claimed that that there exist pictures from last years lockdown-breaching Christmas parties at No 10.Cummings, who himself had been mired in controversy over perceived double standards after travelling to Durham from London during lockdown in spring 2020, went on Twitter to claim that there was footage from the alleged Downing street parties, which will "inevitably get out." Cummings, who was forced to resign last November after losing a Downing Street power wrangle, also alleged, in a Q&A session with subscribers to his blog on his Substack page, that UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson knew about an alleged party on 18 December, but did not attend it himself.The ex-No 10 political strategist also claimed Johnson had been lying when answering questions about the alleged parties at PMs Questions and at press conferences in recent days.There were invites sent across Whitehall, it was an organised party, Cummings insisted, while also denying he was the source of the ITV News-leaked bombshell video which showed adviser Allegra Stratton, who has since resigned, joking about the illicit festive party.Dominic Cummings also suggested that Jack Doyle, Boris Johnson's director of communications, would become the fall guy for the party scandal. Doyle, then the PMs press secretary, is alleged to have made a speech addressing the almost 50 people gathered at the 18 December party, and handed out awards to them.Cummings concluded by predicting the PM would be gone before the next election ... probably summer.The claims made by Dominic Cummings add to a barrage of pressure Boris Johnson has been facing over the nature of last years reported Christmas gatherings in Downing Street during a time of heightened COVID-19 restrictions.The Mirror first reported about the 18 December 2020 Downing Street Christmas party with allegedly food, drinks and games continuing past midnight.Later, a video obtained by ITV News and dated 22 December 2020 showed a rehearsal for a TV media briefing four days after the alleged party took place.Senior aides are heard jokingly referring to a "business meeting" and a "cheese and wine" event at a time when coronavirus restrictions banned mixing indoors between households.The PM told MPs at PMQs on Wednesday he was "furious" at the footage and apologised for it. However, he stated he had been "repeatedly assured" no such gathering took place.Allegra Stratton announced her resignation later that day. Jack Doyles resignation was reportedly rejected, with the PM's spokesman saying he has full confidence in Doyle, according to the BBC.Boris Johnson has instructed Cabinet Secretary Simon Case to investigate the alleged Christmas party in No 10 on 18 December, along with two other events: a leaving do for aide Cleo Watson on 27 November, which Johnson is said to have attended, and a Department for Education (DfE) gathering on 10 December. All the events took place last year.Photos of the Downing Street party, where staff were allegedly dressed in Christmas jumpers, may be handed over to Simon Case along with WhatsApp messages believed to reference alcohol available at the event, according to the Mail.Treasurys Wine& Beer BashAmong the latest revelations, government sources cited by The Times have claimed that some two dozen Treasury staff gathered for a party with wine and beer on 25 November to celebrate Chancellor Rishi Sunak's spending review during lockdown.At the time of the alleged party, restrictions set in place to curb the spread of the coronavirus advised people to remain at home unless exercising or out to shop for food. Non-essential shops, bars and restaurants were closed throughout that period.It was added that Rishi Sunak did not attend the alleged event and had not been informed about it. A spokesman for the Treasury was cited as saying:Cabinet Secretary Simon Case will reportedly decide later whether to add the alleged Treasury party to the potentially illicit gatherings he is set to probe.Downing Street has not commented further on allegations against government staff, emphasising that an investigation is underway to establish all the facts.

https://sputniknews.com/20211210/uks-johnson-sees-popularity-hit-all-time-low-amid-christmas-party-scandal---poll-1091423721.html

R Bell Proof positive. Covid19 is an intel fake job. Its is the winter flu that has been weaponised to cover the collapse of the US dollar and coming civil war. All around the Western world scum bag politicians do not follow their own fear lies. US and Britain then Europe. WARNING .the gold standard is coming. Whos got the gold ?Russia, China, Turkey Iran, Italy and the ever subservient Germans the others have it under the bed.next to the old socialist Reds.now capitalist and cashed up. 2022 game on the shit is going down as the gold goes up. 3

Lin Wren Did the Germany get their gold back from USA? Dont think they did. 1

3

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https://sputniknews.com/20211211/did-us-learn-cuban-missile-crisis-lesson-right--could-moscow-and-washington-avert-its-repetition-1091425391.html

Did US Learn Cuban Missile Crisis Lesson Right & Could Moscow and Washington Avert Its Repetition?

Did US Learn Cuban Missile Crisis Lesson Right & Could Moscow and Washington Avert Its Repetition?

The Biden-Putin talks will not spell an end to Washington's false narrative of a Russian "scare" and Moscow's alleged intention to "invade" its post-Soviet... 11.12.2021, Sputnik International

2021-12-11T14:00+0000

2021-12-11T14:00+0000

2021-12-11T14:00+0000

cuba

nikita khrushchev

john f. kennedy

world

us

russia

opinion

ukraine

donbass

nuclear missiles

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Vladimir Putin and Joe Biden held a video conference on 7 December following weeks of US mainstream media hysteria over what they called Russia's "imminent invasion" of Ukraine. Despite Moscow having repeatedly shredded the claim as nonsensical, President Biden went on outlining possible sanctions and threatening a further US-NATO military buildup in Ukraine if Russian troops "invade" its Eastern European neighbour.Warning Biden against pinning the blame for the regional tension on Russia, Putin reiterated this thesis about Russia's "red lines" with regard to Ukraine's NATO membership and requested legally-binding guarantees that the transatlantic alliance will not expand eastwards.Spheres of Influence: Rules for Thee but Not for MePrior to the high-profile talks between Biden and Putin, Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the US would not recognise Russia's "sphere of influence" in its post-Soviet neighbourhood, calling it a thing of the past.Blinken is not the only US secretary of state to have defied the "sphere of influence" concept: in September 2008, then Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice described a new world "in which great power is defined not by spheres of influence . . . or the strong imposing their will on the weak". In July 2010, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton stated that "the United States does not recognise spheres of influence."These statements do not mean, however, that Washington does not maintain its own spheres of influence in various parts of the world, says Dr. Paul Craig Roberts, ex-assistant secretary of the treasury under Ronald Reagan and former member of the Cold War Committee on the Present Danger.Washington's approach, however, is fraught with the risk of a new Cuban Missile Crisis-style deadlock in Europe, according to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov."We are offering an alternative [to a repeat of a Cuban Missile Crisis-style event] - the non-deployment of these kinds of weapons near our borders, the withdrawal of forces and assets which destabilise the situation, a rejection of provocative measures, including various drills. But we need guarantees, and the guarantees must be legal," Ryabkov told Sputnik on 10 December.Remarkably, the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 occurred as a result of Washington's defiance of the Soviet Union's "red lines" amid the Cold War. In January 2013, The Atlantic published an article called "The Real Cuban Missile Crisis" by Benjamin Schwarz. Schwarz quoted historian Sheldon M. Stern who had access to recordings that Kennedy secretly made of meetings with his top advisers, the Executive Committee of the National Security Council (the ExComm). According to the historian, "John F. Kennedy and his administration, without question, bore a substantial share of the responsibility for the onset of the Cuban missile crisis."The Atlantic's Schwarz noted that having assumed the office in 1961 JFK ordered "the largest peacetime expansion of Americas military power, and specifically the colossal growth of its strategic nuclear forces."Some American senators such as Albert Gore Sr. admitted at that time that the deployment of Jupiters had been nothing short of a "provocation." According to the journalist, a plethora of scholars came to the conclusion that Jupiter missiles were "a key reason for [Soviet leader Nikita] Khrushchevs decision to send nuclear missiles to Cuba." Yet another reason was CIA's Operation Mongoose against the Cuban leadership authorised by Kennedy in November 1961. The Mongoose Op came on the heels of the botched Bay of Pigs Invasion of April 1961.Following a tense standoff between Moscow and Washington, the US agreed to Khrushchev's quid-pro-quo proposal to remove Jupiter missiles from Turkey in exchange for the Soviet Union's dismantling its rockets in Cuba, according to documents which were de-classified in the late 1980s. Schwarz noted that JFK concealed the US-Soviet swap from the American public and peddled a false story of the USSR "blinking first" and removing its rockets unconditionally.US Won't Eradicate Tensions Which It Itself Created in UkraineFollowing the high-profile talks, mixed signals started coming from Washington. On the one hand, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan stressed that Biden had not accepted Moscow's red lines on Ukraine's NATO membership and US military presence in the region. On the other hand, the US president hinted on Wednesday at a potential Russia-NATO summit to discuss Moscow's concerns. Furthermore, the Associated Press reported that senior State Department officials had told Ukraine that NATO membership is unlikely to be approved in the next decade.According to Dr. Roberts, one should not delude oneself into believing that the US is interested in reducing tensions over Ukraine which Washington has itself created.Russia is Washington's "enemy of choice" and the "Russian threat" is the basis for the American Empire, according to Dr. Roberts: "It is the justification for the $1,000 billion US military/security complex and for NATO which gives Washington a hold over Europe," he stresses."The Putin-Biden talk will not end the allegation that Russia is preparing to invade Ukraine," the former official says. "Washington is totally opposed to curbing the orchestrated hysteria over Russia's intent to invade Ukraine. Washington created the hysteria for Washington's purpose of scaring Europeans so they would agree to Washington incorporating Ukraine into NATO. Have Russians forgotten that Washington overthrew the elected Ukrainian government for the purpose of creating difficulties for Russia?"Apparently, a Khrushchev-style response to the emerging "Cuban Missile Crisis 2.0" in Ukraine would have made Washington scale back its provocative campaign, according to Dr. Roberts.

https://sputniknews.com/20211113/what-goals-are-dc--kiev-pursuing-by-peddling-story-of-russias-imminent-invasion-of-ukraine-1090707195.html

https://sputniknews.com/20211210/moscow-offering-us-nato-alternative-to-new-cuban-missile-crisis-scenario-foreign-ministry-says-1091417821.html

https://sputniknews.com/20211209/putin-what-is-happening-in-donbass-resembles-a-genocide-1091396012.html

WhatTheFishIsThis Needed, Tit for Tat Reasons Broadcasted To US Public (Be Complacent and Complicit at your own Peril) .. MORE Poseidons, Nuclear Attack Submarines Off US Coasts, Avangards and Nuclear tipped Zircons on Frigates, Kinzals, Sarmat Missiles.. Exaggerate numbers too and freak them out .. ROFL 6

Wayne Gabler When JFK refused to invade Cuba the World Bank had him shot. If he would not invade Cuba, he certainly wouldn't have gone to war against Vietnam based on the false flag know as the 'Gulf of Tonkin' event. 4

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Ekaterina Blinova

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Ekaterina Blinova

cuba, nikita khrushchev, john f. kennedy, world, us, russia, opinion, ukraine, donbass, nuclear missiles, cuban missile crisis of 1962, nato, missile defence
https://sputniknews.com/20211211/ex-envoy-russia-believes-pakistan-right-conduit-to-approach-taliban-ties-with-india-still-strong-1091419620.html

Ex-Envoy: Russia Believes Pakistan 'Right Conduit' to Approach Taliban, Ties With India Still Strong

Ex-Envoy: Russia Believes Pakistan 'Right Conduit' to Approach Taliban, Ties With India Still Strong

While New Delhi has repeatedly expressed concerns over what it calls Pakistan-backed terrorist groups gaining a foothold in Taliban*-controlled Afghanistan, Moscow has been worried about extremist activity from Afghanistan spilling over into central Asia.

2021-12-11T15:10+0000

2021-12-11T15:10+0000

2021-12-11T15:16+0000

afghanistan

central asia

russia

vladimir putin

china

afghanistan

taliban

pakistan

india

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The ongoing situation in Afghanistan was one of the main areas of discussions between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin during the 21st Annual Summit between the two leaders in New Delhi on 7 December.Shringla also said that there was a lot of emphasis on counter-terrorism during the Modi-Putin meeting, the first between the two leaders since September 2019.I think you will find that there was fairly a joint sense on how to deal with terrorist entities such as ISIS** [Daesh in Arabic], al-Qaeda**, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and other entities that are functioning in our neighbourhood, he stated.While the Talibans victory in Afghanistan has prompted India to all but end its diplomatic presence in the Central Asian nation, Russia is looking to step up its role as a net security provider in the region. In the process, Moscow has been increasing its official engagements with Islamabad, be it under the "Extended Troika" format or on a bilateral level.Pakistan has repeatedly expressed reservations over New Delhi's involvement in Afghanistan, calling it a "spoiler". Islamabad has even accused New Delhi of supporting terrorist groups against Pakistan in Afghanistan under the Ashraf Ghani administration.On the other hand, several observers in India have expressed unease over growing Pakistan-Russia ties.Sputnik spoke to former Indian Ambassador Anil Trigunayat on Russia's emerging security dynamics in the region. Trigunayat is currently a Distinguished Fellow at New Delhi-based think tank Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF).Edited excerpts:Sputnik: How do you view Russia's policy towards Afghanistan after the US troop withdrawal?Ambassador Anil Trigunayat: Both India and Russia have suffered from the consequences of terrorism in their own ways. In Indias case, most of this terrorist activity has been perpetrated as cross-border terrorism, with the backing of the Pakistani deep state [a reference to Pakistani security and intelligence agencies Delhi believes back anti-India terrorist groupings].Moscow very well understands Indias concerns vis-a-vis terrorism and comments to zero tolerance for terrorism. This commitment has been repeatedly reflected in bilateral statements as well as interactions between India and Russia in multilateral groupings such as Russia-India-China (RIC), BRICS or the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) for that matter.The strong commitment against terrorism has also been institutionalized in the overall bilateral relationship now.So, both India and Russia are seeking assurances from the Taliban that it will adhere to the red lines drawn by them and the international community in general when it comes to the fight against terrorism.Sputnik: Are Russia and India on the same page as far as their respective strategies in Afghanistan are concerned? Is potential terrorist activity emanating from Afghanistan the biggest challenge for both nations now?Ambassador Trigunayat: India did not believe in the good Taliban and bad Taliban. Despite Russias contacts with the Taliban, the group still remains a proscribed one under Russian law.Sputnik: How do you view the growing defence and economic ties between Russia and Pakistan? Is it a cause of concern for India, given Pakistan has described New Delhi as a spoiler in Afghanistan and is suspicious of its intentions there?Ambassador Trigunayat: In my view, Russia's outreach to Pakistan is driven by at least three factors.Secondly, given the prevailing geopolitics and contests, it makes sense for Moscow to side with Beijing, which in turn is closely aligning its Afghanistan policy with that of Pakistan.Thirdly, an evolving world order, in which India is growing closer to the US, could also have prompted Moscow to show more openness towards Islamabad.I would also say that India also provides Russia with a strategic balancing pivot in its geopolitical and economic contests with the West as well as China.Besides, Moscow very well acknowledges Indias developmental contributions in Afghanistan over the last two decades. It also views India playing a potential role in the betterment of Afghanistan, against the backdrop of an impending humanitarian crisis. Thats why Russia has agreed to create a high-level mechanism to coordinate its position on Afghanistan with India as we go forward.Sputnik: How crucial is stability in Afghanistan from Russia's perspective?Ambassador Trigunayat: I think that Russia wants a stable Afghanistan otherwise it may again generate greater power games for which there is less appetite on all sides.The Central Asian region has been Russias backyard and Moscow would definitely be wary of the threats from terrorist groups gaining ground in Afghanistan as well as the prospect of increased drug trafficking from Afghanistan into central, south and west Asia. The terror activity could easily spill over in central Asia close to Russias borders.*Organization is under UN sanctions over terrorist activities** Terrorist organisation banned in Russia and many other countries

https://sputniknews.com/20211206/from-trade-to-space-cooperation-highlights-of-putin-modi-talks-at-21st-india-russia-annual-summit-1091289666.html

https://sputniknews.com/20210917/sco-summit-putin-calls-for-common-line-on-afghanistan-in-wake-of-us-flight-1089150825.html

https://sputniknews.com/20210528/russia-pakistan-ink-deal-to-build-pakistan-stream-gas-pipeline-1083021754.html

https://sputniknews.com/20210823/resistance-to-taliban-may-result-in-long-term-civil-war-in-afghanistan-csto-says-1083692402.html

central asia

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Dhairya Maheshwari

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Dhairya Maheshwari

central asia, russia, vladimir putin, china, afghanistan, taliban, pakistan, india
https://sputniknews.com/20211211/ex-tory-minister-raped-and-abused-his-mp-wife-using-coercive-controlling-behaviour-rules-court-1091436416.html

Ex-Tory Minister Raped And Abused His MP Wife Using Coercive, Controlling Behaviour', Rules Court

Ex-Tory Minister Raped And Abused His MP Wife Using Coercive, Controlling Behaviour', Rules Court

Former Conservative minister Andrew Griffiths is found to have raped and abused his ex-wife during their marriage, a UK high court has revealed.

2021-12-11T10:16+0000

2021-12-11T10:16+0000

2021-12-11T10:21+0000

mp

uk

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Former Conservative minister Andrew Griffiths is found to have raped and abused his ex-wife during their marriage, a UK high court has revealed. In a judgement by a family court judge at a private trial, published on Friday, Griffiths is detailed to have raped his former spouse Kate Griffiths, now the Conservative MP for Burton, Staffordshire, when she was asleep on a number of occasions, while also physically assaulting and verbally abusing her to ensure she submitted to his sexual demands. Judge Elizabeth Williscroft concluded that Andrew Griffiths used coercive and controlling behaviour, hitting his spouse, pushing her into a wall, spitting at her and throwing a tray of food over her. He is also said to have threatened to make her homeless or leave her without financial means. All these allegations were previously vehemently denied by Andrew Griffiths, who had previously been embroiled in a sex scandal involving sending "depraved" messages to two women constituents. Abusive Marriage Kate Griffiths originally laid out the allegations against her estranged husband in a Family Court case in 2019 in Derby. A judge had been overseeing an application by Andrew Griffiths arguing for improved child visitation rights to his daughter. The couple, who had a daughter, had separated in 2018. Kate Griffiths had objected and testified that her husband had subjected her to repeated rape and physical and sexual abuse, requesting the judge to make findings of fact. While ruling the findings in favour of Ms Griffiths, the judge had decided at the time that they should not be made public to protect the child at the heart of the dispute. However, after two journalists, which included one from the PA news agency, learned about the case and argued that the public had a right to know the findings, a more senior High Court judge ruled that the couple be named. A Judge based in the Family Division of the High Court heard the journalists application, supported by Kate Griffiths herself, at a private hearing in London and ruled in their favour. Andrew Griffiths challenged this ruling and asked Court of Appeal judges to consider the case. On 10 December three appeal judges dismissed the ex-ministers appeal, deciding that original findings of the case could be made public. Kate Griffiths welcomed the decision.She did not clarify whether any criminal complaint had been made. When appearing in court, Andrew Griffiths had insisted that events dating to his childhood had caused a breakdown. These claims were similar to those Griffiths had used in his defence after he was reported to have bombarded a 28-year-old barmaid and her friend with lewd comments over social media. On 14 July 2018, the Sunday Mirror reported that Griffiths had sent almost 2,000 sexually explicit texts to the women in question. In the wake of the ensuing scandal, he quit his ministerial position and was suspended by the Conservative Party. In an interview with the The Sunday Times in November 2018 Griffiths said that the texts were "the result of my mental breakdown" following a "battle with my own mental health". The latter was reportedly due to his being allegedly abused at the age of eight by a fifteen-year-old boy. In late 2018 Griffiths had his Tory whip restored in a move that was broadly censured. Griffiths was subsequently cleared of breaching the House of Commons' code of conduct by the parliamentary standards watchdog. In November 2019, Andrew Griffiths stepped down as an MP saying he would back his wife to succeed him. Kate Griffiths was subsequently elected as Tory MP for Burton in East Staffordshire.

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Svetlana Ekimenko

Svetlana Ekimenko

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https://sputniknews.com/20211211/ex-un-expert-bidens-summit-for-democracy-is-sheer-hypocrisy-amid-us-effort-to-persecute-assange-1091443360.html

Ex-UN Expert: Biden's 'Summit for Democracy' is Sheer Hypocrisy Amid US Effort to Persecute Assange

Ex-UN Expert: Biden's 'Summit for Democracy' is Sheer Hypocrisy Amid US Effort to Persecute Assange

On Human Rights Day, a British court ruled to that WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange can be extradited to the US where he might face a decades-long prison term... 11.12.2021, Sputnik International

2021-12-11T17:19+0000

2021-12-11T17:19+0000

2021-12-11T17:19+0000

julian assange

joe biden

world

us

opinion

human rights

democracy

wikileaks

uk

us wins appeal to extradite assange

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https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e4/09/17/1080549483_0:151:1600:1051_1920x0_80_0_0_7f5d9fe9150e45bfc14d91b9634220f9.jpg

US President Joe Biden on 9-10 December held the first virtual "Summit for Democracy" which brought together over 100 nations. While Biden was weighing down on the necessity of protecting basic human rights and freedoms, on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean the UK green-lighted WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange extradition to the US. If extradited, Assange will face espionage charges that could put him in jail for decades for exposing bombshell documents detailing the US military misconduct and apparent war crimes in Iraq and Afghanistan.'Persecution of Journalists is Incompatible With Democratic Governance'De Zayas has criticised the countries involved in the summit for attending and not speaking out in Assange's defence. According to the retired UN expert, Western democracies' silence about the persecution of the WikiLeaks founder "completely delegitimises" them."Assange did what every journalist does  inform people, publish information that we have a right to know," de Zayas highlights. "As an American, I am embarrassed that it is my country that is putting up this extravaganza. As a practising Christian, I wish that the United States would start by repairing US democracy rather than dictating to others what to do. We should first sweep at our own doorstep."Assange's Extradition to US Spells Danger to Journalistic ProfessionDe Zayas argues that the UK court's decision to allow Assange's extradition to the US contradicts "fundamental principles of non-refoulment and contravenes the Geneva Convention, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Convention Against Torture and the European Convention on Human Rights."In his book Der Fall Julian Assange (Piper, Munich), Melzer details the corruption of the rule of law in the US, UK, Sweden and Ecuador exposing multiple violations of the ICCPR by the aforementioned states. "Moreover, the collusion among countries that are all States parties to the ICCPR is hard to swallow, because all of these countries pay lip service to human rights," the ex-UN expert notes.However, it's not only Julian Assange whose rights have been violated, according to de Zayas: "It is the right of all of us to know what crimes have been committed, our right to demand accountability from our democratically elected leaders."De Zayas warns that "the journalistic profession is under frontal attack." No journalist can now feel safe after the US was given the green light to extradite an Australian citizen by the British court, therefore creating a dangerous legal precedent.Australian MPs have recently demanded Prime Minister Scott Morrison intervene in the case of Assange, according to The Guardian. For his part, independent MP Andrew Wilkie called upon the Australian premier to end this lunacy and demand Washington and London release Assange. De Zayas notes that many non-governmental organisations have also joined their voices to demand Assanges release.US Will Silence Assange One Way or the OtherMeanwhile, Assange's fiancee Stella Moris said that the WikiLeaks founder intended to appeal the latest court's ruling. De Zayas explains that the lower British court's ruling had copped out by deciding that Assange should not be extradited only on grounds of his ill health and mental condition.However, the 10 December "disgraceful ruling" pretends that, after all, Assanges health "is not all that bad," the ex-UN expert notes, adding that "what still remains to be decided on appeal is whether it is at all possible to extradite a person who faces continued persecution and mental torture from the US."At the same time, de Zayas expects yet another travesty on the part of Western authorities: they may try to keep Assange bottled up in Belmarsh as long as possible. And this is fraught with serious risks for the WikiLeaks founder given his poor health, according to the former UN expert.It appears that the US establishment wants to punish Julian Assange so severely that no future whistleblower will ever dare do what Assange did, de Zayas notes, stressing that this directly contradicts all democratic values.According to de Zayas, notwithstanding all the propaganda about the US as a democratic country, history demonstrates a consistent pattern of cruelty toward the Native Americans, toward the Afro-Americans, toward Latin American immigrants, and those who dare to speak the truth. At the same time, rich and powerful are enjoying total impunity for committing what could be qualified by the International Criminal Court (ICC) as crimes of aggression, war crimes, and crimes against humanity, the former UN official concludes.

https://sputniknews.com/20211102/world-desperately-needs-whistleblowers-as-big-media-big-tech-curbing-free-speech-ex-un-expert-says-1090422280.html

https://sputniknews.com/20210928/could-report-on-cia-plot-to-kill-assange-help-wikileaks-founder-evade-extradition-to-us-1089493264.html

https://sputniknews.com/20210629/ex-un-official-if-assange-were-found-dead-id-suspect-extrajudicial-execution-cia-is-known-for-1083268080.html

https://sputniknews.com/20210817/from-vietnam-to-afghanistan-us-leaves-deserts-behind-and-calls-it-peace-ex-un-expert-says-1083636590.html

brett connor As we are prepped and brainwashed for the next war. This is a message to the press of what will happen unless they just whack ya in the first place. The real casualty of war is the truth. 5

MichaelAngelus DEMOCRACY? ... HOW ABOUT? ... Skillfully Controlled Dictatorship? .. Thoughts, Opinions and even Feelings, are carefully Formed via Adept Behavioral Modification Processes .. VIA? .. Laws and MSM (including The Arts). ... Realities and Thoughts which are Contrarian to The "Narrative" - are Blocked.. .. THUS? .. Making it Easier to Get LIES Swallowed! ... Add in Planned Poverty/Hunger ... Makes it easier to make people TO OBEY! ... THE FOCUS? .. COVID! ... (Used to be - TRUMP!) ... It's a 2-Party System Masquerading as a 1-Party System.. .. AS IN - Controlled Opposition! .. 4

6

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Ekaterina Blinova

Ekaterina Blinova

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https://sputniknews.com/20211211/india-set-to-begin-supplying-workforce-for-russian-shipyards-construction-sites-from-april-2022-1091417012.html

India Set to Begin Supplying Workforce for Russian Shipyards, Construction Sites from April 2022

India Set to Begin Supplying Workforce for Russian Shipyards, Construction Sites from April 2022

India and Russia have signed 28 agreements or memorandums of understanding (MoU) during the 21st India-Russia Annual Summit held between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 6 December. These agreements cover various sectors, including trade, energy, culture, intellectual property, manpower, education, etc.

2021-12-11T06:48+0000

2021-12-11T06:48+0000

2021-12-11T06:49+0000

unemployment

salaries

job

narendra modi

construction

russia

vladimir putin

shipyard

manpower report

india

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Among the agreements and MoUs that were signed on the margins of the 21st India-Russia Summit, there was one, related to global "talent migration", between India's Magic Billion and Russia's Volshebny Milliard.Magic Billion, established in 2018 by Basab and Aditi Banerjee, is a management consulting firm which supplies skilled workers from India to overseas markets.Located in the northwestern Russian city of Murmansk, Volshebny Milliard works in data processing, hosting, and related services industries.Basab Banerjee, the co-founder of Magic Billion, has shared the details of the MoU that the Russian company, Volshebny Milliard, signed with his firm, with Sputnik.Sputnik: Magic Billion signed an agreement during the 21st Annual Summit on 6 December. Can you shed some light on its details?Basab Banerjee: Russia has a shortage of trained workforce in various sectors. With India growing its trained and certified training pool, Russian employers are looking with great interest at Indian talent. This MoU is signed to commence the process of bringing in Indian Talent to Russian shipyards, construction sites, Agriculture, and the Oil & Gas Sectors. We have signed a few more MoUs with Russian employers, and some more are in the pipeline.Sputnik: Indian firms complain about a shortage of skilled manpower. Do you think you will find people as per the requirement of the Russian market, and what will be the selection process?Basab Banerjee: There is no shortage of trained manpower in India. What we lack is a Labour Market Information System (LMIS) which allows employers and potential employees to connect with each other. Through various job portals, the Government of India is trying to do this matchmaking.For sending Indian professionals to Russia, or to any other country, we follow an elaborate system called 360-degree engagement. It starts from mapping competencies for each job role required by employers, aligning it to Indian talent skills, designing a training programme to cover the gaps, training and certifying the Indian workers through the Government of India's Skill India Programme, testing by the employer and finally the entire visa process for the dispatch of the workers.Sputnik: By when can we see the first batch being supplied? And is there any estimate as to how many people you require annually?Basab Banerjee: The first (batch of) Indian workers are likely to be in Russia in April 2022, after going through shortlisting, training, selection and visa processing. Annually, through this MoU, we should be sending 2,000 Indian Professionals to Russia.Sputnik: India has signed such an agreement with Japan as well. How will this be different, and does the strict work visa regime in Russia make implementation difficult?Basab Banerjee: The Government of India is making much effort to make India the "Skill Capital of the World." We are finding that the Indian embassies across various countries are actively reaching out to employer bodies to support global talent migration from India. Each country has different requirements and processes, and we follow those protocols. The process in Russia is different, but with support from the Government of both sides, we should soon see much movement of professionals between these two countries.Sputnik: Will Russia also supply manpower in any specific sector to India?Basab Banerjee: Yes, Russia has many professionals in the areas of oil & gas, defence production, shipbuilding, and others, and such talent movement is possible in the future, as the salaries in India go up.

https://sputniknews.com/20200915/engineers-day-india-boasts-stellar-marvels-but-most-creators-struggle-with-unemployment-woes-1080459831.html

Hess Let us hope that Russia is Not using the Gulf states' model in its use of West Asian (Subcontinent) workers. 0

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unemployment, salaries, job, narendra modi, construction, russia, vladimir putin, shipyard, manpower report, india, 21st annual india-russia summit
https://sputniknews.com/20211211/it-would-be-hard-to-imagine-russia-us-become-allies-amid-current-tensions-kremlin-spokesman-says-1091439002.html

'It Would be Hard to Imagine' Russia, US as Allies Amid Current Tensions, Kremlin Spokesman Says

'It Would be Hard to Imagine' Russia, US as Allies Amid Current Tensions, Kremlin Spokesman Says

Kremlin spokesman Peskov said that considering the current tensions "it would be hard to imagine" Russia and US becoming allies.

2021-12-11T12:14+0000

2021-12-11T12:14+0000

2021-12-11T12:19+0000

kremlin

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russia

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"No, the problem is very simple. Russia is moving its forces within its territory and we can move our forces in any direction we want and closer to the areas that could pose a threat [and currently] we see US warplanes landing in Ukraine and US military equipment approaching our borders," Peskov said, when asked whether Russian President Vladimir Putin was planning to carry out an attack on Ukraine.The Kremlin spokesperson also criticised Turkey for selling its drones, which are used by Kiev in Donbass, to Ukraine.Peskov was also asked whether the United States and Russia could ever become allies, however, the spokesman noted that considering the current situation "it would be hard to imagine such a thing."Russian President Vladimir Putin held a secured telephone call with his US counterpart, Joe Biden, on 7 December, discussing the alleged gathering of Russian troops near Ukraine's borders. Bilateral relations between Russia and the US, as well as Ukraine, have deteriorated amid media reports that Russia has built up around 100,000 troops nears its border with Ukraine and accusations of planning an attack.Russia has repeatedly denied accusations of aggressive actions coming from the West and Ukraine.

https://sputniknews.com/20211209/putin-what-is-happening-in-donbass-resembles-a-genocide-1091396012.html

Alba1970 it's obvious to all with more than two braincells who the real aggressors are it's America and NATZO .... it's as if America is wanting a war/conflict with Russia ... that would not end well for anyone on this small world of ours ... America opposes peace 2

MichaelAngelus Neo-Bolsheviks Never Stop Trying to Re-Glom Russia 1

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kremlin, news, russia, ukraine, us
https://sputniknews.com/20211211/jeff-bezos-blue-origin-launches-new-shepards-19th-mission-with-michael-strahan-and-five-others-1091433562.html

Jeff Bezos Blue Origin Launches New Shepard's 19th Mission With Michael Strahan and Five Others

Jeff Bezos Blue Origin Launches New Shepard's 19th Mission With Michael Strahan and Five Others

Jeff Bezos space company Blue Origin is launching its New Shepard NS-19 space mission from the West Texas launch complex in Van Horn

2021-12-11T13:19+0000

2021-12-11T13:19+0000

2021-12-11T13:19+0000

tech

space

blue origin

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Jeff Bezos space company Blue Origin is launching its New Shepard NS-19 space mission from the West Texas launch complex in Van Horn.Six people will blast off for sub-orbit. In addition to the four tourists there will be two honoured guests: Laura Churchley, the eldest daughter of Alan Shepard, who became the first person to reach sub-orbit, as well as the host of Good Morning America, Michael Strahan.This will be the New Shepards third crewed flight this year, the sixth for the programme in 2021, and the 19th in its history.On 20 July 2021, Blue Origin's New Shepard successfully completed its first suborbital flight, with passengers on board. Among them was Bezos himself.Follow Sputnik's Live Feed to Find Out More!

keyboardcosmetics Most would wish Bezon to launch himself and stay there. He is valued at $221 billion, treats employees worse than plantation slaves, and rips his suppliers off. Can't wait for an alternative online POD book seller. 0

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Jeff Bezos Blue Origin Launches New Shepard's 19th Mission With Michael Strahan and Five Others Jeff Bezos Blue Origin Launches New Shepard's 19th Mission With Michael Strahan and Five Others 2021-12-11T13:19+0000 true PT144M01S

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tech, space, blue origin, 
https://sputniknews.com/20211211/kim-kardashian-files-docs-to-become-officially-unmarried-asap-just-after-kanye-begged-her-to-stay-1091431746.html

Kim Kardashian Files Docs to Become Officially Unmarried ASAP, Just After Kanye Begged Her to Stay

Kim Kardashian Files Docs to Become Officially Unmarried ASAP, Just After Kanye Begged Her to Stay

Kim Kardashian Wants to Become Unmarried as Soon as Possible After Kanye Begged Her to Stay

2021-12-11T03:43+0000

2021-12-11T03:43+0000

2021-12-11T03:43+0000

kim kardashian

kanye west

viral

divorce

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American socialite Kim Kardashian filed papers to become legally single, just hours after he asked her to come back to him from the stage, TMZ reported on Friday. In the legal docs, she asked the judge to separate custody and property issues from her marital status. Kim also asked to "restore" her maiden name, which means excluding West from her last name.If signed by a judge, Kardashian would become legally single.In February, Kim Kardashian filed for divorce from Kanye West, but Kanye fueled rumors that they would get back together again. In summer, he released a video for the song "Come To Life" where Kim Kardashian appeared dressed in a wedding dress. The rapper also helped Kardashian with her KKW Beauty rebrand, and later bought a luxurious mansion near his ex-wife's house.It was reported earlier that Kim Kardashian is dating comedian Pete Davidson.Meanwhile, Kanye West has admitted to being a bad husband and expressed his desire to get Kim back. He also made it clear on Thursday during a concert with Drake in Los Angeles. West sang the line from the Runaway song several times: " I need you to run right back to me. More specifically, Kimberly." Kim reportedly attended the show with two of West's children.

https://sputniknews.com/20211127/kanye-west-says-god-wants-to-bring-him-and-kim-together-again-1091059393.html

Hess What a big deal? Maybe she got lots of money, but she is Not the type. One has to be desperately stupid to ask her for a date. 2

Uninformed And there i was thinking there was no getting a Laugh from Sputnik today . 1

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Alexandra Kashirina

kim kardashian, kanye west, viral, divorce
https://sputniknews.com/20211211/kremlin-concerned-by-concentration-of-us-troops-in-greece-1091443692.html

Kremlin Concerned by Concentration of US Troops in Greece

Kremlin Concerned by Concentration of US Troops in Greece

The United States has a major military presence at the Souda Naval Base on the Greek island of Crete. In October, Athens granted the Pentagon access to... 11.12.2021, Sputnik International

2021-12-11T16:37+0000

2021-12-11T16:37+0000

2021-12-11T16:37+0000

greece

russia

united states

nato

bases

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Russia is concerned by the concentration of US forces in Greece, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said.Asked whether he believed that Greece could become hostile toward Russia, Peskov said No, never. He added, however, that Athens is bound by obligations stemming from its membership in NATO, and that this is a problem for Moscow, because the alliance continues its expansion toward Russias borders.Commenting on what reaction he hopes to see from Greece if the European Union were to slap new sanctions on Russia over the Ukraine crisis, the Kremlin spokesman said Moscow considers Athens a partner and would like to continue for relations to continue in this vein.On the issue of the sale of Russian S-400 missile systems to Turkey, Peskov suggested that they were defensive systems, unlike some of the NATO equipment being transported through Alexandropoulos.Russian President Vladimir Putin and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met in Sochi on Wednesday for talks. Putin assured his Greek counterpart that although NATO has declared Russia an adversary, Russia is not striving for any confrontations with anyone, and hopes that Greece will take a similar position.All Your Base are Belong to USTaking advantage of escalating tensions between Greece and Turkey over gas drilling rights in the Mediterranean, Washington has moved to dramatically expand defence ties with Athens in recent months, modifying the bilateral defence pact in October to grant the Pentagon access to four additional bases in the Mediterranean nation. The two countries have also been expanding the scope of joint military exercises with the Olympic Cooperation 21 drills held in November seeing US Army and Navy assets operating alongside Greek troops.Earlier this month, the US Embassy in Athens boasted the arrival of the largest shipment of US equipment in history at the Alexandropoulos port, with helicopters, drones, tanks, artillery and other gear arriving in the strategic facility, which straddles the northern edge of the Aegean Sea and is close to the Greek border with Bulgaria and Turkey. The shipments have included about a thousand combat vehicles, 120 helicopters and military personnel, with forces using the port as a staging area for drills in Romania and Bulgaria, the Balkans, and southern Europe.Greek Defence Minister Nikalaos Panayotopoulos said the facility would serve US interests in the region. At a recent NATO forum in Estonia, the minister urged NATO to respond to Russian actions and prepare for a long struggle in relations with Moscow.On Friday, the US State Department gave the nod to a $9.4 billion weapons deal to sell Greece four new Freedom-class littoral combat ship and upgrade the Mediterranean nations Hydra-class frigates. That agreement will require congressional approval before moving forward.Former Greek foreign affairs minister Nikos Kotzias slammed the current government in Athens over the expanded defence cooperation with the US, warning that the expansion of the bilateral security agreement might draw Athens into an armed conflict with Russia, China or the Arab world, and urging Greece to stick to an independent, multidimensional foreign policy in which it acts as mediator between East and West. Kotzias complained that although Athens agreement to expand the US presence was predicated on the assumption that the US would support Greece in its standoff with Turkey, the US side is actually focused on Russia.The United States security relationship with Greece in the immediate aftermath of the Second World War, with the Mediterranean nation joining NATO in 1952, the same year as Turkey, on the assumption that the two countries membership in the alliance would ease tensions between the historic enemies. Since then, Athens and the bloc have had several rough patches, with Greece pulling forces out of NATOs southern Mediterranean grouping over threats by Turkey to invade Cyprus in 1964. Athens withdrew from NATO command in 1974 after the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. In 1980, the country considered withdrawing from the alliance altogether, but reneged amid pressure from Washington.

https://sputniknews.com/20211208/putin-natos-policy-towards-russia-confrontational-1091355283.html

https://sputniknews.com/20211016/us-greek-bases-pact-signals-bid-to-pressure-turkey-dominate-east-mediterranean-1089967053.html

https://sputniknews.com/20211023/former-greek-foreign-minister-criticizes-signing-of-defence-agreements-with-france-us-1090153953.html

Steve 50% of the USA troops will be dead or disabled in 5 years if they received the mRNA shot. 5

newGeneration prepare Russia... you are being closed in on every area around your land, sea, and air.... Dont fall asleep or get fazed by the words of satan, do as you must... 5

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Ilya Tsukanov

greece, russia, united states, nato, bases
https://sputniknews.com/20211211/moscow-calls-out-us-hypocrisy-amid-reports-cia-is-planning-pivot-to-focus-on-russia-china-1091445962.html

Moscow Calls Out US Hypocrisy Amid Reports CIA is Planning Pivot to Focus on Russia, China

Moscow Calls Out US Hypocrisy Amid Reports CIA is Planning Pivot to Focus on Russia, China

On Friday, informed sources told CNN that the Central Intelligence Agency was looking to overhaul the training and management of its spy network and operations... 11.12.2021, Sputnik International

2021-12-11T19:05+0000

2021-12-11T19:05+0000

2021-12-11T19:13+0000

russia

china

cia

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Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has accused the US of hypocrisy in the wake of a CNN report on CIA plans to focus more on America's Chinese and Russian rivals.Earlier, CNN reported, citing sources said to be familiar with the situation, that after two decades focused on fighting terrorism, the spy agency was overhauling its operations to get back to the kind of traditional, quiet tradecraft needed to collect intelligence against complex nation-states, China and Russia.According to the news channel, the shift is expected to improve the CIAs intelligence-gathering capabilities in remote areas, including places seen as critical to the China mission, like West Africa, where the Peoples Republic has made significant economic investments. Agents are expected to receive improved geographic-specific training, with an emphasis on learning local languages and other knowledge necessary in a particular regional setting.The CIA is also hoping to attract more speakers of Mandarin and put more focus on human intelligence, which is described as being frustratingly poor at the moment in the Peoples Republic for a myriad of reasons.CNN did not specify how the policy shift might impact its Russia operations.The CIA launched a new China-focused mission center in October, concentrating on intelligence operations related to the Peoples Republic.The new center joined existing specialized mission centers for Korea, Africa, Europe and Eurasia (which includes Russia), the Near East, South and Central Asia, and the Western Hemisphere (including all of North and South America). The CIA also has separate mission centers specializing in counterintelligence, counterterrorism, global issues, weapons and counter-proliferation.

https://sputniknews.com/20160722/us-cia-pentagon-syria-1043483385.html

https://sputniknews.com/20170920/cia-70-anniversary-list-1057555346.html

Hess The CIA is NOT a counterterrorism organisation. It is the worlds biggest terrorism organisation. Russia and China should and must build a Guantanamo Bay-like prison for captured CIA agents involved in terrorist acts against China and Russia. 8

Steve Israeli run CIA is just another ongoing criminal organization run by our Federal Government of grifters. 5

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https://sputniknews.com/20211211/muslim-man-killed-by-lynch-mob-in-indian-state-of-bihar-for-stealing-cattle--1091432381.html

Muslim Man Killed by Lynch Mob in Indian State of Bihar For Stealing Cattle

Muslim Man Killed by Lynch Mob in Indian State of Bihar For Stealing Cattle

Despite claims by the Narendra Modi government, lynchings continue in India. Most of the attacks are waged by the so-called cow vigilantes from fringe Hindu... 11.12.2021, Sputnik International

2021-12-11T07:54+0000

2021-12-11T07:54+0000

2021-12-11T07:54+0000

bihar

muslim

muslim

india

cow

india

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A mob in the Indian state of Bihar beat a 50-year-old Muslim man to death on suspicion of stealing cattle in the Araria district, state police have said.The incident took place on 8 December in Bhavanipur, a village in the district; however, it came to light only on Friday, after which police registered a complaint against an unknown group of youths.According to the Indian newspaper Indian Express, villagers raised the alarm after they allegedly spotted men stealing buffaloes and bullocks owned by another villager. According to another police officer, S. K. Albela: "they keep getting complaints of cattle theft from the surrounding village but never mob violence.""As of now, no arrest has been made," the official added.Lynching incidents have been reported from Araria in the past. In June, a 30-year-old Muslim man was allegedly lynched by a mob in the Araria district on suspicion of theft. In 2019 and 2018, men were lynched in the district based on suspicion of cattle theft.Araria is around 300 kilometres from the state capital Patna.Cow vigilantism is well-documented across India, where Hindu groups take action against Muslims and Dalits accused of transporting, harming or slaughtering bovine animals. Hindus consider cows sacred and killing them is taboo.Sharing more specifics, a New York-based Human Rights Watch in its report said that about 280 people had been injured, leaving 44 dead (mostly Muslims) in more than 100 attacks by cow protection groups between May 2015 and December 2018. As the attacks by cow protection groups increased, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condemned vigilante violence and said killing people because of cow worship "is not acceptable".

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bihar, muslim, muslim, india, cow, india
https://sputniknews.com/20211211/pm-scott-morrison-urged-to-end-lunacy-push-for-release-of-australian-citizen-julian-assange-1091435377.html

PM Scott Morrison Urged to End Lunacy, Push For Release of Australian Citizen Julian Assange

PM Scott Morrison Urged to End Lunacy, Push For Release of Australian Citizen Julian Assange

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison is being urged by MPs to intervene in the case of WikiLeaks whistleblower Julian Assange after the London High Court ruled the Australian citizen can be extradited to the US.

2021-12-11T09:13+0000

2021-12-11T09:13+0000

2021-12-11T09:21+0000

us wins appeal to extradite assange

julian assange

australia

scott morrison

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Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison is being urged by MPs to intervene in the case of WikiLeaks whistleblower Julian Assange after the London High Court ruled on 10 December that the Australian citizen can be extradited to the US. Assange faces 17 espionage charges, and one charge of the misuse of a computer over WikiLeaks' publication of thousands of military and diplomatic files, including videos exposing US war crimes in Iraq. If convicted, the journalist and activist would face up to 175 years in prison. Bandt slammed the ruling as a critical moment in the fight against suppression of press freedom. Independent Australian MP Andrew Wilkie also called on Morrison to end this lunacy. He deplored the fact that Assange, instead of looking forward to spending Christmas with his sons and fiancee, Stella Moris, was facing a 175-year jail sentence and the very real possibility of living out his final days behind bars. The independent MP railed against further proof that the UK is a lackey of the United States and that Australia is delighted to go along for the ride. Australian Greens senator Janet Rice also criticised the decision. Foreign Minister Marise Payne must urgently speak to the US and tell them to drop these absurd charges and end Assanges torture. Penny Wong, Senate leader of the Australian Labour Party (ALP), was cited by the outlet as saying: Previously, Scott Morrison sparred verbally with Assange supporter, actress Pamela Anderson after her appearance on 60 Minutes Australia in December 2018. Anderson had urged Morrison to defend your friend, get Julian his passport back and take him back to Australia and be proud of him, and throw him a parade when he gets home. When asked on commercial radio if he would follow Anderson's advice Morrison said: Pamela Anderson lashed out at the Australian Prime Minister via an open letter, saying he "trivialised" the suffering of Australian WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, and made "lewd" comments about her. Ahead of the US appeal hearing on the extradition of Julian Assange, Amnesty International had written to both Prime Scott Morrison and Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne, urging the Australian Government to enter into a dialogue with Washington and demand that all charges against Assange be dropped. It underscored the importance of protecting journalists and publishers who play such a crucial role in not only informing our public, but ensuring that governments are held accountable. Ruling on Assange Extradition On 10 December, the London Administrative Court upheld the US' appeal for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assanges extradition, dismissing concerns raised about the journalist's health. In January a UK court had ruled Assange should not be sent to the US, citing a real and oppressive risk of suicide. However, after a two-day appeal hearing, the high court on Friday sided with the US. The decision has been broadly condemned by independent journalists, civil liberties and human rights groups around the world. The whistleblower is wanted by the United States on espionage charges after WikiLeaks published thousands of classified documents shedding light on war crimes committed by American troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. If put on trial and convicted in the US, the Australian journalist, 50, faces up to 175 years in prison.Assange has been on remand at the Belmarsh high-security prison in southeast London since October 2020, since serving an 11-month sentence for breach of bail after staying in the Ecuadorean embassy in London for seven years. Assange had entered the building in 2012 to avoid extradition to Sweden to face sex offence allegations, which he has always denied and which were eventually dropped. Julian Assanges lawyers have said they intend to challenge the current ruling with another appeal, this time in the UKs supreme court.

https://sputniknews.com/20211211/assanges-pardon-depends-on-massive-protests-by-ordinary-people-investigative-journo-says-1091432665.html

Hess The Australian (Morrison) regime is part of the persecution, because as Former Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa said: If Assange would have exposed the secrets of China, Russia or left-wing Latin American governments, including my government, he would have been praised by the international press, honoured by US Congress and the British parliament. But because his actions were against the interests of the US, the hegemonic country, he was labelled a criminal." Assange is used as an example to scare anyone who dares expose US-Western terror and war crimes. 9

Terranian The 1st Counting Morrison as "Human" is a bit of a stretch. You think? 8

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https://sputniknews.com/20211211/psaki-claims-trump-should-learn-lessons-from-smollett-hate-crime-hoax-dems-had-eagerly-endorsed-1091430285.html

Psaki Claims Trump Should Learn Lessons From Smollett Hate Crime Hoax Dems Had Eagerly Endorsed

Psaki Claims Trump Should Learn Lessons From Smollett Hate Crime Hoax Dems Had Eagerly Endorsed

On Thursday, a Chicago jury delivered the verdict on Jussie Smollett's staged hate crime case, finding him guilty on five out of six counts of charges of... 11.12.2021, Sputnik International

2021-12-11T02:11+0000

2021-12-11T02:11+0000

2021-12-11T02:11+0000

joe biden

jen psaki

us

verdict

court

democrats

hoax

racism

hate crime

fake

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Not even a full day has passed since the announcement of the verdict on the trial of disgraced actor Smollett, as many of those who supported him at the beginning of the case and did not show any doubt about his credibility during the sensational trial overnight distanced themselves from the actor, whom the whole country sympathized with almost two years ago.During her regular press briefing at the White House, Jen Psaki was questioned as to whether there were any lessons learned from Smollett's case, especially when it comes to rushing to judgment. The reporter asked the question in light of the fact that Smollett, supported by numerous celebrities, was vocally backed by future President Joe Biden and his soon-to-be running mate Kamala Harris."There are lessons learned, perhaps for everybody who commented at the time, including former President Trump," Psaki replied, referring to the fact that then-President Trump also condemned the alleged attack at the time the incident made headlines. "I would say that we respect the jury's decision. Lying to the police particularly about something as heinous as a hate crime is shameful, incidents of that need to be investigated fully, and those found guilty need to be punished."Psaki also noted that false accusations tend to divert police resources from solving real crimes, also making it "harder for real victims to come forward and be believed."Deliver Us From EvilPredictably, after Smollett's guilty verdict was announced, the past tweets of many prominent Democrats rushing to comment on the incident in January 2019 began circulating again. In those tweets, many celebrities and politicians expressed unconditional support for Smollett.Biden and Harris symbolically led those past supportive liberal voices. And certain questions have been raised as to whether they should apologize or clarify their previous public defense of his innocence.Shortly after Smollett claimed in 2019 that two racist Trump supporters assaulted him and wrapped a noose around his neck, Biden, then only considering his presidential bid, wrote on Twitter that "what happened today to @JussieSmollett must never be tolerated in this country."Meanwhile, Harris, then a California senator, called the incident a "modern-day lynching."Harris' sentiments were echoed by Democrat Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey, who also dubbed the alleged attack an "attempted modern-day lynching," urging his colleagues to adopt his anti-lynching bill.They were joined by a slew of other liberal politicians, including Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), both members of the party's progressive left-leaning wing dubbed "The Squad."The "guilty must face the maximum" for the alleged crime against Smollett, Reverend Al Sharpton said at the time. Ironic when you look at this statement from today....And Justice for AllHowever, this response did not suit many commentators, as conservatives demanded that Biden, Harris, and their colleagues repudiate their statements, which allegedly only contributed to the development of the situation due to the huge publicity."President Biden? Vice President Harris? Speaker Pelosi? Leader Schumer? The rest of you? The verdict is in. No serious person contests it. Weve all seen the evidence. You made claimspassionatelythat have turned out to be spectacularly false. Yet you say  nothing?" wrote Robert George, a Princeton University professor, on his Twitter.Some, after the jury's verdict, wondered how much hate for Trump was required to be motivated to destroy one's own life. The actor's exclusive interview with ABC News' Robin Roberts on "Good Morning America," which took place in 2019, drew considerable criticism as well, for apparently helping the actor spread his lies nationwide. In that interview, Smollett claimed that before punching him in the face, attackers shouted "This is MAGA country" at him, a claim that he later denied in court.The memory of the Internet did not spare even actor Elliot Page, who, when he was still going by Ellen in 2019, spoke very harshly about the incident and how the Trump administration was to blame for it, urging the audience of a late-night show to "connect the dots."However, as expected, the comments were also full of memes and jokes about Smollett's verdict.Donald Trump's son, Donald Jr., also expressed his opinion on the verdict.No Backing From Don This Time, JussieAn interesting turn of events happened to the host of CNN Don Lemon, who was a friend of the disgraced actor. During the renewed trial, which convicted Smollett, Lemon personally supported his friend, according to media reports, and allegedly was the first to inform him that the police did not believe his story.But on Thursday night, Don Lemon called his friend a liar on live TV mere hours after the verdict was delivered. According to Lemon, in an attempt to explain his fake narrative, Smollett "had to make up too many lies."Ultimately, the CNN anchor added that Smollett may have made it more difficult for "legitimate victims of hate crimes" to be taken seriously.Anyway, now Smollet, whose career was effectively ruined even before the verdict, faces up to three years in prison, although, according to reports, because of his having no prior criminal record, and because he was not held in contempt by the court during the trial, he is considerably more likely to receive a probationary sentence.

https://sputniknews.com/20211209/actor-jussie-smollett-found-guilty-of-hate-crime-hoax-1091399931.html

asavetmd Lock him up. 3

Notta Snowflake In other news, Hannibal Lector lectures Attorney General Garland on how best to revise his diet to reflect healthy eating practice. 3

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https://sputniknews.com/20211211/trump-slams-smolletts-hoax-attack-as-hate-crime-in-reverse-says-if-republican-hed-be-in-jail-1091439198.html

Trump Slams Smolletts Hoax Attack as Hate Crime in Reverse, Says 'If Republican, He'd Be In Jail'

Trump Slams Smolletts Hoax Attack as Hate Crime in Reverse, Says 'If Republican, He'd Be In Jail'

Former President Donald Trump denounced Jussie Smolletts hoax police report as a hate crime in reverse after a Chicago jury delivered the guilty verdict on Thursday.

2021-12-11T12:59+0000

2021-12-11T12:59+0000

2021-12-11T12:59+0000

donald trump

us

jussie smollett

hate crime

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Former President Donald Trump denounced Jussie Smolletts hoax police report as a hate crime in reverse after a Chicago jury delivered the Empire stars guilty verdict on Thursday.If he were a Republican, if he were on the other side, hed be in jail for 25 years for hate crimes for what he did and for what he said, he fumed.Trumps remarks come as during her regular press briefing at the White House, Jen Psaki said: There are lessons learned, perhaps for everybody who commented at the time, including former President Trump." Psaki was referring to the fact that then-President Trump also condemned the alleged attack at the time it made headlines. In fact, Smollett had been supported by numerous celebrities. He was vocally backed by future President Joe Biden and his soon-to-be running mate Kamala Harris.On Thursday, after two days of deliberation, a jury in Chicago criminal court found Smollett guilty of orchestrating a well-publicised racist and homophobic attack against himself in January 2019.The 39-year-old disgraced actor had claimed two masked men attacked him in January 2019 outside his Chicago apartment late at night. He informed police that the unknown suspects had hurled anti-gay and racist comments at him, threw a noose around his neck, poured bleach on him, and shouted, "this is MAGA country."MAGA, or Make America Great Again, is a political slogan used by Donald Trump during his 2016 and 2020 American presidential campaigns.Prosecutors said that Smollet had staged the fake Hate Crime to raise his salary at the television network. He was accused of paying two brothers whom he was friendly with, Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo, $3,500 to help stage the "attack".About a month after the attack, then-Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson said Smollett allegedly paid the two brothers  extras on the show - to help him take "advantage of the pain and anger of racism to promote his career." According to Johnson, the brothers confessed to the concocted plot.Smollett, who had taken the stand in his own defense during the trial, repeatedly denied the attack was a fake, inisting there was no hoax on my part and that the two brothers who had testified against him were liars.Jussie Smollett was released on Thursday, with the post-trial hearing scheduled for 27 January. His lead defense attorney Nenye Uche said the actor plans to appeal the conviction. A class 4 felony, disorderly conduct carries a sentence of up to three years in prison. However, cited experts have claimed Smollett will likely be placed on probation, possibly ordered to perform community service.

https://sputniknews.com/20211211/psaki-claims-trump-should-learn-lessons-from-smollett-hate-crime-hoax-dems-had-eagerly-endorsed-1091430285.html

https://sputniknews.com/20211209/serial-liar-jussie-smollett-accused-of-lying-under-oath-as-jury-ends-first-day-of-deliberations-1091363783.html

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https://sputniknews.com/20211211/ukraine-tensions-remain-high-after-putin-biden-talk-as-neither-side-likely-to-give-ground-1091437368.html

Ukraine Tensions Remain High After Putin-Biden Talk as Neither Side Likely to Give Ground

Ukraine Tensions Remain High After Putin-Biden Talk as Neither Side Likely to Give Ground

Talks between the Russian and US presidents have done little to dissipate tensions mounting over Ukraine as neither side wants to blink first by taking steps towards appeasement

2021-12-11T10:41+0000

2021-12-11T10:41+0000

2021-12-11T10:41+0000

world

ukraine

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Russian President Vladimir Putin denied plans of invading Ukraine after the Tuesday video call with US President Joe Biden. He instead accused NATO of ignoring Moscow's "red lines" with its eastward expansion and demanded that it stop seeking to incorporate Ukraine. Biden ruled out making such promises but said he would not send troops to the country if tensions escalate. He also threatened Russia with sweeping new sanctions were it to invade its neighbour.A State Department official confirmed to Newsweek magazine on Thursday that no deals were made, or even discussed, during the much-touted video call, which came as the West accused Russia of amassing troops on its border with Ukraine. Russia said it was free to move military personnel anywhere within its own territory.Thomas Whalen, an associate professor from Boston University's Social Science Department, told Sputnik he was "greatly alarmed" by the stalemate over Ukraine.Continuing the parallel with WWI, Whalen warned that any unforeseen incident could turn up the heat under the simmering Ukrainian conflict, drawing the rest of Europe into a wide-scale confrontation.Paul Poast, an assistant professor from the Department of Political Science at the University of Chicago, was less alarmed by the possibility of a European war, but he said a scale-back in US-Russia tensions was no more likely, as neither wants to appear to give ground. He compared the situation to that of an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object.M. V. Ramana, the Simons Chair in Disarmament, Global and Human Security at the University of British Columbia's School of Public Policy and Global Affairs, said the two leaders were too constrained by domestic politics to be seen as offering concessions to the other, a "prerequisite" for diplomatic negotiations.Despite the domestic pressure on Biden to remain tough on Russia, he appears to be limited in his options for influencing Putin. Even Biden's threat to again leverage sanctions against Moscow and arm Ukraine would simply enhance the policies already in place, according to Poast.Michael Desch, the director of the Notre Dame International Security Center, told Sputnik he believed neither side wanted war, but defusing tensions would take some time.Desch suggested there is not "much real interest" in the US in bringing Ukraine into NATO, "but once President Putin raised it explicitly, it became a credibility issue." He said the two might want to discuss it as part of a wider range of issues that go beyond Ukraine, including arms control, climate change, Iran, and China.

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https://sputniknews.com/20211211/us-lawyer-if-extradited-assange-would-face-show-trial-1091443187.html

US Lawyer: If Extradited, Assange Would Face Show Trial

US Lawyer: If Extradited, Assange Would Face Show Trial

On 10 December, a London court ruled in favour of the US' appeal to extradite Assange, dismissing concerns raised about the journalist's health and the... 11.12.2021, Sputnik International

2021-12-11T17:00+0000

2021-12-11T17:00+0000

2021-12-11T17:00+0000

us wins appeal to extradite assange

julian assange

us

interviews

extradition

wikileaks

uk

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Sputnik spoke to Francis Boyle, professor of international law at the University of Illinois College of Law and a human rights lawyer who was involved in the successful effort to stymie the US/UK Extradition Treaty in the US that the Biden Administration is using against Assange  he voiced concern about safety of the Wikileaks founder if he's extradited to the US, adding that the whistleblower is unlikely will face a fair trial.Sputnik: With the verdict announced, will Assange be sent to the US after all? If so, how soon?Francis Boyle: We don't know. His lawyers have indicated they're going to appeal to the British Supreme Court, and then if that appeal is denied, I certainly hope his lawyers have prepared emergency papers to file immediately in the European Court of Human Rights with a request for indication of provisional measures of protection to prevent his extradition. Im not part of his team, but if I had been representing him, I would have those papers ready to go to file in the European Court of Human Rights immediately if and when the British Supreme Court denies the appeal.The focus of the appeal of the European Court of Human Rights would be a violation of his basic human rights under the European Convention on Human Rights, including a threat to his life if he is extradited to the United States. There's a very famous Soering Decision and also a threat to his mental health and well-being, and also that this would violate freedom of press, freedom of conscience and things of that nature, as set forth in the European Convention of Human Rights.Sputnik: What kind of trial could Assange face in the US?Francis Boyle: It would be a show trial and a railroad. There's no way he could ever get a fair trial here in the United States. I've been appearing in United States federal courts since 1982 on behalf of people like Assange opposing US government policies, war crimes, genocide, things of that nature. And since 1982, I can only think of one judge, one federal judge that gave my people a fair trial. So he's going to be railroaded.Sputnik: What will be the conditions of his possible confinement, given the concerns about his mental health?Francis Boyle: We don't know the conditions of his possible confinement, because the United States has said they won't keep him in a Supermax, prior to the trial. I can't say what his conditions may or may not be. It didn't seem to me that they gave express guarantees, just that they would look out for his mental health. But Jeffrey Epstein was on a suicide watch and he was still suicided. I can't say I have any confidence in what these conditions might be here in the United States prior and during the trial.Sputnik: What prison, in your view, will be chosen for him? Do you believe he will be allowed to serve out his sentence in Australia?Francis Boyle: According to the accounts, the U.S. government has said after he is convicted, they are prepared to send him back to Australia for incarceration there. But there's no guarantee Australia is going to take him. Australia might not want to take him. That's a whole separate issue. The government of Australia has not supported Assange at all. So I'm not exactly sure why Australia would take him just because he is an Australian national. Australia just might say, well, you know, we're not interested in having him. So that assurance doesn't sound very reassuring to me.Sputnik: How safe, in your view, will Julian Assange be, if left to serve the sentence in the US? Do you believe his life will be out of danger?Francis Boyle: My concern is that someone might suicide Assange just like they suicided Jeffrey Epstein. Epstein was clearly suicided because he knew too much, and that is my concern with Julian Assange  that he will be suicided, no matter what his mental condition might be.It came out in the news media that the CIA was plotting to kidnap him or murder him. And the CIA has a long history of these so-called extraordinary renditions where they kidnap people, torture them and some of them were murdered. So it's beyond me how the British High Court could accept any assurances given to them by the United States. But of course, this is all political in Britain, and it certainly will be here in the United States. But remember, even the CIA was plotting to kidnap him or murder him. It's that simple. So there's no way that he should be extradited here. But I do hope that if his legal team can file those papers with the European Court of Human Rights, the European Court of Human Rights would pay serious attention to this matter.

https://sputniknews.com/20211210/john-kiriakou-describes-what-awaits-assange-in-the-us-1091427268.html

https://sputniknews.com/20211210/edward-snowden-calls-public-media-furor-against-assange-dystopian-1091425680.html

Ladyshadow The Washington DC clowns have already declared him guilty, why waste the tax dollars on a trial? 0

Barros US need urgently a civil war to become less nazi. 0

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julian assange, us, interviews, extradition, wikileaks, uk
https://sputniknews.com/20211211/us-media-warns-pentagon-needs-new-tech-to-avoid-showing-up-to-gunfight-with-china-with-a-knife-1091442400.html

US Media Warns Pentagon Needs New Tech to Avoid Showing Up to Gunfight With China With a Knife

US Media Warns Pentagon Needs New Tech to Avoid Showing Up to Gunfight With China With a Knife

The United States outspent the Peoples Republic on defence $753.5 billion to $209 billion in 2021, but military officials and analysts have expressed fears... 11.12.2021, Sputnik International

2021-12-11T14:41+0000

2021-12-11T14:41+0000

2021-12-11T14:41+0000

united states

china

military

defence capabilities

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The Pentagon will need to acquire a host of new capabilities to counter the increasingly advanced systems and weapons being developed and fielded by China which match, exceed, or asymmetrically suppress those of the United States, Forbes aerospace and defence contributor Vikram Mittal has suggested.In an analysis published in the business newspaper on Friday, the observer indicated that while the threat of naked military confrontation between the economic superpowers is not imminent today, the Pentagon will need time before a possible clash to research, build and field new weapons and defensive systems in areas where Chinas capabilities pose a threat. As such, Washington should invest now to avoid showing up with the proverbial knife to a gunfight with its Asian adversary, he suggested.Mittal points to a number of areas where the US military risks lagging behind, including counter-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology, where Americas current capabilities are directed largely toward shooting down simple, modified off-the-shelf drones used by insurgents in poor countries. The drones used by China are substantially more advanced, have a higher degree of autonomy, and can produce much more damaging effects, the analyst warns, pointing to footage released last year of a Peoples Liberation Army test of a new suicide drone swarm weapon resembling a multiple launch rocket system (MLRS).The Forbes contributor noted that existing US R&D into anti-drone tech, such as an interceptor being developed by Virginia-based aeronautics company Aurora Flight Sciences, a mobile counter-drone defence-in-depth system known as OTM V4 created by ELTA  an Israeli defence firm, and anti-UAV kinetic interception kit delivered to the DoD known as the Skylord Griffon by XTEND, another Israeli company, are insufficient to counter the capabilities being created by China.The PRCs lead on hypersonic weapons is another problem, Mittal argues, suggesting that the US Army urgently needs to create air defence systems to counter such arms. One such capability is expected to come in the form of Northrop Grummans Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor system, a new generation of low-orbiting satellites to detect and monitor hypersonic missile launches. That system is expected to achieve full operational capability in 2026, absent delays.China officially joined the hypersonic weapons club in 2019, when the PLA accepted the DF-ZF conventional and nuclear-capable hypersonic glide vehicle into service. The United States has at least seven hypersonic weapons systems in the works, but only one  the Army-Navy Common Hypersonic Glide Body, is anywhere near operational status. In October, the US Army announced that it would be taking delivery of its first CHGB system, without the missiles, which are expected to be delivered only sometime in fiscal year 2023.There are other areas where the US military faces risks, Mittal believes, pointing to weaknesses in the US military communications networks, with the current US Multi-Domain Operations doctrine requiring secure communication to synchronize action between units to multiply their offensive and defensive capabilities.Unfortunately, China has significant cyber and electronic warfare capabilities that can degrade, disrupt, or deny US military communication. Moreover, even without an adversarial attack, the US military communication networks are not reliable, somewhat disjointed, and require modernization, the observer laments. The Pentagon is hoping to ameliorate the situation with the Joint All-Domain Command and Control System a new loose meta-network capable of sharing all kinds of information across physical (land, sea, air, space) and digital (cyberspace) domains, but even then, Mittal warns, the communication space will likely still be contested.Finally, the Forbes observer says, there is the Chinese threat to US military supply lines. These issues can be resolved, he hopes, with the creation of new additive manufacturing technology for the development of spare parts in the places precisely where they are needed, and by sourcing or producing fuel locally using carbon-based material to at least partially do away the need for traditional fuel deliveries.Mittals concerns join a chorus of recent analyses by US military experts and geopolitical observers citing the danger of the US losing a war with China. In October, National Interest contributor and Harvard Kennedy School of government professor Graham Allison warned that Washington must recognize the ugly reality that Chinas advances in anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) capabilities  consisting of everything from anti-ship and anti-air missile systems to long-range ballistic and cruise missiles, electronic warfare and interceptor aircraft, means there is no guarantee of a US victory in a war over Taiwan. The solution, Allison suggested, must lie in diplomacy.

https://sputniknews.com/20210105/chinas-df-17-hypersonic-missile-seen-to-get-stealth-upgrade-reports-show-1081656334.html

https://sputniknews.com/20200618/us-report-claims-china-intends-nuclear-first-strike-with-stolen-super-emp-weapons-1079656094.html

https://sputniknews.com/20211107/us-media-reveals-how-china-could-test-biden-on-taiwan-without-starting-full-scale-war-1090549515.html

Unbeliever How they gonna do that? Please remember... there's no more WWII German scientists to be kidnapped!! 10

4Justice It seems the US warmongers won't be satisfied until every American hands his whole paycheck over to the Pentagon. Poor sheeple in the US have so many enemies that requires all their money to defend against. 9

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https://sputniknews.com/20211211/us-state-dept-approves-94-billion-in-deals-to-sell-greece-littoral-combat-ships-upgrade-frigates-1091429985.html

US State Dept. Approves $9.4 Billion in Deals to Sell Greece Littoral Combat Ships, Upgrade Frigates

US State Dept. Approves $9.4 Billion in Deals to Sell Greece Littoral Combat Ships, Upgrade Frigates

Two potential weapons deals with US ally Greece were given the go-ahead by the US State Department on Friday, which would see four older frigates get extensive upgrades and also supply them with four new warships.

2021-12-11T00:20+0000

2021-12-11T00:20+0000

2021-12-11T00:20+0000

greece

frigate

military & intelligence

nato

weapons sales

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The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced approval of the two deals on Friday, which will still have to be approved by Congress before the sale can begin.In one deal, the US would sell Athens four Multi-Mission Surface Combatant (MMSC) ships, better known as Freedom-class littoral combat ships, along with a range of associated equipment and weaponry, including radars, sonar arrays, combat management systems, rockets, and missiles, together totalling $6.9 billion.In the other, the US would agree to supply equipment and expertise for repairing, updating and enhancing the Hellenic Navys four Hydra-class frigates, which are also known by the German-built family of warships of which they are a part: MEKO. The deal is worth $2.5 billion.The bid to upgrade the Greek frigates was contested by several European firms, including their manufacturer, Germanys Blohm+Voss. Jon Rambeau, vice president and general manager for the Integrated Warfare Systems and Sensors business line at Lockheed Martin, told Defense News in September that if the contract were awarded to the US, the US Navy would act as the custodian of Greeces money and contract the job to Lockheed.Athens naval concerns are threefold: as part of NATO, it wants a better ability to track Russian submarines in the Black Sea and Mediterranean, but it also wants to better police migration from Africa that comes across the Aegean, as well as have better leverage in its ongoing nautical tensions with Turkey, another NATO ally.Ankara has in recent years pushed back against Greek and Cypriot control over vast portions of the seas off of Turkeys southern and western coasts owing to their control of numerous offshore islands, particularly following the discovery of gas deposits under the seafloor.Total and ENI are expected to also be given licensed blocks on the continental shelf in early 2022, according to AFP.

GrinOlsson The Russian Federation should think deeply on what is being sold to Greece and what purpose each ship will possess. And, then create something totally differnt that far exceeds expectations. Such as uning hydroplane technologiy with catamaran concepts for a ship that can travel at over 100 nautical miles an hour with not only new concpt fire pire but some of the EMF weapons that forces people back such as in crowd control. Then submit to nations such as Greece these new innovative ships and their purchase price and literally remove the EU and USA from competition. 3

vot tak "better known as Freedom-class" ... Or the freedom fries class. These ships are worthless pork barrel garbage with zero fighting capability . The israeloamerican colonial greek quislings ok'd a major reaming of greeks here. What they bought from their israeloamerican masters is as useless as the f-35 garbage zio-colony finland bought. Poor countries killing their own to remain israeloamerican colonies. Thumbs down. 3

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greece, frigate, military & intelligence, nato, weapons sales
https://sputniknews.com/20211211/why-joe-bidens-summit-for-democracy-is-facing-criticism-from-all-directions-1091446339.html

Why Joe Biden's 'Summit for Democracy' is Facing Criticism From All Directions

Why Joe Biden's 'Summit for Democracy' is Facing Criticism From All Directions

US President Joe Biden's "Summit for Democracy" has exposed a growing polarisation between the left and the right in the US, with domestic and global observers... 11.12.2021, Sputnik International

2021-12-11T21:07+0000

2021-12-11T21:07+0000

2021-12-12T07:31+0000

joe biden

donald trump

world

us

opinion

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democracy

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US President Joe Biden's "Summit for Democracy", held on 9-10 December, has come under criticism from both sides of the political aisle.US Conservatives: Biden is 'Hijacking Democracy'US Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) denounced the summit's agenda as "one long, anti-American tirade by the president of the United States and various members of his administration"."They don't like American voting laws, they don't like American history, they want to rewrite our culture and completely change it", Hawley said, referring to the Democratic Party's Voting Rights Bill which, according to the GOP, is seeking to boost federal government control over elections and democratic rights of US states.Fox News host Laura Ingraham echoed Hawley's concerns suggesting that Biden and Democrats are continuing to "hijack democracy", underscoring that the title of the US president's virtual summit is a "misnomer".In particular, Ingraham asked why Biden was lending a sympathetic ear to European Union leader Ursula von der Leyen's proposals with regard to toughening regulations surrounding "hate speech".Previously, top Democrats praised Big Tech for banning former US President Donald Trump from their platforms, as well as his more ardent conservative supporters. Some in the GOP remain suspicious of the Dem-led House Selective Committee's efforts to crack down on Trump's former aides and alleged supporters over the 6 January Capitol riot in Washington, suggesting that it is political persecution.US Doesn't Export Democracy But Colour RevolutionsRon Paul, a retired American politician who served as the US representative for Texas' 22nd congressional district, earlier dubbed Biden's democracy summit "a joke"."This is not about promoting democracy. It's really about undermining democracy worldwide with US interventionist foreign policy", Paul wrote in an op-ed. "Yes, the conference is anti-democracy, not pro-democracy".Paul drew attention to Biden's list of participants which, in his view, was composed of those who "do the bidding of the United States  disregarding the wishes of those who elected them". In contrast, Paul suggested, those who conduct an independent foreign policy were "not allowed into Washington's sandbox to play".The US president's choice of participants prompted controversy. Biden snubbed China while inviting Taiwan, an island nation considered by Beijing as its own. While asking Central and Eastern European countries to participate in the virtual venue, the White House did not invite Hungary. Russia also did not receive an invitation from the US.While Biden insisted on the necessity of renewing and promoting democracy and human rights during the summit "color revolutions, where elected governments are overthrown with US backing, is about the only thing the US exports these days", stated Paul.Liberals and Progressives: Biden Summit is All Talk and No ActionLiberal observers do not appear to be satisfied with Biden's "Summit for Democracy" either. Uriel Epshtein, executive director of the Renew Democracy Initiative, and Venezuelan opposition politician Leopoldo Lopez criticised Biden in a CNN op-ed titled "What's missing from Biden's democracy summit".According to Epshtein and Lopez, Biden's virtual gathering was all talk and no action. Even if Biden's group of democracies comes with workable recommendations, it does not have the mechanisms to implement it, some observers wrote. Aleksandar Hemon of Princeton University, Aida A. Hozic of the University of Florida, and Srdjan Vucetic of the University of Ottawa warned that "democracy is in trouble, and Biden's summit is not going to fix it", in an op-ed published by Politico.Academics noted that the Biden summit is "facing criticism from all directions". According to them, if Biden and other participants of the summit are "at all serious" they must "aggressively support progressive democratic forces" in the US and elsewhere.Growing Dissatisfaction With Western Model of DemocracyTime magazine, which in January 2020 enthusiastically praised Biden's win over Donald Trump, published an op-ed titled "Joe Biden's Democracy Summit Is the Height of Hypocrisy". The author, award-winning journalist Debasish Roy Chowdhury, noted that there is a "growing perception that something is broken about the Western model [of democracy]".To illustrate his point, the journalist quoted a 2014 study by political scientists Martin Gilens and Benjamin Page which indicated that Americans over two decades have had little if any influence on how nearly 1,800 political issues were handled by US politicians and small elite groups.In October 2021, 85% of American poll respondents said that their political system needs to change, noted Chowdhury. Meanwhile, the share of individuals polled who say they are "dissatisfied" with democracy jumped from 47.9% in the mid-1990s, to 57.5% in 2019, the journalist observed, citing a study by the University of Cambridge.

https://sputniknews.com/20211211/ex-un-expert-bidens-summit-for-democracy-is-sheer-hypocrisy-amid-us-effort-to-persecute-assange-1091443360.html

https://sputniknews.com/20211209/biden-corrects-declaration-of-independence-during-his-summit-for-democracy-address-1091398102.html

https://sputniknews.com/20211126/how-bidens-summit-for-democracy-causes-a-cold-war-style-two-camp-polarisation-of-the-world-1091051066.html

vot tak A zionist/nazi propaganda spiel, as usual. Right out of the neocon idol netanyahoo's mouth. Thumbs down, limbaugh wannabee. 3

Nevi'im What Democracy? It is covert Fascism! 3

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On Friday (Dec. 10) at The Meadows, Dream Out Loud N won his seventh straight race and 18th this year, moving him into a tie for the winningest horse this year in North America.

A 14-year-old Bettors Delight-Nothin Butadreamer gelding who faces mandatory retirement at the end of this month, Dream Out Loud N shares the top spot with Winning Shadow and Swan Fine Lady. Dave Palone drove for trainer Marcus Marashian, who owns with Tina Porfilio.

Carolina Beach shot the Lightning Lane for Aaron Merriman to capture Fridays feature, a $12,100 conditioned pace.

Carolina Beach seized the early lead from Post 3 but yielded at the quarter to Done Well. In the stretch, a refreshed Carolina Beach was the stronger horse, scoring in 1:51.2. SB Bodacious found a late seam for second, three parts of a length back, while Done Well saved show.

Bill Bercury trains Carolina Beach, a seven-year-old Somebeachsomewhere-Laughandbehappy gelding who notched career win 42 and extended his lifetime bankroll to $498,832, for Renee Bercury.

Hunter Myers and Merriman each piloted three winners on the 12-race card.

Live harness racing at The Meadows resumes Tuesday, first post 12:45 p.m.

(MSOA)
The governor-elects relationship with the National Rifle Association has been more distant than that of past GOP candidates, and he did not emphasize gun rights during his campaign, other than saying generally that he supports the Second Amendment.The NRA has called on Youngkin to remove Haas from the Virginia State Crime Commission, an agency that studies and makes recommendations related to public safety. Youngkin declined to weigh in last month on the NRAs request, saying: Theres lots of people calling on me to do lots of things.
This amendment allows counties in Regions Six and Seven to rework their boundaries so they fit within the deviation limit. These two regions include all of eastern Wyoming except for Laramie County.

So part of Goshen County will end up in at least one additional district. Whether north or west, we dont know yet, Duncan said. ...It all depends on what those lines are and how they look in the north.

Duncan said the regions will soon have their third meeting to fix their district borders. The final submission should be in place before Dec. 14.

The third Zwonitzer amendment dealt with the district boundaries around Riverton, in Fremont County. As it stands, the plan would split Rivertons District 55 into three noncontiguous sections. The revisions need to make it whole again.

The amendments need to be finalized before the new year. One legislative map must be advanced by then. Otherwise, the boundary decisions will head to the courts.

Duncan said a revised Zwonitzer plan would be the best for the communities she serves. Having most of the county together would be essential. Thats what were going to fight for, she said, but were still a long ways from this being over.

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Workers in the National Park Service all have their own reasons for working where they do.

Dan Morford, the park superintendent for the Scotts Bluff and Agate Fossil Beds National monuments, said he accepted the position because he wanted to move back out west.

Working with the NPS is actually a competitive field. Morford said he receives a large amount of applications each year.

We may not be the most popular units out there but were still having good success, he said.

Morford first began his outdoor service career decades ago for a very simple reason.

I was actually a high school teacher and I just needed something to do during the summer, he said.

He joined the U.S. Forest Service, and since he liked working in the outdoors, he decided to do it full-time.

He has worked in numerous locations for both the Forest Service and NPS. These included the Grand Canyon, Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota and the Indiana Dunes National Park.

There came a point where he had to decide which service hed devote his time to.
In Syria, Russia recently (early November) tested its ability to conceal activities at its Tartus naval base with a smoke screen. This is the second such use of a smoke screen to conceal port operations. The Russian military has used units specializing in this sort of thing for over 70 years and those specialists ran a smoke screen test on a northern Russian naval base in 2016. In the 1960s Russia realized that their proficiency with smoke screens also served another purpose, it disrupted the laser guidance of the recently introduced American laser guided bombs. These were not a major threat to Russian naval bases but in more fluid combat zones the laser guided bombs were a serious threat, as was revealed in the late 1960s when the American first used their Paveway bombs. The Americans already had guided bombs employing electro-optical (TV) guidance during World War II but the tech was not used in bombs until the 1960s when more reliable and accurate versions were available. Smoke was always an effective way to disrupt the accuracy of electro-optical bombs and laser guided weapons.

This Russian use of smoke screens at Tartus was apparently a test of how quickly one could be generated in an emergency. Using smoke to conceal details of what is going on from aerial or satellite surveillance is a thing of the past with the growing use of multi-spectral sensors and AESA radars that can see through any kind of atmospheric obscurant, even sand storms. The U.S. and Israel have had Tartus under constant aerial observations with such sensors, if only to count whats coming in and whats leaving via Tartus.

Since early 2021 Russia has been visibly improving its Tartus naval base and nearby Hmeimim airbase. Russia has had access to Tartus since 1971, when the Soviet Union signed a deal with Bashar al Assad, the father of the current Assad running Syria, for its warships to use the port of Tartus. Russia never established a naval base at Tartus but because of the 1971 agreement, usually had a few dozen officers, sailors and civilian specialists working in Tartus to arrange resupply for visiting Russian warships, which sometimes headed for Tartus to make some minor repairs that needed parts or tech assistance that could only be obtained in a friendly port. This arrangement continued until 2013, when the Syrian civil war escalated and Russia pulled its personnel out of Tartus. Russia returned in 2015, with a major military intervention that played a major role in defeating the rebels. Most of the Russian support was logistical. That means military supplies and help repairing or refurbishing Russian tanks, artillery and other systems Syria bought from Russia. A lot of the cargo from Russia was to support the vital Russian air support provided to defeat the rebels as well as the remaining ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) groups in eastern Syria. Russia has carried out over 45.000 sorties since 2015 and each sorties consumes five tons or more of fuel, bombs, and other essential items.

To carry out that kind of air support Russia needed a large airbase near Tartus, and preferably under exclusive Russian control. By 2015 all the major Syrian military air bases were either in enemy hands or cut off from the coast, where most of the supplies for an air campaign were to be delivered by ship. The solution was a new military airbase, built by Russia next to the main airport outside Latakia City, the capital of Latakia province. Latakia City was also a port and could handle the cargo ships bringing in supplies for the new Russian base. The new Hmeimim airbase was built next to the airport, which was initially used for some of the Russian military sorties until the new Hmeimim facilities became operational. That happened by the end of 2015 and by the end of 2016 the Russian Air Force no longer had to use airport facilities at all. Hmeimim airbase is 85 kilometers north of the port of Tartus and 50 kilometers from the Turkish border. Both are in Latakia province, which also contains the Syrian Mediterranean coastline and a very pro-Assad population.

In 2018 Syria and Russia signed a new treaty expanding and legalizing Russia control over their growing Tartus base and the Hmeimim air base. Thus included a 49-year lease deal with an option to extend it every 25 years after that with an increase in lease payments. In 2020 Syria agreed to expand the 2018 agreement and provide Russia with additional land next to Hmeimim for an expansion. The latest round of Hmeimim improvements include extending an airstrip several hundred meters.

Initially Hmeimim had air-conditioned accommodations for about a thousand Russian personnel. That was more than doubled by 2018 as the air and ground defenses of Hmeimim were upgraded. While some Assad loyalists were employed for external security, Russians handled that inside the base, which included air defense systems and additional surveillance radars and electronic weapons operated in and near the bases by Russia.

The latest improvements in Tartus are even more extensive as they include construction of a floating dock for repairing warships or commercial ships that would otherwise have to use Russian ports in the Black or Baltic Seas. The floating drydock can be built more quickly than a conventional (in the ground) drydock. The floating drydock can be moved (via a tow) and can last a long time if kept in a sheltered port.

Tartus now has storage facilities for fuel, ship repair materials and tools as well naval munitions. Tartus is turning into the largest for foreign naval base Russia has ever had. The Tartus base has become an investment worth defending from attack or hostile aerial and satellite surveillance.
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources has set aside 230 acres of state forestlands in Pacific, Wahkiakum and Skamania counties for the marbled murrelet and northern spotted owl.

Wahkiakums portion is four parcels about 10 miles north of Cathlamet totaling about 80 acres.

The Board of Natural Resources approved changing the land to permanent conservation status at its Tuesday meeting. According to a state press release, counties will get a total of $4.5 million to purchase replacement land as part of the State Forest Land Replacement Program. Funded by the Legislature, the program compensates low-population counties that faced a disproportionate effect from conservation requirements from the Endangered Species Act.

The murrelet is a small, threatened seabird that spends most of its life at sea. It travels about 55 miles inland to lay one egg per year in old-growth trees. It was listed as a threatened species under the federal Endangered Species Act in 1992.

The northern spotted owl is an endangered species of owl only found in the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia. Its two main stressors are loss of the old-growth forests, as the owls prefer mature forest and nest in snags, which are upright dead trees, and competition from the barred owl.

There is recent litigation around designating millions of acres of forest as critical habitat for the owl, which would restrict logging.

Under the DNR deal, the counties will get $3.4 million to support critical local services and $1.1 million will go to the states Forest Development Account, which funds the reforestation of state forests, the press release said, while the value of the underlying land will be used to purchase replacement forestlands that can then be managed to generate funds.

As a steward of public lands, I know how important it is to safeguard and protect critical habitat, Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz said in the press release. I also know how integral state forests are to rural counties west of the Cascades that depend on them to fund public services and sustain local jobs. By conserving targeted acres of pivotal habitat, we honor our obligation to vulnerable species, and by investing $4.5 million into our counties and our forests, we are taking care of our communities and local economies. This is a true win-win.

Since the State Forest Land Replacement Program began in 2012, the three counties have received a combined $12.7 million and 1,580 acres of habitat have been permanently conserved. In addition, 344 acres of replacement forest have been bought, the press release said.

For this change, Wahkiakum County will receive $1 million from the value of the timber, while its Forest Development Account will get $344,000. About $122,000 will go toward buying replacement land. The 80 acres now conserved include occupied marbled murrelet nesting sites and will be added to the Skamokawa Creek NRCA. Parcel A is 15.8 acres, Parcel C is 45.5 acres, Parcel D is 3.8-acres, and parcel F is 14.7 acres.

All four contain stands of 80- to 100-year-old Douglas fir and western hemlock, according to the press release.

In Pacific County, about 70 acres north of Naselle will be conserved, and in Skamania County about 80 acres northwest of Stevenson will be conserved.

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Elizabeth Betsy DeSpain retires in December from RiverCities Lift in Longview.

The Paratransit Services general manager was given a heartfelt retirement sendoff by the company at a gathering at the Red Lobster in Kelso.

DeSpain is the general services manager for RiverCities Lift, the American Disabilities Act public transit complement to RiverCities Transit, the fixed route bus system operated by the City of Longview serving Longview and Kelso. Paratransit Services, a nonprofit 501  3 company based in Bremerton, has operated the public ADA system for the city of Longview since 1997.

DeSpain has been with Paratransit Services for 20 years. She began her career in 2001 as the operations supervisor for the companys TriMet Lift contract in Portland. In 2005, she accepted the general manager position for Paratransit Services contract to operate the Community Urban Bus Service (CUBS), serving Longview and Kelso. She maintains that position until her retirement, although the service name changed to RiverCities Lift.

She and her staff were named to the 2016 Wall of Fame at the Washington State Department of Transportations 40th Annual Public Transportation Conference. At the celebration, she was acknowledged for her emphasis on the values of safety and positive, supportive professionalism, as demonstrated by her outstanding efforts to keep her buses running the previous winter during conditions so harsh a state of emergency was declared by Gov. Jay Inslee, according to a press release submitted to The Daily News.

During her farewell party at the Red Lobster, DeSpain was presented a plaque with the following words: Your commitment every day to our mission and your leadership and dedication to our employees, clients and communities we serve is greatly appreciated. You have truly made a difference in so many of the lives we are entrusted to serve and have left your mark on Paratransit Services for years to come!

DeSpain also was presented from RiverCities Transit a crystal award thanking her for 16 years of service and the countless lives youve touched. You made a difference. Congratulations on your Retirement!

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Microsoft Office is being offered to pirates at 50 percent discount! Know how to avail it.

It's no secret that a huge number of people use pirated Microsoft Office versions. Of course, the most common working tool from school students to even corporate employees, Microsoft office is not affordable for everyone to buy its original version and this leads to many using its pirated version. It seems like the company knows about it very well! That is why now, instead of launching yet another crackdown against those selling pirated Microsoft Office, the company is looking to give them an offer they can't refuse. Microsoft is calling software pirates and offering a 50 percent discount on a Microsoft 365 subscription. An interesting approach to deal with piracy!

The offer was first reported by Ghacks when those who are using pirated versions of Office 2019 starting observing and talking about a banner below the ribbon bar which offers 50 percent discount on Microsoft 365, applying to both personal and family subscriptions. Which makes the offer for you to get Microsoft 365 for yearly personal subscription for just $35 ( 2652.74) and the Microsoft 365 Family for $50 ( 3789.63), which can be used by up to six members of the family.

How does the Microsoft Office offer works?

GET UP TO 50% OFF. For a limited time, save up to 50% on a genuine Microsoft 365 subscription, the offer reads. While clicking on the offer, you will be taken to a new Microsoft 365 landing page, where it warns users against the use of a pirated version of Microsoft. The threats include increased vulnerability to virus and malware assaults, identity theft, corrupted files, and data loss, as well as a lack of access to vital software updates.

However, because Microsoft 365 is routinely renewed, the deal may be enough to attract some customers to sign up for auto-renewal and then forget to cancel it later. Customers may also be motivated by Microsoft 365's cloud storage option, which, unlike Office programmes, cannot be pirated. They may choose to renew their subscription if they use that storage space throughout the subscription period.

Other Microsoft Office options without actually buying?

Though everyone knows that pirated is not ethically and legally correct, still to escape the option to purchase it, users tend to go for the pirated versions. However, there are other options available too. You can get the same licensed features for free! Yes, indeed. How? By using Office Online from your web browser or you can just use free and open source alternatives like LibreOffice.
Companies led by Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson are sending billionaires into outer space.

Venture investor Lane Bess credits his appetite for risk for a successful career in Silicon Valleys cybersecurity startups. Its also whats sending him into outer space. Bess is one of six passengers wholl be soaring to the fringes of outer space thanks to Jeff Bezoss space-exploration business, Blue Origin. Liftoff for the companys third manned space flight is scheduled for Saturday from its launch facility in the West Texas desert. Bess joins a small but growing group of ultra-wealthy adventurers whove bought their way into outer space thanks largely to competing ventures founded by billionaires such as Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson. Bess and his fellow paying passengers on the New Shepard mission -- space tech executive Dylan Taylor and Evan Dick, a former managing director at Highbridge Capital Management -- wont even be the first space tourists this week: Japanese retail mogul Yusaku Maezawa blasted off early Wednesday for a 12-day trip to the International Space Station.

Part of who I am is seeking adventure and not being afraid to take risks, Bess, 60, said in an interview. Its fulfilling a boyhood dream.

The founder of online clothing retailer Zozo Inc., Maezawa, 46, is the first space tourist to visit the ISS in more than a decade. Hes been tweeting for months leading up to the trip, posting photos of his training and even offering to pay for others to join him when he becomes the first paying passenger to fly around the moon, courtesy of Musks SpaceX, in 2023.

Space tourism has been around for two decades, but this year has seen a burst of activity due to a combination of soaring wealth, more rocket operators and technological advances. While wannabe astronauts have more options than ever for facilitating their space journey, that hasnt translated to lower prices, according to Eric Anderson, chief executive officer of Space Adventures, the company that coordinated Maezawas trip to the ISS.

The costs are labor, materials, infrastructure, and its all gone up over time, Anderson said. Imagine the cost of flying to Tokyo if you throw away the airplane after one flight.

Bess, a former executive at Palo Alto Networks Inc. and Zscaler Inc. who now invests through his own fund, declined to say what he paid. Blue Origin auctioned off a ticket to its inaugural crewed flight in July for $28 million. Bess participated in the auction and, though he didnt win, stayed in touch with Blue Origins sales team. The non-paying passengers on Saturdays flight include Good Morning America co-host Michael Strahan and Laura Shepard Churchley, daughter of Alan Shepard, the first American in space.

Bess said physical preparation for the flight hasnt been too arduous -- theyve really tried to make this as consumer-friendly as possible -- though he did begin exercising and dropped 17 pounds from his 6-foot, 2-inch frame.

The flight will also serve as a bonding experience for Bess and his son, Cameron, a 23-year-old content creator and software developer wholl also be on board. The pair used to shoot rockets together when Cameron was young, but their shared time lessened as Besss career grew more demanding. The flight, he said, was an opportunity to reconnect.

Aside from sating his curiosity about space and the thrilling 63-mile-high view of Earth, Bess said one thing hes most looking forward to is meeting Bezos, wholl be at the launch site. He said he intends to ask him about his longer-term vision for Blue Origin and to thank him for helping realize his dream.

Unlike SpaceX, Jeff Bezos has funded this primarily at his own cost, he said. When you look at the facilities theyve built and the engineering brilliance, its the kind of commitment very few people on Earth can make.
Saudi women's rights activist says iPhone hack by US contractors led to arrest.

A Saudi Arabian women's rights activist accused three former US intelligence contractors of an illegal hack of her Apple iPhone that was instrumental in her being arrested and later tortured in her home country, according to a lawsuit filed in a U.S. court. Loujain al-Hathloul helped lead a campaign to allow Saudi Arabian women to drive by live-streaming herself violating the ban, which was lifted in 2018.

She spent almost three years in Saudi jails and is currently banned from leaving the Kingdom. The lawsuit was filed on her behalf on Thursday in a federal court in Oregon by the privacy non-profit organization Electronic Frontier Foundation.

It alleged that the surveillance operation run by the three ex-contractors and DarkMatter, a United Arab Emirates cybersecurity company, led to al-Hathloul's arrest by the UAEs security services.

From there she was extradited by private plane to Saudi Arabia, "where she was detained, imprisoned and tortured," according to the lawsuit.

A 2019 Reuters investigation cited by the lawsuit, revealed that al-Hathloul was targeted in 2017 by a team of U.S. mercenaries who surveilled dissidents on behalf of the UAE under a program called Project Raven, which categorized her as a national security threat and hacked into her iPhone.

Al-Hathloul said that as she was tortured, interrogators mentioned communications they apparently learned of through "unlawful access" to her phone, according to the lawsuit.

Saudi officials have denied torturing al-Hathloul and say she received a fair trial. A request for comment to the Saudi and Emirati embassies in Washington was not immediately answered.

In a separate settlement with U.S. federal prosecutors in September, for hacking charges, the three former U.S. intelligence contractors Marc Baier, Ryan Adams, and Daniel Gericke admitted to conducting surveillance operations on behalf of the UAE, including breaking into mobile devices.

Requests for comment sent to representatives for Gericke, Baier, Adams and DarkMatter were not immediately answered.

"No government or individual should tolerate the misuse of spy malware to deter human rights," al-Hathloul said in a statement.

"This is why I have chosen to stand up for our collective right to remain safe online and limit government-backed cyber abuses of power. 
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has warned about the 'swirling Sun debris' which is likely to hit Earth by December 11. NASA has said that this coronal mass ejection (CME) has been shot from the Sun earlier this week and is forecast to possibly strike the Earth by Saturday. As per a report by Express, the CME was cast towards the planet on Monday when a large filament was ejected from the Sun's bottom half, which is now racing towards Earth. According to the US Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), CMEs can escape the Sun at speeds between 560,000mph to more than 6.7 million mph. At these speeds, the fastest CMEs can reach Earth in as little as 15 to 18 hours.

According to Express, Dr Tamitha Skov, a space weather physicist warned that a recent filament eruption from the Sun will deliver a glancing blow to the south of the planet, causing mild disruptions. Before we go into depth, it is important to know what is coronal mass ejection (CME). According to NASA, coronal mass ejection, or CME, are large clouds of solar plasma and embedded magnetic fields released into space after a solar eruption. CMEs expand as they sweep through space, often measuring millions of miles across, and can collide with planetary magnetic fields.

When directed at Earth, a CME can produce geomagnetic disturbances that ignite bright aurora, short-circuit satellites and power grids on Earth, or at their worst, even endanger astronauts in orbit.

A large CME can contain a billion tons of matter that can be accelerated to several million miles per hour in a spectacular explosion. Solar material streams out through the interplanetary medium, impacting any planet or spacecraft in its path. CMEs are sometimes associated with flares but can occur independently.

Dr Tamitha Skov said, Expect a mild disturbance, but the aurora is possible at high latitudes with sporadic amateur radio & GPS issues on Earth's nightside, as quoted by Express.

According to the astronomers behind SpaceWeather.com, the "swirling debris" caused by the explosion from the Sun will "barely miss the Earth". As per their prediction, the debris will fly just south of the planet.
You know, I fell off a platform out in California, Chico, a while back, he said during a later debate. Before I hit the ground, my cell phone rang and this trial lawyer said, I think weve got a case here.

Throughout his life, Dole championed help for his fellow veterans and the World War II Memorial that opened in Washington in 2004.

In his post-Senate years, he teamed with McGovern  who grew up poor in rural South Dakota as did Dole in Kansas  to expand domestic and global feeding programs. And in 2007, he cosponsored one of the events marking his one-time rivals 85th birthday.

When the two were honored as co-winners of the World Food Prize in 2008, he noted, I began my acceptance remarks by saying that The good news is that we finally won something. It proves that you should never give up.

Dole lived long enough that, in an ironic turn, he came to epitomize a kinder day in an increasingly partisan Washington.
Nobelium, the threat actor attributed to the massive SolarWinds supply chain compromise, has been once again linked to a series of attacks targeting multiple cloud solution providers, services, and reseller companies, as the hacking group continues to refine and retool its tactics at an alarming pace in response to public disclosures.

The intrusions, which are being tracked by Mandiant under two different activity clusters UNC3004 and UNC2652, are both associated with UNC2452, an uncategorized threat group that has since been tied to the Russian intelligence service. UNC2652, in particular, has been observed targeting diplomatic entities with phishing emails containing HTML attachments with malicious JavaScript, ultimately dropping a Cobalt Strike Beacon onto the infected devices.

"In most instances, post compromise activity included theft of data relevant to Russian interests," Mandiant researchers Luke Jenkins, Sarah Hawley, Parnian Najafi, and Doug Bienstock said in a new report. "In some instances, the data theft appears to be obtained primarily to create new routes to access other victim environments."

The revelations come exactly a year after details emerged of a Kremlin-backed hacking campaign that breached the servers of network management provider SolarWinds to distribute tainted software binaries to a number of high-profile customers, including nine U.S. federal agencies.

If anything, the development is yet another indication of the threat actor's capacity to continually "innovate and identify new techniques and tradecraft to maintain persistent access to victim environments, hinder detection, and confuse attribution efforts," while also highlighting the "effectiveness of leveraging third parties and trusted vendor relationships to carry out nefarious operations."

Microsoft had previously dubbed Nobelium as "skillful and methodic operators who follow operations security (OpSec) best practices."

Ever since the SolarWinds incident came to light, the APT group has been connected to a string of attacks aimed at think tanks, businesses, and government entities around the globe, even as an ever-expanding malware toolbox has been put to use with the goal of establishing a foothold in the attacked system and downloading other malicious components.

In late October 2021, Microsoft took the wraps off an intrusion campaign that compromised as many as 14 downstream customers of multiple cloud service providers (CSP), managed service providers (MSP), and other IT services organizations. The poisoning attacks worked by breaking into the service providers, subsequently using the privileged access and credentials belonging to these providers to strike a wide range of organizations that relied on the CSPs.

Top-notch operational security and advanced tradecraft

Some of the other techniques incorporated by the group into its playbook involve the use of credentials potentially obtained from an info-stealer malware campaign staged by a third-party actor to gain initial access to organizations, an attack sequence that resulted in the victims' workstations infected with CryptBot malware after browsing to low reputation websites offering cracked software, corroborating a similar report from Red Canary published last week.

Also employed by Nobelium is a new tool dubbed Ceeloader, a bespoke downloader that's designed to decrypt a shellcode payload to execute in memory on the compromised system, as well as the abuse of push notifications on smartphones to circumvent multi-factor authentication (MFA) protections.

"In these cases, the threat actor had a valid username and password combination," the researcher said. "Many MFA providers allow for users to accept a phone app push notification or to receive a phone call and press a key as a second factor. The threat actor took advantage of this and issued multiple MFA requests to the end user's legitimate device until the user accepted the authentication, allowing the threat actor to eventually gain access to the account."

Other tactics of note include 

Compromising multiple accounts within an environment and using each of those accounts for different functions to limit exposure,

Using a combination of Tor, Virtual Private Servers (VPS) and public Virtual Private Networks (VPN) to access victim environments,

Hosting second-stage payloads as encrypted blobs on legitimate websites running WordPress, and

Using residential IP address ranges to authenticate to victim environments.

"This intrusion activity reflects a well-resourced threat actor set operating with a high level of concern for operational security," the researchers said. "The abuse of a third party, in this case a CSP, can facilitate access to a wide scope of potential victims through a single compromise."
It's no reason to panic, but it is a good reminder to try to prevent tick bites, said Jeff Hamik, vector-borne disease epidemiologist with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Prevention is key to avoiding Lyme disease and other illnesses that ticks can carry and spread, including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

Tick bites can be prevented by using insect repellant, covering exposed skin and by treating clothing and gear with special spray.

Hamik advises doing frequent tick checks while outdoors and after going inside. Showering can wash away any ticks that have yet to attach. The earlier a tick is removed, Hamik said, the better.

"It helps remind people that ticks are present in the environment," Hamik said. "We want people to enjoy the outdoors. But while they're out there, there are ticks and mosquitoes that may be present in those same environments. Take precautions to avoid those tick and mosquito bites."
They are proposing to redevelop this property with up to 70 duplex-style town house units.

The project is consistent with the existing zoning and future land use plan for the area, which is planned for a combination of commercial and residential development, Nabity said.

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Mesner is requesting that Regional Planning Commission and Grand Island City Council rezone the property to R3-SL medium density small lot to facilitate its development.

The lot is currently zoned as B2 general business, Nabity said.

We do allow apartments in the B2 zone at a rate of up to 72 units, or 42 units per acre, one per 1,000 square feet, so housing is also a permitted use in that district, Nabity said.

The project would then pursue tax increment financing for the demolition of existing structures, necessary site work and installation of public utilities and street improvements.

The use of TIF makes it feasible to complete all of the phases of the proposed project within the timeline presented, according to the amended redevelopment plan. This project could not be completed without the use of TIF.
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Carlos Barcenas, GIPS Board of Education member and the boards first Latino member, ventured that his education (he graduated from Grand Island Public Schools in 1998) could have been altered had his alma mater consisted of a more diverse teaching staff.

I wonder if I would have had more teachers and educators of color, maybe I wouldnt have been so afraid to take more chances. I realized that maybe I didnt take some chances, he said.

Barcenas said there has been a concerted effort by GIPS officials to promote equity. Weve been intentional in knowing that we have a lot of work to do. But it never ends, we have to be willing to make it better than it was yesterday and learn and adapt.

Grover said much of the districts equity efforts have been more holistic than based solely on color (GIPS is an equal opportunity employer). She said its paramount to receive differences with open arms. Theres no replacement for your own real experiences, but what I am doing is making space for you to share about your real experiences. Now I have more empathy, I have more understanding, I have more awareness. And really, by creating a safe space for you to share is going to help shape how I can best support you.
The omicron variant of coronavirus has not been detected yet in the Central District Health Departments three-county coverage area.

It is in Nebraska, though, and will be pretty much everywhere in the next two weeks, CDHD Director Teresa Anderson said Thursday.

It spreads very rapidly and reproduces very quickly, she said. It doesnt incubate as long in the body. What were seeing is a shorter incubation period, which allows more time for it to contaminate other people and infect them.

CDHD is ready for omicron when it does arrive, Anderson said.

We need to really focus on vaccinating as many people as we can, as quickly as we can, she said.

The district currently has a vaccination rate of 53% of eligible people.

We need to bump that up dramatically, Anderson said. We know people are starting to seek their first doses, but what we want to see then is for them to bring their friends and neighbors and relatives in to get those doses.

She added, We need to get up to at least 70% to reduce the impact that omicron will have on us.
President Joe Biden voiced concern over the high court decision to keep the Texas law in effect and restated his support for legislation that has cleared the House of Representatives and would codify in federal law the abortion right now at risk.

We have more work to do, but I will always stand with women to protect and defend their long-recognized, constitutional right under Roe v. Wade, Biden said in a statement.

Justice Neil Gorsuch, who has consistently voted against abortion rights, did not mention Roe in his main opinion for the court Friday. Gorsuch is one of the Trump appointees, along with Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett.

Abortion providers will now attempt to run the same legal gantlet that has previously frustrated them. The federal judge who already has once blocked the law, known as S.B. 8, almost certainly will be asked to do so again. Then his decision would be reviewed by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which has twice voted to allow enforcement of the abortion ban.

In any case, it all could return to the justices, and so far there have not been five votes on the nine-member court to put the law on hold while the legal fight plays out.
Kearney County: 36

Phelps County: 86

Those numbers do not quite equal Two Rivers figures, but Two Rivers no longer releases numbers of new cases in each county, as per a state directive earlier this fall.

As of Wednesday morning, there were no ICU beds available across the health district, and more than 30% of all currently occupied med/surg beds are accounted for by COVID-19 patients. Across the state, 13% of adult ICU beds and 21% of med/surg beds were available on Wednesday.

The availability of ICU beds across the state and the Two Rivers area are at the lowest point since the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020.

More than half of the Two Rivers population has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and 48% had received minimum doses as recommended compared to more than 63% of the entire state population.
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way many people approach their jobs.

Including Santa Claus.

Herrins Charlie Groves often stands in for the real Kris Kringle, whose busy schedule this time of year keeps him at the North Pole.

He has been a staple of Southern Illinois events for more than four decades, Santas way of spreading Christmas cheer has changed with the times.

From visits to private homes, hearing holiday wishes at childrens parties and making special appearances, the pandemic has made things different.

Its kind of been a mixed bag, Groves, 71, said, explaining that many of his visits over the past two years were done virtually, a method he actually has come to enjoy.

It is a pleasure because I can actually see the kids faces. Normally, when they sit on Santas lap, their back is to me and I cant see their reaction when I ask a question or when I tell them something, he explained. On the computer with the virtual visits, I see how their eyes light up.

Groves said virtual visits also allow entire families to be involved in a visit from St. Nick.

The best part is that I could talk to the kids in Chicago and the grandparents in Carterville, so everyone could be a part of it. Those visits are a lot of fun, he said.

He continues to visit homes on Christmas Eve, be part of family holiday portrait sessions and make appearance at public events, all with increased levels of precaution, he said.

I leave it up to the families if they want me to wear a mask or not. Many want me to take it off so that they can see the smile, Groves said. He added that he has maintained his Santa-style beard for most of the 43 years he has portrayed Claus. I learned very early that with a fake beard you suffocate a little bit and the kids want to see your lips move. It makes you real.

In addition to masks for live events, Groves pulls other precautions from his bag.

I wear latex gloves inside my regular gloves and Im frequently changing gloves and even suits, he said.

He said he uses a wardrobe of five Santa suits and even more gloves, cleaning and disinfecting them regularly as he makes his 80 scheduled appearances this year.

My boots get wiped down often and I change gloves all of the time. We keep it all sanitized, just being cautious, he said.

Even though there are fewer calls for sessions where children will be on Santas lap, Groves said there are still plenty of opportunities to visit with little ones. He said drive-thru visits with Santa have been popular.

People still feel like they can see Santa or they can come up and stand close and talk and visit. People are appreciative of that, he said.

He said the emotions and excitement of seeing Santa is the same whether it is online, at a distance or up close. Groves tries to make every visit special.

Weve slowed down a little bit because of the pandemic and weve adapted to different things, but were doing fine, he said. I still get to see the smiles on their faces. Thats what it is all about.

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All of Southern Illinois should brace for significant severe weather Friday night through the early Saturday hours as the National Weather Service is predicting unusual winter weather resulting in a few strong tornadoes, damaging gusts and large hail.

The NWS Storm Prediction Center has upgraded Southern Illinois and parts of Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee and Kentucky to a level 4 out of 5 moderate risk for severe weather.

Moderate severe weather risks such as this is highly unusually for the area, Michael York, a NWS meteorologist, said.

Theyre not very common. A couple or three times a year in a typical year we have a moderate risk, York said. This year I dont know if weve had any. A moderate risk implies a fairly widespread severe weather event. Usually it includes the possibility of a few strong tornados and of course large hail and damaging straight-line winds.

Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are likely caused by a cold front moving across the region along with lots of moisture and wind shear in the atmosphere.

The timing of the system covering Southern Illinois will be from around 7 p.m. through 3 a.m.

The thunderstorms are expected to develop by late today into the early evening across Southern Illinois, Southeast Missouri and possibly West Kentucky.

They will continue through the overnight hours crossing into Indiana and western Kentucky, NWS said.

Outside of the thunderstorms, strong wind gusts of 30 to 40 miles per hour are possible this evening into early Saturday morning.

A couple long-track tornadoes are highly possible as well.

Nighttime tornadoes are one of the biggest problems because they happen when people are normally asleep, York said. We recommend having a means of being woken up at night by a weather radio. Then you can take some protective actions.

The greatest tornado threat is close to the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, near Cairo, according to NWS.

It is advised that you have multiple means of receiving weather updates throughout the storm and that you have a safety plan in place.

The main message emergency officials have for those residing in the Southern Illinois region, which is expecting severe weather and hazardous conditions, is to be aware.

Ryan Buckingham, a fire chief and the Director of Emergency Management for Franklin County, said it is important people remain cognizant of their surroundings.

Some of these storms are going to be moving at a very high rate of speed. So one thing you're going to want to do is monitor the conditions around you, have a way, multiple ways actually to receive watch and warning information, and then seek shelter immediately if a warning is issued, or your conditions change around you, Buckingham said.

Buckingham said in these winter month storms, the storm is moving faster than it usually would and sometimes the warnings cant keep up with them, which is why it is important to remain aware.

If someone is living in a home without a basement, Buckingham said the best way to seek shelter is to move to a sturdy structure away from doors and windows and to put as much material as possible between yourself and the outside.

Rebecca Clark, a communications manager with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, said it is important to have a plan in place.

So know what you would do the personal protective measures that you would take under a watch under warning. Specifically, know where he will go when a warning is issued. A warning means it's time to take cover, Clark said. So if you live in a more mobile home, know where you would go, where's the closest storm shelter for your area, whether it be a church, or community building, know those places where you would go now before the storm hits. And most importantly, always make sure that you have more than one way to receive emergency alerts and notifications.

Clark said resources for storm preparedness and disaster relief can be found at ready.illinois.gov

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MEXICO CITY (AP)  Mexican actor Carmen Salinas, known for movies like Danzon, Man on Fire and Bellas de Noche and telenovelas and series including Maria la del Barrio and Mujeres Asesinas, has died. She was 82.

Relatives of the actor announced her death Thursday night on Salinas Twitter account.

With great sorrow, we inform you that leading actress Carmen Salinas passed away today, says the message along with a black and white photograph of the artist, thanking her fans for their support.

Salinas had been in a coma after suffering a stroke in November. Details about her funeral services would be released later, her family said.

Jocular but always affable, Salinas could go from comedy to drama with ease.

Born to a humble single mother in Torreon, Coahuila, on October 5, 1939, she only went to elementary school and started her acting career as a child, in the 50's, following into her sister Finita's footsteps.

Salinas sang and did impersonations on the radio, and when she was a little older she participated in beauty and talent contests. Soon she began to perform in Coahuila and Mexico City venues including the famous El Patio nightclub, where she said she liked to party with actress Evita Munoz Chachita and actor Pedro Infante.

By the 1960s, she was appearing in telenovelas like Casa de Barrio," Frontera and Sublime Redencion before making her big screen debut in Roberto Gavaldon's 1970's La Vida Inutil de Pito Perez and later acting in El Crimen del Cacaro Gumaro, La Misma Luna, Todo el Poder, Danzon, Cartas a Elena, Esta Noche Cena Pancho, Que Viva Tepito! and Bellas de Noche.

She also appeared in Tony Scott's Man on Fire, a 2004 thriller filmed in Mexico starring Denzel Washington.

Her many TV credits also included telenovelas Hasta que el Dinero nos Separe, Maria Mercedes and 2021 Mi Fortuna es Amarte and Eugenio Derbez's series La familia P. Luche. And in theater she not only acted in several plays but produced a musical, Aventurera, starring Edith Gonzalez, Itati Cantoral, Niurka Marcos, Ninel Conde and Maribel Guardia.

She was a member of Mexico's Institutional Revolutionary Party, for which she was elected plurinominal federal deputy in 2015, a position she held until 2018. She came to be criticized for falling asleep in a session of the radio and television commission, and she told the press that she preferred the money she earned as an actor than as a legislator.

In 1956 she married the pianist Pedro Plascencia, with whom she had two children  Maria Eugenia and Pedro  before parting ways in the 1960s. Her son Pedro, who was also a musician, died of cancer in 1994 and Salinas spoke openly about the pain this caused her.

She is survived by her daughter Maria Eugenia and her grandchildren.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
BUTTE, Mont.  An Illinois company that turned mining waste into roofing materials at a Montana plant was fined and ordered to conduct medical monitoring of workers on Friday, after pleading guilty to a criminal charge that it exposed employees to arsenic.

Tinley Park, Illinois-based U.S. Minerals was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen to pay a $393,200 fine and will be on probation for five years, according to court records. The company pleaded guilty in August to negligent endangerment, a misdemeanor violation of the federal Clean Air Act.

Prosecutors said U.S. Minerals continued to poison its workers by exposing them to arsenic despite repeated warnings from regulators. Long-term exposure to inorganic arsenic can lead to skin cancer and cancer in the bladder and lungs, according to the World Health Organization.

In its guilty plea, the company acknowledged it "negligently placed another person in the imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury."

From 2013 to when it closed in June 2021 the company's Anaconda plant converted mining waste known as black slag  a byproduct of a century of copper smelting in the town  into roofing materials called Black Diamond Abrasive Products.

Under a plea agreement, U.S. Minerals plants in Illinois, Wisconsin, Kansas, Texas and Louisiana will be under increased oversight by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration during a five-year probationary period.

The company would also have to monitor the health of former employees of the Anaconda plant during that time.

Employees who take advantage of the medical monitoring program would not give up the right to pursue civil litigation against U.S. Minerals, under the agreement.

Five of six employees tested at the Anaconda plant in July 2015 had elevated levels of arsenic, according to a 2016 report by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. At the time, respiratory protection was provided but not required, and there was no running water or handwashing stations at the plant

The company was earlier fined nearly $107,000 by OSHA for violations in 2016.

Montana's health department ordered the plant to temporarily close in February 2019 after at least two workers had elevated arsenic levels in their urine in 2018.

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CHICAGO  A judge has denied bail for a man charged with fatally shooting a 71-year-old man as he was walking to buy a newspaper in Chicago's Chinatown neighborhood.

Alphonso Joyner faces first-degree murder and firearms charges in the death of Woom Sing Tse, who died Tuesday after being shot multiple times. Police said Joyner shot at Tse 22 times, including as he lay helpless on the ground.

"This was an execution," Cook County Judge Maryam Ahmad said Thursday before denying bail for Joyner, who is due back in court Dec. 29.

Tse, who moved to the U.S. from China about 50 years ago, retired nine years ago after working in a restaurant. He had three children and nine grandchildren, said his son, William Tse.

"I'm speechless," he said. "We just want justice."

Assistant State's Attorney James Murphy said Tse was shot while walking from his home to buy a newspaper, and the shooting was captured on multiple video surveillance cameras.

Joyner was arrested 11 miles away on the Kennedy Expressway about an hour later with a loaded gun, Murphy said. Investigators have not determined a motive for the shooting, he said.

"Sometimes individuals just do evil things and that's the situation we have here," Murphy said.

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NORWAY  Norway Police Chief Edgar Williams mentioned approximately 10 incidents which involved theft and violent behavior in his November report during the December town council meeting on Facebook live Monday evening, Dec. 6.

Williams mentioned in November that within the town limits, there were incident reports of two counts of first-degree assault and battery; armed robbery; attempted armed robbery; two counts of first-degree burglary; second-degree burglary; one count of malicious injury to personal property; one count of malicious injury to real property; a motor vehicle theft; and two counts of petit larceny. There were also 50 traffic citations but no traffic collisions.

Mayor Tracie Clemons thanked Williams and the Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office for their help in the past several months.

Clemons next gave the wastewater report.

"All the parameters at the wastewater plant are in compliance," she said.

She said they did have to respond to an alarm at one of the lift stations and that this is just an indication that they need the new pump discussed in previous meetings.

Clemons stated that they had been having an ongoing compliance evaluation inspection of the wastewater system by S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control from September to Nov. 3 and that they do have several violations they will have to correct. She said that she contacted DHEC this week to address how the town will be dealing with those violations.

Clemons mentioned a major leak on Somerset Avenue and that they are going to have to bring in a contractor because it involves digging under the road. She said there is a second, major leak on Cope Road, and a contractor will be brought in for that as well. She said that Public Works managed to get it under control but will need more assistance from the contractor.

Clemons said that the S.C. Department of Transportation has been working on sidewalks in the town and replacing signs. She added that Public Works has been doing maintenance and repair work as well. Councilwoman Bonnie Fogle has volunteered to do some cleanup of roads in the town and was recognized by the mayor.

Clemons next stated that a letter has been sent out to town businesses to let them know about the business license date changes and fee changes. She said the ordinance for the new business license requirements is approximately 10 pages and will be available from town hall.

Clemons asked for approval for a first reading of an ordinance to adopt the new business license agreement and fees. Council approved first reading of the ordinance.

Clemons later thanked all the participants in the Norway Christmas Parade and mentioned that Councilwoman Berley James won the Ugly Sweater Contest sponsored by the town.

She thanked OCSO, Orangeburg County Emergency Services and the Norway Fire Department for participating in the parade. She also thanked the volunteer Santa.

Over 150 plates of food were served during the Community Christmas Meal at Three Crosses Ministry. Clemons thanked the churches and community members for assisting with this.

She gave special recognition to the grand marshals of the Norway Christmas Parade, the Norway Senior Citizens group, and thanked them.

They showed up, and they showed out. They had a great time, and they blessed us with a Christmas song. They just blessed us with their presence and their warmth, their kindness and their wisdom, Clemons added.

In other business:

 The next Highway 321 Yard Sale will be Saturday, Dec. 18, from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. The fee is $10 per participant. Contact town hall if interested.

 Clemons said the town has started its second annual Adopt a Palm Tree program. Businesses, classes, and individuals adopted palm trees last year and decorated them with solar lights and are able to do the same this year if registered with the town hall.

Clemons said, "Just leave the lights up for the duration of the next year. They looked beautiful."

She added that each adoptee is responsible for purchasing the solar lights. She also mentioned nails and tacks are not allowed to put the lights on the palm trees. Other guidelines are available from Norway Town Hall, and a disclaimer must be signed before participating. Each tree will be assigned to a specific group or individual, and the palm trees must be decorated by Monday, Dec. 20.

 The next council meeting will be held via Facebook Live on Monday, Jan. 10, 2022, at 7 p.m. As New Years Day falls on Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022, the date for the meeting has been moved from the first Monday, Jan. 3, which will be a holiday for town employees.

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The South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulations South Carolina Fire Academy graduated 22 recruits, Friday, Dec. 3, from its eight-week firefighter candidate school in Columbia.

These firefighters underwent a 320-hour training program of classroom and hands-on firefighting skills development. Keynote speaker was Battalion Chief Richie Brogdon, City of Sumter Fire Department.

This challenging program requires commitment, passion and dedication, Fire Academy Superintendent Dennis Ray said. These recruits have successfully worked together as a team, performed extensive hands-on training with live fires and passed intensive practical skills evaluations and written tests to meet the National Fire Protection Association standards.

The comprehensive training, offered quarterly at the Fire Academy, includes emergency responder first aid training, hazardous materials operations training, auto extrication, flammable liquids and gas firefighting, rescue training and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Firefighter I and Firefighter II levels. Additionally, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, changes were made to class structure and facilities to promote social distancing and recommended precautions.

With the successful completion and graduation of these new firefighters who will now be dedicating their lives to serving their communities and the state, our South Carolina fire service is enhanced, Ray said. I am proud of their accomplishments, and I also commend the dedicated Fire Academy instructors who brought the recruits through these weeks of instruction leading to graduation.

The following recruits graduated Dec. 3

 Lee Batchelor, St. Andrews Public Service District

 Mikayla Blanton, Bluffton Township Fire District

 Joseph Bryant, Dorchester County Fire-Rescue

 Craig Coaxum, North Charleston Fire Department

 Brayden Crawford, High Point Fire Department

 Travis Crisp, St. Johns Fire District

 Kyle Day, Chesterfield Fire Department

 Jonathan Eubanks, Denmark Fire Department

 Jacob Hardee, Sandy Run - Calhoun Volunteer Fire Department

 Conner Huff, Pelham-Batesville Fire Department

 Chance Joachim, Troops to Firefighters

 Matthew Lamountain, Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue

 Matthew Leister, St. Johns Fire District

 Brandon Martell, North Charleston Fire Department

 Elizabeth Mayes, Bluffton Township Fire District

 Joseph Mayo, Bluffton Township Fire District

 Tyreke Nathaniel, Sumter Fire Department

 Nicholas Nhung, Landrum Area Fire and Rescue District

 William Porter, Sandhill Volunteer Fire Department

 John Rizos, II, Jasper County Fire Rescue

 Kurt Rogers, St. Johns Fire District

 Alexander Thompson, St. Andrews Public Service District

The following awards were also presented:

 Order of the Maltese  Elizabeth Mayes, Bluffton Township Fire District

This award recipient is chosen by the class recruits. The Maltese Cross is a firefighters badge of honor, signifying that he or she works in courage  a ladder rung away from death. The Eight Obligations of The Maltese Cross are: Live in Truth, Repent of Sins, Love Justice, Be Sincere and WholeHearted, Have Faith, Give Proof of Humility, Be Merciful, and Endure Persecution.

 Chief Robert Frick  Jacob Hardee, Sandy Run - Calhoun Volunteer Fire Department

The Chief Robert Frick Award is given to the recruit with the highest grade point average.

 Pride of the Battalion  Alexander Thompson, St. Andrews Public Service District

This award recipient is chosen by the instructor staff who worked with the recruits during the eight-week program. The Pride of the Battalion award is given to the recruit who has demonstrated Leadership, Integrity, Determination, and Good Value.

The Fire Academy provides emergency services training to the municipal fire service - both paid and volunteer - airport crash rescue departments, industrial fire brigades and emergency teams and service organizations including EMS, law enforcement and military from around the state and the world. The Fire Academy is accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress and National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (Pro Board) for multiple NFPA firefighter levels.

The Fire Academy and the State Fire Marshals Office make up the Division of Fire and Life Safety, which is a division of the S.C. Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.

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The Orangeburg County Fairgrounds is a step closer to being entirely in Orangeburgs city limits.

The Orangeburg City Planning Commission on Thursday unanimously approved a request to annex the property into the city and to zone it general business.

Currently, about 35 acres of the fairgrounds are located in the city with the remaining 25 acres in the county.

The 25 acres to be annexed are largely the fairgrounds parking lot.

Orangeburg County Fairgrounds Association President Matt Stokes asked Orangeburg City Council to annex the property during an August meeting.

Stokes said the annexation will make the Orangeburg Department of Public Safety responsible for the entire property rather than having to split law enforcement response between the county and city.

Stokes noted a number of events have recently been held in the parking lot, such as a rally for former U.S. Senate candidate Jamie Harrison and a fish fry for 6th District Congressman Jim Clyburn.

The campground will now have city police coverage during the Grand American and the fair, Stokes said.

The planning commission also voted to rezone some Claflin University property on Goff Avenue from multi-unit residential to office-institutional.

The property is located at 631 and 671 Goff Avenue. Plans call for the property to become home to a new student and community center.

The rest of the campus is already zoned office-institutional.

Orangeburg City Council also has to approve the changes.

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President Joe Biden plans to visit Orangeburg to address December graduates in the South Carolina State University Class of 2021.

The South Carolina State University family is honored and grateful to host President Biden when he addresses our graduates as they set a course for their futures, Interim S.C. State President Alexander Conyers said. Our students will no doubt remember his words for the rest of their lives. This is indeed a privilege for all here at S.C. State.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to President Biden and Congressman James E. Clyburn for making this special occasion an unforgettable moment in the universitys history, Conyers said.

The graduation ceremony is set for 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 17, at Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center.

Clyburn had been scheduled to be the keynote speaker, but he invited Biden to deliver the commencement address in his stead, as the congressman will be receiving his own degree during the ceremony.

I am pleased to welcome President Biden back to my alma mater. The last time he was on this campus, he came to win the hearts and minds of this community. This week he will return to share with the newest graduates of South Carolina State what he is doing for them, for their families and their community to ensure that they have access to Americas greatness, Clyburn said.

Clyburn endorsed Biden ahead of South Carolinas 2020 presidential primary, which was seen as key to his victory in that race. Bidens South Carolina win solidified his place as the Democratic frontrunner.

Clyburn said, It will be a tremendous honor to share the stage with President Biden at this institution that means so much to me as I mark 60 years since I earned the degree that set me on the path to where I am today.

Clyburn will march with the class of 2021. He did not march to receive his degree from S.C. State College in 1961. S.C. State did not conduct December ceremonies in that era, so he received his credential by mail.

Commencement seating will be limited to students, faculty and invited guests in keeping with COVID-19 social distancing capacity in Smith-Hammond-Middleton.

Face coverings will be required for entry and must be worn at all times inside the arena.

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At least 50 people are likely dead after multiple tornadoes barreled through southwestern Kentucky late Friday, according to Gov. Andy Beshear.

"We believe our death toll from this event will exceed 50 Kentuckians, probably end up closer to 70 to 100 lost lives," Beshear said at a briefing Saturday morning, calling the storms that hit the state "the most severe tornado event in Kentucky's history."

Preliminary investigations indicate four tornadoes may have hit the state, including one that potentially stayed on the ground for more than 200 miles, Beshear said. Damage has been reported in at least 15 counties stretching across western Kentucky.

The worst destruction was in Graves County, he told CNN affiliate WLKY, particularly the town of Mayfield. "It hit Mayfield as hard as just about any town ... has ever been hit."

About 110 people were at a candle factory at the time the tornado hit, and Beshear said, "We believe we'll lose at least dozens of those individuals."

"It is a significant, massive disaster event," state emergency management director Michael Dorsett said, adding that search-and-rescue efforts are ongoing and began even as the storms were in the area.

The tornadoes were among a multitude that spawned in the overnight hours Friday as a line of powerful storms ripped through the central US.

Mayfield is a city of around 10,000 people, according to the US Census. Buildings struck include the Graves County Courthouse and adjoining jail.

Deaths in Arkansas and Illinois, officials say

At least 24 tornadoes were reported across five states  Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri and Tennessee  according to the NOAA Storm Prediction Center, with fatalities also reported by officials in Arkansas and Illinois.

And the potential for more severe weather continues over the weekend as the system moves east, stretching from northern Louisiana up to southern Ohio early Saturday. Tornado watches throughout the region are expected Saturday morning.

At least one person was killed in Monette in northeastern Arkansas after a tornado damaged a nursing home Friday, trapping others inside before being rescued. At least 20 were also injured at the facility, Mayor Bob Blankenship told CNN.

Another person was killed in nearby Leachville, when an adult female was "in a Dollar General store when the storm hit and they could not get out," Mississippi County Sheriff Dale Cook told CNN.

Interstate 555 near the town of Trumann was closed due to overturned vehicles, according to Arkansas Emergency Management spokesperson LaTresha Woodruff. State officials had been told there was damage to the town's fire department, EMS facility and a nursing home, Woodruff said.

In Illinois, an Amazon warehouse northeast of St. Louis was damaged and fatalities have been confirmed, according to the Edwardsville Police Department.

"Efforts are being made to notify next of kin at this time," said a news release from the department which didn't mention how many people died.

More on the storms across the U.S.:

***

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(TBTCO) - Uy ban Chung khoan Nha nuoc vua ban hanh quyet inh ve viec xu phat vi pham hanh chinh oi voi ong Nguyen Vu Hieu, do khong cong bo thong tin khi so huu tu 5% tro len so co phieu co quyen bieu quyet cua mot cong ty ai chung hoac khi khong con la co ong lon.
JACKSON  Wyoming Senate President Dan Dockstader isnt too thrilled with how redistricting is shaking out.

The way he sees it, losing a seat in the Carbon County area and adding a seat in Laramie County in response to demographic shifts would disadvantage rural areas at the expense of relatively urban ones.

Once we move that seat its going to be difficult to get it back  if we ever get it back, the Afton Republican told the News&Guide. These rural areas need support in the Legislature. They need a voice at the table. When you look at Wyoming thats essentially what Wyoming is. A great rural state.

But others dont see it that way. Some feel having more legislators in an area with relatively less population like the southwest part of the state would be unfair and not in line with the one man-one vote policy thats supposed to underlie redistricting.

I think its fine. Thats sort of the basis of our democracy, one man-one vote. So, where the population is needs representation, said Rep. Jim Roscoe, an independent from Wilson. Its the way it should be.

Dockstader and Roscoe, who both represent parts of Teton County, were reacting to the current state of a complex series of negotiations about how to redraw Wyoming House and Senate districts. On Dec. 1, the Legislatures Joint Corporations, Elections and Political Subdivisions Committee advanced a map that would drop a seat in the southwestern part of the state and add a seat in the southeast.

The reason, generally, is demographic shifts.

The populations of Uinta, Sublette, Sweetwater, and Carbon counties have fallen between 2.6% and 7.4% since the 2010 census.

In contrast, the Jackson Hole and Cheyenne areas have grown. Teton and Lincoln Counties grew by 10.3% and 11.9%, respectively. And Laramie County grew by 9.65%.

That had some legislators like Rep. Dan Zwonitzer, R-Cheyenne, argue for maps that would give Laramie County, of which Cheyenne is the county seat, 11 house districts rather than the 10 it currently has.

He told the News&Guide he hadnt anticipated getting close to that number of seats in Laramie County.

I guess you start from a position of strength, demanding 11 knowing youre only going to get 10.5, he said. But I think it was a shock to the three of us on the committee, certainly, that we actually got 11.

The committees as-yet top map doesnt necessarily give the Cheyenne area 11 seats, though.

Rather, it gives Laramie County 10.75 seats in the Wyoming House, which is what Zwonitzer preferred.

But it would make up the other quarter of a seat by moving that district up into Goshen County.

And Goshen County legislators dont want that.

Theres very little, if any, interest, and, sure, opposition to being paired with Laramie County from Goshen County, Sen. Brian Boner, R-Converse, told the Corporations Committee Dec. 1.

So, if the Goshen County legislators get their way, unfolding negotiations could leave Laramie with 11 full house districts.

And that presents a problem for apportioning senate districts, which usually have two house districts nested within them. With 11 house districts in Laramie County, one senate district in that area would likely have to be split between two counties.

Zwonitzer sees that as less than ideal, though its happened in Teton County for years.

I do not believe it has actually helped the statewide plan, Zwonitzer said of where the committee landed.

So things remain in flux.

In addition to figuring out how the Cheyenne area will be represented, the Corporations Committee needs to figure out how to handle maps in Campbell, Crook and Weston counties  some districts in Campbell are more than 6% above deviation from the ideal house district population of 9,600, Zwonitzer said  and how to handle the Bighorn Basin, which has lost a significant amount of population since 2010.

Zwonitzer is chair of the House Corporations Committee and said the joint body is set to meet again Dec. 14 to hammer out those issues. And there will likely be one more meeting before the Wyoming Legislature convenes for its budget session in February.

And things could change between now and then.

Dockstader, for example, is planning to bring back with Rep. Albert Sommers, R-Pinedale, a map that would keep 14 rather than 13 house districts in the southwestern part of the state.

Part of that impulse is a desire for western legislators to maintain autonomy over what happens in the western part of Wyoming.

With all due respect to my fellow senators and representatives, I dont want them carving up the left side of the state, Dockstader said. We can work with it. We can find our own solutions.

But Teton County legislators arent so upset with whats proposed.

When Region 10 officials  the region that includes Teton, Lincoln, Sublette and Uinta counties  voted to submit a map that would have kept 14 house districts in the area, Sen. Mike Gierau, D-Teton, wasnt too thrilled.

He felt that map, which would have shifted Hoback, the Snake River Sporting Club and residents east of both to a House District dominated by Sublette County, was less than ideal for Jackson Hole.

The rub, in Gieraus mind, was that map would have likely meant more of Teton County would have been represented by legislators from outside the county.

Gierau thinks the lead map, by contrast, would have greater Teton County influence.

Both House District 22 (currently held by Roscoe) and Senate District 16 (held by Dockstader) would encompass comparatively larger parts of the mountainous, tourism-dependent county.

As time goes forward, the people that represent that district  not only the people who represent it now but also people in future elections  will have to be more cognizant of Teton County, Gierau said.

That, he said, is better for Teton County.

But it remains to be seen whether the final map will be similar. That will be determined by the full Legislature this winter.

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It will soon cost you at least a dollar or two more to enjoy a Carib or Stag beer as bar owners say a price increase by Carib Brewery has left them with no other alternative but to charge customers more.

Carib Brewery, in a statement on Monday, announced a $1 retail price increase per bottle or can would apply to its Carib, Carib Pilsner, Stag, Carib Blue, Royal Extra Stout, Coors, Heineken, Guinness, Smirnoff Ice and Blue Moon products.
The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service is offering a $.1 million reward in relation to the p
The stage is being set for a showdown between the Government and unvaccinated workers employed by the State, come January 17.

With a week and a half to go, there has been no real effort aimed at defusing the looming confrontation. Meanwhile, as positions harden on each side, the public has been reduced to the role of spectator, unsure of how the banning of unvaccinated public sector employees from the workplace without pay will affect them, since, apart from the Prime Ministers statement, there has been no information regarding the public sectors Quasi Safe Zones Policy.
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Still, those candidates arent a sure thing  the citys hiring process is extremely slow and officials have said that many applicants take other jobs rather than waiting 60 days for Tucson to make them an official offer.

There are folks out there who are interested but we need to make sure we can react fast enough to get them in the mix, Ortega said. The new employees expectation is that they will get a job offer almost immediately  the next day, the next week, etc.  so, we cant wait to do the traditional review of applications.

The plan is to revamp the citys entire hiring process. It will include halving the waiting period to about 30 days between when an application is received and when the employee is hired.

That massive change has yet to be implemented, though officials are confident the human resources department has the capacity to make the adjustments.

HR will also receive help from department heads and a consultant  one of many who are expected to be hired as part of the staffing effort  though the city doesnt know how much the outside help will cost.
Vondell said hed had bad experiences with the man in the past, including a time the man threw a shovel at him, and they exchanged words that morning over a wall about 5 1/2 feet high. A video of the incident, taken by a neighbor, shows Vondell telling him to leave. Then a few seconds later, he tells the man give me that grinder right now three times. Then theres a shot.

Vondell told me he thought the man had stolen tools  thats why he was demanding the grinder, to take the serial number off of it and pass it on to authorities.

He pulled a pocket knife out and said he was going to jump over the wall, Vondell told me.

I had a 9 mm (pistol) under my shirt. It was in a holster. I pulled it out fast and discharged, said Vondell, who has concealed-carry training. I aimed it I would say no more than 6, 7 feet to my left, (and to) his right through a gap in the wall.

The man left, then Vondell did, he said, heading with his son to Sahuarita.

Neighbors called police, and they arrested Vondell in his neighborhood the next day. A grand jury indicted him March 15 on one count of unlawful discharge of a firearm in or into city limits, a class 6 felony.
Dozens of people in Kentucky are likely dead after a series of powerful tornadoes ripped through the state overnight.

At least 50 people are likely dead after multiple tornadoes barreled through southwestern Kentucky late Friday, according to Gov. Andy Beshear.

"We believe our death toll from this event will exceed 50 Kentuckians, probably end up closer to 70 to 100 lost lives," Beshear said at a briefing Saturday morning, calling the storms that hit the state "the most severe tornado event in Kentucky's history."

Preliminary investigations indicate four tornadoes may have hit the state, including one that potentially stayed on the ground for more than 200 miles, Beshear said. Damage has been reported in at least 15 counties stretching across western Kentucky.

The worst destruction was in Graves County, he told CNN affiliate WLKY, particularly the town of Mayfield. "It hit Mayfield as hard as just about any town ... has ever been hit."

About 110 people were at a candle factory at the time the tornado hit, and Beshear said, "We believe we'll lose at least dozens of those individuals."
CANTON, Mass. (AP)  Artifacts once owned by Paul Revere's family are up for auction.

The items were found in the attic of a home in Canton, Massachusetts believed to have been owned by the family of the legendary Revolutionary War figure, The Boston Globe reports.

They include tools such wrought iron calipers, letters and other personal items. There's also an account book belonging to Paul Reveres descendants and a sign painted black bearing the name of Paul Revere's son, Joseph W. Revere.

John McInnis Auctioneers in Amesbury is selling the items as a single lot in an auction that runs from Friday to Saturday. The auction house estimates the items could fetch between $1,000 and $2,000.

Owner John McInnis told the Globe that the sign is likely related to the casing company the Revere family owned in Canton, a Boston suburb.
SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK, Calif. (AP)  Sequoia National Park will reopen its Giant Forest area on Saturday, three months after a Northern California wildfire prompted extraordinary efforts to protect the grove and destroyed thousands of other redwoods.

The Giant Forest will be open during daylight hours on Saturday and Sunday and after that it will open from Thursdays through Sundays. The grove will go to a seven-day schedule between Christmas and New Year's if winter weather allows, the park said.

Visitors were warned to bring their own food and water since none is available in the grove.

The Giant Forest includes the General Sherman tree, the largest living thing on earth by volume. The grove had been closed since mid-September, when a fire complex caused by lightning tore through the Sierra Nevada.

Fire crews took extreme measures to protect the largest and oldest trees in the Giant Forest. They wrapped trunks in a fire-resistant foil, set up sprinklers, raked flammable matter from around the trees and dropped fire-retardant gel onto the tree canopies, some of them 200 feet (60 meters) above ground.

The measures helped save the Giant Forest but they couldn't be deployed everywhere.
JENKS  Tulsa-area lawmakers fielded questions about their stance on spending public dollars on private school vouchers at a Friday forum.

The question arose at a luncheon that is hosted annually by Jenks Public Schools ahead of each new legislative session. School and municipal leaders from across northeastern Oklahoma attend and submit their questions in writing at the event.

Former public school teacher Sen. Jo Anna Dossett didnt mince words in her response.

We shouldnt be doing that, said Dossett, D-Tulsa.

Rep. Sheila Dills, R-Tulsa, said: Constitutionally, we are not supposed to do that. As far as helping children getting out of impoverished schools to better themselves, until we have another plan to look at, then I would support that.

But I will not support vouchers, and thats all there is to it.

Sen. Joe Newhouse, R-Tulsa, said he believes Oklahoma should be careful and open-minded about how we can help each individual student.
He was originally sentenced to 22 years in federal prison for hiring hit men to kill rival Carole Baskin and for crimes involving his animals. A federal appeals court ruled in July that he must be resentenced because of a judicial mistake.
Now GOP lawmakers want to spend even more taxpayer dollars  money that could be used on more pressing needs  on a special session that appears to be redundant  and one that Oklahoma business leaders dont want.

A statement from the State Chamber last week notes the organizations support of OConnors efforts but chides lawmakers for suggesting meddlesome mandates of their own.

(T)he free enterprise environment that Oklahoma has thrived in throughout the pandemic is also being threatened by legislation proposed by some members of the Oklahoma legislature, the statement reads. These efforts are completely unnecessary and amount to nothing more than political theater.

Forcing mandates on a free enterprise system, whether at the federal or state level, sets a dangerous precedent and ties the hands of employers from doing what is best for their unique circumstances, it continues.

Whats more, it continues a trend that goes beyond opposing mandates.
Masan Group has made it to the top 50 best listed companies in Vietnam in 2021 for the ninth consecutive year as voted by Forbes Vietnam.

The combined after-tax profit of the companies on the list this year reached VND174.51 trillion (US$7.57 billion), an increase of 25.8 percent compared to last year's figure, although the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on business operations of most enterprises, while main export markets of Vietnam also report falling purchasing power.

Not only an enterprise in the top 50 best listed companies in Vietnam for nine years in a row, but Masan has also built its reputation as a leading private conglomerate in the Southeast Asian country by its timely and adaptive development and turnaround strategies.

Masan Groups subsidiaries and affiliates consist of leading firms active in FMCG, branded meat supply, retail, F&B chains, financial services, telecommunications and the production of value-added industrial materials, which are high growth sectors in the Vietnamese economy.

People shop at Masan's WinMart+ store.

Positive results in various business segments

In the first nine months of 2021, Masan earned VND64.8 trillion ($2.8 billion) in net revenue, completing 70.4 percent of this years target of VND92 trillion ($4 billion).

Its net profit reached VND2.1 trillion ($91.18 million), or 85 percent of the low profit target of VND2.5 trillion ($108.55 million) it had set out for the 2021 fiscal year.

Masan no longer covered losses for the WinCommerce retail chain for the first time in the third quarter of 2021 as the rebranded identity of VinCommerce made its first-ever net profit of VND137 billion ($5.95 million), up 21.2 percent from last year.

Masans three main pillars -- retail represented by The CrownX, Masans integrated consumer-retail platform that consolidates WinCommerce and Masan Consumer Holdings, chilled and processed meat embodied by Masan MEATLife, and high-tech materials portrayed by Masan High-tech Materials -- all reported double digit growths, from 14.3 to 89.3 percent.

Among that, The CrownX is considered the pioneer in Masans Point of Life strategy, in which the firm aims to provide essential products and services on an integrated platform both offline and online through the loyalty system that was meant to help consumers pay less for daily necessities.

Pursuing this strategy, in 2022, Masan will expand the WinMart+ chain by opening 700 to 1,000 new points of sale, bringing the total number of its mini supermarkets to 3,300 to 3,600 before the end of 2022.

Masan also plans to convert at least 50 percent of WinMart+ points of sale into mini-mall stores.

A Phuc Long coffee - tea kiosk is set up next to a Techcombank transaction counter inside a WinMart+ store.

Promising, practical model

Masan started piloting the mini-mall model in June 2021, with the first store being the WinMart+ Udic in Hanoi, targeting families and residential area customers.

The store includes both a Phuc Long kiosk and a Techcombanks transaction counter, helping customers enjoy different conveniences without much traveling.

Since the launch of the model, Masan has recorded a significant increase in store traffic and profits at WinCommerce points of sale.

The integration of the popular Phuc Long tea - coffee brand into WinMart+ helped Masan quickly expand its existing customer base, attracting a generation of young consumers with a modern lifestyle.

So far, the Phuc Long kiosks have contributed VND5 million ($217) in daily revenue to each of the WinMart+ stores.

People shop at Masan's WinMart+ store.

The successful trial at the WinMart+ Udic encouraged Masan to scale up the mini-mall model, as well as South Korea's SK Group to add a new investment of $340 million into The CrownX.

Previously, SK Group had invested $410 million in WinCommerce in April 2021, before Alibaba Group and Baring Private Equity Asia (BPEA) injected a total cash value of $400 million into The CrownX in the following month.

With an ambitious goal to develop a single platform that can cover 80 percent of Vietnamese consumer spending and serve a variety of essential needs from necessities, financial services, F&B chains, to telecommunications, Masan spent VND295.5 billion ($12.8 million) acquiring a 70 percent stake in Mobicast, which owns the Reddi network brand.

Following the acquisition, Masan said it will build a loyalty program and a mobile-wallet payment system to bring long-term values to consumers while maintaining a low-cost model of attracting new customers.

Customers experience the Reddi mobile network services at a WinMart+ store.
Vietnam will relaunch regular commercial international flights from and to destinations with high COVID-19 safety levels, after nearly two years of suspension due to the pandemic, according to a pilot plan that has been approved by the government.

At a meeting held on Thursday, Vietnams Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh approved the plan of Ministry of Transport to resume such flights from January 1, 2022, according to the Vietnam Government Portal.

The trial plan came amid the context that Vietnam has eased strict COVID-19 restrictions and reopened the economy under a strategy of living safely with the coronavirus since early October, around 20 months after the first COVID-19 cases were detected in the country.

Firstly, regular commercial flights will be relaunched from and to Beijing (China), Tokyo (Japan), Seoul (South Korea), Taipei (Taiwan, China), Bangkok (Thailand), Singapore, Vientiane (Laos), Phnom Penh (Cambodia), and San Francisco or Los Angeles (the U.S.).

Deputy PM Minh directed the Ministry of Health to promptly issue epidemic prevention regulations and procedures applicable for air passengers entering Vietnam and collect suggestions from experts, airlines and the public soon.

All flights to be resumed must comply with these rules to ensure COVID-19 safety, the official said.

He also asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in conjunction with the health ministry, to speed up negotiations and reach agreements with other countries and territories on mutual recognition of COVID-19 vaccination certificates, also called vaccine passports.

The ministries of Health, Public Security, and Information and Communications are required to work together to make available health declaration software applicable to air passengers.

The Ministry of Transport must guide airlines to restore regular international flights under the approved pilot plan and ask them to give feedback, Deputy PM Minh said.

This plan will help airlines recover their international passenger transport business, and contribute to the countrys economic and tourism recovery, so long as they must meet requirements on epidemic prevention and control, the Government Office said on Friday.

In addition, the flight resumption will offer favorable conditions for overseas Vietnamese to come back to the homeland to celebrate the coming Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday, it said.

Due to the pandemic, the Vietnamese government has closed borders since March 2020, with an exception for Vietnamese repatriates, foreign experts, diplomats, investors, skilled workers, and students, who are allowed to enter the Southeast Asian country if meeting strict quarantine requirements.

Recently, the country has gradually opened its borders to international visitors in a pilot scheme to revive the tourism industry, after deciding to live safely with the pathogen instead of pursuing a zero-tolerance COVID-19 approach.

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TOKYO -- Japanese researchers have developed masks that use ostrich antibodies to detect COVID-19 by glowing under ultraviolet light.

The discovery by Yasuhiro Tsukamoto and his team at Kyoto Prefectural University in western Japan could provide for low-cost testing of the virus at home, they said in a press release.

The scientists started by creating a mask filter coated with ostrich antibodies targeting the novel coronavirus, based on previous research showing the birds have strong resistance to disease.

In a small study, test subjects wore the masks, and after eight hours, the filters were removed and sprayed with a chemical that glows under ultraviolet light if the virus is present. The filters worn by people infected with COVID-19 glowed around the nose and mouth areas.

The team hopes to further develop the masks so that they will glow automatically, without special lighting, if the virus is detected.

Tsukamoto, a veterinary professor and the president of the university, has studied ostriches for years, looking for ways to adapt their immunity power to fight bird flu, allergies, and other diseases.

Tsukamoto told the Kyodo news agency he discovered his own positivity for COVID-19 after he wore one of the special masks and found that it glowed when checked. The diagnosis was confirmed after a standard test.
Check out the news you should not miss today:

Society

-- Vietnamese Deputy Minister Pham Binh Minh has given approval to a plan to resume flights between Vietnam and destinations such as Beijing or Guangzhou, Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, Bangkok, Singapore, Vientiane, Phnom Penh, and San Francisco or Los Angeles, beginning January 1, 2022.

-- An additional donation of more than four million doses of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine from the U.S. to Vietnam touched down in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi on Friday, according to U.S. Embassy in Vietnam.

-- Thuong Nhat Company, the operator of Ho Chi Minh Citys water bus route No. 1 between Bach Dang Wharf in District 1 and Linh Dong Ward in Thu Duc City, officially launched its nighttime water bus tour on the Saigon River on Friday night.

-- A local resident has recently found a huge number of tire-puncturing nails along the section of National Highway No. 1 in Binh Chanh District, Ho Chi Minh City.

-- A physical education teacher at Muong Cang Secondary School in northern Lai Chau Province has been given a seven-day suspension from work following the discovery of a video capturing him beating multiple students in a classroom on Thursday.

-- Animals Asia has launched the Moon Bear Pledge campaign to help end the bear bible trade in Vietnam, which has sparked a lot of interest among youngsters.

Lifestyle

-- The Sundance Film Festival on Thursday announced the list of films that will be screened at its 2022 season, including the Vietnamese fantasy film Maika, directed by Ham Tran.

World News

-- The United States on Friday imposed extensive human rights-related sanctions on dozens of people and entities tied to China, Myanmar, North Korea and Bangladesh, and added Chinese artificial intelligence company SenseTime Group to an investment blacklist, Reuters reported.

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Hundreds of people in Ho Chi Minh City rejoiced in a night water bus trip on the Saigon River upon its inauguration on Friday, with all tickets snapped up in the blink of an eye.

Thuong Nhat Company, the operator of Ho Chi Minh Citys water bus route No. 1 between Bach Dang Wharf in District 1 and Linh Dong Ward in Thu Duc City, officially launched the nighttime water bus tour on Friday evening.

In the first phase, Thuong Nhat Companys evening buses operate from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm every day.

Passengers can buy tickets at its two stations or online at the price of VND15,000 ($0.65) for a one-way ticket.

Besides peaceful, scenic night view sightseeing and music performances, the water bus route also offers snacks to passengers purchasing package tours, according to Nguyen Kim Toan, Thuong Nhat Companys director.

The demand for the service was so strong that a slew of people started queuing at Bach Dang Wharf in District 1 as soon as 3:00 pm on Friday.

Many late queuers had to switch to booking tickets for trips on another day as all slots for the night had been sold out.

Passengers get on a night water bus on the Saigon River in Ho Chi Minh City, December 10, 2021. Photo: Hoang An / Tuoi Tre

After completing the ticket checking and health declaration procedures, passengers who were lucky enough to secure a seat on the water bus saw it slowly leaving the wharf amid brightly lit buildings.

The water bus operator treated 75 passengers on the tour with a special performance featuring Sai Gon dep lam (Beautiful Saigon), an iconic song considered a musical embodiment of Ho Chi Minh City, in the middle of the trip.

Luckily, I managed to purchase the last four tickets for tonights trip, said Tran Trieu Binh, a resident of District 1.

As soon as we got on the bus, my two children became very excited, asking constantly about the night river view.

In my opinion, the night bus provides a useful experience for the people and an opportunity for many generations to access the culture and history of the city, in addition to a type of multi-functional public transport to reduce traffic pressure on roads.

Passengers listen to a music performance on a night water bus on the Saigon River in Ho Chi Minh City, December 10, 2021. Photo: Hoang An / Tuoi Tre

A couple takes a photo on a night water bus on the Saigon River in Ho Chi Minh City, December 10, 2021. Photo: Hoang An / Tuoi Tre

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The United States has additionally sent two shipments totaling over 4.2 million Pfizer-BioNTech jabs to Vietnam, bringing its total vaccine donations to the Southeast Asian country to over 24.6 million doses.

Another 2.2 million doses of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines arrived in Hanoi this morning, with more still on the way, the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam said on its verified Facebook page on Friday, in reference to the first shipment that earlier came to Noi Bai International Airport.

The embassy shared that the U.S. is proud to partner with Vietnam as both sides combat the COVID-19 pandemic together.

As of December 6, nearly 96 percent of people over the age of 18 in Vietnam have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine; together we will beat COVID-19, the embassy said.

On Friday evening, the second shipment landed in Ho Chi Minh City.

More than 2 million Pfizer doses arrived tonight at Tan Son Nhat Airport. The U.S. and Vietnam are committed partners working together to save lives and beat back COVID-19, the U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh said on its official Facebook page.

With this latest shipment, the United States has now provided more than 24.6 million COVID-19 vaccines to Vietnam through the COVAX Facility, the consulate general said.

Based on their long-term cooperative relationship, the two countries have worked together to improve Vietnams capacity in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the embassy said.

Along with nearly US$1 billion provided to Vietnam over the past years for health infrastructure development, the U.S. has also committed $26.7 million as support for Vietnam to deal with the pandemic.

In October, the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology in Hanoi received 77 of the 111 deep freezers for storage of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines funded by the U.S. government for Vietnam through the U.S. Department of Defense.

The U.S. has pledged to donate at least 1.1 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccine doses for global use before 2023, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), an American non-profit organization.

As of December 10, the U.S. had delivered 260.2 million doses of the total committed, KFF said.

Besides the U.S., the largest donor of COVID-19 vaccines to Vietnam so far, the Southeast Asian country has received vaccine donations from other countries, including Japan, Australia, the UK, France, Italy, Russia, the Czech Republic, and China, among others.

The nation has so far received around 156.4 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines out of the 200 million shots that had been contracted, the Ministry of Health reported.

As of Friday evening, more than 131 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine had been administered across Vietnam, of which nearly 123.68 million shots were for people aged 18 and older.

Currently, 76.5 percent of the population have received two full doses, the ministry said.

Vietnams Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Thursday called for efforts to achieve full vaccination coverage for the adult population by the end of this year and for children from 12 to under 18 years old by January 31, 2022.

The Southeast Asian country has recorded 1,382,272 patients, including 1,052,341 recoveries and 216 deaths, since the pandemic hit it early last year, the health ministrys data shows.

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The Ministry of Health logged 16,141 more coronavirus cases across Vietnam on Saturday, along with 1,084 recoveries and 209 deaths.

Today saw the largest daily case spike since October.

The latest infections, including 37 imported and 16,104 domestic transmissions, were recorded in 59 provinces and cities, the ministry said, elaborating that 9,478 patients caught the pathogen in the community.

Ho Chi Minh City registered 1,441 of the newest cases, Binh Phuoc Province 1,164, Tay Ninh Province 903, Khanh Hoa Province 794, Ben Tre Province 756, Dong Thap Province 750, Can Tho City 689, Hanoi 548, Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province 498, Binh Duong Province 418, Dong Nai Province 390, Binh Thuan Province 317, Thua Thien-Hue Province 240, Hai Phong City 212, Lam Dong Province 198, Da Nang 186, and Quang Nam Province 139.

Vietnam had detected 14,819 locally-acquired infections on Friday.

The country has found 1,393,034 community transmissions in all its 63 provinces and cities since the fourth virus wave erupted on April 27. A combined 1,050,608 of them have recovered from COVID-19.

Ho Chi Minh City has been hit the hardest with 486,043 patients, followed by Binh Duong Province with 286,877, Dong Nai Province with 91,880, Long An Province with 39,092, Tay Ninh Province with 37,776, Dong Thap Province with 29,503, Tien Giang Province with 28,210, Can Tho City with 27,609, An Giang Province with 26,601, Binh Thuan Province with 21,458, Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province with 21,414, Khanh Hoa Province with 18,832, Hanoi with 16,819, and Da Nang with 7,503.

Vietnam recorded only 1,570 locally-transmitted infections in total in the previous three waves.

The health ministry confirmed 1,084 recovered patients on Saturday, lifting the total to 1,053,425.

The toll has mounted to 27,611 fatalities after the ministry documented 209 mortalities on the same day, including 67 in Ho Chi Minh City, 17 in Dong Nai Province, 13 in An Giang Province, 13 in Binh Duong Province, 13 in Can Tho City, and the remaining in 14 other provinces and cities.

Vietnam has logged 1,398,413 patients since the COVID-19 pandemic first hit it early last year.

Health workers have given almost 132 million vaccine doses, including 720,109 shots on Friday, since vaccination was rolled out nationwide on March 8.

More than 74.7 million of the countrys 98 million people have received at least one dose while over 57 million are now fully immunized.

Vietnam aims to fully inoculate 100 percent of its adult population this year. Many provinces and cities are immunizing children aged 12-17 against COVID-19, using Pfizer-BioNTech shots.

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A trailer has been released for A Very British Scandal coming to Amazon Prime Video in 2022.

Written by Sarah Phelps (The Pale Horse, Dublin Murders), it focuses on the divorce of the Duke (Paul Bettany) and Duchess of Argyll (Claire Foy), one of the most notorious, extraordinary and brutal legal cases of the 20th Century.

Famed for her charisma, beauty and style, Margaret, Duchess of Argyll, dominated the front pages as a divorcee featuring accusations of forgery, theft, violence, drug-taking, secret recording, bribery, and an explicit polaroid picture all played out in the white-hot glare of the 1960s media.

A Very British Scandal turns this scandal inside out in order to explore the social and political climate of post-war Britain, looking at attitudes toward women, and asking whether institutional misogyny was widespread at the time. As her contemporaries, the press, and the judiciary sought to vilify her, Margaret kept her head held high with bravery and resilience, refusing to go quietly as she was betrayed by her friends and publicly shamed by a society that revelled in her fall from grace.

Sarah Phelps said: Writing the story of Margarets life and the events leading up to and including her divorce from the Duke has been a passion project of mine since 1993 when I first heard her name and started learning about her. I felt very strongly that shed been punished for being a woman, for being visible, for refusing to back down, be a good girl and go quietly. This drama is my tribute to her.

Claire Foy said: Im so excited to work with Anne, Sarah and Paul on this extraordinary project, and to explore through this story, how often shame, judgement and controversy surrounds a womans sexuality.

Paul Bettany said: Im delighted to be working with the remarkable Claire Foy to tell the fascinating and scandalous story of the Duke and Duchess of Argyll and their very complicated lives. Im also extremely happy to get the chance to once again be working with the wonderful teams at the BBC and Amazon Studios.

Pete Czernin, co-founder of Blueprint Pictures said: Were thrilled to be able to bring together the uniquely brilliant voices of Sarah Phelps and Anne Sewitsky with the class of Claire Foy and Paul Bettany. Uniting their outstanding talents, A Very British Scandal will shine a new light on the scandalous divorce of Margaret Argyll for a 21st century audience.
Eyes to the ground

When the First Fleet came to Australia in 1788 they brought with them in their ships hull vampires, who grew a taste for Blackfella blood -who knew? Such is the playful premise of Firebite, a new and creative take on the genre.

The series by Warwick Thornton (Samson and Delilah, Sweet Country) and Brendan Fletcher (Mad Bastards) is set in Opal City, a dusty, fictional spin on Coober Pedy, known for its underground homes and opal mining.

Thornton and Fletcher have cleverly repurposed such holes as vampire lairs, where the undead rise above ground to feast on the blood of indigenous residents.

If thats a comment on invasion -and the story suggests it is- then Tyson Walker (Rob Collins) is here to defend his turf and send those suckers back to oblivion. Walker is a renegade vampire hunter who works above ground with his adopted daughter, Shanika (Shantae Barnes-Cowan).

Do your job and dont bring it here thats our deal, local elder Aunty Maria (Tessa Rose) tells him.

Tyson is a tough pest controller, ready to strike vampires down with brute force or even a boomerang to the heart, but he reminds Shanika to keep eyes to the ground -ready for any spontaneous attack from below.

But a vampire king Josiah (Callan Mulvey) has recently arrived in town from an Adelaide bus and will prove far more resistant.

Theres also a blood hunter Jalingbirri (Kelton Pell) who has the strength and experience to fight the vampires below surface. Theres also Kitty (Ngaire Pigram), who shares romantic history with Tyson, and UK barmaid Eleona (Yael Stone).

But while Tyson is trying his best to keep the vampires down, there are pressures on the homefront, especially around Shanikas schooling and an impending visit from Child Protection.

Who gives a shit about child protection? Weve got bigger problems, he mutters.

Apparently 230 years of them.

Directors Thornton & Fletcher, joined by Tony Krawtiz, adopt a kind of Mad Max-meets-vampires world here, through blackfella eyes. The corrugated iron setting is distinctively outback Australia, with magical drone shots capturing the red dirt ground, potted with holes and dirt mounds like a war zone.

A beat-up car that has probably seen better days shooting roos tears up the landscape in its pursuit of vampires. You get a real sense that its the law of the land that rules here. Tyson does what it takes to keep his community safe.

In the lead role Rob Collins is defiant, heroic and handsome, flashing a smile or wielding a weapon to smite the enemy. Callan Mulvey, in yet another sexy villain role, is silent and pallid as the vampire king.

The visuals, joined by a guitar soundtrack, are one of the strongest features of this very original concept, although sometimes it can be difficult to decipher mumbled dialogue (it may have been a mixing issue with the preview).

It wouldnt be a vampire tale without a minimum of horror and gore, theres just enough to tick that box each episode.

At times, Firebite is positively cinematic and, in a genre that has seen almost every idea exhausted, manages to bring something fresh to the table.

Firebite begins Thursday December 16 on AMC+ (available in Australia on Apple TV app and Prime Video Channels).
There is more speculation Rebecca Maddern is returning to the Seven News desk, to join Mike Amor on the news desk for weekends in Melbourne.

The Sunday Herald Sun reports work is getting underway in the coming days on the reconfiguration of the newsdesk and studio, preparing it for dual anchors.

Maddern previously fronted afternoon bulletins at Seven prior to joining Nine in 2016. She recently departed the network in what was reported as a contractual split.

The move to join Amor is seen as a step to boost weekend numbers in the battle against Alicia Loxley, who was recently touted as successor to Peter Hitchener in the future.

Weekday newsreader Peter Mitchell recently reflected to TV Tonight on news desk changes over history, after he replaced David Johnston & Anne Fulwood in 2000.

When Jen (Jennifer Keyte) left they gave the job to David Johnston on his own up against Brian Naylor, and after a couple of years they thought, David works better with a woman beside him, so they brought Anne Fulwood down from Sydney to read with him. They gave that a couple of years and decided to move them aside and gave the job to (me), he said.

Seven is yet to comment on the rumours.
Musician and composer Mike Nesmith, best known for The Monkees, has died aged 78.

With Infinite Love we announce that Michael Nesmith has passed away this morning in his home, surrounded by family, peacefully and of natural causes, Nesmiths family said in a statement. We ask that you respect our privacy at this time and we thank you for the love and light that all of you have shown him and us.

Nesmith was 25 years old when The Monkees premiered in 1966. Although it ran for only two seasons, it became an instant smash, with 35 million in record sales, and earning the group five top 10 albums and six top 10 hits.

Nesmiths songwriting credits included Linda Ronstadt Different Drum, and he was The Monkees most prolific songwriter, penning classics like Mary, Mary, Papa Genes Blues, You Told Me, You Just May Be the One, Listen to the Band, Sweet Young Thing, and The Girl I Knew Somewhere. In 1979 he had a hit with Rio.

In the 80s, he once again made music television history, when a program he created for Nickelodeon, PopClips, was sold to the Time Warner and developed into MTV. His collection of video shorts, Elephant Parts, won the first-ever Grammy in the Music Video category in 1981, and in 1984 he served as an executive producer of the punk/cult film Repo Man. His mother also founded Liquid Paper, sold to Gillette for $48m.

The news comes less than a month after he and his bandmate Micky Dolenz wrapped The Monkees farewell tour with an emotional performance at Los Angeless Greek Theatre, during which Nesmith broke into tears several times.

Dolenz, the last living Monkee, paid tribute on social media saying, Im heartbroken. Ive lost a dear friend and partner. Im so grateful that we could spend the last couple of months together doing what we loved best  singing, laughing, and doing shtick. Ill miss it all so much. Especially the shtick. Rest in peace, Nez. All my love, Mick.

Source: Yahoo
2021 EPT Online Day 2: Andrey "Anjeyyy" Novak Wins Series Opener

December 10 2021 Calum Grant

Day 2 of 2021 EPT Online Series has come to it's conclusion on PokerStars five champions crowned on the second day of proceedings.

The EPT Online Series Opener saw 47 players return to the virtual felt which was eventually won by Andrey "Anjeyyy" Novak while EPT Online 03: $530 NLHE, 200K Gtd and EPT Online 04: $2,100 NLHE [8-Max, Progressive Knockout, Trophy Event #2, High Roller], 300K Gtd completed their Day 1's.

The $530 NLHE, 200K Gtd tournament has 59 of its 576 entries returning for Day 2 with Greece's Georgios "Geokarak" Karakousis in pole position to get their hands on the $50,868 first-place prize. PokerStars Ambassador Parker "tonkaaaa" Talbot also successfully navigated the first hurdle with a chip stack good enough for 13th place. Play gets underway at 5.05 p.m. GMT on December 10.

Paulo "paulinhoo00" Brombin, Niklas "Lena900" Astedt and Samuel "uropan" Vousden have all made the final seven of the $2,100 NLHE Trophy Event but currently trail "lamp4kalove" who returns to the final day as chip leader. The remaining players have all locked up $8,578 along with their bounty prizes as they each eye top prize of $38,519 and the trophy.

The event had a total of 224 entries beefing the prize pool to $448,000. The Day 1 survivors will play out to a winner on December 10, at 6:05 p.m. GMT

Read on to find out the latest winners of the 2021 EPT Online.

Follow all the latest from the EPT Online - LIVE! The PokerNews live reporting team is on top of all things EPT Online. Don't miss a beat! FOLLOW HERE

Andrey "Anjeyyy" Novak Triumphs in EPT Online Series Opener

Andrey "Anjeyyy" Novak picked up his first 2021 EPT Online Series title after being the last player standing in EPT Online 01: $1,050 NLHE [8-Max, Series Opener], $250K Gtd.

Novak topped the 334 player field and boosted their bankroll with a further $62,517 after they defeated Russia's "Mukhin1" at heads-up play. The final table also included Lucio "WizardOffAz" Lima and PokerStars ambassador Fintan "easywithaces" Hand.

EPT Online 01: $1,050 NLHE [8-Max, Series Opener], $250K Gtd - Trophy Event #1 Final Table Results

PLACE PLAYER COUNTRY PRIZE 1 Andrey "Anjeyyy" Novak Ukraine $62,517 2 Mukhin1 Russia $45,709 3 Lucio "WizardOffAz" Lima Brazil $33,419 4 Gogac sniper Austria $24,434 5 wluczkij8 Poland $17,865 6 Fintan "easywithaces" Hand Ireland $13,062 7 drew.derzh Ukraine $9,550 8 monzemann Austria $6,983

Romania Takes Gold and Silver in EPT Online Mini 03

The Romanian duo of "OnL|Ne93" and "Borbo84" battled it out to become the winner of EPT Online Mini 03: $55 NLHE, $100K Gtd with the former walking away as the champion. The pair made a deal at heads-up play with "OnL|Ne93" netting themselves a $23,478 payday while "Borbo84" cashed for $20,743.

The online event came with a $100,000 guarantee and that was smashing with the final prize pool being $180,350. There was a total of 3,607 entries with just 521 making the money.

EPT Online Mini 03: $55 NLHE, $100K Gtd Final Table Results

PLACE PLAYER COUNTRY PRIZE 1 OnLNe93 Romania $23,478* 2 Borbo84 Romania $20,743* 3 Dimitar "Bashov" Bashov Bulgaria $13,118 4 Stiffler8818 Austria $9,351 5 kingmmm Canada $6,666 6 Agentul05 Romania $4,752 7 alfieri.DR Chile $3,387 8 macaulay7 United Kingdom $2,415 9 karamba1111 Russia $1,721

*indicates heads-up deal

PokerStars Reveals New Dates for EPT Prague; Add EPT Online December 8-20

Alysson "Brunopoker94" Bruno Misses Out On EPT Online Mini 04 Title

Alysson "Brunopoker94" Bruno had to settle with the second-place spoils after they fell short to Canada's "BigSlickDRE" in EPT Online Mini 04: $22 NLHE [8-Max, Progressive KO, Mini High Roller], $125K Gtd. Bruno's combined earnings for the event totaled $14,806 while the victor claimed a final prize of $19,580.

Similar to EPT Online Mini 03, the guarantee for the event was obliterated with the 11,519-strong field generating a final prizepool of $230,380.

EPT Online Mini 04: $22 NLHE [8-Max, Progressive KO, Mini High Roller], $125K Gtd

PLACE PLAYER COUNTRY BOUNTIES PRIZE TOTAL PRIZE 1 BigslickDRE Canada $6,709 $12,871 $19,580 2 Alysson "Brunopoker94" Bruno Brazil $1,947 $12,859 $14,806 3 Celula1010 Brazil $574 $7,629 $8,203 4 Mr.LuckyFull Russia $726 $5,438 $6,164 5 zoztenez23 Mexico $1,027 $3,877 $4,904 6 BlaiseZabini1 Czech Republic $1,252 $2,763 $4,015 7 the*god88 Romania $661 $1,970 $2,631 8 orlandopig Brazil $1,587 $1,404 $2,991

"SharkOmaha" Secures Five-Figure Payday in EPT Online Mini 05

"SharkOmaha bested 954 other entries to walk away as the only five-figure winner in EPT Online Mini 05: $109 PLO [6-Max, Progressive KO], $50K Gtd. They achieved the feat by collecting $6,037 in bounties as well as the $6,658 that was up top.

"SharkOmaha" was one of three Russian players to make the final table, with "Fal1st" and "isixyy finishing in third and fourth respectively. Canada's "poker168888" was the runner-up and locked up $9,133 of the $95,500 prizepool.

EPT Online Mini 05: $109 PLO [6-Max, Progressive KO], $50K Gtd

PLACE PLAYER COUNTRY BOUNTIES PRIZE TOTAL PRIZE 1 Sharkomaha Russia $6,037 $6,658 $12,695 2 poker168888 Canada $2,476 $6,657 $9,133 3 FAL1st Russia $548 $3,809 $4,357 4 isixyy Russia $1,889 $2,654 $4,543 5 pausinho83 Germany $1,459 $1,849 $3,308 6 mnammnam Czech Republic $630 $1,289 $1,919

Romanias "andreeadeea" Wins PokerStars Big 20 Finale for $438K

Marcin "clardarth" Pszenniak Completes $31,378 Pot-Limit Omaha Haul

Poland secured their first 2021 EPT Online Series winner after Marcin "clardarth" Pszenniak got the job done in EPT Online 05: $1,050 PLO [6-Max, Progressive KO], $100K Gtd. Pszenniak scooped a whopping $18,570 in bounties to go along with the winner's spoils of $12,808 for a final prize of $31,378. "ShipitFTW911" ($15,260) was the vanquished opponent when it came down to the last two players.

"sharkomaha" would also make their second EPT Online final table of the day, the Russian player took third place for an extra $10,146 to go along with their $12,695 prize in the Mini version of this event.

Day 2 of the 2021 EPT Online Series saw two of their PLO events play out, with a further four taking place later on in the festival's schedule. The $2,100 PLO [6-Max, High Roller], $250k Gtd - Trophy Event #8 kicks off on Sunday, December 12 with the $10,300 PLO [6-Max, Sunday Super High Roller], $300k Gtd - Trophy Event #19 commencing a week later. Both tournaments will have mini events running alongside it which comes with more affordable buy-ins for those with modest bankrolls.

EPT Online 05: $1,050 PLO [6-Max, Progressive KO], $100K Gtd

PLACE PLAYER COUNTRY BOUNTIES PRIZE TOTAL PRIZE 1 Marcin "clardarth" Pszenniak Poland $18,570 $12,808 $31,378 2 ShipitFTW911 Sweden $2,453 $12,807 $15,260 3 Sharkomaha Russia $2,250 $7,896 $10,146 4 Kraskata85 Bulgaria $4,438 $5,767 $10,205 5 Mr Juhlen Sweden $875 $4,212 $5,087 6 Dimadu Austria $1,250 $3,076 $4,326

2021 EPT Online Events Scheduled For December 10

Four more events will play out later today on December 10 with the third trophy event, EPT Online 07: $5,200 6+ Hold'em [6-Max, Short Deck High Roller], $150 Gtd, kicking off at 6:05 p.m. GMT. An hour before, EPT Online 06: $1,050 NLHE [8-Max], $225K Gtd gets underway, the two-day event comes with a massive $225,000 guarantee.

Be sure to come back to PokerNews to get the scoop on all the latest action from the 2021 EPT Online Series.
Earlier this month, the European Union announced details for its new global investment scheme, dubbed the "Global Gateway," which aims to mobilize up to 300 billion ($339 billion) in infrastructure investments abroad by 2027, Deutsche Welle writes.

Through a combination of EU funds, member state investments and capital raised by European investment banks, the scheme has been presented by Brussels as a big step for the EU in building influence around the world. "We will support smart investments in quality infrastructure, respecting the highest social and environmental standards, in line with the EU's democratic values," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement. "The Global Gateway Strategy is a template for how Europe can build more resilient connections with the world," she added.

Although the EU did not explicitly mention China in presenting the strategy, the investments are aimed at developing regions such as in Southeast Asia, where a majority of big infrastructure investments in recent years have come via China's vast Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). To promote sustainable development internationally, the EU said Global Gateway funding will also be "values-based," with investments tied to issues like transparency and good governance in other parts of the world. This is in stark contrast to China's BRI, which has provided funds with no strings attached to the domestic politics of recipient nations.

EU sees potential in Southeast Asia

However, with the Global Gateway, the EU hopes to build momentum on other initiatives in Southeast Asia. The strategy is "of particular importance in Southeast Asia," where the EU has been a strong partner for the region, said Igor Driesmans, the EU ambassador to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) bloc. Driesmans said the Global Gateway will build on a strategy for cooperation with countries in the region, including the 2018 EU-Asia connectivity strategy.

"This will include strengthening cooperation on climate change and protecting the environment, boosting trade competitiveness and resilient supply chains, on sustainable infrastructure and green finance, digital transformation, as well as people-to-people exchanges," he added.

While these commitments look good on paper, big questions remain over how much effect the Global Gateway will have on the ground in Southeast Asia. The Global Gateway aims to generate 300 billion by 2027. However, a significant portion of this comprises existing commitments and mere loan guarantees. According to a recent Oxford economics study, China has already provided around $740 billion worth (653 billion) of BRI projects in Southeast Asia alone. "This is more than the EU has for Global Gateway projects across the entire world," noted Greg Raymond, a researcher on Southeast Asian strategic affairs at The Australian National University.

Global Gateway cannot rival Belt and Road

Out of 11 Southeast Asia states, only Timor-Leste was classified as "free" in Freedom House's latest rankings on political freedom. Moreover, Timor-Leste is the only state not part of the ASEAN bloc. In Transparency International's latest Corruption Perceptions Index, Cambodia and Laos were ranked near the bottom.

"China is often preferred as a source of infrastructure because Southeast Asian regimes do not want transparency as they are using the Chinese projects as part of patronage politics or lining their own pockets," Raymond said. Moreover, authoritarian regimes have no intention of opening up politically, he said. "China imposes no conditions and accepts and even welcomes these aspects of Southeast Asian politics. The EU will not be able to do the same," he added.

The EU's Global Gateway will not be able to compete with China's BRI on scale, while the values-based strings attached are likely to prove problematic for several Southeast Asian governments, deterring them from even applying for investment from Brussels. "The combination of much less funds and that some Southeast Asian countries are going to reject the values aspect of it, will probably not make it that successful in Southeast Asia," Joshua Kurlantzick, senior fellow for Southeast Asia at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington, told DW.

Where can the Global Gateway succeed?

However, much depends on what the Global Gateway's achievements are judged against. Although the Global Gateway has been implicitly described as the EU's response to China's BRI, supporters of the scheme argue it should not considered to be in direct competition with Beijing. Neither should it be seen as standalone EU mission. Southeast Asia is one region where the EU can find "synergies" with the US and Japan when it comes to connectivity projects, Francesca Ghiretti, an analyst at Germany's Mercator Institute for China Studies, told DW.

There is also the potential for the EU's Global Gateway to partner with the United States'global investment proposal, Build Back Better World. Japan also has an often-overlooked investment portfolio for the rest of Asia. A recent report by Fitch Solutions found that Japan's stock of investments in currently unfinished projects in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam amounts to $259 billion. That compares to just $157 billion from China.

"If these actors, the EU, the US and Japan, collaborate with local actors in Southeast Asia, then there is a good chance of delivering positive projects," Ghiretti added. But the EU's tighter purse strings means that Brussels must clarify its priorities to avoid "overstretching," Ghiretti said, adding that the Global Gateway does not have infinite capacity. "The best course of action is to focus on a few priorities and make sure they succeed," she said.
Over the last two decades, the European Union has looked to Angela Merkel as its de facto leader. In this shift, Emmanuel Macron sees an opening to assert France as the new center of influence in Europe. By inserting France into political issues and demanding to play a role in conflicts, Macron seeks a level of importance on the world stage not seen in France since president Nicolas Sarkozy, The Jerusalem Post writes.

Following the Beirut Port explosion in Lebanon, he immediately went to Lebanon to help negotiate forming a new government. Macron has been criticized for refusing to label Hezbollah a terrorist organization, going as far as not even making efforts to ensure aid to Lebanon stayed out of the organizations hands.

Ultimately going against US Presidents rhetoric on Saudi Arabia, Macron became the first prominent Western leader to visit the kingdom since the murder of Jamal Khashoggi. Macrons trip was an effort to get the House of Saud to reengage in ties with Lebanon. This illustrates a strategy Macron has tried to replicate in all of his dealings; he wants to play both sides and work to win no matter who comes out on top.

This strategy is front and center in Macrons handling of the Libyan civil war. Earlier this month, France played host to a conference that hopes to make sure Libyas December 24 elections stay on track. Macron has called for foreign fighters to leave the nation while ignoring Frances previous support of the Libyan National Army and Khalifa Haftar, who led a nearly yearlong campaign against Tripoli and the UN-created Government of National Accord. Now that the two sides have joined as a temporary government of national unity, Macron wants bygones to be bygones.

It should be noted that in the Libyan conflict, France and Russia backed the same sides of the war. Macron has never been opposed to working directly with Russia; France recently worked with President Vladimir Putin to reduce European tensions with Belarus.

Macrons statements have gotten bolder since Merkel made her departure known. Macron stated that France would stay in Iraq regardless of a potential US withdrawal; he did this for multiple reasons. It is no secret that presidents Biden and Macron did not get off to a great start following a controversy surrounding a submarine deal with Australia.

Macron is adamant that the US went behind Frances back to steal the contract from French manufacturers. Following Washingtons sloppy withdrawal from Afghanistan, Macron saw an opening to take another jab at Biden by making it known that Paris does not look to Washington for guidance on foreign affairs.

Macron is seizing what he believes is a moment of French accession on the world stage. Whether his efforts will be fruitful have yet to be seen; what is clear is newfound confidence that will change how Europe has operated for the last two decades. Moreover, Macron wants to fill a potential void left by Merkel; whether or not everyone else plays along will give great insight into how he will perform in his reelection efforts in the coming year.
Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have decided to take their relations to the next level upgrading them from interstate relations to forging an alliance dictated by a mutual desire for closer international cooperation based on common interests, Zaki Shaikh, UK-based analyst writes in the article for Anadolu Agency.

The summit-level meeting held between Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and his Kazakh counterpart Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Nur-Sultan on Monday unveiled many projects to boost bilateral economic cooperation. To upgrade relations into an alliance a supreme interstate council, an interparliamentary council, and the council of foreign ministers are being established. The principles of the alliance are reflected in the declaration signed by the two leaders.

Mirziyoyev, expected the volume of bilateral trade to reach $ 4 billion by the end of 2021. The two leaders discussed future cooperation in large projects for chemical products, pharmaceuticals, modernizing the infrastructure, creating agricultural enterprises, calibrating efforts for gearing joint automobile production with efficient marketing. For the Uzbek president, Kazakhstan's support is crucial to enable his country to pursue economic and industrial revival.

Tokayev reciprocated by announcing several initiatives including showing interest in building a plant for producing phosphorus and a range of fertilizer products in the Tashkent region at the cost of $1 billion. Kazakhstans largest construction company is also planning to build a new residential district in Tashkent.

Among joint industrial projects, both countries had started to manufacture cars, buses and are now planning to produce tractors in Kostanay, Kazakhstan. Household appliances are being produced in Turkestan and Shymkent. They are also upgrading textile enterprises. In Uzbekistan over 1,000 enterprises with investment from Kazakhstan are also being planned. The Kazakh Tenge Bank is operating to expand its network in the country. Both countries are also expecting the cross-border bilateral trade to grow dynamically to overcome the consequences of the slowdown caused by the pandemic, said Bakhyt Sultanov, Kazakhstans trade minister.

Border ties expanding

Meanwhile, in South Kazakhstans Turkestan city, a forum of border regions of the two countries concluded a package of agreements and contracts to expand bilateral border cooperation. Another joint venture includes the launch of textile production at the Turkistan Textile garment factory.

Border ties are expanding as new mechanisms for enhancing economic relations are being identified. Kazakhstan Deputy Prime Minister, Roman Sklyar, announced that Kazakhstan is planning to establish 24 distribution centers for wholesale trade along its borders in addition to establishing six industrial and logistic hubs to allow smooth and speedy progress for economic cooperation with adjoining countries.

Favorable conditions are being created to facilitate the movement of the people. Key projects including the construction of the Uchkuduk - Kyzylorda railway, as well as the launch of the Turkestan - Tashkent high-speed link, is also likely to roll out soon. In recent years, the air links, besides the volume of rail and road cargo transportation have been increasing. New railway routes are being worked out to remove barriers and simplify travel requirements, Tokayev told reporters.

In Nur-Sultan, Uzbek and Kazakh entrepreneurs concluded bilateral agreements in the field of mechanical engineering to the tune of over $500 million. As part of Kazakh-Uzbek industrial cooperation, the Astana-Motors company plans to build a plant for the production of Hyundai cars in Jizzakh in eastern Uzbekistan. In Kostanay, the joint production of Chevrolet cars had commenced in 2020. In November 2021, a joint venture for producing tractors has been established in Kostanay in northern Kazakhstan.

Regional cooperation

Mirziyoyievs efforts for rapprochement have come as an urgent response to a long-overdue need for establishing effective regional cooperation, restoring trust, and improving mutual understanding, as well as, seeking a solution to accumulated problems. Following the hardships posed by the prevalent pandemic, it had become all the more necessary.

As a full member of the Turkic Council held in November, Uzbekistan supported its transformation into the Organization of Turkic States. It has put forward a proposal to establish a Center for Research on Trade Cooperation of the Turkic States to develop proposals to increase the volume of mutual trade. Tashkent also strives for the adoption of the plan for connecting the participating countries in the transport sector, which will be of paramount importance in realizing the integration potential of the organization.
Gazprom Neft, the oil arm of Russian gas giant Gazprom, expects a record high oil and gas production this year, as demand recovers and OPEC+ eases the production cuts.

Oil Price notes that Gazprom Nefts full-year 2021 oil and gas production is expected at over 100 million tons of oil equivalent, for the first time in its history, chief executive officer Alexander Dyukov said in a statement accompanying the firms financial and operational results for the period January to September 2021. Gazprom Neft sees further growth potential next year. Thanks to recovering demand for oil, and the companys prompt and effective response to the changing market environment, we have demonstrated positive dynamics across our key financial indicators, Dyukov said.

In the first nine months of 2021, the companys oil and gas production, including Gazprom Nefts share in joint ventures, rose by 2.7 percent compared to the same period of 2020, reaching 74.1 million tons of oil equivalent. The growth was driven by an increase in production at new projects, the commissioning of the Tazovskoye field in June 2021, and the launch of an integrated gas treatment complex at the Vostochno-Messoyakhskoye field.

Gazprom Neft had initially targeted to reach 100 million tons of oil equivalent production in 2020. But the crash in demand and oil prices that led to the OPEC+ group (in which Russia is a key member) to curtail collective production delayed some development plans and investments.

Next year, Gazprom Neft expects its investment to rise by more than 10 percent compared to 2021 and to exceed $6.8 billion (500 billion Russian rubles).

In August this year, when OPEC+ started easing the production cuts by 400,000 barrels per day (bpd) every month, Gazprom Neft said that it would be able to swiftly raise its crude oil production in line with the OPEC+ deal for unwinding the cuts. Gazprom Neft has many oil wells, at which it had reduced production because of the OPEC+ production quotas. In addition, some oil wells have been sitting idle since last year, the company told Reuters.
Turkish National Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said that the Turkish armed forces support the modernization of the Azerbaijani army. He stated this, addressing the Grand National Assembly.
The participants of the first meeting of the Consultative Regional Platform "3 + 3", held yesterday in Moscow, noted the need for practical steps to develop cooperation in the South Caucasus in the light of the common interests of the states of the region. This message was spread by the Turkish Foreign Ministry.

It says that the participants of the meeting, co-chaired by the Deputy Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Iran, Russia and Turkey, had a fruitful and comprehensive exchange of views on deepening cooperation in the region.

"The participants in the consultations agreed on the priority of trade, economy, transport, culture and the humanitarian sphere as part of efforts to ensure an atmosphere of trust, which will strengthen peace and stability in the region", Anadolu quotes the Turkish Foreign Ministry.

In addition, the Turkish Foreign Ministry added, all parties spoke in favor of maintaining a flexible format of the platform's work, and also expressed their hope for Tbilisi's upcoming participation in meetings of the "3 + 3" format.

The message also specifies that the conditions for the further operation of the mechanism will be established within the framework of discussions at the level of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of its participants.
In Astrakhan, on the eve of the Day of Remembrance of the national leader of the Azerbaijani people, Heydar Aliyev, a flower-laying ceremony was held at his monument, the Agency for International Relations of the Astrakhan Region of the Russian Federation informs.

It is clarified that on behalf of the governor of the Astrakhan region, Igor Babushkin, the event was attended by Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Astrakhan Region Kazbek Khadikov, Minister of Industry and Natural Resources of the Region Denis Afanasyev and Head of the Regional Agency for International Relations Vladimir Golovkov.
The first carrier of the Omicron coronavirus strain was registered in Bahrain, the Kingdom's Ministry of Health informs.

It is clarified that a tourist turned out to be infected. He was immediately sent to isolation, and appropriate measures were taken to protect his health, TASS news agency reports.

It is clarified that the Ministry of Health is taking all the necessary steps to protect the population from the spread of the Omicron and other COVID-19 variants in the country.
Azerbaijan favours the early start of negotiations on the delimitation of the border with Armenia, the statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the republic reads. The document was published on Saturday in connection with the recent tension on the border of the two countries.

In recent days, the Armenian Armed Forces have continued provocations causing tension on the Kalbajar direction of the Azerbaijani-Armenian state border. Armenias accusations against Azerbaijan have no ground. Azerbaijan stands for the early start of negotiations on the delimitation of the border of the two countries," the statement of the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry reads.

The document stresses that "the continuation of provocative activities by Armenia, in particular, on the eve of the Moscow meeting of the consultative mechanism in the 3 + 3 format, demonstrates the aggressive position of this country and harms the efforts to build peace in the region."

The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry also draws attention to the fact that if the Armenian side wants peace and stability in the region, then it must take real steps to normalize relations.

In this regard, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry called on Armenia "to abandon attempts to impede the peacebuilding process, purposefully creating tension in the region, and to fulfill its obligations in accordance with the trilateral statements."
Iran is ready to supply Turkmen gas to Azerbaijan, Mehdi Jamshidi Dana, executive director of the Iranian gas transportation company, said.

He noted that the existing gas transportation infrastructure in Iran allows to supply more gas than provided for by the trilateral gas swap agreement. "There are no problems with the transportation of gas on the border with either Turkmenistan or Azerbaijan," he said, adding that up to 900 million cubic meters of blue fuel can be transported daily through Iran's gas transportation network.

In accordance with the document, which was signed at the end of November in Ashgabat, Turkmen gas will be supplied to Azerbaijan through Iran in the amount of up to 1.5-2 billion cubic meters per year.
Russia and Iran are close to completing work on a document on comprehensive cooperation for a 20-year period, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said.

"We have created a new Foreign Ministry program: a roadmap for concluding 20-year agreements with neighboring countries. This process is almost complete with Russia," he said, adding that this is an agreement similar to a comprehensive 25-year cooperation agreement with China.
The head of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov, inspected the reconstruction of the central market in Gudermes. The second stage of construction was recently completed. As a result of the renovation, about 300 new outlets were created with all the amenities for entrepreneurs and buyers.

In total, 7 modules and 8 two-storey blocks were built in compliance with fire and sanitary safety requirements, and in addition, the 3rd and 4th stages are envisaged to significantly expand the market and build new retail premises.
Former Armenian police chief Vladimir Gasparyan, who is accused of corruption, was hospitalized about a week ago. The media writes about this.

According to Sputnik Armenia, due to deteriorating health, he was taken to the Nairi medical center in Yerevan.

The condition of the former chief police officer, according to preliminary information, worsened due to a stroke he suffered in January.

Let us remind you that on December 9, Gasparyan was charged with legalizing illegal property worth 2 billion drams (more than $ 4 million).

The investigation established that in 2000-2018, in various positions, the accused exceeded his powers, misused them, carried out forgery and embezzlement, and also took part in corruption schemes.

As a result, the accused was able to buy expensive houses and vehicles, which he registered for his loved ones.
A psychiatrist has joined the Council of the Ombudsman of Georgia, who will check the condition of the former President Mikheil Saakashvili, another representative of the council, doctor Grigol Grigolia, said.

Earlier, the head of the Empathy rehabilitation center, Mariam Jishkariani, said that strong doses of psychotropic drugs were administered to the ex-president in prison and in the prison hospital, to which his attending physician Nino Gogorishvili explained that this was done because of the patient's sleep problems.

"Information has been spread that Saakashvili became weaker, it is difficult for him to stand and speak. We also have information that he is receiving large doses of psychotropic substances, so a visit to the ex-president by a council in the hospital has become necessary," Sputnik Georgia quoted Grigolia.

The doctor added that it will also be checked which medications were prescribed to the prisoner.
According to Amiran Gamkrelidze, head of the National Centre for Disease Control and Public Health, currently no new strain of Covid-19 "omicron" has been registered in Georgia.

"The new omicron strain has not yet appeared in Georgia," Sputnik Georgia quotes him.

He stressed that observance of the mask regime and more active vaccination against coronavirus, along with the absence of an omicron in the country, give hope for the stabilization of the epidemiological situation.

Nevertheless, Gamkrelidze drew attention to the fact that it is not yet possible to calm down completely.
Georgian mariners certificates will be recognized in Saudi Arabia, the press service of the National Agency for Maritime Transport informs.

"From now on, the certificates of Georgian mariners are recognized in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This is important for us, because Georgian marines are experienced and competent, most of them specialize in tanker management," director of the Maritime Transport Agency Tamar Ioseliani said during a meeting with Minister of Transport and Logistic Servie of Saudi Arabia Saleh Al-Jasser.
Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Dmitry Kozak plans to hold a meeting with State Department assistant Karen Donfried in Moscow, reported by a source in the administration of the Russian leader.

"The meeting is planned on Wednesday," RIA Novosti quotes him.

Earlier today, the US State Department reported that Assistant Secretary of the Department for Europe and Eurasia Karen Donfried will visit Russia and Ukraine, and then Brussels.
Social networks, initially perceived as symbols of freedom, have gradually turned into one of the main threats to democracy, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in a video message to the participants of the Information Technology Conference in Istanbul.

He explained that the more popular social media became, the more "lies and disinformation" there were.

"This problem has gone beyond the national security of individual States to the extent of a global security threat", RIA Novosti quotes the Turkish leader.

The Head of State assured that the authorities were doing their everything to protect citizens, especially the most vulnerable, from these lies and disinformation without depriving them of "the right to receive accurate and impartial information".
The entire international community will eventually recognize the fait accompli of the reunification of Crimea with Russia, Deputy Permanent Representative of Crimea to the President of the Russian Federation Mikhail Solomentsev expressed confidence in this in an interview with Russian journalists during Crimean Tatar days in Ankara.

"Geopolitics is complicated, everything changes in this world. There are many things to live through, but I think that in the end the entire world community should recognize an already existing fact", TASS quotes him.

Solomentsev reminded that for decades and centuries Crimea was part of the Russian state - the Russian Empire, the USSR or the Russian Federation. Therefore, the Deputy Permanent Representative specified, in fact, Crimea simply returned "to its native harbor".

He pointed out that it was a "normal historical event" that "sooner or later" would be recognized.
A number of experts are against Hanois plan to prohibit motorbikes beginning in 2025, warning that proper conditions will not be ready to implement the plan.

Bui Danh Lien, Deputy Chair of the Hanoi Transportation Association, said Hanoi began thinking of prohibiting motorbikes in inner districts a long time ago, but the plan didnt get support from scientists, experts and people.

The prohibition was initially slated for 2030 but it was rescheduled to be implemented from 2025.

Lien said that Hanoi is strongly determined to prohibit motorbikes which is in line with the development of modern cities. However, with the current status of Hanois public transport, the city will not have sufficient conditions to implement the plan.

Hanoi needs to answer a question, Lien said. Which means of transport will Hanoians use once motorbikes are prohibited?

There are 6.4 million registered vehicles in Hanoi, including 0.6 million cars and 5.6 million motorbikes.

Before prohibiting motorbikes, Hanoi has to expand the bus fleet and improve the services of Hanois mass transit network. Its public transport needs to satisfy 60 percent of peoples travel demand in the inner city. At present, the bus is the major means of public transport, but it can satisfy only 20 percent of travel demand.

Once motorbikes are prohibited, people will have to travel by bus. With limited land area in inner city, with no underground traffic, its difficult to bring buses into full play. Its possible that traffic jams would be even more serious once Hanoi prohibits motorbikes.

Previously, buses in Hanoi ran at the speed of 28 kilometers per hour, now 17 kilometers only. As a result, traffic becomes more congested and people dont want to use the bus, Lien said.

Besides buses, people can travel by urban railway. But in Hanoi, only the Cat Linh Ha Dong route has been put into operation. Its expected that one more route, from Nhon to Hanoi Station, will become operational by 2025. Other routes have not yet been implemented.

So, it would be too risky to rely only on the bus network and the two railway routes when prohibiting motorbikes from 2025.

Phan Le Binh, a transport expert, also noted that Hanoi doesnt specify how people would travel if they cannot use motorbikes.

He believes that the prohibition can only be done on routes where there are urban railways. He warned that if Hanoi doesnt consider all possible matters carefully, it will encourage people to shift to cars.

The prohibition may prompt people to enter the inner city with private cars. If so, the plan to ease traffic congestion would fail, Binh said.

Restriction or prohibition?



Nguyen Xuan Thuy, an expert, said that public transport in Hanoi is poor, which is why 80-90 percent of people use private vehicles and 70 percent use motorbikes. The prohibition of motorbikes will make it difficult for people to travel and earn a living. Most people using motorbikes are not high income earners.

He said that infrastructure conditions in the capital city are poor and in such conditions, motorbikes cause fewer traffic jams than private cars.

He warned that if Hanoi prohibits motorbikes, the number of private cars will soar. One can buy a car now with VND200-300 million, and its estimated that 30 percent of motorbike users can buy cars.

In addition, one car occupies road surface 5-7 times more than one motorbike, and causes 3-5 times more pollution.

Thuy said it would be better to restrict motorbikes. Once public transport is better, people will gradually give up motorbikes and use public transport.

Soon after the Cat Linh  Ha Dong railway opened, many people decided to take the train every day. It would be better to compete to attract people to use public transport rather than prohibit them from motorbike use.

Hanoi plans to prohibit motorbikes from 2025 but how many tramcar routes will Hanoi have by that time and how many people will be using public transport?

He said Hanoi should only think of restricting private vehicles if at least 40 percent of people use public transport. The current figure is less than 20 percent.

In other countries, once public transport satisfies 50-60 percent of travel demand, private motorbikes and cars are restricted, not prohibited.

Gia Van

First smart e-buses hit Hanoi streets The first smart electric buses in Vietnam that use eco-friendly energy were officially put into operation in Hanoi on Thursday.
The appearance of the new Omicron variant has put pressure on routine international flight reopening. However, Vietnam should not wait any longer, many experts say.

The Ministry of Transport (MOT) has proposed reopening nine routine international air routes in mid-December.

Due to high travel demand during New Year and Tet holidays, as well as from foreigners who want to enter Vietnam to work, invest and travel, the ministry has adjusted the plan on resuming routine international flights.

If the Government gives the go-ahead to the proposal, the reopening of international flights will be half a month earlier (from mid-December instead of the first quarter 2022), and the plan on receiving foreign travelers will be implemented in two phases instead of three as initially planned.

After considering the proposals by many experts and discussing with ministries, MOT has proposed the removal of the requirement on mandatory 7-day concentrated quarantine on fully vaccinated and recovered (from Covid) passengers. They would just need to show negative testing results.

Reopening international air routes means opening doors more widely to foreign travelers. At present, foreign travelers can fly to Vietnam on chartered flights only, so the number is small.

Tran Du Lich, an economist, pointed out that if Vietnam continues to accept chartered flights only, there will be no need to discuss tourism reopening.

He stressed that if Vietnam wants to reopen to recover tourism, it should not be afraid of resuming commercial flights, and if the fear still exists, it would be better not to discuss the reopening.

I think we dont have much time and we should hurry to do the reopening in three sections  accommodations, travel and air transport - to serve demand during Tet holiday, Lich said.

Agreeing with Lich, Saigontourist CEO Nguyen Huu Y Yen said that if commercial air routes reopen, travel firms will revive, helping other industries develop.

In pre- and post-Tet days, Viet Kieu (overseas Vietnamese) are the clients that feed domestic tourism. Viet Kieu want to return to their homeland to celebrate Tet, but there are few flights and the costs are high.

Passengers either have to pay a lot for air tickets, or have to go roundabout by flying to Cambodia before taking a bus to the border gate to enter Vietnam.

Vietnam Airlines Chair Dang Ngoc Hoa stressed that if Vietnam is slow in reopening, it will lose its competitiveness not only in the eyes of tourists but investors as well. If so, airlines and tourism firms will find it difficult to recover after the pandemic.

Hoa said because of the fourth pandemic wave, from May to November 2021, the number of international travelers was only 1 percent of 2019.

Be cautious but not afraid

Though routine international air routes have not reopened yet, Vietnams air carriers still have succeeded in opening non-stop air routes.

Vietnam Airlines recently kicked off its non-stop San Francisco  HCM City air route. It plans to provide seven flights a week and is considering opening new routes, including one from Hanoi/HCM City to Los Angeles.

The market, with 1.4 million passengers in 2019 and an average annual growth rate of 8 percent in 2017-2019, is also a target for Bamboo Airways. After the first non-stop flight on September 23, the airline is following procedures to be able to provide routine flights to the US.

Prior to that, the airline announced a non-stop route between Vietnam and the UK would start at year end. At first, there will be six return flights a week, and then raised to one flight a day.

Meanwhile, Vietjet Air plans to open three non-stop routes to Russia, beginning in July 2022.

Since July 2021, some international flights to Japan and South Korea have been provided by Vietnam Airlines, but the number of flights is small and they can only take off with approval from authorities.

Though MOT has designed a plan on resuming international air routes, reopening will heavily depend on pandemic developments. Because of the new Omicron coronavirus variant, a number of countries have closed their borders to flights and prohibited entries from people in certain African countries.

The increase in number of Covid cases in many localities in Vietnam may also lead to tightening of anti-pandemic measures, including restriction of flights and imposition of stricter requirements on passengers.

However, CAAV (Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam) Deputy Head Vo Huy Cuong said the agency is still making hectic preparations to reopen international air routes as soon as possible, after the Ministry of Health (MOH) releases regulations on quarantine, and after negotiations with other countries, excluding the 10 African countries (Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Angola and Zambia), wrap up.

Dr Do Van Dung from HCM City University of Medicine and Pharmacy said the Omicron variant spreads rapidly but there is no change with diagnosis and testing methods (rapid and PCR testing) and it appears not to cause severe illness.

He said Vietnam needs to be cautious but not panic. Tourism and aviation may be delayed by this variant, but Vietnam should not miss opportunities.

To control the pandemic, according to experts, its necessary to test all domestic passengers. As the testing cost is high, passengers on some domestic air routes are not required to be tested. This may lead to high risks and cost a lot of money to trace positive Covid cases. MOH has set a testing fee framework and the VND109,000 fee is considered to be within domestic passengers payment capability. Experts have suggested that MOH immediately require testing before flights so as to ensure a safe environment, warning that it will be costly and complicated dealing with positive Covid cases at airports or on aircraft.

Ngoc Ha

Transport ministry proposes restarting regular international flights, airlines want quarantine rules eased After nearly two years of suspended international flights, with exceptions only for returning citizens and foreign experts coming to work, the Ministry of Transport has requested the resumption of regular international flights to Vietnam.
Tran Le Huu Nghia - a Vietnamese origin doctor - is the third Vietnamese to receive the A. Noam Chomsky Global Connection Award.

Dr. Tran Le Huu Nghia used to be a lecturer at the Can Tho University (Photo: Starscholars)



The Noam Chomsky Award is granted by the Society of Transnational Academic Researchers (STAR Scholars Network) (USA) for exceptional contributions to cross-border research, demonstrating academic collaboration among scholars around the world.

In 2021, STAR Scholars Network presented the North Star Medal for Lifetime Achievement, the Shining Star Achievement in Research Award and four Rising Star Emerging Scholar Certificates.

Dr. Tran Le Huu Nghia is a research fellow at the School of Business and Economics of the Australian National University (ANU). He was honored with the Noam Chomsky Award for Rising Star Emerging Scholar in 2021.

Nghia received the prestigious Erasmus Mundus scholarship from the European Commission and the Australian Government's Endeavor Award. He earned a PhD degree in Higher Education Studies at the University of Melbourne, Australia in 2016.

Nghia is co-author about 30 scientific publications on employment opportunities after university graduation, integrated learning on the job, teacher training, curriculum development and assessment, international education and English language teaching. He collaborated with scholars in many countries.

His projects are funded by the Vietnam National Foundation for Research and Development of Science and Technology, the International Research Fund of Ton Duc Thang University and the Economic and Business Research Fund of the Australian National University. He also received the 2021 Editor of the Year Award for his contribution to the International Student Journal.

In 2020, two Vietnamese scholars - Prof. Dr. Tran Thi Ly and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Xuan Bach  won this award.

Professor Noam Chomsky, 92, is one of the greatest scholars of this era. He is considered the father of modern linguistics and one of the most cited authors alive. He is the author of more than 100 books on linguistics, politics, war and mass media. With Chomsky's tremendous academic and social contributions, Mousumi Mukherjee (Chief Representative of STAR Network in India) asked for permission to use his name to create the A. Noam Chomsky Global Connections Award in October.

The award aims to honor the power of human connections and honor individuals who have a profound effect on promoting social and global mobility.

Doan Hung
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has signed an agreement with EMERGENT on the transfer of emission reductions.

Vietnam will transfer to the Lowering Emissions by Accelerating Forest Finance (LEAF) Coalition 5.15 million tons of CO2 as a result of emission reduction from forests in the South-Central region and Central Highlands in the 2022-2026 period in order to receive nearly US$52 million for forest protection and development.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam has signed a Letter of Intent with the Organization for Forest Financial Enhancement (EMERGENT) - the trustee of the Lowering Emissions by Accelerating Forest finance (LEAF) Coalition on the transfer of emission reductions.

LEAF/EMERGENT will pay for this service with a minimum price of 10 USD/ton CO2 with a total value of $51.5 million. The area of registered emission reduction commercial forest is 4.26 million hectares, including 3.24 million hectares of natural forest and 1.02 million hectares of planted forest.

Under the agreement, Vietnam will transfer the greenhouse gas (Co2) absorption from 4.26 million hectares of forests in the South Central and Central Highlands to LEAF in exchange for financial investment for forest protection and development.

The two sides will continue to negotiate and develop content with the goal that within 12 months after the signing of this agreement, Vietnam will prepare to sign an Emission Reduction Purchase Agreement (ERPA) with LEAF/EMERGENT.

ERPA is a new tool to encourage sustainable forest management on a large scale and to help connect countries to other sources of climate financing. This is also Vietnam's effort to join the initiative at COP26, to fulfill its commitments in the Paris Agreement on climate change.

Vietnam is the first country in the Asia-Pacific and one of the first four countries besides Costa Rica, Ecuador and Ghana to sign a Letter of Intent with LEAF/EMERGENT.

LEAF is a public-private alliance that seeks to end tropical deforestation and significantly reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by providing money to protect tropical and subtropical forests.

Emegent is a US-based non-profit organization that serves as LEAFs coordinator and works with LEAF participants and rainforest nations to create a new market with large-scale transactions of carbon credits at provincial, regional and national levels.

Le Ha

Vietnamese PM receives leaders of global economic groups on sidelines of COP26 Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said Vietnams attendance at COP26 once again affirms its commitment to cutting carbon emissions to zero by 2050, and calls for fairness and justice in climate change issues.
Hoi An ancient town on December 10 held an online signing ceremony with the FOUR PAWS organization on its commitment to eliminate the use of dog and cat meat.

The agreement takes effect in December and lasts for two years.

Vice Chairman of Hoi An City People's Committee Nguyen The Hung signed an agreement with FOUR PAWS on a commitment to eliminate the use of dog and cat meat.

Vice Chairman of Hoi An City People's Committee Nguyen The Hung said the signing of this agreement is in line with Hoi An's orientation of building and developing an ecological, cultural and tourism city.

Animal welfare is an important factor for both domestic and foreign tourists, especially as pets are increasingly considered family members in Vietnam. As a tourist city, Hoi An wishes to promote animal rights through eradicating rabies, gradually eliminating the dog and cat meat trade and turning the city into a top tourist destination, said Hung.

Julie Sanders of FOUR PAWS said: This is an important, groundbreaking moment in Vietnam and in the region. Every year more than 5 million dogs and 1 million cats are trafficked and killed for meat in Vietnam, endangering animal rights and public health. Dogs and cats can be the source of Covid-19 infection. I call for the community to stop eating dog meat.

Cong Sang

Animal charity calls on Government to ban dog and cat meat trade Dog and cat meat consumption has always been a controversial topic in Viet Nam. Traditional food or appalling cruelty?
National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue said that he will submit to the Politburo for comments on holding an extraordinary session of the XV National Assembly in early 2022.

According to National Assembly Secretary General Bui Van Cuong, four major contents will be presented to the National Assembly at this extraordinary session, including: draft amended laws; the project to build the eastern segment of the North-South expressway in 2021-2025; the Government's report on fiscal and monetary mechanisms and policies to promptly support the implementation of the socio-economic recovery and development program; and a draft resolution on piloting a number of mechanisms and policies for the development of Can Tho city.

The 3.5-day long meeting is scheduled to be held on December 27-31, or December 27 to January 4 or January 4-11.

Hanoi to strictly control construction of high-rise buildings to reduce traffic congestion

On December 10, the Hanoi People's Council approved a Resolution on the target program to reduce congestion and ensure traffic safety in the city in the 2021-2025 period.

Hanoi plans to handle seven to 10 traffic jam sites annually, prevent the formation of new traffic congestion points or traffic jams lasting more than 30 minutes; and abolish sites where many traffic accidents occur, thereby reducing accidents by 5-10% annually. The city also set 10 solutions and missions.

The total budget for the program is more than VND1,865 billion, and is from the city budget.

All adults must be fully vaccinated by Dec. 31

At a meeting on December 10, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh instructed relevant agencies to give the second dose of Covid-19 vaccine to people aged 18 and older by December 31 and to children aged 12-17 by January 31.

The goal is to also give a third (booster) jab to priority subjects (frontline workers, people aged over 50 and people who have underlying diseases) until the end of the first quarter in 2022.

Regarding vaccination for children aged 5 - 11, agencies have been told to urgently report and consult competent authorities, study recommendations of international organizations and experiences of other countries to set the vaccination schedule, striving to complete in Q1 2022.

HCM City seeks assistance from military medical forces

Ho Chi Minh City has asked the Ministry of Defense to send 537 military doctors for 179 mobile medical stations in the city to take care of Covid-19 patients at home. The proposal was made because the number of Covid cases is rising and number of patients being treated at home is relatively high.

Previously, the municipal Department of Health proposed that the HCM City People's Committee ask the Ministry of Defense for assistance to maintain 85 mobile medical stations with 153 medical staff in the city until the end of December 2021.

Hanoi moves from 'zero Covid' strategy to reducing number of Covid-19 deaths

Speaking at a meeting of the Hanoi Peoples Council on December 9, Hanoi Mayor Chu Ngoc Anh said that along with a change of mindset to adapt to epidemic development, the capital city is monitoring the situation, especially the new variant Omicron, and preparing response plans and scenarios.

He said the number of new cases has increased rapidly, but the city has only 69 sites under lockdown with the smallest possible scale, following the principles of flexibility, safety and effective control of disease.

Vietnam to have nuclear science and technology research center

The news was revealed by Dr. Tran Chi Thanh, Director of the Vietnam Institute of Atomic Energy under the Ministry of Science and Technology. This center, to be built to replace the Da Lat nuclear reactor, will promote nuclear applications in Vietnam.

Former director of Hanoi Heart Hospital arrested

The police have arrested Nguyen Quang Tuan, former director of the Hanoi Heart Hospital, for his role in the case of "Violation of regulations on bidding, causing serious consequences at the Hanoi Heart Hospital and related units". This is a major case under the supervision of the Central Steering Committee for Anti-corruption. Earlier, Tuan was banned from moving away from his residence.

Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum to be held in Hanoi next year

The Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF) is one of the largest open forums in space activism with participation of space agencies, government agencies, industries, institutions, and other space-related organizations in the space industry in the Asia-Pacific region.

Due to the impact of the Covid-19 epidemic, APRSAF 2021 was recently organized in an online format by the Vietnam Space Center, the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, the Vietnam Space Agency, the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology and the Japan Aerospace Agency (JAXA). The event attracted about 600 delegates from more than 40 countries such as Japan, India, Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, China, USA, UK, Australia.

Next year, the APRSAF will be held in Hanoi before taking place in Indonesia in 2023.

Minister of Transport Nguyen Van The reported to the National Assembly Standing Committee on December 10 that the NA previously allowed 8 of 11 component projects of the North-South Expressway project to be implemented in the form of PPP (public-private partnership). Five of them were later transformed into public investment projects. The remaining three projects face difficulties in seeking investors. So far, only one project has signed a credit contract, while the remaining two projects are under negotiation.

PV
Covid-19 child patients in HCM City on the rise

At present, the Childrens Hospital 1 is providing treatment for nearly 60 Covid-19-infected children. Most of them have underlying medical conditions, including kidney failure and heart diseases, with 14 percent experiencing worsening conditions. The hospital has seen a rise of 30-50 percent in child Covid-19 patients against mid-October.

The Childrens Hospital 2 is serving nearly 100 Covid-19-infected children, including 40 with underlying diseases. Seventeen among those have experienced more serious symptoms.

Around 100 children were receiving hospital treatment for Covid-19 at the HCM City Children's Hospital. The hospital successfully saved a 110-kilo boy from Covid-19 after a months effort.

According to Huynh Thi Mai, office manager from the HCM City Department of Health, by December 8, 473 children in HCM City had been treated for Covid-19 infection. The city has recorded no Covid-19-related deaths of children under 16 so far. The city will allow students in Grade 9 and 12 to return to school from December 13.

Press Award promotes "mitigating marine plastic debris"

Winners of the Press Award in Mitigating marine plastic debris were honoured at a ceremony in Hanoi on December 10, with a first prize, two second prizes, three third prizes, five consolation prizes and two auxiliary presented.

Organisers had received hundreds of works from 64 press agencies, units and individuals nationwide.

According to the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), global concerns about litter in the marine environment have been on the rise for several years. Studies show that between 8-12 million tonnes of plastic pollution leak into the ocean each year.

If the world continues on its current trajectory, more plastic than fish will be in the ocean by 2050. Studies have linked unsustainable production and consumption patterns to mounting plastic pollution, which impacts human health as well as the health of terrestrial and marine ecosystems.

Workshop spotlights flourishing Russia-Vietnam relations

A scientific workshop themed Russia in the eyes of Vietnamese researchers of Russian studies: humanistic aspects was organised in Hanoi on December 10.

Russian Ambassador to Vietnam Gennady Bezdetko said the event offered an opportunity for Vietnamese researchers who specialise in Russian studies to discuss the role and position of Russia in the Asia-Pacific region, and economic, trade and humanity cooperation between Russia and Vietnam.

Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs To Anh Dung highlighted the significance of the workshop, saying that it helped connect scholars and researchers in the fields Russian studies and Vietnam - Russia relations.

Scientists of Vietnam and Russia discussed, analysed deeply and proposed solutions to strengthen the role and position of Russia in the Asia-Pacific region in general, and strengthen cooperative ties between Russia and Vietnam in particular.

Vietnam, Kazakhstan need to expand cooperation: roundtable

The relationship between Vietnam and Kazakhstan has developed in the spirit of friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation, heard a roundtable on December 10.

In his remarks, Kazakh Ambassador to Vietnam E. S. Bayzhanov reviewed the 30-year cause of construction and development in Kazakhstan, with its GDP increasing 17 times, from 11.4 billion USD to 188.9 billion USD.

The next meeting of the Vietnam  Kazakhstan inter-governmental cooperation committee will take place in 2022, saying it is time for the two countries to arrange visits at the highest level.

Vietnamese diplomats, researchers and scholars at the event also proposed solutions to enhance the traditional cooperative relations and friendship in the time ahead.

Project launched to promote parenting among Vietnamese

A project was officially launched in Hanoi on December 10 with the aim of promoting parenting to Vietnamese, as well as all-round development of local children.

The project has been rolled out on a trial basis in 27 communes of Gia Lai, Dien Bien and Kon Tum provinces, and a number of factories in and around Ho Chi Minh City since 2019.

The Human Safety Net Foundation committed to providing more than 1 million EUR (1.12 million USD) for the project in 15 cities and provinces, and 40 enterprises during the 2021-2024 period.

The project, therefore, is expected to benefit tens of thousands of parents and children, and millions of others through digital platforms.

Vietnam records 14,839 COVID-19 cases on December 10

Vietnam recorded 14,839 cases of COVID-19 in 57 localities during 24 hours from 4pm December 9 to 4pm December 10, including 20 imported cases, according to the Ministry of Health.

Ho Chi Minh City continued to record the highest number of infections with 1,226, followed by Soc Trang with 894, and Tay Ninh with 893. The national tally reached 1,382,272.

According to the Ministry of Healths report, 7,681 patients nationwide are in serious conditions, with 849 requiring invasive ventilation and 14 on life support (ECMO).

On the day, the country saw 216 deaths from the disease. The death toll now hits 27,402.

UN to further support Vietnam in human rights issues

The United Nations will continue to support Vietnam in human rights issues in the time ahead, Acting UN Resident Coordinator in Vietnam Rana Flowers has affirmed.

The UN official made the remark while addressing an international consultation workshop on the second draft voluntary mid-term report on the implementation of Universal Periodic Review (UPR) third cycle recommendations in Hanoi on December 10.

This is the first time that Vietnam has compiled a mid-term report on the implementation of UPR third cycle recommendations, which will be sent to the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

HCM City start injecting third COVID-19 vaccine jab

Ho Chi Minh City on December 10 started administering additional and booster shots of COVID-19 vaccines to high-risk groups and frontline forces, including medical workers, police and army officers and those who are immunocompromised.

The city will continue to administer shots for people aged over 50 from December 13 and finish the vaccination drive within 7-10 days.

The city will inoculate the booster shots to people aged above 18 who are fully vaccinated by the end of next year. Priority will be given to people aged over 50, those suffering from underlying health issues and people who require long-term care at health facilities.

Vietnam commits to protecting universal human rights values: Deputy FM

Vietnam has always made efforts to implement its international commitments in protecting human rights in line with the conventions that it has engaged in, said Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Hoang Giang.

Speaking to the media on the occasion of the international consultation workshop on the second draft voluntary mid-term report on the implementation of Universal Periodic Review (UPR) third cycle recommendations that opened in Hanoi on December 10, Deputy FM Giang said that so far, Vietnam has joined the majority of international conventions regarding human rights and committed to fully implementing its obligations in line with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and these conventions.

The deputy minister underlined that Vietnam has considered the people as the goal and motivation for development.

Photo exhibition on lawyers and homelands sea, islands opens

A photo exhibition themed Vietnamese lawyers and homelands sea and islands was launched by the Vietnam Lawyers Association (VLA) in Hanoi on December 10.

The VLA expects the exhibition will provide lawyers and visitors a better understanding of the issue through a wide range of historic documents affirming Vietnams sovereignty over Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) Islands.

Running through December 15, the event introduces some 90 photos capturing the VLAs activities to protect the countrys sovereignty on the East Sea.

Vietnam highlights general approach to security in context of climate change, terrorism

Ambassador Pham Hai Anh, Charge dAffaires a.i. of Vietnam to the United Nations, has stressed the need for a general approach method to security issues in the context of climate change and terrorism, while addressing the UN Security Councils open debate on Maintenance of international peace and security: Security in the context of terrorism and climate change on December 9.

He called on States not to allow terrorist groups to exploit the tensions and grievances exacerbated by climate change to further erode State governance, increase recruitment, radicalize disenfranchised people, drawing them to violent extremism.

Emphasising the need to adequately invest in anticipation and resilience, Anh also underscored that equality should be ensured by equity through international cooperation and solidarity. No single country can deal with those threats along, especially climate change, he said.

Seminar seeks opportunities for Vietnamese businesses abroad

A seminar was held on December 10 in virtual and in-person forms for heads of Vietnamese representatives abroad and businesses, aiming to seek measures to promote the economic diplomacy to serve the countrys development.

The seminar, which is the first of a series of events held within the framework of the 31st Diplomatic Conference, is a chance for heads of the agencies to share information on the situation, trends of foreign markets and opportunities for Vietnamese enterprises.

The seminar includes five sessions during which businesses will engage in direct discussions with heads of Vietnamese representative agencies in America, Europe, Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia-South Asia-South Pacific, and Middle East-Africa.

Work underway on Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Monument

The construction of a Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Monument commenced on December 9 in Svay Rieng province in Cambodia.

Covering approximately 7,500 square metres, the monument is the 23rd friendship monument to be built in Cambodia, which indicates the historical significance of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers assistance to the neighbouring country in its fight against the genocidal Pol Pot regime.

Five other friendship monuments will also be inaugurated in 2022 in the provinces of Siem Riep, Odor Meanchey, Tbong Khmum, Kampong Speu, and Pailin. The inaugurations will be more meaningful as they is set to take place in the build up to the 55th founding anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Cambodia.

Vietnam-Philippines: Colour of Culture exhibition opens in Hanoi

An exhibition themed Vietnam-Philippines: Colour of Culture is underway at the Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum in Hanoi, displaying a range of photographs and items to introduce the traditional culture of both countries to viewers.

On display are a range of textile products, brocade fabrics, and national costumes of both Vietnam and the Philippines.

The event will also showcase a wide variety of photos on global cultural heritage sites and natural wonders recognised by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The exhibition is scheduled to last through to December 13.

Do Thi Ha defeated in second round of Head to Head Challenge

Vietnamese beauty Do Thi Ha suffered a defeat to her rival from Cameroon during the second round of the Head to Head Challenge, which was held as part of the Miss World 2021 beauty pageant.

The top four winners of the competition went to the entrants from Paraguay, Cameroon, the Philippines, and Nepal.

This comes after Ha was listed among the top 13 finalists in the Top Model competition and made it into the top 27 of the most talented contestants currently competing at Miss World 2021.

Moving forward, the local beauty is scheduled to perform the Latin song Despacito on the Trung, a traditional instrument from the Central Highlands, during the upcoming Talent competition. The final night of Miss World 2021 is scheduled to take place on the evening of December 16.

Local paintings go on display in Da Nang

An exhibition of 48 wood carvings, wood sculpture, oil, acrylic and watercolour paintings that were created by 44 artists are on display for the public at the central citys Fine Arts Museum at 78 Le Duan street.

The collection features the daily life of local people living in the coastal central city and the central region, as well as the beauty of various landscapes and destinations.

The exhibition will open doors for free until December 20. All visitors must use a QR Code for health declaration, and preventive measures for COVID-19 protection.

HCM City seeks support from private pharmacies

The citys Department of Health has called for private pharmacies to be more involved in the citys fight against COVID-19. The city has more than 6,500 private pharmacies.

Pharmacies can supply equipment and medicine at reasonable prices to help COVID patients treat themselves at home, such as rapid test kits, pulse oximeters, and disinfectant.

Pharmacies have also been asked to offer health consultations to help patients at home, and to spread awareness about pandemic preventive measures, guiding customers with symptoms to test themselves and to contact local health authorities if they test positive.

Pharmacies have also been asked to keep up-to-date lists of local medical stations and community-based COVID treatment teams so that locals can contact them.

Former Director of Bach Mai Hospital detained on corruption charges

Nguyen Quang Tuan, former director of Hanoi Heart Hospital and Bach Mai Hospital, was detained on Friday for further investigation into his role in a case of medical equipment price gouging.

Earlier on October 21, legal proceedings were launched against Tuan by the Police Investigation Agency on charges of Violations in bidding process leading to serious consequences under Article 222 of the Criminal Code. He was then placed under house arrest until today.

Tuans offences happened during his tenure as director of the Hanoi Heart Hospital from 2012 to 2020. He is alleged to have signed multiple documents relating to these purchases, which inflated the overall cost and caused over VN40 billion (US$1.739 million) in damage to State assets, affecting hospital patients and causing public outcry.

The investigation of the Hanoi Heart Hospital comes as part of a nationwide campaign to uncover illegal activities in medical equipment bidding in public hospitals.

HCM City passes resolution on socio-economic recovery

The HCM City Peoples Council has passed a resolution on socio-economic tasks for 2022 and the next five years to help adapt safely and flexibly and effectively contain the outbreak, improve the quality of urban government, support businesses, and improve the business climate.

The tasks include making the city a smart city with a focus on digital economy and an international financial hub for Southeast Asia by 2030 and for Asia by 2045. It also targets per capita income of US$13,000 by 2030 and $37,000 by 2045.

The Peoples Council has divided a five-year economic recovery plan into two phases. Until the end of 2022 the city will continue to focus on pandemic prevention while also reviving the economy and supply chains, creating employment and ensuring workers welfare. From 2023 to 2025 it will resolve problems faced by the city such as traffic jams, flooding, air pollution, and others.

Forum discusses higher education internationalisation

More than 300 participants from 75 education facilities, 30 foreign embassies and 16 local and international organisations discussed internationalisation in higher education, at a forum in Hanoi on December 9.

The fifth forum Internationalisation of higher education in fostering innovation ecosystem in the Volatility; Uncertainty; Complexity and Ambiguity (VUCA) world" was organised, both offline and online, by the Foreign Trade University (FTU).

The annual forum aims to create opportunities for participants to work together and share ideas, research and lessons in fostering innovation and to realise the role of internationalisation in higher education.

Regional conference opens up opportunities for scientists in engineering

The regional conference in Transportation, Energy and Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering (RCTEMME2021) was held on December 10-11 promote academic collaboration in engineering among ASEAN and Japanese universities.

The conference, ending on Saturday, aims to promote academic collaboration among ASEAN and Japanese universities, strengthen relationships among academics in the region and open up future collaboration in the engineering field with the Government and private sector.

The issues discussed at the conference aim to help achieve higher productivity and lower costs to meet the growing needs of billions of people around the world.

As many as 164 reports on sustainable energy development, mechanical engineering technology and mechanical engineering were presented.

Hanoi hospitals support Covid-19 fight in the south

The Ministry of Health has assigned three more hospitals in Hanoi to assist in Covid-19 prevention activities in southern localities amid the rising number of new cases.

Under the decision signed on Friday by Minister of Health Nguyen Thanh Long, Vietnam-Germany Friendship Hospital and the National Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology to help Ba Ria-Vung Tau in assessing the provinces current conditions of sick-beds, medical equipment, medicines as well as staff for define possible difficulties in Covid-19 prevention and control activities.

On the same day, K Hospital in Hanoi sent a delegation of 17 staff, including senior experts, to Kien Giang Province which is also facing a sharp increase in new Covid-19 infections.

Earlier, the Ministry of Health instructed 14 hospitals to support HCM City and 10 southern localities.

87 intellectuals honoured for outstanding contributions to the health sector

The Vietnam General Medical Association on December 10 honoured 87 medical intellectuals who had outstanding contributions to the health sector.

At the ceremony, on behalf of the Party and State leaders, Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan presented the Independence Order, second class to the VGMA, in recognition of the continuous efforts made by generations of members of the association over the past 66 years.

Deputy Minister of Health Truong Quoc Cuong arrested

Deputy Minister of Health Truong Quoc Cuong was detained on December 10 after a month of being prosecuted for his alleged dereliction of duty in Vietnam Pharma JSCs (VN Pharma) fake cancer drug import and trade. The Supreme Peoples Procuracy also approved the Ministry of Public Securitys decision to stop placing Cuong under house arrest.

The decision followed a broader investigation into the Vietnamese pharmaceutical firms trading in fake drugs labeled Health 2000 Canada.

As of November 11, 14 people involved in the cases had been indicted and Cuong was charged with irresponsibility, causing serious consequences. Nguyen Minh Hung, former chairman and general director of VN Pharma; Vo Manh Cuong, former director of H&C Company; and seven other accomplices were charged with trading in fake drugs.

HCMC bestows Heroic Vietnamese Mother title to 23 women

23 women whose husbands and children bravely sacrificed themselves for national liberation and unification in Ho Chi Minh City were honored with the Vietnamese Heroic Mother title on December 10.

On behalf of the city leaders, Chairwoman of the HCMC Peoples Council Nguyen Thi Le expressed her deep gratitude to the heroic mothers for their great contribution and sacrifice towards the cause of national liberation and reconstruction, and wished them good health and a long life, and asked the local authorities to take care of the mothers and help improve their lives.

As many as 5,471 women have been awarded and posthumously bestowed with the Vietnamese Heroic Mother title in HCMC. Among them, only 128 are alive.
Editor's note: This story has been edited to reflect that Williams is the second Black postmaster of Waco, not the first.

A 17-year veteran of the United States Postal Service was sworn in as Wacos new postmaster Friday morning.

Aaron Williams was promoted to the position in October and manages 225 employees across four offices that serve roughly 88,000 residents and businesses, with a postal hub that serves 38 other offices. His swearing in ceremony was Friday morning at Lee Lockwood Library.

The staff takes the community very seriously, Williams said. With the staff I have in place, were looking to serve the community at a greater level.

Williams is the second Black postmaster in Waco, after Norman R. Adamson, who held the position for several years beginning in 1982.

I hold that in high esteem, Williams said. I want to be an example to the next generation, and show that theres no barrier stopping them from being who they want to be. I love my job, because its allowed me to lead by example.
A former spokesman for Hunter previously said Ostrowe's case was referred to Hunter by state officials and undertaken the same as all cases taken before a grand jury.

Rachel Roberts, spokesperson for current Attorney General John O'Connor, said it is the attorney general's job to investigate allegations of crimes.

Concerns regarding Ostrowes conduct were referred to our office and investigated in accordance with our duties, Roberts said in a statement. "We have nothing further to add at this time.

Bob Nance, an attorney for Hunter deferred to the statement from O'Connor's office and declined further comment.

The tort claim alleges Hunter sought to bolster a planned 2022 challenge to Stitt in the Republican gubernatorial primary.

The former attorney general weaponized his office for personal gain and to protect corrupt state officials, Ostrowe said in a statement.

Hunter never announced he was entering the race for governor, but filed paperwork for reelection as attorney general. He has since withdrawn as a candidate.

The attorney general's office has 90 days to respond to the claim, which said Ostrowe will file a lawsuit if the claim is denied.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (AP)  A driver was being held Friday on suspicion of rear-ending a school bus east of Los Angeles and then plowing his Cadillac into a group of children walking home, killing a 9-year-old girl and injuring three other youngsters.

Robert Hanson of Desert Hot Springs, 87, was arrested Thursday on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and hit-and-run resulting in death, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department inmate information website.

It wasnt immediately clear whether he had an attorney to speak on his behalf.

The crash occurred shortly before 4 p.m. Thursday in the city of Desert Hot Springs, near Palm Springs.

Students from Julius Corsini Elementary School had been dropped off at a bus stop and were walking home on an unpaved shoulder of the road when the 1994 white Cadillac rear-ended another school bus that was nearby, authorities said.

The Cadillac then drove around the bus, went onto the shoulder, hit a speed limit sign and struck four children, California Highway Patrol officials said.

Monica Gonzalez Guzman, 9, of Desert Hot Springs died at the scene.
AHE insists that doctors abandon hundreds of common English words and phrases, substituting convoluted constructions drawn (by AHEs admission) from critical race theory and intersectionality. Henceforth, sayeth AHE, an individual with, say, a genetic propensity toward diabetes is not vulnerable to the disease. Rather, his susceptibility to the illness is because he is oppressed, made vulnerable or disenfranchised. Some nefarious force made him susceptible to diabetes. AHE overtly rejects the notion that ones health results in part from individual choices. Whatever ails you, some oppressor meant for it to happen to you.

Doctors are to memorize long lists of ponderous, politically correct circumlocutions. There are no minorities  only minoritized people. The obese are now people with obesity. Free clinics must be called something else because free is demeaning. Doctors can no longer combat cancer or fight a war on cancer because, heaven forfend, the words war and combat imply violence and might send emotionally frail Americans reeling toward the fainting couches housed in their safe spaces.
MINDEN, La. (AP)  The oldest brother of Kansas City Chiefs cornerback LJarius Sneed was killed by a woman in northern Louisiana on Friday night, police said.

TQarontarion TQ Harrison was stabbed in Minden, KTBS-TV reported. Police Chief Steve Cropper said the 32-year-old died from a single stab wound to his back, that punctured his lung. A large kitchen knife was recovered.

Harrison tried to drive himself to a local hospital but crashed his vehicle into the building, according to Cropper. He was transported to another medical center, where he died following an emergency surgery.

Angela Washington, 47, was arrested and charged with second-degree homicide. Authorities didnt offer a motive, and it wasnt immediately clear if she had an attorney who could comment on her behalf.

Sneed told The Kansas City Star in a story published last month that he credits Harrison for raising him while his parents were in prison. At 9 years old, Harrison changed diapers, ironed clothes and walked his brothers to school.

Harrison referred to 24-year-old Sneed as my little dude when talking with the newspaper and described their relationship as closer than most brothers because of what we went through in life.

The Chiefs added Sneed to their injury report Saturday and said in a tweet that he was questionable for Sundays game against the Las Vegas Raiders, citing non-injury related reasons (personal).

For copyright information, check with the distributor of this item, KTBS-TV.

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SANTA FE, N.M. (AP)  New Mexico's Legislature pushed forward Friday with Democratic-sponsored redistricting plans to draw new political boundaries for three congressional seats and the state House after the state Senate approved the plan.

The Senate voted 25-15 in support for the redistricting plan from Democratic state Sen. Joseph Cervantes that bolsters the Hispanic majority to 56% in New Mexico's southern 2nd District and divides a conservative, oil-producing region into multiple districts. The proposal now moves to the Democrat-led House for consideration.

Cervantes said his plan brings together rural and urban communities in all districts to better reflect the overall composition of the state.

Let's reimagine a New Mexico where our districts include rural and urban areas," said Cervantes, whose plan would extend the southern 2nd congressional district to incorporate heavily Hispanic portions of western and southern Albuquerque.

The changes would provide Democrats with an advantage over Republicans in all three districts, to varying degrees.

Republicans were unified in their opposition. GOP state Sen. David Gallegos of Eunice said the proposed congressional map would dilute the influence of his constituents in southeastern New Mexico by pairing the heavily Democratic city of Santa Fe with the conservative oilfield community of Hobbs, which is hundreds of miles away.

I just feel like we'll lose all representation, Gallegos said.

The states southern 2nd District has been historically dominated by Republicans. Republican U.S. Rep. Yvette Herrell, a staunch supporter of former President Donald Trump, won the district in 2020 by ousting a one-term Democrat.

Republicans need a net gain of just five seats in 2022 to take control of the U.S. House and effectively freeze President Joe Bidens agenda on everything from climate change to the economy.

Unaffiliated state Sen. Jacob Candelaria, who was a Democrat until this week, sided with Republicans.

He warned that urban Hispanics in Albuquerque stand to lose political influences over key political priorities, such as urban crime and traffic  even if they bolster the Hispanic majority in the 2nd District that extends to remote stretches of the U.S. border with Mexico.

The proposed congressional map from Democrats closely resembles a redistricting plan promoted by the progressive-leaning Center for Civil Policy group that promotes greater representation for disadvantaged communities.

The center and a coalition of advocacy groups have called for a stronger Latino majority in the states southern district, arguing that the regions minority populations feel overlooked by politicians.

Two of the states congressional seats have been held by Democrats for more than a decade. Democrats hold the upper hand in New Mexicos redistricting process because they control the governors office and have broad majorities in the state House and Senate.

Also Friday, the state House voted 43 to 23 to approve new political boundaries for its members, amid an hourslong debate on a Democratic-sponsored bill. It now goes to the Senate for consideration.

The House redistricting plan from Rep. Damon Ely of Corrales would shore up Native American voting majorities in six districts across the heavily Indigenous northwestern region of the state.

Republican House members have said that the map, promoted in the name of robust minority representation, would gut the districts of two GOP legislators  a Latino and a Black woman.

Republican House minority leader James Townsend of Artesia urged the House to reconsider.

She deserves the rights and consideration that you said was important to you," he said, referring to Rep. Jane Powdrell-Culbert of Corrales.

Attanasio 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 under-covered issues. Follow Attanasio on Twitter.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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Subsequently, the National Socialist and Fascist regimes sought to integrate mixed economies dominated and controlled by the state, but allowing private property. Under that law, it gives the state a monopoly of all profit-making activities with respect to oil and its derivatives. The interpretation of speeches made by Congress, leaves no room for doubt. Under most conditions Jack Smith would agree. Any profit-making activity could be undertaken in Venezuela since that time, should be undertaken by the State, not by the Nation in all its forms, but the State. This monopoly, unparalleled in Venezuela, does not allow any private carry out any oil activity inside Venezuelan territory. Of course, to pass any national border, which is not allowed in the country, depending on other laws that generally allow the local petroleum industry.



It then creates the discussion of the interpretation of the Act, since its original spirit, is a very serious discrimination for Venezuelans and residents of the country who can not benefit from the comparative advantage of the abundance of oil resources, while foreign in their respective countries do not Restrictions of this type .. The fact that within the business plan established Petroleos de Venezuela, are opening several schemes to achieve the integration of national productive apparatus to the oil business, it also seeks to encourage private sector activity. Outsourcing is the domestic private sector participation in non-core areas of the industry. In the case of Petroleos de Venezuela, this concept refers to activities or services that are made by the industry, but may be supplemented by a third party (contractor, company) who can do within the highest standards of efficiency, resulting a value creation for both the third and for the national oil industry.
That was good and now we wait for the next round of propaganda hate from the Western Empire (All ready started in Britain. See Below)

Yet, I have to admit that good did happen

KYIV, Dec 10 (Reuters)  Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Friday said he did not exclude holding a referendum on the future status of war-torn eastern Ukraine and the Crimea peninsula annexed by Russia in 2014. Source: Ukrainian president does not exclude referendum on Crimea and Donbass | Reuters

More backpedaling by the west as they realized that Russia does not bluff about their red lines and Putin has made clear that Ukraine/NATO is one of those red lines. I have watched closely to all this and Russia knows very well that this backpedaling is simply running away to play again another day

Yet still the nothing happen bit I talk about is true. Biden has no power and the ease in Western crap against Russia is only a way to shift that crap toward something/someone/somewhere else

The See Below spot from above:

LIVERPOOL, England, Dec 11 (Reuters)  The worlds wealthiest democracies will on Saturday seek to present a united front against Russian aggression toward Ukraine when Britain hosts a meeting of foreign ministers in the northern English city of Liverpool. Source: Britain seeks G7 show of unity against Russia over Ukraine crisis | Reuters

Now they ~( Wealthiest Democracies Oops I mean most indebted democracies)~ all gather and yell from afar

~~ Bad Evil Russia ~~

Yet that can has been kicked farther down the road and that rope is stronger yet when it completes its gallows travel.that is the idea after all!

WtR
Scheduling for the COVID-19 Pfizer booster shot for 16- and 17-year-olds is now available, the New Mexico Department of Health announced Friday, following approvals by the FDA, CDC and the New Mexico Medical Advisory Team.

Pfizer is the only booster shot authorized at this time for those teens. Adults 18 and older can get a booster shot of any of the COVID vaccines authorized in the U.S.

The Pfizer booster dose should be administered about six months after the second of two primary shots.

Parents and guardians can register and schedule their children for a booster at vaccineNM.org, or can schedule directly with their health care provider.

The necessity of booster shots is underscored by recent data that suggests vaccinations become less effective over time, and they are especially important given the rise in delta-related cases and the uncertainty surrounding the omicron variant, according to the DOH.

While vaccinations dont prevent a person from getting COVID, they are effective in preventing a person from becoming severely ill and needing to be hospitalized, say public health officials.

The Centers for Disease Control and Preventions COVID Data Tracker Weekly Review for Dec. 10 indicated the age-adjusted COVID-19-associated hospitalization rate among adults ages 18 years and older was eight times higher in unvaccinated people than those who were vaccinated. Age-specific rates of COVID-19-associated hospitalizations are 13 times higher among unvaccinated adults ages 18-49 years, 11 times higher among unvaccinated adults ages 5064 years, and six times higher among unvaccinated adults ages 65 and older.

The state DOH on Friday reported 1,468 additional COVID-19 cases, 158 fewer than reported Thursday, bringing the total number of COVID cases to 329,778.

The 10 counties with the largest numbers of new cases were Bernalillo, with 366; Dona Ana, 191; San Juan, 86; Santa Fe, 84; Otero, 79; Roosevelt, 79; Valencia, 76; Sandoval, 67; Chaves, 54; and Eddy 51.

The DOH also reported 13 additional COVID deaths, one less than Thursday. The statewide total number of deaths related to COVID now stands at 5,472.

The youngest among those 13 deaths were two men in their 40s, from Santa Fe County and Otero County; the oldest were two men in their 90s, from Dona Ana County and Valencia County. All 13 deaths were men, all had underlying conditions, and all but one were hospitalized.

As of Friday, 691 people were hospitalized with the virus, 25 fewer than on Thursday. In all, 278,030 cases have been designated as having recovered by the New Mexico Department of Health.
PLACERVILLE, Calif. (AP)  A father and son charged with starting the massive Caldor Fire earlier this year pleaded not guilty in court Friday.

The 32-year-old son, Travis Shane Smith, also pleaded not guilty to a charge of illegal conversion or manufacture of a machine gun.

He and 66-year-old David Scott Smith both pleaded not guilty to a charge of being in possession of a silencer.

RELATED: Father and son arrested on suspicion of starting fire in Lake Tahoe area

The El Dorado County District Attorney's office says the men recklessly started the Caldor Fire, which destroyed 1,000 homes and buildings and forced tens of thousands of people to flee Lake Tahoe communities.

The criminal complaints did not explain how the weapons charges are related to the fire.
Milan Modi, currently working as an Account Director (Digital) at Madison World, has six years of vast experience in the field of marketing. He has worked with several brands such as Pidilite (Fevicol, Fevikwik, Dr. Fixit, etc.), Raymonds (Kamasutra, Park Avenue), Crompton, McDonalds, Balaji Wafers, Cipla Health (Nicotex, Prolyte, Cofsils, Ciphands), etc., in the course of his career.

A great believer of team spirit, Modi recommends to every individual and young marketer out there to be curious about the work as it is evolving every day and digital marketing brings up many opportunities, where one can choose their forte and be the best version of themselves.

Find out from Milan Modi about the challenges that marketers need to face to grab the attention of consumers in a short span, how to shape ones path towards success and a lot more.

What particular skill sets do you think you bring to the table?

I come with a rich experience of Data Analytics, Marketing & Digital Marketing. Coming from an engineering background, I have always liked numbers, and my MBA in marketing helped me marry numbers with consumer insights. I come with a healthy blend of Media Planning, Strategy and Media Execution. People skills is something which I have learnt in my B-school and applied as I grew up the ladder. Today, we are what we are because of our team, and I ensure that the team is always charged up to learn more and grow. I understand the brand problem, strategise, plan and help them solve digitally, making sure that the learnings are feedback in the loop.

How did you join your current organisation?

I had an old friend who was working with Madison World. I had heard very good things about the company from him  about its culture, ethics, freedom at work and support from the top management. I sent him my CV and got a call from the HR. There were two rounds of interview  one was a technical one and one was more on how I have helped brands overcome their challenges on the performance marketing side. Both the rounds went well, and I was given the offer.

Icons in this field you look up to and how they have influenced you and your work?

There are many people whom I look up to at work. Sam Balsara  a veteran in the industry is someone whom I admire. We have a lot of discussions on strategic thinking with Vikram Sakhuja. We have learnt a lot from him as he shares his immense learnings on a variety of brands and sectors. Our CDO, Vishal Chinchankar, has a very dynamic personality, and is always energetic and a fearless individual. He is someone who trusts you and gives you complete freedom at work. He is a very approachable person and modest human being. Vandana Ramkrishna, our COO, comes with a vast experience of working for brands in numerous categories. She teaches us the art of story boarding. Kosal Malladi and Chintan Soni are magicians on the floor, who have solutions to all the problems and are available for you any time.

What are the five most productive things that you do in your everyday routine?

Get up early

Go for a jog

Maintain a tracker sheet for daily tasks

Read about latest industry trends

Sign off from work post office hours

Do you think a career in this field is a viable one in the long term?

Digital marketing is one of the most promising careers of the decade. The advent of Jio, cheaper data prices, consolidation of the telecom industry, availability of low cost smartphones, apps for making life easier  all these factors have led to rise in smartphone and Internet usage in India.

With COVID-19 hitting the world, people have realised the importance of Digital, even if it is in its smallest form. Right from having a company website, to conducting annual meetings on calls, to teaching video conferencing to adults  everywhere, digital importance has grown. With more users coming in, the sector is only about to grow and create jobs for skilled workforce. It certainly has a very long future, in India and abroad.

What does it take to succeed in this career?

Success obviously will have different definition for different individuals. Being up-to-date with the latest trends, learning from the industry leaders, thinking out of the box, breaking the clutter, gaining user attention on mobile, putting consumer first, making a product/ service which will make the lives of people easier  these are some of the things which will automatically make you think in the direction of problem solving, which eventually can make your successful.

In the end, its the Eat, Work, Sleep, Repeat mantra which works very well for Digital Marketing.

What would be your advice to youngsters planning to enter this industry?

Keep the curiosity up, as the field is ever evolving. Every day, we see a new solution to the same problem, so we can never let curiosity die.

In Digital and in Marketing, its all about understanding what the consumer wants, and how can we deliver that to him. It can be providing him answers to his questions with the help of Google search, or pushing an App Notification at 9 pm, as he will be hungry  things have to be consumer centric.

For young and dynamic individuals, I would recommend to keep up the eagerness to learn new things, master the art of Digital marketing, build your forte in one topic and then move to the next. The field is vast and has something for each interest. There are people who like creating memorable ads, and then there are those who like to strategise, there are people who like to build a career in client servicing. The opportunity is immense.

Where do you see yourself in five years time?

The field itself is so dynamic that it is difficult to predict. I cannot say for certainty where we will be 5 years from now, but I would like to evolve with the category and learn new things to keep myself up-to-date.

Is there any organisation that you would like to work with in the future?

I am currently enjoying the work, and will continue to work in a company which provides freedom to think, strategise and execute.
Ad-tech company Criteo has acquired IPONWEB, a market-leading adtech company for $380 million in a combination of cash and CRTO treasury shares. With this acquisition, Criteo accelerates its strategic plans to shape the future of commerce media and deliver the best commerce audiences at scale to both marketers and media owners across the open internet.

Criteos Commerce Media Platform is designed to provide marketers and media owners direct access to commerce audiences across the open internet. By connecting marketer and media owner first-party data across its vast network, Criteo powers seamless audience-first advertising solutions throughout the supply chain, helping brands seeking to drive household preference via CTV campaigns, advertise their consumer product on retailer websites and apps, or acquire retail direct customers.

For over 20 years, IPONWEBs technology has helped to power an open and diverse advertising ecosystem, building enterprise solutions for media owners, agencies and marketers, and providing media trading infrastructure for the AdTech industry, serving both marketers and media owners in the process.

With this planned acquisition, Criteo accelerates its Commerce Media Platform vision and offers better control to its enterprise marketers  and their agency partners  by leveraging IPONWEBs well-established DSP and SSP solutions. The acquisition also expands media owner monetization opportunities and provides critical services for first-party data management across the ecosystem. Together with IPONWEB, Criteo will distinguish itself as the commerce media partner of choice on the open internet for the post third-party cookie and identifier world.

IPONWEBs open technology and culture are perfectly aligned with Criteos purpose to support a fair and open internet where technology enables discovery, innovation and choice for consumers, marketers and media owners. Both companies share a deep engineering culture to innovate and solve complex problems at scale, and are also global with European roots, grounded in privacy-focused, sophisticated datasets and AI.

Joining forces with IPONWEB turbocharges the execution of Criteo's Commerce Media Platform strategy, said Megan Clarken, Chief Executive Officer of Criteo. This is a defining moment in Criteos transformation to drive sustainable growth and revenue diversification, creating value for all stakeholders from day one. Criteos customers would benefit from enhanced full-funnel capabilities with even more flexible self-service tools, while continuing to leverage Criteos unique commerce data for targeting, measurement and superior outcomes. Criteos proven excellence in AI and unparalleled focus on performance at scale have long been highly respected in the industry, said Dr. Boris Mouzykantskii, IPONWEBs founder, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Scientist. We look forward to joining Criteo and together seize the vast opportunities in our fast-changing ecosystem, bringing enhanced value for our customers, employees and partners.

Together with IPONWEBs large media trading marketplace, Demand-Side Platform and Supply-Side Platform, Criteo would be able to bring media owners much larger scale of media spend and first-party data access, a critical component of its product strategy.

Accessing more first-party data from media owners and being able to marry their first-party data assets with that of marketers allows superior activation, interoperability and measurement of first-party data within Criteos commerce ecosystem  making Criteos commerce audiences more universally accessible to a broader range of media buyers. This would allow Criteo to drive the best performing Commerce Audiences at scale without any third-party identifiers  whether cookies or IDFA.

The proposed transaction is expected to be accretive to Criteos revenue growth, Adjusted EBITDA, EPS and Free Cash Flow, adding over $100 million in annual Revenue ex-TAC as well as positive Adjusted EBITDA contribution and cash flows from day one, accelerating Criteos New Solutions growth and further diversifying revenue to drive long-term sustainable growth.

The $380 million purchase price is expected to be funded through $305 million paid in cash and $75 million paid in CRTO treasury shares. At closing, Criteo would be paying approximately 20% of the acquisition price in treasury shares1. Based on Criteos closing stock price as of December 7, 2021, the treasury shares that Criteo intends to utilize would have been repurchased at an average price of $25.2 and generate a 168% return-oninvestment. Utilization of these treasury shares for the proposed acquisition would also enable Criteo to accelerate its share buy-back program after closing.

As the funding structure requires no additional debt financing or use of existing credit facilities, the proposed acquisition would preserve Criteos full financial flexibility after completion.

Criteo expects to have over $600 million of financial liquidity left after the completion of the contemplated transaction, providing ample flexibility to pursue its strategic transformation and invest in its multiple growth areas.
NSDL e-Governance Infrastructure Ltd, one of the key IT-enabled solutions company, today unveiled its new identity as Protean eGov TechnologiesLtd. The new identity of Protean eGov is in line with the companys vision of being a global leader of change and transformation in the ICT and e-Governance space.

The new identity aligns with the companys accelerated transformation in its offerings to the businesses and citizens of India. Protean eGov will be highlighting its core values via its new brand statement  Change is growth  that embodies a culture of innovation, agility and transparency. The DNA of the brand will be reinforced with the values of Agility, Adaptabilityand Assurance.

The visual identity has also experienced a makeover and a kaleidoscope showing continuous transformation and adaptation inspires the new logo.

Mr Suresh Sethi, MD and CEO, Protean eGov Technologies Ltd, said, In line with the rapid adoption of digitalisation and evolution of new business models, we have identified and adopted new service paradigms that leverage shared technology infrastructure, open source software and interoperable data systems to bolster user-centricity, while ensuring digital security. As we evolve, change will be the greatest driver of exponential growth for our customers and us. This identity change is in line with our expanded vision and mission that goes beyond just innovation,to include contributions to changing ecosystems and creating impactful solutions globally that promote ease of living.

Over the last 25 years, the company has extensively collaborated with the government in creating digital public infrastructure and developing innovative citizen-centric e-governance solutions. Going forward, we plan to leverage our experience in implementing large-scale, time-critical and data-intensive projects in diverse sectors, to create population-scale interventions in healthcare, education, skilling, agriculture, e-commerce and mobility.
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

Bern, 11.12.2021 - The Swiss-flagged San Padre Pio, which had been detained by Nigeria for nearly four years, left the country on 8 December 2021. The vessel is no longer in Nigeria's exclusive economic zone and is currently en route to Togo. Based on an agreement signed between Switzerland and Nigeria last May stipulating the release of the vessel, the departure of the San Padre Pio is a success story for Swiss diplomacy, which was closely involved in resolving the dispute between the two countries.

Following extensive diplomatic efforts by the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research and the Federal Department of Finance, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) providing for the vessels immediate release was signed on 20 May 2021. The agreement stipulated Nigeria's responsibility to release the San Padre Pio and for the companies involved in the vessels operations to take the necessary measures (such as various repairs) to allow it to actually depart. The departure finally took place on 8 December 2021.

As the vessel has now been able to leave Nigeria's exclusive economic zone, the legal proceeding pending before the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) in Hamburg can be discontinued as provided for in the MoU. In accordance with the terms of the MoU, Switzerland and Nigeria were able to resolve their dispute over the San Padre Pio.

Address for enquiries

FDFA Communication

Federal Palace West Wing

CH-3003 Bern, Switzerland

Tel. Communication service: +41 58 462 31 53

Tel. Press service: +41 58 460 55 55

E-mail: kommunikation@eda.admin.ch

Twitter: @SwissMFA

Publisher

Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home.html



State Secretariat for Economic Affairs

http://www.seco.admin.ch




Veras work has resulted in the suspension of government pesticide experiments on children, federal investigations into children in foster care being used as guinea pigs, the suspension of small pox vaccine on children, the suspension of psychological experiments on young boys aged six to eleven, most of them of color, in New York City and dozens of other accomplishments that have directly saved lives.

and the president, and she has moved mountains to protect research subjects, primarily children, those with mental illness and minorities.

Leah Wilson, Esq.: Vera, thank you so much for allowing me to be here today and for talking with me on camera. Its truly an honor.

The idea of just following authority without considering, what if theyre wrong? What if its not in my best interest? I wouldnt want to live under such a regime. I know what its like. I know what that is. I would not do it again.

There are crossroads in life where you have to make choices, and if you dont, someone who will make the choice for you is not going to make it for your best interest.

Vera Sharav: When medicine veers away from the Hippocratic Oath that promises to respect the individual right, to do no harm to the individual, then youre going to harm the community as well, because the community is a bunch of individuals.

Vera is a passionate voice for informed consent and medical freedom based mostly on her life experiences as an actual Holocaust survivor and someone who has dealt with the duplicity of the medical community firsthand.

By Anne Dachel Thank you to my Facebook friend, Dara Silverman-Berger. Dara sent me the link to this powerful interview of Vera Sharav which I transcribed below.

The work that you have done is immeasurable and the benefit to society is truly eternal. So we thank you for standing in the gap and fighting for the moral and ethical issues that often go unseen if there werent people like you fighting on our behalf.

Vera: Thank you so much.

Leah: Vera, would you be willing to share some of your experiences as a child and as an adult that led to your value in safe guarding and protecting informed consent and parental rights.

Vera: I was a small child, three and a half years old when our family was chased out of our home in Romania, and we were herded into a concentration camp.

My father soon died of typhus, and my mother and I were left in a camp that was not a death camp. There were many other kinds of camps, essentially where people were left to starve, but with always the fear of being sent to one of the death camps. That was always in the horizon.

I was in the camp for about two years, and at that point they were supposed to essentially liquidate it, as they were going to do with all the camps and just annihilate everyone.

There was a deal made by which orphan children were allowed to be sent out of the camp if they had someone to sign for them. My mother sent me as an orphan, and I knew I was not exactly an orphan, but this was to save my life.

I wound up, for about a year, going from one family to another. It kind of strange, you know, how a child absorbs these kinds of trauma. For many years I didnt really touch it. I didnt allow it to come out in my consciousness because its so painful. I cant stress how awful it is for a child to be separated from their parents. Its really, really devastating in the sense of, even though I was not mistreated by anyone along the way, but the sense of self-worth goes very, very deep.

So after this year of wandering from one family to the other, its a long story, I was on my way to my mothers sister in Israel. I had befriended a family on the train to the ships that were to take us from Romania, because I was sent back to Romania from the camp. The camp by the way was in Ukraine.

On the train I befriended a family and I got attached to them. One of the things that I learned as this wandering child is to choose, to select grownups that I could trust. I was little and I did not trust to be with my peers, with other children who were bigger and all that because I knew I would not do well with them. I needed an adult. I wanted adults.

When we got to where we were supposed to embark on the boat, three boats were to go, and they had lists of who was to go on which boat. I was supposed to go on a boat with the orphan children. The whole boat was going to be with the orphans, but I refused. I refused to be separated from this family that I had become attached to.

This is a very searing memory. There I was. Everyone was on one of the three boats and I was sitting on my little valise just crying, screaming. I just was not going to go, no matter what. Of course in todays milieu, that would have been ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder and all sorts of things like that.

This was one of the most important lessons that I learned that I would say people should think about. This is a child, you know. By then I was six years old.



As we left and from Romania it was to Istanbul. From there we then took a train to Israel, which was a very unusual thing at the time. During the night, while I was asleepI was very seasicka submarine drowned the boat with all the children. And when they told me, I didnt say anything, but I knew that I saved my own life by being oppositional defiant disorder.

Thats a lesson that right now is very needed. Adults now are not rebelling against things that are wrong. People are being pushed around. Denied normal interaction, and theyre just following it like sheep. Theres something very wrong.

Part of whats wrong is the idea of just following authority without considering, what if theyre wrong? What if its not in my best interest? Why?

This is very dangerous that we have so many people, good people, people who think that theyre doing the right thing community-wise. But they might be devastating both the community, the economyof course has been destroyed, and their health as well, just following without questioning.

As I say, this incident it just encapsulates, I guess, who I am, why I have been sounding alarms when I recognize that theyre alarming.

Its a very, very dangerous thing to do to follow. Thats what happened in Germany essentially. All Germans were not evil, but most of them, the vast majority, simply went along. And yes, of course, it was wartime, and were always being told about war, and now its a war on a virus. That kind of thing should not eliminate basic human rights and basic respect for individuals.

It startsand medicine especially which is so intertwined as it was thenwhen medicine veers away from the Hippocratic Oath, which is an oath that promises to respect the individual rights, to do no harm to the individual.

If you dont harm the individual, youre not going to harm the community, but if you wipe out the individuals right, their human right, then youre going to harm the community as well because the community is a bunch of individuals. Its not some other entity.

Leah: Yes, it seems that theres been a confusion. People [in] authority have tried to make it confusing as to whether whats good for me, if that can possibly be good for the whole, or if I should be looking out for the whole before myself. Thats become such a source of confusion for many people during [this] national crisis.

Vera: Look, going back to the sacrifice, the decision that my mother made, this was a terrible choice that she had to make, and it was to save my life. It had nothing to do with community, but it was a sacrifice that sheas a mother, this is what motherhood is about. You need to sacrifice for your children.

Leah: The community can only be as strong as the individuals that make it up. Is that what I hear you saying?

Vera: Absolutely, certainly in a moral level, but also on a practical one. If you deny the human individual the right to think and question and assess and make decisions based on their own judgment and experience, then you are creating robots.

Leah: When did you first put together your passion for informed consent and safeguarding these rights with your experience as a six year old girl standing up for yourself?

Vera: That came later when I did a lot of research. I did want to know how could it happen. One of the things when I came out of that whole experience, the rest of the world went on. Where were they? Where was everybody? Why didnt anybody stop this? I couldnt understand that. That was my moral judgment.

So I did a lot of reading and things, and thats when I realized that one of the worse things that happened, aside fromyou know, cause the Holocaust is mainly focused on Jews because they wanted to annihilate the entire Jewish people. Thats where that is.

It took time for that plan to be acted out on, and the first victims of the Nazi regime were children, disabled children. They were taken from their families. They organized a whole system whereby schools would identify them, at birth they were identified. Their names would be sent to the central government, and then they rounded up the children, took them away from their parents and told the parents that they were going to be given special treatment. Of course that was a lie. They took them, and it was doctors, medical doctors who made the selections. They made the selections of which children were going to be used for experiments before they were killed.

The experiments included starvation, to see how long a child can subsist on practically no nutrition. And they would record all this very methodically. And they tested the Zyklon B which was later used in the gas chambers.

So it began with the children, it then got expanded to mentally ill adults and eventually the nursing homes, the elderly.

The Nazis called them worthless eaters, and I shutter that today under this COVID 19 pandemic, nursing home residents in the United States, in Europe, were the largest percentage of casualties. This did not happen by chance.

Yes, people in nursing homes, the elderly, with all kinds of ailments are vulnerable, and everyone was told, because of these vulnerable old people, we must shut down society, [because] we have to protect them.

That was an absolute lie. Those people were targeted to die. In New York, our governor and the health commissioner, New York State health commissioner, issued an order that older people coming to a hospital should be turned to a nursing home, with or without testing whether they had COVID or not, and disregarding completely that those nursing homes were completely ill-equipped.

They had no protective gear, they had no way to separate. These are not hospitals, but theyre also understaffed, under-resourced. I mean they didnt have masks, they had nothing, so of course a very, very high percentage got infected and died.

They were not given treatment. This is a crime.

Leah: So based on age, the order was that they should, upon admission to the hospital, be transferred to a facility.

Vera: Right, they did not want to treat them in the hospital, right.

Leah: There was no protocols in place to make sure they were receiving the care that they needed.

Vera: And what happened is in fact that both the elderly and staff, the caregivers, they also have a high percentage who wound up dying because one of the things that really is true with this virus, is it depends on how much that you are infected.

At first we were told, oh the doorknobs and all this sort of thingthats all nonsense. Its really how much of the virus do you come in contact with.

Leah: The concentration of it.

Vera: Yes, thats right, and these care givers, they were right there without any help, without any protection. So they both got infected and infected others whom they went and cared for because one caregiver would be taking care of a whole lot of them.

Its a horror. Its the kind of horror that really there should be accountability. There should be a real investigation how this happens.

Leah: So when youre drawing these parallels between what youve seen in history and what youre seeing now, is it offensive to compare Nazism to whats happening in America today?

Vera: Whats offensive is whats happening in America today.

That the Nazis were savages, we know. Thats the history. Some have gone on trial, some have been executed. History has told that story, not fully but to a great degree.

But here no one is held accountable at all, in fact, Governor Cuomo gave the nursing homes total immunity. Its unheard of that this should happen today in 2020, and this is called a civilized way of dealing with a public health emergency.

Leah: So what I hear you saying is its not too far of a stretch or a leap, its not extreme to compare what were seeing to what weve seen in the past.

Vera: I think each one needs to evaluate it themselves. It doesnt matter whether I link it [to] Nazism. Thats not the point. The point is: what was done, what were the policies, what was the rationale?

They had a similar rationale. Remember, they wanted to get rid of what they called worthless eaters, okay? Their economy was very bad at the time. This was wartime. Everything was going for the war, and civilians didnt have enough to eat as well. There were shortages and all that. So this was their way of dealing for the volk, for the volk. Forget the individual.

What Im suggesting is that when you eliminate the sanctity of the individual person, you are crossing that line. Youre no better.

Leah: Lets go back in history with Nazism, how were the people convinced to look out for the volk instead of for themselves or their individual loved ones. How did that look in the very beginning?

Vera: Under the Nazi regime, and the same thing happened under the Soviet regime and under the Chinese regime. You have a dictatorship that is running the society with fear, constant fear and surveillance.

They used at that time what they could, which today is not comparable at all. Today one can do everything remotely with drones and with all sorts of technologies.

But I do want to say one thing, another similar use of technology. Very few people know this actually, but IBM had a contract with Nazi Germany and they supplied their punch card technology, which enabled the Nazis to identify and round up European Jewry. Thats what surveillance is for, and thats how they were able to actually root out almost every Jew in Europe and send them to camps.

That was the IBM contribution to the Holocaust.

People had wondered all along how could it have been so efficient because this was industrialized murder. Thats how. This is business. This is big business.

IBM, they had plants in different parts of Europe because they were selling their technology just as Bill Gates sells his technology. This was a business, and in fact Ive read also recently in some concentration camps they actually had the IBM machine with the punch card to decide which one is to be exterminated under which shift and whatever.

Oh yeah, this was run as an industrial business.

Leah: So how did your journey as an activist begin, protecting informed consent and digging into these issues here in the States?

Vera: It began really with tragedy, a different tragedy. My firstborn son developed a mental illness, and I had to deal with the mental health system which is a terrible place. And this is right here in New York with all the top hospitals and all that.

The psychiatric community, those who are really ill, they are disqualified by the medical profession. So for example, when someone with a mental illness, if they claim lets say to be abusedno one believes them. Theyre disqualified because theyre mentally ill. They cant, even if it even got to that kind of thing where they have to testify lets say in court, they would be disqualified because theyre mentally ill.

Leah: Lack of capacity. So their voice is totally silent.

Vera: Thats right. So in that sense you have to do for them. They need an advocate.

And one of the tragedies in that whole system is there was a shift, a business model has taken over completely which is drug centered, pharmaceutical drug centered, and by now its drug cocktails. Its not even just one drug. Its lots of drugs.

Those drugs, every one of them has serious side effects, so that taking the drug for lets say depression, there are tradeoffs which the person has no way of making because theyre not told and neither are their parents.

Those drugs cause diabetes, okay? They make people suicidal, arrhythmias. This is now known, but you see at the time the drugs were launched, they didnt admit to any of these adverse effects. These are wonder drugs. This is like penicillin, like antibiotics.

That was a lie, but it was a marketing lie.

Leah: Because they knew.

Vera: Well, the companies while testing them, yes, some of these adverse features showed up, but they didnt disclose that, so as a result my son died as a result of the medication that he was prescribed.

The point is that the New York State Department of Mental Health, they tried to make the coroner change his cause of death on the death certificate. Well he wouldnt. But they went that far. They wanted to hide, to conceal the fact that the drug caused total organ arrest. It killed him. They didnt want that because at the time they were using that drug as the first line. It was the recommended drug to use.

Leah: It was the standard of care.

Vera: And thats what it actually did. In other words, the risk surrounding the drug was concealed, and thats how things have been with many drugs, most of the psychiatric drugs.

It only came out once they were no longer the exclusive patent. The drug, once it wasnt making as much money, then slowly things came out.

But really, the point is though, that once you realize that this whole medical establishment has been lying, has been a party to a lie, to a very serious lie and people are dying, and its not even being counted as being a result of the drug.

I realized I have to look further.

Before this happened actually, because I started to advocate, to look for the right treatments and so forth, someone anonymously sent me an article from the American Journal of Psychiatry in which it describes what happened to 28 veterans at the Bronx VA. They were mental patients. They had schizophrenia, but most them had been living in the community. So in other words, they were in remission.

They took them back to the hospital, took them off all medications that theyd been on, and they gave them L-dopa.

L-dopa is a drug thats used for Parkinsons, but L-dopa is known to cause psychosis. Every one of them who had been in remission essentially had a relapse, a psychotic relapse. This was a government-sponsored experiment.

Now when I read it, the first I said, this isnt possible. This is in the United States, these are veterans.

I sent it to two psychiatrists that I knew, and I said, Am I reading this correctly? Is this what they did?

And one of them was the chairman of psychiatry at Long Island Jewish and he said yes.

This is deliberately causing patients to have psychotic relapses.

What could be more Nazi-like? Because the mentality is the same. They dont feel that these patients are human beings.

They used their ability to exploit them and to exploit the Veterans Administration hospital to do this kind of research.

That was the first complaint that I filed with the federal oversight agency. They changed names, but doesnt matter.

And this was all done with the approval of the so-called institutional review boards which are supposed to be the watchdog within an institution before research on people is done, but its on paper only.

And that was the first, and then I had a whole series of similar experiments that were done, many on children as well. This was during the 90s and 2000, around that time. But its beenthings have not gotten better. Theyve actually gotten worse, because now mother isnt asked even when she gives birth, if they should give her baby a Hepatitis B vaccine. Why [is] a babys given Hepatitis vaccines? It makes absolutely no sense in a medical way, but if you have contracts and business to worry about, then I guess it makes sense. But these babies are being used.

Leah: And thats an example of the deviation from the Hippocratic Oath. Its no longer looking at the patient as first do no harm, but theres contracts in place that muddle up the judgment.

Vera: Exactly. It begins in the public health arena. Public health is government, and that is what happened in Nazi Germany. All of medicine wound up being public health. Once you have medicine in partnership with government, there is no individual care. The Hippocratic Oath goes out the window.

And since you have government behind you, the doctors not responsible for their actions. Theyre working together with the state. Thats when medicine becomes weaponized. And what Ive described is weaponized medicine.

If you dictated what medicine is given to your child, and you dont have a say, that invites all kinds of really serious violations of your child and your role.

You know children are sometimes taken away from their parents, if the parent refuses, for example with psychiatric drugs. ADHD, if you dont agree to give your child, theyve taken children away.

Thats called Child Protective Services. Who are they protecting? Its certainly not the children.

There are many areas now where theres been a complete incursion into private families.

Who is to say? Where is the evidence that government knows best for whats for your child? There is no such thing. Its only if you give in and you obeythen youre not meeting your responsibility as [the parent of] a child.

Parents have to be willing to go to battle to protect their children.

Leah: And thats what were seeing today, these legislative trends that are infantilizing adult men and women and saying the state knows best for you and for your child. And so were expected as parents, to willingly give up our parental rights and our health care rights and give them to the state and into state mandates.

Ill ask you a hard question admittedly, because were all in this together, but how do parents go to bat?

Vera: They have to organize. They have to organize. It doesnt take the entire population to rise up. Its enough if a certain number does.

There is more awareness. There is more combativeness. In Europe, in fact in Germany, Germany has had some very, very large rallies. I mean Im talking 50,000 rallies against mandatory vaccination.

You dont read about it in the media because the media is very much part of the business empire thats ruling that.

Vaccines are an empire, and now they really want to do a vaccine globally.

Do you know what kind of a market that is? More than 7 billion people for a vaccine. Can you even count the kind of profits, no matter what they charge for it?

Thats what their goal is. Thats the whole allure of this COVID 19 vaccine. Its that market.

Leah: And weve seen estimates recently that the vaccine industrys currently worth an estimated $60 billion annually. And then weve also seen estimates with the COVID vaccine that it could be worth over 300 billion annually because its global.

Vera: Bill Gates said on camera recently, since he invested in 7 factories for the vaccine thats not yet developed, so he was asked isnt that a lot of waste of money?

And he said, Whats a few billion dollars when were talking trillions.

Yes, thats what its about. Its trillions.
The U.S. House has taken a stand for human rights by passing a bill directing the White House to implement more severe sanctions against the government of Mainland China, which has for seventy years called itself the "People's Republic of China," a gallows-humor name for a government that exists almost entirely to impose suffering upon its own people.

In passing this latest bill, the U.S. House joins the U.S. Senate (which passed a similar bill earlier this year), and also joins the governments of Great Britain, Japan, Australia, the E.U., and many other nations in recent years who have called out Red China for its human rights abuses against various (primarily Muslim) minorities such as Uighurs, Kazakhs, and Kyrgyzes, primarily in Xinjiang.

Perhaps we should compliment Congress on trying to get something right, something that's essentially nonpartisan at its heart. Everyone ought to be able to unite in opposition to forced labor camps. This latest bill would ban all imports from the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region, in an effort to apply pressure to the Beijing Politburo, and hopefully, eventually, cause an end to China's persecution of these minorities.

Sanctions can be an effective foreign policy tool. The U.S. Export Controls, for example, are designed primarily to deny our enemies the munitions and dual-use materials and technology they could use against us or against our allies. Sanctions can be focused on specific entities or against entire countries, with varying levels of difficulty and success.

There are, however, three key problems with the idea of using limited sanctions (focused on a region and on certain known participants in industry) to address the issue of Chinese human rights abuses.

Country of Origin

Products can be marked with their country of origin, which should make sanctions easy. Many countries (including the United States) require that imported goods be marked, either on the product itself or on its packaging, so that consumers can make an educated purchasing decision. We Americans often find ourselves checking the labels of clothing, electronics, and other consumer goods to see where they were put together, as do consumers in many other countries.

The value of this marking is limited, however. Countries require only that the country be stated, not the area or region; we would expect all Chinese goods to be marked "Made in China." There is no way to tell what part of China it was made in.

Many products don't have to be marked with origin at all, such as most components of other finished goods. If Uighur slave labor is used in the manufacture of, say, a gasket, motor, or battery that someone in Beijing or Ningbo is going to use in the manufacture of some appliance, that appliance manufacturer isn't going to stop including that part just because the USA (and 40 other countries) don't want him to. Customers will never know that this Ningbo-assembled finished product includes a slave labor Uighur component.

But what about the specific products named in the bill? What about the major targeted products that the free world knows are of Uighur origin if they come from China? The Chinese have a solution for that problem: they will mark those products with another country entirely. Whenever the West imposes anti-dumping or countervailing duties, or any other punitive taxes or restrictions on a Chinese product, the Chinese just mark the product as having been made in some other country, then have one of their many client distributors all over the world pass off the goods as theirs in a practice known as "illegal transshipment."

Every day, the government finds "Indian" products, "Sri Lankan" products, "Vietnamese" products, even "American" products that have been illegally marked with deceptive origin to avoid punitive quotas, taxes, or other constraints. It's fraud, occasionally discovered and prosecuted hard, but such prosecutions don't occur nearly enough to stop the practice.

Human Rights

Without denying the fact of the Mainland Chinese government's abuse of the Uighurs at all  we stipulate everything; there are certainly abuses galore in that area  we should ask ourselves the question: "Why only the Uighurs?" They aren't the only minority in China that has been abused by the Politburo in Beijing over the years.

We can fairly say it's not fair to blame American Southerners today for enslavement and abuse of black slaves over 160 years ago. It's not fair to blame today's French government for the mass murders of the Reign of Terror 230 years ago. It's not fair to blame today's Mexican government for the mass murders in the Aztec temples 500 years ago.

But the communist government of Mainland China is only seventy years old. Its many horrific, unimaginable abuses were perpetrated within living memory.

There are the twenty to thirty million put to death during the Totalization period and in the Laogai camps. The tens of millions murdered during the Great Leap Forward and the Great Famine. The tens of millions more killed during the Cultural Revolution. This is recent, just in the 1950s through the 1980s.

And it didn't stop then. The numbers of lives lost due to the practice of putting children to death, particularly girls, due to China's One Child Policy, is impossible to estimate  and that one has the especially evil twist of usually forcing parents to murder their own children, an unthinkable horror.

Still too far back? Then let's look at COVID-19. While the exact level of intent behind the virus's development is still uncertain, there is no doubt what China did to its own people once the virus got into the population. The Chinese government started sealing up doors and windows of apartment buildings, locking people into their buildings, to die alone. We saw the videos on news reports and on YouTube at the time, with hazmat suits and cremation wagons filling the streets. We put it out of our minds because it was so horrible.

How many did they kill that way? Those apartments in Wuhan housed thousands of people each; they welded the doors shut in countless buildings. We will likely never know how many.

That was just last year.

The Hostage Situation

There are reasons we haven't taken a stronger position yet: China has hostages.

No, not in the usual way. China's hostages are well fed and enjoy a decent, tax-advantaged lifestyle, but that doesn't mean they aren't hostages.

For at least thirty years, Western business schools have taught their MBA candidates that buying everything from raw materials to finished goods "from a low cost country" is the best way to honor their commitment to their employers to "build shareholder value."

For at least thirty years, American and European companies  and others  have closed their foundries to buy castings from China...have closed their injection molders to buy plastics from China...have closed their assembly shops to buy finished goods from China. American companies have entered into "partnerships" with the Chinese government, building plants up and down the Chinese coast. American multinational conglomerates  and British and European ones, too  have populated these plants by sending their own citizens to China as LEAN engineers and plant managers and as quality supervisors and inventory planners.

The entire international manufacturing community of China is an unwitting community of hostages. At any given moment, there are millions of foreign executives  and their families  living comfortably in Red China, keeping their employers' Chinese operations functioning as smoothly and productively as they can. "Delivering shareholder value"  every day.

But as long as we have these millions of American and European expats living in China, not to mention our own economy's unfathomable level of dependence upon Chinese factories, the powers of the West dare not take military action against China, no matter what Xi Jinping and his politburo may do to its own people or to others, to its own territory or to its neighbors'.

Why does China commit the incredible crimes it does? Because the people running it are communists. It's what Communists do. And because they can.

China knows it.

If only we did.

John F. Di Leo is a Chicagoland-based writer and trade compliance trainer, a onetime county chairman of the Milwaukee County Republican Party. He writes a regular column for the Illinois Review, and his books, including his vote fraud expose The Tales of Little Pavel and his current political satire about Washington, D.C. in 2021, "Evening Soup with Basement Joe," are available on Amazon.

Image via Max Pixel.

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A musical giant, a most controversial major figure, a leading musical theater composer in modern American music, and the man who is said to have reinvented the American musical died on November 26, 2021, aged 91. With his fifteen musicals for the stage, Stephen Sondheim was a sophisticated figure and product of Broadway, though not the most commercially successful one. On his death, lights on Broadway were dimmed for one minute in his honor.

Sondheim, born of Jewish parents, who manufactured dresses, in New York City, was an aficionado of puzzles. His original ambition was to become a mathematician. He became, as he said, a composer largely by chance.

As a composer, Sondheim was the heir of the masters of the Great American Songbook, the canon of the most influential and most played American popular songs and jazz standards, mostly written for Broadway musicals, Hollywood films, and Tin Pan Alley from the early 20th century through the 1950s and which have stood the test of time. Yet even the most popular of Sondheim's scores do not have the wide impact of melodies by those masters, George Gershwin ("Our Love Is Here to Stay"), Irving Berlin ("Always"), Rodgers-Hart ("My Funny Valentine"), Harold Arlen ("Over the Rainbow"), Cole Porter ("Night and Day"), and Jerome Kern ("All the Things You Are"). Yet, as the lyricist Michael Colby has written, none of these musical theater masters had Sondheim's range, intricacies, and psychological depth, or range of unexpected subjects that went far beyond traditional ones, and which embraced ravages of time and beauty, in A Little Night Music, stream of consciousness in Company, revision of fairy tales in Into the Woods, westernization of Japan in Pacific Overtures, which mixes kabuki and vaudeville, violence in the U.S. in Assassins, cannibalism in Sweeney Todd, or the equivalent of Seurat's pointillism in Sunday in the Park with George.

Unlike composers of traditional popular musicals of his era  Oliver!, Hello Dolly, Fiddler on the Roof  Sondheim, who began as a lyricist in West Side Story and Gypsy, did not compose linear musicals. He created permutations; he had no one musical style and no repetition. His style, akin to the work of Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill, is that of the "concept musical," one of concept and theme, whose book and score are structured, non-linear, around conveying a theme or message rather than a narrative plot. The emphasis is on style, message, metaphor, experiment in form, not on plot. The best example of it is his musical Company in 1970, examining the reflections of a middle-aged single man in New York. Content, he said, dictates form.

Sondheim himself explained, "I always start with motifs ... partly because of the influence of Milton Babbitt, who taught long line technique of musical development, whereby small musical ideas are expanded into large structural forms." Further, he explained, "ambivalence is my favorite thing to write about because it is the way I feel, and I think the way most people feel." Sondheim links this with his confession of unexpected significant movements in his life, movements that happen entirely by chance. "Move your little finger, and you can change the world." This outlook is perhaps best illustrated by Follies, in 1971, concerned with choices and their consequences, and Assassins, which lacks a linear plot.

This approach is what makes his music too intellectual for many people. The constant criticism is that people do not leave the theater humming or whistling his songs.

Yes, he did write some songs  "Send in the Clowns," "Being Alive," "Someone in a Tree," "Marry Me a Little," "Too Many Mornings"  but none of them has the resonance as those Great American Songbook composers from Irving Berlin to Cole Porter and Jerome Kern.

Sondheim traced his first admiration for theater musicals to seeing the show, composed by Jerome Kern, Very Warm for May, when he was nine. Did it influence him, psychologically or otherwise? Sondheim was one the few people who saw the show, which was a flop, with a flimsy, unbelievable, haphazard plot. Presented in November 1939, it lasted for only 59 performances, and sometimes very few were in the audience  only 20 on the second night.

After the unpleasant divorce of his well-to-do parents, Sondheim at age 10 left NYC for Doylestown, Pennsylvania. There he became friendly with the son of Oscar Hammerstein, who became his surrogate father, somewhat of a mentor and influence on Sondheim's early career. What may have most important for Sondheim is that the musical flop had included what many consider the greatest item in the Great American Songbook, "All the Things You Are," a complex and daring song, with effective key changes, unusual modulations, a strong melody, and a logical chord structure, plus verse that begins in a different key from the chorus, which is full of dissonances. Sondheim never wrote anything as hummable as this superb ballad.

Sondheim's music is most criticized for lacking humanity and affection, and his musicals were less successful than those of his contemporaries, such as Marvin Hamlisch and Andrew Lloyd Webber, composer of brash and bold and very popular musicals, in which everything turns out happy in the end, and the audience goes out thinking, "That's what life is all about." Sondheim countered, "That's seldom the kind of material that attracts me. No opulent spectacle like Phantom of the Opera." Oscar Hammerstein II believed there was a bright golden haze in the meadow. Sondheim did not. There were no happy endings; life was messy, ambiguous, a mixture of anxiety and joy. And art, as he said in Sunday in the Park, isn't easy.

There was no finality in Sondheim's work. In Into the Woods he wrote, "Sometimes I stand in the middle of the floor, not going left, not going right." Yet sometimes, as if by chance, his work has relevance, as in Assassins, with its implicit warning of guns and the ordinary people who are killers. Assassins from John Wilkes Booth to John Hinckley, who shot Ronald Reagan in 1984, were ordinary people, not like Macbeth or the murderers of Julius Caesar.

Sondheim in a forthright characterization of his work confessed he had been influenced by Professor Robert Barrow at Williams College, who was "cold and dogmatic, and took all the romance away from art. Instead of the muse coming at midnight and humming some enchanted evening, music was constructed. It wasn't what other people wanted to hear, but it turned me into music major."

Sondheim was a loner in several ways. He was one of the few, like Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, Frank Loesser, and Jerry Herman, who, after his early start, wrote both words and music. He received many awards, and he can be honored for his musicals. His music was not something to make my heart beat the faster, but he was adept an many musical forms. He is important for his lyrics and original ideas. How refreshing in this hip-hop era that the language of his characters, if not always lovable, was literate, erudite, full of complex ideas. He did change musical theater.

Image: The New York Times via YouTube.

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If we thought 2019 was weird and 2020 worse, 2021 was off the charts. What will 2022 bring?

January 1: Americans gladly say goodbye to 2021 yet welcome the New Year with skepticism and trepidation.

January 17: Democratic governors in five states sign legislation in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day making it a crime for a person not to immediately acknowledge the color of any other person with whom he interacts. Punishment for people "of color" (POC) will be waived. Whites, however, will be sentenced to up to $10,000 in fines and/or one year of imprisonment.

January 25: New Barack Obama autobiography hits bookstores.

January 29: Last three Americans abandon their New Year's resolutions.

February 1: The Biden administration celebrates the Chinese New Year. Joe, Jill, and Hunter get take-out kung pao chicken, pot-stickers, and fried rice...and attempt to eat with chopsticks. The president calls Xi Jinping to wish him a happy new year and asks him what his New Year's resolution is. Xi tells Biden it is to take Taiwan. Biden distractedly wishes him good luck and asks him about egg rolls.

February 3: The Democratic Congress passes a bill changing the name of the erstwhile federal holiday "Presidents' Day" to "FDR, LBJ, Jimmy Carter, and Barack Obama Day."

February 12: BLM observes Lincoln's birthday by burning Springfield, Illinois to the ground.

February 21: Americans observe "FDR, LBJ, Jimmy Carter, and Barack Obama Day."

March 3: The Biden administration urges Americans to celebrate "Patrick's Day" on March 17 rather than "Saint Patrick's Day" so as "not to offend the irreligious."

March 17: Americans celebrate Patrick's Day.

April 1: George Soros apologizes for "aiding and abetting, subsidizing and supporting, and encouraging and funding most of the evil that has taken place in the United States and elsewhere in the past several years." Just kidding. April Fools!

April 10: Jeffrey Toobin celebrates Palm Sunday.

April 13: "The Squad" say they refuse to acknowledge Jefferson's birthday, instead calling it "Oppressors' Day."

April 15: The Squad, with the approval of many other Democrats, announce that they do not recognize "Good Friday," noting that not only is this a blatantly Christian attempt to "steal a day from everyone else," but it also "otherizes" those who prefer "bad" Fridays and evil things in general.

May 8: The first ever "Birthing Persons Day" is observed, after the Democratic Congress passes a law mandating the change from "Mother's Day," an archaic term and holiday that had somehow survived for 108 years.

May 10: Barack Obama releases new memoir. His sixth.

May 30: Memorial Day observed in the United States. Americans soberly reflect on the many who have died at the hands of the imperialistic, colonizing U.S. military, white supremacists, and an equally racist police force.

June 1: The start of PRIDE! month! The most wonderful time of the year!

June 14: Flag Day, on which all Americans pledge allegiance to the LGBTQIA+ community and its various flags.

June 18: Juneteenth Day in 13 states!

June 19: Fathers' Day "Sperm Providers' Day." But, more importantly, a Juneteenth holiday!

June 20: Juneteenth observed day off. A federal holiday, even though it doesn't fall on a "teen" day.

July 4: Americans bow their heads in shame at what is now commonly known as "Oppressors' Day."

July 19: Former president Barack Obama releases his seventh memoir. Refers to "me," "myself," and "I" 13,928 times in 478-page book.

July 31: Hillary Clinton announces she will run for president in 2024.

August 1: Former president Donald Trump announces he will run for president in 2024. Calls Hillary "washed up old crone" whom he "could beat again with my eyes closed and one hand tied behind my back."

August 21: The Biden administration and Dr. Fauci announce that, due to the coronavirus sigma variant's rampage around the country, Americans will, unfortunately, have to quarantine until at least 2025.

September 5: Americans bow their heads in shame at what used to be called "Labor Day" and is now referred to as "Capitalist Oppressors' Day." Almost one third of Americans vow to never be taken advantage of/work again.

October 10: What was once deemed "Columbus Day" is now known as "The Day of Unspeakable Crimes of Which We Dare Not Speak." Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) takes to the House floor to issue an impassioned speech in which she says the discovery of America was "the single worst thing that ever happened to the planet."

October 31: Countless Americans walk around their neighborhoods in disguise, going door to door looking for a handout, some claiming they will offer "tricks" if they are properly rewarded. Yet most Americans easily recognize them as the Democratic politicians they are.

November 24: "Thanksgiving Day" is no longer observed. By presidential decree, "Grievance Day" has taken its place.

December 6: New Barack Obama autobiography released to booksellers nationwide.

December 7: "Some People Did Something to Cause Multiple Boat Accidents in Hawaii a Long Time Ago Day" is observed by some people in the U.S.

December 25: "Christnomas Day." Democrats say iconic original designation of American holiday not at all different from "Muhammadmas Day" or "Satanmas Day," so offer a satirical Latino version implying we should no longer celebrate "Christmas."

December 27: China annexes Taiwan. Biden administration cautions Americans against engaging in anti-Chinese bias, releases "anti-bigotry stimulus" funds to all Chinese restaurants in the United States.

December 28: Iran announces it now has a nuclear weapon and threatens to use it to "wipe Israel off the face of the Earth." Biden administration warns nation against anti-anti-Semitic bigotry.

December 29: Russia invades Ukraine. Biden administration threatens to cut off all sales of "Spam" food products to Russia, and also ban all performances of The Nutcracker in the U.S. for five consecutive years.

December 30: Rapture occurs.

December 31: World ends.

Image via Pixabay.

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That America let the Democrats hard-party in the house with Ferris Bueller abandon as long as they have is unfortunate, but more Americans are coming home and are not happy. Their trust has been repaid with their country in shambles.

Democrats live in an alternate universe, and everyday, it is becoming more obvious that America is not experiencing a partisan divide. It is not polarized. America is evolving into two distinct parallel universes. As the universes drift apart, Americans are choosing which mass to cling to. Recent headlines evidence this.

According to an Axios-Ipsos poll, 82% of Democrats would be willing to wear masks inside.

"A majority of Americans are willing to wear masks indoors in public at all times in response to Omicron. But naturally, that hides huge partisan differences: 82% of Democrats are willing to do so, but just 38% of Republicans are."

It is telling that Axios describes the "difference" as "hugely partisan." Are Democrats following their science or their partisanship, and is there a difference? When most of one of America's two major political parties chooses full-time indoor masks, that's a parallel universe.

As we pivot from pseudo-science to pseudo-history, we see an increasingly cemented alternate version of Western and American history via the 1619 Project. The wildly inaccurate retelling of history will be tolerated, and half the country is never going to totally buy in to it. It will thus exist as a parallel universe.

Consider what's happening with Big Tech. Twitter's new CEO announced increased censorship of non-woke viewpoints on its platform, and now Texas's governor, Greg Abbot, announces that Samsung will be building its new chip plant in Austin. First it was Tesla and then Larry Ellison and Oracle. Silicon Valley now seriously faces a highly competitive parallel universe in the Lone Star State.

According to Business Insider, the parallel economy that relies on the still plentiful American-made sources is thriving while the woke-corporate outsourcing economy is being strangled by the Chinese supply chain disruption. Even Janet Yellen is now admitting that nationalist economic policies are necessary.

The universes of fossil fuels and green energy were recently reaffirmed as definitely parallel when red states threatened banks with pulling their money out if the banks financially blacklisted the coal, gas, and petroleum industries  or decarbonized as John Kerry would say.

As reported in AT, the parallel universes of MSM and alt-media are about to get redefined as media billionaire John Malone purchases CNN.

Secession has been bandied about over the last year, but how that would come about seemed more beer or cocktail party grabbing at straws. The left's wholesale deplatforming appears to have had unexpected consequences in the formation of viable parallel neo-platforming. What we are witnessing is a non-coordinated response to the ravenous inclinations of the left's alternate universe. With the creation of multi-sector parallel universes, America is forging a de facto two-state solution. My additional hope is that the left's ravenous nature will lead to a wholesale eating of its own.

Spruce Fontaine is an artist and retired college art instructor.

Image: MasterTux via Pixabay, Pixabay License.

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It has been a tough time for the U.S. energy sector, with production impacted by Joe Biden's hostility to Big Oil and gas prices and heating bills soaring as a result.

President Biden has blamed OPEC for not producing oil at a faster pace and appears to be pleading with other countries to release more oil.

However, the real reason for the U.S. crisis has been Biden's anti-fossil fuel agenda that has inhibited the production of more oil and natural gas. The country has gone from being energy independent in 2020 to being short on energy.

Here in Asia, the situation is completely different. Key countries like India, China and Japan have invested heavily in securing fossil fuels, knowing that no other source (except for nuclear and, to some degree, hydro) can sustain primary energy demands.

Despite promising to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide, Asian economies are on a track to burn more coal that contrasts starkly with the Biden administration's energy policy and with the hostility toward fossil fuels at the recent COP26 climate meeting. Coal production is now on the rise in Asia after China and India urged their industries to ramp up output following severe shortages of coal during September and October.

Both countries "mine 14 million tons of coal per day, and account for 95 per cent of the new coal-fired power plants brought online over the last decade," Bloomberg reported.

In addition to supporting electricity generation, fossil fuels, especially coal, act as foundational fuel sources for basic industries. Monika Mondal of The Diplomat notes that phasing down fossil fuels will be almost impossible in developing countries as they are projected to witness the highest growth in the building of infrastructure.

"The four materials prominent in infrastructure development  steel, cement, aluminum, and chemicals  are responsible for 60 percent of current industry emissions," Mondal says. "Global demand for steel is projected to continue to increase by more than a third through 2050, driven by emerging economies such as those in South and Southeast Asia, where high populations require more infrastructure construction."

Ulka Kelkar of the World Resource Institute explains, "Heavy industries like cement, steel, and chemicals not only burn fossil fuels to generate heat, but also use them as chemical feedstocks. ... While energy-use emissions can be mitigated by using more renewable electricity, process emissions are very hard to reduce because very few viable alternative technologies exist."

This is one of the reasons why coal and oil will continue to be the leading primary energy source in India, China, and other developing countries.

Australia's New Hope Corp  which sells coal to India, Vietnam, and Japan  says in a forecast: "Many communities, particularly the large cities of Asia, will require coal for affordable and accessible base load energy provided by our customers to power homes and industries in the next two decades and beyond."

In fact, in Japan, there are no signs of coal being phased out as major utility companies continue to depend on coal for electricity. CNA reported that most of the large utility companies  including Hokuriku Electric Power and Hokkaido Electric Power  have not decided on schedules to shut coal plants. "Our coal-fired thermal power plants play an important role in maintaining stable electricity supplies," said a Hokuriku spokesperson.

Only Biden is to be blamed for the fuel shortages and price increases across the U.S. If he continues on this path, coming decades may see an energy dichotomy characterized by strong Asian economies bolstered by coal and a weak U.S. economy fostered by self-destructive leadership.

Vijay Jayaraj is a research associate at the CO2 Coalition, Arlington, Va., and holds a Master's degree in environmental sciences from the University of East Anglia, England. He resides in Bengaluru, India.

Image: Pixabay, Pixabay License.

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For over 100 years, the United States was viewed by the rest of the world as the protector of the weak, defender of the oppressed, and an economic giant that led the free world to defeat the fascist regimes of Germany and Japan and later caused the former Soviet Union to collapse under our economic and military might. But in a frightening mere ten months, under the current bumbling Biden regime, we are now viewed as a powerless, aimlessly floating ship, adrift and captainless. Our outspoken enemies, China, Iran, and Russia, see this clearly and are moving quickly to take advantage of our now obvious-to-all vulnerability. Sadly and to our shame, those nations who once proudly looked up to us, following in our footsteps to fight oppression, now have second thoughts about our capability to lead. We are in deep doo-doo.

China, a vast, fascistic, military, and economic imperial giant, currently threatening the takeover of Taiwan, is now simultaneously making inroads into the Atlantic. Not only does it control the vital Panama Canal, but also the Wall Street Journal reports that the Chinese are now negotiating with the west African country of Equatorial Guinea to set up a naval base on its shore, making it a two-ocean threat to our national security. Undoubtedly, the Chinese, with their economic clout, will bribe the corrupt leaders of this poverty-racked nation to permit its modern, aggressive warships to sail the Atlantic. They will rule that ocean.

Putin, as of this writing, is massing nearly 200,000 troops ready to invade Ukraine again. He means business, and he knows Biden all too well. During Biden's term as vice president to Obama back in 2014, Putin invaded that nation and took over Kiev, with our nation shamefully standing by, merely "arming" the Ukrainians with packaged food and warm blankets.



Image: Joe Biden (edited in befunky). YouTube screen grab.

Today's Russia, thanks to Biden's making us once again dependent on foreign energy supplies by shutting down our Keystone XL and other sources of energy that we exported, has left Europe leaning on Russia for its gas and petroleum sources, crippling Europe's military or economic response to come to Ukraine's aid. Many think it was no accident that Biden supported the Russian oil pipeline into Germany. Putin will rule Europe.

And Iran now seems, under Biden's weak-kneed presidency, to rule our Middle East policy. Our president is begging that the Islamist state accept our apologies for Trump's "rudely" leaving the Iranian/Obama nuclear deal and to return to it, giving them the green light to become a weaponized nuclear nation. And when Israel and the other signers of the Abraham Accords become the first victims of the mullahs' mushroom cloud, will Biden's aides awaken him from his afternoon nap to inform him? They will rule the Middle East.

The weak, ineffectual, most-probably-criminal Joe Biden, thanks to his actions and appointments to key positions, has made this nation vulnerable to its outspoken enemies. It's clear that our leadership role in the world has become nonexistent, making it a snap for our adversaries to have easy pickings on the victims they choose. We should reasonably fear we may be in line to become one of the prey on their list. Will we survive Biden's term in office?

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Twelve hours after Biden was declared the winner of the 2020 election, thenIsraeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu tweeted out congratulations to Biden and Harris for their victory along with a thank you to Trump for his friendship to Israel and to Bibi himself. Trump, however, feels that this congratulatory message, which Bibi later cemented with a video after Biden's inauguration, was a major betrayal.

Netanyahu's November 8 tweeted message was short and to the point regarding the election outcome:

Congratulations @JoeBiden and @Kamala Harris. Joe, we've had a long & warm personal relationship for nearly 40 years, and I know you as a great friend of Israel. I look forward to working with both of you to further strengthen the special alliance between the U.S. and Israel.

However, to Trump, the fact that Netanyahu unhesitatingly accepted the election outcome meant he stabbed Trump in the back. In an interview with Barak Ravid, an Israeli journalist, Trump did not pull his punches about his anger:

"Nobody did more for Bibi. And I liked Bibi. I still like Bibi," Trump said, referring to Netanyahu by his nickname, in the remarks published by the Yediot Aharonot newspaper. "But I also like loyalty[.] ... Bibi could have stayed quiet. He has made a terrible mistake." [snip] Trump appeared to be particularly incensed by a video released by Netanyahu on Jan. 20, the day Biden was inaugurated, in which Netanyahu said he and Biden had a "warm personal friendship going back many decades." "I haven't spoken to him since. F--- him," Trump was quoted as saying.

Trump was certainly right about what he did for Israel. Within Israel itself, he acknowledged its control over the Golan Heights, and, finally, after decades of presidential promises, Trump moved the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem, cementing America's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's sole and undivided capital. Just as importantly, by negotiating with individual Arab nations, Trump created the Abraham Accords, which have seen Israel enter into highly functional agreements with several Arab nations. And of course, Trump withdrew from the dangerous and illegal Iran deal (illegal because Obama had no standing to enter into what was essentially a treaty without congressional approval).



Image: Then-veep Biden meets with then-P.M. Netanyahu in 2016. YouTube screen grab.

The problem for Netanyahu was that, while he knew that Trump was the best friend Israel had ever had in the White House, he also knew that Democrats are increasingly hostile to Israel and that Biden, despite the occasional lip service, is a vicious anti-Israel hack. Netanyahu, therefore, desperately needed to be seen as supportive of an incoming Democrat administration. As it was, media outlets were already complaining that Netanyahu waited twelve hours after Biden's "victory" was announced before congratulating him.

After learning of Trump's anger, Bibi defended himself, saying it was important for him to congratulate the new administration:

"I highly appreciate President Trump's big contribution to Israel and its security. I also appreciate the importance of the strong alliance between Israel and the U.S. and therefore it was important for me to congratulate the incoming President," Netanyahu said in a statement on Friday[.]

Frankly, both men have a point. Netanyahu, faced with a hostile incoming administration, filled with anti-Semites that had already made clear that it intended to reinstate the dangerous and illegal Iran deal, had to try to make nice with Biden and Harris. And Trump, who really did extraordinary things for Israel, when faced with a highly questionable election outcome, understandably felt betrayed when Bibi, instead of holding off on congratulations to give Trump time to challenge the results, seemed to abandon him for the next shiny political toy on the horizon.

It's to be hoped that, if or when Trump returns to the White House and Netanyahu to the prime minister's office (because I don't see Bennett's coalition lasting very long), Trump doesn't allow his irritation with Netanyahu to color his continued, serious, and productive support for Israel.

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Vermont's Essex-Westford School District, which includes the town of Essex that last year fired a high school lifeguard for merely questioning Critical Race Theory, has done it again. In the midst of a national furor over a sexually explicit graphic novel, the school has proclaimed it has the duty to expose children to pornographic imagery  to support free speech.

It is axiomatic that free speech rights do not extend fully into schools  they never have. For example, the First Amendment protects quite a shocking variety of pornographic materials, including bondage and rape videos. Are those acceptable, protected school teaching materials? School administrations are supposed to be answerable to the appropriate needs of children.

But ESWD has declared itself the champion of the minuscule percentage of children afflicted with gender dysphoria, which not only is rare, but most often disappears with adulthood. All children must be sacrificed at Essex-Westford.

The book in question, Gender Queer, created a national controversy not because the subject of the book is a "non-binary" student (a multitude of such titles abound, as all informed parents are now unavoidably aware), but because the book features "pages of explicit illustrations depicting oral sex [sic]." The school's defiant letter to parents avoids mentioning this fact, instead proclaiming itself the defender of constitutional values:

Essex High School recently learned that a gender-affirming book in our library is being discussed on various websites. There is a long history of certain books being banned in the United States, so this is not a new conversation.

This sentence marks the beginning of a perverse justification for distributing pornography to children. The rationale employed would serve to groom children sexually for adult sodomy as a child's "right." The rights-defending hero-school fails to observe that there is not a long history of providing sexually explicit graphic novels to schoolchildren by public schools  this is very much a novel conversation.

Defying a request to remove the book, the school instead weaponized the GBQLT etc. movement as an excuse:

At Essex High School ... we know how critically important it is within our curriculum ... to have a representation of a plethora of lived experiences. Our students have a right to well-balanced library collection, including Gender Queer ... which is one title sitting among numerous titles featuring cisgender, heterosexual relationships which, on a side note, are not being targeted.

Perhaps the side note should explain that there are no heterosexual titles with graphic fellatio scenes. Does the library offer Debbie Does Dallas to the kids, to provide "a plethora of lived experiences"? How about graphic novels depicting bondage or sado-masochism, or simply heterosexual equivalents like "Helping Johnny find Sally's G-Spot" or "The Middle-Schooler's Guide to Tantric massage"? If Gender Queer were (appropriately) titled "How to Jerk Off Your Friends, with Color Pictures," would this vile school library proudly defend the filth?

The Gender Queer title has created a national ruckus not simply because the subject matter is about gay people  the EWSD is publicly gaslighting concerned parents by pooh-poohing their legitimate concerns. This is a reminder of who works for whom in Vermont  parents are the subjects of bureaucratic rule, and they had better not get out of line, or the FBI will be solicited.

The irony is capped off by the school's arrogant invocation of a national library standard that "materials should not be removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval." It is obvious that materials are being selected using partisan ideological motivations  the science is far from supportive of the ideological rush to mutilating "gender reassignment" procedures for the young. But more, the school invoked this baloney standard to eclipse the understandable objections of parents, labeling them partisan. This is ideology in action, by administrators sworn to put kids and parents first.

Does the ESWD have copies of the Bible available, to "reaffirm [their ] commitment to having a representation of a plethora of lived experiences?" How about Coming Out Straight: Understanding and Healing Homosexuality? Or maybe a book about the consequences to children of pretending to convert their gender prematurely, such as Irreversible Damage: The Transgender Craze Seducing our Daughters? Other titles prompting critical awareness in Vermont's youth could include The Book of Matt: Hidden Truths about the Murder of Matthew Shepard, whose gay author explains that Matthew Shepard was not the victim of an anti-gay hate crime, and in fact, his killer was gay. Or maybe the school will place scholarly works by Thomas Sowell, Douglas Murray, or John McWhorter beside its full complement (plethora!) of tomes by the moron racial agitator Ibram X. Kendi.

The EWSD school library expresses a commitment to presenting diverse views in the name of nonpartisan critical thinking, while flagrantly indoctrinating children in a far-left ideological soup. This naked-school emperor has gone streaking for parents across the nation to see its shallow, pathetic attempt to justify shameless abuse of the children entrusted to its care.

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Google Assistant is useful not only because it works via voice and responds naturally. On those fronts, its arguably the best AI assistant around. But also because Google Assistant makes mundane tasks, such as offering to fix compromised passwords, easier.

In fact, that example is precisely what this guide sets out to show you how to accomplish. Specifically, how you can use Google Assistant to walk you through changing passwords that are known to have been compromised following a breach, after checking for those in Google Chrome. Taking some of the guesswork and headache out of that process.

Heres how Google Assistant can help you fix your passwords

Now, changing passwords can be a real challenge. Especially for those who arent as tech-savvy. Google has, via Chrome and its password manager, made that much easier. Including the introduction of a Safety Check feature, which all but completes the task for you. But this newer feature, using Google Assistant to fix compromised passwords, should be easier still.

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In particular, thats because it walks users through the process from start to finish. Without the need for a lot of navigating, let alone navigating an external website manually.

With that said, getting to the feature isnt the most intuitive process. Google has placed it in a similar location to Safety Check and, as of right now, some may have to navigate there manually. As opposed to being taken there via a prompt about password security.

None of that is to say that its difficult. And the following steps should get you there relatively quickly, as is the case with all of our guides.

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(ANSAmed) - ISTANBUL, DECEMBER 10 - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Turkey is unable to host more migrants. "Our country already hosts 5 million refugees, including 3.6 million Syrians, it can't deal with a new migration wave", said Erdogan in the inaugural speech of a summit of the parliamentary union of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)which opened on Friday in Istanbul.

According to the Turkish president, "the risk of a new flow of migrants" is today caused mainly by the crisis in Afghanistan after the Taliban gained power in the summer. "The most significant burden is supported by neighboring States and not by western countries", added Erdogan. (ANSAmed)
Multiple people were trapped after a roof partially collapsed at an Amazon.com Inc facility near St. Louis on Friday night, after tornadoes and strong storms blew through the area, media reported.

The warehouse in Edwardsville in southern Illinois was damaged after a severe weather event occurred around 8:33pm (0233 GMT on Saturday), the authorities said, adding that local police and fire departments have a search and rescue operations in place.

First responders surround a damaged Amazon Distribution Centre on December 10, 2021 in Edwardsville, Illinois.

Authorities did not confirm that there were people trapped in the facility.

"My prayers are with the people of Edwardsville tonight, and I've reached out to the mayor to provide any needed state resources," Illinois Governor JB Pritzker tweeted.

Amazon was assessing the situation and damage at the facility, a spokesperson said in a statement.

The US National Weather Service had issued tornado warnings on Friday night for areas in several states including Arkansas, Tennessee, Missouri and Illinois.
Social media celebrated as Megan Thee Stallion graduation from Texas Southern University, where she studied hospital administration. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images)

Megan Thee Stallion isnt just a Grammy winner  shes also a graduate.

On Saturday, Dec. 11, the Body artist donned a cap and gown to accept her undergraduate diploma from Texas Southern University in Houston, where the artist was studying health administration. Megan took to Twitter to celebrate the big day with her followers, writing, Good morning hotties !!! Its graduation dayyyy #MeganTheeGraduate.

Twitter made the moment special by giving Megan her very own emoji to go alongside hashtags related to her big day.

Megan, whose real name is Megan Pete, got plenty of love from fans on her big day  including Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona , who shared a video commemorating the moment.

You worked so hard for this, he gushed. Texas is proud of you, the country is proud of you, the secretary is proud of you.

Megan also shared photos from her graduation ceremony , including her decorated grad cap  a tradition for many soon-to-be graduates. In a tweet, the Hot Girl Summer rapper wrote, When people count me out or tell me I cant do something it only makes me go harder.

Hotties you can watch me graduate today starting at 12:00 here https://t.co/zNr4S8aV07pic.twitter.com/L0K6fNcbiP  TINA SNOW (@theestallion) December 11, 2021

Despite being a hugely successful musical artist, it has long been important to Megan to receive her degree. She told People in 2020 of her decision to pursue college , I want my big mama to be proud. She saw me going to school before she passed. My grandmother thats still alive used to be a teacher, so shes on my butt about finishing school. Im doing it for me, but Im also doing it for the women in my family who made me who I am today.

Her degree is not just a symbolic thing for Megan, however: She told the magazine she has big plans to use her degree.

I really wanted to be an administrator over a hospital, but I knew I still wanted to be Megan Thee Stallion. I was like, What can I do? she explained. I was like, You know what, Im gonna open an assisted-living facility and use the money that I make from rapping to open it. Then Im gonna let my classmates run it.
When Twitter's (TWTR) Jack Dorsey stepped down as the companys CEO late last month, he became the latest example of the tech sector's CEO-founder governance model outliving its usefulness.

In recent years, Amazon's Jeff Bezos, Alphabet's (GOOG) dynamic duo of Sergey Brin and Larry Page, Uber's (UBER) Travis Kalanick have all stepped aside for various reasons, leaving an ever-dwindling number of founder-leaders in the driver's seat at giants like Meta (FB), Tesla (TSLA) and Airbnb (ABNB).

As big tech companies amassed more scale and influence, these companies have faced pointed questions from investors and regulators about how theyre being run  and whether their larger-than-life leaders are really acting in the best interest of workers and the marketplace.

Dorsey himself  who was once forced out of Twitter only to boomerang  was critical of the founder-CEO role. In his resignation letter, he said the model was severely limiting to a single point of failure. Ive worked hard to ensure this company can break away from its founders and founding.

Twitter has been under pressure from activist investors to accelerate the platforms development and improve its finances  something that illustrates the shortcomings of having founders stay too long at the dance, according to critics.

Theres definitely a shelf life to founder CEOs, Travis Howell, assistant professor of strategy at the University of California, Irvine, told Yahoo Finance in an interview.

They're great at the beginning and for a while, but after they IPO, their value to the organization declines precipitously, the business professor added.

'A rare breed'

MIAMI, FLORIDA - JUNE 04: Jack Dorsey creator, co-founder, and Chairman of Twitter and co-founder & CEO of Square speaks on stage at the Bitcoin 2021 Convention, a crypto-currency conference held at the Mana Convention Center in Wynwood on June 04, 2021 in Miami, Florida. The crypto conference is expected to draw 50,000 people and runs from Friday, June 4 through June 6th. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

However, sometimes the founders willingness to completely vacate the C-suite has a lot to do with their side interests. Dorsey, Amazons Bezos and Microsofts (MSFT) Bill Gates, have handed off their power to others to pursue passion projects.

Gates, who had stepped down as CEO back in 2000, officially left the board last year to pursue his philanthropic interests. Dorsey exited Twitter to focus on Block, the payments company he also founded and leads, and his budding interest with cryptocurrency. Meanwhile, Bezos is one of several billionaires involved in the new space race.

With techs size and scale, there is a growing push in Silicon Valley to groom a new breed of successors to run companies in a more traditional way, focusing on shareholder value and growth rather than being distracted by passion projects.

As Dorsey described in his letter, at times founder CEOs outstay their welcome, which was largely the case with Uber's Kalanick and Adam Neumann at WeWork. Both men had outsized personalities that ultimately had a negative impact on company culture  attracting bad press that upset investors and stakeholders.

In his widely-cited book The Founders Dilemma, Yeshiva Universitys Noam Wasserman explained why entrepreneurs who create a successful company must ultimately choose a priority: to get rich or to be king.

Successful founder-CEOs are a very rare breed, Wasserman wrote.

His research of start-ups that sprang up in the 1990s and early 2000s found that most founders relinquished control before their companies floated shares for the first time. Of the ones still in control, most were gone by the fourth year of being public.

We remember the handful of founder-CEOs in corporate America, but theyre the exceptions to the rule, Wasserman added.

It was kind of an experiment with having founders stick around for a while and I think we have seen it blow up a few times. There's just a lot more scrutiny now in terms of public perception and regulatory perception.Travis Howell, University of California, Irvine

To get rich, founders sell equity, which dilutes control. But holding onto shares  which maintains control over the company and the board  makes their wealth illiquid, undiversified, and at risk if something happens to the companys value.

It depends on how responsible the founder or the founding team is. They're almost like a Monarch, the king or queen of their organization, Howell said. His research suggests that founders are critical to the success of their companies, based on their mastery of the smallest details, a vision few others share.

Seemed like a good idea at the time

Still, venture capitalists havent always retained founders, with the objective being to replace founders with experienced CEOs to professionalize the organization in preparing for the company to go public.

But the norm has shifted, with some VC firms using the founder-friendly approach because they cash out shortly after IPO. However, Howells data show that firms with founder CEOs have lower stock performance after an IPO relative to other firms.

It was kind of an experiment with having founders stick around for a while and I think we have seen it blow up a few times, he told Yahoo Finance. There's just a lot more scrutiny now in terms of public perception and regulatory perception.

I think we will go back to the way things were. I don't think it will be immediate, but I think that's where we're going, he added.

One possible solution, according to observers, is to keep founders around in a non-CEO advisory role, like CTO or board director. In Googles early days, Page and Brin brought in experienced tech hand Eric Schmidt to lead the company through its public offering and massive growth.

With tech, early on, what you need is innovators, big thinkers, people with big ideas, products, people who understand what people want, Howell explained.

Those are very different skill sets from running a large company, what you need is managerial skill sets, operational capabilities and everything, he added.

Last week, Salesforce (CRM) saw an executive reshuffle of its own, with CEO Marc Benioff handing over power to a co-CEO, Bret Taylor  Benioffs second attempt at a power-sharing arrangement.

Back in 2018, Salesforce appointed then-president and COO Keith Block to co-CEO, who only lasted two years on the job. This time around, its unclear how much power Benioff intends to relinquish, and whether itll move the needle on governance changes  especially because Taylor will still report to Benioff.

Salesforce has had an evolving leaders substructure several times, as we have also had tremendous success previously with the co-CEO structure, Marc Benioff said on the call.

I'm very excited about the co-CEO structure, these jobs are big jobs and being able to have a partner that you can share with makes it a lot easier, the co-CEO added.

In a research note last week, Jefferies called Salesforces reshuffle a positive, but did not expect there would be significant change to the companys course.

Yet Howell said power-sharing among CEOs never really works, it's just confusing for everybody about who's in charge and who's doing what. Howell said.

Dani Romero is a reporter for Yahoo Finance. Follow her on Twitter: @daniromerotv

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APTOPIX Russia Military Drills A Russian army soldier takes part in drills at the Kadamovskiy firing range in the Rostov region in southern Russia, Friday, Dec. 10, 2021. Russian troop concentration near Ukraine has raised Ukrainian and Western concerns of a possible invasion that Moscow has dismissed. (AP Photo)

MOSCOW (AP)  A senior Russian diplomat warned the United States and its NATO allies Friday that their own security would suffer if they torpedo providing Russia with certain military guarantees.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has urged the West to provide guarantees that would preclude NATO from expanding to Ukraine or deploying troops and weapons there. Putin brought it up during a video call with U.S. President Joe Biden this week.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said during a news conference Friday that while it would be naive to expect to get those security guarantees soon, Moscow remains committed to seeing them made.

If our opponents on the other side  first and foremost the U.S., but also other countries, allies, the so-called allies of the U.S.  refuse, try to torpedo the whole thing, they will inevitably encounter a further worsening of their own security situation, Ryabkov said.

Tensions between Moscow and the West have worsened in recent weeks over a Russian troop buildup near the border with Ukraine that stoked fears about a possible invasion. Russian officials have repeatedly denied plans to attack Ukraine and in turn blamed Kyiv for its own allegedly aggressive designs.

Ukraine is not a NATO member but has strong backing from the military alliance. Ryabkov said Friday that NATO's military infrastructure is getting as close as possible to Russia despite warnings.

Ryabkov urged NATO to "seriously consider" Russia's proposal of a moratorium on deploying short- and intermediate-rage missiles in Europe, saying Moscow considers such deployments a direct path to accelerating confrontation.

Before its too late, we need to avoid a new missile crisis in Europe, the deputy foreign minister said.

After his call with Putin, Biden announced future talks between the U.S., its top NATO allies and Russia to address some of Moscows security concerns.
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YEREVAN, DECEMBER 11, ARMENPRESS. On December 10, at around 7:30 pm, in one of the military units located in the southern direction of the Republic of Armenia, according to preliminary data, conscript Senik Ashot Arzumanyan (born in 2002) was shot dead by his co-serviceman, ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the MoD Armenia.

Two others are injured. Their lives are not under risk.

Investigation is underway to clarify the circumstances of the incident.
Amid the emergence of the new COVID variant Omicron, the SII had sought approval to administer the booster dose of its Covishield vaccine

Many experts have also recommended a booster dose in India especially after the emergence of the new COVID-19 variant Omicron. (Representational image: AFP)

New Delhi: The Subject Expert Committee (SEC) under Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has said COVID-19 that booster doses cannot be recommended without clinical trials.

The SEC was reviewing the application of the Serum Institute of India (SII) for the booster dose in a meeting that took place on Friday.

The panel has sought additional data from the SII and would be doing another meeting.

Amid the emergence of the new COVID variant Omicron, the SII had sought approval to administer the booster dose of its Covishield vaccine on the basis of adequate stock of the jab and rising demand for the booster shots.

Prakash Kumar Singh, Director, Government and Regulatory Affairs at SII, had at the time cited that the UK's Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency has already approved the booster dose of AstraZeneca ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine. "People of our country, as well as citizens of other countries who have already been fully vaccinated with two doses of Covishield, are also continuously requesting our firm for booster dose," Singh had stated in an application submitted before the Drugs Controller General of India (DGCI).

Many experts have also recommended a booster dose in India especially after the emergence of the new COVID-19 variant Omicron. But the government has not taken any decision so far.

However, the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) also conducted a virtual meeting regarding the additional doses of COVID-19 vaccines in India, but the meeting resulted in no consensus over the issue.

A clarification statement released by the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) has also said that they have never recommended a booster dose.
The police said gunmen, believed to be militants, targeted the policemen in Bandipore

Preliminary investigation has revealed that terrorists had fired upon a police party of Police Station Bandipora near Gulshan Chowk area of Bandipora in which two police personnel SgCt Muhammad Sultan and Ct Fayaz Ahmad received critical gunshot injuries.  Representational image/PTI

SRINAGAR: Two Jammu and Kashmir policemen were shot and critically wounded by gunmen in northern Bandipore district on Friday evening. The duo was rushed to a nearby hospital where both succumbed to their injuries, the officials said.

The police sources said that gunmen, believed to be members of a militant outfit, targeted the policemen (Selection Grade Constable) Muhammad Sultan and (Constable) Fayaz Ahmad in Bandipore towns busy square Gulshan Chowk. The slain, the sources said, were on routine law and order maintenance duty.

The hospital sources said that the policemen were brought there dead as they had succumbed to bullet wounds enroute.

A statement issued by the J&K police here said, Preliminary investigation has revealed that terrorists had fired upon a police party of Police Station Bandipora near Gulshan Chowk area of Bandipora in which two police personnel SgCt Muhammad Sultan and Ct Fayaz Ahmad received critical gunshot injuries. The injured were shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. However, both succumbed to their injuries and attained martyrdom.

The J&K police and CRPF reinforcements laid siege to the area and started searches to nab the assailants, a report said.
Ultimately, whether in Hinduism or in Islam, the real enemies of dialogue are the bigoted

If there is one thing that is seriously under threat under the BJP-RSS it is the art of civilised discourse, shastrartha. Dialogue itself happens spontaneously because of an inherent belief that truth is a byproduct of cerebral search, not fiat. In the Indian tradition, truth can be a theoretical assertion, but it must be accompanied by the intellectually elevating aversion to shallow certitudes. This is something we need to ponder about as we deal with the brittle certainties that dominate public discourse today.

Around 200 years before the birth of Christ, and possibly earlier, there lived a man called Bharat Muni. Bharat wrote the Natya Shastra, consisting of 36 chapters and 6,000 shlokas. At one level, the Natya Shastra was a compendium for the arts with a detailed manual of instructions  and this is remarkable enough. But the works real genius was that it was simultaneously a meditation on aesthetics, rasa, or what the anubhav or artistic experience should be, both for the creator and the observer.

The interesting thing is that for a long time it was believed that aesthetics as a philosophy began as a series of articles on The Pleasures of the Imagination by the journalist Joseph Addison in the magazine The Spectator in 1712! The fact that India had a highly sophisticated and developed concept of the artistic experience millennia earlier  when in most parts of the world people had not yet come down from trees  is hardly known in the West or to our own high priests of culture.

Bharats notion of rasa was the result of a cerebral dialogue between the art object, its creator, and the observer. That dialogue cannot take place when the observer approaches art with an a priori conviction that it is undesirable.

Predetermined hostility  as is much in evidence these days  asphyxiates the possibility of dialogue. It replaces intellectual suppleness with fiat. Art, then, is judged not for its intrinsic merit, but for its amenability  or not  to an extraneous agenda.

Without dialogue, Indian civilisation would not be what it is. If we pause to think for a moment, the three foundational texts of Hinduism are a dialogue. The Upanishads are a dialogue; the Bhagwad Gita is a dialogue; and the tikas or commentaries on the Brahma Sutras invariably incorporate the ideological opponents point of view. One of the great dialogues of our past, which became a turning point in the evolution of Hinduism, was that between Adi Shankaracharya and Mandana Mishra in the eighth-ninth century. Shankara was a votary of the jnana marga, and Mandana of the karma kanda path. Ideologically, they were opponents. But they were prepared to sit down and discuss their differences, with Shankara able to defeat Mandana  not in a violent duel  but through dialogue. Few people know that in Kalyan in Karnataka, in the kingdom of King Bijjala II in the 12th century CE, there was constructed the Anubhava Mantapa or the hall of spiritual experience. Men and women from all social and economic backgrounds could come to the Mantapa to openly discuss spiritual questions, or any other matter of public importance. It was at the Mantapa that Mahadevi, also known as Akka, stood nude covered only by her tresses, and discussed bhakti with the great Lingayata founders, Basavanna and Allama Prabhu.

Dialogue assumes legitimate differences in points of view, and the belief that they can be harmonised through civilised discourse. That is why, Hindu philosophy has not one but six systems of philosophy.

That is why, too, Hinduism accepts as part of its fold, the Charvaka school of materialist thought, which considers the Vedas to be untrue. Our epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, are replete with dialogues. In my book, Yudhishtara and Draupadi, I pay tribute to the amazing dialogue between Yudhishtara and the Yaksha in the Mahabharata. The Yaksha asks: O, Arya, tell me what in this world is most wonderful? And, Yudhishtaras famous reply is: Millions pass on, yet the living think they wont die; what can be more wonderful than this wonderful lie.

When the habit of dialogue erodes, the approach to knowledge suffers a fatal flow. It becomes silo driven; the entire emphasis is on the superficial rebuttal; and, there is a propensity to focus on the immediate rather than the holistic. Such an approach was seriously frowned upon by our seers. The ancient treatise Vishnudharmottara (mid-fifth century CE) has this revealing dialogue between a sage and a king. The king wants to learn the whole meaning of art, but the sage tells him to first know the theory of dancing. The king agrees, but is then asked to learn painting. When he accepts to do so, he is told that he must commence studying music. The essential point is that the shrill and narrow is an antidote to meaningful discourse.

The great Mughal emperor Akbar (1556-1605) was a follower of the more inclusive Chishti school of Sufism and was fond of open religious dialogue between scholars of different faiths under a platform he created, the Din-i-Ilahi. His religious liberalism can be gauged from his pronouncement that the wisdom of Vedanta is the wisdom of Sufism, and his belief that all religions are either equally true or equally illusionary. However, his religious broadmindedness was staunchly opposed by the powerful orthodox Islamic clergy, the ulama, who declared him a heretic, and even issued a fatwa for all Muslims to revolt against him.

Ultimately, whether in Hinduism or in Islam, the real enemies of dialogue are the bigoted. Islam has a lesser tradition of tolerance to heterodoxy, but Hinduism is a sanatana dharma precisely because it was, and is, inherently accommodating of diversity. Shastrartha, or civilised discourse, is the hallmark of Indian civilisation. If we destroy it, we destroy the central pillar of our civilisation.
Listening to musicians with her was a unique experience as she pointed out aspects of the music that no one else did

They say death at a ripe old age is easier to bear; but loss is loss no matter how prepared you think you are for it. The knowledge of unending emptiness, forever, is a reality no amount of readiness can prepare you for. They say the long months of Covid prepared you to face death, with the dozens of tragedies affecting people known to you, but your own loss is something totally unique.

Most of 2020 was spent thinking of loss and death, of isolation and loneliness. Of making do, of fewer expectations, of adjusting. For me it was also a time of intense learning from my guru mother, of absorption of music with undivided attention. A time of enormous gain, a time of unparalleled closeness. There was nothing to hurry to, nowhere to go, no chores to perform. Listening to the old masters with my guru taught me things I had no time to absorb before; time stretching endlessly from hours into days gave our listening an unhurried intensity. Each listening session was accompanied with background context; the musicians pedigree, my mothers interaction with him or her, the raga and what it conveyed or should have conveyed; what was good and what was bad about the music.

My mother had had an unusual upbringing musically; on the one hand was an enviable lineage descended from Mian Tansen and Sadarang, on the other a puritan, aristocratic Punjabi reservation about women pursuing the classical arts, in an environment of purdah. Music tutors for the basics in vocal music in Shimla included Master Mohan, (brother of the child prodigy Master Madan), then Pt Madanlal Bali, and his guru Pt Dilip Chand Vedi. (My mother had an extraordinary voice, so though born into a tradition of beenkars, later surbahar players, she was trained in vocal music, too). The masters came to her home rather than the other way round! There was always a chaperone in the room. When elders in the family came to stay, the music lessons were discreetly cancelled to avoid shocking them.

Hearing about how a person in her position heard music was an eye-opener  in addition to very occasionally attending music conferences, as they were then called (ladies in her circle were not encouraged), there were private baithaks which none of the greats disdained. Hearing musicians like Ustad Allaudin Khan, Krishnarao Shankar Pandit, Pt Vinayakrao Patwardhan, the senior Dagar Bandhu, Ustad Mushtaq Hussain Khan and many more was a great, treasured privilege. All India Radio recordings were open to a select few; in those days it was understood that the musician simply could not record without an audience that understood music, so connoisseurs were encouraged to come and listen to spur the musician on, so to speak!

As important as the taalim were the close friendships with musicians; from stars Ustad Vilayat Khan to Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, from musicians musicians beenkar Ustad Asad Ali Khan to sarodiya Pt Radhika Mohan Maitra; from scholar musician Sumati Mutatkar to the earthy Pt Samta Prasad, who could never get around her nickname Ita and always called her Rita behen! Ustad Vilayat Khan, during his stay in Shimla, became a close confidant, sharing his music generously, sometimes in return for a few hands of poker (poker is not enjoyable with only two or three people so my mothers presence was frequently required)!

Covid and the consequent changes in lifestyle for people all over the world also brought with it, for my mother, an intense desire to try and heal the world, to rid it of the karmic debt that humanity was paying for. A daily ritual became reciting the Vishnu Sahasranam in unison, to send purifying sound waves into the ether, on Mondays it was the additional reciting of the Shri Rudram stotra. Of course, a daily constant remained surfing YouTube for old music, and its analysis. We argued gently about who to hear  she preferred vocalists; I tended to enjoy instrumental music more. I wanted to hear unusual ragas to dissect them, her take was: unless the notes are appealing, why waste ones time on obscure ragas. I have been there, done that, now music for me is to soothe and elevate and only some ragas can do that.

My mother, in addition to her primary guru her father, Raja Padamjit Singh, was also trained by the legendary sarodiya Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan, a master of rare ragas. A total purist, he shared his music with her generously, a privilege permitted only to his sons. A decade later, again in Delhi, she also learnt thumri from Rasoolan Bai; this diverse training gave her an unusual perspective on music  while being rigidly traditional Raga-wise; she appreciated the artistic licence that true thumri masters yield to. Listening to musicians with her was a unique experience as she pointed out aspects of the music that no one else did; whether it was the delicacy of execution, or appropriate progression, or authentic emphasis of notes that made the raga come alive. She used to say, Everyone knows how to render Mian Malhar correctly; its a rare musician who can actually bring the rain. (Though it must have been a happy coincidence that while in Bikaner, in the early 1970s, it rained after seven years when she sang the Mian Malhar herself, and continued to for several days!)

The loss will remain; thank you, mum for also equipping me to deal with it.
Washington imposes a symbolic embargo on arms sales to Cambodia. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen responds by turning on the anti-American rhetoric with, in the background, Chinese activity at the Ream Naval Base in Sihanoukville.

Phnom Penh (AsiaNews/Agencies)  Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has ordered the countrys Armed Forces to review their US-made weapons and military equipment and either store them or destroy them.

The follows a ban on arms sales imposed on Cambodia by the United States on Wednesday, ostensibly over local corruption and human rights abuses, and to work to reduce the influence of the PRC military in Cambodia, which threatens regional and global security.

The embargo is little more than symbolic since Cambodia does not currently buy US weapons; however, it also concerns access to dual use technology and systems that could be used for military purposes.

Furthermore, Phnom Penh is set to take over the presidency of ASEAN, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, in 2022.

Hun Sen reacted to the US move with a harsh post on Facebook in which he sarcastically thanks the United States for the ban, which shows the legitimacy of my decision in 1994 not to buy US weapons.

Those who used to use American weapons systems lost the war, such as during the Khmer Republic of Lon Nol, who then used the American weapons system and imported a lot of weapons to Cambodia, making Cambodia indebted to (the USA).

More recently, US weapons users have lost the war in Afghanistan. I believe in the courage and fighting spirit, as well as the spirit of the fighters in defending Cambodias territorial integrity, rather than on weapons alone.

Washington's concerns are centred on Chinese-funded renovations at the Ream Naval Base in Sihanoukville, on Cambodia's south coast. The US government fears that it could lead to a permanent Chinese military presence on Cambodian soil.

Notwithstanding the ban, the most sensitive issue between Washington and Phnom Penh is trade, and the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP), which gives Cambodias garment industry easier access to the US market.

In the unlikely event (for now) that the GSP is revoked, Cambodia would take a major it.
For the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, this years Christmas is compromised, but action should be taken to ensure an upturn next year. Working with Israeli authorities, new ways ought to be found to allow both religious practice and fight COVID-19. AsiaNews is organising a pilgrimage in March next year.

Jerusalem (AsiaNews)  Christmas is traditionally a time of pilgrimage in the Holy Land, but this year, the situation appears compromised; there is no time to reopen and the window of opportunity of the past few weeks is gone, laments Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem.

Still, hope springs eternal. For the prelate, while we have to accept that this Christmas season is a loss, It is important to think about after the holidays. Working with government authorities, new ways must be found to manage the pandemic while jumpstarting religious tourism next year.

With the future in mind, the Latin primate notes that pilgrimages cannot be stopped; visits must be rescheduled even during a pandemic, despite uncertainties and safety measures.

In his recent apostolic journey to Cyprus and Greece, where he met migrants and desperate people, both adults and children, Pope Francis said that it was essential to embrace without fear.

In early December, the Israeli government announced restrictions on foreign travel to the country and the occupied Palestinian territories, following reports from South Africa about Omicron, a new variant of SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is now present in many countries around the world.

The travel measures were extended until December 22, thus dashing hope that international tourism might revive by the end of the year, especially religious tourism, with the arrival of pilgrims for Christmas celebrations, as Fr Francesco Patton, Custos of the Holy Land, hoped for.

Speaking to AsiaNews, Fr Patton noted that we must transcend the emergency mindset and learn to live with the coronavirus, which at present seems more like a "pretext" to stop the world.

In response to his appeal, AsiaNews and the Centro PIME are organising a pilgrimage for March 2022 even though COVID-19 pandemic is still raging, and driving governments to close borders.

Last year, at the height of the pandemic just before the start of the vaccination campaign, few worshippers took part in the ceremonial lighting of the Christmas tree in Bethlehem and other places, such as Nazareth.

Participation was largely virtual, via social media and television, compared to the thousands of visitors, both local and foreign, who took part in person in the event in the years before the pandemic.

After a recent hiatus that brought some hope, Israel banned foreign travellers from entering the country for 14 days, but it is very likely that the state of emergency and related closures will continue over the next few weeks.

This measure will be particularly hard on shop owners and hoteliers in Bethlehem, who looked with renewed hope at the arrival of the first groups of pilgrims.

Souvenir seller Hanna Nissan told Jordan News that the new variant has left people like him with little hope.

Until a week ago, we were expecting that tourism was on its way back, he said. We started to see signs of movement. But with the airport closure, the tourists probably will not return until next year.

Likewise, Elias Al-Arja saw encouraging signs as hotel bookings and hirings rose, but then had to let people go because he could not pay them.

This year is a far cry from 2019, which saw four million arrivals in Israel, half of them pilgrims, bringing millions to the Palestinian territories.

With governments still overcautious, the only possible alternative is prayer for a Christmas miracle in the Holy Land.

Unless new ways are found, as Patriarch Pizzaballa noted, the place where Christianity was born might be off-limits for the foreseeable future.

One possibility is setting up COVID-free corridors between countries for pilgrims, like they do in some cases for business travel and regular tourism.

To this end, the Church of Jerusalem and the Custody should mediate with Israel to find ways out of the emergency deadlock.
In his message for Advent, the archbishop of Yangon expresses his thoughts with regards to the violence that has raged across his country in the past ten months following the military coup. Those expected to guard the life and security of our people have become a frightening cause of distress and dread, he laments. [T]wo to three million of our people are hungry for food; but all the people of Myanmar are hungry for justice. He pleads to young people to Hold the truth, not guns.

Yangon (AsiaNews)  Cardinal Charles Bo, archbishop of Yangon, issued a message for Advent. In it he writes that real Christmas will come to Myanmar when the country believes in peace.

The cardinal, who is also president of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC), speaks about the conflict triggered by the coup d'etat of 1 February with which the military overthrew the democratically elected government.

The repugnant violence over the last ten months has offended the sensibilities of the world. Yet we do not accept the evil of despair and hate. With Jesus, we wish to proclaim: let there be peace. To the nation of self-inflicted wounds, we say: Enough is enough my dear Myanmar.

We do not ever condone injustice and the suffering of the innocents. Those expected to guard the life and security of our people have become a frightening cause of distress and dread. Even to them, we say: There is power in Love. That is the message of Jesus and Christmas.

In his message, Card Bo notes that just a year ago, this country held lofty dreams in her heart, sadly it convoluted into a nightmare so soon. In view of this, he urges the faithful to experience Christmas as a moment of introspection, noting that those who believe only in violence, those who perpetrate it and those who fall victims; Those who proactively started the violence and believe in the sadistic torture and killing are the primary cause of this valley of tears.

I am deeply concerned about our youth. Just a year ago they had their dreams. Dreams are not killed by guns. Strangled by inhuman violence, the temptation is to seek vengeance. Victory does not come only through holding guns. Hold the truth; hold love. There is always a nonviolent path, a peaceful solution.

Once again, I appeal not to follow the path of violence. Violence only breeds violence. Change course. Believe in truth; belief in the power of love. Mahatma Gandhi has sobering advice for all [those] tossed by inhuman violence. Non-Violence is not for the weak-hearted. It is the weapon of the strong.

Pope Francis, Card Bo writes, consistently speaks in favour of the people of Myanmar. During his visit, he chose to meet everyone just for the cause of peace. He left the mandate of peace-making to the Myanmar church. This appeal continues his appeal. Let us seek peace and reconciliation. Let us knock at every door, let us knock at the powers [that be]. History is on our side.

Seeking a peaceful method is not diluting any rights. The Catholic churchs concept of peace starts with the quest for justice. Not an empty peace but Peace born out of justice. There can be no durable peace without justice in this country.

Jesus, Card Bo writes preached: blessed are the peacemakers, in the sermon on the Mount. Likewise, he also said, blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice. Yes, two to three million of our people are hungry for food; but all the people of Myanmar are hungry for justice. Till that hunger is quenched, this country will not settle into peace.

For the archbishop of Yangon, this coming Christmas can bring hope for it takes a very special yearning; of hope that all of us can live in Peace. We do hope all those in prisons can return home, all those in the IDP camps can return home, all those in hiding can freely walk, all wounded be healed, all broken families are united and all the guns will fall silent.

Let us accept that collective goodness in our hearts is more powerful than fragmented hatred. We learn from many countries in South East Asia like Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos suspended conflict and started developing their countries. We are endowed with resources above and below the ground. No Peace.

In this Advent season, we pray for all, especially the young people. We pray that they continue to nurture hope and peace. Let them not seek solutions out of despair. We also pray for those who seek to dominate our people with guns. Our conflicts were never against a cross border enemy. All against our people. We can solve our differences.

Real Christmas is when this country believes in peaceful means. Let the prophecy of Isiah, prominently displayed in the UN building, become our reality from this Advent season. As the good book says: They shall beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks and the Nation shall not lift sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore (Is 2:4).
by Sumon Corraya

The three, who come from different dioceses in the country, were ordained by Cardinal Patrick DRozario. Today 31 OMI missionaries carry out their ministry in Bangladesh. More priests allow us to be present in new areas where we can proclaim the Gospel, said Fr Sagar.

Dhaka (AsiaNews)  The Catholic Church of Bangladesh has three new priests, from the Congregation of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI).

The ordination took place yesterday at the Church of the Blessed de Mazenod in Nayanagar, a district in Dhaka. Cardinal Patrick DRozario led the service together with the bishop Gervas Rozario of Rajshai

The three new priests are Fr Sujon John Kisku from the Diocese of Rajshahi, Fr Jonastine John Panthra from the Diocese of Mymensingh, and Fr Herat Thanda Mondal from the Diocese of Khulna.

Fr Herat spoke to AsiaNews about his vocation. I saw the dedication of local priests and how they transform other peoples lives, and this, he said, made me want to be a priest too and now my heart is full of gratitude.

Fr Herat hails from the parish of Bhabarpara and completed his studies in the United States. He will be sent to the parish of Alikadam in the Diocese of Chittagong.

After My older brother plunged in a pond and died, my parents dedicated me to God, Fr Herat explained. They encouraged me to be a priest. I want to be a living Gospel to bear witness of the faith to others.

Congratulating the new priests, Cardinal DRozario thanked their parents for giving them to the Church. Young priests are making our Church more active and fresher, he said. I ask everyone to pray for them.

Today 31 priests of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate carry out their ministry in Bangladesh. Three others serve communities in South Korea and Italy as missionaries.

We work in the tribal areas providing spiritual assistance, said Fr Sagar Rozario, as well as contribute to [local] social and economic development. More priests allow us to be present in new areas where we can proclaim the Gospel.
Today's news: World Bank releases 280 million of dollars for humanitarian aid to Afghanistan. Washington sanctions SenseTime, China's artificial intelligence giant. New daily death toll record from COVID-19 in South Korea. The costs of ecological transition in Russia

LEBANON

The explosion of a weapons depot in the Palestinian refugee camp of Burj al-Shemali, near Tyre, caused casualties and serious damage last night. According to witnesses, about 20 people died. There are a total of 12 Palestinian refugee camps in the country under the control of Palestinian groups, off-limits to the Lebanese army by virtue of an agreement made years ago.

AFGHANISTAN

The World Bank will send US$ 280 million in international aid to Afghanistan to tackle the countrys humanitarian emergency. The money, which comes from a fund frozen after the Taliban seized power, will be managed by UN agencies. According to the World Food Programme, 23 million people are in need of urgent food assistance this winter.

CHINA  UNITED STATES

The United States added Chinas leading developer of artificial intelligence systems, SenseTime, to the list of Chinese companies subject to sanctions. The company is accused of using facial recognition technologies to determine people's ethnicity in areas such as Xinjiang, home to the Uyghur minority. The company rejects the accusations, calling them unfounded and claiming it has been dragged into a geopolitical dispute.

INDIA

Indian farmers celebrated in New Delhi with a last demonstration their victory in the battle over the laws reforming agricultural markets, officially withdrawn by the Modi government. At the end of the rally, the groups that had been posted with their tractors at entry points to the capital for 14 months will return to their homes.

SOUTH KOREA

South Korea has been hit once again by COVID-19 with 80 deaths in one day, making it the most affected country in East Asia by the new wave of the pandemic. President Moon Jae-in asked the health minister to speed up the administration of booster doses of the vaccine; so far, 83.6 per cent of the population has received at least one dose.

RUSSIA

Russias Strategic Analysis Institute presented a report on the problems related to the green energy transition. Referring to the negotiations at the recent Glasgow conference, aimed at limiting the rise in the planet's temperature to less than two degrees Celsius by 2050, the think tank estimated that such an effort would cost Russia more than 10 trillion roubles, about 125 billion euro, a figure that would be difficult for the state budget to bear.
ICE

But I've said it before and I'll say it again. Collecting Hot Wheels is still a reasonable hobby to have. It's still infinitely cheaper than owning 10 cars, all of which are old, rusty, sporty vehicles that require a lot of attention. Speaking of which, in recent months there have been complaints from Hot Wheels collectors that Mattel hasn't been putting out enough American-built diecast cars. And by the looks of it, someone in the company has been listening.We've already seen the first 4 cases of 2022 mainline models being unboxed by several collectors. The next one will be case E, and fans are already anxious to see what's new inside that one. By the looks of it, a Super Treasure Hunt Corvette C8 is up next, and we might even get the new LB Super Silhouette Nissan S15! But before we get to that point, let's have a look at the first Car Culture set for 2022.If you're new to Hot Wheels, here's a reminder: the Car Culture sets were created for adult collectors. These 1/64 scale vehicles come with metal bodies and real rubber tires. Of course, this means that they are priced differently from the mainline vehicles. You can get the new American Scene 5 diecast set for $41.95 , although some stores will only sell you a case of 10 items for double that amount, of course.The first car of this set is the Chevrolet Corvette C8.R. You can tell that this has been a successful casting seeing that it was first launched earlier this year and that there are 4 versions of it on the market already. You can get a mainline version of it in yellow, silver, or red. Or you can opt for the yellow Team Transport version and now for the 2022 white, red, and blue model. It did look pretty good before, but it's certainly a stunner with the new wheels.Muscle car fans will be delighted to get their hands on the 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS. This casting has been around since 2008 and this would be its 21st appearance on the market. Mattel included a Ford model in this set to appeal to the Blue Oval enthusiasts too: the Bronco R! This marks the 4th recolor of this truck within just 1 year since it was first launched.The 4th car included in the set is a 2020 Dodge Challenger Hellcat, a vehicle that has also been featured in the "Furious Fleet" series earlier this year. At least this version looks a bit more interesting in Acid Green than it did in black. Last but not least, we get to see the only new casting of the American Scene set: a Tesla Roadster! Perhaps silver isn't the most exciting color for this car, but I guess that's one of differentiating it from the rest of the-powered machines in this set.
Not everybody loves winter, with many people trying to escape it any way they can. But while most of us struggle to keep the cold away by snuggling under a blanket with a hot cup of tea, the financially-blessed choose to simply migrate to hotter areas. The South Pacific is one of them, with French Polynesia being a popular tourist destination, with its more than 100 islands, over-the-water bungalow hotels, and unrealistic lagoons.If youre sold on the idea, you can consider Y.Cos Arctic luxury yacht as your means of transportation, so that you can enjoy not just the destination but also the journey to it.The Arctic has a rich background, initially being built as a tugboat back in 1969. Its builder was the German shipyard Schichau Unterweser. In 1993, the ship was sold and converted into a luxury explorer, while also being renamed the Arctic P. While its exterior didnt suffer too many modifications, the vessel was adjusted to be able to sail in regions such as the Antarctic.But its story didnt end there, with the ship being further refitted and changing owners a few more times since then. In 2015, it was steered on an Antarctic adventure, winning awards and setting a new Guinness World Record for taking the furthest voyage to the South Pole, managing to get 677 nautical miles from it.Now, after its latest refit, the vessel is operated by Y.Co and has recently entered the charter market. The Arctic will be available for cruises in French Polynesia starting this winter season. According to the yachting company, the explorer is perfect for adventures in that region, thanks to its variety of outdoor deck areas, tenders, and water toys.Measuring 87.6 m (287 ft) in length and with a beam of 14 m (approx. 46 ft), the refitted Arctic has a capacity of 28 crew members and 12 guests who can sleep in seven cabins. The ship has a speed of 18 knots and a volume of 2,610 GT (gross tonnage).When it comes to accommodations, the seven spacious cabins spread across the main deck, owner deck, and upper deck. The owners cabin has 90 sq m (968 sq ft) of space, comes with two private bathrooms and walk-in wardrobes. Then there are two twin cabins, three doubles, and a VIP suite on the main deck.Boasting a so-called Beach House, the Arctic has a heated pool and jacuzzi on the main deck aft. There are plenty of activities available for guests who prefer to spend their time outside. The Arctic has two large sun decks with umbrellas, sunbeds, and an extendable diving platform. Alfresco dining is also possible thanks to a height-adjustable dining table on the upper deck, which can seat up to 12 people.Guests also benefit from easy water access directly from the Beach House, with the swim platform serving as the perfect launchpad for the yacht s collection of water toys and tenders. And there are plenty to choose from, with eight jet skis being available, the 14 m (46 ft) Endeavour tender, a 13 m (42 ft) custom tender, the 12 m (39 ft) Donzi tender, 10 m (32 ft) Riva tender, and the 6 m (19.6 ft) Seadoo ski boat. There are also paddleboards, snorkeling sets, and kayaks.But the Arctic makes sure it keeps its guests entertained and busy inside, too, so it offers a library with an extensive collection of books, an intimate cinema with a great sound system and vibrating chairs, as well as a fully equipped gym.This winter season, an unforgettable voyage in French Polynesia aboard the Arctic luxury explorer starts at a whopping 350,000 (approximately $394,000) per week.
Acura gave us a welcome surprise when it announced the impending return of the storied Integra nameplate, complete with the well-known label under the left headlight. But the audience hasnt gone through the roof in ecstasy once the luxury Japanese automaker presented its Integra Prototype . And perhaps we cant blame them.After all, its quite hard to make a five-door liftback both attractive, low priced, and a potential technical sibling to Hondas eleventh-generation Civic (Si). So, many voices were raised in concern. CGI brushes were quick to change the natural realms order of things . And pixel masters even refocused on earlier, arguably cooler interpretations.Case in point. Musa Rio Tjahjono, the virtual artist behind the musartwork account on social media. He may be the Head Designer at West Coast Customs during work hours, but he never forgets about a couple of important things when off-duty: his Indonesian heritage and the love for all things JDM . On this occasion, both expressed in the form of a Time Attack-style widebody third-generation Honda Integra.Luckily, its not the version with the unusual spider eyes four headlight front end design, but rather the DC implementation of the series. Otherwise, those bubbly lights might have been too distracting from the actual build. Which, by the way, has a chance to become reality, and just in time for the 2022 edition of IMX (Indonesia Modification Expo), the countrys first and largest automotive lifestyle expo.Anyway, the new sponsor seems ready, so all that remains to be done is find the right Honda/Acura Integra Coupe donor and start the project. Complete with cool yellow paintjob, black contrasting bits on the aggressive widebody kit, that humongous rear wing, and the slammed stance to match the bronze-painted Rebarelled DNZ Groza wheels.
FILE - The logo for Royal Dutch Shell appears above a trading post on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, on Dec. 1, 2021. Royal Dutch Shell investors are expected to change the companys name and share structure on Friday, Dec. 10, 2021, as the oil giant struggles to prove its green credentials amid criticism from all sides that it has been slow to cut greenhouse gas emissions. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)
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President Biden's pick to head one of the country's most powerful banking regulators is dropping out of consideration for the post, according to a statement from Biden that accepted the withdrawal.

Why it matters: Saule Omarova, nominated to lead the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, faced a tough path to confirmation  with opposition from Republicans and moderate Democrats.

The withdrawal means that the OCC  charged with overseeing lenders whose assets make up two-thirds of the banking system's total  will continue on without a permanent head for the foreseeable future.

What they're saying: "Saule would have brought valuable insight and perspective to our important work on behalf of the American people. But unfortunately, from the very beginning of her nomination, Saule was subjected to inappropriate personal attacks that were far beyond the pale," Biden said in the statement.

Catch up quick: Republicans targeted Omarova  a Cornell University law professor and vocal critic of the banking industry  for her upbringing in the former Soviet Union and accused her of wanting to nationalize the bank sector.

In a testy confirmation hearing last month, Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) questioned whether he should call Omarova "professor" or "comrade."

In that hearing, moderate Democrats called out her opposition to a law that eased some regional bank regulations and her comments earlier this year that small oil-and-gas companies should go bankrupt to help tackle climate change.

The bottom line: The OCC has been without a permanent head for 18 months.
National security adviser Jake Sullivan raised with his Israeli counterpart the idea of an interim agreement with Iran to buy more time for nuclear negotiations, three Israeli and U.S. sources tell me.

Why it matters: The idea is only preliminary, and the Biden administration continues to insist that the full 2015 nuclear deal be restored. But with nuclear talks set to resume in Vienna on Nov. 29, it provides a window into at least some of the thinking inside the administration.

Behind the scenes: In recent weeks, Sullivan raised the idea of an interim deal while discussing next steps on the Iranian nuclear file with his counterpart Eyal Hulata.

Two American sources familiar with the call say the two were just "brainstorming" and that Sullivan was passing along an idea put forward by one of America's European allies.

The rationale for an interim deal is that Iran's dramatic nuclear advances have put Tehran very close to the uranium enrichment levels needed for a nuclear weapon.

According to the U.S. sources, the idea was that in exchange for a freeze from Iran (for example, on enriching uranium to 60%), the U.S. and its allies could release some frozen Iranian funds or provide sanctions waivers on humanitarian goods.

The other side: Hulata told Sullivan he thought it wasnt a good idea and stressed the Israeli concern that any interim deal will become a permanent agreement that allows Iran to maintain its nuclear infrastructure and uranium stockpile, an Israeli official said.

In another call with Sullivan on Tuesday, Hulata also stressed that the U.S. and its European allies must push for a censure resolution against Iran in next week's meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, a source familiar with the conversations said.

Such a move to censure Iran would come just days before nuclear talks are set to resume.

A spokesperson for the Israeli National Security Council said details of this story were inaccurate, but would not specify which details and did not deny that the idea of an interim deal had been discussed.

Meanwhile, U.S. Iran envoy Rob Malley visited Israel this week and met with Hulata as well as with Defense Minister Benny Gantz and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, both of whom contended that the only way to get Iran back to the 2015 deal was to increase rather than loosen the pressure, according to a senior Israeli official.

Malley made clear that the Biden administration also thinks more pressure on Iran is needed. The main difference is over the timing of further steps against Iran, the official said.

What to watch: The U.S. approach is to go to Vienna in good faith and see what Iran proposes, a U.S. source familiar with the administration policy said.

If the Iranians make extreme demands, it will then be possible for the U.S. to get other world powers including Russia and China to increase the pressure, the source contended.

Iran's position heading into the talks is that the U.S. must compensate Iran for its withdrawal from the deal, lift all (not just nuclear) sanctions imposed since 2015 at once, rather than in phases, and provide assurances that no future administration will back out of the deal.

Whats next: On Nov. 22, IAEA director general Rafael Grossi will travel to Tehran to discuss the agencys concerns about limitations placed on UN inspectors in the country, followed by the IAEA board meeting on Iran (Nov. 24-25) and the resumption of negotiations (Nov. 29).
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Coyotes are the most common large predator in the United States.

With populations everywhere from Yellowstone National Park to Central Park in New York City, they are highly adaptable creatures.

In fact, the Navajo people have a tradition that coyotes would be the last animal on Earth.

Black (melanistic) coyotes are super rare and I was recently sent a video of one by my friend and wildlife researcher Todd Jurasek.

He has been getting some incredible trail camera videos of bears and bobcats in southern Oklahoma.

But sending a clip of a black coyote in broad daylight took things to a new level.

Melanism is present in many animals including canids.

With recent evidence showing red wolf DNA in coyote-like canids on the Texas Coast, it would be interesting to have a DNA sample from this black one.

The red wolf which was native from Texas/Oklahoma to the eastern seaboard had a subspecies called the black wolf. It was later called the Florida black wolf and was believed to be a long-extinct subspecies of red wolf.

In fact, black wolf was a term commonly used throughout the South for what is now known as the red wolf due to the presence of black individuals.

I have a copy of the 1946-47 Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Biennial Report that goes into detail about wolves in the Bayou State.

Under the headline Predator Control the following information is given.

The Legislature of 1946 increased hunting license fees to $2.00. Twenty five percent of these funds (the increase) were dedicated to predator control.

Interestingly, the article shows the above photo of a predator control officer with a dead black wolf.

The red was declared extinct in the wild in 1980 due to hybridization with coyotes.

Whatever this particular coyotes genetic heritage, it is a strikingly beautiful animal and I am grateful to Todd for sharing it with us.

This video brought up thoughts of an interesting case I investigated in the Texas Panhandle a few years back.

A landowner there submitted a game camera photo of what in my opinion was a Mexican gray wolf, a subspecies of gray wolf.

The Mexican gray wolf is indigenous to this part of the world but like all other representatives of the gray wolf was wiped out due to government predator control and unregulated killing on ranches.

Is there a remnant pocket of these hailing from the captive breeding program in New Mexico? Or maybe a rogue wanderer?

It is possible, but unlikely.

After all, a gray wolf radio collared in Michigan was killed by a bowhunter in Missouri in 2001. Thats a much longer journey than New Mexico to the Texas Panhandle.

Is there a remnant pocket of Mexican gray wolves in North Texas and perhaps even in the Trans Pecos?

In 2013 I had a professional trapper, who has trapped and killed thousands of coyotes, tell me of seeing a Mexican gray wolf near Alpine, Texas the year previous. He was adamant at what he saw.

Is there a possibility of having Mexican gray wolf-coyote hybrids (that maybe lean heavily on wolf appearance) in the region?

Absolutely. It has been proven that coyotes and gray wolves hybridize by numerous researchers. And as weve already mentioned, it is the key issue that impacted the red wolf.

Wild canids have always intrigued me and its nice to see there are some animals out there that could be a vital link to the past when far more varieties of these carnivores roamed our state.

Do you have videos or photos of black coyotes or other wild canids? If so, email them to chester@chestermoore.com.
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP)  Staff of the Cedar Rapids Public Library have worked intentionally since 2018 to make sure books lining the librarys shelves reflect the communitys diversity  and in just a few years, theyve seen results.

Starting with the young adult fiction collection in summer 2018, librarians audited a portion of those books for representation across six categories  race and ethnicity, LGBTQ, mental health, physical health, religion and economic welfare.

The Cedar Rapids Gazette reports that each audit has shown a boost in diversity, prompting library staff to expand the practice across the whole collection in the coming years to help guide the selection of new books and make sure Cedar Rapids residents see themselves reflected in literature the public library offers.

Community Engagement Librarian Sarah Voels, then a materials librarian, started the project with librarian Molly Garrett. They first assessed 20 percent of books chosen at random from the young adult fiction collection. After pulling these books from the shelf and searching for representation, staff determined the young adult fiction collection was shy of being 16 percent diverse under the six predetermined metrics.

We didnt feel that that was at all representative of our community, especially when were looking at such a wide cross-section of representation, Voels said.

She spent the next year focusing on how she did collection development  the work of seeking out specific titles, characters and stories. Then, after auditing about 54 percent of the collection in 2019, the metrics rose to being 25.5 percent diverse. A third audit in 2021, delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, showed 35.5 percent diversity.

Voels said library patrons are accessing these materials at a proportional rate, with these books on average circulating about 35.6 percent of the time.

The library does not use this data to take books out of circulation that are not considered part of this diverse collection, Voels said. When books are removed, it is for criteria such as its condition or whether it is circulating among the patrons.

Library Director Dara Schmidt said it likely will take three more years to examine the whole library collection and make changes accordingly, and then to continue reviewing data every few years. But the work may not translate as neatly to certain genres.

For instance, in non-fiction, there will always be books about World War II, Schmidt said, though biography is a category where library staff can bring more representative materials into the mix.

The library does not look intentionally for own voices titles, where the author and the protagonist share a marginalized identity. The collection department policy bars staff from filtering authors based on aspects of their identities such as race or ethnicity, Schmidt said.

But she pointed to library programming such as recognizing women authors during Womens History Month in March or Read Woke, a national movement that highlights underrepresented authors and titles, as ways the library can highlight diversity and historically marginalized groups.

There is a concept in the library and publishing world that literature provides windows, doors and mirrors through which people can learn about others experiences and see themselves reflected, Schmidt said. That notion, in line with the librarys own access and inclusion strategic pillars, is the key why fueling this work.

Do you see yourself as a community member of the city of Cedar Rapids represented somehow on the shelves of the Cedar Rapids Public Library? Schmidt said.   People deserve to see themselves, and that way they know that this library is for them, that these books are for them, that this community is for them.

Not only does everybody get to have their mirror, Schmidt said, but the flip side of that means that there are more windows and doors, too. Diversifying the collection and providing those lenses builds a stronger community and better understanding, she said.

The librarys efforts to diversify its collection come at a time the Iowa Senate president has said he is drafting legislation to criminally prosecute teachers and school employees who give obscene material from school libraries to students.

Sen. Jake Chapman, R-Adel, made these remarks at a school board meeting in Johnston where parents complained that bestsellers The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas and The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie were inappropriate and obscene. Those who defended the books being read in schools argued some may consider the materials fundamental to understanding race and sexuality rather than obscene, and they help students understand the oppression that others endure.

But the work of developing a more representative collection in the Cedar Rapids library has been well-received. The librarys patron service specialists often share feedback about how they were able to help people find books they were looking for, Voels said. For example, Schmidt said, a patron may be searching for a book about an incarcerated parent, or they may have just gotten an injury and wanted to find a book with somebody in a wheelchair.

Its very exciting to see that we have all this quantitative data at our disposal, but to actually see it in action and gather those qualitative stories is pretty rewarding, Voels said.

This endeavor has spurred additional efforts to advance diversity, equity and inclusion in the library, Schmidt said. Staff have reviewed the librarys behavior policy, looking at how thats enforced and how that reflects what they see in the community. And the programming team is thinking about representation in library events and programs that are presented to the community.

We have a saying in libraries that a library is a true reflection of its community, and sometimes that means things that you want to see, and sometimes that means things that you dont want to see, Schmidt said. But because its a true reflection, all of that is there, and so thats not just something that happens. Thats something that we actually strive to be and are willing to invest or work in our resources to keep making it happen.
BALTIMORE, Md. (AP)  A portrait of the late U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings, a sharecroppers son with an Old Testament presence who became a powerful advocate for his beloved Baltimore, will go on public view Dec. 22 at the Baltimore Museum of Art.

The portrait was commissioned by the congressmans widow, Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, and was painted by Jerrell Gibbs, an up-and-coming Baltimore artist who was chosen from among 30 applicants for the prestigious project.

The portrait will be displayed in Baltimore through Jan. 9, before moving to its permanent home in the U.S. Capitol building.

Cummings represented Marylands 7th district for more than two decades and fought for his constituents on issues ranging from voting rights to gun control to reforming the criminal justice system. He was a key figure in the first impeachment of former U.S. President Donald Trump, and a powerful advocate for peace during the 2015 uprising following the death of Freddie Gray while in police custody.

After the congressman died in October 2019, at age 68 from complications of long-standing medical problems that included a rare form of cancer, he became the first African American to lie in state at the U.S. Capitol.

His portrait will be unveiled during a private ceremony Dec. 21 attended by family members of the late congressman, museum officials and politicians.

Its a beautiful portrait, Rockeymoore Cummings said. It conveys Elijahs seriousness, his graciousness and his importance as a staunch defender of our democracy. It captures his essence and does justice to his memory.

Gibbs, 33, said he modeled the portrait on the photograph used for the cover for the congressmans posthumous book, Were Better Than This: My Fight for the Future of Our Democracy. The political memoir was released 11 months after Cummings death.

In the photograph, Cummings is holding a gavel. He peers out at onlookers with the gravitas of the Hebrew prophet with whom he shared his first name. It was especially important to the congressmans wife that the portrait emphasize her husbands magnificent hands.

They were larger than life and very expressive, Rockeymoore Cummings said. A lot of people didnt realize that when they were getting the full Elijah treatment, they werent just getting his voice and his facial expressions. They were also getting his hands.

She decided to commission the oil painting in late 2020 after a congressional staff member reminded her that it was traditional to hang a portrait of national figures in the buildings where they had performed their lifes work.

A former trustee of the Baltimore Museum of Art, Rockeymoore Cummings turned to museum director Christopher Bedford and his staff to help select the artist. They decided to limit the pool of applicants to Black artists from Baltimore.

Because Elijah was such a staunch promoter of Baltimore, and believed so strongly in the youth of this city and what they have to offer, we decided to focus on uplifting a Baltimore artist for this opportunity, Rockeymoore Cummings said.

The way Chris put it was, Were looking to support the next Amy Sherald.

Sherald was a Baltimore resident when she was selected to create the official portrait of former first lady Michelle Obama. The 2018 painting caused a sensation and skyrocketed the relatively unknown artist to national prominence. Recently, her works have been fetching as much as seven-figures at auctions.

A committee that included Rockeymoore Cummings, museum staff members and community leaders began meeting in March and narrowed the initial list of artist candidates to three finalists: Gibbs, Monica Ikegwu and Ernest Shaw Jr.

The finalists were asked to submit preliminary sketches to the selection committee. BMA officials subsequently purchased one sketch apiece from Ikegwu, Shaw and Gibbs for a sum that officials declined to disclose, and added them to the museums permanent collection.

But ultimately the choice landed on Gibbs, who didnt pick up a paint brush for the first time until 2015.

Jerrell has a way of painting that differentiates him from the pack, said Bedford, who predicts that Gibbs will have an important career.

He absolutely stands out. He has a way of burrowing into the feeling and consciousness of subject so that they are instantly visible and emotionally available to viewer. Jerrell doesnt just make you see his subjects. He makes you feel them, and thats very, very hard to do.

As part of the commission, Gibbs, a Pikesville resident, received a $75,000 stipend.

The artist came to his calling relatively late. He was 27 and working two jobs caring for mentally disabled adults when during a slow overnight shift, he picked up a pencil and began to draw. He texted that sketch to his wife.

For Fathers Day in 2015, my wife gave me painting supplies and an easel, Gibbs said. Ive been running with it ever since.

Gibbs later enrolled in the Maryland Institute College of Art, graduating with a degree in fine art in 2020, and already has had some success. He has been on the radar of Bedfords staff since one of his portraits went on view in April as part of the BMA exhibit, Now is the Time: Recent Acquisitions to the Contemporary Collection.

He is represented by the Chicago-based Mariane Ibrahim Gallery, which is organizing a solo show for him next year in Paris. In addition to the BMA, Gibbs portraits are in the permanent collections of museums in Columbus, Ohio, and Los Angeles, California, and in institutions in Shanghai and Beijing, China.

To prepare his portrait of Cummings, Gibbs immersed himself in everything he could learn about the congressmen. He read his memoir and other accounts of Cummings life. He listened to hours of Cummings speeches on YouTube and his recorded court sessions. He bombarded Rockeymoore Cummings with questions about her late husbands taste in music and his favorite artists.

And he drew on his memory of his one brief meeting with the congressman at the 2016 inauguration of former Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh.

I tried to capture his aura, Gibbs said. He had a presence about him. When he spoke, people listened. He was stern but empathetic and compassionate at the same time.

When he came over to talk to us, he acted as though he was just one of the fellows. He didnt come into the space and try to take it over. Instead, he made us feel like he was one of us.
LIVERPOOL, England (AP)  Top diplomats from the Group of Seven industrialized nations met Saturday in Liverpool for talks dominated by Russia's buildup of troops near Ukraine's border and what host country Britain called Moscow's malign behavior around the world.

The U.K. called for a show of unity against global aggressors as it welcomed U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other G-7 foreign ministers amid the Russia-Ukraine crisis and tensions with China and Iran.

We need to defend ourselves against the growing threats from hostile actors," British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said as she opened the meeting of foreign ministers from the U.K., the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan. And we need to come together strongly to stand up to aggressors who are seeking to limit the bounds of freedom and democracy.

The U.S. and its NATO allies are concerned that the movement of Russian troops and weapons to the border region with Ukraine may be a prelude to an invasion and have said they would inflict heavy sanctions on Russias economy if that happens.

Moscow denies having any plans to attack Ukraine and accuses Kyiv of its own allegedly aggressive designs.

A senior U.S. official who participated in Saturdays discussions said the G-7 ministers were united in their extreme concern about developments on the Russia-Ukraine border. The official said the ministers greed that any Russian invasion of Ukraine would be met with a response that would bring massive consequences and severe costs from the G-7.

The official would not elaborate on what those consequences might be but said they would be implemented very, very fast if Russia did not heed warnings to back down.

The U.S. and its allies have played down talk of a military response to defend Ukraine, with efforts focusing on tough sanctions that would hit the Russian economy, rather than just individuals.

In the U.S., reporters asked President Joe Biden on Saturday about the possibility of sending combat troops to Ukraine, and he said that idea was never considered. ``Are you ready to send American troops into war and go into Ukraine to fight Russians on the battlefield," he said.

Biden said he has made it clear to Putin that in the event of an invasion, the economic consequences for his economy are going to be devastating. Devastating.

European Union foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell, who is also attending the two-day conference, said the ministers were determined "to make Russia understand that anything that could represent an attack to Ukraine would have a high price.

Getting a unified response from the G-7, a group of countries with disparate interests, has often proved tough. Germany plans on getting gas from Russia soon through the contentious Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which bypasses Ukraine. Britain, which is not dependent on Russian gas, generally takes a tougher line on the pipeline  but faces tough questions about London's financial district and property market, both hubs for Russian money.

Truss said she wanted to work with other countries to make sure that free democratic nations are able to have an alternative to Russian gas supplies. She met on the sidelines of the gathering with Germanys new foreign minister, Annalena Baerbock, a politician from the environmentalist Greens who previously opposed Nord Stream 2.

Alongside efforts to agree on tough sanctions should Russia invade, efforts to find a diplomatic solution to the Russia-Ukraine crisis appear to be accelerating. The State Department announced Saturday that the top American diplomat for Europe, Karen Donfried, will visit both Kyiv and Moscow next week to reinforce the United States commitment to Ukraines sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and to seek a resolution. Donfried will go later to Brussels to talk with NATO and European Union allies.

China's muscle-flexing in the Indo-Pacific region and the ailing Iran nuclear deal were also on the agenda for the weekend meeting at the dockside Museum of Liverpool.

The gathering is taking place as negotiators meet in Vienna to try to revive an international deal to limit Irans nuclear ambitions. Blinken met German, French and British diplomats in Liverpool to discuss next steps over Iran, and the Biden administration's special envoy on Iran, Robert Malley, also stopped in the city on his way to Vienna.

Truss warned this week that the Vienna talks are the last chance for Iran to sign up again to the deal, which was meant to rein in Tehran's nuclear program in return for loosened economic sanctions.

Truss also invited ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to the Liverpool meeting, though many were joining remotely because of the pandemic. Delegates and journalists face daily virus tests and mask mandates at the conference, as Britain records more cases of the omicron virus variant, which scientists say will become the dominant strain in the U.K. in the next week or so.

Britain is keen to work more closely with Asian nations as part of an Indo-Pacific tilt following the U.K.s departure from the 27-nation European Union last year  both to boost U.K. trade and as a counterweight to Chinas dominance.

Truss told her G-7 counterparts that democracies needed to fight economic coercion and win the battle of technology  both pointed references to Beijing's growing influence around the globe. The G-7 has launched a Build Back Better World initiative to offer developing nations funding for big infrastructure projects as an alternative to money from China that, the West argues, often comes with strings attached.

A unified stance towards China continues to prove elusive, however, with the U.S. and Britain generally more hawkish than other G-7 members.

The U.K. chose a setting steeped in British history and culture for final meeting of its year as G-7 president. Liverpools docklands, once a symbol of Britains global reach and economic might, came to represent the country's post-industrial decline, but now the area along the River Mersey is a prime example of 21st century urban renewal.

A museum dedicated to the citys most famous sons, the Beatles Story Museum, was the setting for the G-7 ministers' dinner on Saturday night. Delegates were serenaded by a Fab Four cover band before eating a locally sourced meal in a recreation of Liverpool's famous Cavern Club, where the band played many of its early gigs.
Updated at 12:15 p.m. ET on 2021-12-11

Bangladesh on Saturday summoned the U.S. ambassador to protest Washingtons financial sanctions on its elite police unit accused of human rights abuses, saying the superpower was undermining a government agency, according to a foreign ministry statement.

A spokesman for the unit, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), also claimed Saturday that the force does not violate human rights but protects the rights of people and maintains law and order in the country.

The United States Treasury department on Friday sanctioned RAB itself as well as six of its current and former officers. In addition, Benazir Ahmed, a former director general of the force, was barred from entering the United States due to his involvement in gross violations of human rights.

The notorious black-clad commando unit has been under the scanner of rights groups for years over allegations of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and torture.

In response to the U.S. sanctions, Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen called in United States envoy Earl R. Miller to convey the government's displeasure.

The U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh Earl R. Miller was summoned by Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen today [Saturday] to convey Dhakas discontent over the designated sanctions imposed yesterday by the U.S. departments of Treasury and of State on some of the present and former officials of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), the Bangladesh foreign ministry statement said.

Momen expressed regret that the U.S. decided to undermine an agency of the government that had been on the forefront of combating terrorism, drug trafficking and other heinous transnational crimes that were considered to be shared priorities with successive U.S. administrations, according to the statement.

The Bangladesh foreign secretary also said Bangladesh was disappointment that the decision was taken unilaterally" by the U.S. government and without any prior consultation with Dhaka.

He claimed that the allegations made against RAB over some specific incidents had been explained to the United States. Dhaka had also informed the U.S. and United Nations human rights bodies on multiple occasions about the justice and accountability measures undertaken to do with those incidents, Momen said.

According to Bangladeshs statement, the U.S. envoy took note of the concerns raised by Dhaka and assured that they would be conveyed to Washington.

On Friday, Miller had indicated it was time to recall U.S.-Bangladesh founding principles and pledges.

[A]s the Bangladesh Constitution states, The rule of law, fundamental human rights and freedom, equality and justice, political, economic and social, will be secured for all citizens, " Miller posted on Twitter.

RAB was set up in 2004 by then-Prime Minister Khaleda Zia to combat rising Islamic militancy in Bangladesh. The unit comprises personnel from the army, navy, air force, police and border guard. Other original duties included internal security, intelligence gathering related to criminal activities, and government-directed investigations.

Alleged extrajudicial killings by RAB increased in late 2018 when the government launched a war on drugs, according to a 2018 letter by United Nations Special Rapporteurs to Bangladeshs government.

On Friday, a press statement by the U.S. Department of the Treasury cited NGOs and rights activists as alleging that RAB and other Bangladeshi law enforcement were responsible for torture, more than 600 disappearances since 2009, and nearly 600 extrajudicial killings since 2018.

Threaten US national security interests

RAB denied it is responsible for torture, disappearances and killings.

At a press conference Saturday, Commander Khandaker Al Moin, a RAB spokesman, trotted out the same explanation the Home and Foreign ministers have offered for years to explain the killings. He said sometimes suspects are killed when personnel act in self-defense during gunfights that ensue when the alleged criminals fire at RAB officers.

Washington does not buy that explanation.

Widespread allegations of serious human rights abuse in Bangladesh by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB)  as part of the Bangladeshi governments war on drugs  threaten U.S. national security interests by undermining the rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the economic prosperity of the people of Bangladesh, the Treasury department statement said.

But Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal on Saturday said the relevant agencies investigate every incident of human rights violations and take legal action when necessary.

Members of law enforcement agencies cannot just fire at a person. There is a judicial inquiry into all incidents of gunfights, he told reporters after attending an event in Dhaka.

The U.S. has not been neutral in imposing sanctions, he said.

Maintaining law and order is a challenging task in Bangladesh.
A truck carrying oil palm fruits passes through Felda Sahabat plantation in Lahad Datu in Malaysia's state of Sabah in Borneo, Feb. 20, 2013.

Leaders from islands in the southern part of the Philippines met recently but not to plot an invasion of Malaysias eastern state of Sabah as a recent unverified article had reported, a military official said Saturday.

Additionally, Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana dismissed as false the report in the South China Morning Post this week that southern leaders were hatching a plan to send about 600 men to invade Sabah in Malaysian Borneo.

It is fake news. Not true, Lorenzana told Benar News.

1Lt. Jerrica Manongdo, spokesman of the Joint Task Force Sulu, concurred.

There was a meeting. But it had nothing to do with Sabah or Malaysia, Manongdo told BenarNews, referring to the gathering of southern leaders in the unverified report.

Malaysia had said a day earlier that it, too, not found any evidence of a plot to attack Sabah, but had nevertheless placed its security forces in the state on heightened alert following the report.

Malaysian Defense Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said his ministry was trying to verify information about the alleged plot with his counterparts in the Philippines and Indonesia.

Any form of threat must be independently verified and taken seriously, even if they are not substantiated, Hishammuddin said in a statement.

I have  instructed the leaders of the three branches of the Malaysian Armed Forces, namely the army, the navy, and the air force, to ramp up their preparedness to the highest possible level, especially in East Coast Sabah.

The minister also said he was working with Philippine Defense Secretary Lorenzana.

Meanwhile, Malaysias armed forces chief also said there was no evidence that a group of Sulu leaders from the Southern Philippines were plotting to invade the state, as the report had said.

Affendi Buang said Sabahans need not panic as security would nevertheless be heightened in the eastern border state.

Filipinos from Sulu, an archipelago in the far southern Philippines, did try to take over Sabah eight years ago; the sovereignty of the state is the source of a long-standing dispute between Malaysia and the Philippines.

On Feb. 11, 2013, a group of 200-odd armed members of the so-called Royal Sulu Army entered Sabahs Lahad Datu district, sparking a standoff with Malaysian security officials that lasted a month before officials secured the area.

The clash ended in June with casualties on both sides. Ten members of the Malaysian security forces and six civilians were killed, along with 56 Sulu gunmen, according to media reports from that time.

Ramli Dollah, a security analyst from Universiti Malaysia Sabah, had told BenarNews that another such attack was highly improbable.

Normally, issues like this only appear when elections are coming. It was almost the same in the last election, he told BenarNews, referring to a general election scheduled for next May in the Philippines

If you ask me about the chances of this [attack] happening, I would say no, but it is not impossible.
A medical staff member prepares the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at Tudor Ranch in Mecca, Calif. on Jan. 21, 2021. On Friday, The Associated Press reported on stories circulating online incorrectly claiming COVID-19 vaccines are causing a new illness called VAIDS, short for vaccine acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen rings the bell during a meeting of the College of Commissioners at EU headquarters in Brussels, Wednesday, Dec 8. On Friday, The Associated Press reported on stories circulating online incorrectly claiming Ursula von der Leyen has called for eliminating the Nuremberg Code.
Ugur Sahin, co-founder of the Mainz-based coronavirus vaccine developer BioNTech, listens during an Axel Springer Award ceremony broadcast on the Internet, Thursday, March 18. On Friday, The Associated Press reported on stories circulating online incorrectly claiming a video showing Sahin not taking the COVID-19 vaccine that his firm developed with Pfizer.
An assessment or critique of a service, product, or creative endeavor such as art, literature or a performance.
Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told The Associated Press this week that the U.S. omicron cases have so far been mild. As of Wednesday, only one of more than 40 cases identified was hospitalized. Those cases were made up mostly of vaccinated people, though, so it's hard to draw conclusions yet about the kind of illness that omicron might cause if it infects large numbers of unvaccinated people. Walensky stressed that the CDC is still trying to pin down the key question of whether the omicron variant causes milder or more severe illness relative to the delta variant, which continues to spread rapidly throughout the country.
Judge Paul Smyth told attorneys in an email this week that several courthouse employees had tested positive for COVID-19. His notification comes amid a broader surge of the coronavirus in the community.
LENOX  A plan to build affordable and workforce rental housing on the Brushwood Farm property has widespread support, but the owners of an adjacent hotel want it moved farther away on the parcel.

During a three-hour remote Zoning Board of Appeals meeting Wednesday night, Canyon Ranch General Manager Mindi Morin suggested that the development would provide lower-cost housing for people employed in Lenox.

And Miraval Berkshires General Manager Victor Cappadona urged approval of the project to help resort staffers live in the town where few affordable housing choices are available.

We are in desperate need of this development, Cappadona wrote, and while it may not be enough to support travel and tourism in the Berkshires, it would be a healthy start.

The developer, Pennrose LLC, wants to build 13 townhouse buildings with 65 affordable and workforce long-term rental housing apartments on nearly 15 acres of vacant land off Pittsfield Road (Route 7/20). It is seeking a comprehensive permit under Chapter 40B, a provision of state law designed to help clear the way for affordable housing.

The estimated cost is upward of $30 million, not including the purchase price of the parcel at 36 Pittsfield Road owned by the Hashim family. Pennrose holds a purchase-and-sale option, pending ZBA approval.

Pennrose is seeking waivers from town bylaws on a variety of issues, including the number of units per building, setbacks and building height, to name a few. The ZBA needs to vote separately on each waiver requested if it approves the entire project.

Apartment units would be rented to qualified, income-eligible individuals and families, not to resorts to house their employees, and there would be no subletting allowed under the one-year, renewable leases.

While the project has won endorsements from town government leaders, members of the Toole family, owners of the adjacent Courtyard by Marriott hotel, raised a number of concerns about what they called the detrimental nature of this large-scale project. They cited the impact of construction on the hotels occupancy and disruption of the current guest experiences.

At a glance ... Key provisions of Pennrose LLCs application to the Lenox Zoning Board of Appeals for a comprehensive permit under a state law that helps expedite consideration of affordable and workforce housing developments:  Thirteen residential buildings, each three stories with five apartment units in each building, and a clubhouse. The renewable one-year rental units, with no sublets allowed, are projected to include a mix of 24 one-bedroom apartments, 33 two-bedroom units and eight three-bedroom units, with all 65 affordable and deed-restricted. Construction would take 12 to 15 months, including blasting on 45 days.  Fifty apartments would be restricted to households with income from 30 to 60 percent of the areas median income, while 15 would be designated and restricted as workforce units for households earning up to 120 percent of the areas median income.  For a two-person household in Lenox, the median income is $72,800; $81,900 for three people and $90,000 for a four-person household, according to current federal and state calculations.  Rentals are expected to range from about $800 to $2,500 per month.  On-site amenities would include bicycle racks, walking paths, a small playground, indoor and outdoor social/leisure areas, and lookout points with views of October Mountain and surrounding wooded areas.  Ninety-nine on-site parking spaces available for the use of residents and visitors. The site would share access to Pittsfield Road with the Marriott property via the existing traffic signal.  Construction would occupy 35 percent of the site, with the rest remaining open space, with preservation of a sustainable landscape and building design integrated into its natural surroundings, with trees and existing natural features retained as much as feasible.  The project proposal has been endorsed by the Affordable Housing Trust, the Select Board, the Planning Board, the Conservation Commission, the police and fire chiefs, and the Department of Public Works superintendent.  A traffic study by VHB engineers states that the development is not expected to significantly impact surrounding roadways.  Pennrose would provide on-site management and maintenance from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, with a year-round 24/7 contact person for any public safety and maintenance issues.  The Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development has issued a letter approving the proposed site under the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program. The addition of 65 rental units would raise Lenoxs percentage of year-round affordable housing from 7 to 9.4 percent, approaching the states 10 percent goal established by the commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Marriott co-owner Colin Toole stressed that the family does not oppose development on the Brushwood property, and is not against affordable housing, but that the specific location is unacceptable under town bylaws.

Attorney Dennis Egan, representing the Tooles, questioned why the project could not have been sited on a Brushwood parcel farther from the hotel.

To suggest that there are no other plausible sites on Brushwood Farm is just not accurate, Egan stated. If you moved this project elsewhere on Brushwood, many, if not all, of those waiver requests evaporate.

Maria Smith, general manager of the Marriott, said the hotel would lose occupancy and money from the disruption of construction, although the whole project is a great idea if three of the buildings in direct sight could be moved.

In response, ZBA Chairman Robert Fuster Jr. pointed out, We cant deny a project just because it may have an adverse effect on a neighbor during construction. We can just try to alleviate some of those concerns.

ZBA member Kimberly Duval, touting the permanent values this project will place on the community, stated that she will have a tough time considering the short-term needs of the Courtyard, in my decision.  I would caution against so much criticism of a project that would have so much benefit.

Select Board Chairwoman Marybeth Mitts, who also chairs the towns Affordable Housing Trust, praised Pennrose for very great work in addressing concerns about public safety and all the other concerns that could possibly come up. They have been very open to modifying the designs several times.

Mitts also cited the projects potential to bring young families into town as future homeowners whose children would attend the public schools.

Kate McNulty-Vaughan, a member of the Planning Board and the Affordable Housing Trust, seemed unmoved by the Tooles' concerns.

Every time somebody does try to build something new in town, its very disruptive to neighbors, she said. You own what you own; somebody else owns the abutting property, and they have a right to develop it in a way that suits them, with whatever other strictures are in place.

Zoning board member Albert Harper urged attorneys for the Tooles and Pennrose to find common ground.

I want you to remember that the Toole family can appeal this, and it will set the timetable back considerably, Harper said, adding that its in the best interest of Pennrose, the Tooles and the town to see what agreements can be worked out since theres a substantial cost to all parties if agreements cant be reached.

Zoning Board members will visit the site this month, specifically checking the view from the third floor of the Marriott as helium-filled balloons are floated to simulate the housing project buildings height.

The ZBA will reconvene for an expected decision at a 6 p.m. meeting Jan. 27.

This story has been modified to add a statement from the hotel's co-owner.
LENOX  The dire shortage of affordable, workforce housing  especially in South Berkshire and specifically rentals  has multiple causes. Some are obvious, but others deserve more attention.

We all know that the real estate market has gone crazy, as locals keep exclaiming. COVID refugees from the New York and Boston metro areas have been willing to pay handsomely to secure a perch in the Berkshires, either for temporary or permanent residence, seasonally or year-round.

The supply of moderately priced homes and condos was tight even before the pandemic struck nearly two years ago. Lenox, Stockbridge and Great Barrington were the epicenters of the housing gold rush that followed, but other communities also were affected.

Meanwhile, affordable housing developments have encountered insurmountable obstacles all too often, especially in prosperous towns where some neighbors and other residents feared the arrival of low-income, state-subsidized renters.

Overlooked was the reality that underpaid area residents  service-sector employees and young professionals  would have flocked to apartment rentals, reasonably priced condos and starter homes if only they were available.

In Fridays Eagle, a poignant letter to the editor from a Great Barrington renter addressed another issue that some towns have resolved, while others are still in the planning stages.

That rhinoceros in the room is the commercial exploitation for profit of neighborhood homes purchased by investors (often shielding their identities by forming LLCs (limited liability companies) to use as thinly disguised lodging facilities, aka short-term rentals.

Great Barrington, unlike Lenox, Stockbridge and Richmond, has yet to approve town bylaws to tackle and control rentals to visitors through online platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo.com.

To be sure, some of these rentals are by homeowners struggling to pay their property taxes and maintenance costs. But, others operate as a segment of the hospitality industry, competing with hard-pressed bed-and-breakfast and inn owners by offering rooms or an entire house to visitors who prefer to avoid resorts, hotels and motels and seek a home away from home, especially for family gatherings.

The Great Barrington letter writer, Kristin Grippo, and her husband, both self-employed and parents of a 2-year-old, face the loss of the apartment they have rented in a two-unit house for nine years. It appears the property is about to be renovated for an upcoming sale and potential use as a short-term rental. The family may be facing eviction in a few months.

This is a snapshot of the affordable housing and rental crisis in our town, Grippo wrote. We cannot afford to continue living in Great Barrington and will be lucky if we can find an affordable house to rent or purchase in a neighboring town.

She pointed out that there are many more like me: An undercurrent of low- and middle-income folk who are not being heard or supported. We are teachers, farmers, veterans, therapists, artists and parents. We are often quiet because we are working to make ends meet and are overwhelmed by a system that has left us with nowhere to go.

As Great Barrington grapples with a potential, and overdue, town bylaw to regulate short-term rentals  expected to be considered at next Mays annual town meeting  Grippo urged townspeople to leave the hotels and B&Bs for the tourists and please consider this reality: There are working-class people in your town who are worthy of affordable places to reside. We are your friends and neighbors. Give us our rentals back.

A powerful appeal, for sure. It reminded me of the lengthy debate in Lenox before town voters approved short-term rental regulations in November 2019.

The bylaw applies to property owners or tenants who rent all or a portion of a single-family house, apartment or condo for 31 consecutive calendar days or fewer. They also have to obtain the legally required state Department of Revenues certificate.

The zoning bylaw approved at a special town meeting in Lenox allows the short-term rental of an entire dwelling by right for a total of up to 75 days per calendar year, or by a zoning board special permit for an additional 35 days per year, totaling 110. Short-term rentals of up to two rooms are allowed year-round by right, as long as the owner or tenant is occupying the dwelling during the rental period.

At least 50 Lenox short-term rental properties have been registered at Town Hall, said Town Clerk Kerry Sullivan. A search on Airbnb for Christmas week turned up 55 listings, but a few of those were rooms in local inns and resorts.

Each town must come up with its own solution, as Richmond and Stockbridge also have.

But, an even more important approach is the type of mixed-income housing development now under consideration in Lenox. If approved by the towns zoning board, 65 affordable and workforce apartments would come on the market in several years. More about that in this space next week.
Pittsfield Police, other Berkshire County first responders to carry Narcan. Addiction experts say it will save lives A push by the Berkshire Overdose Addiction Prevention Collaborative will bring Narcan to more than a dozen additional first responder departments across the Berkshires.

Earlier this year, The Eagle editorial board called for first responders across Massachusetts to carry naloxone as a mitigating measure against an opioid-spiked addiction crisis. We are glad to see some progress in the adoption of this critical harm-reduction measure here in the Berkshires.

Naloxone, commonly known by brand name Narcan, is an opioid antagonist, meaning it can immediately reverse an overdose brought on by drugs like heroin or fentanyl. That makes Narcan a powerful tool in the kit of first responders who are responding more and more to drug-related calls where a delay of minutes or even seconds in the administration of an opioid antagonist can mean the difference between life and death.

Opioid overdose deaths are up. Here's what we know about the epidemic from the numbers State and federal data can tell us a lot about the shape of the opioid epidemic in Berkshire County over the last 10 years.

Despite its simple and effective use as a lifesaving line of defense amid a national overdose crisis hitting our region particularly hard, Eagle investigations from earlier this year found that considerable swaths of Berkshire first responders did not regularly carry Narcan, including some of the bigger police departments. Fortunately, that appears to be changing. Pittsfield Police, the largest municipal force in the county, will soon be equipping all officers with doses of Narcan. In Lee, the police chief says the department is planning to do the same by no later than July of 2022.

These departments deserve credit for moving to level up their public safety game. As the scourge of opioid addiction wreaks havoc on communities across America, first-on-the-scene responders need this defensive measure on the front line. Allowing police officers or firefighters to administer a lifesaving opioid antagonist when an ambulance is en route and a hospital even farther goes a long way, especially in rural or less-populous communities like ours that struggle just as much if not more under the weight of the opioid crisis. It also protects the responders who arrive at those scenes without knowing if trace but deadly amounts of drugs like fentanyl are present.

That many of these departments are better-positioned to adopt this vital policy is thanks to the Berkshire Opioid Abuse Prevention Collaborative. The group leverages state and federal funding to work with police departments and, crucially, offer them Narcan doses at no cost to the department. That is a huge help with a major hurdle  procurement and price  facing local forces across the Berkshires. The collaborative is helping Pittsfield Police Department with their Narcan plans, along with smaller departments like Peru and West Stockbridge.

The good work of BOAPC and smart moves from Berkshire public safety officials to increase the amount of first responders carrying Narcan comes at a critical time. Recently released federal data shows that more than 100,000 Americans died of overdose between April 2020 and April 2021, a spike primarily driven by opioid overdoses involving extremely potent synthetic drugs like fentanyl and carfentanil. It was the first time the nations drug-related deaths crested the six-figure mark in a 12-month period  a staggering threshold that outstrips the countrys annual traffic deaths and annual gun fatalities combined.

Our Opinion: A brutal toll and a call to attention on overdose deaths Consider the scale of 100,000 lives. The population of a small city. Gillette Stadium filled to 150 percent capacity. Add up annual traffic fa

To fully address the brutal epidemic of opioid addiction, we must take into account all the confounding factors and thoughtfully address its root causes. The massive toll in human life also demands immediacy in harm-reduction efforts. When the federal overdose data was released, we stressed that these grim numbers demand attention and action. It is encouraging to see BOAPC and local police departments focusing attention and action on relatively simple steps that can and will save lives.

We call on the state Legislature to recognize this wisdom by making it the standard throughout the commonwealth. The so-called HOPE Act, sponsored by Lenox state Rep. Smitty Pignatelli, would do just that by mandating that all Massachusetts first responders carry Narcan or another opioid antagonist either on their person or in their vehicles.

The 100,000-plus Americans we lost in just a year to drug deaths are not just numbers; they are precious lives lost, families torn and communities devastated. We must do more to prevent such needless suffering. Equipping public safety personnel with lifesaving tools like Narcan is a big step in the right direction, and were encouraged by Berkshire first responders and BOAPC partnering to lead the way.
BOISE - Students in grades 7 through 12 throughout Idaho are invited to picture how their education will connect with their future and share that vision through art. Students may submit artwork for the 'Picture My Future' art contest online through January 10, 2022.

Winning artwork will be posted on the SDE website and shared with Idaho legislators during Superintendent Ybarras budget presentation to the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee.

This has been a challenging year for students and families throughout Idaho, but plans for the future still shine brightly, and I look forward to seeing how students envision life after high school, Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra said. The goals and creativity of Idaho students are truly inspiring as they look toward the future they will shape.

Students may opt to submit their artwork online or mail it in for the State Department of Educations Picture My Future art contest. Mailed entries must be postmarked by Friday, January 7, 2022 to ensure they are received in time for judging. Online submissions are due by midnight Monday, January 10.

Entrants must be Idaho public school students in grades 7-12.

Other contest rules include:
Launches new hospital in Indiranagar, Bengaluru

Leading eye care specialist Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital plans to invest over Rs 175 crore in expanding its presence in Karnataka over the next two years. The hospital chain made this announcement at the inauguration of its super-speciality eye care centre at Indiranagar in Bengaluru.

In the next two years, Dr Agarwals will set up around 25 hospitals in Karnataka at an investment of Rs 150 crore. In addition, the Group will set up more than 30 vision centres at an investment of Rs 25 crore, taking its total investment in the state to Rs 175 crore over a two year period.

The new centre in Indiranagar will be a refractive hub for the hospital chain, which means that all refractive surgeries from all of Dr Agarwals branches in Karnataka will be performed out of this centre. The hospital is housed in two floors, spread across approximately 5,000 sq ft.

The new centre is offering free consultations for patients who are 50 years or above till the month-end. Karnatakas Minister for Health & Family Welfare and Medical Education, Dr K Sudhakar inaugurated the Indiranagar facility in the presence of Dr Adil Agarwal, CEO and Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital.
On Friday, the English High Court paved the way for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to be extradited to the United States and tried over the publication of hundreds of thousands of documents, some of which contained evidence of US and British war crimes in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The decision reversed a ruling in January by a lower court that had blocked the extradition, but only on humanitarian grounds: that Assange would be put at severe risk of suicide by the oppressive conditions of his detention in the US.

The 50-year old Australian faces a sentence of up to 175 years in prison if found guilty.

Amnesty International described the ruling as a travesty of justice, while Rebecca Vincent of Reporters Without Borders tweeted that it was an appalling decision that marks a bleak moment for journalists and journalism around the world.

Assanges lawyers said they will appeal the ruling at the supreme court. But the fight to free Assange  even if ultimately successful  is certain to drag on for many more years.

The WikiLeaks founder has already spent more than a decade in various forms of incarceration: house arrest, political asylum and, since early 2019, solitary confinement in Belmarsh high-security prison in London.

The toll this has taken is immense, according to Nils Melzer, a law professor and the United Nations expert on torture. He has repeatedly warned that Assange is suffering the effects of prolonged exposure to psychological torture.

Family and friends warn that he is regularly confused about basic facts. At one hearing, he visibly struggled even to recall his name and age.

War crimes

The reasons for Assanges detention have shifted a number of times over the years: from an initial investigation of alleged sex crimes in Sweden, to a bail violation in the UK, and more recently espionage.

But the presence of the US national security state has never been far away. Assanges supporters say Washington has been quietly influencing events, only showing its hand directly when it launched the extradition claim in 2019.

It was clear from the outset that the arguments made by the US could have huge implications for the future of journalism and its ability to hold powerful states to account. And yet the hearings have been given only cursory coverage, especially by the British media.

The case for extradition rests on a US claim that Assange carried out espionage in publishing hundreds of thousands of leaked materials in 2010 and 2011 with high-profile partners such as the New York Times, Washington Post, Guardian, El Pais, and Der Spiegel. Called the Iraq and Afghan war logs, the documents show that the US army committed war crimes in those countries, killed non-combatants and carried out torture.

The United States clearly wanted to make sure there would be no recurrence of such a leak.

The problem was, if Assange could be jailed for doing journalism, why not also the editors of the papers he published with? Locking up the senior staff of the New York Times, Guardian, and Der Spiegel was never going to be a good look.

This very problem stayed the hand of officials in Barack Obamas administration. They felt cornered by the First Amendment.

But under Donald Trump the reticence quickly lifted. Trumps campaign trail support for Assange did nothing to stop his justice department officials arguing that Assange was a hacker, not a journalist.

With this as their premise, they felt free to redefine the new, digitally based national security journalism Assange and WikiLeaks pioneered as espionage.

To do so, they turned to the 1917 Espionage Act, a draconian piece of First World War legislation that gave the government powers to jail critics.

It was a move with serious implications. Trumps justice officials were effectively claiming a new kind of universal jurisdiction: the right to put Assange on trial, even though he was not a US citizen and was not accused of carrying out any of the acts in question on US soil.

The English courts have now attracted rancor by seemingly giving their assent to political persecution. Critics fear the precedent means any journalist in the UK could now be dragged to the US for prosecution should they cause Washington sufficient embarrassment.

Raising suspicions

Assange and his supporters say the legal arguments of the extradition process were never more than a facade. They say there were plenty of clues that the US was seeking vengeance against Assange, not justice.

A decade ago, long before the US was openly battling to get hold of Assange, he was facing another extradition battle  this time with a Swedish prosecutor  as part of an investigation into allegations of sexual assault. It was around that time that Assange fled to Ecuadors embassy in London seeking political asylum.

The disappearance of email chains between Britains Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and Sweden from that time have raised suspicions that all was not as it seemed.

A few survive, and suggest that extra pressure was being applied.

A CPS lawyer wrote to a Swedish counterpart in 2011: Please do not think this case is being dealt with as just another extradition. The following year, as Sweden appeared to be preparing to drop the investigation against Assange, the same UK lawyer replied: Dont you dare get cold feet!!!

Moves were afoot against Assange in the US too. In 2011, a grand jury was convened in the Eastern District of Virginia behind closed doors to draft an indictment. The location was no accident. That district of Virginia is where most of the US intelligence agencies are headquartered.

Pursued by Washington

But the gloves really came off after Trump entered the White House. The CIA stepped into the fray, with its then director Mike Pompeo characterising WikiLeaks as a non-state hostile intelligence service.

In fact, in 2017 the CIA launched a secret war against Assange, according to an investigation by Yahoo News published in September. The agency variously plotted to poison Assange and kidnap him while he was holed up in the Ecuadorean embassy. According to the report, the CIA proposed to seize the Australian and smuggle him to the US in an echo of the extraordinary rendition programmes the agency used in the war on terror.

The kidnap operation reportedly included plans for a potential gun battle on the streets of London.

Separately, it was reported that the CIA had also bugged the embassy while Assange was there through a Spanish firm hired by Ecuador to provide security. This was apparently done without Ecuadors knowledge.

Such an operation would have violated Ecuadors territorial sovereignty. But worse, by listening in to Assanges privileged conversations with his lawyers, as he prepared for the highly politicised extradition battle he knew was coming, the CIA polluted the legality of that very process.

In fact, a case can be made that the UK courts should have thrown out the extradition case on those grounds alone.

And yet despite all this, the English High Court ruled on Friday that it was satisfied with assurances that Assanges wellbeing would be protected were he extradited to the US.

British judges may be persuaded by those assurances. Many others, including Assange, will not be.

Jonathan Cook won the Martha Gellhorn Special Prize for Journalism. His latest books are Israel and the Clash of Civilizations: Iraq, Iran and the Plan to Remake the Middle East (Pluto Press) and Disappearing Palestine: Israels Experiments in Human Despair (Zed Books). His website is www.jonathan-cook.net. This originally appeared in the Middle East Eye.
Part of a $60 million security assistance package, including small arms and ammunition, was delivered to Ukraine on Thursday, according to a State Department official in the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, but a final delivery containing four counter mortar radars is still scheduled for early next year.

The security package is designed to bolster Ukraine's self-defense capability, especially in light of the buildup of Russian forces near the country's borders. The US has watched the movements with growing concern, and US officials have been in touch with their NATO and European counterparts to coordinate a response should Russian President Vladimir Putin decide to invade Ukraine.


Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald announcing charges on December 1, 2021

On November 30, a mass shooting occurred at a high school in Oxford Township, Michigan. Four students were killed and several more injured. Unfortunately, the event itself was not especially unique; while the average American schoolchild faces astronomically low risk of ever encountering a mass shooter, school shootings do still happen on occasion, and this one was the deadliest since 2018. What was genuinely unique about the event, however, flowed not from the crime itself, but from the efforts of an enterprising local prosecutor: Karen McDonald of Oxford County, MI.

It doesnt take a political genius to suspect that McDonald could very well have her sights set on higher elected office, and a headline-grabbing crime in the jurisdiction where she has prosecutorial authority is a perfect opportunity for heightening her public profile. Aided by a media environment which (as usual) combines just the right amount of lazy credulity and misplaced zeal, McDonald immediately set out to convince all right-minded citizens of her view that the shooting was not merely tragic and bad, but an act of terrorism. Respectable media outlets put out Explainers describing this as a novel approach  seeing as the shooting contained none of the hallmarks of what would ordinarily be associated with terrorism.

No US school shooting had ever been officially declared terrorism before in this manner. McDonald certainly did something novel then, and in fact set a brand new prosecutorial precedent  the kind of trailblazing action that any ambitious politician craves for their resume. Announcing the charge, McDonald declared that it had been filed on behalf of the entire community. But beyond that, the stated rationale was mostly a combination of vague emotional appeals and cliches: she explained of the shooting, if that isnt terror, I dont know what is. Well, lots of things can potentially induce terror, but also would not be prudent for the government to prosecute as terrorism offenses. Ultimately, what McDonald has chosen to do is expand the punitive powers of the state in dramatic fashion.

Heres the part of the article where Im supposed to add the qualifier that of course the shooting was unspeakably heinous. But one of the luxuries of Substack is that these mandatory avowals arent necessary, because no sane person would deny the heinousness of a school shooting or need that to be clarified. Four kids are dead, we got it. Whats relevant for the purposes of this article is the terrorism designation assigned to the alleged perpetrator: a 15-year-old boy who expressed no political motives, insofar as the evidence produced has shown. He also belonged to no political organization, again according to the available evidence.

To the extent anything about the perpetrators motives is known, McDonald said the kid was caught drawing ominous pictures in class the morning of the shooting, including one of a murder, and also scribbled the words help me and my life is useless. A teacher spotted this, and it led to his parents being called for an emergency in-school conference. No immediate action was taken and the kid was allowed to return to class. Unbeknownst to the school officials, he had a gun  the same one his dad had purchased a few days earlier, possibly for him as a Christmas gift. Shortly thereafter he shot four students dead and injured multiple others. That is the gist of the current version of events as told by the local Sheriff and prosecutor.

The public was subsequently apprised by Karen McDonald that this was a crime of terrorism, which by extension would make the 15-year-old shooter a terrorist. In one of the more glaring examples in recent memory of extreme overnight concept creep, it was just taken for granted in most media coverage and commentary that the terrorism statute was obviously applicable in this newly-conjured context. Even though theres no record of terrorism law being applied to a school shooting before anywhere in the country.

McDonald had the ability to bring this novel charge thanks to a terrorism statute that Michigan enacted after 9/11. If you go and look back at contemporaneous debate around the enactment of this law back in 2002, as I have, the idea that legislators conceived of terrorism in terms of school shootings is ridiculous. When people thought of terrorism during this period, as you might recall, they were generally thinking of spectacular Al Qaeda-type attacks. September 11th was a wake-up call for everyone, the now-deceased GOP state senator William Van Regenmorter declared, as he ushered the bill through the Judiciary Committee. The issue of terrorism is real. We need to give our police agencies the powerful tools they need to protect us. The suite of bills passed under his tutelage were kind of like a Michigan-specific version of the federal PATRIOT Act. Does anyone seriously think the late Senator Van Regenmorter had school shootings committed by 15-year-olds in mind?

So again: there is no indication that any of the elected officials who rushed to institute this law in 2002  on a bipartisan basis, of course  ever entertained the possibility that approximately 20 years later, it could be used in the context of a school shooting. And why would they? Legislators frantically rushing to enact new policies post-9/11 thought they were dealing with waves of Islamist suicide bombers. School shootings, while bad, were generally not placed in the same conceptual category.
While the top of Twitters COVID-19 misleading information policy page currently states Overview November 2021, a December 2 archive of the page shows that the page was updated and the Overview November 2021 text was added after December 2.

One of the most notable changes to this COVID-19 misleading information policy we noticed is related to claims about whether vaccinated people can spread the coronavirus. The policy now states that Twitter will label tweets with corrective information and give users a strike if they:

Claim that the vaccines will cause you to be sick, spread the virus, or would be more harmful than getting COVID-19

Post what Twitter describes as false or misleading claims that people who have received the vaccine can spread or shed the virus (or symptoms, or immunity) to unvaccinated people

This means Twitter users could now be sanctioned for sharing or discussing the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDCs) admission that vaccinated people can still become infected and have the potential to spread the virus to others.

Another change is that Twitter will start giving a strike to and labeling the tweets of users that use research and statistical findings to make claims contrary to health authorities, if it decides that their claims misrepresent research or statistical findings pertaining to the severity of the disease, prevalence of the virus, or effectiveness of widely accepted preventative measures, treatments, or vaccines.

Previously, Twitter would sanction what it deemed to be false or misleading information about research findings but there was no provision about contradicting health authorities.

In addition to this, Twitter will give users two strikes and remove their tweets if they claim that vaccines approved by health agencies (such as Pfizers Comirnaty vaccine in the United States) did not actually receive full approval/authorization, and therefore that the vaccines are untested, experimental or somehow unsafe. This appears to be a reference to criticism of a footnote in the Federal Drug Administration (FDAs) full authorization documents for the Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty) vaccine which revealed that the FDA had extended the emergency-use authorization for the same vaccine.

Furthermore, users that claim that vaccines are part of a global surveillance effort will have their tweets removed and be given two strikes. The introduction of this provision follows vaccine-related surveillance tech, such as vaccine passports, being introduced in many countries.

Some of the other claims that will be sanctioned under Twitters updated policy include:

False or misleading information suggesting that unapproved treatments can be curative of COVID-19 (label and one strike)

Claims that vaccines (in general) are dangerous and the adverse effects that have been covered up by governments/the medical industry (removal and two strikes)

Tweets that incite fear or misrepresent the ingredients or contents of COVID-19 vaccines (label and one strike)

Tweets that mischaracterize the nature and science behind mRNA vaccines, and how they work (label and one strike)

Tweets that claim vaccines alter genetic code (label and one strike)

Under Twitters current strikes system, two or three strikes results in a 12-hour account lock, four strikes results in a seven-day account lock, and five or more strikes results in a permanent suspension. This means users that have three tweets removed or five tweets labeled under this updated COVID-19 misleading information policy will have their accounts permanently suspended.

And as part of this policy update, Twitter has added new provisions that can result in accounts being permanently suspended, even if they dont have strikes.

We may immediately permanently suspend accountsif we determine that the account repeatedly violates the COVID-19 misinformation policy over a 30-day time period, or if we have determined that the account has been set up for the expressed purpose of Tweeting false or misleading information about COVID-19, the updated policy states.

Labeled tweets may also be subject to additional restrictions which include:

Being removed from certain parts of Twitter (such as the top search results and recommendations)

An additional prompt that warns users when they attempt to share or like the tweet

Having the like, reply, and retweet functionality disabled

The additions to this COVID-19 misleading information policy page follow the company appointing a new CEO, Parag Agrawal, less than two weeks ago. Agrawal has faced scrutiny for previous statements where he rejected free speech in favor of favor of healthy public conversation.

In the short period Agrawal has served as CEO, Twitter has censored several high profile accounts, prohibited the sharing of photos and videos of people without their permission, and censored a link to the American Heart Association. Details of a secret Twitter program that fast-tracks elite users takedown demands were also made public in the last few days.
The justice presiding over Shelly Glovers legal challenge of the Progressive Conservative leadership race reserved judgement on Friday after hearing arguments from the legal teams for Glover, the party and Premier Heather Stefanson.

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FILE Shelly Glover

The justice presiding over Shelly Glovers legal challenge of the Progressive Conservative leadership race reserved judgement on Friday after hearing arguments from the legal teams for Glover, the party and Premier Heather Stefanson.

Justice James Edmond noted the oddity of having the proceedings be broadcast and outlined the conditions under which it was happening.

Any camera footage from the hearing was not broadcast live but was recorded by Bell Media, edited together and distributed to various media outlets. The Sun listened to a teleconference of the proceedings.

Glovers legal team said they intended to prove in a legal test established in prior cases for overturning elections that there werent just irregularities present in the PC leadership race, but irregularities that directly affected the results of the race.

"The irregularities here are so numerous that we can only believe they affected the results of the election," Glovers lawyer Dave Hill asserted.

They argued that if the PC partys constitution lists that directors must comply with election laws, then the leadership race should be subject to the standards laid out in Manitobas election laws, if not the laws themselves.

Much of Glovers argument centred on a spreadsheet that tracked how many votes had been cast. It was said to have shown fewer votes cast than reported in the final total. Also in dispute were tally sheets that recorded votes from each ballot box that Glovers team argued lacked a sufficient number of signatures from the proper officials.

In return, the party said both leadership contestants campaigns were aware that this spreadsheet contained inaccuracies heading into the day results were counted and ultimately had no bearing on the number of votes received and counted in the ballot boxes.

The partys legal team, as well as Stefansons, argued the case was not electoral in nature since the leadership contest was being held for a private entity and therefore should be treated as a contractual dispute between the parties instead.

It was also maintained by those lawyers that scrutineers from both campaigns were involved with validating ballots before they were placed in boxes.

It was conceded by PC lawyer Harley Schachter that approximately 100 of the more than 16,000 ballots cast were disputed by one or more parties, but he said this was a smaller amount than Stefansons margin of victory over Glover and therefore didnt impact the final results.

While Glovers team maintained that they werent calling for the judge to order a new election but instead declare its results invalid, Stefansons legal team said that such a decision would in effect force the party to hold a new contest.

"Were not asking the court to replace the premier of Manitoba, were not asking the lieutenant-governor to invalidate the swearing-in of the premier," Hill said in his reply at the end of arguments.

Both Stefanson and the partys camps also argued that holding a new election would be an inconvenience to party members, with Stefansons team stating that if party membership disputed the results, members are empowered to call for a new election.

The premiers legal team requested that the judge not include anything regarding the office of the premier itself in his decision, stating that it could lead to constitutional issues.

Edmond reserved his decision, saying he would likely return with a judgement next Friday.

 cslark@brandonsun.com, with files from The Canadian Press

 Twitter: @ColinSlark
Some have opted to host small funerals during more restrictive phases of public health measures, others have waited until health measures allowed more friends and family members to gather. And in some cases, no memorial or service has been held.

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CHELSEA KEMP/THE BRANDON SUN Katherine MacFarlane holds a candle in memory of deceased loved ones at the Brockie Donovan Tree of Memories event.

Some have opted to host small funerals during more restrictive phases of public health measures, others have waited until health measures allowed more friends and family members to gather. And in some cases, no memorial or service has been held.

Funeral practices transformed during pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the experience of end-of-life rituals and ceremonies, said Kelly and Wade Lumbard, of Brockie Donovan Funeral and Cremation Services.

Brockie Donovan, the oldest funeral home in Brandon launched 107 years ago, weathered the Spanish Flu in 1918, and is now navigating COVID-19.

The one constant, Wade said, has been their commitment to the community and helping those who have lost a loved one to celebrate their life.

When the COVID-19 virus first appeared in Manitoba, it was a terrifying experience because of the uncertainty it created.

"As a frontline business [and] essential service, we knew we couldnt run home to stay in our home office. We were concerned about our staff and what was going to happen if people got sick and how we were properly going to serve our customers," Wade said.

One of the first major changes at the funeral home was embracing new technologies. Within days, staff became familiar with Zoom and electronic documents for all necessary paperwork.

Livestreaming quickly became an indispensable part of services. Kelly said they had a whole new system put in the chapel as soon as possible to ensure funerals could be recorded and shared with those who could not attend in person.

"The big thing was the restrictions. Its changed constantly, so weve been in constant flux always having to see what the new restrictions are, communicate to the public and make sure our staff is aware of whats going on. Were trying to do the best we can in accommodating what people want," Wade said.

One of the most challenging aspects of the pandemic was when funerals were limited to five people, Kelly said, forcing families to choose who could attend the ceremony in person or delay a service indefinitely.

"Leading up to the death was horrible for these families, Im sure. And then on top of that, they dont have the support and the comfort from those they normally would have," Kelly said. "We really wanted to do our very, very best for every single situation, and we would bend over backwards but we could not bend the rules."

Kelly said it is comforting to have special practices in place for when a friend or family member dies. These steps help to acknowledge the loss and can aid in the acceptance of death.

The other key element that can provide comfort, is the sharing of stories during the funeral or reception in memory of a loved one.

"Its really special when someone who you didnt even know your loved one had impacted or had a connection with ... [walks] up to you at the funeral and [tells] you a story youve never heard before, and you could hear it 100 times again. It ... builds that bigger picture of the legacy that they left," Kelly said. "Its very heartwarming and important to hear that and to feel that gratitude that person has that theyve known your loved one, but also the magnitude that youre loved one had on others."

She has spoken with families after memorial services; those who have had some type of ceremony  big or small  celebrating and commemorating a life, in most cases, have their grieving process eased.

The effects of COVID-19 will be long-lasting on families in many regards, Kelly said, and their grief journey will be no exception  especially because in some cases they were not able to be with others during their loss.

Livestreaming has brought together people from around the world while preserving the funeral experience for families during the pandemic, she said. While it is a great option for families, it is not a substitute for in-person interactions during a funeral.

Kelly expects end-of-life celebrations will one day return to normal. People are yearning to be back together in person once all public health measures are lifted.

There is a new appreciation for funerals, gatherings and important life rituals  the interesting part is the form they will take.

One of the established traditions at Brockie Donovan is the Tree of Memories service, which has been taking place for 24 years (except in 2020). They take pride in the tradition and are happy to provide it for the community.

Every year, Brockie Donovan makes ornaments for the service in the name of loved ones who have died. That theyre able to bring this tradition back to the community  even if it is in a different form  is exciting, Kelly said.

Brockie Donovan hosted an online video stream of the event for 2021.

"The majority of people still did something, whether it was tiny, small or delayed," Wade said. "Its a human need to gather."

CHELSEA KEMP/THE BRANDON SUN Attendees hold candles in memory of deceased loved ones at the Brockie Donovan Tree of Memories event.

End-of-life doula and funeral celebrant Kim Lewarne said it has remained essential to find ways to honour the death of a loved one during the pandemic.

During a memorial, a sacred space is created when people are gathered together sharing in grief.

"It takes a village to raise a child or a person, and it takes a village to mourn them. You just want people around  thats what we do when somebody dies," Lewarne said. "You dont even have to say anything that matters if you are there."

She has participated in large services and smaller celebrations honouring the death of someone  what matters is the gathering of people together in a special space of mourning. These practices provide comfort during times of loss and grief.

"Its a huge privilege to spend time with people who have lost a loved one. They tell me their stories."

Before the pandemic, she would gather together with families in person in advance of a ceremony and they would craft a service that honoured the life of a loved one.

This planning and the actual service have become increasingly challenging during the pandemic. Sometimes they can meet while physically distancing and masked; other times planning may be done over the phone.

The goal, she said, remains to celebrate the lives of those who have died and the importance of sharing stories and memories about them.

"It starts establishing the significance of that person that theyve lost. Telling those stories brings the joy of that person across. Of course, there are lots of tears, too. The stories are so rich, and sitting there, talking to a grieving family and hearing those stories is such a huge privilege and an honour to be a part of."

This exchange of stories is crucial to begin the grieving and healing process after the death of a loved one.

"We think that we dont want to talk to people about their loved one but trust me, theyre on their minds 24-7. We cant remind them of something theyre already thinking about, but we can give them the privilege to tell their story and hear about their loved one," Lewarne said.

It can be cathartic and powerful when someone learns a new story about a loved one or knows others are thinking about them. These experiences have been compromised during the pandemic, because large group gatherings have not always been possible under provincial public health measures.

Lewarne added people have also postponed ceremonies because loved ones are unable to attend in person, but the grief itself cannot be delayed.

Her hope is people will follow through on celebrations because they serve as a critical aspect of grieving and healing.

"Grief is tough enough any time, and the pandemic has just made it that much more complicated."

There has been a need to embrace new ways of mourning that are available and she appreciates that technology still allows people to connect and share grief and memories

Lewarne recently began her journey as an end-of-life doula. She decided she wanted to dive deeper into what she had learned as a funeral celebrant.

"The importance of celebrating life really stood out to me  to honour your loved one that has gone on, that tradition, that rite of passage that weve done for years.

"It is a ritual and we have done it for years. We can do it in different ways."

An end-of-life doula acts as an advocate supporting and empowering the person that is dying and their family.

"If a family member or the person that is dying has an idea or something they might like, in a lot of cases they can do it, its just to show them the way.

"Theyre in crisis, so its somebody to walk with them  not take the place of the nurses [or] the palliative care  to kind of guide them."

Death is complicated, Lewarne said, and a doula can help navigate the process.

"If you knew what youre loved one wanted long before theres a diagnosis or a tragedy, its just so much better," Lewarne said. "Life is finite; were all going. Something were guaranteed is were going to die. Talking about it is not going to make it come any sooner ... in some ways, death can be beautiful  you continue on through the memories you leave behind."

CHELSEA KEMP/THE BRANDON SUN The Hatcher family lights a candle in loving memory of their son Luke Hatcher, at the Brockie Donovan Tree of Memories event.

Planning for death

While funerals, end-of-life ceremonies and memorials are taking new forms during the COVID-19 pandemic, City of Brandon cemetery administrator Sandy Jasper said burial practices have largely remained unchanged.

Jasper is responsible for the daily administrative activities at the cemetery office. This includes liaising with funeral homes, arranging burials and dealing directly with families for plot selection or plot purchases.

"Theres nothing out of line yet for actual burial trends," Jasper said. "There were many ... months where people would pass away, and the family would perhaps choose cremation so a service could be held down the line, or for people who felt strongly about having a service  it was down to as low as five or 10 people  those are hard choices to make."

In the past, families have often chosen to delay funeral services, especially during the cold winter months, she said, but this trend has become increasingly popular during the pandemic.

This careful timing of celebrations has coincided with people opting for cremation upon death. For more than a decade it has been virtually 70 per cent cremations and 30 per cent traditional burials at the Brandon cemetery. Jasper said considerations can influence these decisions, including land use and financial choices.

She has also seen people more willing to plan ahead for their deaths and purchase land at the cemetery for future use.

In general conversations about death have remained unchanged during the pandemic, but Jasper saw a number of people over the last year because of the pandemic looking to plan ahead for the future resting place. People were increasingly investing in property, a plot or a columbarium niche in the Brandon cemetery. In most cases, these spaces will not be used for decades.

She spoke with many people who had been talking about buying property in the cemetery for years, and for some, the pandemic is what pushed them to act.

"Mortality was on our collective radar," Jasper said.

Sioux Valley lost funeral traditions during pandemic

COVID-19 has had a drastic effect on the community in Sioux Valley Dakota Nation. When a death occurs, traditional cultural practices are not always possible under provincial public health restrictions, said Chief Jennifer Bone.

"When theres passing in the community, we all gather and support one and other. Historically, weve always done that. Some people have a wake overnight, others just have a one-day funeral at the Veterans Hall. Its that sense of community and supporting one another in a time of grief and being able to be there and support one and another," Bone said. "How do you express your condolences when youre not allowed to visit and be there? Thats how we help one and other in our times of grief and sorrow. That was a huge change."

Bone intimately knows the challenges of navigating a family death during the pandemic  the father of her sons died in March.

Bone said they had a small service in Sioux Valley and the following day, he was transported to Saskatchewan for burial. Her family was unable to attend the Saskatchewan funeral due to travel restrictions.

"That was difficult for my family to experience that," Bone said. "We were able to have a small funeral here in the community."

Traditionally, when someone passes in Sioux Valley, families will keep a sacred fire burning. During the time of mourning, community members will visit with the family to provide emotional support.

This was not possible at the height of the pandemic and it was a loss keenly felt in the community.

"I think the community felt that," Bone said. "People were just having the funerals within their homes and limiting the number of people that were there."

It took careful planning to honour these cultural traditions while following COVID-19 public health measures, Bone said.

An especially painful part has been the inability to connect in person. The compassion of sharing a hug and checking in was sorely missed when public health measures did not allow for funerals or forced a capacity limit on events.

"There are large extended family members, its not just immediate family, everybody comes together to support each other. And at times, there wasnt even a service at the home when we were on lockdown," Bone said.

In these cases, some of the funerals would just go directly to the gravesite.

These feelings of loss were magnified when community members were in COVID-19 isolated quarantine, Bone said, and it broke her heart that these people could not attend ceremonies to pay their last respects.

When a family member passed before the pandemic, Coun. Tim Whitecloud said it was typically a four-day ceremony honouring the four directions and colours. With COVID, they have been unable to hold the cultural tradition and this period of mourning has at times been extended to two or three weeks due to the family waiting for the body of a loved one to be returned to the community.

"Out of necessity, we have had to get away from the norms and it affects the people because you have to wait longer before your family member comes home and you can put them to rest," Whitecloud said.

CHELSEA KEMP/THE BRANDON SUN A card hangs on the Brockie Donovan Tree of Memories.

Bone said it is difficult because as a small community, they are tight-knit and want to support each other in times of grief and loss.

"That was tough when the numbers were really limited.

"Its difficult for us as leadership when you have to follow those regulations and do your best to ensure that they are being followed and that people are complying with public health orders. Its a hard phone call to make when you tell them, no, you cant do this."

Outdoor tents and seating have been purchased for Sioux Valley to allow for outdoor funerals to take place safely when people can gather together.

The travel restrictions between provinces and other communities, Bone said, also greatly impacted the experience of end-of-life in Sioux Valley.

"We have relatives that are from Saskatchewan, or we have our sister communities of Canupawakpa [Dakota Nation] and Bird Tail [Sioux Nation], and having our restriction on visitors to our community made it so they are not allowed to attend," she said. "It not only affects our community but the relatives in other communities as well."

Whitecloud noted that typically, funerals in the community are not recorded. More traditional families will not allow cameras or video at a funeral and it will be frowned upon to even use a cell phone during a ceremony. This experience is further complicated because some families are unvaccinated, preventing them from attending services.

In these cases, people would make time to go after and find other ways to pay their respects, but they do not get to be a part of the process when individuals are brought home for burial.

It is hard to say what the long-term impacts will be because people grieve differently, Bone said.

She added 2020 was a tough year in the Sioux Valley community not only because of the pandemic, but because they lost a large number of community members and a state of emergency was implemented due to a mental health crisis.

Bone said the nation has returned to somewhat normal end-of-life funerals, but people remain cautious about going into public and are stringently following public health restrictions.

It has been a new experience attending a funeral because personal protective equipment, hand sanitizer, and a contact-tracing log of everyone there is in place, along with physical distancing and masks.

"Those sorts of things are really different and awkward, but we managed," Bone said.

In Sioux Valley, a treasured cultural tradition is hosting a memorial a year after the death of a loved one, Whitecloud said. The ceremony serves as a chance to grieve and give thanks to the community for their support.

Everyone comes together to mark the occasion, but this was not possible at the peak of the pandemic. Bone said in some cases, people would do contactless deliveries of items to thank the people that helped them during their time of grieving.

"We were just trying to adapt based on the guidelines at the time."

Whitecloud added chief and council will honour those who have suffered a loss with the "Wiping of the Tears." The ceremony acknowledges families who have experienced loss.

The ceremony is typically hosted every three months, but they have not been able to have one since summer.

"Theres prayer and feast and we feed the families," Bone said. "We let them know that theyre not alone and the community is there to support [them]."

Spiritual expressions of death during COVID-19

The dean of the St. Matthews Anglican Cathedral says the church continues to learn the best way to serve people through the pandemic based on lived experience.

"The COVID thing has altered things in a lot of ways, not for the better, but there are some things that its forced on us in funeral homes and churches to say, youve been doing this the same way for centuries, now its time to do those things, but do those things in a 21st-century style," Rev. Don Bernhardt said.

The receptions that take place after a funeral are an equally important experience and help to bind people together in the memory of someone who has died.

Bernhardt said, in his experience, there would be as much, if not more, healing during these gatherings because people were able to talk and connect.

"All of that was immediately gone [when COVID-19 arrived]," Bernhardt said.

The loss of these experiences forces the mourner and their supporters to find new ways to connect.

"The loss of one of us is a loss to all of us and we need to acknowledge that."

Funerals were changing before the pandemic, Bernhardt said, but the pandemic has pushed people to stop and reflect on the rituals associated with death.

One of the trends he worries about is people opting to not have a funeral.

A ceremony does not need to be elaborate, religious, fancy or expensive, he said. What is critical is taking time to honour someone who has departed and provide people with the opportunity to join together in the community.

"Its a part of our grieving process," Bernhardt said. "Your life has now forever changed. Your old normal is gone and you will now have to work on finding the new normal  the world without [a loved one]; we need to acknowledge these things and we need to say this sucks. Death is not easy."

Funerals are always a tough day, especially for immediate family, but are a significant practice for the living.

"The funeral is not for the deceased, because they now are in a different place. For us as Christians, we believe in a better place  but, that doesnt mean the living dont need to look towards each other and go, it hurts."

Funerals play a critical role in the grieving process, serving as an important part of healing. Bernhardt said a delay in an end-of-life celebration directly impacts this process.

"You have moved forward in your life. You have developed a new normal and the crashing waves of grief have lessened, and now all of a sudden you have this funeral and all of that grieve can potentially come roaring back. You dont go back to square one and now you have to work through that process again."

The experience of isolation before, during and after the death of a loved one also added to the pain of families.

Even if funerals were held, very few people were able to attend and offer support.

"Youre isolated even more so than normal. Deferred grief, isolation, all of these things have made the whole grieving process a real challenge for so many people."

Services are beginning to look more normal. More people are allowed to be in attendance, but the numbers of mourners are still small in number compared to pre-COVID times.

Bernhardt said he is unsure if they will ever return to normal numbers because many in the community can feel uncomfortable coming to a tight place like the church and sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with people they do not know.

The cathedral has seen a growing demand for new technologies, including livestreams and Zoom sessions.

"We really need to always have the ability for people to do what they can so they can attend without attending [in person]," Bernhardt said. "The underpinning is love  you can share something one more time."

According to Knox United Church minister Craig Miller, it has been a different experience at the church during COVID-19. The parish is accustomed to gathering for worship, fundraiser, dinners, educational opportunities and other events, and all of this was restricted during COVID-19.

These changes also affected funerals  initially, the end-of-life ceremonies were just unable to take place.

"It used to be that a funeral had to happen. People died at home and the funeral happened within a few days of the person dying and thats changed. We have a lot more options now, but people do tell me when there is a significant period of time between the death and some type of gathering  its like theyre carrying a heavy weight. They know that there is unfinished business to do," Miller said. "Once a funeral has happened, they feel like they can move on to take the next steps on the journey of grief.

"Its part of the process of healing."

These changes during COVID-19 added layers of loss for families. People were unable to be with a loved one if they were in a health centre prior to their death, or they had to designate one person so it became much more common for people to die without family or friends with them because of the regulations.

"One of the most important messages we say in the United Church tradition is we are not alone. Thats a statement of faith for us, and you experience that when you gather for a funeral or a celebration of life," Miller said. "We do that together, there is power in that."

These practices create a sacred space and are a very holy moment to say goodbye to a loved one, serving as a chance to send a loved one on the next phase of their journey  part of this practice is having the opportunity to share memories and stories in honour of the persons life.

There is something missing from the funeral process when people cannot gather and sit together with food and memories, he said. These gatherings offer comfort and being able to eat together, nurturing and healing each other in the midst of grief.

"Grief is tiring and we need to sustain ourselves and we do that together. As we sit down, as we eat together and as we raise a glass, sometimes well have a toast to the memory of the person that has died and it warms the heart, and its just another way of being connected," Miller said.

"We all grieve in our unique way. To be able to do that in the community is quite powerful ... I think it provides the support that you need to continue the journey of grief."

 ckemp@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @The_ChelseaKemp
Elwood Vint spent his 100th birthday strolling down memory lane, reliving his past in the Royal Canadian Air Force by visiting with pilots and aviation historians near the Brandon Municipal Airport.

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KYLE DARBYSON/THE BRANDON SUN Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum vice-president Art Brown tells Elwood Vint and his wife Audrey about one of the many aircraft restoration projects he and his volunteers are currently spearheading. Vint celebrated his 100th birthday on Friday by visiting the museum and the Brandon Flight Centre.

Elwood Vint spent his 100th birthday strolling down memory lane, reliving his past in the Royal Canadian Air Force by visiting with pilots and aviation historians near the Brandon Municipal Airport.

After finishing breakfast Friday morning, Vints family surprised him with a trip to the Brandon Flight Centre, where they all got to watch modern Dash 8s perform flyovers and touch-and-go maneuvers on the runway.

SUBMITTED Elwood Vint and his daughter Julie watch aircrafts take off from the Brandon Flight Centre around noon on Friday. Julie surprised her father with a visit to the flight centre to celebrate his 100th birthday and his career in the aviation industry.

The family followed that up with a tour of the nearby Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum, which specializes in documenting and restoring the kinds of aircraft that Vint worked on during the Second World War.

"He was overwhelmed. He was just so happy about it all," Vints daughters Julie said over the phone once the family returned to Victoria Landing Retirement Residence for the official birthday party.

"Just to talk to people in the museum who are so much a part of the RCAF  that was just a thrill for him."

Vint was born on Dec. 10, 1921, on a farm near Nesbitt, and grew up attending a one-room school that was located less than a kilometre away from home.

After spending some time in Sudbury, Ont. as a young man, Vint started taking flying lessons over Ramsey Lake and got to the point where he could operate an aircraft solo.

This experience encouraged Vint to travel to Vancouver in 1941, where he would take courses in aircraft construction and work for Boeing.

He then joined the service and was stationed at Comox airbase on Vancouver Island, serving in the RCAFs Bombing and Reconnaissance Squadron.

SUBMITTED Elwood Vint smiles alongside his wife Audrey during his 100th birthday party that took place at Victoria Landing Retirement Residence on Friday afternoon. Elwood and Audrey also celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary this past summer.

Following the war, Vint worked at the Avro plant in Toronto and witnessed the construction of the famous Avro Arrow.

"Hes fortunate he had a chance to work for so many different aircraft companies along the way, like Boeing, de Havilland and Avro," Julie said.

"Hes led a very interesting life, I have to say, and done many, many things in 100 years."

During his time in Toronto, Vint met his future wife Audrey, and the pair married in 1955.

The couple moved back to Vints home in Nesbitt to work on the farm full-time, while also running a television repair business.

The pair retired to Brandon in 2000, although Julie told the Sun that her parents are very self-reliant and only moved to Victoria Landing this fall.

While the family couldnt really celebrate Elwood and Audreys 66th wedding anniversary this past summer due to COVID-19 concerns, Julie said the provinces vaccine rollout allowed them to make her dads 100th birthday celebration a much more close-knit affair.

"It was just perfect timing," Julie said. "A little bit earlier and we wouldnt have been able to probably do anything like this  so hes very fortunate that it worked out like it did."

Outside of Julie, Vint has two other children, Clay and Craig, the latter of whom took over the family farm in Nesbitt.

 kdarbyson@brandonsun.com

 Twitter:@KyleDarbyson
Maddie Rey - This Christmas | Sundari PR

Off the cusp of her latest book release DWELL: Empowering The Next Generation To Live The Life God Intended (Church of Joy Publishing, 11/16), author, speaker and music artist Maddie Rey has unveiled a new music video for her latest single This Christmas, which premiered on New Release Today yesterday. The re-imagined version of the holiday classic is now available across all digital platforms.

I selected This Christmas as my first holiday single to express the joy and faith that I have leading up to Christmas. My desire is for others to have that same spirit heading into the holidays, expresses Maddie Rey. I believe that this Christmas -- 2021 -- will be a very special one for so many of us. No matter what weve gone through over the past 20-months, our God is still good. We must stand in faith, lift our eyes to Heaven, and be expectant for this holy season.



Produced by Atlanta music producer Kid Classic, the video was directed by Maddie Reys longtime video director Jordan Jones and shot at their in-house studio. Maddie Rey's vision was for the video to reflect the songs classic charm and simultaneously fun-loving spirit to help spread Christmas cheer in a season where the world desperately needs hope.

For the latest tour dates and updates on Maddie Rey, visit www.maddierey.com. Her products and merchandise are available at www.thedwellshop.com.
The countrys independent cinemas have launched a Twelve Days of Christmas campaign to pressure the federal government to release almost $10 million of COVID-19 support payments that was pledged earlier in the year.

Independent Cinemas Australia chief executive Adrianne Pecotic said she was shocked the government seemed likely to pocket unspent money from the $20 million SCREEN fund when it expired on Christmas Eve.

Daniel Craig and Ana de Armas in No Time To Die. Credit:MGM

For months now we have been telling the government that independent cinemas urgently need the full support promised back in March, she said. Since then, cinemas have been hit with the Delta variant, vaccine rollout delays, prolonged lockdowns and consequent disruptions to movie supplies.

The fund was set up to give grants of up to $85,000 to independent cinemas  those outside the major chains  that could demonstrate at least a 30 per cent downturn in revenue because of the pandemic.
Teachers are putting an incredible amount of work within school time and outside of school time, as they plan their lessons and look deeper into the learning needs of their students, Mr Rajendra said. This all contributes to a significant workload for all teachers, which has not been adequately addressed by the Department of Education in the form of release time or indeed, making the necessary adjustments to class sizes. In 2019, The Sun-Herald reported Ms Mitchell committed to trial an overhaul of the funding models for disability, to switch from a model based on medical diagnosis to using NCCD data, which records adjustments given in the classroom for children with additional needs, and functional assessment. The Disability Action Inclusion Program launched in July provided a commitment to implement this more widely across the NSW public system, with a new functional assessment tool developed by the end of this year and funding changes due by December next year. Functional assessment, which is the principle underpinning the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), means assessing the support needs of a person rather than using the diagnostic label to determine eligibility. If used in an educational setting, it should reduce the delay while families wait six to 12 months to see a paediatrician or psychologist for a diagnosis, a process that can involve several cognitive and psychometric assessments and cost up to $2000.

It should also reduce diagnosis shopping where families try to get a diagnosis that will attract funding, even though an incorrect diagnosis might mean inappropriate treatment. In 2019 The Sun-Herald reported one in five families whose children had ADHD had been encouraged by the school to instead obtain a diagnosis of autism to allow them to access funding for the student. ADHD as a standalone condition does not attract targeted funding. However, some disability advocates fear functional assessment could mean a replication of the controversial independent assessments now being rolled out across the NDIS system, which they say has led to people being assessed by non-specialists who dont know the client and have a vested interest in not spending money. Meanwhile, parents are stepping up to network with each other and push the schools harder on inclusive education from the grassroots. Nearly a dozen P&C sub-committees advocating for children with additional needs mostly in Sydney but as far afield as Cootamundra have sprung up in the past two years. Aine Healy, an organiser for the inclusive education P&C sub-committee at Marrickville Public School, said the sub-committees provided a forum for parents to connect with other families with similar experiences and collectively push schools to improve inclusion.

A lot of people think the P&C is just fundraising and certainly, thats part of most P&Cs, but its also to do other stuff as well, Ms Healy said. Loading The groups typically include parents of children with all types of disabilities and mental health problems, but also giftedness, and English as a second language. The members informally network through Facebook groups or WhatsApp channels and in-person social catch-ups, providing support and sharing information. Ms Healy said being part of the P&C provided a formal channel to communicate with the principal and guaranteed space on the agenda at the monthly meetings.

Statewide advocacy group Family Advocacy is now running workshops for families who want to start their own P&C sub-committees, working with people like Mark Hunyor who founded the inclusive education sub-committee at North Sydney Demonstration School in 2019. Mr Hunyor went to a P&C meeting to find out if there was a network he could join when his son, who is autistic and non-verbal started kindergarten, and the then-principal suggested he start one. Mr Hunyor said being a parent of a child with disabilities meant your life is so under the pump organising paediatrician appointments, therapy, medication and everything else, but he had found the P&C involvement was worth it. For example, hed been able to organise training so all the teachers could upskill. Sub-committees are an absolutely fantastic way not just to pull together as a voice, and have that feel-good feeling that hey Im not alone, he said. Schools with P&C sub-committees for inclusive education Marrickville Public School Marrickville West Public School Stanmore Public School Forest Lodge Public School Summer Hill Public School Alexandria Park Community School (K-12) North Sydney Demonstration School Gladesville Public School Allambie Heights Public School Cootamundra High School

In 2021, NSW mainstream public schools received $300.6 million in low level adjustment disability funding, which principals can use to pay for specialist teachers and resources to support students with disability, but is not tied to any individual student. There was also $270 million in integration support funding for more than 12,800 students, which is targeted funding for specific students with a confirmed diagnosis of disability. The director of inclusive education at the Department of Education, Louise Farrell, said the work of aligning NSW funding models with the NCCD and developing a functional assessment tool to be used in schools was well progressed and the department was consulting Ms Farrell said it was not practical to simply use the NCCD to allocate the funds without modification from the Department of Education, and consultation was needed with schools given some would gain funding and others would lose it. As new students come into kindergarten or change schools, they may not have been captured in that NCCD data ... so we need to consider a range of factors so that we make sure we have the best methodology thats going to support our schools and students, Ms Farrell said. The tool adds value to the work that schools do and allows them and supports them to work with parents and with students to really pinpoint and identify the support for students.
The first time most Australians noticed our plight was when Save Australia protesters marched on the Australian consulate in New York. Freedom fighters from across the ocean made us aware of a concentration camp in the desert and alerted us to the plight of Indigenous Australians being rounded up and forcefully vaccinated.

Australia is descending into dictatorship and concerned Americans know this must be stopped because if Australia falls, so will the United States. That, at least, is the narrative a group of American conspiracy theorists is spreading.

George Christensen appeared on Alex Jones show and urged people to protest outside Australian embassies. Credit:Fairfax Media

It might seem outlandish to most of us. But as with Russian fake news, which has roiled the past two US elections, we too often get caught up mocking the stories we read on social media when we should be asking ourselves who gains from seeding such mischief.

Wild conspiracies almost always start with a grain of truth and, in Australia, there are many grains for the conspiracy molluscs to make pearls of. There have been some questionable uses of emergency powers during the pandemic. Our borders have been shut even to returning residents. Australians seeking to leave the country have had to apply for permits, like mistrusted Soviet subjects begrudgingly granted a pass through the iron curtain.
BC: In NSW, I think what is often overlooked is police reform. We forced the royal commission into policing from our position in a hung parliament, and in government faithfully implemented all recommendations. We went from having a corruption-prone force, to having a corruption-resistant one. I also introduced the worlds first carbon trading scheme in January 2001. Im struck by how prescient we were. PF: And in foreign policy? BC: I am proud we reinforced a commitment to a two-state solution in the Middle East, by voting for the recognition of Palestine in the UN General Assembly. We showed that Australia could be a creative middle power. Sadly, having our own individual personality in foreign affairs has been completely lost. Somehow, a mad heresy has taken root in Canberra, that having an alliance with America means we can have no independent judgment. You cant even say client state. It goes beyond that. Weve got the status of Puerto Rico or Guam. Theres never an independent squeak out of us. The notion of us as a confident sovereign power has been lost. We have less respect from Washington as a result. We burn our relationship with China to prove our fealty to Washington, and America moves in and picks up our export market! Fitz: How much of a threat is China to Australia? BC: Chinas got some of the responses of an adolescent high on his own testosterone as it achieves the extraordinary goal of rising from poverty to become a  choose the language carefully  near-peer of the US. Nonetheless, our diplomacy has been thick as a brick. With Defence Minister Dutton running foreign affairs with weve gone out in front of every American ally and sometimes America itself in making flamboyant, hostile statements about China. Weve lost export markets and lost the opportunity for dialogue with the Chinese.

Fitz: On the subject of China, do you regret your links to billionaire property developer Huang Xiangmo via his start-up funding of the Australia-China Research Institute at UTS, as it has since been alleged he was an agent of Chinese influence? BC: The think tank at UTS that I headed was jointly launched by then foreign minister Julie Bishop and Huang Xiangmo. If thered been any evidence relevant to the question the foreign minister would not have been by his side. I was there, in a new academic role. Fitz: I was fascinated by a tweet you did in November. You said We must follow Singapore and legislate no medical or hospital expenses to be reimbursed to people who are not vaccinated without medical justification and then contract COVID. You ignored warnings and got the disease. You pay for your wilful stupidity, not us. Do you stand behind that? BC: Yes. And I speak for two categories. The overstressed frontline workers in our health system. They shouldnt have to look after simpletons who believe rubbish on the web, and ignore medical advice. Second, Australians with manageable conditions like diabetes or asthma who may face a life-or-death crisis from contracting COVID. They have rights too. PF: You will be accused by the nutters of being a fascist pushing medical apartheid, and threatened with facing a modern version of the Nuremberg trials. This is consistent with something that seems to be seeping into Australia from American: extreme-right nuttery. How dangerous is it and what can be done about it?

BC: Very dangerous. America started climate change denialism. It was picked up from American think tanks funded by the carbon lobby and let loose here by right-wing Coalition politicians. Weve seen extremists adopting postures devised by gun-toting QAnon warriors with their animal head-dress, threatening the breezy freedoms of Aussie life. Loading PF: What can be done about it, Bob? BC: It needs principled people on the conservative side of Australian politics to speak out, to stand up against it, as Malcolm Fraser did on racism, or as John Howard did on guns and say we want nothing to do with your noxious agenda. Stop this. This is Australia, full of funny friendly people who can boast a higher civic IQ. PF: Do you view Scott Morrison as one of those principled people?

BC: The challenge is in his court. PF: OK, what do you think of Scott Morrison duchessing Gladys to stand in Warringah, while attacking ICAC? BC: The Herald editorial said it all, consistent with the Heralds support for ICAC since its inception. Gladys faces serious matters, and ICAC must stand unimpeded as an integrity-enforcing institution. PF: Is it your view that Ms Berejiklian demonstrably lacked that integrity? BC: These arguments are before ICAC. Lets look to their report.

Fitz: Speaking of ICAC, what about disgraced Labor parliamentarian Eddie Obeid? Loading BC: I sacked Obeid from my cabinet because of a single remark he made that indicated he was a risk to honest government and this well in advance of allegations about Obeid to ICAC. (A brief interlude, as Helena Carr lovingly interrupts to make some brief arrangements to make sure her husband of the past half-century will be comfortable while in hospital.) Fitz: Last thing. Every year, without fail, you and Nick Greiner get ambushed on your doorsteps by media, and called to account for the hundreds of thousands of dollars you former premiers in general and you two in particular cost us. What are we getting for our money?

BC: Beyond the limitless charm of once youthfully enthusiastic  now maturely sagacious  political veterans, we offer a continuing commitment to public service helping good causes and mentoring lots of promising people on the way up. Lots more as well. Fitz: Go well. Thank you, and good luck with the operation. Joke of the Week One day, The Lord says to Adam, Ive got some good news and some bad news. Well, Adam replies, give me the good news first. The Lord explains, Ive got two new organs for you. One is called a brain. It will allow you to create new things, solve problems and have intelligent conversations with Eve. The other organ I have for you is called a penis. It will give you great physical pleasure and allow you to reproduce your now intelligent life-form and populate this planet. Eve will be very happy that you now have this organ to give her children. Adam, very excited, exclaims, These are great gifts you have given to me. What could possibly be the bad news after such great tidings? The Lord looks upon Adam and says with great sorrow, You will never be able to use these two gifts at the same time. Tweet of the Week We shall fight them on the beaches  Churchill

I will not be lectured on misogyny by that man  Gillard

I have a dream  MLK

Ask not what your country can do for you  JFK

You must do the thing you think you cannot do  Roosevelt

How good are utes?  Morrison

@MFWitches

Quotes of the Week [Teachers] deserve better representation than that of a union hell-bent on hanging students out to dry for political purposes. The NSW Teachers Federation is a union that actively fights any move to increase transparency in the school system and blocks initiatives to lift outcomes and support students. Families should not be punished by a protectionist racket focused solely on rewarding the federations longest-serving members whilst ignoring the needs of students.  NSW Education Minister Sarah Mitchell throws kero on the fire. I came into poetry as a teenager and believed it was going to be my vocation. I had a lot of passion and I read an immense amount of modern Australian poets. When I was a teenager I wanted to be an Australian poet, which I suppose I am.  Poet Adam Aitken, this years winner of the $15,000 Patrick White Award, which White established with the money he received for winning the 1973 Nobel Prize for Literature. US diplomatic or official representation would treat these games as business as usual in the face of the PRCs egregious human rights abuses and atrocities in Xinjiang, and we simply cant do that. We have a fundamental commitment to promoting human rights. And we feel strongly in our position and we will continue to take actions to advance human rights in China and beyond.  White House press secretary Jen Psaki announcing that the US will stage a diplomatic boycott of the upcoming Winter Olympics in Beijing to protest against Chinese human rights abuses. A potential defect was identified in the weld of a secondary support structure inside a hull void of the Emerald Class vessel Balmoral during a routine inspection. [A] surveyor report confirmed a number of welding defects that are minor, isolated, and do not compromise the overall structural integrity of the vessel. Such welding defects are not uncommon and will not impact the Balmorals operation.  A Transdev spokeswoman saying that a number of cracks have been discovered in the hull of one Sydneys new Manly ferries, with an independent report identifying several welding defects on the vessel.

[It was] extraordinary and wrong of Scott Morrison and senior government ministers to be really undermining and calling into question the work of very important bodies like the NSW ICAC.  Federal independent MP Zali Steggall. You have all these hopes and aspirations of how your life is going to look, but one day, you wake up and youre in your 40s with a great career, but no partner to have a child with. All I have ever wanted to do was nurture and guide a child in the world. I didnt want to give up on that dream because Ive got so much love to give.  Shaun Resnik, 44, believed to be the first single man in Victoria to be given official approval by the state government to have a biological child under the states surrogacy laws. His baby boy is due in mid-April. With that magnificent attitude on display, betcha he has a partner by Chrissie next year! The ICAC has clearly made up its mind, everyone knows what its going to say. The main question is does she really want to throw her life back into politics after a massive five years [as premier]. What does she want for this next chapter?  A Liberal Party source happy to have Gladys Berejiklian. The answer came on Friday: she was not interested. Unvaccinated people are basically the cannon fodder of the virus. The virus needs people to infect in order to replicate and the more people it has that are vulnerable or susceptible to infection, the more likely it will mutate.  Michael Saag, a professor of medicine and infectious diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, to The Guardian: In June last year, while commenting on the COVID-19 pandemic, the escalation of new infections in Victoria, and various public health measures, I incorrectly linked the South Sudanese community to a cluster of cases that had developed following an end-of-Ramadan dinner in Melbournes northern suburbs. This was factually wrong, and I again deeply regret the error. On the basis of that error, I made various other statements that I accept have caused genuine hurt and offence to South Sudanese community members. It was not my intention.  Peta Credlin apologises.
London: The birth of Boris Johnsons seventh child this week could not have come at a better moment.

The baby girl arrived amid a torrent of disastrous headlines about a Christmas party held at Downing Street at the height of last years coronavirus lockdown. Her birth buys the British Prime Minister a few days to regroup  something he must do if he is to survive the fallout from the yuletide festivities scandal.

Boris Johnson. Credit:AP

Johnson had said there had been no party, but leaked footage shot four days after the event showed Number 10 staff laughing during a mock press conference about the indefensible gathering.

To understand the fury this episode has triggered  and why this alone has the power to turn the country against a seemingly Teflon-coated Prime Minister  requires a look back in time.
The UAE-based retail giant on Saturday announced it will invest Rs 2,000 crore to develop a shopping mall near Ahmedabad in as part of its plans to expand business in India.

The company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the government, it said in a statement.

The already has three operational malls in India and will open two more mall in the country by March next year.

"The will invest Rs 2,000 crore in the state of to set up a modern shopping mall," the company said.

The investment was announced during a meeting between Bhupendra Patel, Chief Minister of Gujarat, and Lulu group Chairman and Managing Director Yusuff Ali MA in Dubai.

The Gujarat Chief Minister is on an official visit to promote the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit (VGGS) and attract foreign direct investment (FDI) into the state.

According to the MOU, the group will set up a shopping mall between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar which will create employment to more than 5,000 people. The construction is expected to start by first quarter of 2022 and completed in 30 months.

"Government of Gujarat will facilitate Lulu Group with all necessary assistance and clearances and also depute a senior IAS official to follow up the procedures," the statement said.

Apart from this, the Lulu Group will also set up food processing and logistics centres in Baroda and Surat for exports in the second phase of investment in the state.

"I welcome Ali's promise to invest in Gujarat. The government will make every effort to ensure that land and any other assistance is provided to the group so that they can begin work," said the chief minister.

On the investment plan, Yusuff Ali MA said: "Gujarat holds a very special place in my heart, this is where I first learnt the basics of business as my father had family business in Ahmedabad. So I feel very excited to invest in Gujarat and hope we can expand further in this Vibrant state."



Lulu currently operates more than 220 hypermarkets and shopping malls in the Middle East, Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia and India. The group employs more than 57,000 people globally.

Lulu hypermarkets and department stores have a 32 per cent share of the retail market in Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

In India, the Lulu group opened its third shopping mall at Bengaluru in October this year.

In an interview with PTI, Ali had said that the company had committed an investment of around Rs 4,500 crore for the development of five shopping malls in India in the first phase of expansion in the country. Out of the five, the three malls have already become operational at Kochi, Thrissur and Bengaluru.

The "Global Mall" at Rajajinagar in Bengaluru, comprising 8 lakh square feet, is not owned by the Lulu group but it will manage and operate the property.

The Lulu group on Saturday said that its latest mall at Kerala's capital Thiruvananthapuram will be opened next week while Lucknow Lulu Mall is expected to be open for shopping by March 2022.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A 35-year-old man, with travel history to Zimbabwe and South Africa, has tested positive for Omicron, becoming the second patient in of the new COVID-19 variant, sources said on Saturday.

He is admitted at the LNJP Hospital and only has weakness, they added.

He returned to India from Zimbabwe and had even travelled to South Africa, the sources said, adding that he is fully vaccinated.

The LNJP Hospital has been designated for treatment of patients infected with the new variant of the

On Sunday, a 37-year-old fully vaccinated man who arrived in from Tanzania, became the first patient of in the national capital.

The patient, a resident of Ranchi, had travelled from Tanzania to Doha and from there to on a Qatar Airways flight on December 2.

He stayed in Johannesburg, South Africa, for a week. The person has mild symptoms.

(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.)
Ever since South Africa announced on November 25, 2021 that it had detected the new, highly mutated B.1.1.529 variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes Covid-19, public health institutions have underscored the importance of vaccination to combat the new variant.

In India, nearly 38% of the total population is fully immunised and 60% have received at least one dose of the vaccination by December 10, 2021. But in this continent-sized country with a population currently greater than that of the entire African continent, vaccine inequities are stark--districts within the same state have a vast gap between their vaccination levels, and rural areas, women and Adivasis lag, an IndiaSpend analysis has found.

In November 2021, our assessment of vaccination data in 700 districts had uncovered geographical and gender imbalances in India's Covid-19 vaccination programme. On November 3, the central government announced the Har Ghar Dastak programme, to focus on vaccinating those who were yet to take the first dose and those due for the second dose, including by vaccinating them at their homes. One month on, there had been a 5.9% increase in first dose coverage and an 11.7% increase in second dose coverage during the campaign, the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MoHFW) said on December 2.

With the variant now identified in Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Delhi and Rajasthan, we took a fresh, district-level look at India's vaccination progress, and found the same inequities persist. People in the wealthier, urban districts are more protected than their counterparts in poorer, more rural districts. The need for vaccination is more pressing in rural areas, where access to health facilities is poorer, public health experts told us.

Every expert IndiaSpend spoke to stressed the importance of vaccinating as many people as possible in light of the looming threat from Some suggested that India begin administering booster doses to vulnerable groups, such as workers, the elderly and those with comorbidities. Others said India's focus must remain on maximising primary vaccination.

disease severity and immunity evasion

68% of Indians had Covid-19 antibodies from the Delta and earlier variants of Covid-19, per MoHFW's fourth nationwide serosurvey, conducted from June 14 to July 6, 2021, and released in July 2021. A large proportion should also have Covid-19 antibodies from vaccines; 11 months since its vaccination programme began, India has fully immunised over 50% of its eligible population and 85% had received at least one dose, per union health minister Mansukh Mandaviya.

Citing the serosurvey findings and India's immunisation levels by December 2021, the MoHFW on December 3 said the severity of the disease from Omicron is anticipated to be low in India, though further evidence is awaited.

"Based on data from South Africa, it seems that the Intensive Care Unit utilisation rate for the Omicron variant is lower at this point than it was for the Delta variant at a similar point. However, this could be because those infected are the young and healthy, or because the vast majority in South Africa have immunity from a previous infection, and some due to vaccination. We do not know what the situation will be when the virus infects older or less healthy people. So it is too early to say that the Omicron variant is less virulent than the Delta variant, or that disease severity will be lower in elderly individuals or unvaccinated individuals," Swapneil Parikh, internal medicine specialist and author of The Coronavirus: What You Need To Know About The Global Pandemic, told IndiaSpend.

"We do not know if the new strain causes more or less severe disease than the Delta variant, so it would be remiss to make claims about severity right now. We do not want people either panicking or becoming complacent about the disease," Ambarish Dutta, an epidemiologist at the Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI), told IndiaSpend."

Public health experts and vaccine-makers have also expressed concerns about the highly mutated Omicron variant's ability to evade immunity from vaccination and from prior infection by earlier variants. But countries should not wait for evidence on Omicron's transmissibility, immune escape potential and the severity of disease it causes and immediately increase vaccination coverage in those most at risk, the WHO said on December 8. The Har Ghar Dastak programme must redouble efforts to prioritise Adivasis and women for vaccination and expand vaccination efforts in rural districts, which were as affected by Covid-19 as urban India in the second wave, our analysis suggests, and experts confirmed.

Inter-state vaccine inequity

Thirteen states and UTs lag the countrywide average of persons fully vaccinated; 12 lag in terms of giving at least one dose to their total population. On both metrics, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Maharashtra, Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh have to catch up with the rest of the country. Our analysis is based on the total population of districts.

Some states will find it harder than others to close these gaps, say public health experts. "There are districts in Punjab and Maharashtra with low first dose coverage, so there are blind spots in each states' drives. But the literacy rates and awareness about diseases in Bihar and Jharkhand is very poor, so [unwell] people present themselves to doctors much later. In addition, the villages are remote and there are issues of last-mile connectivity in Bihar and Jharkhand. There is a mega vaccination drive underway, and they are trying to get these districts to catch up. But it will be easier for poorly performing districts in Maharashtra to catch up with the country than for districts in Bihar and Jharkhand," said PHFI's Dutta.

Persistent urban-rural divide

The urban-rural gap in vaccination coverage, which was 10 percentage points by late October, remained the same, as of December 5, though some states have slightly reduced this gap. Of 700 districts, 312 exceed the countrywide average of 58% of the total population receiving at least one Covid-19 vaccine dose, and for which socio-economic profile data are available, 38% are urban districts, though their overall share in the 700 districts is 26%.

By late October, among larger states, there were more than 10 percentage point gaps between average vaccinations in urban and rural districts within larger states like West Bengal, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Telangana, Punjab and Jharkhand. By early December, only Jharkhand among these states had reduced its urban-rural gap in vaccination coverage to a single digit, though its overall coverage remained far behind.

Tamil Nadu has joined Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan among large states with no or negligible urban-rural gaps in vaccination coverage. Kerala remains unique among large states in covering more people in rural districts compared to urban districts, both in terms of partial or full immunisation against Covid-19.

Urban-rural vaccination gaps seen in some northeastern states in late October remain stark. The 29 percentage point gap between people administered at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine between Nagaland's urban and rural districts persists. The gap between Manipur's five urban and eight rural districts has reduced only slightly, to 24 percentage points from the 26 seen in late October. In Mizoram, the 19 percentage point gap between six urban and two rural districts in late October had reduced to 15 points in early December.

The urban-rural gap underscores the large percentage point gaps in coverage between most and least vaccinated districts within states. Since late October, only 11 of the 29 states and UTs included in our analysis which have more than two districts, have reduced this gap, even if slightly. In the rest, the gap has remained the same, or worsened. Except for Andhra Pradesh, there are large coverage inequities between districts in all other states and UTs.

Covid-19 spread deep into rural India in the second wave, data show. Mizoram had seen four times and Manipur 1.6 times the average Covid-19 cases per million population for India, by December 7, 2021. Arunachal Pradesh, with 10 districts in the 50 least covered with at least one dose, had 1.2 times more Covid-19 cases per million population than the Indian average.

"People in the northeast believed that they would never get the disease, so when they did, they were caught by surprise. The government acted swiftly by setting up makeshift hospitals, etc., but there was a shortage of medicines. The northeast does not get attention in the media, so this was not covered," Nilanju Datta, a project consultant with the women's rights group North East Network (NEN) in Assam, told IndiaSpend.

Poorer, Tribal-Dominated Districts Among Least Vaccinated

In November, we had reported that India's most vaccinated district, Mahe in Puducherry, has given at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine to more than its total usual resident population (including non-residents such as migrant workers), recording 108% coverage. A month later, Mahe is in third place behind South Delhi, now India's most vaccinated district, having administered at least one dose to 112% of its usual resident population.

The least-vaccinated district, Kurung Kumey in Arunachal Pradesh, had covered only 11% of its population by November. Kurung Kumey remained in last place by December, having covered only 12% with at least one dose.

In terms of fully vaccinated persons, Mahe still leads at 97%. Kurung Kumey is in last place even on this metric, having fully vaccinated just 8%. Urban districts like Mahe and South Delhi dominate the upper-end of the vaccine coverage rankings; tribal-dominated districts like Kurung Kumey fill the least-vaccinated end of the spectrum.

India's wealthier, more urban districts rank higher both in terms of fully vaccinating their population and in administering at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine. To categorise districts as poor, we used Niti Aayog's assessment of the proportion of population in 641 of India's 736 districts that are multi-dimensionally poor. This assessment incorporates levels of deprivation in health, education and living standards when measuring poverty, and not just income.

In the 25 districts with the highest fully vaccinated population, the proportion of the poor population is lower than the India average of 17.65%. Conversely, the 25 districts with the lowest fully vaccinated population, except for Mansa in Punjab, have larger multi-dimensionally poor populations than the India average. Of these 25, 19 are tribal-dominated, or have larger than average Scheduled Tribe populations. Three are in Telangana.

The picture is similar for districts ranked by at least one Covid-19 vaccine dose. More people in India's wealthier state capitals and big cities are protected with at least one dose than their counterparts in the tribal-dominated districts of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram.

The districts of Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh which feature in the bottom 25, are also tribal-dominated. Every district in the bottom 25, except Meghalaya's South Garo Hills, has a multi-dimensionally poor population higher than the Indian average, per the Niti Aayog rankings.

There were 29 districts with less than 50% of their eligible population covered with at least one dose, the MoHFW told Parliament on December 3. Most of the districts in the bottom 25 of IndiaSpend's rankings also feature in the MoHFW's list, which also has mostly tribal-dominated districts in the North East.

As recent official, age-wise district-level population data are not publicly available with the decennial census delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, IndiaSpend has asked the MoHFW for the district-level population data it has used to calculate vaccination coverage. We will update the article when they respond.

IndiaSpend has also asked the state governments of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Maharashtra for reasons behind lower vaccination coverage in some districts and the steps being taken to increase vaccine uptake in these areas, with the Omicron variant now in India. We will update the article when they respond.

Women lag men in many districts with better vaccination coverage

India's vaccination sex ratio at 949 females receiving a dose for every 1,000 males, is below India's normal sex ratio of 1,020, but close to 952, the average sex ratio at birth of any population. Only 14 of 36 states and UTs have a better vaccination sex ratio than India's, led by the southern region.

Outside the south, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, Odisha and Chhattisgarh are among large states that have performed better in ensuring vaccination of women. Maharashtra, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Delhi are among the worst performers on this metric.

Of the 700 districts in our analysis, 318 (45%) have equal or greater than the countrywide average of 58% of the total population covered with at least one vaccine dose. Among these 318 districts, 149 (47%) have a vaccine sex ratio worse than India's average.

As in November, we found that women are behind men by substantial margins in some of India's biggest urban districts: Delhi, Mumbai, major cities of Gujarat, Punjab and Haryana.

Public health experts had told us in November that the vaccination program needs to be taken to women's doorsteps. IndiaSpend has asked the ministries for women and child development and health and family welfare for reasons for lower vaccination coverage of women compared to men in several states, and for details of steps being taken to increase vaccine uptake among women, with the Omicron variant now in India. We will update the article when they respond.

Address vaccine hesitancy, incentivise vaccination

The government has to work on last-mile delivery, public health experts said. The central government's Har Ghar Dastak program is a good effort in this direction, they added.

"Supply of Covid-19 vaccines is not a constraint at the moment, but we do have to consider issues of last-mile connectivity," said PHFI's Dutta. "There are enough vaccines to cover the entire adult population of the country. We need to ensure that the supply reaches all areas while also improving demand in areas with low uptake. This can be done by giving positive incentives like cash to people to get vaccinated and negative incentives like requiring vaccination for entry to public spaces or gatherings. We should also improve communication, awareness and community engagement," said Parikh.

States and UTs had Covid-19 vaccine supplies totalling nearly a quarter of a billion doses as of November 29, the MoHFW informed Parliament on December 3.

Women's health activists working on the ground in north-eastern states told us that past issues of supply of vaccines have been resolved, and attributed the low vaccine uptake in some districts in these states partly to vaccine hesitancy.

"Speaking from the context of Nagaland, I can say that the low uptake of vaccines is due to several reasons. One is religious beliefs that people hold on to. Unfounded rumours have been going around that vaccination is the mark of the devil. Many believe that if one has strong faith in God, then we will be protected by God," Wekoweu Tsuhah of the North East Network who works in Phek district, Nagaland told IndiaSpend.

"When the state government began an aggressive campaign for mandatory vaccination, starting with government employees, with conditions like holding back salaries if they are not vaccinated or coming to office without an RT-PCR test etc, there was a backlash. People started believing conspiracy theories about Covid-19. Many people I have interacted with have said that they got vaccinated not because they believe in the efficacy of vaccines, but because it has become necessary for carrying out activities, especially travel," said Tsuhah.

"Initially, there was a shortage of vaccines, and some of the primary and community health centres were not functional or did not have personnel manning them, but the government took efforts to remedy this," said NEN's Datta. "In Assam, in the communities that we work with, there was a rumour that if you take the vaccine, you will die in two years. Given the lack of trust, the ASHA workers approached our community mobilisers to organise health camps. I know that in Dhemaji and Darrang districts, it took a lot of convincing to get the women to take the vaccine," she said.

IndiaSpend has asked the ministries for tribal affairs and health for reasons for lower vaccination coverage in tribal-dominated areas and for details of steps such as door-to-door vaccination being taken to increase vaccine uptake in these areas, with the Omicron variant now in India. We will update the article when they respond.

Vaccine inequity can give rise to new variants, say experts

Concerns on Omicron's ability to evade previous immunity have led to a renewed focus in countries including the United States, United Kingdom and the European Union on vaccination booster dose programs, in response to Omicron. After Omicron cases were found in India, calls for booster doses have emerged in India too.

Reduced protection in vaccinated persons against infection and mild disease with Omicron, however, does not necessarily mean reduced protection against severe illness and death, other experts have said. The WHO on December 9 reportedly said it was more important to vaccinate people with first and second doses, and broad-based administration of booster doses risked exacerbating inequities in vaccine access.

Given the inequities in India's vaccination coverage, the focus must remain on full vaccination, said PHFI's Dutta. India's government aims to fully vaccinate all adults by December 2021. "The new [Omicron] strain is more infectious. The priority should be to vaccinate as many adults as possible before December 31 because this will protect the vulnerable. Once we have covered the adult population, we can give booster doses to the elderly and the immunocompromised," he said. "If the virus spreads very fast in districts [where vaccination coverage is low], we can expect mutations and newer variants. Therefore we need to get as many people vaccinated as quickly as possible," said Dutta.

"Of course, we should maximise two-dose coverage, but a third dose for an 85-year-old or immune-compromised individual may reduce their risk of death due to Covid-19 by a greater amount than a second dose for an 18-year-old who has already had Covid-19," said Parikh. "Variants can emerge when there are long term infections in immunocompromised individuals in remote areas, where people have little access to facilities. It's in our interest to ensure vaccination in all areas; it's also the right thing to do.".
New [India], December 11 (ANI): The Zimbabwe returnee, who tested positive for Omicron variant on Saturday, is asymptomatic and only complains of weakness, said sources in the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital here.

The number of Omicron infected cases in rose to two after a passenger arriving from Zimbabwe tested positive on Saturday.

In the results of the genome sequencing report of 10 samples that arrived this morning, a 35-year-old man was found to be Omicron positive. He had returned to from Zimbabwe and his travel history also includes South Africa.

Earlier, on December 5, the first case of Omicron was reported in the national capital when the genome sequencing report of a patient who had landed in the city from Tanzania was found positive.

Delhi's Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital has a dedicated facility for treating Omicron patients.

According to hospital sources, "A total of 46 Omicron suspected patients have been admitted in LNJP so far. Out of these, 8 patients have been discharged and a total of 38 patients are still admitted here. Out of the 38 people admitted, 25 are COVID positive patients and two are Omicron positive."

Sources further revealed that genome sequencing reports of 27 out of 38 passengers have been received, of which two tested positive while 25 tested negative.

"The Zimbabwe returnee who tested Omicron positive today has taken both doses of the vaccine and has no symptoms of the virus and only complains of weakness," sources said.

As per information shared by sources, one of the suspected Omicron patients include a woman who came in close contact of the Omicron-positive patient in Rajasthan and then returned to Delhi, breaking her quarantine period. She was admitted to LNJP on Friday.

States including Delhi, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Gujarat have reported cases of the new COVID-19 variant with the total number of Omicron cases in the country going up to 33.

On November 26, the WHO named the new COVID-19 variant B.1.1.529, which has been detected in South Africa, as 'Omicron'.

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A third booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine provides 70-75 per cent protection against symptomatic infection from the Omicron variant, the Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said on Friday.

In its latest technical briefing, the agency said that two doses of both the Oxford/AstraZeneca - administered in India as Covishield - and Pfizer/BioNtech vaccines provide "much lower levels" of protection against symptomatic infection compared to the currently dominant Delta variant of COVID-19.

However, a third top-up dose does seem to boost immunity against the new variant, based on an analysis of data from 581 Omicron cases.

"It is projected that if current trends continue unchanged, the will exceed one million infections by the end of this month," the UKHSA said.

"The preliminary data showed effectiveness against the new variant appears to increase considerably in the early period after a booster dose, providing around 70-75 per cent protection against symptomatic infection. Due to the early nature of the findings, all estimates are subject to significant uncertainty and are subject to change," it said.

The health experts reiterated that vaccines were still likely to offer good protection against severe COVID, which required hospital treatment.

Dr Mary Ramsay, Head of Immunisation at the UKHSA, said: "These early estimates should be treated with caution but they indicate that a few months after the second jab, there is a greater risk of catching the Omicron variant compared to Delta strain.

"We expect the vaccines to show higher protection against the serious complications of COVID-19, so if you haven't yet had your first two doses please book an appointment straight away."



She highlighted the current guidance of working from home where possible, consistently wearing masks in crowded or enclosed spaces, washing your hands regularly and isolating and getting tested if you feel unwell as vitally important in reducing the impact of COVID-19.

The scientific analysis is released as the recorded another day of high daily infections at 58,194 on Friday.

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The (ED) is investigating the "acquisition" of some foreign assets, including a bar-cum-restaurant in Abu Dhabi, by Popular Front of India (PFI) leaders after the seizure of some documents in recent raids against its members in as part of a money laundering case, the agency said on Saturday.

The raids were carried out on December 8 at the residences of Shafeeque Payeth, a member of PFI and its linked outfit SDPI at Peringathur in Kannur; Abdul Razak BP, a PFI divisional president of Perumpadappu, Malappuram; Ashraf M K alias Tamar Ashraf/Ashraf Khader, a PFI leader based in Muvattupuzah, Ernakulam; and the office premises of Munnar villa vista project at Mankulam in Munnar, the ED said in a statement.

It said the PFI attempted to "disrupt the search operations" but the agency officials assisted by CRPF personnel seized "incriminating documents, digital devices and evidences related to foreign funding and acquisition of properties abroad."



The Police had also said on the day of the searches that it registered a case against some PFI activists for allegedly trying to create trouble during the ED raids in Muvattupuzha.

The ED stated in the statement that the seized documents "indicate about the money laundering activities of PFI through various projects in including the Munnar villa vista project which is being built by the PFI leaders to launder proceeds of crime generated in India and abroad."



"Acquisition of foreign properties by PFI leaders, including a bar and restaurant in Abu Dhabi, has come to the notice of the Directorate (ED), which is under investigation," it said.

PFI general secretary Anis Ahmed, on the day of the raids, had issued a video message claiming the ED action was aimed at "harassing" them and the organisation will fight this through "legal and democratic means".

The ED has carried out similar raids against the PFI in the past too.

The Islamic organisation was formed in 2006 in Kerala and is headquartered in Delhi.

The central probe agency has been investigating the PFI's alleged "financial links" on charges of fuelling the anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Act protests in the country, the riots in Delhi that took place in February last year and a few other instances.

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One of the armys most potent fire support systems, the Pinaka Extended Range (Pinaka-ER) Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS), was successfully tested with rockets built by the private sector, announced the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Saturday.

The Pinaka MLRS has been successfully developed by two laboratories in Pune  Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE) and High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL)  in partnership with two private sector firms, L&T and Tata Power Company Ltd (TPCL).

After validating the Pinaka MLRSs performance, the transferred the technology to manufacture its rocket ammunition to a Nagpur-based industry partner called Economic Explosives.

Over the last three days, the and the army have carried out a series of successful performance trials of the rockets manufactured by Economic Explosives. In these trials, enhanced range Pinaka rockets were test fired at different ranges with various warhead capabilities. All the trial objectives were met satisfactorily, stated the DRDO on Saturday.

24 rockets were fired for different ranges and warhead capabilities to meet the objectives of accuracy and consistency. With this, the initial phase of technology absorption of Pinaka-ER has successfully been completed making the industry partner ready for series production of the rocket system, announced the DRDO.

The efficacy of the Pinaka MLRS was first demonstrated during the Kargil War in 1999, when the system, still under development, caused havoc when fired at Pakistani infiltrators positions.

A Pinaka regiment consists of 18 multi-barrelled launchers, each with 12 launcher tubes. These 216 tubes can bring down on the target seven tonnes of high explosive in just 44 seconds, catching enemy troops in the open without giving them time to take cover.

Earlier, the army fielded the Pinaka Mark I, with a range of 37.5 kilometres and limited accuracy of about 500 metres. In 2016, the army asked the DRDO to provide a guidance kit to each individual rocket. ARDE took up the Enhanced Pinaka project, which has made the Pinaka a world-class rocket.

The Enhanced Pinaka has demonstrated a range of 75 km and an ability to strike within 10 metres of where it is aimed, allowing the army to destroy a terrorist camp, or an enemy post, logistics dump or headquarters, without needing to send soldiers across the border.

Two private industry partners  L&T and TPCL  built the armys first two Pinaka regiments from 2006-10. In 2016, the MoD contracted for the armys third and fourth regiments. In August 2020, a third order was placed for six regiments, which will raise the armys Pinaka inventory to 10 units. These will be equipped with the Pinaka-ER rockets that are now being tested.

These 10 regiments will be followed by 12 units of the longer-range Pinaka Mark II MLRS, for which the defence ministry signed a Rs 2,580 crore contract in August 2020.

The DRDO briefed Business Standard on a visit to ARDE Pune in March 2020: The Pinaka II rockets will be fitted with high-tech, inertial navigation systems, which guide each rocket individually to the target. An on-board computer calculates the rockets flight path, and, every 20 microseconds, the launcher vehicle sends a path correction message through a radio link. Based on that instruction, the rocket corrects its flight path with thrust vectors, i.e. gases coming out from the propulsion system through nozzles.
After the farmers received a formal letter from the Centre agreeing to their pending demands on Thursday, farmers at the Singhu border expressed their happiness and prepare to return to their homes after calling off their protest against the farm laws.

Speaking to ANI, Manpreet Singh, Executive Member of Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) Punjab said, "We have won this battle after the struggles of a year-long protest. We are happy that the Central government has agreed to fulfil our pending demands. We are doing packing here and will return to our homes at 9 am on December 11."

"However, we will not celebrate the victory because our CDS Bipin Rawat has lost his life in Tamil Nadu helicopter crash," he said.

Meanwhile, Harvinder Singh, General Secretary of BKU expressed grief over the death of all those 700 farmers who lost their lives in this year-long protest.

"We are disappointed that our 700 farmers died during this protest. The Centre has not said anything for them. When any higher rank official loses his life, the government gives special treatment to them. But it did not happen in the case of farmers. I want this kind of treatment should also be given to all 700 deceased farmers," Harvinder said.

Further, Harvinder said that the farmers did not become hurdles to the travellers passing by.

"We never created any problem or stopped travellers passing by. Traffic was moving as usual. The traffic was disturbed only when Andolan took place. I hope that the Centre will take care of farmers in future as well," he added.

Gurvinder Kaur, mother of a protester at Singhu border said, "My son has been protesting here since the beginning of this agitation. We are happy that we won this battle after a lot of struggle. The Central government has taken a good decision."

Farmers, who have been protesting against the three farm laws on different borders of Delhi since November 26 last year, announced on Wednesday that they are suspending their year-long agitation and would vacate the protest sites on December 11.

"As far as the matter of compensation is concerned, UP and Haryana have given in-principle consent," it read.

While addressing a press conference, farmer leader Gurnam Singh Charuni said, "We have decided to suspend our agitation. We will hold a review meeting on Jan 15. If the government does not fulfil its promises, we could resume our agitation."

"Protesting farmers will vacate the protest sites on December 11," another farmers' leader Darshan Pal Singh said.

Earlier on November 29, Both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha passed the Farm Laws Repeal Bill on the first day of the winter session of Parliament.

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The condition of Group Captain Varun Singh, the lone survivor of the Indian Air Force (IAF) chopper crash that resulted in the death of Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, his wife and 11 others in Tamil Nadu, continued to be critical but stable, informed IAF Officials.

Earlier on Thursday, he was shifted to Air Force Command hospital in Bengaluru from Wellington's Military Hospital for further treatment.

The Group Captain was recently conferred with the Shaurya Chakra by President Ram Nath Kovind for his act of exceptional gallantry.

Thirteen of the 14 people on board the Mi-17V5 helicopter, including India's first chief of defence staff (CDS), his wife Madhulika Rawat were among those killed after it crashed on December 8.

Those who died in the crash include Chief of Defence Staff General Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat, his Defence Adviser Brigadier Lakhbinder Singh Lidder, Staff Officer Lieutenant Colonel Harjinder Singh and nine other Armed Forces personnel including the Air Force helicopter crew.

On Friday, the bodies of General Rawat his wife and his defence assistant Brigadier LS Lidder were cremated with full military honours in the Brar Square crematorium in the capital.

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In view of the threat posed by the new Omicron variant of COVID-19, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs has recommended that the in coordination with the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) and National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 (NEGVAC) should assess the need for booster doses in India.

This recommendation was made in the 236th report on "Action Taken by Government on the Recommendations/ Observations contained in the 229th reeport on the "Management of COVID-19 Pandemic and Related Issues" laid down by the Committee headed by Rajya Sabha MP Anand Sharma in parliament on Friday.

"The Committee would like to know whether any research has been conducted by ICMR and other concerned institutions regarding the efficacy of the vaccines that are being given or administered in the country against various variants," said the committee in the report.

In the report, the committee has also cautioned the centre against the unpredictable nature and virulence of the COVID-19 pandemic and has recommended that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) advise the states not to scale down completely the infrastructure built up to tackle the pandemic like testing facility, ICU beds and medical oxygen etc. "They should be kept in a dormant state so that they can be reactivated to deal with the subsequent wave of the Pandemic that might come up," the committee said.

"The Committee recommends that the MHA may take up with the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare assessment of the requirement and preparedness for possible third wave particularly in terms of availability of liquid medical oxygen, oxygen concentrators, life-saving medicines, beds, ventilators, etc," said the committee in the report.

The committee also recommends the Centre to strengthen tele-consultations for capacity building and training of health professionals and Tele-Medicine for treatment of patients especially in periurban, rural and remote areas as also patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The Committee notes various interventions to be made under PM Atma Nirbhar Swasth Bharat Yojana with an outlay of about Rs. 64,180 crores over 6 years and 'India COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness Package: Phase-II' for the period July, 21 to March, 2022 with an approved amount of Rs 23,123 crores. The Committee recommends to assess the requirement of health professionals including nursing staff and allied workforce and take steps on priority to recruit them for catering to the establishment of Health and Wellness Centres, integrated public health labs, critical care hospital blocks, etc. The Committee furtherrecommends that the MHA may take up with the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoH & FW) to coordinate regularly with States/UTs for timely completion of the components of the above-mentioned Yojana/Package to ramp up health infrastructure," the committee said.

The Committee has also recommended that the MHA may take up with the to issue guidelines on fixation of price ceilings for hospital beds during pandemics like COVID-19 and other public health emergencies and due publicity be given to such prices.

"A monitoring mechanism may be created to put a check on black marketing of essential life-saving drugs and selling of hospital beds above ceiling price," added the committee.

The committee has taken note of the fact that an environment of fear among the masses could be created due to varying views of various medical experts and epidemiologists regarding a possible third wave. "Therefore, the Committee recommends that the MHA/ Ministry of Health & Family Welfare should release authorized/ official bulletins on COVID-19 matters through the various news/media in order to avoid panic among people," recommends the committee.

In order to tackle the digital divide that has surfaced due to mostly-online nature of education during the COVID-19 pandemic, the committee has recommended ensuring the availability of high-speed internet connectivity, TV sets/large screens, computers, with other digital equipment along with regular and uninterrupted power supply especially during working hours in all schools across the country.

"The Committee recommends aggressive and continuous publicity for the educational programmes being aired on Doordarshan and on satellite TV to create awareness amongst general public. The Committee also recommends to revise the current one-time installation cost of Rs.1500 to 2000 for DD Free Dish reception system to watch subject-based SWAYAM PRABHA DTH Channels in order to make it affordable for the economically weaker and marginalised students. Doordarshan Free Dish and adequate number of TV screens may also be placed in the schools, community halls, etc, in all villages, small towns etc, by including this in their curriculum during normal/regular studies as well," said the committee.

The committee has also recommended that the Ministry of Labour and Employment work with other states and union territories to register unorganised/migrant workers on the e-Shram Portal so that a comprehensive National Database of Unorganized Workers (NDUW) is created at the earliest to extend the benefits of various government schemes to these workers.

Meanwhile, 32 Omicron cases have been reported in the country.

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India on Saturday successfully flight tested the indigenously designed and developed helicopter launched Stand-Off Anti-Tank (SANT) missile from Pokhran ranges, an official said.

The flight test was jointly carried out by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and Indian Air Force (IAF).

The flight-test was successful in meeting all its mission objectives. The release mechanism, advanced guidance and tracking algorithms, all avionics with integrated software, performed satisfactorily and tracking systems monitored all mission events, a government release said.

The SANT missile is equipped with a state-of-the-art millimetre wave (MMW) seeker which provides high precision strike capability from a safe distance. The weapon can neutralise targets in a range up to 10 km.

The SANT missile has been designed and developed by Research Centre Imarat in Hyderabad, in coordination with other DRDO labs and participation from industries.

This is the third in the series of indigenous stand-off weapons to be tested in recent times after long range bomb and smart anti airfield weapon for strengthening the arsenal of IAF.

The indigenous development of various configurations for different applications with advanced technologies is a firm march towards 'Aatmanirbharta' in defence.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has congratulated the team associated with the mission, the release said.

Chairman DRDO G. Satheesh Reddy said the successful flight test of SANT missile would further bolster the indigenous defence capabilities.

--IANS

sk/pgh

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The kin of 11 who lost their lives during the stir against the Centre's farm laws were given appointment letters for government jobs in on Saturday.

Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi and Agriculture and Welfare Minister Randeep Singh Nabha handed over the letters of appointment as clerk to the next of kin of the deceased farmers, according to an official release here.

Calling the backbone of the state's economic structure, the chief minister said, "The state government will always undertake every possible step to ensure welfare of the victim families."



The state government has already given jobs to the kin of the 157 deceased farmers.

The state government had earlier announced Rs 5 lakh as financial aid and a job for one member each of the deceased farmers' families.

Farmers had claimed death of more than 700 peasants from Punjab, Haryana and other states during the agitation against the now-repealed farm laws.

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In light of rising concerns over the spread of the new COVID-19 variant Omicron and in a bid to prevent large gatherings has imposed Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrCP) for December 11 and 12, prohibiting rallies, morchas, processions etc of persons and vehicles.

The violators of the order will be punished under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

reported seven new cases of Omicron on Friday including in a one-and-a-half-year-old toddler. Of the seven cases, three were reported in Mumbai, four from Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation.

Three men, aged 48, 25 and 37 had returned from Tanzania, the UK and South Africa, respectively, while four other patients are the contacts of Nigerian women, who had been infected with the new variant on December 6.

Of the seven, four are asymptomatic while three display mild symptoms.

Of these new cases, four are fully vaccinated, one has been administered with a single dose against COVID-19 and one is unvaccinated. The toddler is not eligible for vaccination.

has so far reported a total of 17 Omicron cases, said the health department.

On November 26, the WHO named the new COVID-19 variant B.1.1.529, which has been detected in South Africa, as 'Omicron'. The WHO has classified Omicron as a 'variant of concern'.

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The approved the recommendation of the Health Council to vaccinate children aged 5-11 against COVID-19, the cabinet said in a statement.

"Children aged 5-11 can now be vaccinated against coronavirus," it said.

The vaccination of healthy children aged 5-11 will begin in the second half of January 2022. Children of this age group with chronic diseases will be vaccinated from December 20. All of them will be offered the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine.

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PRI GEN INT .JOHANNESBURG FGN13 OMICRON-IMMUNITY Omicron: evidence shows it evades immunity from earlier infection more than other variants By Cari van Schalkwyk, Researcher in Statistics, South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling & Analysis (SACEMA); Harry Moultrie, Senior medical epidemiologist, Centre for Tuberculosis, National Institute for Communicable Diseases; and Juliet Pulliam, Director: SACEMA, South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling & Analysis (SACEMA) Johannesburg, Dec 11 (The Conversation) Scientists are working around the clock to get a better understanding of the Omicron variant. Around the world countries have imposed travel bans to mitigate the spread. South African scientists first announced that they had identified a new variant on November 25, 2021. Since then, cases of COVID have increased exponentially and South Africa has entered a fourth wave. Scientists from the South African DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis and the National Institute for Communicable Diseases) spoke to The Conversation Africa about their findings, which are set out in a pre-print paper. How is Omicron different to previous variants? Our key findings are around the risk of reinfection. A reinfection is defined as a positive SARS-COV-2 test more than three months after a previous positive test. We found that the relative risk of reinfection was much higher (at least 3-fold) with the Omicron variant than it was with the Beta and Delta variants. Our evidence suggests that the Omicron variant is associated with increased ability to evade immunity from prior infection. In contrast, there is no population-wide epidemiological evidence of increased immune escape associated with the Beta or Delta variants, compared with the original, or wild, type. This finding has important implications for public health planning, particularly in countries like South Africa with high rates of immunity from prior infection. A study to measure previous infection found that just before the third wave (in May 2021) almost half of blood donors in South Africa had already been infected. Another study, called PHIRST-C, that followed households through time found that more than 60% of individuals had been infected by the end of August 2021. As a result of this high level of prior infection, combined with around 40% coverage of vaccination among adults, a smaller fourth wave was expected. But, if the virus mutates to increase its ability to evade natural immunity like it seems to have done with Omicron governments cannot rely on prior natural immunity to estimate the size of future outbreaks. At this stage, we cannot say anything about the severity of cases with Omicron either in primary or reinfections. We also do not have information on the vaccination status of reinfections. Another big issue yet to be answered is whether protection against severe disease and death will be affected by reduced immunity to reinfection. Several preprints have now come out suggesting Omicron could escape neutralisation in vaccinated people who had not also had a prior infection. These findings could help explain the large risk of reinfection. Early laboratory results looking at assays to measure T-cell-based immunity, on the other hand, predict that substantial protection against severe disease and death may remain. Our findings were based on analysing surveillance data collected in South Africa between 04 March 2020 and 27 November 2021. What do your findings say about vaccine efficacy? Based on the data used in this study, we cannot say anything about the implications for this. We are hopeful that the vaccines will have similar efficacy against severe disease with Omicron than they have against other variants. What can individuals do to minimise the impact of the 4th wave? Even with the new variant, the key preventative measures that individuals can take remain wearing a mask, social distancing, improving ventilation, and vaccination. During the holiday season, it is particularly important to avoid large crowds, especially indoors. Until we have a better understanding of this variant, it is best not to gather with groups of friends, but if you do, please do it outside. (The Conversation) SCY SCY 12111111 NNNN

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A one-and-a-half-year-old girl, who had tested positive for the Omicron variant of in Pimpri Chinchwad area of Pune district of Maharashtra recently, has been discharged from hospital after recovering from the infection, while a three-year-old boy, who was also found infected with the new strain in the area, is asymptomatic and keeping well, health officials said on Saturday.

The three-year-old boy is among the four new patients in Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) area. The three others are all adults - two males and one female. They are all contacts of the Indian origin woman and her two daughters from Nigeria, who were earlier found infected with the Omicron variant on their arrival here.

The woman from Nigeria had come to meet her brother in Pimpri Chinchwad. However, apart from the woman and her two daughters, her brother, his two daughter, including the one-and-a-half-year-old, had tested positive for the Omicron strain, officials said.

"Out of the six Omicron patients found earlier, four patients, including the one-and-a-half-year-old have been discharged from the hospital after they tested negative during their repeat test," an official said.

"Barring one female, who had dry cough, all the patients, including the baby, are asymptomatic and keeping fine. The woman, who had dry cough, also tested negative in the repeat test and was given discharge along with three others. The other two females tested positive in the repeat test and that is why they are currently in hospital, but they are also keeping fine," he said.

The three-year-old boy, who is among the four new patients, is asymptomatic and keeping fine at the paediatric care. The other three patients are also asymptomatic and there is no cause of worry, Dr Laxman Gophane, medical officer of PCMC, said.

Meanwhile, the only Omicron patient from Pune city, who has now tested negative, was also given discharge on Friday. He had returned to Pune from Finland, officials said.

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Rajasthan Chief Minister on Saturday congratulated the for the successful completion of their agitation against the Centre's three farm laws, saying the movement that lasted for over a year will be remembered in history.

Crediting Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for supporting the and raising their voice in parliament, he said the Narendra Modi government bowed before the pressure of the opposition and the restraint of the protesters.

"The farmers' agitation, which lasted for more than a year, has ended today with the victory of the The farmers have shown an unprecedented display of restraint in the non-violent movement in Gandhian manner. I congratulate all the farmers," Gehlot said in a series of tweets in Hindi. He said the Congress party has always stood with the farmers.

"Our leader Rahul Gandhi held tractor rallies, kisan sabhas, and raised the voice of the farmers in parliament. The Modi government bowed before the pressure of the opposition and the restraint of the farmers. This movement will be remembered in history," he said in another tweet.

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), an umbrella body of over 40 farmers' unions, had on Thursday decided to suspend the year-long movement against the three laws and announced that the farmers would go home from the protest sites at Delhi's borders on Saturday.

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has recorded its first case of the omicron variant in a passenger who recently travelled to the southern African country of Eswatini, health officials said Saturday.

The passenger, a Taiwanese woman in her 30s who returned on December 8, is now in quarantine in hospital, according to the Central Epidemic Command Center, which is in charge of the island's pandemic response. Passengers who sat near her on the plane have tested negative so far.

reported 10 new cases on Saturday, all of which were identified in travelers entering from abroad.

The self-ruling island has a strict two-week quarantine on arrival and has sealed its borders off to all but residents and citizens, with few exceptions. There is little community transmission within its borders of the disease and there has been few restrictions on movement internally in recent months. Mask wearing is nearly universal.

While the omicron variant is called a variant of concern by the World Health Organisation, scientists are still working to determine how it may compare with the predominant delta variant in terms of transmissibility and severity.

has reported 16,731 COVID-19 cases in total and 848 deaths.

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on Saturday logged 188 new COVID-19 cases, pushing the tally to 6,78,142, while the death toll rose to 4,005 with one more fatality.

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) accounted for the most number of cases with 78, followed by Hanumakonda (21) and and Karimnagar (15) districts, a state government bulletin said, providing details as of 5.30 PM today.

It said 193 people recovered from the infectious disease today. The cumulative number of recoveries till date was 6,70,246.

The number of active cases was 3,891, the bulletin said.

It said 35,978 samples were tested today and the total number of samples tested till date was 2,89,91,423.

The samples tested per million population were 7,78,920.

The case fatality and recovery rates in the state were at 0.59 per cent and 98.83 per cent, respectively.

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Union Minister for Education, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship on Saturday urged the youth to take up entrepreneurship to create livelihood for the people.

Addressing the students and staff during the 12th annual convocation of Institute of Technology (NIT) Hamirpur virtually from New Delhi, the minister said an entrepreneur is also a job creator.

A total of 1,057 degree certificates were awarded during the convocation. The institute honoured the meritorious students for their academic achievements.

A student of BTech in Electrical Engineering, Charu Sehgal was awarded the Director Medal for her achievements as the best all-rounder student for 2021.

The institute conferred 36 gold medals, 10 silver medals, and 11 bronze medals to meritorious students for their outstanding performance and distinguished achievements in various under-graduate and post-graduate programmes.

Pradhan congratulated the degree holders and applauded that NIT Hamirpur has done a good job on education, research, and development front.

He was happy to note that the New Education Policy (NEP) has been partially implemented as the institute has allowed multiple-entry and multiple-exit from the various programmes being offered as of date.

Six faculty members of NIT Hamirpur have been listed in the world's top two per cent scientists in their respective areas by the report released by Stanford University, the minister pointed out.

He also appreciated the contributions of the institute in Unnat Bharat Abhiyan. He said, "It is impressive to know that as the regional coordinating institute of Unnat Bharat Abhiyan programme, the institute is one of the 27 participating institutes across the state. It has adopted a number of villages to promote sustainable development, means of livelihood among the initiatives using local resources."



The minister stated that the Union government has been supporting the setting up of new startups, technology business incubators at several prominent intuitions in the country. The government has launched various schemes such as Start-up India and Skill India to promote entrepreneurship among the youth.

Minister of Sports, Youth Affairs, and Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur congratulated all the medal and degree recipients for their commendable achievements. He said this institute was very close to my native place and, as such, has always been very close to my heart.

He said, "I have always wished and strived for the betterment of this institute. It is my pleasure to state that, today NIT Hamirpur is highly acclaimed and is one of the most prestigious institutions with a good reputation for excellence in quality teaching, research, consultancy, and education at under-graduate, post-graduate, and doctoral levels."



NIT is passionately involved in exploring the frontiers of technology & science and inculcating this commitment among all its students, Thakur said.

He said the central government has taken many initiatives like Start-up India, Skill India, Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, Vocal for Local, Digital India, Unnat Bharat Abhiyan, Ek Bharat Shreshth Bharat, etc. These initiatives are opening access to enter the world of innovation and entrepreneurship, he added.

Prof. Lalit Kumar Awasthi, Director of the institute, in his address said that we are here for this important event to share the pleasure of achievement of all young people.

He said the institute presently has around 4,000 students enrolled in various UG and PG programmes. The institute has a total of 261 sanctioned faculty positions out of which 162 are in place after the addition of 75 faculty members in the last three years.

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Fifteen (EU) countries on Thursday decided to resettle 40,000 Afghan refugees in order to prevent irregular of these people.

Commissioner of home affairs of the EU Ylva Johansson said that 15 member countries of the union have decided to resettle 40,000 Afghan refugees, reported Khaama Press.

Johansson after meeting interior ministers of the countries said that this is impressive solidarity and the more controlled way of resettling Afghans will prevent irregular of these people.

As per statistics, Germany will host 25,000 Afghans, the Netherlands 3,159, Spain and France 2,500 each, and the rest of the countries in the lower number, reported Khaama Press.

It comes after tens of thousands of Afghans mostly youths are taking dangerous ways to get to Europe through Iran and Turkey that often leading to the deaths of these asylum seekers.

There are now an estimated 85,000 Afghans who have gotten closer to the European borders and approximately the same number are waiting to find a way to get out of the country after the Taliban's takeover on 15 August, reported Khaama Press.

Earlier, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has asked the EU to accept 42,500 Afghans over five years but the request was resisted by the countries.

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A Canadian citizen who travelled to Syria to join the group nearly a decade ago pleaded guilty Friday to serving as one of the organisation's more prominent English-language propagandists.

Mohammed Khalifa, 38, pleaded guilty to conspiring to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organisation, resulting in death, at a hearing in US District Court in Alexandria. US District Judge T.S. Ellis III accepted the plea.

According to court records, Khalifa left for Syria in 2013 after being inspired by the lectures of Anwar al-Awlaki, a US cleric who later became a leading figure in al-Qaeda.

Prosecutors said Khalifa narrated two notorious propaganda videos Flames of War in 2014 and Flames of War II in 2017 designed to recruit Westerners to join the or to kill Westerners as part of an holy war campaign.

Khalifa also fought on the battlefield, according to prosecutors. He was captured by Syrian Defense Forces in 2019 and held overseas until he was brought to Virginia earlier this year to face charges.

According to an FBI affidavit, Khalifa told FBI agents he expected to be sent to an Islamic State training camp when he joined the organisation in late 2013. Instead, he was recruited to join the organisation's media department because of his English language skills and spent nearly five years as a leader in their English-language propaganda unit, it said.

The affidavit said Khalifa narrated numerous videos besides Flames of War and its sequel, which show prisoners being executed and decapitated.

In another video, titled Inside the Khilafah, Khalifa urges listeners, if they aren't able to travel to Syria to join the Islamic State, to instead terrorise the disbelievers with your jihad outside the khilafah by targeting them and shedding their blood.

Khalifa told agents he was captured in January 2019 when he defied an Islamic State order to flee from advancing forces in Shafaa, Syria. Instead, he said, he launched a solo attack of sorts on Syrian Defense Forces, surrendering after his AK-47 rifle jammed.

In a news release announcing the guilty plea, federal prosecutors said the Flames of War videos include scenes of a masked Khalifa executing a different Syrian soldier in each of the two videos while other masked ISIS members also shoot the prisoners kneeling in front of each of them.

Khalifa is scheduled to be sentenced on April 15. He faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.

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Chinese artificial intelligence startup is considering whether it can proceed with a planned $767 million Hong Kong initial public offering after the U.S. added it to an investment blacklist, two sources familiar with the situation told Reuters.

The sources said on Saturday that the company had not yet made a final decision on whether to go ahead with the listing, while one added that it would consider whether to make additional risk disclosures if it proceeds.

A spokesman for SenseTime declined to comment on possible changes.

SenseTime had missed the pricing date for the on Friday after a media report that a blacklisting was imminent.

The designation was confirmed later on Friday when the U.S.

Treasury Department added SenseTime to a list of "Chinese military-industrial complex companies," part of sweeping human-rights-related sanctions on dozens of people and entities tied to China, Myanmar, North Korea and Bangladesh.

The Treasury Department accused SenseTime of having developed facial recognition programmes that can determine a target's ethnicity, with a particular focus on identifying ethnic Uyghurs.

SenseTime said in a statement on Saturday that it "strongly opposed the designation and accusations that have been made in connection with it," calling the accusations unfounded.

SenseTime's addition to the U.S. blacklist would prohibit U.S.-based investors from buying its shares.

SenseTime had planned to sell 1.5 billion shares within a price range of HK$3.85 to HK$3.99 each in the It was due to set the final price and allocate shares to institutional investors on Friday, according to the firm's filings.

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The world's wealthiest democracies on Saturday sought to present a united front against Russian aggression toward Ukraine as Britain hosted a meeting of foreign ministers in the northern English city of Liverpool.

The meeting, attended in person by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his counterparts from France, Italy, Germany, Japan and Canada, comes amid concern that could invade Ukraine. denies planning any attack.

Ahead of the formal discussions, British foreign minister Liz Truss met Blinken on Friday night where they expressed deep concern about the build-up of Russian troops on Ukraineas border, Britain's foreign office said in a statement.

Any incursion by "would be a strategic mistake for which there would be serious consequences," the foreign office added.

"We need to defend ourselves against the growing threats from hostile actors and we need to come together strongly to stand up to aggressors who are seeking to limit the bounds of freedom and democracy," Truss told foreign ministers at the start of the meeting.

"To do this, we need to have a stronger united voice" Ukraine is at the centre of a crisis in East-West relations as it accuses Russia of massing tens of thousands of troops in preparation for a possible large-scale military offensive.

Russia accuses Ukraine and the United States of destabilising behaviour, and has said it needs security guarantees for its own protection.

Ministers arrived at the Museum of Liverpool to a brass band playing Christmas carols, before convening the first formal meeting session which will look at geopolitical issues including nuclear talks with Iran and the military buildup in Iran.

"What the meeting this weekend .. is about, is about a show of unity between like-minded major economies, that we are going to absolutely be strong in our stance against aggression, against aggression with respect to Ukraine," Truss told reporters ahead of the talks.

AGE OF INTROSPECTION

Britain, as current chair of the G7, is calling for its members to be more strident in their defence of what it calls "the free world".

Earlier this week Truss said the "age of introspection" for the West was over and it needed to wake up to the dangers of rival ideologies. She has highlighted the economic risks of Europe's dependence on Russian gas and the wider security threat posed by Chinese technology as examples.

The meeting is also expected to result in a joint call for Iran to moderate its nuclear programme and grasp the opportunity of ongoing talks in Vienna to revive a multilateral agreement on its nuclear development.

Both Truss and Blinken stressed the need for Iran to engage in the talks, according to the foreign office statement.

Germany, which takes over the rotating G7 leadership from Britain next year, is expected to set out its programme for 2022 at the meeting. Ministers from the European Union, Australia, South Korea and India will take part in some sessions as guests of the G7, along with representatives from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

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The has claimed the responsibility for the two recent explosions in Kabul, Russian media reported citing Afghan broadcaster Shamshad News on Saturday.

On Friday, TOLO News broadcaster reported that at least two people had been killed and three injured in the explosions.

"A car bomb had exploded at the Iraqi police recruiting centre at Kisak, killing at least two civilians and wounding three others," TOLOnews quoted Interior Ministry's spokesperson Saeed Khosti as saying.

Sputnik reported citing Shamshad News' tweet that the terrorist group has taken credit for the attacks.

(IS)-affiliated terrorists have staged several bomb explosions in Kabul and other places since the Taliban's takeover in mid-August.

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UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appointed Catherine Russell, an adviser to to US President Joe Biden, as Executive Director of Unicef, a UN spokesman said on Friday.

She replaces Henrietta Fore, to whom Guterres expressed his gratitude for her commitment and dedicated service to the UN agency, Xinhua news agency quoted Stephane Dujarric, the Secretary-General's chief spokesman, as saying.

"Russell brings to the role decades of experience in developing innovative policy that empowers underserved communities around the world," the spokesman said.

Russell currently serves as Director of the White House Office of Presidential Personnel. From 2013 to 2017, she served as ambassador-at-large for global women's issues in the Department of State.

The Secretary-General expressed his appreciation to Fore "for her inspiring leadership of and in particular, Unicef's critical role in the global response to Covid-19 and in reimagining education", Dujarric said.

"As a result of her leadership, is now an organization with a broader array of public and private sector partnerships and a bolder focus on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals."

Russell will become the fourth woman to head the agency of 20,000 personnel, said in a statement.

"Catherine Russell will bring a wealth of expertise to Unicef's work, and I am delighted to hand over to someone with her knowledge, experience, and deep care for children and women," said Fore.

"I have no doubt that Unicef and the world's children will be in capable hands under her leadership."

Unicef said Russell will assume her new functions early in the new year.

--IANS

ksk/

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A far-right extremist has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for his violent actions during August 2020 protests against racial injustice in Oregon's largest city.

Alan Swinney was convicted of unlawful use of a weapon, attempted assault, pointing a firearm at another, and second-degree unlawful use of mace, among other charges, Oregon Public Broadcasting reported.

Portland residents saw almost nightly protests after a white officer murdered George Floyd, a Black man, in Minneapolis last year, with some rallies erupting in chaos and counterprotests.

As evidenced by the defendant's escalating violence, letters, social media statements and testimony, the defendant has no remorse for his actions, no desire to change and every intention of engaging in future acts of violence, Deputy District Attorney Nathan Vasquez wrote in a sentencing memo.

Swinney, 51, was among dozens of far-right demonstrators Aug. 22, 2020, who fired paintball guns and sprayed mace at anti-fascist demonstrators during a violent brawl in downtown Portland.

Many in the crowd were carrying firearms, but authorities said at one point Swinney pulled a revolver and pointed it at the crowd of counter-protesters.

To support their sentencing recommendation, prosecutors included a handwritten letter Swinney tried to send to Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer who was convicted of killing Floyd, sparking months of nationwide protests.

In the letter, Swinney expressed sympathy for Chauvin after his conviction, telling him to keep his head up because he could win on appeal or be freed through other means.

Another thing that may end up working in your favour is that this country is headed toward civil war, Swinney wrote. I see it ramping up. Civil war will get you out of jail. It'll get me out too.

Swinney is a member of the far-right group the Proud Boys.

He earlier admitted, as part of a civil settlement, to assaulting a woman during an August 2020 protest in Portland.

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Immigrant advocates in Massachusetts are cheering the inclusion of $20 million in aid to Afghan refugees and Haitian migrants in a broader, $4 billion spending plan from state lawmakers.

The bill, which was approved last week and is currently awaiting Republican Governor Charlie Baker's signature, sets aside $12 million for Afghan refugees and another $8 million for Haitian migrants.

Jeffrey Thielman, president and CEO of the Institute of New England, one of the state's major refugee resettlement nonprofits, said Friday the bill, if approved, would make Massachusetts one of the few if only states to commit state money to support the latest wave of immigrants from both troubled countries.

Massachusetts really stands out, he said, noting that Oregon lawmakers have proposed allocating $18 million to help resettle some 1,200 Afghan refugees.

New York has also committed $5 million to help nearly 1,800 Afghans resettle in the state, and California's governor and legislative leaders have proposed using nearly $17 million in state money to help resettle Afghan refugees.

A Baker spokesperson said the administration is reviewing the bill and didn't comment on the proposed spending for Afghan and Haitian immigrants. The Republican has until Monday to sign the bill into law but can also veto specific line items or offer amendments.

For Afghans, the legislature's plan calls for up to 75% of the $12 million to go directly to arriving families, and the remaining 25% to bolster refugee resettlement organisations.

The funding could provide, on average, about $3,000 per refugee, or $12,000 for a family of four, according to Thielman, whose organisation has resettled more than 200 of the roughly 700 Afghan refugees that have so far arrived.

This should give folks a really good running start in their first six months, he said. Federal dollars only go so far.

For Haitian migrants, the legislature's spending plan designates $8 million to the Immigrant Family Services Institute, a Boston-based group active in the local Haitian community.

The bill calls for the money to specifically go towards supporting Haitians who arrived in the country this summer after the assassination of the Caribbean nation's president and an earthquake prompted a wave of migration.

Immigrant rights groups and local Haitian organisations have said they're struggling to meet the needs of migrants arriving in the state, especially as winter sets in.

Haitian frontline organisations have been doing heroic work resettling the hundreds of Haitian families that have arrived in Massachusetts in recent weeks, Amy Grunder, of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition, said Friday. We urge Governor Baker to sign it into law.

The legislature's $4 billion plan allocates money from the American Rescue Plan Act, which is the second round of federal coronavirus aid approved by Congress, as well as state budget surplus funds.

The spending is meant to help with the state's ongoing economic recovery from the pandemic while also making investments in housing, climate preparedness, education and other areas.

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The state of will impose mandatory masking for all businesses or require their employees to be vaccinated against the novel coronavirus, Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Friday, extending a similar mandate for City by Mayor Bill de Blasio.

"I share New Yorkers' frustration that we are not past this pandemic, but the winter surge is here and we must take action," Hochul said via Twitter. "Starting Monday through January 15, businesses will have the option to implement either a vaccine or mask requirement."Hochul said her top two priorities were to protect the health of New Yorkers and the economy of the state.

"The measures I'm announcing today will help accomplish this through the holiday season," she said. "To the more than 80% of New Yorkers who have done the right thing to get fully vaccinated: Thank you. Let's get more New Yorkers vaccinated so we can put this pandemic in the rearview mirror."

On Monday, City Mayor de Blasio said he was launching a "preemptive strike" against the new Omicron variant by enforcing a vaccine mandate for all businesses in the city two days from December 27 and onward.

New York City was an early epicenter for the COVID-19 in 2020. The pandemic has so far infected more than 920,000 of the city's residents over the past 20 months, hospitalizing over 100,000 of them and killing more than 32,000.

It is not known how successful a blanket order on vaccinations in the city will be. Millions of health care workers across the United States were supposed to have their first vaccine dose from the start of this week under an order by the Biden administration, but legal challenges have stalled that mandate.

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The Pentagon has said there are active discussions within the department about making the COVID-19 vaccine booster shots mandatory for service members, even as thousands refuse or seek exemptions from the initial shot requirement.

Pentagon spokesman John Kirby on Friday said there have been no final decisions on the matter, but added that Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin absolutely encourages people, if they can and if they qualify, to get the booster. But right now there is no requirement for it.

The defence department in August announced that it would begin requiring all members of the military including National Guard and Reserves to get the COVID-19 vaccine. The military services sent out specific guidelines on the mandate, set their own deadlines and laid out the repercussions for those who refused and were not granted a medical, religious or administrative exemption.

Since then, deadlines for the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps have all passed, and thousands still have not gotten the vaccine or are seeking an exemption, which involves a lengthy process including meetings with commanders, chaplains and medical personnel.

Speaking to reporters at a Pentagon press conference, Kirby said about 96.4% of all active duty personnel have gotten at least one shot. The percentage plunges when members of the National Guard and Reserves are included. Only about 74% of the total military force, including the active duty, Guard and Reserve, are fully vaccinated, but the Army Guard has until next June to get the shots.

Kirby said the numbers are trending in the right direction, but we know there's more work to do.

So far none of the services have said that any service members have been forced out due to their refusal to get the shots, although an unknown number have voluntarily retired or left the service over the matter since the mandate was put in place.

The secretary's expectation is 100% vaccination, that's what he wants to see, Kirby said.

He added that Austin also expects the services to implement the mandate in a compassionate and thoughtful way and not immediately go to some sort of punitive or administrative action.

The services, he said, must ensure that troops understand the ramifications of the decision to refuse the vaccine, as well as the ramifications to their health and to their military unit's readiness.

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is not planning an attack on Ukraine, spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told Greek TV channel ANT1 in an exclusive interview.

"No, the problem is very simple. is moving its forces within its territory and we can move our forces in any direction we want and closer to the areas that could pose a threat [and currently] we see US warplanes landing in and US military equipment approaching our borders," Peskov said, when asked whether Russian President Vladimir Putin was planning to carry out an attack on

The spokesperson also criticized Turkey for selling its drones, which are used by Kiev in Donbas, to

"We have criticized Turkey for this, because we believe it is a problem that pushes Kiev and the Ukrainian government to choose a violent solution to solve their internal issues in the southeast. If Ukraine starts attacking its own people again, it will be another disaster for Europe," Peskov noted.

Peskov was also asked whether the United States and could ever become allies, however, the spokesman noted that considering the current situation "it would be hard to imagine such a thing."

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a secured telephone call with his US counterpart, Joe Biden, on Tuesday, discussing the alleged gathering of Russian troops near Ukraine's borders. Bilateral relations between Russia and the US as well as Ukraine have deteriorated amid media reports that Russia has built up around 100,000 troops nears its border with Ukraine and accusations of planning an attack.

Russia has repeatedly denied accusations of aggressive actions coming from the West and Ukraine.

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South African President on Friday invited scientists from countries to work alongside South African scientists in further researching the various characteristics of the Covid-19 virus and its mutations.

Ramaphosa made the call when he appointed the Chairperson of the Ministerial Advisory Council on Covid-19 Koleka Mlisana to lead a task team of South African researchers in the area of genomic sequencing to work with their scientists from other countries, Xinhua news agency reported.

This initiative is a contribution to intra- cooperation to strengthen preparedness and responses to the pandemic as articulated in the New Delhi Declaration, which was adopted at the 13th BRICS Summit in September 2021.

This cooperation takes place within the context of the establishment of the BRICS Vaccine Research and Development Centre in a virtual format.

Ramaphosa pointed out that the cooperation would boost the BRICS countries' preparedness and responses to the pandemic.

"The collaboration among BRICS countries is intended to broaden our knowledge of the Covid-19 virus not only for the benefit of member countries, but for the global community more broadly. Humanity will only overcome this pandemic if the countries of the world work in closer cooperation by sharing information, expertise and resources. This cooperation must be underpinned by the principles of solidarity, partnership and mutual respect," said Ramaphosa.

He said the team from BRICS countries would share information on laboratory, clinical and epidemiological experiences regarding the pandemic to help clinicians and policy-makers to prepare for future manifestations of the disease.

"The spread of the different Covid-19 variants to all corners of the earth underlines the importance of effective surveillance, scientific transparency and collaborative research. Every country is affected and every country must be able to develop responses based on sound scientific evidence," Ramaphosa said.

He stated that scientists would conduct research on omicron at the BRICS Vaccine Research Centre which is in the country.

--IANS

int/shs

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What do Asias five best-performing $1 billion-plus equity funds for 2021 have in common? They are all betting big on Chinas renewables push.

The funds returned at least 40 per cent each by investing in stocks that are part of the renewables and electric-vehicle supply chains, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The $3.7 billion AMC Energy Innovation led the pack with total returns of 55 per cent, followed by First State Cinda New Energy Industry and HSBC Low Carbon Pioneer Fund.





Chinas push to reach carbon neutrality by 2060 is fueling growth in what is already the worlds largest renewables market and a leading one for electric-vehicle automakers and suppliers. Thats produced record rallies and eye-watering valuations for some stocks in a sector that has boomed globally this year as policy makers try to curb fossil fuel subsidies and coal use.

Carbon neutrality is going to be one of the largest investment themes for the next five to 10 years and there is room for firms within this sector to grow by a few or even ten times, said Bin Lu, the Shanghai-based manager of the HSBC Low Carbon Pioneer Fund.

Big Opportunities

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., the worlds largest power battery maker, is a recurring name among the top 10 holdings of the outperforming funds. The stock has jumped more than 80 per cent to record highs this year. Automaker BYD Co. and Tesla Inc. supplier Ganfeng Lithium Co. -- other investor favorites -- have surged more than 50 per cent each.

Those shares were boosted by President Xi Jinpings common prosperity drive, which stresses sustainable growth. His announcement of a massive renewable energy project in the desert has also supported solar and wind shares.

For Raymond Jing, who manages the ChinaAMC New Horizon A Share Fund that returned more than 40 per cent this year, CATLs penetration rate and market share is rapidly increasing, which could eventually push its forward price-to-earnings ratio down to 40 to 50 times from about 78 times.

To be sure, not everyone is comfortable with the valuations of some of the popular names in the clean energy sector. In a sign of that unease, solar glass maker Xinyi Solar Holdings Ltd. is down about 24 per cent from an August peak and inverter maker Sungrow Power Supply Co. has dropped around 13 per cent after reaching a record high in October.

Deepening investors trepidation are bets that the Federal Reserve will taper faster than expected, and the passage in the U.S. House of legislation designed to punish for its treatment of Uyghur Muslims. The lithium battery supply chain is also facing some pressures from Beijings guidelines published last month that aim at reducing capacity expansion.

The short-term market for new energy is very hot, and the stock prices of some companies have shown a tendency of short-term bubbles, Zheng Zehong, manager of the China AMC Energy Innovation said in a third-quarter report, stating that the fund has made some adjustments to positions. In the longer term there remain abundant investment opportunities, he added.



Policy Support

Still, asset managers say that policy tailwinds will support Chinas green shares.

The government has vowed to accelerate the development of electric vehicles and highlighted ambitions to lower carbon emissions per unit of industrial output by 18 per cent during the 14th five-year plan period. CATL and another leading EV battery maker, Eve Energy Co., are expanding production at a time when Chinas EV sales are in line to more than double 2020s total.

Top-performing Asia equity funds Total returns YTD (%) China AMC Energy Innovation Equity Fund 55 First State Cinda New Energy Industry Equity Fund 53 HSBC Low Carbon Pioneer Fund 51 Guotai Intelligent Automobile Equity Fund 47 Lombarda China Advanced Manufacturing Equity Launched Fund 41 Harvest New Energy New Material Equity Fund 36 Truvalue Industry Cycle Selected Equity Launched Fund 30 Invesco Great Wall Environmental Protection Advantage Equity Fund 30 CFS FirstChoice WS Inv - CFS Wholesale Geared Share 29 GF High-end Manufacturing Equity Launched Fund 25

For 2022, were very focused on vehicle batteries now, but theres further room for energy storage systems to grow, said Wang Yang, a fund manager at Guotai Intelligent Automobile Equity Fund. The sector is consolidating with CATL and BYD among the top five firms that will eventually control about four-fifths of the market, he added.
Ukraine's president said Friday that more opportunities for talks with may arise thanks to the US diplomatic effort to help de-escalate tensions after Moscow massed troops near Ukraine's border, stoking fears of a possible invasion.

US President Joe Biden spoke with both Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin this week, as the United States moved to take a more direct role in diplomacy between Kyiv and Moscow.

The US president proposed joining the Europeans in negotiations not just to settle the conflict in eastern but to address Putin's larger strategic objections to NATO expanding its membership eastwards.

In an interview aired Friday by the Ukrainian TV channel 1+1, Zelenskyy said that thanks to the US, one more platform for talks with may appear, in addition to the so-called Normandy format that involves France and Germany.

The two European countries in 2015 brokered a peace agreement that helped end large-scale hostilities in Ukraine's east, where Ukrainian forces have been fighting with Russia-backed separatists since 2014.

But efforts to reach a political settlement of the conflict that has since killed more than 14,000 people have failed, and sporadic skirmishes have continued along the tense line of contact.

Zelenskyy said Friday that with the support of the US and Ukraine's European allies, he doesn't rule out direct talks between him and Putin -- something he has proposed to the Russian leader several times to no avail.

I see the support for this path from both our European partners and the US, Zelenskyy said.

Tensions between Moscow, Kyiv and its Western allies have worsened in recent weeks over the invasion fears.

Russian officials have repeatedly denied plans to attack Ukraine, and in turn, blamed Kyiv for its own allegedly aggressive designs. Putin has urged the West to provide guarantees that would preclude NATO from expanding to or deploying troops and weapons there.

Zelenskyy said Friday that the message he got from Biden during Thursday's call was the assured the US and the whole world that it doesn't intend to continue the escalation against the territory of our independent state.

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PRI GEN INT .WASHINGTON FGN58 US-SANCTIONS-CHINA-MYANMAR hit China, Myanmar, over Washington, Dec 10 The U.S. government announced financial sanctions and other restrictions Friday on 15 people and 10 entities in China, Myanmar, North Korea and Bangladesh to coincide with Day. The actions announced by the Treasury Department also included investment restrictions on a Chinese company connected to the mass government surveillance operations in China. The sanctions are intended to freeze the targeted people and entities out of the global financial system. On Day, Treasury is using its tools to expose and hold accountable perpetrators of serious human rights abuse, Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo said in announcing the measures. The measures include a ban on travel to the U.S. for two Chinese government officials who have been involved with the repression of Uyghurs and other minorities in the far western Xinjiang region of their country. Shohrat Zakir, the chairman of the region from 2018-2021, and Erken Tuniyaz, who holds the position now and was previously vice chairman, presided over a repressive campaign of forced assimilation that has imprisoned more than 1 million people under brutal conditions and forced labor. Treasury imposed investment restrictions on Chinese firm SenseTime Group Ltd., which is involved with the development of facial recognition programs that can determine a person's ethnicity and has been used as part of the surveillance campaign against Uyghurs and other predominantly Muslim minorities. This latest batch of sanctions also includes actions on officials in Bangladesh who are involved with the country's anti-drug Rapid Action Battalion, a task force founded in 2004 that has been implicated in more than 600 disappearances and nearly 600 extrajudicial killings, with evidence suggesting they have targeted opposition party members, journalists and human rights activists, Treasury said. The sanctions also include measures against officials and entities in Russia and North Korea who participate in the use of North Korean workers overseas, often in abusive conditions, to generate hard currency for the repressive government. Actions against four officials in Myanmar and several entities are the latest in a series of U.S. sanctions since the military overthrew the democratically elected government on Feb. 1, followed by a violent crackdown on opposition in the months since. The situation in Myanmar is among the issues Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to address next week when he meets with officials in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. (AP) IND 12110025 NNNN

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A bipartisan group of US Senators has announced a new bill that would require companies to share platform data with independent researchers.

According to The Verge, the bill was announced by Democratic Aenators Chris Coons (Delaware), Amy Klobuchar (Minnesota), and also Rob Portman, a Republican from Ohio.

Named the Platform Accountability and Transparency Act (PATA), it would establish new rules compelling platforms to share data with "qualified researchers", defined as university-affiliated researchers pursuing projects that have been approved by the National Science Foundation (NSF), the report said.

Under the terms of the bill, platforms would be bound to comply with requests for data once the research was approved by the NSF.

Failing to provide data to a qualifying project would result in the platform losing the immunities provided by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act.

"The PATA act is a truly comprehensive platform transparency proposal," Laura Edelson, a PhD candidate at NYU Tandon School of Engineering and lead researcher at NYU's Cybersecurity for Democracy project, was quoted as saying by the website.

"If passed this legislation would provide a real pathway for researchers to better understand online harms and start coming up with solutions," Edelson added.

Earlier this year, Edelson and other researchers at the NYU Ad Observatory project were banned from Facebook after the platform alleged that their research violated terms of service.

The PATA bill is the latest in a long line of proposed legislation aimed at peering into the black box of algorithms.

--IANS

vc/ksk/

(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 this week rejected a lawsuit from Republicans seeking to kill a redistricting case brought by Democrats, keeping alive the hope for liberals that they can seek to block GOP-drawn maps through the federal courts.

The nation's highest court on Monday denied hearing the lawsuit filed by Republican state lawmakers. They wanted the Supreme Court to dismiss the Democrats' case, which attempts to have federal courts draw the state's political boundary lines.

The decision means that liberals will still have a chance to fight for the maps they want in federal court after the conservatives-controlled Supreme Court issues its ruling, likely early next year.

The Supreme Court has given both sides to submit potential maps by Dec 15, with arguments planned in January. The court last month ruled 4-3 in favour of Republicans by saying it will only consider maps that make as few changes as possible to the current district lines that were drawn by Republicans a decade ago and solidified their control of the state Legislature.

Because of that ruling, Gov Tony Evers will not be submitting a map to the court that was drawn by a commission he created to come up with a nonpartisan plan, his spokeswoman Britt Cudaback said Friday.

Instead, the governor will follow the court's order to submit a map that adheres as closely as possible to the current lines, she said.

Evers last month vetoed the maps passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature.

Redistricting is the once-a-decade process of redrawing the state's political boundaries based on the latest census showing how populations have changed in neighbourhoods, cities and counties since 2010.

Mapmakers can create an advantage for their political party in future elections by packing opponents' voters into a few districts or spreading them thin among multiple districts -- a process known as gerrymandering.

(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 Saturday accused the US of using democracy as a weapon of mass destruction to "stoke divisions and confrontation" as it slammed the Summit for Democracy organised by the Biden administration, which Beijing portrays as a new front being formed by America to isolate it to halt its rise.

The two-day summit attended by over 100 world leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, concluded on Friday with a call to evaluate progress in safeguarding fair elections, protecting human rights and fighting corruption.

While the US omitted and Russia from the list of invitees, Beijing was furious over the invitation to the self-governing island Taiwan, which said is a blatant violation of the 'One China' policy that considers Taipei as the integral part of the Chinese mainland.

A final message I want to impart as we close out this Summit for Democracy is that we know how hard the work is going to be ahead of us. But we also know we are up to the challenge, Biden said, wrapping up the summit.

Biden said the two-day virtual gathering has demonstrated that the democratic world is everywhere.

He said autocracies can never extinguish the embers of liberty that burns in the hearts of people around the world, in every portion of the world.

We're committed to working with all who share those values, to shape the rules of the road that are going to govern our progress in the 21st century, including on issues of cybersecurity and emerging technologies so that future generations continue to reap the benefits of liberty and democracy, as we have, Biden said.

The Chinese foreign ministry, which has been attacking the summit in the past few weeks, issued a lengthy statement accusing the US of stocking divisions in the name of democracy.

Stoking division and confrontation in the name of democracy is to backpedal in history, and will bring nothing but turmoil and disaster to the world, the statement said.

For a long time, the US has been imposing its political system and values on others, pushing for the so-called democratic reforms, abusing unilateral sanctions and inciting colour revolutions, which have caused "disastrous consequences, it said.

Democracy has become a weapon of mass destruction used by the to interfere in other countries' affairs, the statement said, asserting that the US 'Summit for Democracy' has "drawn the ideological line and turned democracy into a tool and a weapon".

The US sought to thwart democracy under the pretext of democracy, incite division and confrontation, and divert attention from its internal problems. It attempted to preserve its hegemony over the world, and undermine the system with the United Nations at its core and the order underpinned by law, the statement said.

Pakistan, which was invited to take part in the summit along with India and the Maldives, skipped it, apparently after a late-night phone call from Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi on December 4 where he criticised the meeting saying that what the US aims for is not democracy but hegemony.

The US is seeking to defend its dominant position in the world in the name of democracy, Wang had told Qureshi.

Asserting that the US is "not a beacon of democracy, the foreign ministry statement sought to portray the one-party system headed by the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) as People's Democracy focussing on social and economic development.

China promotes its democracy in accordance with its national conditions and realities. China's democracy is people's democracy. Its essence and core is that the people are the masters of the country.

The foreign ministry said China covers all aspects of the democratic process and all sectors of society. It is the "most broad-based, real and effective socialist democracy.

It said with the eradication of absolute poverty, the 1.4 billion Chinese people are now marching toward common prosperity.

"China has made the biggest advance in individual freedom in thousands of years, and the creativity of the hundreds of millions of Chinese people has been fully unleashed, the statement said.

The foreign ministry attacked the American political system as vetocracy with partisan interests put above national development.

"The dysfunction of the American-style democracy is a fact that cannot be covered up -- the Capitol riot that shocked the world, the death of George Floyd that sparked mass protests, the tragic mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the harsh reality of the rich becoming richer and the poor poorer, it said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Buoyant has triggered a rush of with the FY22 lineup becoming the highest in the last two decades.

According to India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra), the strong initial public offering (IPO) issuances in FY22 in the Indian buoyant bode well with the country's economic recovery.

"Moreover, equity raising by entities will not have a meaningful impact on their debt levels, as the objective of raising funds is largely to do with unlocking the value proposition rather than creating new investments," the ratings agency said

"Overall issuances have reached a significant level after FY18 in terms of issue size, with four months still left in the financial year."

As per Ind-Ra, trend during April to November 2021, showed that the number of IPO count for FY22 stood at 71, amounting to Rs 856 billion compared with Rs 272 billion raised by 56 companies in FY21.

"Enormous worldwide liquidity owing to the culmination of fiscal and monetary expansion, strong investor appetite, favourable financial market conditions and a sharp recovery in business conditions have uplifted the IPO market in FY22."

"With the announcement of IPO issue of Life Insurance Corporation of India of Rs 1,000 billion, the issue size could cross Rs 2,000 billion by the fiscal year end, a record high in terms of issue size."

Notably, during last five-year industry-wise trend highlights the significant jump in retail

"It includes the new-age, tech-oriented corporates such as the food aggregator Zomato Limited, fashion retail company Nykaa, online insurance broker Policy Bazaar Limited, auto classifieds platform CarTrade.com and CAMS Limited."

"The top 25 issuances in the last three years accounted for Rs 833 billion, of which the new-age, tech-oriented corporates Ahave accounted for Rs 418 billion."

The agency said the surge in issuances by new age tech-oriented corporates compared to traditional corporates has more to do with value unlocking and brand recognition than the need for long-term assets capex or deleveraging.

Ind-Ra believes that along with a Abuoyant stock market, the favourable policies have encouraged the start-ups to issue this year.

In March 2021, the Securities and Exchange Board of India reduced the time for which early stage investors need to hold 25 per cent of the pre-issue capital to one years from two years earlier.

"The amended regulations, which previously barred corporates that were going public from making discretionary allotments, allow them to allocate up to 60 per cent of the issue size of the IPO to an eligible investor subject to a lock-in period of 30 days on such shares."

Additionally, few auto component players have also resorted to IPO issuances in FY22 after a consecutive five years of absence, to fund working capital requirements and repayment of borrowings.

"Within healthcare industry, major issues have been undertaken so as to take up capex activities and reduce borrowings. FMCG industry has also seen a consistent increase in the IPO issuances in the last five years and the recent uptick can be attributed to international brands such as Sapphire Foods Limited and Devyani International Limited who intend to build a retail shops network in India."

--IANS

rv/ksk/

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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Punjab Lok Congress, a new political party formed by Captain Amarinder Singh, announced 10 district presidents and three spokespersons on Saturday.

According to General Secretary in-charge, organisation, Kamal Saini, the people who are given charge of the spokespersons are Pritpal Singh Balliewal, Prince Khullar and Sandeep Gorsi who is also an Advocate.

The district presidents include Jagmohan Sharma for Ludhiana Urban, Satvir Singh Palli Jhikki for SBS Nagar (Nawanshahar), Sandeep Singh Brar for Faridkot, Harinder Singh Jaurkian for Bathinda Urban, Prof Bhupinder Singh for Bathinda Rural, Capt MS Bedi for Fazilka, Satinderpal Singh Satha for Ludhiana Rural, Jeevan Dass Bawa for Mansa, KK Malhotra for Patiala Urban and Navdeep Singh Mokha for Sangrur, according to the release by the party.

"The presidents of the remaining districts are being appointed in a day or two," Saini said.

Earlier on Wednesday, ahead of the 2022 Punjab assembly polls, Pritpal Singh Baliawal, who resigned from the Congress, joined former Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh's party Punjab Lok Congress.

Captain Amarinder Singh, who recently floated his own party Punjab Lok Congress, on Sunday said that decision to form an alliance with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa's party has been taken in principle and seat adjustment will be announced soon.

Alections to 117-member Punjab Legislative Assembly are scheduled to be held 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.)
Photographer Wang Jing, who has been locked down in Xian, Northwest Chinas Shaanxi province, has captured images of daily life through his lens since the city imposed restrictions on peoples movement to control a Covid-19 outbreak. With soaring case numbers, many consider Xians outbreak to be the second most serious in China after Wuhan in 2020

Jan 05, 2022 06:16 PM
Photo: The Canadian Press

UPDATE 3:10 p.m.

A 16-year-old boy has been charged with attempted murder after a teacher was stabbed in a Montreal high school classroom Thursday.

The provincial prosecution service said the teenager, who appeared in Montreal Youth Court Friday, also faces charges of aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for dangerous purposes and carrying a concealed weapon.

Prosecutors said if the teen is convicted, they will seek an adult sentence.

The accused, who remains detained, is scheduled to appear again in court on Monday.

The teen, who cannot be named due to his age, was arrested Thursday after allegedly stabbing a teacher at John F. Kennedy High School in the city's north-end St-Michel neighbourhood.

The teacher, a man in his 40s, was taken to hospital with injuries that are not considered life-threatening.

ORIGINAL 6:45 a.m.

A 16-year-old boy was arrested on Thursday after allegedly stabbing a teacher in a Montreal high school classroom.

Montreal police said the incident occurred at about 10 a.m. at John F. Kennedy High School in the city's north-end St-Michel neighbourhood, when the suspect stabbed the teacher in the upper body with what they described as a "sharp object."

The teacher, a man in his 40s, was taken to hospital with injuries that are not considered life-threatening. While police originally described the injuries as superficial, the school board later said the teacher had undergone surgery.

Police spokesman Jean-Pierre Brabant said the teen was arrested near the school soon after the incident and was being questioned by investigators early Thursday afternoon.

Michael Cohen, a spokesman for the English Montreal School Board, said a Grade 9 student entered an art teacher's classroom "unprovoked" and allegedly attacked the 41-year-old in full view of the horrified students.

"He entered the classroom, took out a knife and stabbed him twice," Cohen said. He said the suspect is one of the teacher's students but wasn't in the class that was being taught at that moment.

The suspect then fled the school without his winter coat, and witnesses called 911, Cohen said.

Brabant added the school was briefly locked down while police tracked down the suspect, but that order was lifted soon after.

Cohen said the school board brought a trauma team to the school to offer counselling to anyone affected, especially the students who witnessed the incident.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he was shocked by the event, which happened in his riding of Papineau.

"My thoughts are with the John F. Kennedy High School community and, in particular, the teacher who was stabbed this morning," he wrote on Twitter.

"Im wishing him a full and fast recovery, and Id like to thank the authorities who responded so quickly."

Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante wrote on Twitter that her thoughts were with the teacher and the school. "This violent event shakes all of us," she wrote. "The investigation continues."

Quebec Education Minister Jean-Francois Roberge also reacted on Twitter to what he described as an "odious act," and said the government was offering its full support to the school and the school board.
Photo: The Canadian Press Construction crews work to reopen a lane on Highway 7 west of Agassiz, B.C., Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021. B.C. organizations are rallying together to deliver food to remote Indigenous nations after devastating floods cut off access to communities last month. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward

Organizations in British Columbia are rallying together to deliver food to Indigenous communities affected by flooding and landslides last month.

The sustainability manager for SPUD, a B.C. grocery delivery service, says the company was inspired to donate after severe storms washed out transportation routes and damaged many of their vendor's farms.

Helena McShane says they collected donations from customers and partnered with the United Way and the non-profit Chilliwack Bowls of Hope Society to make deliveries in communities that need help.

She says their next shipment of 1,000 pounds of food will be delivered to Seabird Island First Nation in Agassiz on Monday.

United Way representative Kim Winchell says Seabird Island was chosen because rural and remote Indigenous communities have been "greatly impacted" by flooding and wildfires in B.C. this year.

Assembly of First Nations National Chief RoseAnne Archibald toured some of the flooded areas on Thursday and said she was struck by the impacts on the landscape and on First Nations communities.

Archibald said she would like to see a quicker response from the federal government to help Indigenous Peoples in future environmental disasters.
Photo: The Canadian Press The Mercedes star is pictured at the Mercedes Benz headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany, Wednesday, July 8, 2020. Law firm Koskie Minsky LLP says Daimler AG and North American Mercedes-Benz subsidiaries have agreed to pay $243 million to settle a class action lawsuit with the owners of 83,000 diesel vehicles in Canada. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-dpa, Marijan Murat

Law firm Koskie Minsky LLP says Daimler AG and North American Mercedes-Benz subsidiaries have agreed to pay $243 million to settle a class-action lawsuit with the owners of 83,000 diesel vehicles in Canada.

The settlement, covering Mercedes-Benz model years between 2009 and 2016, includes the automaker repairing qualifying vehicles to provide cleaner emissions that comply with Canadian standards.

It also includes cash payments of up to $2,925 for those whose cars are repaired as well as other potential payments and a buyback option in some circumstances.

The class action alleged that some Mercedes BlueTEC diesel vehicles weren't compliant with Canadian emission laws and that they emit toxic chemicals at much higher levels at temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius.

Mercedes-Benz did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The settlement still has to be approved by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, with a hearing scheduled for Feb. 9, 2022.
Photo: The Canadian Press Quebec Premier Francois Legault speaks at a news conference marking the end of the fall session, Friday, December 10, 2021 at his office in Quebec City. Legault is flanked by Quebec deputy premier and Public Security Minister Genevieve Guilbault, left, and Quebec Justice Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot

Premier Francois Legault said Friday a school board in western Quebec should never have hired a woman who had to be removed from her teaching duties because she wears a hijab.

Legault said the province's law restricting religious symbols, known as Bill 21, has been in place for more than two years and the Western Quebec School Board should have respected it. "The school board should have not hired this person in the first place, given Bill 21," he said at a news conference in Quebec City.

It emerged this week that a Grade 3 teacher at Chelsea Elementary School, just north of Gatineau, Que., had recently been reassigned to duties outside the classroom because of her hijab. Parents were informed the teacher, Fatemeh Anvari, would take on a literacy project for all students that "will target inclusion and awareness of diversity."

Parents and students have been vocal about the loss of a well-liked teacher, starting a letter-writing campaign and hanging green ribbons and notes of support on the school's fence.

Bill 21 prohibits the wearing of religious symbols such as hijabs, kippas and turbans by teachers and other government employees deemed to be in positions of authority. Legault said he's "at ease" with his government's actions. "Quebec has made the choice of secularism, and I think it must be respected," he said. He called the law reasonable and balanced.

"(They) should not wear religious symbols while on duty," Legault said. "At home, in the street, they can do what they want."

The Western Quebec School Board has declined to go into detail about what happened, citing confidentiality. School board chairman Wayne Daly said Friday theboard acted when it recognized there was an issue. "I'm not looking to get into a fight (with the premier)," Daly said. "I'm looking to follow the laws he's enacted at the legislature."

Russell Copeman, executive director of the Quebec English School Board Association, said the association has no data specific to hiring and Bill 21. "To our knowledge, this is the first time this has happened," Copeman said. "We are aware of applicants who might have been in the process and didn't apply, but to our knowledge, this is the first case of its kind in Quebec."

But Copeman said something like this was inevitable and that the province's English school boards  which include the Western Quebec School Board  remain firmly opposed to Bill 21.

"As we've said all along, this is a bill that runs counter to the values that we try to teach and instil in our students, the values of diversity and tolerance," he said. "We believe in the secularism of the state  that the state should be religiously neutral  but we think that should apply to institutions of the state and not to the individuals who work for the state."

The Quebec Court of Appeal ruled Nov. 9 that the province's English school boards have to enforce Bill 21 until challenges to the law can be heard in court, a process that could take years. The school boards had requested an exemption from the provision, in line with an April Quebec Superior Court ruling that struck down clauses of the law pertaining to the English-language boards.

That ruling has been appealed by the province's attorney general, who argues the law should apply without exception.

Liberal Opposition house leader Andre Fortin said the situation in Chelsea was the type his party had feared with Bill 21. "I am rather sad about this situation, sad for the children who have lost a teacher they loved, the parents who trusted that teacher," Fortin said.

Quebec solidaire's Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois said the province can't afford to lose passionate teachers. "Secularism of our public institutions is an important thing, but we should not exclude people from working in the public sector because of that," he said.
Photo: Fets Whisky Kitchen/Facebook Fets Whisky Kitchen owners Allura and Eric Fergie want 242 bottles of whisky returned. B.C. government inspectors seized them from their Commercial Drive restaurant in 2018.

Two Vancouver restaurateurs want B.C. Supreme Court to overturn a government seizure of 242 bottles of whisky, saying inspectors raided their business without a warrant.

Fets Whisky Kitchen owners Eric and Allura Fergie say the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch prejudged their situation and refused to hand over documentation so the couple could fight the seizure of $40,000 worth of single malt whisky, a petition to the court said.

We want our whisky back and we want justice, Allura said outside of court, alongside Eric and their two sons.

The inspectors, accompanied by police, raided the Commercial Drive eatery on Jan. 8, 2018. They brought with them a U-Haul van and spent five hours going through bottles of whisky before carting them off in front of customers.

The operation was code-named Operation Malt Barley.

The following June, the branch fined the business $3,000. The Fergies asked for a reconsideration but were denied documentation to fight the situation. Told to use the freedom-of-information system to obtain documents, they received heavily redacted papers.

We want this over-reaching and overbroad government to show some respect, Eric said, noting theyd passed 12 years of inspections before Canadas largest liquor raid in a century.

The couple asserts the branchs conduct has been abusive from the start. That conduct began with an investigation in 2017.

Fets submissions to the judge said the whisky was purchased from Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) rather than the British Columbia Liquor Distribution Branch, which sells such products to the public but not to restaurants.

The submissions said between 2013 and January 2018, Fets openly promoted its affiliation with SMWS and sold its whisky without incident or comment from the branch.

The society is a membership-based service that specializes in rare and exceptional single cask whiskies.

In B.C., licensed bars, restaurants and pubs are required to purchase any liquor through the branch. Although SMWS products are lawfully imported into the province and are available for sale to the public at some private liquor stores, under the governments regulations, licensees cannot purchase alcohol from private purveyors. SMWS products are not available through the branch.

Eric told Glacier Media it's the government that sends out the purchase orders, brings the alcohol into the province and then sells to licensees.

Allura said the whole thing could have been settled with a conversation rather than through government spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on the seizures and legal wrangling.

She said licensees should be allowed to sell to other licensees.

The raid was a result of an anonymous tip the branch received in December 2017 that certain licensees were selling SMWS products.

The branch also investigated The Grand Hotel in Nanaimo, and Little Jumbo and The Union Club in Victoria the same day.
The US has reaffirmed its existing strategic alliance with Taiwan by shifting and elevating its commitment to protecting it from Chinese aggression.

The ground shifted under Washington's policy toward Taiwan on December 8, a shift no less seismic for being subtle and semantic, according to the National Interest.

During a hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Ely Ratner asserted that Taiwan is "a critical node within the first island chain (in the Western Pacific), anchoring a network of U.S. allies and partners.

Further, Ely Ratner mentioned that Taiwan's defence is critical to the region's security and critical to the defense of vital U.S. interests in the wider Indo-Pacific.

Although his focus was on deterring a Chinese military attack on the island, it is hard not to interpret Ely Ratner's statement as reflecting a judgment that Taiwan's reunification with the mainland cannot be allowed under any circumstances, writes Paul Heer for the National Interest.

Meanwhile, the US administration under President Joe Biden has adopted a shift in "One-China policy" routinely highlighting and quoting the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) of 1979.

Taiwan Relations Act of 1979 mentions the United States would "consider any effort to determine the future of Taiwan by other than peaceful means ... a threat to the peace and security of the Western Pacific and of grave concern to the United States."

The question today is whether Washington is now drifting toward a "one China, one Taiwan" policy, according to the National Interest.

Meanwhile, in addition to characterizing Taiwan as an "anchor" for U.S. security in the Indo-Pacific, Ratner described it as a "successful and prosperous democracy."

Also, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink, who appeared with Ratner at the Senate hearing, described Taiwan as "an important US partner"

(ANI)
Kelsi Deel Franco, a 2013 graduate of Lee University and founder/executive director of the House of Cherith in Atlanta, has been named the 2022 CCCU Young Alumni Award winner by the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities.

This award will be presented as part of the 2022 CCCU International Forum on Feb. 11-13. Lee University leaders will be present at the Forum alongside Ms. Deel Franco as she receives the award.

Lee takes seriously its mission of preparing students for responsible Christian living in a complex world, said Lee President Dr. Mark Walker. Kelsis character and professional work embodies our mission in every way. She is a model of Christian scholarship, service, and vocation. We are very proud of her.

At the age of 13, Ms. Deel Franco met a survivor of sex trafficking and was ignited with a passion for this cause. Her heart for Christ and for those on the margins was cultivated in a large family of city pastors and nonprofit founders. During her undergraduate career at Lee University, she majored in Spanish with a minor in religion, where she became equipped with tools and resources to create supportive services designed for survivors of human trafficking. She also had the opportunity to return to Lee after her graduation to speak in a chapel service in 2019.

According to Ms. Deel Franco, Lee represented the time in her life that fanned into flame her love for Jesus, fueled her passion for fighting for freedom, and empowered her to, not only dream big but to do big things.

The scourge of human trafficking has plagued our city, nation, and world for far too long, she said. But where there is darkness, there is an immense opportunity for light. Lee played a crucial role in equipping me to be resilient in this fight despite the countless tears I have cried for this population, to use my voice for those that have theirs silenced for far too long, and to change the world by shining the light for one woman, one child, one survivor at a time.

In 2014, Ms. Deel Franco founded the House of Cherith, a trauma-informed residential recovery program providing a safe place for adult female survivors of sex trafficking and exploitation. Women at the facility receive a variety of services including medical, dental, and mental healthcare, substance abuse counseling and recovery, case management, life skills, cognitive behavior therapy, and financial literacy.

Were awfully proud of Kelsi and her commitment to service after graduation, said Dr. Paul Conn, Lee University chancellor. She is a second-generation Lee grad whose entire family has modelled this kind of lifestyle. The CCCU couldnt honor a more deserving alum.

Since graduating from Lee, Ms. Deel Franco has earned a masters degree in organizational leadership with a specialization in nonprofit management, mental health first aid, vicarious trauma certification, and suicide intervention from Northcentral University in La Jolla, California. She is a member of the National Honor Society of Leadership and Success and holds certifications in a variety of specialties including trauma-informed care, crisis de-escalation, and mental health first aid.

Currently, she is pursuing a doctorate in business administration with a nonprofit management specialization from Northcentral University.

The CCCU Young Alumni Award is given to those who have achieved uncommon leadership or success in a way that reflects the values of Christian higher education. These values include integrating biblical truth not just into spiritual aspects of life, but in all areas; exemplifying a moral commitment to living out Christian virtues such as love, courage, and humility; and using gifts, talents, and opportunities to make a difference for the common good, whether in their local communities or on a broader national and international scope.

Through her commitment to being a light in the darkness, Kelsi Deel Franco embodies a significant and timely example of the words of the Old Testament prophet beckoning us to, act justly and love mercy and walk humbly with their God (Micah 6:8), said CCCU President Shirley V. Hoogstra. She actionably draws close to suffering and seeks redemption. We are honored to present her with this award as she immediately stood out to us as a person who modeled initiative and courage to face a deep crisis and extend the love of Jesus in such a tangible, holistic manner.



For more information about the House of Cherith, visit hocatl.org.

For more information about Lee University, visit leeuniversity.edu.

For more information about the CCCU, visit cccu.org/.
A former county correctional officer and Lookout Mountain, Tn., Police lieutenant has been indicted for sexual battery.

Wesley Philip Chambers, 34, is also charged with official misconduct and harassment.

The indictment says he had sexual contact with an individual on July 18, 2021.

It says "force or coercion was used to accomplish the act and the defendant was armed with a weapon. . ."

The indictment says he unlawfully communicated with an individual in an harassing manner.

Chambers was at the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office from Jan. 18, 2011, to Feb. 2, 2017, before joining the Lookout Mountain Police. He was promoted in February from sergeant/engineer to lieutenant. An official said he was no longer with the department and had not been for some time.
Mayor Tim Kelly presented his plan One Chattanooga at the Civitan Club meeting Friday morning. He said there are seven key strategies in his plan including early childhood learning, infrastructure, public health, and building a competitive regional economy. He said he wants to repair the two Chattanoogas referring to his idea that Chattanooga is segregated economically, culturally and otherwise.





Mayor Kelly told the Civitans early childhood learning is the most urgent item to work on despite not being able to see real results until years after his term. He said he has spent time nationally and locally discussing K-12 and the people who need this the most, ironically, cannot afford it. He also said it is critical that they find a way to create and fund a proper early childhood education with help from the federal government.





If Im thinking about what would produce the best Chattanooga in 20 years from now, this would it, Mayor Kelly said. If you get this wrong, all the money in the world would not be able to fix it.





He expressed his urgent concern for this matter by stating only 40 percent of children going into kindergarten in this area know shapes, colors, and letters.





You wonder why we have problems with public safety or people that are unemployable, that's why, he stated.





Mayor Kelly said building a competitive regional economy is also high on his list of priorities. He said many of today's high paying jobs are related to digital and creative economies that are mostly located in larger metros. He said Chattanoogas jobs are growing; however, Nashville and Atlanta are leaving us in the dust. Mayor Kelly said he plans to fix this issue by working closely with the Chamber of Commerce to see what can be done better.





A lot of midsize cities in America run the risk of sliding into economic irrelevance, said Mayor Kelly. That frankly, unattended, is the way things are going for Chattanooga.





He went on to say Chattanooga is fortunate in terms of quality of life and natural environment and those are the things to lean on and leverage in order to create jobs.





A Civitan member asked if he could reach these goals without raising tax dollars. Mayor Kelly said they are getting a good bit of money from the federal government, more specifically for infrastructure, and taxes will not need to be raised. He said the infrastructure bill will massively help with those goals.
What do you do if you are unhappy with your water or sewer provider? Do you lodge a complaint? Usually, that is enough to resolve most issues.

Is there anything you can do if the bulk of your friends and neighbors have various complaints and want wholesale changes? Perhaps you can vote out city government members at the next election if the provider is Chickamauga, LaFayette or another city. If you are a customer who is served by the Walker County Water and Sewerage Authority, you will not have this option. WCWSA is governed by an unelected board. Its members are appointed by the Walker County Board of Commissioners. WCBOC Chairman Shannon Whitfield is the WCWSA board chairman after having appointed himself, just as his predecessor had done a number of times.

What if the situation is worse than a host of complaints? What if in the future there are contaminants found in the water supply that affect the public health? What if people suffer health consequences as a result? The recent history of WCWSA indicates that such a scenario is not unthinkable. If you were in this situation, you would probably be thinking about lawsuits. However, there is a problem with that. Ask the people of Flint, Mi., who witnessed this very scenario in heartbreaking clarity.

The citizens of Flint who were harmed by the poisoned water supply sued the government which operated the water system. The state claimed sovereign immunity as their defense. Sovereign immunity is a legal doctrine that makes it very difficult to sue government entities. Thankfully, the citizens of Flint finally won their challenges against the sovereign immunity claims, which forced the city and state to offer a settlement. This took four years and hundreds of millions from the settlement paid to attorneys. In the end, the 8,000 families received less than $40,000 each.

Well, what can Walker County citizens do? Citizens have no way to effect change in management and policy or require accountability at WCWSA through the ballot box. They face long odds with any attempt in court. The unfortunate truth is there is not much citizens can do.

However, this can change. If the Flint water system had been private instead of government-run, the victims would have been able to hold the system accountable in court without the long fight against sovereign immunity.

WCWSA has always been a headache and will become even more problematic if Chattanooga wins its lawsuit against it. (The trial is scheduled for Feb. 22, 2022.) No one is happy with the services of WCWSA and many question some of the projects planned. (Like a $7 million+ water main up to McLemore on Lookout Mountain, three pump stations and a water tank.) The solution is one popular with limited government conservatives, free market libertarians and even former President Bill Clinton. It's a bipartisan solution. WCWSA should be privatized. Privatization can be done in a variety of ways, but ratepayers and citizens would always have a say. Compared to WCWSA today, the private company would be more accountable.

With $20 million in loans, WCWSA can only fund two of its planned projects (sewer redirection and water treatment plant) and does nothing to address the crumbling 429 miles of aging distribution infrastructure which lost 43 percent of all water produced in 2020 according to annual state water loss audit data. The percentage represents the non-revenue water as a percentage of the water supplied. This is the amount of water that is produced, but is lost before it reaches the end user as a result of leaks, thefts, waste, etc.



Across the United States, private water system losses in 2019 were less than half those of public water systems. It is due to the fact that private water providers have access to capital for upgrading or replacing failing infrastructure whereas public providers do not. Consumers save money because of this. They receive better service.

WCWSA should seek proposals from private companies or, better yet, hire an advisory firm to make sure the process is handled correctly. In Walker County, as well as other small water providers, privatization makes sense, but only when done properly. Accountability and transparency are crucial to making privatization successful.

One other point is worth mentioning. There is more power in the hands of citizens than most people know. The Georgia Constitution grants power to citizens to amend or repeal any county local act with the signatures of 10 percent of registered voters and a referendum vote. If officials refuse to even explore the idea and look at proposals, then the petition and referendum method is a fairly easy way for citizens to force the issue.

Lets get the government out of the way and privatize Walker County Water and Sewerage Authority. Email me or reach out on social media to discuss how privatization makes sense for Walker County.

Elliot Pierce

elliotpierce1@gmail.com
Thank you, John Wilson and crew, for the headline "UTC Instructor Who Is Top Expert On Polyamory Taking Students On Sex-Themed Amsterdam Study Trip" and the subsequent, really sad, illumination of the sex biz at UTC.

Now we all know that polyamory is "the practice of engaging in multiple romantic (and typically sexual) relationships, with the consent of all the people involved." Other correct definitions would be menage et trois or a sex orgy or eight naked drunks writhing in a greasy hot tub. Yep. Same thing.

It's very much none of my business what adults and adult consenters do in the privacy of their own relationships but polyamory sanctioned by a public institution that apparently glosses over economically forced (that's duress, not consensual) sex trading is not all la dee dah ok. I reckon the next toast of the town will be Ghislaine Maxwell because she favors child polyamory.

The intimate gift and reception of one's self to/from another is a most beautiful collaboration that is natural and not dirty until it's made that way, primarily by males. We don't live in Utopia where everybody is nice and my uneducated hunch is that polyamory is attractive to those who make sex not only dirty but wicked. Sorry but, although I have been rightly accused of being stupid before, I'm thinking the polyamorist segment of our species is significantly populated by people like Jeffery and Ghislaine, Harvey Weinstein, many Nazis, a couple of still living ex-presidents and that super creepy dude from New York who flew the child from UTC and gave her spending money while he had his disgusting way with her all week. What filth! Dear God, I feel for her and her Momma and Daddy.

Yes, I'm an old fart but guess what? I like sex just like everybody else! Unless you are a cheater or hurting somebody, I think sex ought to happen every day for those who have the love and stamina. That said, this Amsterdam study trip, I guess they get college credit for it too, and beautiful young people selling sex to absolute vermin out of college dorm rooms right here in Chatt town is maddeningly indefensible.

Somebody please explain why I'm in egregious error here. Don't worry, I do have tender skin but it heals up pretty quickly.

Savage Glascock, Sr.

* * *

From middle school libraries to college professors, the teaching of Satan is well established with vile language and supported orgies. There is no room for this other than to brainwash and trash the minds of our youth.

Tell me, are there biblical courses still taught in our public school system and state colleges?

Michael G. Mansfield

* * *

t the risk of being labeled "old," "provincial," or even "out of touch," I must say that I was appalled to read that Dr. Elisabeth Sheff plans to take a group of students to Amsterdam next May to discuss polyamory with a visit to the "Red Light District."

While I think it is important that each American understand the facts about the sex trafficking tragedy that exists today and to demand that leadership at all levels of government take action to stop this evil practice, I do not think it is appropriate for the University to sponsor a trip to Europe to immerse students in the immoral and downright creepy business of selling oneself in public, even if the intent is to study it.

As a UTC alumnus, I feel that the University administration must take strong action to discourage the practice of earning money by engaging in inappropriate photography, talking with sick people on the telephone, and even offering oneself to "older men" for a large sum of money. Immorality is immorality and the administration should not look the other way when this kind of behavior is taking place, if the story reported in The Echo is accurate.

I must say that I agree with Savage Glasscock. Sr., in his comment that the practice of college students selling themselves to creepy old perverted men is indefensible. Thank you, John Wilson, for discovering and reporting on this issue in The Chattanoogan.

Tim McDonald
SOME FUNNY ONE LINERS

* -- Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Fool me three times and they'll never find your body.

* -- I find it very offensive when people get easily offended.

* -- With great reflexes comes great response ability.

* -- R.I.P. boiled water. You will be mist.

* -- My wife told me to stop impersonating a flamingo. I had to put my foot down.

* -- How come "you're a peach" is a complement but "you're bananas" is an insult?

* -- There are two rules for success: 1) Don't tell all you know.

* -- How is it that I always seem to buy plants without the will to live?

* -- My grandfather tried to warn them about the Titanic.

He screamed and shouted about the iceberg and how the ship was going to sink, then they threw him out of the theater.

* * *

A QUIZ FOR CAR BUFFS

Who made these cars?

1 Avalon

2 Bonneville

3 Comet

4 Continental

5 Dart

6 Eldorado

7 Excursion

8 Fury

9 Gremlin

10 Juke

11 LeSabre

12 Monterey

13 Pacer

14 Rambler

15 Sequoia

16 Toronado

17 Wrangler

* * *

MICROSOFT VERSUS APPLE

Three Microsoft engineers and three Apple employees are traveling by train to a computer conference. At the station, the three Microsoft engineers each buy tickets and watch as the three Apple employees buy only a single ticket.

"How are three people going to travel on only one ticket?" asks a Microsoft engineer.

"Watch and you'll see," answers the Apple employee.

They all board the train. The Microsoft engineers take their respective seats, but all three Apple employees cram into a restroom and close the door behind them. Shortly after the train has departed, the conductor comes around collecting tickets. He knocks on the restroom door and says, "Ticket, please."

The door opens just a crack and a single arm emerges with a ticket in hand. The conductor takes the ticket and moves on.

The Microsoft engineers saw this and agreed it was quite a clever idea. So after the conference, the Microsoft engineers decide to do the same on the return trip and save some money.

When they get to the station, they buy a single ticket for the return trip. To their astonishment, the Apple employees don't buy any ticket, at all.

"How are you going to travel without a ticket?" asks one perplexed Microsoft engineer.

"Watch and you'll see," answers an Apple employee.

When they board the train the three Microsoft engineers cram into a restroom and the three Apple employees cram into another one nearby. The train departs.

Shortly afterward, one of the Apple employees leaves his restroom and walks over to the restroom where the Microsoft engineers are hiding. He knocks on the door and says, "Ticket, please..."

* * *

THE VILLAGER AND THE PROFESSOR

A famous professor of great erudition was visiting a village one day. He sat in the local coffeehouse where the village men gathered around his table to listen to him expound on one subject after another.

Finally one of the villagers interrupted the professor with the following proposition. Ill ask you a question, my dear professor. If you cant answer it, youll pay me ten dollars. Then you ask me a question, and if I cant answer it, Ill pay you two dollars. This is fair, continued the villager, because youre a man of great knowledge and education, while Im simply an ignorant peasant.

The professor accepted the proposal, and the villager asked his question: What creature has one leg and four heads?

After thinking for a long while, the professor admitted he didnt know, so he paid the villager ten dollars.

The professor then asked the villager to answer his own question. Sorry, but I dont know either, replied the villager as he paid the professor two dollars.

* * *

A NEW RECRUITERS LOGIC

A Drill Sergeant was chewing out a new recruit when he asked him: "Tell me stupid, if one of your ears was shot off what would happen?"

"Well, I couldn't hear so well."

"What if both your ears were shot off?"

"Well, I wouldn't be able to see."

"That is dumb. Why did you say that?"

"If both my ears were shot off, sir, My helmet would slide right down over my eyes!"

* * *

A COWBOYS GUIDE TO LIFE

* -- There's two theories to arguin' with a woman. Neither one works.

* -- After eating an entire bull, a mountain lion felt so good he started roaring. He kept it up until a hunter came along and shot him. The moral: when you're full of bull, keep your mouth shut.

* -- If you find yourself in a hole the first thing to do is stop diggin'.

* -- Never smack a man who's chewin' tobacco.

* -- It don't take a genius to spot a goat in a flock of sheep.

* -- Never ask a barber if he thinks you need a haircut.

* -- If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence, try orderin' somebody else's dog around.

* -- Don't worry about bitin' off more than you can chew. Your mouth is probably a whole lot bigger'n you think.

* -- Good judgement comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment.

* -- Always drink upstream from the herd.

* -- Never drop your gun to hug a grizzly.

* -- If you're ridin' ahead of the herd, take a look back every now and then to make sure it's still there.

* -- When you give a lesson in meanness to a critter or a person, don't be surprised if they learn their lesson.

* -- The best way to have a quiche for dinner is to make it up and put it in the oven to bake at 325 degrees. Meanwhile, get out a large T-bone, grill it, and when it's done, eat it. As for the quiche, continue to let it bake, but otherwise ignore it.

* -- When you're throwin' your weight around, be ready to have it thrown around by somebody else.

* -- Lettin' the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier 'n puttin' it back.

* -- Always take a good look at what you're about to eat. It's not so important to know what it is, but it's critical to know what it was.

* --The quickest way to double your money is to fold it over and put it back in your pocket.

* -- Never miss a good chance to shut up.

* * *

A $20 BILL TELLS THE TRUTH

A well-worn one dollar bill and a similarly distressed twenty dollar bill arrived at a Federal Reserve Bank to be retired.

As they moved along the conveyor belt to be burned, they struck up a conversation.

The twenty dollar bill reminisced about its travels all over the county. "I've had a pretty good life," the twenty proclaimed.

"Why I've been to Las Vegas and Atlantic City, the finest restaurants in New York, performances on Broadway, and even a cruise to the Caribbean."

"Wow!" said the one dollar bill. "You've really had an exciting life!"

"So tell me," says the twenty, "where have you been throughout your lifetime?"

The one dollar bill replies, "Oh, I've been to the Methodist Church, the Baptist Church, the Lutheran Church ...."

The twenty dollar bill interrupts, "What's a church?"

* * *

THE ANSWERS TO QUIZ FOR CAR BUFFS

Who made these cars?

1 Toyota Avalon

2 Pontiac Bonneville

3 Mercury Comet

4 Lincoln Continental

5 Dodge Dart

6 Cadillac Eldorado

7 Ford Excursion

8 Plymouth Fury

9 AMC Gremlin

10 Nissan Juke

11 Buick LeSabre

12 Mercury Monterey

13 AMC Pacer

14 Nash Rambler

15 Toyota Sequoia

16 Oldsmobile Toronado

17 Jeep Wrangler

* * *

THIS WEEKS BEST CHRISTMAS VIDEOS

* -- Youll need Kleenex for this one: "O Holy Night" (Official Music Video) by Gentri (15.5 Million Views) CLICK HERE.

* -- Youll need the Kleenex here, too: Over A Thousand People Came Together To Break a Record  Angels From The Realms Of Glory with the Piano Guys (47 Million Views) CLICK HERE.

* -- A message from Johnny Mathis with When a Child Is Born (5.4 Million Views) CLICK HERE.

* -- Flash Mob in Berlin Gloria! (3.7 Million Views) CLICK HERE.

* -- Andrea Bocelli & Reba McEntire  Blue Christmas (2.7 Million Views) CLICK HERE.

* -- Josh Groban sings, Believe from The Polar Express (3.7 Million Views) CLICK HERE.

* -- Pentatonix  Mary, Did You Know? (270.1 Million Views) CLICK HERE.

royexum@aol.com
The East Ridge Police Department is rolling out a new program to assist both law enforcement and the citys residents. The Take Me Home Program will be used when an officer encounters someone who cannot communicate with them such as an individual with dementia or autism. Police Chief Stan Allen said it allows a relative to enroll the person in the program, which is a database with information including a photo. This will allow police to get the person back home. Details can be found on the citys website.

Another new service is that the city will be partnering with OpenGov, a program helping state and local governments with cloud-based software. East Ridge will be using the service for all permitting and for code enforcement. Every address in the city has been entered into the system so all records can be seen pertaining to each address. In person help woll continue to be available at city hall to residents as needed.

In other police business, Canine Officer Axel was retired on Thursday night. Chief Allen said after serving the city he is ready to go home and be a dog, not an officer. His handler, Corporal Steaven Rogers, will take ownership of Axel. A basket of toys and bones was given to him in thanks from the city along with a challenge coin, which is carried by all members of the department. He deserves it, said the chief He served the city well. A new canine officer will go into service next week.

Finance Director Diane Qualls said that the purchase of a new firetruck was authorized by the council previously. She reported that the financing has now been approved, Mayor Brian Williams has signed the paperwork and the truck has now been ordered. At the council meeting, Fire Chief Mike Williams accepted a Firefighter Support Grant from Tennessee American Water Company for $1,000.

City Manager Chris Dorsey updated the council on progress for construction of Pioneer Frontier playground and the Splash Pad that will be located next to city hall. He said that all components are on the site and in place, waiting for TDEC to check and make sure everything meets the requirements included in the grant that is being used to fund the new park. Once approval is given, putting in all the surrounding infrastructure will be done. The goal is to have it ready for public use in the spring.

The citys new dog park is also moving forward. The water line has been installed and it will be several weeks more before fencing is put up and benches placed.

The council gave final approval for closing and abandoning a portion of the right-of-way located at the 5300 block of Stone Street. The city is acquiring property at 5302 Stone Street from Emerson Properties where a new animal shelter will be built. The abandoned right-of-way will be used by both the animal shelter and adjacent Fernandos restaurant, as a dedicated place for dumpsters and trash receptables serving both properties.

East Ridge has also agreed to sell 13.59 acres at the 100 block of Interstate 75, to WWTA where a sewage holding tank will be built to improve the sanitary sewer system by helping to prevent sewage overflows. The property was declared as surplus so it can be sold. WWTA will pay East Ridge $250,000 and they have agreed to build a nature path on the property that will join an existing trail.

Several appointments have been made to fill vacancies on city boards. Susan Thomas was appointed to the Industrial Development Board to fill an unexpired term. Jim Morgan and Rachel McCrary were appointed as members of the Library Board.

Participants of the Christmas parade were divided into two categories - Education and Everybody Else. Winners of the floats were announced during the council meeting. In the Everybody Else category, first place went to the East Ridge Library, second place went to Trucking for the Word of God, and Lumberjacks Tree Service placed third. In the Education category, winners included Belvoir Christian Academy, East Ridge High School and Cub Scout Pack 3007.

The fiscal year 2021 audit was presented to the council by Weston Porter and Garret Williams from HHM CPAs. The city was given a clean opinion. The board was told that overall the fund balances look really good. Revenue compared to expenditures for the year was also good. The city was left with $5.7 million in the fund balance, which the accountants described as healthy. The amount left would last about four months based on recent spending patterns, or 34 percent of a years worth of expenditures.
90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days Season 5 premieres on Dec. 12, 2021, and fans of the franchise will see seven new couples navigate the waters of an international relationship. As usual, theres more than enough drama to go around for the couples this season, and that includes Memphis and Hamza. Heres what we know so far about the couple.

Memphis and Hamza | TLC

Who is Memphis from 90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days Season 5?

Memphis is a divorced single mom of two and lives in Muskegon, Michigan. The 34-year-old hasnt had much luck in the dating department. On top of her dating history and unstable childhood, its not a surprise that Memphis is searching for that special someone to settle down with and complete her family.

As with many couples on Before the 90 Days, Memphis met Hamza through an international dating website. Despite a pretty significant language barrier, the two fell in love in a matter of months. Memphis believes that Hamza is the man she needs to fulfill her dreams.

RELATED: 90 Day: The Single Life: Jeniffer Tarazonas Subtle Insult to Jesse Meester About Their Sex Life Leaves Him Speechless

Who is Hamza from 90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days Season 5?

Twenty-eight-year-old Hamza hails from Kairouan, Tunisia. Fans often see larger than average age gaps in the couples on 90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days, but Hamza and Memphis are only about six years apart. However, fans see in the teaser trailer for season 5 that the couple experiences several bumps in the road.

Hamza proposed to Memphis after only a few months of video chatting and online dating. Memphis, who wants to find a man she can settle down with, accepted the proposal. The two made plans for Memphis to travel to Tunisia with the goal of getting married before she came home. However, the teaser shows viewers that things might not go as planned.

RELATED: 90 Day: The Single Life Fans Support Natalie Mordovtseva When Date With Johnny Ends With a Slap in the Face

Memphis and Hamza deal with prenups, trust issues, and cultural differences in season 5

Cultural differences are par for the course with international relationships. Any Before the 90 Days fan can attest to the amount of drama for the couples featured on the show. Memphis and Hamza are no different.

First of all, neither of them is fluent in the others language. Even with translator apps, the inability to speak to one another significantly strains a relationship. Second, while prenuptial agreements are common in the United States, thats not necessarily true for other countries.

In a clip from 90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days Season 5, Memphis uses the translator app on her phone to tell Hamza, I want to talk about a prenuptial agreement.

Hamza replies, We dont have prenuptial agreements in Tunisia. Later, when hes by himself, he tells the cameras, I feel insulted.

Viewers then watch Memphis say, If you do not sign, I do not marry you.

Between language barriers and family concerns about the couples union, we dont know if Memphis and Hamza will actually make it down the aisle. Viewers will have to tune into 90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days Season 5 to see how it all turns out.
Sometimes fans check in on Twitter and are surprised or a little scared to see one of their favorite celebrities trending. Such is the case with Harrison Ford as a puzzling bodycam video with links to both him and musician and political figure Kanye West has emerged online. Whats the story behind the footage that has some fans perplexed and others laughing out loud?

(L) Harrison Ford | Vera Anderson/WireImage; (R) Kanye West | David Livingston/Getty Images

Harrison Ford trends on Twitter for a video related to Kanye West

As Ford is a well-liked Star Wars actor and pop culture icon, he occasionally trends with little effort and without much of a reason. But in this instance, Kanye Wests publicist used his name in applying political pressure to a Georgia election official. When the bodycam footage hit social media, observers noted the interesting detail involving Ford.

According to reports, the video was shot when Trevian Kutti went to the home of Georgia election official Ruby Freeman. Notably, Freeman was facing death threats after being falsely accused by former President Donald Trump of manipulating votes, per Reuters.

Of important note, Kutti did not identify herself as an associate of either West or Trump. However, she said a high-profile individual sent her to encourage Freeman to confess to the accusations. Reuters reports Kutti says she is publicist and Director of Operations for West in an online biography.

Despite who sent Kutti, she made threats to Freeman. Specifically, she told her she was in danger and that unknown subjects would swarm her home if she didnt comply. Then, she told her she wanted to connect her with Harrison Ford, who could help her.

Harrison Ford the crisis manager, not the actor

Police bodycam video recorded on Jan. 4, 2021, shows Trevian Kutti, a publicist for hip-hop artist Kanye West, telling a Georgia election worker who former President Trump falsely accused of manipulating votes that she was in imminent danger https://t.co/AeF1I18mdJ pic.twitter.com/ott7ohVQnI  Reuters (@Reuters) December 10, 2021

In the video, Kutti talks at length to Freeman before bringing up the name of the Indiana Jones actor. Eventually, she tells her, Im gonna call Harrison Ford. Im gonna put him on speaker.

And who is Harrison Ford? Freeman asks, seemingly suspicious.

Kutti tells her, Harrison Ford is a Black progressive crisis manager  very high level  with authoritative powers to get you protection that you need.

According to Newsweek, the phone conversation with the person identifying as Harrison Ford wasnt part of the bodycam video. But Freeman claimed that individual, along with Kutti, attempted to convince her to confess to the allegations made against her.

What do fans think of Harrison Ford trending?

The reactions to the video  and related trending of Fords name  range from baffled to politically charged to relieved hes not in the news for worse reasons.

Some fans were seemingly confused by the whole scenario. One Twitter user shared, I need an explanation for the explanation.

Clicked on a trending topic to figure out why Harrison Ford is trending. Now I need an explanation for the explanation. pic.twitter.com/hI4dLLZce0  W. Kamau Bell (@wkamaubell) December 11, 2021

Another unsuspecting Twitter user wrote, Nothing could have prepared me for the wildness of why Harrison Ford is trending.

I am glad that what I was worried was the reason Harrison Ford was trending is not the reason, but nothing could have prepared me for the wildness of why Harrison Ford is trending.  Riley Silverman (@rileyjsilverman) December 10, 2021

While many online are discussing the political implications of the story, some spectators seem to want to remind everyone of the beauty that is the actor, Harrison Ford.

The only Harrison Ford tweet you need to see today https://t.co/inxo0qZWFV  Kelly Knox (@kelly_knox) December 10, 2021

Theres no word yet on how Ford feels about his name appearing in the middle of this particular fiasco. But fans can hope it might give him as good of a laugh as it has given some of them.

RELATED: Helen Mirren Said Harrison Ford Sucks at Kissing: He Does Try, but It Is Just Not There
After beginning her music career in Canada and advancing it in New York, Joni Mitchell decided to make the move to California. Here, she joined the scene in Laurel Canyon and became one of its most influential artists. Her house was near Frank Zappas, which her mother found horrifying.

Joni Mitchell | Ron Pownall/Getty Images

Joni Mitchell is from Canada

Mitchell was born in Saskatchewan, Canada. Though her pursuit of music brought her to the United States, she says that she prefers her birth country.

L.A. is my workplace, B.C. is my heartbeat, she said in an interview with the Ottawa Citizen, per her official website.

Mid jam at Gordon Lightfoots home in Toronto on December 2, 1975.



Photos by Ken Regan. pic.twitter.com/EY2ERLSiTB  Joni Mitchell (@jonimitchell) December 2, 2021

She has a home in California, but Mitchell visits her property in Canada for several months every fall and spring. The house, which shes owned since the early 1970s, is on Canadas Sunshine Coast. Though she loves visiting, she said that she worries Canadas cultural distance from the United States is shrinking.

Canada has got a bad case of Americanitis, she said. Our governments have become too impressed with America. Its safer sometimes to stand back a bit from the big guys.

She bought a house near Frank Zappa

When Mitchell decided to move to California, she bought a house on Lookout Mountain in Laurel Canyon.

I bought this little house, and David Crosby chided me for it; he said I should have looked around. But I liked that house, she told Vanity Fair. The hill behind my house was full of little artificial man-made caves. The house was charming. I paid $36,000 for it, but I paid it off. I probably paid more for it because I paid it off.

In the late 60s and early 70s, Laurel Canyon was a hotbed for music, and Mitchell was at its heart. She lived close to Zappa and could look out her window to see his property. Her mother wasnt a fan of this view.

My dining room looked out over Frank Zappas duck pond, and once when my mother was visiting, three naked girls were floating around on a raft in the pond, she explained. My mother was horrified by my neighborhood.

Mitchell enjoyed the place far more than her mother did.

In the upper hills the Buffalo Springfield were playing, and in the afternoon there was just a cacophony of young bands rehearsing, she said. At night it was quiet except for cats and mockingbirds. It had a smell of eucalyptus, and in the spring, which was the rainy season then, a lot of wildflowers would spring up. Laurel Canyon had a wonderful distinctive smell to it.

Joni Mitchell inspired a generation of musicians

Her position in the Laurel Canyon scene cemented Mitchells position in music history. Her raw confessional lyrics and polished vocals earned her a broad fan base. Many other musicians say that she has influenced them in one way or another. Prince referenced Mitchell in his songs and wrote her fan letters. Taylor Swift expressed interest in portraying Mitchell in a biopic. Her contemporary, Bob Dylan, has also praised her writing. Chaka Khan credits Mitchell for paving the way for female songwriters.

I think women have definitely made progress since when I started in the business, she said in 1999, per Rolling Stone. Joni Mitchell was certainly a pioneer in many ways. I think the progress has been made with women being able to make music independently and maintaining a lot of freedom of expression in their art.

RELATED: Joni Mitchell Deals With Insomnia Because of Manson-Type, Butcherous Stalkers
As the Verzuz battle continues to put legends in all music categories against one another in a friendly competition of hits, Mariah Carey fans are eager for her to participate. Its unclear whether Carey deems Verzuz worthy, but L.A. Reid thinks so and believes theres only one person Carey should face off with. Careys ex-husband however thinks shes untouchable.

Mariah Carey and L.A. Reid attends the MC Records launch party 2017 | FilmMagic/FilmMagic

L.A. Reid thinks a Beyonce and Mariah Carey battle is fitting

Reid has been a music executive since the 80s. During a recent appearance on the FOX daytime talk show The Real, Reid said the only Verzuz battle hes interested in seeing is on between Carey and Beyonce. Its Mariah Carey versus Beyonce! he told the hosts. Beys the queen, right? We know Bey is the queen. But sometimes Mariah might be slightly underrated for how long her career has lasted, how many hits she has, and she practically owns Christmas.

Reid knows Careys potential firsthand. He was part of her huge comeback album The Emancipation of Mimi, in 2005. He even titled the album. The two worked together again for Careys 2008 follow-up, E=MC.

Source: YouTube

Related: Mariah Carey Reportedly Cuts Ties With Jay-Z and Roc Nation

But Careys ex-husband Nick Cannon, who is also one of her biggest fans, says Carey is above a Verzuz battle and no one can go up against her. Per Cannon, Carey has a talent that others in the industry does not. Mariah writes. Thats what people gotta understand, he told The Breakfast Club. Mariahs a musician. Im not impressed by people who can perform songs that it took 30 people to make with you.

Cannon says only one name comes to mind in regards to someone who can compete against Carey, and its simply based on them having similar skills. The only person in this day and age that could gothat couldve goneagainst Mariah Carey because she writes all of her songs, she actually produces all of her songs, she puts the songs together and performs them at a high levelR. Kelly, he said.

Many want to see Mariah Carey in a Verzuz battle

Super producer Timbaland, who is the co-creator of Verzus, has spoken about his desire for Carey to participate in the friendly competition. Many fans want to see Carey against the late, great Whitney Houston. The two collaborated on the 1998 hit When You Believe from the soundtrack for The Prince of Egypt. Carey has spoken about her love for Houston both personally and professionally.

This is a good match but me and @therealswizzz have other plans for @mariahcarey, Timbaland Tweeted in response to a fan who requested a Houston and Carey mashup. He tagged producer Jermaine Dupri, one of Careys collaborators, in the message to get his opinion on the fan request.

Source: YouTube

Related: Mariah Careys Former Group Allure Is Pissed at Her for Leaving It Out of Her Memoir

Billboard has its own opinion of who Carey can go up against based on her success on the charts in comparison to others. Cannon was right in regard to Careys songwriting skills, with the report noting that Carey was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2019.

As far as her Billboard chart history, Careys resume is impressive. Carey has 19 Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hits, six Billboard 200 No. 1 albums, and five Grammy Awards. Billboard believes that Carey can go up against Janet Jackson. Cannon doesnt think its a bad idea either, saying the battle would be fire. Jackson has 10 Hot 100 No. 1s, seven No. 1 albums, and five Grammys. Other names on the list include Mary J. Blige, also Beyonce, Missy Elliott, and Stevie Wonder.
ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS

Little House on the Prairie star Karen Grassle opened up about her complicated relationship with Michael Landon in a new memoir.

She claims that Landon started a campaign to break me down after she requested a raise.

The campaign included behavior that she now knows was sexual harrassment.

Karen Grassle and Michael Landon on Little House of the Prairie | NBCU Photo Bank

Little House on the Prairie star Karen Grassle (Ma Ingalls) recently published her memoir titled Bright Lights, Prairie Dust. Subtitled Reflections on Life, Loss, and Love from Little Houses Ma, the new book chronicles Grassles career in theater and on TV.

She also shares details about her private life, including her struggles with alcoholism. And she dishes on her relationship with the late Michael Landon. According to Grassle, her co-star started a campaign on the set to break her down after she asked for a raise.

The Little House on the Prairie star was the opposite of her on-screen persona

Grassle starred as Caroline Ma Ingalls for nine seasons and 182 episodes of Little House on the Prairie between 1974 and 1982. In the popular G-rated series, Grassles character was the matriarch of the wholesome Ingalls family  a doting wife and Christian mother of five who lived with her family in 19th century Minnesota.

RELATED: One Yellowstone Star Has a Surprising Connection to Little House on the Prairie

But according to Grassle, she was absolutely nothing like her on-screen persona. Instead, she was a self-hating addict who had a string of failed romances, two unwanted pregnancies, and a not-so-great relationship with her TV husband.

Karen Grassle vividly remembers her audition

When Grassle auditioned for the role of Caroline, she had just moved from New York to Los Angeles and was an unknown actor in Hollywood. It was quite the achievement to land the part, and she still remembers how the audition at Paramount Studios went in January 1973.

I was told to wear a dress and no make-up, Grassle writes.In the 70s, it was common for actresses in Hollywood to wear tight jeans and little tops that revealed their midriffs, false eyelashes and plenty of eyeliner. That look was in, but the look, [my] agent said, was not helping Michael Landon cast Caroline Ingalls, Pioneer Mom.

She arrived in a modest dress, and the only makeup she wore was a touch of brown eye shadow. Grassle says it was a winning strategy because just minutes after doing a test scene, she says Landon sprung up from the floor like a jack-in-the-box and exclaimed, Send her to wardrobe!

The Little House on the Prairie star says Michael Landon started a campaign against her

Grassle remembers her first season of Little House fondly. She told The New York Post that Landon was a demanding boss, but he was also an amazing multi-talented person.

He was very highly strung, but he was carrying the weight of the show on his shoulders, Grassle said.

The 79-year-old told Closer Weekly that she and Landon worked together very well. And people would always tell her what great chemistry they had.

RELATED: Little House on the Prairie: Which Stars Were Related in Real Life?

Grassles salary was between $2,000 and $4,000 per week during the height of her fame on Little House, which was a decent wage for a TV series actor at the time. But after their wildly successful first season, Grassle says she asked Landon for a raise. However, he turned her down because he believed her earnings should correspond with what the child actors were making.

I felt insulted as his co-star on a hit series, she admits. I didnt want to gouge anybody, but I expected a fair wage.

Karen Grassle claims Michael Landon would make disgusting jokes on set

After Landon turned down her raise request, Grassle claims that he started this campaign on the set to try to sort of break me down and diminish my value to the show. She says Landon  who was also the series executive producer and writer  left her out of storylines and cut her scenes. Landon and the crew would also make fun of her figure and facial expressions while reviewing the daily footage.

But the worst part  she says  was the sexual harassment. Grassle explained that Landons filthy language and rude conduct made her want to disappear.

Mike would say c__ and make disgusting jokes about how a woman smelled after sex, Grassle recalled. It was almost like I was frozen. But, as a woman in the 1970s film industry, I was so accustomed to these putdowns, it never occurred to me to sharply rebuke him. I kept up the professionalism. Id be the good girl, play the part and hope.

The Little House on the Prairie star cheated on her fiance with a guest star

Grassle admits that in the 1970s, she was a mess. In addition to being a functioning alcoholic while starring as Ma Ingalls, she admits that she cheated on her then-fiance with Little House guest star Gil Gerard. In her memoir she writes that Gerard later contacted her and told her she might have contracted gonorrhea.

The actor says it wasnt until she got sober that she looked back and realized how much she truly admired her TV alter ego.

RELATED: Little House on the Prairie Star Michael Landon Was Not Born Michael Landon

I didnt suspect that my true desire was for stability, a husband who wanted a family, and children of my own, Grassle writes. I didnt have a clue that I wanted what Caroline Ingalls actually had.

Bright Lights, Prairie Dust: Reflections on Life, Loss, and Love from Little Houses Ma is now available in stores.

All episodes of Little House on the Prairie are available to stream exclusively on Peacock.
With the Christmas season upon us, Netflix has officially joined in on the holiday rom-com craze and introduced several original films for the holiday season. One of which is Love Hard  a hilarious comedy that everyone is currently talking about. Although the film has some serious U.S. city vibes, referencing both Los Angeles and New York, actual filming was far from its setting. (In fact, it wasnt even filmed in the U.S.!) Still, the film captured a lot of interest during its premiere for its unique modern twist and Asian representation. They also managed to pull in an incredible cast that youve likely seen before. Keep reading to learn more about where, exactly, Love Hard was filmed.

Where was Love Hard filmed?

Love Hard is Netflixs new light-hearted holiday comedy about a woman who is on the brink of giving up on love due to her horrendous dating life  which is so bad it has ignited her writing career  until Josh Lin (Jimmy O. Yang) comes into her life.

On a romantic whim, Natalie Bauer (Nina Dobrev) flies from California to the East Coast to officially meet her special someone for Christmas, only to find out he is not who she thought he was.

In fact, the picture is of Joshs ex-best friend, and hes determined to make it up to her by helping her meet the real person in the picture  Tag (Darren Barnet).

So where was Love Hard filmed? According to Yahoo! Movies, although the film is set in LA and Lake Placid, New York (due to its festive nature), the project was actually filmed in Canada, with location listings including Vancouver and Burnaby, both in British Columbia.

Reviewers love that theres representation without having to do anything stereotypical

Love Hard | Bettina Strauss/Netflix

Since its November premiere, Netflixs new holiday film has earned decent ratings from notable critics and some great reviews from fans who were impressed by how well Asians were represented in the film.

IMDb gave the film a 6.3 out of 10, Rotten Tomatoes rated Love Hard in the middle at 50 percent, and Metacritic went a touch lower with 42 percent. On the other hand, 86 percent of Google users liked the movie, and some even raved about it in the comments.

The cast is great; so good to see the representative just being there without having to do anything stereotypical, Elizabeth Au wrote on Google. Subtle hints of East Asian culture really shone through especially towards the end where *spoilers alert* the dad found out Josh was into candle-making and wanting to make a business out of it.

He simply said, If my son likes making candles, he likes making candles,' Au continued, It is such a quick but profound statement as an Asian because instead of being disappointed in the son doing something that is out of the norm for guys, he simply accepted and supported Josh.

Heres why you recognize the cast

Nina Dobrev, Jimmy O. Yang and Charles Melton will star in the upcoming Netflix movie LOVE HARD, about a girl who falls for a hot guy on a dating app and flies across the country to surprise the man she's never met in person for Christmas. What could possibly go wrong?



(Getty) pic.twitter.com/vRveJM8KGS  NetflixFilm (@NetflixFilm) August 14, 2020

This isnt the first time youve seen leading man Yang in a project that is being praised for its Asian representation. You likely recognize Yang from Crazy Rich Asians as Bernard Tai or his 30 other projects. Currently, hes working on three more projects: The Monkey King, Me Time, and Easter Sunday.

Likewise, the film also premiered another Crazy Rich Asians star you know  Harry Shum Jr! In the film, he played Joshs attention-seeking brother Owen. Away from the movie, fans know him from nearly 50 other projects.

On the other end of the love triangle is Tag, played by Barnet. Youve likely seen him in his most popular projects like Never Have I Ever, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and S.W.A.T. He also has three more projects in the making: Innocent Goodbye, Apophenia, and Samurai Rabbit: The Usagi Chronicles.

Then there is Love Hards leading lady Dobrev. She has been in nearly 50 projects, with most fans recognizing her from The Vampire Diaries, Degrassi: The Next Generation, and The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Shes currently working on Redeeming Love, Sick Girl, Reunion, The Out-Law, and Woman 99.

RELATED: Vampire Diaries Star Nina Dobrev Gets Catfished in New Netflix Rom-Com
Machine Gun Kelly opened up to Drew Barrymore in a recent interview, admitting he puts on a happy front while struggling inside.

Kelly got candid with Barrymore, sharing that he needs some time to give himself grace and realize that he shouldnt try to force being OK.

Machine Gun Kelly told Drew Barrymore in an interview that he looks happy on the outside but is struggling inside

Kelly appeared on Barrymores interview show to promote his new unisex UN/DN LAQR nail polish. As he gave Barrymore a manicure, Kelly explained how he grapples with mental health. I think Im new to being vulnerable outside of songs, so its like, I see a lot of pictures of me and theres like, smiles on them, he reflected on The Drew Barrymore Show.

Machine Gun Kelly (Colson Baker) attends as Redbox hosts a red-carpet screening for the film The Last Son | Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Redbox

Its just weird though because I didnt feel good at all that day and I kind of am sick of smiling on days when I dont feel like smiling, he added. And I feel like this odd pressure because I dont want, like, my fans to think that Im taking something for granted. As he spoke, Barrymore leaned in, offering support, intently listening.

He hoped to keep the interview light, which is when it took a new turn

Kelly took a second to reflect during the interview with Barrymore, sitting back to admit he needs to understand hes not always going to be OK. So if, like, I accept an award and Im like, super smiley but behind the scenes, I was really, there was like stuff going on, or I didnt feel, I dont know, like, a lot of what I do is for other people and I havent given myself the time to just accept that its OK to not be OK, he admitted.

Kelly touched on mental health during an emotional interview with Today Shows Willie Geist. My frame on how to be human because Im so work-obsessed, he said. Im so busy trying to block out my demons with jobs. Im getting sick of wearing a smile. I just dont have anything behind the smile anymore.

But during the interview with Barrymore, he shifted, telling her he hoped they would talk about something funny instead of having a heavy discussion about mental health. My whole point is, I just didnt want to bring that into the show, he shared. Id love to talk about funny stuff and anything that you have for me. I would love to just get out of what Im doing.

Laughter is heard from the audience as Barrymores smile widened. I dont mean to sound creepy but I like you so much more. I really do, she replied. In fact, we were just talking about where different people are from. And someone was like, Why do you know Utah? And I was like, I went there to go change my life. And you know, I went through a really painful divorce.

Drew Barrymore opened up to Machine Gun Kelly about her own struggles

Barrymore is no stranger to struggles with mental health. She notoriously emancipated herself from her parents at a young age, faced substance abuse and divorce. She talked about the impact the divorce had on her.

I wasnt doing very well and I just wanted to go talk to some people and how to pull myself out of a hole and I had these two kids that I had to fight for and I needed help, she said. So I started reaching out to different people and eventually, I really made some big, sweeping changes in my life and I got on a whole new track. Not back on track, but a brand new one that I helped build.

RELATED: Machine Gun Kelly Dressed Like F**King Lisa Rinna and Conor McGregor Attacked Him at the VMAs Because His Music Sucks, Michael Rapaport Jokes
Dawn Neptune Adams holds a copy of the Phips Proclamation of 1755, Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2021, in Bangor, Maine. Adams recently co-directed a film that focuses on the proclamation, one of the dozens of government-issued bounty proclamations that directed colonial settlers to hunt, scalp and kill Indigenous people for money.
The Alaska Housing Finance Corp. is continuing its monthslong program of sending out rental and utility assistance payments  including almost $477,000 to Haines households as of last week  drawing on federal pandemic relief aid allocated to the states.

As of last Friday, Alaska continued among the leaders nationwide in distributing the aid to households hurt by a loss of income due to the pandemic. AHFC reported it had sent out almost $193 million in payments, about 80% of the $242 million in federal funds allocated to Alaska under renter assistance programs administered by the housing agency.

Several states have been slow to set up programs to distribute their share of the $47 billion appropriated by Congress for past-due and future rent and utility relief. According to Treasury Department statistics, Montana had sent out just 11% of its money and North Dakota a mere 4% of its allocation as of Sept. 30.

Nationwide, states had averaged about 25% as of Sept. 30.

Alaska ranked fourth in the nation in August for percentage of the money distributed to help renters.

The Alaska housing agency said the $193 million went to almost 24,000 households, representing 61,000 individuals  about one in every 12 Alaskans.

The Treasury Department will reallocate some of the unspent funds from states that have failed to use the rent-relief money, and AHFC has requested additional funds to support Alaska renters experiencing hardship, said Stacy Barnes, governmental and public affairs director at the agency. We dont know when Treasury will make the announcement or if there will be a series of announcements.

Rental assistance continues in three-month increments for households experiencing financial hardship that still qualify for aid  until their eligibility ends, the state runs out of money, or the program ends.

Some of the states share of the federal relief can be used toward housing stability services, which will allow us to address homelessness, Barnes said. AHFC is still working on that effort.

The $477,000 in money sent to Haines renters has helped 189 residents, AHFC spokesperson Stacy Barnes said.

In addition to helping renters who lost their jobs, had their hours cut or otherwise have suffered financially due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Alaska has applied for federal approval to distribute its $50 million allocation under a program to assist homeowners.

The Treasury Department has approved mortgage relief programs in New York, Ohio and Maryland, Barnes said. We are eager to get the program up and running.  It will probably take a month or two after the Treasurys approval before we can begin accepting complete applications and process payments.

AHFC has been working to develop an application system and marketing plan to let Alaskans know about the mortgage aid program after federal officials sign off on the states proposal.
National volunteer organization Team Rubicon, which helped remove December storm debris this fall, is establishing a local leadership team to assist with disaster mitigation and recovery across Southeast Alaska.

The organizations Alaska administrator, Rachel Alford, visited Haines from Fairbanks last week to meet with potential volunteers, called greyshirts.

While there are 790 greyshirts across Alaska and 50 in Southeast, including four in Haines, Team Rubicon has official leadership teams only in Fairbanks and Anchorage. But Southeast Alaska has very different needs, Alford told the CVN. She said a local team would help identify Haines-specific issues and would make the organization more effective at local disaster mitigation and response.

Alford, a paramedic who joined Team Rubicon in 2017 and took on the statewide leadership role in 2019, said she has long hoped to form a team in Southeast but was waiting to find the right volunteer to help organize the effort. That person ended up being local greyshirt and Haines Long Term Recovery Group coordinator Sylvia Heinz, who first reached out to Team Rubicon over the summer to assist with disaster debris disposal in August and September. Working with Sylvia presented a fantastic opportunity to get the ball rolling, Alford said.

The new leadership team, composed of greyshirts in Haines, Juneau and across Southeast, would hold local trainings, work on disaster mitigation and mobilize volunteers to aid communities after emergencies. Rural Alaska does not have access to the same resources that are available for disasters in the lower 48. Therefore, we have to be ready to help ourselves and help our neighbors, reads a statement prepared by Alford and Heinz.

In addition to training, Alford said benefits of having an official teamnot just a loose conglomeration of greyshirtsinclude facilitating communication among local volunteers and organization higher-ups and empowering communities to address their needs.

Team Rubicon and Rachel (Alford) have a very similar vision as I personally do: building resilient communitiesnot with a white knight complex, but coming in alongside communities, Heinz said. You cant build resilient communities by yourself. That takes a team.

At the request of the Long Term Recovery Group, Team Rubicon sent 11 volunteers to Haines earlier this fall for Operation Deishu Dawnan effort to clear flooding and landslide debris on about 10 properties. The volunteer-led nonprofit also recently began planning a project to help rebuild two local homesof Steve Virg-in and Lemmie Spradlinthat were severely damaged last December. Details of the project, including the timeline, are still being worked out.

Team Rubicon, which is made up mainly but not exclusively of military veterans and first responders, was created in 2010 by two U.S. Marines looking to assist Haitians in the wake of a catastrophic earthquake. The organization now works to prevent and respond to domestic disasters, such as the storm in Haines or a hurricane in Louisiana, and has expanded to over 150,000 volunteers nationwide.

You do not have to be a first responder or a military vet to be a part of the team, Heinz said in a written statement to the CVN. Everyone has a role, despite physical capabilities or availability.

Those interested in volunteering with Team Rubicon can sign up at teamrubiconusa.org. There is no minimum time commitment for volunteers, Heinz and Alford said. People with questions can email Heinz at sylvia.heinz@teamrubiconusa.org.
31% of Americans experience loneliness daily; 1 in 5 practicing Christians say the same: study

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Loneliness is being experienced by 31% of U.S. adults daily and Christians arent doing much better, new research from the Barna Group suggests.

Data for the research done in partnership with behavioral scientist Susan Mettes and the evangelical polling firm Barna was collected through online surveys from 1,003 U.S. adults from Feb. 18 to March 2, 2020, and 1,000 U.S. adults from April 28 to May 5, 2020.

The data is highlighted in Mettes new book, The Loneliness Epidemic, and examines rates of loneliness, both across the nation and within the Church. Described by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as the feeling of being alone, regardless of the amount of social contact, loneliness is linked to poorer health outcomes.

In [this] academic research, loneliness is the distress someone feels when their social connections dont meet their need for emotional intimacy, Mettes explains. Its lack, its disappointment, its something we are conscious of, even when we dont call it loneliness. Loneliness is a thirst that drives us to seek companionship  or, perhaps better, fellowship. Without fellowship, we go on needing others and seeking relief for that need.

The study found that three in 10 U.S. adults experience loneliness at least once daily, and such a feeling usually comes with pain.

For U.S. adults who experienced loneliness at least once within the past week, more than 40% of that group said the feelings of loneliness ranged from intense to unbearable.

These numbers give us a snapshot of loneliness. What they dont reveal is for whom loneliness is a long-term, chronic condition. The chronic version of loneliness is more damaging, Mettes stated. Those whose loneliness is constant and chronic have likely experienced how loneliness can chip away at health and quality of life.

A 2020 report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine says seniors experiencing social isolation or loneliness may face a higher risk of mortality, heart disease and depression.

Loneliness and social isolation arent just social issues  they can also affect a persons physical and mental health, and the fabric of communities, Dan Blazer, a professor of community and family medicine at Duke University who chaired the commission that published the report, said in a statement.

Addressing social isolation and loneliness is often the entry point for meeting seniors other social needs  like food, housing, and transportation.

A survey conducted by researchers from the Harvard Graduate School of Education project Making Caring Common found that 36% of about 950 respondents in the national poll conducted in late October 2020 reported feeling lonely frequently or almost all the time or all the time in the prior four weeks.

Some 61% of respondents aged 18-25 reported substantial degrees of loneliness.

These levels of loneliness are heartbreaking. We have big holes in our social fabric, said the reports lead author and Making Caring Common faculty director Richard Weissbourd, a senior lecturer at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and the Harvard Kennedy School.

We need to mobilize coherently and strategically to assure that far fewer Americans are stranded and disconnected.

Barna compared the rate of loneliness in the Church with the rate of loneliness in the general population and found little difference.

U.S. churchgoers reported similar levels of loneliness as their non-churchgoing peers, with both groups closely aligned with the average Barna found.

Looking at committed faith practice, practicing Christians  those who identify as Christian, agree strongly that faith is very important in their lives and have attended church within the past month  do show a slight decrease in how often they feel lonely, when compared to churched adults and the general population, Barna noted. However, a notable one in five (20%) still feels lonely at least once each day, with 10 percent being lonely all the time.

The Barna study suggests that churchgoers who experience loneliness are more likely than non-churchgoing adults to describe more severe feelings of loneliness, while practicing Christians reported less painful feelings of loneliness.

When it comes to painful feelings associated with loneliness, 48% of churchgoers who experienced loneliness at least once in the past week said they had more severe feelings of loneliness compared to 39% of non-churchgoing adults who said the same. Some 35% of practicing Christians had similar feelings.

Researchers also found that practicing Christians were more likely than other groups to stigmatize loneliness as always bad, indicating less willingness to discuss the issue in a church context.

There is a real danger of letting positive psychology hijack the Churchs real purpose, Mettes said. It is because of what the Christian faith teaches that Christians do so many things that are good for loneliness (i.e. group singing, community service, meeting in person). But confronting loneliness isnt an ultimate goal. In the taxonomy of church priorities, it is a subcategory of loving your neighbor.
Anti-Christian hate crimes in Europe rose 70% between 2019 and 2020, watchdog reports

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A new study from a Vienna-based watchdog organization suggests that anti-Christian hate crimes in Europe have increased by 70% between 2019 and 2020 amid rising concern about declining religious freedom across the continent.

A new report this month from the Observatory on Intolerance Against Christians in Europe (OIDAC) focuses on how declining religious freedom, freedom of conscience and parental rights have impacted the liberties of European Christians.

The document identifies increasing intolerance and discrimination against Christians from governments through legislation and political discourse. It also identifies intolerance from individuals through social exclusion and criminal acts.

OIDAC notes that the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights from the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe published its annual hate crimes report in November, stating there were 981 anti-Christian hate crimes in Europe for 2020 compared to 578 in 2019.

This meant an increase of 70% in anti-Christian hate crime since last year, the OIDAC report states.

[O]ur numbers speak louder than our words. This is one of the reasons OIDAC was founded over ten years ago, because there was no other organisation reporting and raising awareness on this phenomenon in Europe.

The study compiled over two years focuses on situations for Christians in five countries  France, Germany, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom  amid rising secular intolerance and Islamic oppression.

These countries were selected because, according to our observations, Christians face the most difficulties in them, the report explains. The findings of the report are based on a variety of data we collected. The majority of our data is based on descriptive cases, an extensive questionnaire and in-depth interviews with experts and afflicted Christians.

While hate crimes have a higher frequency in France and Germany, they tend to be more severe in Spain and France, the organization finds.

The number of anti-Christian hate crimes in Germany is surprisingly high but not as severe as in other countries in this report, the report reads.

The observed cases of violence in Germany are mainly perpetrated against Protestant and Catholic churches and Christian buildings. These include vandalism, looting, graffiti, and damage of property with a high and slightly increasing frequency in the last years. There have also been more severe cases that show a clear bias like physical assaults on priests, arson attacks and decapitated statues. OIDAC has documented 255 violent attacks against Christians or Christian sites between 2019 and 2020.

In terms of legal prosecution for alleged hate speech, the U.K. has the highest number of cases. But the other countries have high rates of self-censorship, says the report.

The right to conscientious objection has been under threat in Sweden, France and Spain.

The absence of the conscience clause in Sweden is already affecting Christian professionals, and intentions to alter this clause in France and Spain could lead to a complete exclusion of Christians in certain professions, OIDAC warns.

In the education sector, the organization warns that Christian university students perceive that they cannot debate certain topics freely or express their opinions without judgment or negative consequences, which leads to the crippling effects of self-censorship. The document also contends that various new sex and relationship education regulations are violating parental rights.

In France and Spain, most of the attacks were on Catholics. And in Germany and the U.K., both Catholic and non-Catholic Christians have been targeted.

OIDAC recorded 175 incidents against religious freedom in Spain during 2019, and 140 (80%) were targeted at Catholics. In 2020, 51 violent incidents against Christians were recorded compared to 30 cases in 2019.

The watchdog says secular intolerance and Islamic oppression are two of the primary threatening dynamics impacting the lives of Christians in Europe in four main areas of life: church, education, politics and the workplace.

We found that the area of church life is the most visibly affected due to an increasing number of hate crimes in most countries, but education, the workplace and politics are following shortly after, the report states.

[W]hile secular intolerance is the driving dynamic in most of the cases and areas of life we observed, Islamic oppression mainly occurs in concentrated hotspot areas, in which Christian converts are the group that is mostly affected along with other residential Christians.

The report argues that the opposition against conservative Christian moral views leads to secular intolerance.

This polarization also appears to be promoted by sensationalist and religious-illiterate media that stigmatizes and marginalizes religious voices in the public debate, the report adds.

Christian converts with a Muslim background are very vulnerable, the group says. Our data indicates that many of them face intolerance and violence from their social environment, and the danger they face is often ignored by state authorities.

The report also contends that churches had their religious freedom denied and faced discrimination in Europe due to gathering restrictions related to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

This happened either by the unjustified and disproportionate use of power by public officials (Spain) or through unproportionate blanket bans on public worship, downgrading it to a non-essential service, OIDAC details.

Last July, the watchdog found that there had been about a 285% increase in the number of anti-Christian incidents reported in France over the previous decade-plus.

The French government reported 275, what they call, anti-Christian acts [in 2008], the groups Executive Director Ellen Fantini told The Christian Post at the time. So that is anything from targeting a church in some way with vandalism or a public Christian statue, it could be a Christian cemetery or it could be actual assaults against French Christians with an anti-Christian bias.
Mass. church donates backpacks with Bibles, supplies for police to handout to homeless

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A church in Massachusetts has donated 200 backpacks full of various supplies and Bibles to two police departments to aid the local homeless population.

LifePoint Church of Chicopee, a congregation with around 1,000 worshipers, donated the backpacks on Wednesday to the police departments of Chicopee and Holyoke.

Matt Whitacre, LifePoints worship and creative arts pastor, told The Christian Post that the police have a way of distributing the backpacks to the needy.

The idea is that officers will carry these packs in their cars, and when they come across or have a call involving someone from the homeless community, they can give it to them, said Whitacre.

This is important because it helps the homeless community know that people care about them and are thinking about them. It also helps build goodwill between the community and the police force in a time where its very difficult to be in law enforcement.

Each donated backpack contains a Bible, blanket, antiseptic wipes, deodorant, hoodie, hat, gloves, toothbrush and toothpaste.

We want people to know that their generosity is truly making a difference and changing lives. Its an amazing and tangible way to be the hands and feet of Jesus, Whitacre added.

The Chicopee Police Department posted a short statement on its Facebook page Wednesday, giving LifePoint a big thank you for the generous donation.

Earlier this year, LifePoint raised $15,000 to give each employee of a local hospital a $10 Dunkin Donuts gift card as a way of showing their support for healthcare workers.

According to the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, as of January 2020, Massachusetts had nearly 18,000 people experiencing homelessness on any given day.

The USICH notes that during the 2018-2019 school year, an estimated 24,700 public school students in Massachusetts experienced homelessness during the academic year.

In April, an annual homelessness census found that while overall homelessness was down in Boston, unsheltered individuals were on the rise, likely due to COVID-19 pandemic concerns about sheltering in groups.

A one-night count on Jan. 27 found 1,176 single adults staying in emergency shelters, a decrease of 417 from the year before. However, the number of unsheltered people sleeping on the street on the night of the census increased 25.9% to 170.
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Americans are awakening to the call to protect children from being sexualized. Following the national news coverage of local school board meetings in Virginia, many U.S. citizens are shocked to learn that todays elementary school lessons include material that would make most adults blush.



Whether or not you are a parent, it is stomach-turning to learn that our taxpayer dollars have been used to make sexually explicit materials available in school libraries and attendance to pornographic sex-ed lessons mandatory.

The alarm rang even louder when we found out that government officials were willing to assign weighty terms like terrorist to parents wanting to protect their children from being sexualized. When a government is willing to use labels that pack the capacity to bypass our liberties while giving tremendous latitude to authorities to investigate a supposed threat to the homeland, it begs the question: Why is propagating sexual material to children so valuable to the government? Why do these officials remain recalcitrant to the rebukes from their historically favored voting block? Most importantly, where does this slippery slope end?

Until this past month, most of the public could only speculate where the institutionalized sexualization of our children would lead. In case you missed it, in November, we got a peek into some of the current academic discourse when a professor from Old Dominion University in Virginia, Allyn Walker, suggested that having sexual desire for children isnt wrong.

Rather, Walker suggested we should use a less stigmatizing term such as Minor-Attracted People (MAPS) instead of the word pedophile.

As someone who worked in a clinical setting with people who were sexually abused and some who went on to act out that same abuse, I know the importance of providing a place to talk without affirming thoughts that could prove detrimental to a child. This is a boundary that should not be moved, not even in theory. It is troubling that any serious academic institution would be willing to diminish, even in terminology, the horror that should be associated with any expression of violation against a child.

Public outrage over the comments resulted in Walkers resignation. Pressure needs to remain high on any institution willing to relax the stigma of pedophilia and lead us down the slope to its acceptance.

Although Walkers story might be new to the public at large, its important to keep in mind that the road to normalizing pedophilia is, unfortunately, not a new discourse in the institutions of higher education. For years, many have turned a blind eye to the pedophilia of scholars like Michael Foucault, who had exploits with minors in Northern Africa and was also a proponent of lowering the age of consent.

And then there was Dr. John Money, the academic psychiatrist whose work added to the current conceptualization of gender roles and transgender theory, which influenced diagnostic terms in the manual for mental disorders (DSM). Lets not forget his therapeutic methods, which are best known in the case of David Reimer and his brother.

Moneys supposed clinical acumen involved simulating and photographing sex acts with the brothers. At Moneys recommendation, Davids family was counseled to raise him as a girl and reassign his sex, but David never felt like a girl and later chose to live with his biological sex. In the end, he committed suicide. By all accounts, this decision was influenced by the early therapeutic endeavors of Money.

If no other moral standard exists within the research community, at minimum, one would hope that academics could hold fast to the edicts contained in the Nuremberg Code or the Research Act of 1974, which outline the conduct for a humane class of researchers engaged in the scientific method for the betterment of society. Both include special protections for children. Instead, what weve learned is that unbridled curiosity has mostly remained unchecked in the ivory tower, and some scientists are exploring lines of inquiry about children that should remain unthinkable.

By the way, this is not a uniquely North American trend down the slope to pedophilia. More recently, it was revealed that the German government had doled out funding to the Kentler Project. This study began in the 1970s with a 30-year agenda that placed homeless children with known pedophiles. Helmut Kentler, the chief scientific investigator of the project, held that sexual interactions between children and adults were benign and perhaps even beneficial to the homeless youth.

Thankfully, in this recent debacle with the defamed professor, we have one instance where the slide down the slope was quickly stopped. Let this case serve as a wake-up call and an alarm that keeps us awake. This kind of discourse must not germinate in the darkness of academic silos. It must be called out into the light.

Originally published at the Family Research Council.
Anti-Christian incidents in France rose 285% since 2008: Observatory

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Theres been about a 285% increase in the number of anti-Christian incidents reported in France over the last decade-plus, according to the head of the Vienna-based Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination Against Christians in Europe.

As six French churches have caught fire in the last year and a half, including the major Cathedral in Nantes last week, government data indicates a stark increase in the number of alleged attacks and acts of vandalism committed against houses of worship since 2008.

The French government reported 275, what they call, anti-Christian acts [in 2008]," OIDACE Executive Director Ellen Fantini told The Christian Post Monday. "So that is anything from targeting a church in some way with vandalism or a public Christian statue, it could be a Christian cemetery or it could be actual assaults against French Christians with an anti-Christian bias."

"If we look at 2018 and 2019, the numbers are little over 1,000 [per year]. So the increase from 275 to a little over 1,000 works out to 285% increase.

According to Frances Interior Ministry, there were 1,052 recorded anti-Christian incidents committed in 2019, which mostly consist of attacks on religious property. The 2019 incidents are broken down into 996 "acts" and 56 "threats."

What is shocking about that actually is how low the governments numbers are, the director of the only observatory that covers Christian freedom of conscious issues across all of Europe said.

In addition to the governments published data on anti-Christian actions, Fantini said that the French government also submits data about hate crimes committed with a bias against Christians to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

However, the governments data on hate crimes against Christians dont seem to match the figures the government provides on anti-Christian incidents.

Those numbers, the most recent figures for hate crimes, were nearly 2,000 in 2018, she explained. So when people react with shock when we say that this works out to about three a day, we are taking conservative numbers. When we take even the governments own numbers of hate crimes against Christians, it works out to more than five a day.

It is not clear why those [two sets of] numbers dont match up. The French government has not been transparent about why those numbers dont match up. What we can safely say is that the French government reports both of these numbers. It would suggest that the lower figure must be the absolute minimum and the figure given to OSCE is likely accurate, though I suspect even that number is lower than the real figures."

When asked what anti-Christian incidents entail, Fantini stated that they tend to be acts of vandalism with a message.

They are not necessarily like graffiti where you could identify what these people want, as compared to Spain.  In France, we see a lot of decapitation of statues, we see the destruction of precious objects. I dont mean precious by material value but destruction, for example, of consecrated hosts in Catholic churches. There is basically nothing worse you could do in a Catholic church than destroy the consecrated host.

The researcher added that France sees a lot of small intentional fires at churches. Those fires dont usually burn down the buildings, however.

There are a lot of broken windows. For something like a broken window, we dont know if it was a kid playing with a ball or whether it was somebody who hates the church or hates Christians. My organization tends to, if we dont have any other information, to not really say that we think an incident has an anti-Christian bias," she noted.

But if they smash a window and destroy things, then we know that is going on. Its hard to figure out what motivation is because most of the time vandals arent caught. Most churches dont have security cameras. Most churches are open to the public all day long but dont have security guards. To be honest, I think we only see the visible tip of the iceberg because so many churches across Europe and America as well experience vandalism and simply dont report it.

The observatorys executive director opines that part of the reason there is an increase in attacks and acts vandalism committed at places of worship in France is that the rising secularism in the country has led the society generally not to think of churches as special sacred places.

Fantini said perpetrators of church attacks and acts vandalism in France tend to be radical Islamists or people aligned on the radical extremes of the political left, including Antifa movements, anarchists and radical feminists.

They all set their sights on churches for different reasons, she said. In France, we certainly have not seen any kind of far-right attacks on churches. In France, I would say it is sort of the cultural leftists on the extremes as well as the radicalized Islamists. Although we havent seen that as much as we did a few years ago.

Sunday marked the fourth anniversary of the killing of Priest Jacques Hamel during an attack on his Normandy church by two men claimed to be aligned with the Islamic State.

He was the priest who was beheaded by ISIS sympathizers in the South of France while he was celebrating mass, she said.

While there is not enough data available to calculate the rise of anti-Christian incidents throughout Europe, Fantini believes that such incidents are absolutely on the rise everywhere.

We see in Germany arsons and vandalism, we see it in Spain, we see it in the U.K. Really, I cant say that there is any place in Europe where this phenomenon is decreasing, she warned. I was just looking at the U.K. The U.K. has a government fund to protect places of worship of all kinds. It was started five years ago and the amount in the fund has already doubled to 3.2 million.

In Spain, she said churches see quite a lot of destruction and vandalism.

In particular, the anarchist movements, their favorite phrase is: The only church that illuminates is the one that burns, the researcher explained. Every year on International Womens Day, which is celebrated all over Spain, it is an opportunity for the feminist activists to put their tags on Spanish churches, they destroy things, they protest. Spain is no stranger to the activist left when it comes to targeting churches.

One factor that has created an uptick in anti-Christian incidents in Europe, Fantini believes, is the mass migration stemming from the global refugee crisis in which millions of migrants from the Middle East and Africa have poured into Europe.

The major wave of migration between 2015, 2016 and 2017, around there, that definitely resulted in an uptick in incidents, she said. If we look at France, simply because they actually report some statistics, you do see a jump that happens right around that time. I would say, for the most part, it has settled down a bit.

Even in the United States, Fantini said that between the end of May and the third week of July, there were 20 incidents across 12 states effecting Catholic churches alone as there has been much social unrest following the death of George Floyd.

The activists in the U.S. have been fairly explicit about saying, Burn it all down, the Vermont native said. I do think we are going to see it get worse in Europe because I think the activists who are already simmering here will feel emboldened by what they see happening in the U.S. These movements are connected in terms of ideology.

Fantini was clear that her organization does not use the term persecution when discussing the situation facing Christians in Europe.

We do that very intentionally because we understand that the persecution of our brothers and sisters [in other regions of the world] is beyond compare, she said. We cant claim that and we dont.
Over 500 UK church leaders prepared to face criminal charges if conversion therapy is banned

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Over 500 church leaders from across the UK have written to the government to say they are prepared to face criminal charges if a conversion therapy ban is introduced.

In the letter, they say that they will "continue to do our duty to God" even if the proposed ban comes into force.

"It should not be a criminal offence for us to instruct our children that God made them male and female, in his image, and has reserved sex for the marriage of one man and one woman. Yet this seems to be the likely outcome of the proposed legislation," they write.

"We therefore very much hope (and pray) that these proposals will be dropped in their current form. We have no desire to become criminals, and place a high value on submitting to and supporting our government.

"Yet we think it important you are aware that if it were to come about that the loving, compassionate exercise of orthodox Christian ministry, including the teaching of the Christian understanding of sex and marriage, is effectively made a criminal offence, we would with deep sadness continue to do our duty to God in this matter."

The open letter, which is still collecting signatures online, has been sent days before a government consultation on the proposed ban ends on Friday. Christians are being urged to participate in the consultation to make their concerns known.

Dr. Ian Paul, a theologian and member of the Church of England's General Synod, said the current proposals were "ill considered and ill conceived."

"As the consultation document itself states, many of the issues highlighted are already illegal," he said.

"The term 'conversion therapy' is ill defined, and the proposals appear to be driven by an ideological agenda rather than real concern and clear thinking.

"There is a real risk that pastoral ministry will be criminalised, and that human rights, including the right to religious belief will be trampled on."

Rev. Dr. Matthew Roberts, Minister of Trinity Church York, warned that standard Christian teaching on sexuality and gender stands to be criminalised under the proposed ban.

"It is deeply concerning that the government seems to be considering legislation that would criminalise normal, loving Christian ministry, while stopping us from helping young people who are being caught up in the horrible damage being done by transgender ideology," he said.

"Nothing we do could be considered 'therapy'. But the proposals are drafted so badly, and with such apparent ignorance of basic Christian teaching, that entirely standard Christian teaching would be criminalised in the name of something that has nothing to do with us.

"'Conversion', as Christians understand it, is an amazing thing: realising that life is not all about focusing on ourselves, but on the God who made us. It is deeply wrong that this proposed legislation implies that being converted to Jesus Christ is akin to violence or abuse."

Rev. Roberts also expressed concern about the rights of Christian parents to raise their children in accordance with their beliefs.

"Being able to raise children in their own faith is a legal right, and one which these proposals would take away. The government cannot do this without running into serious legal difficulties," he said.

"The Queen is appointed to be the Defender of the Faith. It would be very strange indeed if Her Majesty's Government legislated against the faith of their own sovereign."

Dr. Julie Maxwell, a paediatrician and youth worker at St. Mary's Basingstoke, said she was especially concerned about the potential impact of the proposed ban on pastoral youth work.

She warned that the ban would leave adults scared of sharing their views on gender and sexuality with young people.

"As we know children and young people need direction from adults around them regarding all sorts of lifestyle issues. Teenagers are navigating huge changes associated with puberty and issues around sexuality and gender are important topics that need to be discussed," she said.

"As Christians we seek to support young people who are seeking to follow Jesus Christ to understand these issues from the perspective of Biblical teaching regarding God's creation of men and women and his design for marriage.

"To find ourselves in a situation where parents, youth workers and other adults are afraid to address these issues risks leaving children and young people confused and vulnerable.

"There is already a significant increase in mental health problems in children and young people and being unable to support those struggling with issues around sexuality and gender identity will negatively impact on this."

Rev. Graham Nicholls, Director of the Affinity church network, said he was prepared to go to prison to defend his traditional Christian beliefs.

He said: "We particularly wanted to write from the perspective of practitioners, people who are pastors, youth workers, and counsellors.

"We don't know how this law about conversion therapy could impact their work and their ordinary, everyday work of chatting with people, encouraging people, praying with people that could be severely impacted. So we thought it was important from the point of view of practising pastors.

"Those who are campaigning for the law, their stated aim is that prayers or any kind of encouragement to do what we would say the Bible is teaching in terms of sexual ethics, should be prohibited.

"We don't know how the law will work out, but I think if those demands were met, then really any conversation with your family or if your child asks a question about their sexuality or their gender and you give them some advice, potentially, that could fall foul of the law  if you give them advice from a Christian perspective that questions or suggests there is a good or a bad path to follow."

Originally published at Christian Today.
Franklin Graham, Matt Chandler Sound Warnings as Study Reveals 'Epidemic' Levels of Loneliness in US

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A number of American pastors have spoken out as a major study released by a global insurance company last week found that U.S. citizens face "epidemic" levels of loneliness.

Cigna said in a press release last week that a survey of more than 20,000 U.S. adults, carried out by Ipsos between Feb. 21 and March 6, with a credibility interval of plus or minus 0.8 percentage points, discovered that nearly half said that they sometimes or always feel alone.

What is more, Generation Z, or adults aged 1822, were found to be the loneliest of all.

Matt Chandler, megachurch pastor of the Village Church in Flower Mound, Texas, tweeted on Saturday in responce to the survey: "The data around this social experiment is coming in and it's not pretty."

Chandler referred to another tweet written by Matt McCauley, family minister at Village Church, who suggested that social media might be playing a big role in people suffering from loneliness.

"Parents, limit screen time and push your kids outside into the real world of face-to-face interaction. 10,000 followers doesn't cure loneliness," McCauley wrote.

The Cigna study does list social media use as one of the factors it examined.

It noted that respondents with very heavy social media use have a loneliness score of 43.5 based on a 20-item questionnaire on the UCLA Loneliness Scale, though that was only slightly higher than those who said they never use social media, at 41.7 points.

Others, such as the Rev. Franklin Graham, president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, shared a message to all those who are feeling lonely:

"I would like each one of them to know that there is Someone they can count on to always be with them. Jesus loves us and promises to never leave or forsake us  we just have to put our faith and trust in Him in order to have that personal relationship," Graham wrote on Facebook on Monday.

"God's Word tells us, 'Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.'"

The Cigna study found that there are several factors that can influence loneliness, noting that people who have meaningful in-person interactions have a much lower loneliness score, and enjoy better health in general.

It further found that those who sleep just the right amount have lower loneliness levels, along with those who spend the right amount of time with family, get the right amount of physical activity, and spend the right amount of time at the workplace.

"We view a person's physical, mental and social health as being entirely connected," said David M. Cordani, president and chief executive officer of Cigna.

"It's for this reason that we regularly examine the physical, mental and social needs of our people and the communities they live in. In analyzing this closely, we're seeing a lack of human connection, which ultimately leads to a lack of vitality  or a disconnect between mind and body," Cordani continued.

"We must change this trend by reframing the conversation to be about 'mental wellness' and 'vitality' to speak to our mental-physical connection. When the mind and body are treated as one, we see powerful results."
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As churches prepare to lead Christmas programming, organizations finalize end-of-year giving initiatives and schools wrap up the semester, its easy for both leaders and staff to become overwhelmed.

As a leader, its your responsibility to ensure that your staff doesnt get overlooked and overwhelmed during the holiday season. Here are four tips for blessing your staff and making sure their needs are met in order to bolster a healthy, enduring culture.

1. Give extra PTO and make sure they use it

The easiest way to bless your staff immensely during the crazy holiday season is to give them extra paid time off, allowing them to get the rest and recuperation that they need. But its also important to encourage your staff to actually take the time off that they need, rather than waiting to use it. Encourage your staff to actually close their computers, log out of their emails and get much-needed time with friends and family, completely away from work. Its also crucial that you hold yourself to the same standard. Time off does not mean time to catch up on emails or get that end-of-year project wrapped up. Turn that out-of-office message On and get some much-needed rest.

2. Reflect with them

Take time with your individual staff to reflect on the successes and failures of the year and dream for the upcoming one. If you are able to set apart some time, writing letters to each staff member expressing gratitude for their individual hard work and accomplishments can be a significant encouragement. You can also get face-to-face with each person to thank them for their contributions to the successes of your organization. This doesnt mean you need to work an hour per staff member into your calendar; these can be quick conversations or brief notes. But one-on-one encouragement goes a long way.

Though encouragement and praise to the group as a whole are good and necessary, it is these individual encouragements and gratitude for their hard work that ensure that your team members feel valued and that they return from the holidays motivated and enthusiastic about the work being done.

3. Celebrate with them

Office Christmas parties are a given, but consider how these celebrations can both celebrate Christmas and the faithfulness and persistence of your staff. This is an opportunity to appreciate your staffs hard work in a more fun, less serious environment. Express your appreciation with end-of-year gifts, or if youre looking for a way to not break the bank, organize an office Secret Santa (with a spending maximum, of course). You could also forgo a Christmas party altogether and just take your entire team out to a nice lunch on the last day before everyone disperses for the holidays. Either way, come up with something fun and out of the norm to break up the monotony and make your staff feel excited, valued and celebrated.

4. Be gracious with their impatience and exhaustion and with your own

Lastly, its important to note that this has been a difficult year for many of us, especially in ministry. A new Barna study found that 38% of pastors have considered stepping away from ministry in the past year. This holiday season will be the first semi-normal one since the onset of the pandemic. Though it would be nice to have Christmas just be a fun and restful celebration, we know that it still comes at the end of an exhausting season.

Your staff may be feeling burnt out and in desperate need of rest. The last weeks before Christmas and New Years are, as we mentioned before, incredibly busy times for church staff and Christian organizations. Be realistic in what you expect from your teams, and if you find yourself or your peers acting particularly impatient and frustrated, be gracious and kind. Negativity feeds on negativity, and if you respond to someones frustration with more frustration, you will inevitably end the year on a downward spiral. For the sake of the long-term health of your culture, encourage your staff to be particularly patient with each other right now, and like we said earlier, set an example by doing the same.

The busyness of the holidays could easily end with staff feeling burnt out, neglected and unsure if their current workplace is where they want to stay. Not only would taking these measures help you retain staff during the so-called Great Resignation, but from an individual, biblical perspective, its critical to treat the Imago Dei as such. Cherish your staff, rather than overworking and under-recognizing them. Fight the urge to get swept up in the ministry patterns of a busy season and commit time to care for the individuals who make your ministry happen.
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The people of God are in many ways also the people of the state. The issues that permeate dialogue in the political realm also make their way inside the walls of the church, and people of faith are every bit as tempted to divide along political lines as their nonreligious counterparts. Ideas connected with critical race theory are currently at the forefront of this divide.

Before examining the churchs criticism of critical race theory, a proper definition is vital. Legal scholars at the UCLA School of Public Affairs define critical race theory as the idea that racism is engrained in the fabric and system of  American society. The individual racist need not exist to note that institutional racism is pervasive in the dominant culture. This is the analytical lens that CRT uses in examining existing power structures.

Critical race theory has garnered a bevy of commentary from many within the Christian community. Gerald McDermott, Anglican priest and author of Race and Covenant: Recovering the Religious Roots for American Reconciliation, wholly denounces critical race theory, calling it a repudiation of traditional liberal political theory.

On the other hand, figures like David French see CRT as useful tools, as long as one acknowledges their innate problems. Critical race theory, French opines, has on occasion helped me to identify the reality and effects of oppression ... [b]ut we cannot lose sight of the fact that its ultimately Christ who ushers in the new creation.

McDermott and French are far from the only voices in the space  the interested reader can read hundreds of Christian perspectives on the subject from Jemar Tisby to Voddie Baucham. But, amidst the plethora of perspectives, the practical question remains: How are Christians to continue to live in community alongside one another even as they wrestle with the latest controversy?

Opinions on critical race theory are rarely what truly divide Christians. Its our fear that those with differing opinions on this issue are not merely mistaken, but violating scriptural essentials. This sense is dangerous, says Dr. Carl Trueman, theologian and author of The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self. Trueman, a professor of biblical and religious studies at Grove City College, exhorts Christians to first take their discussions on issues like CRT out of the world of social media and engage with each other on platforms that allow for real discourse.

Do it person to person, or via substantial op-eds and articles, not via Twitter, he exhorted, noting the tendency of online arenas to unnecessarily raise the temperature of discussions.

While Truemans exhortations to have debates in person are well worth considering, the non-electronic medium of debate has admittedly proven no guarantee of charity when it comes to subjects like CRT. For example, Southern Baptist Convention theologian Russell Moore alleged that dialogue on race relations in the convention, even within members own homes, was marked by vicious guerilla tactics and that those who called for increased racial diversity in the convention were hit with psychological terror.

While the temperature in the convention was already high before the contentious June 2021 meeting  several majority-black churches left in late 2020, and Beth Moore made her exit in March  Russell Moores letter emerged in February 2020. The debate was already there, it was already predicated on issues like critical race theory, and it had already turned toxic before the convention splintered around these issues. This splintering wasnt confined to the Twitterverse; it involved real theological alliances and real consequences for the SBC.

If one only looks at groups like the Southern Baptist Convention to guide their perspective, the churchs response to critical race theory resembles the fictitious worshippers in Aleksandr Kuprins short story Anathema: A mournful wail, tender angelic voices giving the response, Anathema.

Such examples, says Trueman, are not to characterize the Christian community. While Trueman has many critiques of CRT, he places the divide over critical race theory as distinct from the churchs true purpose. Trueman mused: What is the church for? He explained that the goal of the religious community is not ultimately to solve political issues but to grow closer to the God we are called to worship.

The churchs debate around critical race theory, like any other political controversy, is at its heart a clash of two systems of thought. Within that clash are well-meaning Christians on both sides who are striving earnestly and honestly to grow closer to God. Some of them are wrong in their means of doing so, some deeply so. But the goal of the Christian community isnt merely to understand the truth. Its also to unite a community around it. Christians, including myself, have missed the mark of charity countless times. However, our imperfect reactions to the current moment do not negate our obligation to imitate our perfect Savior as best as we can.

Truemans words in Rise and Triumph describe the path ahead with refreshing clarity: Every age has had its darkness and its dangers. The task of the Christian is not to whine about the moment in which he or she lives but to understand its problems and respond appropriately to them.

He is right. As the church approaches Advent and commemorates the birth of our Lord, it behooves the church to realize once more the implications of the Incarnation. Christ did not come to earth merely to wage war against the forces of evil on this earth, but to instruct his Church as to the wisest way to fight that war. The church cannot successfully fight to advance the Kingdom while simultaneously anathematizing CRT and the Christians who see its benefits.

These discussions must happen, and we should strive to have them on platforms that allow for the civility and humanity that the people of God are called to. Have these discussions out  the debate is too big to sweep either side under the rug. Allowing true churches to break over issues like critical race theory is not only a patently unwise move but a disservice to the power of Christ, its one true Foundation.
Pope Francis calls European Commission's rescinded inclusivity guidelines 'ideological colonization'

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Pope Francis has criticized the European Commissions now-rescinded guidelines that advised officials to refrain from making references to Christmas and Christian names, warning that dictatorships have tried to do the same thing throughout history.

On Monday, the pontiff commented in response to a question about a provision outlined in a 30-page document outlining the European Commission Guidelines for Inclusive Communication.

The provision at issue urged European commissioners, members of the executive branch of the European Union, to avoid assuming that everyone is Christian because not everyone celebrates the Christian holidays, and not all Christians celebrate them on the same dates.

The guide instructed commissioners and staff to avoid phrases like, Christmas time can be stressful and instead use a term such as holiday times can be stressful to accommodate those celebrating Hanukkah or other holidays.

At a press briefing following the Catholic leaders trip to Greece, Constandinos Tsindas of the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation asked Pope Francis for his thoughts about the European Unions push to replace the word Christmas with Holidays.

This is an anachronism, the pope said, referring to the European Union document without Christmas.

This is what many dictatorships have tried to do in history: think of Napoleon, think of the Nazi and communist dictatorship, he said, according to a transcript provided by Catholic News Agency. [I]t is a way of diluted laicity, distilled water.

Pope Francis maintained that the European Union must take in hand the ideals of the founding fathers, which were ideals of unity, [and] of greatness and be attentive not to make way for ideological colonization.

He warned that ideological colonization could divide countries and [make] the European Union fall. He called for the supranational government to respect each country as it is structured inside, the variety of countries instead of working to standardize.

Be careful because sometimes they come and throw projects like this one there and they dont know what to do, he added. Each country has its own peculiarity, but each country is open to the others.

He urged the European Union to be careful not to be a vehicle of ideological colonization.

In response to pushback, the European Commission pulled the document.

Helena Dalli, the European Unions Commissioner for Equality, who played an instrumental role in crafting the document, announced the withdrawal of the guidelines in a statement last week.

My initiative to draft guidelines as an internal document for communication by Commission staff in their duties, was intended to achieve an important aim: to illustrate the diversity of European culture and showcase the inclusive nature of the European Commission towards all walks of life and beliefs of European citizens, Dalli stated. However, the version of the guidelines published does not adequately serve this purpose.

Describing the publication as not a mature document that does not meet all Commission quality standards, Dalli concluded that the guidelines need more work. She indicated that she will work further on this document and will look into the concerns with the view of addressing them in an updated version of the guidelines.

Concern was raised with regards to some examples provided in the Guidelines on Inclusive Communication, which as is customary with such guidelines, is work in progress. We are looking into these concerns with the view of addressing them in an updated version of the guidelines. pic.twitter.com/90ZK8rpPb2  Helena Dalli (@helenadalli) November 30, 2021

Besides the guidance on Christmas, other provisions in the document are causing critics concern. Specifically, the guidelines advise commissioners to avoid terms like both sexes and ladies and gentlemen because they are seen as excluding intersex people and gender-queer people.

When speaking about or representing families, make sure you include non-heterosexual or non-cisgender households, or indeed single parent households, the guide continued. The guidelines also advised not asking what pronoun a person prefers because it assumes that gender identity is a personal preference.

While the document consists mainly of suggestions for commission staff, the guidelines begin by unveiling non-negotiables that must be followed at all times when communicating on the commissions behalf. Staff was ordered to never use gendered nouns such as workmen, policemen or masculine pronouns (he, his) as a default.

When asking about gender, do not offer only male/female options, add other and prefers not to say. Never address an audience as ladies and gentlemen but use expressions such as Dear colleagues.
In the latest trading session, Philip Morris (PM) closed at $90.04, marking a +0.6% move from the previous day. This move lagged the S&P 500's daily gain of 0.96%. Elsewhere, the Dow gained 0.61%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq lost 0.04%.

Prior to today's trading, shares of the seller of Marlboro and other cigarette brands had lost 5.79% over the past month. This has lagged the Consumer Staples sector's loss of 1.34% and the S&P 500's loss of 0.21% in that time.

Philip Morris will be looking to display strength as it nears its next earnings release. On that day, Philip Morris is projected to report earnings of $1.32 per share, which would represent year-over-year growth of 4.76%. Our most recent consensus estimate is calling for quarterly revenue of $7.84 billion, up 5.26% from the year-ago period.

Looking at the full year, our Zacks Consensus Estimates suggest analysts are expecting earnings of $6.02 per share and revenue of $31.27 billion. These totals would mark changes of +16.44% and +8.98%, respectively, from last year.

It is also important to note the recent changes to analyst estimates for Philip Morris. These revisions typically reflect the latest short-term business trends, which can change frequently. As a result, we can interpret positive estimate revisions as a good sign for the company's business outlook.

Research indicates that these estimate revisions are directly correlated with near-term share price momentum. To benefit from this, we have developed the Zacks Rank, a proprietary model which takes these estimate changes into account and provides an actionable rating system.

The Zacks Rank system ranges from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell). It has a remarkable, outside-audited track record of success, with #1 stocks delivering an average annual return of +25% since 1988. The Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has moved 0.69% lower within the past month. Philip Morris currently has a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).

Digging into valuation, Philip Morris currently has a Forward P/E ratio of 14.87. This valuation marks a premium compared to its industry's average Forward P/E of 10.12.

Investors should also note that PM has a PEG ratio of 1.9 right now. This metric is used similarly to the famous P/E ratio, but the PEG ratio also takes into account the stock's expected earnings growth rate. PM's industry had an average PEG ratio of 1.9 as of yesterday's close.

The Tobacco industry is part of the Consumer Staples sector. This group has a Zacks Industry Rank of 200, putting it in the bottom 22% of all 250+ industries.

The Zacks Industry Rank gauges the strength of our individual industry groups by measuring the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.

You can find more information on all of these metrics, and much more, on Zacks.com.

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NEW ORLEANS (AP)  An afternoon shooting just off New Orleans busy St. Charles Avenue left one man dead outside a popular hotel Friday.

The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate reports that the fatal shooting happened near the Pontchartrain Hotel. Police were called to the area around 3 p.m.
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. (AP)  When Robersons Music first opened in 1978 in Richmond, it was a repair shop for area high schools.

But the owners both had ties to the Fredericksburg region and longed to return. They soon moved to the back end of a building on Hanover Street in downtown Fredericksburg.

They put up cots to sleep in at night and removed them in the morning because they couldnt afford both a place to live and a place to conduct business.

Robersons grew from that small instrument repair shop into a full-service music store and studio with 26 teachers, more than 300 students and connections to just about every school band in the Fredericksburg area.

Owner Sheila Burns reflected on those humble beginnings recently as Robersons prepares to close on Dec. 23 after 40-plus years as a fixture in the community.

Jokingly, I call it a repair business gone wrong, Burns said. Im serving the fourth generation now. Ive seen many of the students go on to become music educators. Ive seen them go into several different branches of the military and join top honors bands. And thousands of them have had music as enjoyment in their life.  Its quite phenomenal, actually.

Burns and her first husband, Harry Roberson, started the business.

Once they arrived in Fredericksburg, they outgrew a series of locations.

On Hanover Street, Burns recalled they were in a building thats since been torn down. There was a beauty salon in the front part of the building and Robersons owners had to endure the ever-present scent of perms.

The landlord eventually offered them an office on Caroline Street.

We thought, how will we ever fill up this huge space? Burns recalled. Before long, we had outgrown that, so we moved a few doors down on Caroline Street.

At that point, Burns father joined the staff and built studios, and they started offering private lessons as well as retail items. They continued to blossom there and had to relocate to Gateway Village off Plank Road.

In the early 1990s, Robersons purchased its final location at 1300 Jefferson Davis Highway in Fredericksburg. They couldnt move into the facility until 1998 because they were still under the Gateway Village lease.

For a while we had to support two places, Burns said. But it worked. When we got (to the current location), we went back to our roots of band and orchestra. Throughout all of this we maintained the repairs, lessons and rental service to the community.

In Robersons early years at its current location, Burns remembers a young man practicing his instrument outside on the back stoop. He and his family lived at a nearby motel and he was prohibited from practicing on the motels property.

Burns invited the young man in to use the studio and kept his horn in good playing shape.

He went on to be in the military band, Burns said. I havent been able to find him again. Its been interesting just to see how nice (Robersons) has made the lives of many different people.

Store manager James Wilson is one of those people. Wilson said his family purchased his first saxophone from Robersons when it was in Gateway Village.

The James Monroe High School graduate came aboard seven years ago. Hes since learned every aspect of the store and reconnected with former bandmates.

This job has given me the opportunity to reach back and touch parts that I probably wouldve forgotten about, Wilson said.

Burns is prepared to retire despite the continued success of the business.

She remarried after she and Harry Roberson divorced, and her second husband died in August 2020. Her mother died in January and her mother-in-law died a week later. A great aunt died a couple months after that.

Within 10 months, I had four major people in my life pass, and that just made me start reflecting and thinking life is short, Burns said. Yes, Ive done this for a long time. I enjoy it, but I need to start thinking about the future.

Burns said her son is involved in ministry and has no desire to continue the business. Her grandchildren are too young.

She put the building on the market earlier this year thinking it would take a couple of years to sell. But it sold within a month and goes to closing in January.

An extended Black Friday sale at the store will lead up to closing two days before Christmas. Burns said the stores instructors have found a place to continue teaching.

But some area band leaders said theyre unsure where to turn next.

There is another music store called KBI Music Shoppe at 4950 Southpoint Drive in Spotsylvania County. There are two in Stafford County: Bang! Music and Catfish Music, both on Garrisonville Road.

Rhonda Kapus, a band teacher at Spotsylvania and Berkley Elementary schools, said Robersons has been a part of her life since she played the flute as a 10 year-old. When she needed advanced music for her audition at Greensboro College, she relied on Robersons

Representatives from Robersons often attended family night at Kapus schools to further explain the instruments to band members and their parents. Robersons has also helped Kapus launch a ukulele program at her schools.

Theyve been so incredibly helpful in my professional career, Kapus said. Theyre like family. They know who you are and they want to do whats best for you.
While many people in Benzie and Manistee counties are turning up their thermostats as the snow, and the temperatures are starting to fall, not everybody has that option.

However, there is help available to those who struggle with their heating bills.

There are options for heating assistance through state and federal programs, said Tammy Bair, department manager with the Economic Stability Administration for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

Bair said MDHHS works with local organizations like True North and community action agencies, granting them funds to help people keep the heat on in the winter months.

People have to apply to MDHHS to get heating assistance through the MI Bridges platform, Bair said. We have the State Emergency Relief program, and if people qualify for that are eligible for the Michigan Energy Assistance Program.

To begin the process, people can visit newmibridges.michigan.gov. People who need assistance applying can reach out to organizations like True North who acts as grantees for the state programs, or dial 211 on a phone to be connected to somebody who can help.

Bair said households that are at or below 150% of the federal poverty level are eligible for emergency assistance. She also said that qualifying for assistance can open the doors for help through local agencies, as well.

Once eligible, a household is eligible for the fiscal year.

Bair said emergency heating funding can be used for any type of heat, from propane, electricity and natural gas to wood, wood pellets and even corn.

Bair also said people should be aware of the Home Heating Credit, which isnt a tax credit in the traditional sense, but can provide cash for future heating needs.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is the federal source for the Home Heating Credit, she said. People should know you dont have to file get the credit with taxes. People can file for the credit even if they dont file taxes.

Bair said the credit was available to households who are at or below 110% the federal poverty level.

Aside from working with the state, some local organizations have other ways to help.

The Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency, which covers both Manistee and Benzie counties, have several other funds to help with heat.

We have some COVID Emergency Rental Assistance funding, said Karen Emerson, financial management services manager with the NMCAA. It helps people pay rent and also utilities. People who are at or below 80% of the area median income qualify, or people can qualify if they are on unemployment or have had a significant cost, hardship or loss of income directly or indirectly from the pandemic.

True North Community Services works with the sate through its emPower program, which provides funds for heating and helps people become self sufficient.

People who want to work with True North are asked to first apply at newmibridges.michigan.gov. People can also find out more information on the program at by calling the emPower program at 231-355-5880 or visit tnempower.org.

County organizations can help too.

We help people if they cant get help anywhere else, said Mary Trucks, executive director for the community action program group, FiveCap. We start by looking to see if we can get them help through the state emergency relief fund or other assistance. We have fund, and if they cant get help anywhere else, and they have a need, we can help them.

Benzie Area Christian Neighbors also has an emergency program for those who dont qualify for state or federal funding.

We can help neighbors with their utility bills, said Liz Ham, client service coordinator. However, we always ask they first reach out to the state or federal funds through DHHS. IF they get a denial letter, then we can help. We are like the last resource.

Ham said the state and federal agencies can help multiple times, but BACN was only capable of a one time payment.

Both FiveCap and BACN also have weatherization programs that can help make peoples homes more energy efficient.

To get assistance through Five CAP, call 231-723- 8327 or visit fivecap.org. BACN can be reached at 231-882-9544 or benziebacn.org.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP)  Albuquerque city officials are cutting ties and moving on from plans for what they had hoped would be a flagship addition to New Mexicos burgeoning aerospace industry.

The city announced Friday that the Washington, D.C.-based aerospace company behind the planned Orion Center never signed a lease agreement and has not followed through on its commitments. Officials said concerns had been raised about Group Orion and its parent company, TGI.

Plans at one point called for building a large campus on city land near the airport  a project that company officials had said could one day employ as many as 2,500 workers. Group Orion had plans to map and model the Earths surface using a network of satellites.

Upon City Council approval of the land and lease agreement in April, the city asked TGI to sign the agreement and make an initial payment of $1 million, which did not happen.

The proposal seemed a little too good to be true but we wanted to at least give it a shot at no risk to the city, Mayor Tim Keller said in a statement. After waiting eight months for them to seal the deal, its time we move on.

Keller said the promise of developing an aviation center is still strong and that the city plans to look for other tenants.

TGI, the parent company of Group Orion, faces financial and legal trouble. In November, a federal court in New York appointed a receiver to take control of TGI's assets and operations.

The company did not immediately return a message seeking comment on Albuquerque's announcement.

The city said it did not offer TGI any economic incentives while exploring the lease.
BOSTON (AP)  Boston officials have revised the number of unvaccinated employees that were placed on unpaid leave.

City officials say that 23 city employees were placed on unpaid leave for missing a deadline to get vaccinated for COVID-19 or agree to undergo regular testing, not the hundreds that they first reported, The Boston Globe reports.
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP)  More than 400 towns and villages across New York have opted to block local marijuana dispensaries and consumption lounges as a statewide deadline to do so nears, with many officials deciding to stay out of the upcoming market until regulators provide more clarity.

The law that legalized recreational marijuana in New York this year gives municipalities until Dec. 31 to opt out of hosting dispensaries or on-site consumption lounges once retail sales start in a year or so. Localities cannot ban legalized possession.

With three weeks left to act, more than a quarter of the New Yorks towns and 31% of its villages had voted to become the cannabis equivalent of dry towns when it comes to dispensaries  at least initially. Numbers were slightly higher for consumption sites. Relatively few cities have officially opted out, and none of the state's largest ones, according to an online tracker maintained by the Rockefeller Institute of Government.

Passage of the legalization law in March prompted local debates around the state, with residents touting the lifestyle and economic benefits of dispensaries facing off against people opposed to pot sales in their hometowns.

We are concerned that dispensaries in our neighborhoods will normalize the use of marijuana even further than it already is, said Anita Seefried-Brown of the Watertown-based Alliance for Better Communities, which is focused on reducing underage substance abuse.

Watertown, a city of 25,000 in northern New York, opted out after hearing from Seefried-Brown and other residents this summer.

Many local officials who voted to opt out said they were leery about green-lighting sales before the state Office of Cannabis Management provided more information about the market. Town boards like the one in Chautauqua in rural western New York opted out with the knowledge they could reconsider later when more details are in hand.

The fact that they havent really published any rules or laws on it yet, it made us kind of nervous that, you know, what are we opting into? We dont know yet, said Chautauqua Supervisor Donald Emhardt.

The Office of Cannabis Management will compile the opt-out information so license applicants know which localities are off-limits.

Given the time needed to adopt regulations and grant licenses, dispensaries could open by the end of 2022, said Jeffrey Schultz, an attorney who represents cannabis interests. He said operations could open a bit earlier depending on how the state issues licenses.

As of Friday, 252 towns and 164 villages opted out of retail dispensaries. Municipalities typically opted out of both dispensaries and consumption sites. Though the numbers for consumption sites were higher: 279 towns and 179 villages, according to the Rockefeller Institute of Government.

"Theres no surprise that theyve acted ahead of the deadline, and we expect some will chose to fully join the marketplace as we build a new, safe, regulated cannabis industry that protects public health and creates opportunity, said Freeman Klopott, a spokesperson for the office.

Dispensary oppositions tended to break along generational lines in many places. In the Town of Goshen north of New York City, older people tended to support a ban with younger people saying local sales should be allowed, said Superintendent Douglas Bloomfield.

And passions ran high around the state.

I didnt see a whole lot of middle of the road people, said Al Stauber, mayor of the Village of McGraw in central New York.

With interest so intense, the village board put the issue up to a vote last month. Residents who wanted local sales won by a single vote: 77-76.

And if somebody would like to, perhaps, open a dispensary on our Main Street, which has a number of storefronts that are vacant and where everybodys hurting for business, that could possibly be another revenue stream, Stauber said.

New Yorks marijuana market is shaping up to mirror other states where dispensaries cant operate in every town and city.

In California, 70% of cities ban retail cannabis businesses, according to Hirsh Jain of Ananda Strategy. And in neighboring New Jersey, which also is moving toward a legal retail market, about 70% of the municipalities entirely opted out of allowing different types of cannabis establishments, said Mike Cerra, executive director of the New Jersey State League of Municipalities.

But similar to New York, some towns that opted out before New Jersey's Aug. 21 deadline might have taken a wait-and-see approach before regulations were issued.

It appears that some of the towns that have opted out are now in the process of reconsidering, Cerra said.
HELENA, Mont. (AP)  A Montana man accused of threatening a restaurant manager with a handgun when he was asked to wear a face covering during the height of the pandemic was fined $100 on a misdemeanor charge, after state Attorney General Austin Knudsen intervened in the case to block more serious charges sought by local prosecutors

A state judge accepted Rodney Robert Smith's guilty plea for disorderly conduct during a Thursday hearing in Helena, according to the court. He was also ordered to pay $75 in court fees.
FARGO, N.D. (AP)  Prosecutors have accused Mapletons fire chief of drunken driving after she was involved in a crash.

KFGO-AM reported Friday that Kayla Cross has been charged with misdemeanor DUI refusal.
Dr. Rex H. Ball, a former key Texas A&M International faculty member and administrator passed away at age 78 in New Mexico earlier this week.

Ball was a professor of History at TAMIU and had the distinction of being one of the founding faculty members at its predecessor, the Texas A&I University Center at Laredo, as well as Laredo State University and TAMIU.

His service to the university was broad, and he rose from the rank of assistant professor of History in 1970 to professor of History in 1979. He also served as coordinator of the Division of Program Development and Continuing Education from 1972-77, administrative assistant to the President and Chief Development Officer from 1980-85, and Vice President for Administration and University Relations from 1985-87.

His service set in place standards that still inform key university functions, including advancement, public relations, marketing and community engagement.

He was a stalwart champion of Laredo and a dynamic force in the former United Fund of Laredo, now the United Way of Laredo. The children of Laredo were also important to him, and his service to the Laredo Boys & Girls Club was legendary  and included the former collegiate swimmer regularly teaching youngsters how to swim.

Other organizations benefiting from his membership and leadership included the Kiwanis Club, the Ruthe B. Cowl Rehabilitation Center and United Day School. He had a measurable affection for Laredo and kept up with Laredo happenings even when he had moved away.

He was president of the Southern Illinois Foundation from 1988-91 and executive director for Institutional Advancement at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale from 1990-91.

In 1991, he returned to Texas as executive director of The University of Texas Institute of Texan Cultures at San Antonio until his retirement in 2004. He came home to TAMIU in 2008 as Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, remaining as a senior lecturer and visiting professor of history.

Ball held a Ph.D. in the History of American Civilization from Harvard University, an MA from DePaul and a BA from Oklahoma.

Fittingly, he ended his educational career by delivering a memorable Commencement Address at TAMIUs Fall 2012 Commencement Exercises. Thereafter, he and his beloved wife Betty retired to the mountains of New Mexico.

He is survived by Betty, and daughter Kristen.

No memorial service is planned, and the family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations to TAMIU, the Belton Bridge Center of Las Cruces or St. Jude Childrens Hospital would be much appreciated.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP)  A federal judge on Friday temporarily blocked a Tennessee law that sharply restricts public schools from requiring masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and forbids local officials from making decisions about quarantines.

U.S. District Judge Waverly Crenshaw, noting that the law "offers no protection to students, let alone those that are disabled, ruled that it cannot be enforced until a lawsuit challenging it is resolved in court.

The lawsuit against the state was filed on behalf of eight students between the ages of seven and 14 who have disabilities and who are deemed by federal health officials as being more vulnerable to serious illness or death if they get COVID-19. The ruling also blocks the laws provision that says local health and school officials cant make their own coronavirus quarantining decisions.

It is also in the publics interest to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Tennessees schools, Crenshaw wrote in his ruling. Defendants have proffered absolutely nothing to suggest that any harm would come from allowing individual school districts to determine what is best for their schools, just as they did prior to the enactment of (the law.)

A spokesperson for the attorney generals office did not immediately return an email request for comment.

After the wide-ranging rules against COVID-19 requirements became law last month, the Nashville-based judge quickly blocked the school mask limits for the plaintiffs from three counties in each federal court district in Tennessee.

Crenshaw had previously blocked Gov. Bill Lees now-terminated executive order that required school districts to let parents opt their children out of mask requirements when the new law was enacted. Lee, a Republican, let the opt-out order expire when he signed the new law.

Under one part of 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. Currently, no county meets that strict requirement.

Meanwhile, the law also allows families to request accommodations for children with disabilities for in-person schooling in which others who are within 6 feet of those students for more than 15 minutes wear face masks provided by the school.

Furthermore, the law assigned sole authority over COVID-19 quarantining to the state health commissioner, stripping decision-making ability from schools and other entities.

Lee has come under scrutiny for signing the legislation after a report by The Associated Press f ound his administration warned lawmakers t hat the bill would violate federal law that protects people with disability and could put the state at risk of losing federal funds.

The Republican-controlled Legislature ignored the advice and passed the bill anyway. Less than two weeks later, Lee signed it into law.

The plaintiffs wanted the emailed legal guidance included as evidence, while the state objected. Ultimately, Crenshaw decided it was unnecessary to resolve this dispute, saying it seems quite clear that the legislators knew, or at least reasonably should have known, that passage of the new law would jeopardize federal funds, and that the governor knew as well.

Nashville school officials praised Crenshaws order, which they said they are still reviewing. Though the ruling now allows the district to reinstate their own quarantine rules, a spokesperson for Metro Nashville Public Schools said there no changes to our current protocols or policies at this time.

Our goal all along has been to sustain the ability to make decisions in the best interest of the health and safety of all our students, free from politics, said Sean Braisted in an email on Friday.

Republican House Speaker Cameron Sexton criticized the order.

His decision was merely judicial activism based on politics with a complete disregard for personal liberties or scientific facts, Sexton said in a statement.

His ruling also allows every school district to set quarantine guidelines, Sexton added. This means hundreds of different guidelines made by local school boards instead of uniform, evidence-based standards established by experts at the Department of Health.

Masks are a key virus-prevention tool that are most effective when worn by a large number of people, public health experts say. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has again recommended them for enclosed public spaces including schools, saying they dont pose health risks for children older than toddlers.
AP

MESQUITE, Texas (AP)  The man accused of fatally shooting a suburban Dallas police officer last week has been discharged from the hospital and booked into jail.

Court records show that Jamie Jaramillo, 37, was arraigned on a capital murder charge late Thursday. Jail records show he was being held Friday in Dallas County jail on $2 million bond. It was unclear if he had an attorney.
INDIANAPOLIS (AP)  Indiana schools are set to receive nearly $3 billion in federal coronavirus relief over the next three years, but districts vary widely on information they have released about that money and a state online tracking system is still being developed.

Advocates and policymakers say that without clear information from school districts, it is difficult to follow the spending decisions and spot misuse, WFYI-FM of Indianapolis reported.

School districts have broad latitude on how to spend the aid money, with possible uses including paying for tutors, social workers, longer school days or building repairs.

Federal law requires school districts to submit spending plans to the state, and the Indiana Department of Education reviews those applications to ensure the plans comply with guidelines, agency spokeswoman Holly Lawson said.

But the state has not publicly posted the applications it has received. Lawson said the department plans to launch a dashboard soon with some district-level information on the federal funding.

We want to have this in the most user-friendly way possible so that someone can hop on and see the local spending from each (federal funding) round, she said.

Anderson Community Schools posted online a list of ideas for how it might spend some the $27 million it received in the latest funding round. It includes broad categories such as summer programming, and/or afterschool instruction, and it doesnt say how much the district would spend on any of the items.

Anderson district spokesman Bradley Meadows said the plan did not include details because officials are committed to taking our time to ensure this funding is used most effectively.

Marisa Little, vice president of the Anderson teachers union, said the district should have done more to publicize the money it is receiving, as many staff members were unaware of federal assistance coming.

The South Bend schools, meanwhile, created an online tracker showing plans for its $93 million in aid so it is clear that the money is short-term, said Kareemah Fowler, the districts chief financial officer.

Theres a lot to be done, but we really do have an opportunity right now with these funds, Fowler said. I think every district does have an opportunity to not only fill the gap, the learning loss gap, but how do we reimagine education for our students in Indiana.
WILMINGTON, Del. (AP)  As the oldest living member of Zoar Methodist Episcopal Church, 92-year-old Lucretia Munson has prayed for decades for the historic Black church to reopen.

After 23 years, her prayers may finally be answered.

Located near the Appoquinimink Friends Meeting House in Odessa, Zoar Churchs refined brick building was built in 1881 by free Black residents, all of who were successful, landowning farmers. The church replaced a meeting house a few blocks away, where they had met as far back as 1845.

The gothic-revival style church with vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows and an adjacent social hall, closed in 1998 due to declining membership and deterioration. But members like Munson continued to give money to the church in hopes that Zoar would be open once again.

It was beautiful. Most of our people, and I, was working people. Old people at that time cooked, said Munson. It was fun. Everybody came together...Worked together...in a peaceful way.

As the oldest living member of Zoar Methodist Episcopal Church, 92-year-old Lucretia Munson has prayed for decades for the historic Black church to reopen.

After 23 years, her prayers may finally be answered.

Located near the Appoquinimink Friends Meeting House in Odessa, Zoar Churchs refined brick building was built in 1881 by free Black residents, all of who were successful, landowning farmers. The church replaced a meeting house a few blocks away, where they had met as far back as 1845.

The gothic-revival style church with vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows and an adjacent social hall, closed in 1998 due to declining membership and deterioration. But members like Munson continued to give money to the church in hopes that Zoar would be open once again.

It was beautiful. Most of our people, and I, was working people. Old people at that time cooked, said Munson. It was fun. Everybody came together...Worked together...in a peaceful way.

Munson said going to church at Zoar was an all-day affair with parishioners arriving for the first service at 8 a.m. and not leaving until 8 p.m.

Munsons favorite memories at the church were celebrating Christmas with the congregation. Everyone would pitch in to decorate the church.

It was just a lovely place to go, thats all, said Munson.

Friends of Zoar hopes to fully refurbish the church and keep as much of the buildings original architecture and design as possible. '

The first step will be gutting the inside and weatherizing the structure. What cannot be salvaged will be modeled as close to the original design of the church as possible, said Steve Johnson, treasurer of Friends of Zoar Inc.

Once restored, they envision Zoar Church as a way to share the heritage of previous generations of African Americans in the Odessa-Middletown area. Plans for hosting events and ministry services are also in the works.

The nonprofit organization welcomes volunteers and donors who wish to support their mission. They can be contacted directly by email, through their website or their Facebook page.

Standing in front of the altar, Friends of Zoar Inc.s vice president, Anthony Johnson, looked out across the pews and remembered Munsons daily prayers for the safekeeping of their beloved church.

Were tickled to death to be able to have the opportunity to restore, said Johnson. Theres a historical foundation that was planted many, many years ago.

Aside from the building itself, records from Zoars church services dating back to the early 1900s have been archived, including meeting minutes and logs of different clergy members.

For Munson, the revival of the church is less a stroke of luck and more a testament to the faith she has held over all these years, hoping for the return of Zoar.

I kept praying. Talk about praying, I prayed for this church. This is all Gods work, she said. It was all Gods work just being here.
NOUMEA, New Caledonia (AP)  Voters in the South Pacific archipelago of New Caledonia are set to decide Sunday whether to break away from France, a referendum that is important for French geopolitical ambitions and is being closely watched amid growing Chinese influence in the region.

But pro-independence forces are refusing to take part, accusing the French government of trying to rush through the vote.

The COVID-19 crisis complicated the campaign for the referendum, the third and last such vote foreseen as part of decades of decolonization efforts. The process is aimed at settling tensions between native Kanaks seeking independence and those who want the territory to remain part of France.

When polls open at 7 a.m. in New Caledonia  a vast archipelago east of Australia that is 10 time zones ahead of Paris  voters will be asked to vote yes or no on the question: Do you want New Caledonia to achieve full sovereignty and become independent?

The territory of 270,000 people won broad autonomy after violence in 1988 led to a political process known as the Noumea Agreement. The accord provided for the progressive, accompanied and irreversible transfer of powers from the French state to New Caledonia, except in the areas of defense, public security, justice, foreign affairs and currency.

In the first such referendum in 2018, 43.6% of voters supported independence, and 46.7% favored it in a second vote held in 2020. While support for a yes vote seemed to be growing, the regions first coronavirus outbreak in September threw the political debate into disarray. Until then, New Caledonia had been one of the few virus-free places left on the planet.

By November, the archipelago had reported 271 COVID-19 deaths, and the regional Senate decreed a year of traditional Kanak mourning. Independence activists felt they couldnt campaign out of respect for their dead, and demanded that the referendum be postponed.

But pro-France groups insisted the vote should take place as scheduled on Dec. 12 to end uncertainty over New Caledonia's future and to boost its economic prospects. After military medics were sent from the mainland, the virus situation stabilized, and the French government decided to stick to the planned date.

Pro-independence activists announced they would refuse to take part in the vote, accusing the government in Paris of imposing the referendum date and violating neutrality by publishing a document seen as casting the consequences of independence in a negative light.

The boycott has made for a strange campaign: empty billboards, no flags in the street, unusual calm.

It is indeed difficult to prepare and play a match when the opponent announces that they will not come, the pro-France Voices of No Collective said. But the group still called for a massive vote turnout, so as not to be robbed of the result.

Whats at stake in the referendum goes beyond he future of Caledonians alone. France is trying to cement its presence in the Indo-Pacific region after it lost a multi-billion submarine contract because of a partnership Australia formed with the United States and the U.K. The secretly negotiated project, announced in September, was a huge blow to France.

Unlike in previous votes, this time the question of New Caledonias strategic positioning is addressed. This novelty comes in the context of (the submarine partnership) and the assertion of Chinese-American rivalry in the Pacific, University of New Caledonia law professor Caroline Gravelat said.

New Caledonia hosts one of two French military bases in the Pacific, which allows France to contribute to regional security. It currently cooperates with the U.S., Australia and New Zealand on maritime surveillance, search and rescue at sea, ocean demining and the fight against illegal fishing.

The potential independence of New Caledonia raises the question of the already very strong Chinese influence in Oceania, a major subject of concern for Western partners, Gravelat said.

New Caledonia became French in 1853 under Emperor Napoleon III  Napoleons nephew  and was used for decades as a prison colony. It became an overseas territory after World War II, with French citizenship granted to all native Kanaks in 1957. Today, its population includes Kanaks and descendants of European colonizers, among others.

The U.N. has supported New Caledonias decolonization process and sent electoral observers to monitor Sundays vote. The Pacific Islands Forum is also watching closely, and sent a delegation to observe the vote.

Even if the territory votes to stay French, the process started by the Noumea Agreement does not end with the referendum. The state, separatists and non-separatists would have 18 months to negotiate a new status for the territory and its institutions within France.
Chiang Ying-ying/AP

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP)  Taiwan has recorded its first case of the omicron variant in a passenger who recently traveled to the southern African country of Eswatini, health officials said Saturday.

The passenger, a Taiwanese woman in her 30s who returned on Dec. 8, is now in quarantine in hospital, according to the Central Epidemic Command Center, which is in charge of the island's pandemic response. Passengers who sat near her on the plane have tested negative so far.
NEW ORLEANS (AP)  A Mississippi woman has drawn a six-year prison sentence after pleading guilty in an embezzlement case involving two employers in Louisiana, federal prosecutors said Friday.

U.S. Attorney Duane Evans news release says 39-year-old Christy Bartholomew of Hattiesburg embezzled about $357,000 while working as a financial controller for a business in Slidell from 2016 to 2019. She later stole another $300,000 while working as an office manager for a Kenner company from November 2019 to February of 2020.
During the conversation about a move of the Young Womens Leadership Academy to the facility currently home to Washington STEM Academy, there have been complaints that Midland ISD keeps taking away neighborhood schools.

Though it was agreed to that Washington STEM wasnt a neighborhood school, there are still some Midlanders not happy about elementary schools on the east and south sides turned into magnets or choice schools. However, the history of changes made to elementary campuses like Washington STEM, Carver Center and Pease Elementary shows the district was not attempting to change conditions to specific neighborhoods but deal with separate issues with the U.S. Department of Justice and Texas Education Agency.

In this article, the Reporter-Telegram will attempt to provide context to the changes to elementary schools in east and southeast Midland, specifically Washington STEM, Pease Communications and Technology Academy and Carver Center.

--

Some in Midland may remember the court case the United States of America versus the Midland Independent School District and its Superintendent James H. Mailey in 1971. It stated that Midland ISDs elementary schools were not desegregated. Consequently, the Western District of Texas ordered MISD to implement an elementary cluster system and its accompanying busing component.

In 1999, Midland ISD filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit and regain is unitary status as a school district. The lawsuit involved a plaintiff (the United States of America) and intervenors (Dr. Viola Coleman, et al.) and the defendant (Midland ISD).

After it was established that the district complied with the courts busing order, Midland ISD was then required to take steps over the next three years to remove any remaining vestiges of past discrimination, according to the school district and settlement order.

One of the six provisions of the settlement agreement dealt with Elementary Student Assignment. Part B of that provision stated MISD shall identify two racially identifiable minority elementary schools to be converted to dedicated magnet elementary schools. If Midland ISD implemented a gifted and talented or G/T school, it was then obligated to implement a total of three magnet schools and the G/T magnet was to be designated at a racially identifiable minority elementary school or Carver Cultural Center.

That was responsible for the birth of Carver Center for gifted and talented students (northeast of the intersection of Carver Street and Wall Street), of Washington STEM Academy (southwest of Wall Street and Tilden Street) and of Pease Communications and Technology Academy (northwest of Benton Street and Scharbauer Drive).

Those schools were expected to be racially indentifiable with an Anglo student enrollment percentage greater than 15 percent below the district-wide Anglo elementary school enrollment percentage.

In 2001, MISD filed a motion to dismiss and established full compliance with the agreement and its constitutional obligations. The Department of Justice agreed. The judge presiding found the district had complied with the agreement, dismissed the lawsuit and MISD regained its unitary status.

James Fuller, the former representative for District 1, stated this week that the intervenors at the time believed that segregation in Midland was alive and that was reflected in the school system at that time. He called the initiative to move to magnet schools courageous as it went against the grain of practices in education at the time. He talked about the opportunities created and the experiences offered to students in a then-segregated school system.

Fuller acknowledged that even then there were some who stated magnet schools destroyed neighborhoods, but he stated the schools provided exposure to programs students had not experienced before.

--

Crockett Elementary and Travis Elementary experienced change because of academic performance issues and the threat of Texas Education Agency intervention.

In March 2017, Crockett Elementary in east Midland, was headed for its seventh-straight failing year, according to the TEA. At that time, the Midland ISD board voted to close the school to students that were at the school at the time. The district then provided new leadership, a new staff, a new name (Gen. Tommy Franks Elementary) and a new student body (students from the growing State Highway 349 corridor area). Students at Crockett were sent to other schools in the immediate area.

The boards other option was allowing the Texas Education Agency to take the school over.

In 2019, Travis Elementary avoided having to ship its students to different campuses when Midland ISD leaders decided to partner with IDEA Public Schools to create IDEA Travis. At the time Travis Elementary had one of the longest failing streaks in the state, but House Bill 4205 gave the district an option not available two years earlier. IDEA Travis opened for the 2020-21 school year.

--

Editors Note: The Reporter-Telegram will discuss more about what happened to Washington STEM over the years in an upcoming edition prior to the January board meeting when the board might vote to decide on a possible YWLA move.
Fern Canyon is one of my favorite wild places in California, and I am far from alone on this matter.

Ensconced in Redwood National and State Parks, located about 300 miles north of San Francisco, the narrow, dramatic canyon is famous for its 50-foot rock walls festooned in oversized ferns. From the top, tiny waterfalls trickle down through fuzzy mosses, and down below a creek rushes through the center over a multi-hued pebble floor.

The canyon has been designated a World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve, and gotten its share of publicity over the years. Too much. A quick search on Instagram for #ferncanyon turns up 27,000 posts, and its also been used as a backdrop in a number of films, including The Tree of Life, an art film featuring Brad Pitt and Sean Penn, and Steven Spielbergs The Lost World: Jurassic Park with Julianne Moore, Jeff Goldblum and Vince Vaughn.

After I visited the canyon for the first time in 2020 and learned it was a set in the dinosaur movie, I knew I wanted to watch it. Before I did though  and because I live about 45 minutes south of Redwood National and State Parks  I went back to the canyon three times first, each during a different season. Each was entirely different.

In the wintertime, the creek runs super high. On the canyon floor, toppled trees poke in all directions like pick-up-sticks. In the spring, the vibrant green ferns are flourishing and in the summer  when the footbridges are installed to assist with crossing the creek  its the vacationers that proliferate. When autumn rolled around this year, the wild mushrooms had really begun to pop, and the Roosevelt elk (which sometimes wander through the canyon) were calming down after their yearly rut.

Every time I visited, I wondered anew about the canyons role in the Jurassic Park sequel. I had seen the first movie as a teenager and definitely enjoyed it. But when the second one came out, I seemed to remember being told it was not as good as the first, so I skipped it. Earlier this week, as I lay in bed after my COVID booster, I decided it was time for The Lost World.

And now having watched the two-hour-long, $73 million production, I can say that there are some ways Fern Canyon probably shouldnt be seen. Even Spielberg was apparently regretful that the movie didnt turn out better.

The sequel has all the darkness of the first movie but very little of the awe and wonder, save for the first encounter scene  which was shot in the canyon. As humans gaze up at a group of stegosauruses wandering about in the canyon, its giant ferns, rushing creek and filtering light are on full display. Things go south after one character gets too close to a baby and adults come charging at her, swinging their tails and nearly impaling her after she dives into a hollow log.

Fern Canyon is featured again later in the film, when a villainous character stumbles on a group of mini velociraptors and they chase him around, attacking like piranhas with legs. He shakes them off a few times and tosses pebbles at them, but repeatedly falls over into the creek, and finally, they devour him off camera. The water runs red.

Thats probably the most satisfying part of the whole movie, says Richard Stenger, Chief Marketing Ranger with RedwoodCoastParks.com, a consortium of outdoor adventurers, conservationists and lodging partners in Humboldt County.

Even if the actors disappointed, Stenger says, Fern Canyon did not. Too bad they dont give Oscars for scene locations, he says. It's not much of a stretch to drop Hollywood dinosaurs into Fern Canyon. It's in one of the oldest forest ecosystems on the planet and resembles a patch of forest similar to what real dinosaurs might have lumbered through millions of years ago."

The undisputed beauty of Fern Canyon  and its use in film  has actually become a problem, according to Redwood National and State Parks Chief of Interpretation and Education Candace Tinkler.

Fern Canyon is a very fragile, special place, Tinkler wrote in an email to SFGATE. As visitation to our parks steadily increases and as Fern Canyon has, for various reasons, been recently spotlighted over and over again in everything from the media and internet to movies, it has become a destination and overcrowded.

Park officials are looking for assistance from the media to encourage park visitors to instead seek out some of the less crowded and trampled areas, she added.

In fact, several years back officials looked at the cumulative impacts of Fern Canyons use in film and determined that it should no longer be available as a set. We recognized that the best way to protect that area was to not continue to draw even more impact to it, says Erin Gates, Acting Deputy Superintendent of Redwood National and State Parks.

We also recognized that our state parks are protected for the people of California and the people who come to visit California, she added. By continuing to allow filming in an area that's already being significantly impacted by increased visitation, we're actually having to cut off visitation and access to parks.

I was curious about what Gates and Tinkler thought of "The Lost World," but as a policy state and federal employees must apparently remain neutral on such matters. It would be very inappropriate (and against regulations) for us to use the authority of our position to steer customers to one business over another, Tinkler wrote. This applies to the movie business, too.

Gates was able to say this, though: Seeing the place with your own eyes is worth the experience.
The Supreme Court ruling Friday to allow Texas abortion providers to sue over the state's ban on most abortions was a narrow win for abortion rights, supporters and opponents said.

The law, which went into effect in September, allows private citizens to sue doctors or anyone else who helps facilitate an abortion in Texas after cardiac activity is detected in the womb, usually around six weeks of pregnancy, before many people know they are pregnant. Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin found that the number of abortions fell by half during the ban's first month from 5,377 statewide in August to 2,164 in September.

The 8-1 decision allows providers to return to a district judge who once blocked the law, but it keeps the country's most restrictive abortion ban in place for now.

Abortion rights advocates largely welcomed the ruling but took issue with the justice's decision not to also block the law as it works its way through the courts.

"While it is a positive development that abortion providers can continue their legal challenges against the blatantly unconstitutional law, it is unconscionable that the Court is allowing the ban to remain in effect throughout the legal process," Elizabeth Nash, a principal policy associate for the Guttmacher Institute, said in a statement.

Antiabortion activists were pleased that the law remains in effect.

Though the ruling gives abortion providers "the green light to attack," Texas Right to Life legislative director John Seago said, the court's decision to leave the law in place will continue to limit pregnant people's access to the procedure.

"The Supreme Court's principled decision today directly results in saving more pre-born human lives," said Human Coalition Action Texas's national legislative adviser, Chelsey Youman, who testified in favor of the law before both the Texas House and Senate. "The decision today will allow civil lawsuits over illegal abortions to continue. Texas abortion providers will have to defend themselves in court like any other citizen accused of breaking the law."

Doctors across the state said Friday's ruling didn't change anything for them. Though at least one provided an abortion after six weeks, most stopped offering the procedure after six weeks and some stopped performing abortions altogether. Blair Cushing, a doctor who flies in from California to perform abortions in McAllen, said she will continue to send patients out of state if they are more than six weeks pregnant, but she worries some may be confused by the court's decision.

Amy Hagstrom Miller, who as president and chief executive of Whole Woman's Health and Whole Woman's Health Alliance is the lead plaintiff in the Supreme Court case, said her clinics have had to turn hundreds of patients away since the ban took effect.

"The Supreme Court's refusal to block the law means the heartbreak doesn't end," Miller said in a statement. "Our fight against this law is not over, and Whole Woman's Health is here for the long haul. We hope this law is blocked quickly so we can resume the full scope of abortion care we are trained to provide."

Even if lower courts do block the law in the coming weeks, abortion providers say they may struggle to meet patient need. At Whole Woman's Health, one of the state's largest abortion providers, nine of the network's 17 doctors in the state stopped performing abortions when S.B. 8 took effect.

Mai Fleming, a family doctor based in Oakland, Calif., used to fly to Austin every month to provide abortions at Whole Woman's Health. She stopped going when the law took effect, she said, because she feared someone would file "a frivolous lawsuit" against her. Fleming and other doctors say they worry lawsuits could hinder their ability to secure malpractice insurance or medical licenses in other states.

"I'm still caught in the same limbo," she said. "The people of Texas are still caught in the same limbo."

Others say they worry the Court's narrow decision will empower antiabortion activists in other states to pass comparable laws. At least one lawmaker, Mary Elizabeth Coleman, R, in Missouri, plans to file legislation modeled on the Texas law, and a similar bill is pending in Ohio.

"The high court's failure to completely overturn the Texas ban signals to other states that it is open season on women's rights and lives," Marcela Howell, president and CEO of In Our Own Voice: National Black Women's Reproductive Justice Agenda, said in a statement. "And we know that Black women and women of color will once again be the first in their sights."

As the courts hash out the Texas law, Cushing and others said they are most concerned about the abortion case the court heard this month out of Mississippi. The case, which would allow Mississippi to ban abortion at 15 weeks, provides a clear path to dismantling Roe v. Wade, the 1973 ruling in which the court determined a constitutional right to abortion. If Mississippi prevails, 21 states are poised to ban or severely restrict abortion access. Some have pre-Roe abortion bans on their books that would become enforceable again, and others have passed post-Roe "trigger laws" - bans that would take effect automatically or with state action if the Supreme Court overturns the law.

Texas passed its own trigger law this year, and if it goes into effect, doctors would face more than lawsuits - they could be prosecuted for a felony if they perform abortions.

"The Mississippi judgment is the one that really weighs on me," Cushing said, "because at least now we're operational."
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Express Entry: Canada holds biggest PNP draw ever Canada continues inviting PNP candidates in the Express Entry pool. Shelby Thevenot Alexandra Miekus Aa Accessibility Font Style Serif

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Canada held a new Express Entry draw on December 10. A total of 1,032 candidates were invited to apply for permanent residence.

Invited candidates had previously received a nomination through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), adding 600 points to their base human capital score. As a result, the minimum cut-off for this draw was 698.

Since Express Entry was launched in 2015, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has only held 38 PNP-only draws. Most times they render less than a thousand invitations, with the exception of this draw and the June 23 draw when 1,002 were invited.

IRCC has only been holding PNP draws since September. This is now the seventh such draw in a row. In the previous Express Entry draw, IRCC invited 613 candidates with scores of at least 737.

Get a Free Express Entry Assessment

IRCC inviting PNP, prioritizing CEC processing

Throughout the year, IRCC has only held Express Entry draws that target candidates from the PNP and Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

The strategy was supposed to allow IRCC to focus on admitting immigration candidates who were likely already in the country. Candidates who were applying for Canadian immigration from abroad were not allowed to cross the border for the purpose of activating their permanent residency status until June.

However, an IRCC briefing note reveals that focusing on inland candidates, as well as creating the Temporary Residence to Permanent Residence (TR to PR) pathway created a large backlog of candidates.

As of October 27, the backlog for Express Entry-linked programs was nearly 138,000. PNP processing alone had a queue of nearly 38,000, whereas the CEC was up to about 48,000.

Data from September and October show IRCC has been processing an average of about 1,700 PNP applications per month. Although it is significantly less than the 14,300 average for CEC candidates, it makes sense considering there are far more applications to the CEC. It also shows us that IRCC has focused processing on CEC candidates, especially since the average for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) was slightly more than 500 per month over the same time frame. Before COVID-19, the FSWP made up nearly half of all successful Express Entry applicants.

Since the start of the pandemic, Canada has held 34 PNP-specific Express Entry draws in which 18,817 candidates received invitations to apply for permanent residence. In the same timeframe, Canada has held 27 CEC draws that rendered 133,868 invitations. There have only been 11 draws inviting Express Entry candidates from all programs, including the FSWP.

So far this year, Canada has invited more Express Entry candidates to apply for permanent residence than it did in 2020. Part of this is due to the February 13 draw when Canada invited all 27,332 CEC candidates in the pool at once.

The cut-off scores have fluctuated little in recent weeks since IRCC has been holding PNP draws. Due to their relatively high scores, PNP candidates in the Express Entry pool are effectively guaranteed to at least receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence.

What is Express Entry?

Express Entry is the application management system for Canadas three most popular immigration programs: the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Program, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. PNP candidates in the Express Entry pool have already qualified for one of these programs.
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San Pedro City, Laguna (CNN Philippines, December 10)  The tandem of former senator Bongbong Marcos and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte continued their blitz of Calabarzon, the country's most vote-rich region, by visiting Laguna on Friday.

In the morning, Marcos opened the provincial campaign headquarters of his Partido Federal ng Pilipinas in San Pablo City - Laguna's sixth most populous city.

Duterte, meanwhile, met with the officials of her party Lakas-CMD in Laguna, led by provincial chairperson and Pakil town Mayor Vincent Soriano.

"We will work hard in Laguna to ensure their victory," Soriano said, as cited by a Lakas-CMD statement.

The presidential daughter also held a meeting with Laguna Governor Ramil Hernandez and Vice Gov. Karen Agapay - both members of the Cusi-faction of ruling PDP-Laban party.

Quoting Soriano, Lakas-CMD said the party is working with PDP-Laban to ensure the Bongbong-Sara tandem will carry Laguna, the country's fourth most vote-rich province.

The "UniTeam Alliance" tandem then held a caravan from San Pablo City to Calamba City - causing heavy traffic on some nearby roads.

Some netizens criticized their caravan in Quezon City last Wednesday as traffic ground to halt along Commonwealth Avenue. The Marcos camp has since apologized.

READ: Marcos camp apologizes for traffic congestion caused by QC motorcade

The tandem, alongside their senatorial bets Harry Roque and Jinggoy Estrada, also courted voters in Calamba City - the province's most vote-rich city.

The final stop of their Laguna visit was San Pedro City - the province's fifth-most populous city.

With its 8.7 million voters as of 2019, Calabarzon is seen as a battleground especially for Marcos and Vice President Leni Robredo, his closest rival for the presidency.

Marcos and Robredo ranked first and second, respectively, in the latest Social Weather Stations survey released in November.

In their match-up during the 2016 vice presidential race, Marco carried Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal. Robredo, however, won the entire region by just over 100,000 votes.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 11)  Experts are investigating the cause of death of three kids vaccinated against COVID-19, a Health official said on Saturday.

According to Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, initial reports from regional surveillance and epidemiology units said one of the vaccinated minors died from pneumonia, another from dengue, and the other from pulmonary tuberculosis. She did not say where the fatalities were recorded.

These are initial diagnoses. Ito po ay pinag-aaralang maigi ngayon ng ating mga eksperto para makapagbigay ng kaliwanagan kung ito po ay dahil sa bakuna o hindi, she said in a briefing.

[Translation: These are being thoroughly studied by our experts so we can shed light on whether or not their deaths were caused by the vaccines.]

Vergeire also said that so far, experts have not yet found causal links between COVID-19 vaccination and deaths in the country.
Dumaguete City (CNN Philippines December 11) - The Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) is not targeting members of the opposition, according to presidential aspirant Senator Panfilo Lacson.

"Nasa batas 'yun eh hindi naman tinatarget 'yung opposition," he told reporters in a briefing on Saturday before meeting with sectors in Dumaguete City. "Hindi ko alam kung saan nanggagaling 'yung tatargetin sila."

[Translation: It's in the law. They are not targeting the opposition. I don't know where that came from.]

The ATC is primarily tasked to implement the Anti-Terrorism Law (ATL) and may tag groups or individuals as terrorists.

"Maski sino naman [Anyone], whether they are members of the opposition or they are sympathizers of the [Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army] or whether you are members of media or whether you are members of Congress, if you commit acts of terrorism, you will be answerable to the law," the senator added.

Lacson - the principal sponsor of the law - gave this assurance after portions of the ATL were struck down by the Supreme Court.

RELATED: Supreme Court strikes down two parts of Anti-Terrorism Act

Lacson said he was pleased with the high court's decision, describing it as a partial victory for critics but a "total victory for peace against terror."

However, he admitted there are still some challenges when it comes to the law's implementation.

"Kasi sometimes law enforcement officers mali ang interpretation or sometimes they extend 'yung meaning or spirit ng law," Lacson said. "Meron naman tayo provisions sa batas na pwede parusahan 'yung law enforcement officers who violate the provisions of the law...just like any other law pwede subject to abuse, hindi lang 'yung ATL."

[Translation: Because law enforcement officers sometimes have a wrong interpretation or they extend the meaning or spirit of the law. We have provisions to punish law enforcement officers who violate the law...just like any other law it can be subject to abuse, but it's not just the ATL.]

Dumaguete-based journalist Roy Bustillo contributed to this report.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 11)  The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) continues to monitor a low pressure area located 2,000 kilometers east of Mindanao.

PAGASA weather forecaster Ezra Bulquerin told CNN Philippines' Newsroom Weekend that the weather disturbance is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Sunday as a tropical storm.

It will be named as Odette once it enters PAR.

Bulquerin said based on projections, the potential storm will traverse the direction going to the Visayas region in the coming days.

Around 1-2 tropical cyclones are expected to hit the country this month, Bulquerin added.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 11)  The government will prioritize at least five regions with low COVID-19 inoculation rates during the second round of the mass vaccination drive next week, a Health official said on Saturday.

"Mayroon pa rin tayong binabantayan na mga rehiyon kung saan medyo mababa pa rin ang [vaccination] coverage," Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a government briefing.

[Translation: We are monitoring the regions with slightly low vaccination coverage.]

These include Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Western Visayas, Central Visayas and Bangsamoro, she said.

"This coming Dec. 15 to 17, ito iyong mga areas na talagang we are focusing on at pupuntahan talaga ng ating mga volunteer, mga partner sa private sector and non-government organizations para matulungan po natin sila na maitaas po 'yung antas ng pagbabakuna among those unvaccinated in their regions," she said.

[Translation: This coming Dec. 15 to 17, these are the areas we are really focusing on and our volunteers, partners from the private sector, and non-government organizations are going to these regions, so we can help increase the vaccination coverage among those unvaccinated in their regions.]

The government is eyeing to administer seven million COVID-19 vaccine doses during the second round of the national vaccination drive. Nearly 10 million shots were administered during the first round of the mass immunization program held from Nov. 29 to Dec. 3.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health is keeping a number of expired and nearly expired COVID-19 vaccines in case manufacturers apply for an extension of the expiry dates for these, Vergeire said.

She noted that Pfizer previously asked for an extension and its request was granted in June.

"Ito pong mga bakuna na nag-expire at to expire ay naka-quarantine po iyan because we are coordinating with the vaccine manufacturers as to their additional evaluation kung ma-extend yung shelf-life ng mga ito katulad ng ginawa natin...sa Pfizer," she said.

[Translation: These vaccines that have expired and are set to expire are in quarantine because we are coordinating with the vaccine manufacturers as to their additional evaluation if it is possible to extend the shelf life of the vaccines as we did with Pfizer.]
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 11) The Philippines has "dropped the ball" again  this time on a possible discussion for an offer of millions of syringes, the country's top diplomat said on Saturday.

"We dropped the ball again; this time offer of 50 million syringes," Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. tweeted.

"Discussed the need in Washington DC and got a response prepared to go into details with (Philippine) agencies but they refused to discuss the ball let alone catch it," he added.

Locsin gave no further details and did not name the agencies involved.

In December last year, Locsin also said "someone dropped the ball" in the country's COVID-19 vaccine negotiations with American drug maker Pfizer. He shared that he and Philippine Ambassador to US Jose Manuel Romualdez were able to secure millions of Pfizer shots  initially set to arrive in the country by January 2021  but plans were foiled.

RELATED: Locsin confirms Duque 'dropped the ball' in Pfizer vaccine deal, but urges end to blame game

Last month, the Department of Health admitted the country faced delays in the delivery of syringes, citing an "apparent global shortage." The World Health Organization also earlier warned of a possible shortfall of billions of syringes for coronavirus inoculations come 2022.
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NEW DELHI, Dec 11: Secretary, Tribal Affairs Department, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary participated in the 2-day International Conference on Transhumance and Rural Development organised by Republic of Albania at Shkoder where more than a dozen nations discussed common strategies for migratory population. The unique cultural heritage of J&K tribes and recent initiatives of the Government for their welfare were also highlighted.

Minister for Agriculture, Republic of Albania, Frida Krifca inaugurated the international conference held at historic city of Shkoder, in presence of Mayor of Shkoder Voltana Ademi, Rector Dr Susana Golemin and senior officials of various European nations.

The two-day conference deliberated upon various contours of Transhumant i.e sessional migration of population and devised various common strategies for protection of cultural heritage of such ethnic groups, international collaboration initiatives and development support, planning models, economic development, education, healthcare and other aspects. The International Conference on Transhumance has been planned as a regular feature for multilateral cooperation on migratory population.

Presentations were made by senior functionaries of the governments and academia drawn from Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, India, Croatia, Rome, Macedonia, Sardinia, Kelmend, Italy, France, Greece, Bosnia Herzegovina and other regions about transhumance practices and local support initiatives. A number of Universities and premier research institutions of European countries participated in the conference to present the research work suggesting need for common international strategies on Transhumance management.

India has highest Transhumant and semi-nomadic tribal population in the world which is largely concentrated on Jammu and Kashmir. Practiced by nomadic Gujjars, Bakkerwals, Gaddis, Sippis and few others. The first survey of Transhumant Tribal Population conducted recently formed the basis of several planning and development measures rolled out by the J&K Government.

Dr Shahid made a detailed presentation in the conference about traditional and cultural practices of Transhumant tribal groups of Jammu and Kashmir, challenges faced by them in sustaining livelihood and measures being undertaken by the J&K Government for their welfare and development. He made a strong case for declaring J&Ks biannual tribal migration as a Protected Phenomenon under the United Nations Economic Social and Cultural Organisations which was strongly supported by the participating counties.

The conference discussed a range of common initiatives including economic, livelihood, laws, sustainable development, vulnerability, support systems, welfare policies, culture, developmental safeguards, rural tourism, linguistics, eco-cultural heritage, inclusive planning and empowerment among several criticism sectors. The Universities, Research Institutes and several organisation based in countries having Transhumant and semi-nomadic migration are coming together under the initiative to support the Governments for welfare of these ethnic groups.

J&K has the distinction of highest tribal migratory population as per the recent survey conducted by the department of tribal affairs in collaboration with district administrations and Planning, Monitoring & Development Department, which also highlighted status in several welfare and developmental sectors laying a foundation for overall development of tribal communities.
Gov. Ned Lamont on Friday said he has no plans to follow New York in requiring masks indoors or proof of vaccination even as Connecticuts COVID infections and hospitalizations continue to climb.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Friday announced the mandate, which goes into effect on Monday and is expected to last at least through mid-January.

But Lamont said he has no intention of prescribing a similar mandate here, instead leaving restrictions on mask wearing and proof of vaccination up to local leaders and businesses.

Im finding the overwhelming majority of folks are doing the right thing, Lamont said Friday, speaking to reporters after an unrelated event. Where I go around people  like here Ive said at this school, I want you to wear the mask, people are wearing the mask. I think youll find stores and restaurants more and more, the proprietors want to err on the side of safety so their customers and employees feel safe.

Early on in the pandemic, the Lamont administration had coordinated restrictions alongside other states in the region, and even more recently, lifting most of the mandates in unison in May.

However, Lamont has not followed other governors in the region in recent months to reinstate restrictions. Hes instead extended authority to municipal leaders to set local mandates and encouraged private business owners to enact their own rules.

Lamont said he is still coordinating on a regional basis in developing a digital vaccine passport.

We hope to get that rolled out in the next two weeks or so, a lot of businesses are asking for that, Lamont said Friday.

On Friday, the state state reported a daily positivity rate of 6.08 percent, with 3,280 new infections found among 53,948 tests. There were nine more COVID hospitalizations, increasing the statewide total to 585.

State officials also reported nine new cases of the omicron have been confirmed in Connecticut, bringing the total reported so far to 11. Of the newly confirmed cases, seven had been fully vaccinated, the governors office said Friday.

While Lamont said he was concerned about the new variant, he said he is more worried about the delta variant. Right now, thats where 99 percent of our issues are, he said.

Pfizer and BioNTech said earlier this week that laboratory tests showed three doses of its vaccine boosted protection against the omicron variant a month after the third shot as two initial doses did against the original or wild type of the virus.

The good news is the boosters seem to work against it, the bad news is its very infectious, Lamont said Friday. I dont think its going to be quite as severe perhaps as delta  well find out over the next few weeks.

While Connecticuts COVID infections and hospitalizations have been on a sharp rise since Thanksgiving, new deaths from the virus remain flat.

The latest weekly figures show there were 37 COVID-related deaths in the past seven days, a number that has not changed significantly in several weeks.

However, overall COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations have been climbing somewhat steadily since Thanksgiving. In the past seven days, Connecticut saw 25,670 new cases  double the week prior  and a net total of 162 new hospitalizations, a sizable jump from the previous week.

Deaths have been described by state officials and health experts as a lagging indicator in the COVID-19 pandemic, meaning cases first go up, followed by hospitalizations, and lastly, deaths.

But the 37 deaths recorded during the past week was seven fewer than the previous week and six more than right before Thanksgiving.

According to state data, deaths continue to skew more toward unvaccinated residents. According to a report Thursday, an unvaccinated individual is 16 times more likely to be infected than those who are fully vaccinated.

Officials have said the worst of a winter wave of COVID may be avoided because the vaccines are effective at preventing serious illness and death.

And now they are focused on getting residents to quickly get their booster shot, amid concerns over waning immunity in the initial course of vaccine and the new omicron variant, which has spread quickly, but remains mysterious to scientists and public health officials.

Whether this new variant is potentially more dangerous than others circulating is yet to be known. It has a number of mutations that researchers are closely examining.

Variant surveillance like this requires time-consuming genomic sequencing, meaning it could be some time before theres a clear picture of omicrons presence in Connecticut.
GROTON  The First Lady is coming to Connecticut Thursday to meet with U.S. Navy families of the USS Delaware.

First Lady Jill Biden and Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro are scheduled to arrive at Groton-New London Airport around 4:30 p.m.

At 5:15 p.m., they will attend a holiday gathering with the families of the USS Delaware, the submarine for which the First Lady serves as a sponsor, at the U.S. Submarine Veterans Club in Groton. The gathering will be hosted by United Through Reading.

6:31 p.m.  Biden departs

First Lady Jill Biden departed Connecticut from Grotons airport.

6 p.m.  Biden leaves U.S. Submarine Veterans Club

First Lady Jill Biden blew a kiss on her way out of the U.S. Submarine Veterans Club in Groton Thursday, which was met with the applause of dozens of family members of the crew of the USS Delaware.

During her 40 minute visit, Biden posed for photos and shook hands with many attendees. At one point, a woman handed Biden her baby for a picture, prompting a smile from Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, who also tickled the babys toes. The two officials were surrounded by tables of Poinsettias, Hershey kisses and decorated Christmas trees.

5:30 p.m.  Student, daughter of sailor introduces First Lady

Brooklyn Fineran, a student at East Lyme Middle School and the daughter of one of the sailors on the USS Delaware, introduced First Lady Jill Biden, who arrived at the club shortly after 5:20 p.m. The First Lady gave a few remarks before walking around to greet the families. Brooklyn was with her parents, Dan and Amber Fineran.

5:15 p.m.  Family members of USS Delaware crew await First Ladys arrival

Inside the U.S. Submarine Veterans Club in Groton, about 80 family members of the crew of the USS Delaware awaited the arrival of the First Lady.

Victoria Miles, whose husband Derek Johnson is a nuclear engineer on the Delaware, and was eager for her nine-year-old son to meet the events special guest.

Ive explained Dr. Bidens work in cancer research specifically and of course her dedication to education. But, you know, for a child its just the presidents wife.

For Miles, Bidens dedication to cancer research is personal. Her maternal grandmother is currently fighting stage four brain cancer and her aunt was recently diagnosed with cervical cancer.

4:54 p.m.  Biden meets officials

First Lady Jill Biden exited the airplane and shook hands with Gov. Ned Lamont, U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-Vernon, and Groton Mayor Keith Hedrick at the Groton-New London Airport.

Just before 5 p.m., Biden and a fleet of SUVs left for the U.S. Submarine Veterans Club in Groton.

4:40 p.m.  Biden arrives

First Lady Jill Bidens airplane has landed at Grotons airport.

4 p.m.  Government officials are waiting to greet the First Lady

Gov. Ned Lamont, U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-Vernon, and Groton Mayor Keith Hedrick are waiting to meet Biden on the tarmac.

12 p.m.  There will be no road closures in Groton

Groton Police Capt. Gregory J. McCarthy said there will be no road closures in town during the First Ladys visit.

There will be some minor, temporary interruptions to traffic in Groton around the Groton-New London Airport, but nothing a little patience will not rectify, McCarthy said. The delays will certainly be nothing like a presidential visit shutdown.

Bidens last trip to Connecticut in March brought her to a Meriden school with U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. He left his post as head of Connecticuts education department to join President Joe Bidens cabinet.

Her husband has made two stops in Connecticut since being sworn in as president. He spoke at the U.S. Coast Guard Academys graduation in May and visited a child care center in Hartford and the University of Connecticut in October.
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP)  Alaska Lt. Gov. Kevin Meyer last year said the issue his office seemed to be getting the most email on after the 2020 election was the narrow success of a ballot measure that would overhaul Alaskas election process. His chief of staff said they were getting up to 20 emails a day.

But a records request by The Associated Press yielded fewer than 20 total unique emails that were received by the office with complaints or concerns about the election, and only three mentioned the ballot measure that would end party primaries and institute ranked choice voting in general elections. The emails were recently released, more than a year after the AP first requested them.

Meyer, a Republican who oversees elections in Alaska, in November 2020 announced plans for a hand-count review of votes on the initiative, casting it as a way to calm questions that had been raised about the validity of election results tied to vote tabulation equipment the state uses. The review occurred after the general election results were certified and election officials said it affirmed the measures passage.

The hand count cost around $55,750, said Tiffany Montemayor, a Division of Elections spokesperson.

Meyer, in an interview with the AP on Thursday, said his interest in a hand count went back to his race for lieutenant governor in 2018, when he said he was hearing questions about trust in the elections process. Months before the 2020 election, he said he met with a conservative group that had concerns with the tabulation equipment.

He said he didnt know at the time which race would be involved but that the ballot measure ultimately made sense, given how close the results were and that some questioned how the measure had passed when early, partial votes on election night showed it failing.

Certified results showed the ballot measure won with about 50.6% of the vote  174,032 yes votes and 170,251 no votes.

My whole intent here is to try to get as much confidence and trust in elections as possible, he said. And if that means doing a ... statewide hand count, then we did it. And again, I think some people feel better now but theres definitely a small group out there that still dont.

Meyers chief of staff, Josh Applebee, said the emails given to AP provide an accurate representation of those received and said at some point, it was hard to separate the ways in which Meyers office was being contacted. Asked if they misspoke in November 2020 when they referenced emails specifically and if they had lumped together emails and other forms of contact, he said: I think thats probably a better way to look at it.

He said calls to Meyers office and the division were more aggressive in tone than the emails and almost reached a point where we didnt want to pick up the phone. He described the month after the November election as rough.

Election officials, ahead of the 2020 general election, sought to tamp down expectations about vote tallies released on Election Day, which did not include the large number of absentee and other ballots; officials did not begin counting those until later. Some campaigns and others had encouraged early or absentee voting amid pandemic concerns.

The AP, on Nov. 19, 2020, spoke with Meyer and Applebee about the planned hand-count review and requested emails to and from Meyer between Nov. 10  when the state began counting absentee ballots  and Nov. 18 concerning the election and ballot measure.

The records provided last week total 138 pages, including emails sent among members of Meyer's office. The documents include a number of duplicate emails and threads and some pages or sections are redacted.

The writer of one email to Meyer said they call fraud on the ballot measure passing, without offering any evidence or explanation. Alaskans do not want a leftist scheme to ensure leftist wins from here out, the unsigned email says.

Another person wrote to demand a hand count of the initiative results, claiming zero confidence in the election results and tabulation machines. Others raised questions about absentee ballots, whether the pen they used to mark their ballot was legal and the machines.

Some supporters of former President Donald Trump nationally have sought to sow doubt about the results of the race for president, won by Joe Biden, by attacking Dominion Voting Systems, a widely used voting technology provider in the U.S., whose machines Alaska uses. The company has filed defamation lawsuits over some of the claims that have been made.

Trump carried Alaska in the 2020 general election, and Republicans won the other top-ticket races for U.S. House and Senate. Republicans also won majorities in each the state House and Senate, though the House organized in a way that gave a bipartisan coalition control.

Meyer said Alaska's election was conducted fairly. If anyone doubts that, he said he encourages them to work an election or be an election observer to see the process in action.

Scott Kendall, a drafter of the ballot initiative and an attorney who has defended the ballot measure, said he wasn't offended that the state hand-counted ballots for that race.

I do think they were reacting to something, he said, adding later that he also doubts that many minds were changed by the review.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP)  After prosecutors spent nearly a day reconstructing the moments after a suburban Minneapolis police officer shot and killed Daunte Wright, one of her attorneys had heard enough. Paul Engh asked for a mistrial, decrying the sordid pictures that he said were irrelevant and were shown repeatedly to inflame the jury's sympathies.

But those details and the testimony of secondary witnesses, which may not directly affect whether the jury finds former Brooklyn Center Officer Kim Potter guilty or acquits her, are part of a bigger-picture prosecution strategy to not only convict her of manslaughter, but to send her to prison for a longer term than she could get otherwise.

Minnesota judges must follow state sentencing guidelines with a range that offers little leeway without having to explain their reasons. If prosecutors want to get a sentence longer than the range allows, they have to persuade a judge that aggravating factors warrant a tougher sentence. And that's what prosecutor Matthew Frank said he was doing.

Frank and his fellow prosecutors on Thursday presented a stream of officers, emergency medical workers and civilians who gave extensive details  accompanied by sometimes graphic videos and photos  about what happened in the minutes between Potter shooting Wright and paramedics declaring him dead at the scene where Potter and other officers tried to arrest the 20-year-old during a traffic stop.

Potter and the officer she was training, Anthony Luckey, stopped Wright the afternoon of April 11 for expired license tags and an air freshener hanging from his mirror. Testimony and video evidence shows that Wright got out of the car but tried to break away and get back in when the officers told him there was a warrant for his arrest on a gross misdemeanor weapons possession violation.

Potter and her attorneys have said she meant to use her Taser to stop him but accidentally grabbed her gun before she shot Wright in the chest.

Much of Thursday's testimony focused on what happened after Potter shot Wright and he then drove off and crashed into an oncoming car about a block away. The defense objected multiple times, arguing that the testimony and some of the images shown were needlessly repetitive and inflammatory.

Engh told Judge Regina Chu that the issue at hand was Potters thought process in the moment that she yelled Taser, Taser, Taser and pulled the trigger of her gun.

But Engh said the state had spent an inordinate amount of time presenting prejudicial evidence" about the crash, which he said was caused by the gravely wounded Wright's excessive speed. I didnt see any evidence directed towards the proof of guilt today, but rather evidence of sordid pictures and prejudicial impact that had little relevance," he said.

Frank countered that because the state is seeking a lengthier sentence, the evidence was relevant to show that Potters actions recklessly created a danger to others. He said she shot Wright when he was still in a position to operate his car, and that she violated her position of trust as an officer. He blamed her for the crash, in which Wright's girlfriend and an elderly passenger in the oncoming car were seriously injured. The state also contends that Potter's actions endangered Luckey and another officer who was assisting in the arrest.

The driver, who was in the car Wright struck but wasn't seriously injured, testified that the crash accelerated her husband's declining health. Her daughter's testimony backed that up. Wright's girlfriend said she still suffers from the effects of her broken jaw. Jurors saw a photo of her bleeding from the mouth.

The testimony of officers who rushed to the crash scene, and videos, suggested that Potter's actions might have put them at risk and delayed attempts to save Wright's life. They told the jury they didn't know at first that Wright had been shot and they weren't sure what they were dealing with at the crash scene. They said that because of the possibility that Wright was armed  he wasn't  they held back with guns drawn for about 8 1/2 minutes before pulling him from his car and trying to resuscitate him.

The first-degree manslaughter count requires prosecutors to prove that Potter acted recklessly. The second-degree manslaughter count requires them to prove culpable negligence. Neither charge requires proof that she intended to kill. The sentencing guidelines call for seven years and two months in prison on the first charge and four years on the other.

Prosecutors must prove aggravating circumstances  known as Blakely factors under a 2004 Minnesota Supreme Court decision  to get a sentence of more than eight years and seven months. The statutory maximum is 15 years on the most serious count. They haven't said how much extra prison time they'll seek if Potter is convicted.

A similar process happened in the trial this year of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who was convicted of second-degree murder in the death of George Floyd. Frank and other prosecutors in that case asked Judge Peter Cahill for a longer sentence than the 12 1/2 years recommended under the sentencing guidelines. The judge sentenced Chauvin to 22 1/2 years, saying prosecutors established that Chauvin abused his position of authority and treated Floyd with particular cruelty, that several children witnessed the crime live, and that Chauvin knew that kneeling on Floyds neck was dangerous.

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Find the APs full coverage of the Daunte Wright case: https://apnews.com/hub/death-of-daunte-wright

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This story has been updated to correct details about the people who were in the car that was struck by Daunte Wright.
BRIDGEPORT  A $255,000 grant to Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County could go a long way toward helping Bridgeport students become better and strong leaders, said the programs president.

Obviously were thrilled by it, said Bernadine Venditto, president of Bridgeport-based Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County, in a news release. What the grant will allow us to do is grow and continue to reach more kids.

U.S. Rep. Jim Himes and Bridgeport Mayor Joseph Ganim recently announced that Junior Achievement was receiving the grant, which is funded by the Biden Administrations American Rescue Plan Act.

If we want Connecticut students to compete in the global economy, we need to equip them with entrepreneurial, financial literacy, and career readiness skills, Himes said in a statement.

The funding will be distributed through the City of Bridgeport in payments of $85,000 over the next three years.

Venditto said one of the main things the grant will be used for is to help Junior Achievement develop and implement a new year-long middle school leadership program. She said the program will, among other things, teach these students basic financial literacy and give them insight into a possible career.

It helps them to understand (basic concepts such as) credit versus cash and What is debt? Venditto said.

Another piece of the leadership program is JA Inspire Virtual, a sort of virtual career fair in which students can pilot avatars of themselves through a series of career booths set up by various employers who are partnering with Junior Achievement.

The grant will also help support programs that the local Junior Achievement is already doing, including partnering with other organizations for various events. Venditto pointed to the recent Manufacturing Career Awareness event  which was designed in collaboration with The WorkPlace and was attended by approximately 140 high school students from seven area schools  as an example.

Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County aims to prepare students in kindergarten through 12th grade to succeed through programs focusing on financial literacy, work and career readiness, and entrepreneurship. It is part of the larger Junior Achievement organization, which has 104 chapters across the country.
BRIDGEPORT  Carmen Hernandez knows the importance of detail.

The 11-year-old sixth-grader at Discovery Interdistrict Magnet School was working with classmate Elon Harvey to build a Lego sail car inside teacher Mary Servinos robotics classroom when Gov. Ned Lamont entered Friday afternoon, trailed by a gaggle of officials and press.

Undaunted by the interruption, the pair stuck to their task as they explained their work to the governor.

Were looking for pieces, making sure they go in the correct places, Carmen said. With one mess-up it could ruin everything.

Lamont marveled at the precision of the pairs work.

Id need a magnifying glass to do what youre doing, he said. You guys have got to be good.

Lamont toured the school with state education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker, Bridgeport Schools Superintendent Michael Testani, Mayor Joe Ganim, state Sen. Marilyn Moore and others.

The visit coincided with Computer Science Education Week.

The school, which focuses on science, opened in 2011 next to the Discovery Museum on Park Avenue.

There are currently 489 students from eight towns  Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Milford, Stratford, Shelton, Monroe, and Trumbull.

STEM is our biggest thing, Principal Sangeeta Bella told the governor. Its interwoven into everything that we do.

Servinos classroom hosts the robotics club in the afternoon for fifth- and sixth-graders interested in the subject. Seventh- and eighth-graders come by in the mornings.

Students were busy building everything from sail cars to propeller-driven vehicles to miniature trebuchets  a type of catapult  using the Lego kits.

A few doors down, the governor stopped by Diane Goodrichs fourth-grade classroom, where 9-year-old Mel Sacramento showed him a keychain she was designing on a laptop that would eventually be fabricated using a 3D printer.

Later, kindergartners showed the governor how they were learning to use a Bee-Bot programmable robot in their first steps in learning how to code, said teacher Mary Ellen Sharnick, who won an award to attend a conference five years ago through the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

The examples are encouraging at a time when schools throughout the city and state are facing an unprecedented shortage of certified staff.

Servino said the shortages are being felt everywhere, but especially among STEM teachers.

Someone was just asking me How do you know how to do this? she said. It just takes teachers willing to go home and learn it.

Another positive: the school partners with nearby Sacred Heart Universitys Noyce Scholarship Program for college students interested in pursuing teaching careers in science, technology, education, and math.

Servino said shes currently working with three SHU juniors who are part of the program.

Theyre going to be teachers that know how to teach STEM, which is a whole other ballgame, so Im pretty excited, she said.

Walking the halls of the school, the governor and Ganim noted how education has changed from their childhood from an emphasis on rote learning to applied skills, even for the youngest students.

This is the foundation, Bella said. This is when they start. Integration is key.

The governors tour ended with an interview for the school newspaper with Casey Utzler, a 12-year-old seventh-grader, who asked him if he would support more funding for technology education in the states schools.

Lamont answered in the affirmative.

I want the very best people right in Connecticut. I want you to stay in the Connecticut and get a great job, he said. This is the language of the 21st century. If you cant code you cant compete, and youre going to be able to code and compete right here.

Outside, Lamont said he was impressed with the students enthusiasm and praised the states magnet school program.

But he stopped short of suggesting a more drastic overhaul or regional approach is needed to equalize education opportunities in a state with a persistent racial and need-based achievement gap that, data suggests, was made worse by the pandemic.

I dont know about that, the governor said. Obviously the state plays a big role in magnet schools like Discovery, and I think you see it working, and I love the fact that you see kids from different communities here and what that means.

At the same time, he said, We have some great local schools for those that love local schools.
RENO, Nev. (AP)  A 52-year-old member of the Carson Indian Colony has been sentenced to nearly six years in prison for killing his son during a quarrel over money two years ago at their home on tribal land.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou in Nevada said Friday that Steven Bryan also was sentenced Thursday by Chief U.S. District Judge Miranda Du in Reno to three years of supervised release following his 70 months behind bars.
Democracy means that we must choose our representatives; they should not choose us.

When incumbent politicians get to draw their own district lines, democracy loses. Political parties  both Democrats and Republicans  draw district lines to ensure that incumbents have safe seats in which they can be perpetually elected. They draw these lines to make races less competitive for their incumbents, even though the process can create awkward districts that twist and turn through several different towns. These maps make our incumbent elected officials less accountable to the public.

A reapportionment commission recently approved new district maps for Connecticuts General Assembly and Senate. The commission was formed after the Legislature failed to meet a deadline to produce new districts. The maps that these nine political leaders approved unanimously is not subject to any further approval by legislators or any further public scrutiny.

It is time for Connecticut to consider an independent commission that prevents this kind of political gerrymandering, incorporates public input in a meaningful way, and takes the closed-door negotiations out of the process.

Competitive districts are good for democratic engagement and ensure that representatives are accountable to their entire community. If a politician knows they will likely be elected no matter what they do, what incentive do they have to be responsive to voters? If voters know the maps have been drawn to preserve incumbents, what incentive do they have to vote?

For example, in my hometown of Trumbull, we will now have four state representatives, only one of whom has a district entirely within Trumbull, with three other districts that are shared with another municipality (even though our population is only 36,000). The neighboring representatives will have little incentive to care as much about the needs of their small slice of voters in Trumbull as those in the main town they represent. Moreover, the areas that have been ceded to districts primarily in other towns are among Trumbulls most diverse areas.

Elected officials will say that redistricting is complicated and needs to involve legislative expertise. That is true, but the process also needs to leave room for more community input after maps are negotiated and before they are finalized. There should be an independent commission to ensure that the public interest is not being compromised by the negotiated districts. Even a bipartisan process will present a conflict of interest with broader principles of democracy because maps will naturally be drawn to protect incumbents from both parties, even where that is not in the public interest.

Instead, Connecticut needs to have more transparency and community engagement in the process, and independent analysis to ensure that districts are matching future projected demographics and are objectively fair.

Democracy is not just a form of government; it is a way of life. Democracy begins with the local community and must be based on building a culture of meaningful political participation to help increase conversation and dialogue across differences. The continued impact of the pandemic and the use of social media have severely restricted our ability to engage in-person and meaningfully deliberate to produce a middle ground. We are now living in an era of heightened political polarization. Gerrymandering is at the heart of this problem because it reduces the incentive for our representatives to engage with constituents who disagree with their views.

But there is still an opportunity to come together. Communities have the potential to work through disagreements and dilemmas by encouraging active civic engagement. Competitive districts make people feel that their voice will be heard and that their vote matters. They incentivize people to get involved in the democratic process.

We cannot have that if politicians can choose their voters. Connecticut needs to guarantee more meaningful public engagement in the process and oversight by an independent redistricting commission.

Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox is associate professor of legal studies at Quinnipiac University and a board member at large of the League of Women Voters of Connecticut.
Perhaps it doesn't tug at the heartstrings quite like It's a Wonderful Life  the classic Christmas film starring James Stewart as the manager of a mutual savings firm.

But the triumph of ordinary customers at LV over the powerful forces of private equity is still a good reason to celebrate the festive season a little early.

It now looks likely that one of this country's oldest and best-loved mutual insurers will retain that cherished status, instead of being thrown to the private equity wolves for the gratification of its self-serving bosses.

While so many businesses and families have battled to stay afloat financially during the pandemic, it has been a golden period for private equity.

Companies including the supermarket group Wm Morrison have fallen into the clutches of buyout barons.

The predators have swooped on some of the UK's most important businesses virtually unhindered  until now.

Perhaps it doesn't tug at the heartstrings quite like It's a Wonderful Life  the classic Christmas film starring James Stewart as the manager of a mutual savings firm

Big City shareholders have almost always failed to put up much of a fight. They prefer to pocket quick gains from a sale, regardless of the consequences for employees, customers or the economy as a whole.

And bosses of target companies are often all too eager to sell out to private equity as it means they will be in line for large personal gains  as was the case at LV.

So it is heartening to see small savers ready to stand up for mutual values.

Throughout the sale process, LV's so-called leaders have treated their policyholders with sheer contempt.

They gave every impression of hoping the deal would go through on the nod, due to apathy or passive acquiescence on the part of what they seemed to assume to be sheeplike savers.

If this was the case, they did not bargain on the shrewdness of their own members who, although the turnout was low, came out in sufficient numbers to thwart their plans.

The LV policyholders who voted against Bain may not be financial experts  but they can tell when they are being patronised and sold a pup.

From the start of the attempted sale to the bitter end, chairman Alan Cook and chief executive Mark Hartigan conducted the process atrociously.

Important information was withheld and disclosed only grudgingly under pressure, or tucked away in long documents where it was hard to find.

Transparency and respect, two key mutual principles, were sorely lacking.

This attitude persisted to the last gasp.

The media were even barred from the final online meeting yesterday. This was despite there being a clear public interest and the fact it is common practice for companies to admit reporters on such occasions.

Hartigan and Cook never convincingly explained why they rejected a bid from fellow mutual Royal London, which many members would have preferred.

The two mutuals are now in discussions about a fresh offer.

That looks like a positive development but mutuality in itself does not give anyone a free pass and this newspaper will be watching like a hawk to make sure Royal London's new bid serves the interests of LV savers.

This is a moment of victory for campaigners, politicians and above all for the LV savers who voted down the deal.

As for Messrs Cook and Hartigan, they should put It's a Wonderful Life on repeat over Christmas.

Maybe if they watch it enough times, they might absorb some of its mutual spirit.

Victory for the Mail as 530million LV deal is blocked: Chairman quits after mutual's members reject takeover by US private equity sharks

Lucy White and Archie Mitchell for the Daily Mail

Members of historic insurer LV yesterday voted down the firm's controversial 530million takeover by a US private equity shark.

The 1.2million policyholders, who together own the 178-year-old firm, rejected the takeover attempt by Bain Capital in a victory for the Daily Mail.

Just minutes after the results were announced, LV's chairman Alan Cook  who had been central in trying to push the deal through  said he would step down.

Critics of the deal were also calling for the removal of chief executive Mark Hartigan  a former army colonel who kicked off the sale process just weeks after joining the insurer at the start of last year.

The vote from LV members to keep the firm, once known as Liverpool Victoria, out of Bain's grip came as a victory for the Mail.

Members of historic insurer LV yesterday voted down the firm's controversial 530million takeover by a US private equity shark. The 1.2million policyholders, who together own the 178-year-old firm, rejected the takeover attempt by Bain Capital in a victory for the Daily Mail

This paper has campaigned to stem the tide of 'pandemic plundering', as private equity firms have scoured the UK for undervalued companies which they can snap up and wring for profits.

A buyout of LV by a private equity firm would have been particularly distasteful, since the life insurer is a mutual  meaning it is owned by its members and can be run entirely for their benefit.

This dates back to LV's birth in Liverpool in 1843 when it began selling 'penny policies' to help the poor bury their loved ones with dignity.

But private equity firms buy businesses to squeeze them for cash. They are notorious for cutting jobs, slashing costs and hiking prices  and LV members were worried that their policies and services would suffer.

The firms have won control of businesses from Morrisons to the AA to G4S since the pandemic hit, as major City shareholders have caved in to the buyout companies and taken their money.

MPs, experts and campaigners praised the rebuttal of Bain. Tory MP Kevin Hollinrake said: 'This is a huge win for the Parliamentary group on mutuals and the Daily Mail, who exposed one scandal after another.

Just minutes after the results were announced, LV's chairman Alan Cook  who had been central in trying to push the deal through  said he would step down

This sends a message to private equity plunderers to keep their hands off beloved British companies.

One of the main reasons it happened is because members were given a say, not big City institutions looking to make a killing.'

Labour MP Dame Margaret Hodge added: 'If there had not been a really strong campaign in which the Daily Mail played an instrumental role, I think people would have had the wool drawn over their eyes and that is scary.'

And Tory grandee Lord Heseltine said members' 'long-term commitment to the company has repelled the short-term opportunism of the break-up businesses'.

LV is now weighing up whether to enter into discussions with fellow mutual Royal London, which bid against Bain last year. It has tabled a bid which would see LV's members become part owners of the entire enlarged firm.

Critics of the deal were also calling for the removal of chief executive Mark Hartigan  a former army colonel who kicked off the sale process just weeks after joining the insurer at the start of last year

Of the 15 per cent of LV members who turned out to vote, 69 per cent waved the deal through. But this fell short of the 75 per cent needed to strip LV of its mutual structure.

It is the latest blow for Mr Cook, 68, whose career has been riddled with scandals.

He was chairman of Irish lender Permanent TSB and had to apologise to 1,400 victims who were overcharged on their mortgages.

And he was managing director of the Post Office between 2006 and 2010, when 161 postmasters were wrongly prosecuted.

Mr Cook will remain chairman of LV until a 'way forward is agreed'.

RUTH SUNDERLAND: Small savers could tell they were being sold a pup and came out in sufficient numbers to thwart LVs plans

By Ruth Sunderland for the Daily Mail

Perhaps it doesn't tug at the heartstrings quite like It's a Wonderful Life  the classic Christmas film starring James Stewart as the manager of a mutual savings firm.

But the triumph of ordinary customers at LV over the powerful forces of private equity is still a good reason to celebrate the festive season a little early.

It now looks likely that one of this country's oldest and best-loved mutual insurers will retain that cherished status, instead of being thrown to the private equity wolves for the gratification of its self-serving bosses.

While so many businesses and families have battled to stay afloat financially during the pandemic, it has been a golden period for private equity.

Companies including the supermarket group Wm Morrison have fallen into the clutches of buyout barons.

The predators have swooped on some of the UK's most important businesses virtually unhindered  until now.

Perhaps it doesn't tug at the heartstrings quite like It's a Wonderful Life  the classic Christmas film starring James Stewart as the manager of a mutual savings firm

Big City shareholders have almost always failed to put up much of a fight. They prefer to pocket quick gains from a sale, regardless of the consequences for employees, customers or the economy as a whole.

And bosses of target companies are often all too eager to sell out to private equity as it means they will be in line for large personal gains  as was the case at LV.

So it is heartening to see small savers ready to stand up for mutual values.

Throughout the sale process, LV's so-called leaders have treated their policyholders with sheer contempt.

They gave every impression of hoping the deal would go through on the nod, due to apathy or passive acquiescence on the part of what they seemed to assume to be sheeplike savers.

If this was the case, they did not bargain on the shrewdness of their own members who, although the turnout was low, came out in sufficient numbers to thwart their plans.

The LV policyholders who voted against Bain may not be financial experts  but they can tell when they are being patronised and sold a pup.

From the start of the attempted sale to the bitter end, chairman Alan Cook and chief executive Mark Hartigan conducted the process atrociously.

Important information was withheld and disclosed only grudgingly under pressure, or tucked away in long documents where it was hard to find.

Transparency and respect, two key mutual principles, were sorely lacking.

This attitude persisted to the last gasp.

The media were even barred from the final online meeting yesterday. This was despite there being a clear public interest and the fact it is common practice for companies to admit reporters on such occasions.

Hartigan and Cook never convincingly explained why they rejected a bid from fellow mutual Royal London, which many members would have preferred.

The two mutuals are now in discussions about a fresh offer.

That looks like a positive development but mutuality in itself does not give anyone a free pass and this newspaper will be watching like a hawk to make sure Royal London's new bid serves the interests of LV savers.

This is a moment of victory for campaigners, politicians and above all for the LV savers who voted down the deal.

As for Messrs Cook and Hartigan, they should put It's a Wonderful Life on repeat over Christmas.

Maybe if they watch it enough times, they might absorb some of its mutual spirit.
Last week, Foreign Office whistleblower Raphael Marshall rocked Westminster with a series of allegations over the UKs chaotic withdrawal from Kabul.

One of the most explosive was that Boris Johnson had personally intervened to ensure the evacuation of animals from the Nowzad rescue shelter, run by former Marine Paul Pen Farthing.

According to Marshall, there was a direct trade-off between transporting Nowzads animals and evacuating British nationals and Afghans evacuees, including Afghans who had served with British soldiers. No 10s response was swift.

This claim is untrue. This was an operational decision. Neither the PM nor Mrs Johnson were involved, a spokesman said. It was a lie.

Last week, Foreign Office whistleblower Raphael Marshall rocked Westminster with a series of allegations over the UKs chaotic withdrawal from Kabul. One of the most explosive was that Boris Johnson had personally intervened to ensure the evacuation of animals from the Nowzad rescue shelter, run by former Marine Paul Pen Farthing

I was contacted by a Cabinet Minister who is close to Defence Secretary Ben Wallace. Referring to Boris, the Minister said: He 100 per cent intervened. Ben was overruled by Boris on evacuating the animals. He was furious during the whole thing  it was awful for him.

In addition, I spoke to a senior Downing Street official. Carrie [Johnson] was on at Boris to do something about the animals. She kept telling him he had to help get them out.

As well as going public, Marshall submitted his complaints internally at the Foreign Office. Although it has not yet been made public, I understand a report has been produced addressing his allegations in detail. Someone with knowledge of its contents told me it states that a decision to evacuate the animals was taken by a Minister outside the Foreign Office.

Richard Nixon had a deft political touch. He secured power by capturing swathes of the US that had previously been a political no-go zone for his party. He kept it through a populist appeal to a silent majority and triumphed in a culture war by defining himself as against a despised liberal elite

According to his spokeswoman, that Minister was not Ben Wallace. She said: Throughout Operation Pitting [the evacuations codename] the Secretary of State prioritised people over pets. There was no change of policy. He absolutely did not intervene. His position all along was he would not prioritise this.

She added: At no time did the Prime Minister ask the Secretary of State to engage with Nowzad or their representatives.

But someone did engage with them. On August 25, the Prime Ministers Parliamentary Private Secretary Trudy Harrison sent Farthing a letter. It said: I have received confirmation from the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, the Home Office and the Ministry of Defence that you, your staff and their dependants are permitted to travel.

It added: The Secretary of State has also confirmed that animals under the care of Nowzad can be evacuated on a separate flight. The Ministry of Defence will ensure that a flight slot is available.

Marshall says he believes the decision to evacuate the animals directly put the lives of British soldiers at risk  because troops were needed to physically escort them on to the airport.

He also claims Nowzad staff members were evacuated to Pakistan when other vulnerable Afghans  including British Army interpreters  were left to their fate.

So the Nowzad evacuation is a scandal in its own right. But it also reveals something more fundamental about how Boris and No 10 currently operate and, by extension, how the country is being governed at the present time.

As the fiasco over the party that wasnt a party has underlined, they cannot stop lying.

Its endemic, one Minister told me. They cant help themselves. Its like an addiction. Every time they are presented with any sort of problem, the default position is to just lie about it rather than actually tackle it.

There are several reasons for this. One is obviously Boris himself. As a former Minister said: He treats facts like he treats all his relationships  utterly disposable once inconvenient.

Another issue is the Pavlovian way Downing Street responds to any negative issues surrounding the Prime Ministers wife.

In Boriss minds eye, he is the heir to his great hero, Churchill. But hes starting to resemble another of historys great international statesmen

As one Government official told me: Its treated like a loyalty test. How far will you go to defend Carrie? If you can show youre prepared to lie for her, then you pass.

Others point to broader cultural and structural issues within No 10. Theres no one with any authority in there whos got the stature to tell him, No Boris, were not going to say that. Its not true. It will come back to bite us. 

So now the lies are snapping and snarling at him.

Labour has leapt ahead in the polls. Tory MPs are mutinous. Party insiders believe the North Shropshire by-election is a lost cause.

One Tory backbencher said: I was in PMQs. When Starmer said that stuff about the Queen sitting alone at Prince Philips funeral and the moral authority to lead, it was painful to watch. Because it was true.

Perhaps it was. But subjecting Boris to morality lectures is a waste of time. Bluffing is his way. Its served him well, carrying him from City Hall to the highest office in the land.

And for all the piety, there is a precedent  running from Suez through to Saddams WMDs  of British PMs playing fast and loose with the truth.

So if Boris wont change for moral reasons, perhaps he can do so for pragmatic ones.

Firstly, he must realise the extent to which the lies are not protecting his premiership, but destroying it.

Even after the video of his team joking about their Christmas bash had gone viral, No 10 were still trying to claim there was no party. No rules were broken. Theyve been caught bang to rights trying to play the British people for fools.

And if that continues, the British people will respond accordingly. Because this is the other thing that Boris needs to grasp. The next Election wont be a fight between him and Jeremy Corbyn.

Sir Keir Starmer has landed with voters like a wet fish. But unlike his predecessor, he doesnt make himself unelectable merely through the act of getting out of bed.

When the country next goes to the polls, people will be offered two starkly contrasting visions for their nation. Which one they see as most plausible will determine who they choose to place in No 10. And if they keep catching Boris lying through his teeth to them, they will not be sending him back to his tastefully refurbished flat.

Theres one final thing that Boris needs to grasp.

The constant lying is not just in danger of destroying his tenure within Downing Street, it also runs the risk of carving a scar across what comes after.

Though his critics will never acknowledge it, Boris has some substantial achievements to his name. Breaking the Brexit stalemate. Getting the vaccine into peoples arms. But if things carry on as they are, they will not be his legacy.

In Boriss minds eye, he is the heir to his great hero, Churchill. But hes starting to resemble another of historys great international statesmen.

Richard Nixon had a deft political touch. He secured power by capturing swathes of the US that had previously been a political no-go zone for his party. He kept it through a populist appeal to a silent majority and triumphed in a culture war by defining himself as against a despised liberal elite.

But he couldnt stop lying. Tricky Dicky told small lies which then became big lies, which in turn became scandals that finally drove him from the White House.

Were not there yet. As the Bexley by-election showed, Boris remains more popular than his enemies would admit, or like.

His Governments fortunes will rise and fall on more substantive issues than where his staffers exchanged Secret Santa gifts. But things cant go on like this.

I rang Downing Street to ask them to comment on Pen Farthing. A spokesman said: Neither the PM nor Mrs Johnson were involved.

It was a lie.
To save Alexander Johnsons face, we must all cover our faces. I wont repeat here all the many objections I have made before to compulsory masking, or explain yet again why these measures are of doubtful value, to put it mildly.

It is the motivation for them, an obvious attempt to change the subject away from Partygate, which irks me this time round. But it is also the weird upside-down, inside-out public and media reaction to all this folly. We are angry at the wrong people and the wrong thing.

Here we all are demanding that the police be called to investigate a Christmas party. We are not dealing here with the Watergate burglary or the Profumo Affair.

We are dealing with a few government employees having a drink in the office in the festive season. Personally, I loathe these occasions and would rather go to the dentist, but other people like them and they are quite common.

To save Alexander Johnsons face, we must all cover our faces. I wont repeat here all the many objections I have made before to compulsory masking, or explain yet again why these measures are of doubtful value, to put it mildly

The rage against this event is based on two things. The first is that, at the time of these illegal junketings, insane regulations were keeping husbands from wives, and children from their parents, on their deathbeds. The other is that the courts are still imposing appalling fines on private citizens who likewise defied the Christmas party ban a year ago.

The real reason for fury is that these regulations existed at all. Even if you believe that measures of this kind are much help (I dont), anyone with any sense could see that cruel separation of close relatives at the end of life was not a proportionate response to Covid.

It was a fanatical, inhuman Communist measure that should never have been allowed, like the fearful, heartbreaking limits placed on funerals and the police raids on churches.

The real reason for fury is that these regulations existed at all. Even if you believe that measures of this kind are much help (I dont), anyone with any sense could see that cruel separation of close relatives at the end of life was not a proportionate response to Covid, writes Peter Hitchens

I keep hearing the word proportionate being used about Covid measures now. But it was not so common then. As I said then, we went mad, like a man who burns down his own house to get rid of a wasps nest.

What you should be angry about is not that people in Downing Street held Christmas parties, but that everyone else was forbidden to do so. If we lived in China, where the authorities actually welded people into their homes, then I suppose such rules would have been normal. But we do not live in that dreadful police state. As Sweden proved, trusting free people to behave sensibly produced results that were certainly no worse than ours.

Theres one other part of this which gives me the creeps. I do not know Allegra Stratton, the former government spokeswoman, and I doubt I would like her if I did. But I do not think she is a wicked or harmful person, and I think the treatment of her is quite disgusting.

Put simply, some nark and informer has leaked a tape of what she said in private, and made it public for reasons that seem unlikely to be charitable. Again, we should recall that this was not some great abuse of power.

As a result, a fellow creature has been reduced to weeping in public and compelled to humiliate herself before the righteous judges of TV.

Well, I must ask all those involved in gleefully destroying Ms Stratton to consider this: Is there anything you have ever said in private among friends, which you would not wish to be played on national media to the whole world? Anything? Ever? No little incorrect joke that some po-faced Covid Commissar could turn into an indictment that  if well-timed  would ruin your life and career? If so, let us hope for your sake that you have no enemies as unscrupulous as you are.

I am not sure in what way this sort of thing is morally different from the totalitarian surveillance of 1984, which we are all supposed to be so against.

I do not know Allegra Stratton, the former government spokeswoman, and I doubt I would like her if I did. But I do not think she is a wicked or harmful person, and I think the treatment of her is quite disgusting

Beguiled by assurances from the US government that they will not be too horrid to Julian Assange during the decades of hard prison time he faces in America, our judges on Friday allowed his extradition. A pity.

This is a totally political case that ought to have been thrown out on sight by the English courts. Mr Assange is, in the end, a journalist doing his job, and if he can be dragged off to some Federal dungeon then any UK journalist who unveils embarrassing facts about the American state is not safe from this sort of thing.

Our Prime Minister is himself a former journalist, and there may still be enough of the trouble-making spirit in him to see that this is plain wrong. I do hope so. When Theresa May rightly blocked the court-approved extradition of Gary McKinnon to the USA in 2012, the American government did not take elaborate revenge on us. They muttered and grumbled, but in the end the Americans respect nations that stand up to them rather more than they respect those that bow down to them.

The Prime Minister should refuse to allow Mr Assange to be sent to the US, and he should be released from the ridiculously harsh, cruelly prolonged imprisonment in Belmarsh, which he has endured for far too long.

Chinas the Empire that alarms me

Once upon a time reading, not TV or computers, was still the best way into the past, the future and the remote places of the Earth. In those days, I used to read Jules Vernes 19th Century adventure novels with wide-eyed, boyish pleasure.

I loved the solid, stable world he described of steamers and railways, quieter and more secure than ours. So I really ought to look forward to the new BBC serialisation of Around The World In Eighty Days, Phileas Foggs great fictional journey.

But its main actor, David Tennant, wants us to know he disapproves of Vernes world, moaning that in many ways Phileas Fogg represents everything thats alarming and peculiar about that old sense of British Empire. Its a weird thing to say anyway.

But why are modish people such as Mr Tennant so anxious to condemn the British Empire which, for good or ill, vanished long ago?

If he dislikes empires, surely the Chinese one is the thing to worry about, trampling as it does on poor crushed Tibet and the Uighurs of Sinkiang.

It also murders its own people, a crime for which we loudly condemn other nations but which we ignore in Peking. It is both alarming and peculiar and it is here now.

Macho talk on drugs never works

Who else remembers the one-time Met Police Commissioner Ian Blair threatening in 2005 to crack down on middle-class cocaine users? Or Sajid Javid, when he was Home Secretary, making the same threat in 2018?

Now the Prime Minister dons a police woolly hat and declares that he will look at taking away passports and driving licences from such people. As on previous occasions, see if this happens. Bizarrely, he thinks that we still lock people up again and again for using drugs, a claim Id like to see evidence for. Meanwhile, the de facto decriminalisation of drug possession continues. This is why his pledge to stamp out so-called county lines (macho, pseudo-American police-speak for small-town drug dealers) will never succeed. If you dont stamp out the demand, you will never stamp out the supply.

If we want to get anywhere, we should copy Japan and South Korea, where they prosecute drug abusers for possession, not just for dealing. Drug use would dive if we applied the existing law, just as drink driving hugely diminished when they brought in the breathalyser.

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It's a mere two years since Boris Johnson was uncorking the champagne, swept back to power with a thumping majority of 80.

Not many Conservatives are celebrating right now. For a sizeable number, the Prime Minister is propping up the bar in Last Chance Saloon.

Widely regarded as a serial liar, Boris trails significantly behind a third-rate opposition in polls which also tell him that 75 per cent of voters refuse to believe his claims that last year's Christmas parties at Downing Street somehow kept within the Covid rules.

What has it come to when one of his own backbenchers condemns the shambolic, contradictory coronavirus restrictions as an attempt to deflect attention from claims of incompetence and cover-up?

As the Prime Minister snuggles down with a toddler and a newborn daughter in one of the best wallpapered flats in Central London, let us hope that he will spare a few moments to reflect on a Rake's Progress that has led him from triumph to near-disaster in a matter of months. Even the flat is turning into a source of discomfort. Who paid for the wallpaper? When did they do so, and why?

A trivial matter, you may think, but one which could lead to Boris being censured yet again. Could a few rolls of wallpaper end a prime ministership? Why not, when it was a little tax return that did for Al Capone? We'll see.

Widely regarded as a serial liar, Boris trails significantly behind a third-rate opposition in polls which also tell him that 75 per cent of voters refuse to believe his claims that last year's Christmas parties at Downing Street somehow kept within the Covid rules

As a Conservative of decades' standing, I'm bewildered by a shambles which threatens not just the position of the Prime Minister, but the newly gained Red Wall seats, the Government itself and his own party to boot.

In reality, lots of Tory MPs have never held Boris in any great regard. They have clung to him because he's a winner and a rock star who the public were prepared to indulge  even when caught out in conduct that would have destroyed the career of a less charismatic politician. But for how much longer?

Saving Boris will require ruthless action  from him.

He could start by telling the truth more frequently. Harold Wilson swept to victory in 1966 by an even bigger margin than Boris but was irrevocably damaged because of constant allegations of lying.

'How can you tell when Harold Wilson is lying?' went the joke. Answer: 'His lips move.'

Even the flat is turning into a source of discomfort. Who paid for the wallpaper? When did they do so, and why?

This is the sort of jibe that now besets Boris, and when a politician is the butt of such contemptuous humour the end of the road is normally in view. Boris's evasions about his private life initially amused and diverted people. Not now. For all too many  burdened with rising taxes, steepling living costs and an endless tide of Covid gloom  the joke's gone sour.

Then there are the people surrounding Boris, of whom 'lightweight' seems a generous description. He needs to change them, too.

Of course, leaders don't need to be masters of detail, provided they have people close to them who are. Ronald Reagan, whom I knew quite well, was one of the most successful 20th Century American presidents even though his method was decidedly broad-brush. That is because Reagan, a chairman- of-the-board figure, had outstanding people around his table.

They included Jim Baker, another old friend of mine, who knew exactly what was what and kept the administration on track.

Experienced and determined back-up was vital to Margaret Thatcher, too.

A trivial matter, you may think, but one which could lead to Boris being censured yet again. Could a few rolls of wallpaper end a prime ministership? Why not, when it was a little tax return that did for Al Capone? We'll see

I was lucky enough to be a protege of her deputy, William Whitelaw. He took no nonsense from Mrs T, however abrasive she could be. He took pride in telling her what she needed to know, often in tough military terms.

During the Falklands War, he told her: 'Don't shout at them when they bring you bad news, because they'll never give you bad news again, and you need to know it.'

Margaret once memorably said: 'Everyone needs a Willie.'

Who is Boris's Willie? It seems to be a fellow devoid of redeeming features called Dominic Raab, who made such a mess of being Foreign Secretary. Does everyone need a Raab? I'm not sure anyone does.

Boris, as a highly intelligent man, must surely know that if he doesn't want to do the detail, he has to have strong-minded, experienced and gifted people around him who do. A rickety Cabinet led by Raab and Priti Patel are no substitute.

Who is Boris's Willie? It seems to be a fellow devoid of redeeming features called Dominic Raab, who made such a mess of being Foreign Secretary

I'd suggest, too, that Boris start recruiting some adults to key advisory roles at No 10, and not sniggering teenagers.

Willie Whitelaw was the holder of a Military Cross for bravery. On the benches opposite, Denis Healey had been a beach master at Anzio. A sobering thought.

There are some gifted Cabinet Ministers in today's Government, it is true, but shouldn't we be seeing more of Rishi Sunak, an intelligent, financially literate and likeable man? Or Liz Truss, already on manoeuvres as the new Margaret Thatcher? At least Liz Truss is a Conservative. And what about Nadhim Zahawi, a successful businessman who knows how to get things done and is both eminently likeable and trustworthy?

If Boris is wary of tall poppies, he needs to grow up  and quickly. He might think the absence of an obvious successor will help him, but it ain't necessarily so.

Boris the historian might like to consider the demise of another Old Etonian prime minister, Harold Macmillan, in 1963.

There are some gifted Cabinet Ministers in today's Government, it is true, but shouldn't we be seeing more of Rishi Sunak, an intelligent, financially literate and likeable man?

For all his wealth and smooth pragmatism, Macmillan was doomed. The tide had turned against him. His end was precipitated by Sir Nigel Birch, another Old Etonian and Conservative who ignited a packed House of Commons by quoting an obscure Browning poem, The Lost Leader:

Let him never come back to us!

There would be doubt, hesitation and pain,

Forced praise on our part  the glimmer of twilight,

Never glad confident morning again!

When Macmillan did finally resign, there was no obvious successor and they had to go to the Lords to get Alec Douglas-Home. No one thinks that ended well.

Can there be glad confident morning again with Boris at the helm?

This Thursday sees a by-election for the safe North Shropshire seat of Owen Paterson, whom Boris  with typical clumsy recklessness  tried to save from the consequences of what a Commons disciplinary committee called an 'egregious' breach of parliamentary rules on sleaze.

This Thursday sees a by-election for the safe North Shropshire seat of Owen Paterson, whom Boris  with typical clumsy recklessness  tried to save from the consequences of what a Commons disciplinary committee called an 'egregious' breach of parliamentary rules on sleaze

If the Tories lose that, then the disillusionment could be terminal.

Boris is contemptuous of Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, but Starmer doesn't always get it wrong. In an interview published on Friday, he pushed some clever buttons.

'The question for the Cabinet, for Ministers and for all Tory MPs is are they prepared to endure the next two years of degradation, of themselves and their party, being put out to defend the indefensible, and bringing themselves and their party into further disrepute?

'Because this isn't going to change  he's unfit for office, it isn't going to change.'

We await the Prime Minister's response. Is Boris Johnson going to change? Only he knows the answer to that.
Very few victims of domestic abuse will want to admit what has been happening to them  not even to their closest friends, let alone to the wider public. For a long time, the same was true for me.

I remember this time last year quite vividly. Following an emotionally draining four-day fact-finding hearing, including a day and a half in the witness box, the family courts finally concluded the allegations against my abusive former husband, Andrew Griffiths, were proved.

The relief I felt was indescribable. I'd protected my child from an abusive parent. But making the judgment public was out of the question.

I couldn't imagine being seen as a victim of rape and domestic abuse. I went to jelly at the thought. How would I face anyone again with my head held high?

But when two journalists got in touch to say they were passionate about reforming the Family Court system, about transparency, and passionate about making it an easier journey for domestic abuse victims, it all made perfect sense.

Following an emotionally draining hearing, the family courts concluded the allegations against my abusive ex-husband, Andrew Griffiths, were proved, says Kate Griffiths (both pictured)

I realised that ten years in an abusive relationship had changed me from an outgoing, happy person to someone who had had her confidence stripped away.

In effect, I was still being coercively controlled. It was time to let other people know what had happened to me and let them see the judgment. It was time to take back control for myself.

A lot had happened since I left my ex-husband after an horrendous sexting scandal back in July 2018.

I had stood as a candidate in the General Election of December 2019 and been elected in his former seat, standing on a platform that I would be a strong voice for domestic abuse survivors.

As an MP, I was in a unique position to be able to speak out and campaign for others who didn't have a voice, and I realised that publication of the details of my family court case would give me that platform.

Since my election, I have received countless emails from domestic abuse victims who are also battling through the Family Courts to protect their children.

But until Friday's ruling from the Court of Appeal that the findings of rape, coercive control and domestic violence made against my former husband could indeed be published, I haven't been able to say to them 'I understand'.

My personal battle still continues. I have been repeatedly dragged back to court by my ex, who has submitted appeal after legal appeal, and I fully support the Government which is looking at measures to block abusers from doing this.

Despite the findings made against my ex-husband, I have to facilitate contact with our child and the court has ordered that I subsidise my abuser's costs for this. Pictured: Kate Griffiths

Despite the horrendous findings made against my ex-husband, I still have to facilitate contact with our child and the court has ordered that I subsidise my abuser's costs for this.

The man who raped me. That simply cannot be right. It is a continuation of the abuse. It leaves victims feeling retraumatised.

I am appealing against this decision  and, from the correspondence I receive from others in similar positions, I know that I am far from alone. This needs to stop.

The Government is currently reviewing the way the Family Courts work, including the presumption that one parent or another must be involved in a child's life.

Where one parent has been proved to have raped and physically and psychologically abused the other, the starting point for parental involvement should most definitely not be the current position of 'contact at all costs'.

The Family Court is there to protect children and their care-givers who are victims, and yet time and time again I am told horror stories of children being forced into contact with an abusive parent or, even worse, being removed from the parent who was the victim and handed over to the abuser. Sometimes this has catastrophic consequences.

The worry over where this contact with my former husband is leading, and what the court will ultimately decide for my child's future, preys on me every single day. I am still suffering, tortured by this constant fear for my child  just as I know many others are.

Domestic abuse takes so many forms  physical, psychological, financial control. There may or may not be physical signs such as bruises and black eyes. But it is always behind closed doors.

It can happen to anyone, including those you would least expect.

Victims often learn the hard way that to stay safe, they have to put up a front. The signs of abuse can be hard to spot. Those who have been abused feel they have to hide  that there's a huge sense of shame to it. And that's wrong.

It has been a huge personal decision for me to allow the judgment of the abuse I suffered to be published.

But ultimately, I hope that it will encourage other victims to come forward and speak out. Our voices are stronger together.

The fee for this article is being given to the Women's Aid and Refuge charities.

Police are called in to investigate a rape claim at the Commons as concerns about alleged sexual harassment and bullying grow

By Brendan Carlin for the Mail On Sunday

Concerns about claims of sexual harassment and bullying at the House of Commons grew last night with the revelation that a rape accusation was made to police.

Scotland Yard confirmed last night that a Commons worker claimed to have been assaulted on the parliamentary estate.

It is understood that the allegation  made in the 12 months up to March 31 this year, but potentially relating to an earlier incident  involved an alleged attack on a member of an MP's staff.

The accusation, reported to Scotland Yard by a force outside London, was reviewed by officers but did not lead to a formal investigation as there were 'insufficient grounds' to do so, sources said.

Scotland Yard confirmed a member of an MP's staff claimed to have been assaulted on the parliamentary estate. Pictured: View of the Houses of Parliament

Jenny Symmons, chairman of the GMB union branch for MPs' staff, said: 'We are horrified to hear another rape has been reported on the parliamentary estate.'

She added that the lack of a full police investigation did not give 'reassurance that this case or victim has been dealt with fully'.

The allegation comes as a Tory MP ruled by a family court judge to have been raped and abused by her former Government Minister husband told The Mail on Sunday of her decision to reveal her trauma.

In a judgment released last week after Kate Griffiths waived her anonymity, former-Small Business Minister Andrew Griffiths was found to have raped her during an eight-year campaign of abusive behaviour. He denies the claims.

Ms Griffiths, who divorced her husband and succeeded him as Tory MP for Burton-upon-Trent, said she would have been 'failing every victim of abuse who placed their trust in me if I hadn't take the opportunity to support publication of this judgment'.
One in ten Australian adults between the ages of 18 and 35 will hand in their notice and resign to travel more in 2022.

Dubbed 'The Great Resignation' it's a culmination of two years of cancelled holidays as a result of the global pandemic, screen time fatigue and burn out, with 70 per cent rethinking our current careers, new research from Contiki found.

Victoria, Lucy and Andrew have all decided to quit - or have quit already - in a bid to seek out new experiences and make up for lost time by travelling to Europe next year.

As a receptionist Victoria (pictured right) had a stable job during much of the pandemic but that didn't stop her feeling lost when Sydney locked down in June

VICTORIA, 20

Victoria (pictured) is a receptionist

As a receptionist Victoria had a stable job during much of the pandemic but that didn't stop her feeling lost when Sydney locked down in June.

'I felt stuck in a rut following lockdown and realised I had no passion for my job,' she told Daily Mail Australia.

'As a young Aussie, I feel like I am missing out on crucial travel years and experiences.

'It is because of this I will be using the Quit for Contiki resignation materials to jet set this summer and get back to exploring.'

In 2022 she plans on skipping over the border to Europe, planning to spend her 21st birthday in Greece, Italy and Spain.

LUCY EDWARDS, 30

Lucy is a full-time nanny and part-time waitress and makeup artist who plans to quit her job in the coming months.

'The pandemic has made the world pretty much miss out on the last two years of life,' she said.

'So as I turned 30 this year I am making up for lost time and gaining the last two years of my 20s by breaking out of my current rut and going out to see the world.'

Originally from the UK Lucy has lived in Australia for the past 10 years but now she'd like to return to the northern hemisphere for an extended break.

Lucy is a full-time nanny and part-time waitress and makeup artist who plans to quit her job in the coming months

'My dream is to travel Europe (and make a cheeky side trip to Wales to visit my parents), adore France and would love to see Italy,' she said.

'I just want to drink all the wine and eat all the food. The European Quest from Contiki is the perfect experience for me and well-suited to my personality.'

To top it off Lucy would like to incorporate South East Asia into her travels on the way back home to Sydney, with Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia and Bali high on her bucket list.

'It's time to spread my wings and fly baby,' she said.

ANDREW, 30

Andrew recently quit his 9-5 marketing job in the tourism and hospitality industry, which he had been working at for almost three years.

'I made this decision as I found Sydney's second lockdown to be really challenging and I was becoming fatigued by my current routine and job,' he said.

'With no real plans for the future just yet, I may look at working for myself to create a life with more freedom and flexibility.'

Originally believing he was alone in the desire to change his job and take a break, Andrew has since realised it's very common.

Andrew recently quit his 9-5 marketing job in the tourism and hospitality industry, which he had been working at for almost three years

'I recently realised after talking to a friend that I fit into the Great Resignation trend. I can see how it's not just me that's been affected by the strain of the pandemic, but so many young Aussies who have had to miss out on important life experiences,' he said.

'I also realised that I hadn't had a proper break ever since graduating from university. I decided now was the time, I could start my Christmas break early and start the new year fresh. Plus, no better time than the present.'

His next big overseas trip will be to Europe for summer, where he can head to his Irish girlfriend's homeland for a visit.

'Taking extended time off to do this properly is hard with a full-time job.'

'Travelling the world is a rite of passage for many young Aussies, and after the past few years, many have missed out,' Managing Director of Contiki Katrina Barry said.

'It's now more important than ever for people to get back into the world and experience travel - Contiki style.

Whether it's swimming in a private pool at a French chateau or island hopping in Greece, the European summer is welcoming adventurous Aussies with open arms.

'For those bitten by the travel bug, we've launched a range of new experiences to inspire in 2022.'
Royal fans have gone wild over how much Princess Charlotte looks like her great-grandmother the Queen in a new photograph.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, both 39, delighted fans yesterday by sharing a family portrait taken on a secret trip to Jordan earlier this year.

Royal fans rushed to point out the family resemblances, noting how similar Princess Charlotte often looks to her great-grandmother, the Queen.

One commented: 'Charlotte looks exactly like the Queen! So pretty and poised.'

Royal fans have gone wild over how much Princess Charlotte, six, looks like her great-grandmother the Queen in a new photograph (left, the Queen aged five in 1931, and right Princess Charlotte)

Meanwhile another wrote: 'Charlotte is the double of the Queen. Beautiful children.'

The Cambridges appear with their three children in the family snap. Kate looks glowing in a khaki dress, while Princess Charlotte looks all grown up as she perches on a stool in a gingham dress from Mango.

Prince George beams as he poses in a 14.95 camo t-shirt from GAP and grey shorts.

Meanwhile, Prince Louis sits cross-legged at the front in a stripey 32 polo shirt from Rachel Riley - a bigger version of the top Prince George wore from the brand during an official visit to Taronga Zoo in Sydney when he was nine-months-old, as well as laceless slip-on sneakers by Hampton Canvas, which have been worn by both his older brother and sister.

Royal fans were blown away by Princess Charlotte's uncanny resemblance to her great-grandmother

Royal fans were blown away by Princess Charlotte's uncanny resemblance to her great-grandmother.

One wrote: 'Beautiful picture, Princess Charlotte is just the image of the Queen.'

A second commented: 'Gorgeous royal family, Charlotte is the mirror image of the Queen.'

Another added: 'I see a lot of the Queen in Charlotte!'

It's not been revealed exactly when the family travelled to Jordan, but the visit is likely to have taken place in the later part of the year when travel restrictions were relaxed.

During the summer, Jordan was on the amber list, meaning that after 19 July fully vaccinated arrivals into the UK did not have to quarantine, as long as they took a pre-departure test and a PCR test on day two and eight after coming home. On 4th October the pre-departure and day eight tests were scrapped.

The Cambridges' Christmas card is a departure from their usual offering, which have in recent years been family snaps taken at their Norfolk home Amner Hall with a distinct English countryside feel - with cosy jumpers and boots to match

No details of the visit would have been announced to the public at the time because it was a private family holiday, rather than an official royal tour.

The Cambridges' Christmas card is a departure from their usual offering, which have in recent years been family snaps taken at their Norfolk home Amner Hall with a distinct English countryside feel - with cosy jumpers and boots to match.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are seated in the centre of the photo, grinning broadly.

Kate, her long brown locks cascading in curls down past her shoulders, has one hand resting on her husband's knee, the other arm around George, eight, who is seated to her left.

Clearly relaxed, the mother-of-three is wearing a button-down dress with three-quarter length sleeves, which cinches in at the waist. The dress appears to be full length and falls well below her knees.

Next to her, a sun-kissed Prince William is dressed down in a khaki polo shirt, beige shorts and suede loafers. He has a hand on his wife's knee and the other arm around his daughter Princess Charlotte, six, who is on his right.

In front of the couple is smiling Prince Louis, who is wearing navy plimsolls that match his sister's.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge shared the photo on Instagram with the caption: 'Delighted to share a new image of the family, which features on this years Christmas card.'
Princess Charlene of Monaco is hiding away from the public gaze because she was 'disfigured after plastic surgery' a Spanish royal expert has sensationally claimed.

Pilar Eyre, who has accused Spain's ex-King Juan Carlos of making a pass at Princess Diana when she was just 25, is alleging the mother-of-two was left scarred during a facelift in Dubai.

Prince Albert revealed last month his wife had been admitted to a European treatment facility within days of her return to Monaco following a 10-month absence in her native South Africa.

At the time he ruled out cancer, Covid and plastic surgery as the cause of his wife's problems.

He said she is suffering from 'exhaustion, both emotional and physical', while friends recently told Page Six that the mother-of-two 'almost died' while she was in South Africa.

Princess Charlene of Monaco is hiding away from the public gaze because she was 'disfigured after plastic surgery' a Spanish royal expert has sensationally claimed

Journalist and author Eyre, a 2014 finalist in Spain's prestigious Planeta Prize which this year offered the world's highest literary prize of EUROS one million to the winner, made her explosive claims in her weekly blog for popular magazine Lecturas.

The magazine also flagged up the fact Charlene wore a face covering following her return to Monaco from South Africa last month, saying snaps of a family reunion with her maskless husband and children were taken on the day 'in theory' she returned to the principality.

The royal missed the seventh birthday of her twins Gabriella and Jacques but shared photos of the celebration on Instagram on Thursday, writing: 'Happy birthday my babies. Thank you God for blessing me with such wonderful children. I'm truly blessed. Love mom.'

Speaking to Page Six, a source described as the royal's friend said: 'It is unfair that she is being portrayed as having some kind of mental or emotional issue.

The royal has not been seen in public without a face covering since this photograph shared on Instagram in mid-October, when she remained in South Africa (pictured)

'We don't know why the palace is downplaying that she almost died in South Africa.'

The source explained the royal had a severe ear, nose and throat infection, which resulted in 'severe sinus and swallowing issues stemming from an earlier surgery'.

The friend added: 'She has not been able to eat solid food in over six months because of all the surgeries she has since gone through. She has only been able to take in liquids through a straw, so she lost nearly half her body weight.'

Elsewhere friends of Princess Charlene gave Tatler a rare insight into what the royal is really like, insisting that the former swimmer is a force to be reckoned with.

The magazine flagged the fact Charlene wore a face covering following her return to Monaco from South Africa last month (pictured)

One source rubbished any public perception that Charlene is 'naive' and trapped in an unhappy marriage with Albert, saying: 'I don't for one second think she did not know what she was doing when she married him.'

But one warned the mother of Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, seven, is not the type to be blindly controlled by the Monaco royal household.

'Charlene is no Princess Di.' one said. 'She may come across as being extremely naive, but nothing could be further from the truth. She is very good at keeping her smarts under wraps.'

Meanwhile Prince Albert has continued to make public appearances with their twins, Jacques and Gabriella. The trio attended a tree planting event in Monaco and the Monaco National Day celebrations, where the children held up heartrending signs saying, 'Miss you Mommy' and 'Love you Mommy'.

Missing their mother: Meanwhile Prince Albert has continued to make public appearances with their six-year-old twins, Jacques and Gabriella, who held up these signs to Charlene during the Monaco National Day celebrations on November 19

Timeline: Prince Albert and Princess Charlene's 10 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 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. Prince Albert said within hours it became clear she was 'unwell' November 13 - Prince Albert attends Expo 2020 in Dubai without Princess Charlene Following his return from the trip, Prince Albert holds an intervention with Charlene's brothers and a sister-in-law in which Charlene 'confirmed' she would seek 'real medically framed treatment' outside of Monaco November 16 - Royal household confirms Princess Charlene will not attend National Day celebrations on November 19 - Prince Albert attends a Monaco Red Cross event without Princess Charlene November 17 - Prince Albert reveals Princess Charlene has left Monaco and is recovering in a secret location November 19 - Prince Albert reveals Charlene is in a treatment facility 'elsewhere in Europe' after a family intervention Advertisement

In interviews, Albert explained he had stepped up to play a bigger role in his children's lives as the family copes with Charlene's ongoing health issues.

Jacques and Gabriella are homeschooled at the palace after being taken out of the classroom due to Covid.

'For me, it's pretty simple  my priority is my family,' he said in an interview this month. 'Of course, without neglecting state affairs... I hope everyone understands that. When I can be with my kids, I do it without hesitation.

'This is an extremely important time in their life  the way they grow up helps them see the world.

'And if one of the parents is away for medical reasons, the other parent has to be there. I have heard too many friends and acquaintances telling me that they wish they had been there for their children, at a certain age, taken up by their work or their professional life. I don't want to have these regrets.'

Charlene returned to her husband and twins Jacques and Gabriella in Monaco earlier this month following a 10-month absence, while she recovered from surgery following a sinus infection she contracted during a solo charity trip to her native South Africa earlier this year.

In the days after her arrival, Charlene's sister-in-law Chantell Wittstock, told MailOnline the princess may not be returning to the palace and did not plan to immediately return to public engagements, although she later retracted the remark.

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.

Photographs of their reunion earlier this month were greeted with a hefty dose of scepticism by the French media.

Albert was waiting for her at the Monte Carlo helipad, along with their six-year-old twins, Princess Gabriella and Prince Jacques. The family were joined by a hand-picked photographer inside the Palace walls for the 'reunion' photos.

Albert said the family reunion in Monaco last week after she spent six months in her native South Africa initially went 'pretty well' in the first few hours, but it then became 'pretty evident' that Charlene was 'unwell.'

He said the former Olympian 'realised she needed help', adding: 'She was overwhelmed and couldn't face official duties, life in general or even family life.'

Albert explained: 'I'm probably going to say this several times, but this has nothing to do with our relationship. I want to make that very clear. These are not problems within our relationship; not with the relationship between a husband and wife. It's of a different nature.'

He went on to tell the magazine her current state was a result of 'several factors which are private'.

Albert continued: 'She hadn't slept well in a number of days and she wasn't eating at all well. She has lost a lot of weight, which made her vulnerable to other potential ailments. A cold or the flu or God help us, COVID.'

He said it is 'not cancer-related or personal relationship issue.'

He later confirmed Charlene has been admitted to a treatment facility for undisclosed medical issues, as she works through a period of ill health. The location of the facility was not confirmed, though several sources claim it is in Switzerland.

The prince also said rumours around the state of his marriage 'don't bother him too much'.

Doubts about the central relationship of Monaco's royal family are not new.

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, living in a modest two-bedroom apartment above an old chocolate factory about 300m away, rather than in the 12th Century Palace itself.

'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.'

Princess Charlene met Prince Albert in 2000 during a swimming competition in Monaco and the pair married in 2011, before welcoming twins Gabriella and Jacques in 2014.

Born in Rhodesia- a previously unrecongised state in Southern Africa colonised by the British, she relocated to South Africa aged 11.

She had a successful swimming career and went on to win three gold medals and a silver medal at the 1999 All Africa Games in Johannesburg, as well as representing South Africa at the 1998 and 2002 Commonwealth Games and winning a silver medal in the 4  100 m medley relay in the latter competition.

However the pair's marriage has made numerous headlines over the years, with a third paternity suit emerging last year.

Soon afterwards 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.

Prince Albert revealed last month his wife had been admitted to a European treatment facility within days of her return to Monaco following a 10-month absence in her native South Africa. The royal looked frail in this Instagram post shared from South Africa in October

Charlene's exile in South Africa began a month after it emerged last December that Albert was facing yet another paternity suit.

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.
Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis showed they are following in their mother's footsteps with a love of high street fashion in the family's Christmas portrait released yesterday.

A family holiday in the desert with Dad in shorts, the youngsters in their summer gear and Mum showing off her sunkissed glow is the theme for this year's greeting from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who have delighted fans with a family portrait taken on a secret trip to Jordan earlier this year.

Princess Charlotte looked all grown up as she perched on a stool in a 25.99 gingham dress from Mango. She and Prince Louis donned the same shoes, a pair of Trotters trainers costing 28.

Meanwhile Prince George beamed as he posed in a 14.95 camo t-shirt from GAP and grey shorts.

Prince George , Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis showed they are following in their mother's footsteps with a love of high street fashion in the family's Christmas portrait released yesterday

Prince Louis sat cross-legged at the front in a stripey 32 polo shirt from Rachel Riley - a bigger version of the top Prince George wore from the brand during an official visit to Taronga Zoo in Sydney when he was nine-months-old, as well as laceless slip-on sneakers by Hampton Canvas, which have been worn by both his older brother and sister.



Princess Charlotte has often snapped in outfits from trendy yet sophisticated stores including Zara and Ralph Lauren, as well as Italian designer Nicoletta Fanna and Spanish brand Fina Ejerique.

She has regularly worn a traditional dress style in playful floral prints and striped patterns during royal outings.

Designer Rachel Riley has previously said Princess Charlotte is destined to follow in the footsteps of her mother Kate Middleton and become 'a style icon'.

Prince George pictured at Taronga Zoo in Sydney aged nine months in April 2014, wearing his Rachel Riley polo shirt (left). Prince Louis was pictured in a bigger version of the same shirt On holiday in Jordan, and also appeared to be wearing his brother's hand-me-down blue trainers

The designer, who crafted Charlotte's birthday portrait dress this year, said Kate appears to be 'making bolder fashion choices' for Princess Charlotte as she matures.

Rachel told Vanity Fair's Katie Nicholl: 'We look forward to seeing Princess Charlottes style develop as she continues to grow and mature and we have no doubt she will become as much of a style icon as her mother is.'

Meanwhile Prince George has worn shorts in all the official portraits taken to mark milestones such as his birthday or the Queen's 90th birthday.

MailOnline's etiquette William Hanson told Femail that Kate put her son exclusively in shorts as it's an aristocratic way to dress.

George previously wore the shoes to watch his dad compete in the Maserati Royal Charity Polo Trophy in 2018, pictured left. Right, Charlotte wore the same pair of shoes for her fourth birthday portrait in 2019

He claimed that shorts on young boys are, in fact, a silent British class marker and trousers are deemed 'suburban', which no self-respecting royal would want to be considered.

It's not been revealed exactly when the family travelled to Jordan, but the visit is likely to have taken place in the later part of the year when travel restrictions were relaxed.

During the summer, Jordan was on the amber list, meaning that after 19 July fully vaccinated arrivals into the UK did not have to quarantine, as long as they took a pre-departure test and a PCR test on day two and eight after coming home. On 4th October the pre-departure and day eight tests were scrapped.

No details of the visit would have been announced to the public at the time because it was a private family holiday, rather than an official royal tour.

Jordan holds a special significance for the family because the Duchess of Cambridge spent part of her childhood in the country where her father worked as a flight dispatcher for British Airways, and when William visited the Middle East in 2018 on an official tour, he spoke of their intention to come back with their children in the future.
Abigail Smith didnt imagine that the weeks following the birth of her first child, Daniel, in August would be easy. Neither did she imagine shed spend a third of the year in agonising pain, unable to use the toilet, sit down or use the stairs. The 31-year-old did expect, though, that if something did go wrong, there would be someone to call for help. Its been four months since I gave birth, and Ive barely heard from a health professional to check Im OK, says the communications manager from Kent.

Abigail says her obstetrician promised frequent monitoring after her complex forceps delivery, which resulted in a severe tear to her pelvic tissue that stretched all the way from one side of the pelvis to the other.

She had emergency surgery to repair the damage immediately after birth, but the wound failed to heal.

I was in tears almost daily for the first two months, and Im usually quite a resilient person, she says. Its not just the physical pain, but I was shaken up by the emotional trauma of a complicated birth.

My GP just directed me to a local NHS counselling service. And I didnt even qualify for that  I was told I wasnt having flashbacks so I wasnt traumatised enough to get access to therapy.

Ive always dreamt of a bigger family, but right now I cant even contemplate it.

Midwives are responsible for monitoring the health of mothers and babies before birth. But around two weeks after the baby is born, once the midwife team is happy with how things are progressing, they are transferred to the care of their GP.

Carla Marsh, 37, a sales manager from Stoke-on-Trent, says: For the first two months I could barely hold my baby  I was struck by this unbearable fear that I would hurt her. I was terrified to carry her through door frames in case I bashed her head.

According to the Governments Healthy Child Programme, before a baby is a year old there should be at least four appointments with a health visitor  a specialist child health nurse, working within local district nursing teams

According to the Governments Healthy Child Programme, before a baby is a year old there should be at least four appointments with a health visitor  a specialist child health nurse, working within local district nursing teams.

At six to eight weeks after the birth, the mother should be seen by a GP to be examined for signs of post-natal mental health problems as well as have vital physical checks carried out on their baby. But because of Covid-related pressures on Abigails local health service, none of it happened.

I was told there was a big backlog due to the pandemic and was given a phone appointment instead, so they couldnt carry out any of the checks or see if my wound was infected or not, says Abigail. Id understand if this was in the middle of lockdown, but I gave birth in August  everything was pretty much back to normal.

Although baby Daniel had his scheduled vaccinations, these were with a practice nurse and it wasnt really a situation where you could discuss anything else, Abigail continues. I was due to have a follow-up appointment three months after the surgery to check on my injury.

Im supposed to have physiotherapy to help me recover, too. But its been more than four months and Ive heard nothing.

Such miserable birth stories became all too common throughout the first 15 months of the pandemic, with strict infection-control rules halting the usual face-to-face appointments with midwives, health visitors and gynaecological physiotherapy teams.

Partners were also banned from attending the few in-person consultations that did happen, meaning women were often left feeling very much alone.

Women have told of facing delays of up to 18 months for support for post-natal depression, while others have been left housebound with birth-related injuries  some were even told by their GP surgery to send in photographs of gruesome wounds to intimate body areas

Months later, and after most such Covid restrictions were lifted, the problems are ongoing across the country. Accounts from both maternity health specialists and new mothers tell a shocking picture of care, with women virtually abandoned by local health teams and left to muddle through without professional help.

Women have told of facing delays of up to 18 months for support for post-natal depression, while others have been left housebound with birth-related injuries  some were even told by their GP surgery to send in photographs of gruesome wounds to intimate body areas.

One woman suffering suspected pelvic organ prolapse  where organs in the pelvis slip down from their normal position and bulge into the vagina  was told she would have to go private if she wanted to be seen. Another distressed woman, suffering with severe post-natal anxiety, told of calling her local health hub 20 times in one day, desperate for help but unable to get through to a professional.

Carla Marsh, 37, a sales manager from Stoke-on-Trent, says: For the first two months I could barely hold my baby  I was struck by this unbearable fear that I would hurt her. I was terrified to carry her through door frames in case I bashed her head.

When I finally got through to a health visitor on the phone I immediately burst into tears  I was at rock bottom. And even then, they didnt help. The nurse on the end of the phone basically told me to keep my chin up. She said, because this was my second birth, I should be able to cope with it because its a familiar situation.

When the health visitor did eventually turn up, about eight weeks after the birth, she was just concerned about the health of the baby and didnt really ask about me. After a quick check of my daughter Charlotte, she said everything was fine and discharged us from the service.

Carla says it was worlds apart from the care she received after the birth of her first child, son Ethan, seven years ago, adding: The health visitor was on my Christmas list! I saw her all the time  we became very good friends.

Health visitors are trained to spot early signs of abnormal development in young children, deal with problems with breastfeeding and, since the early 2000s, have been encouraged to look out for mental health problems. They can also examine labour-related wounds, check for infections and connect women with local services such as gynaecological clinics or physiotherapy which can provide more specialist support. But, anecdotally at least, this service has become extremely limited.

In some local authorities, just six per cent of mothers received a face-to-face six-week check-up between April last year and this

Official figures seen by The Mail on Sunday show that nationally between April 2020 to the beginning of April 2021, there were roughly 20 per cent fewer checks at six weeks after birth  deemed the most crucial point, where problems are most likely to arise  compared with the same period in 2019 to 2020.

In some local authorities, just six per cent of mothers received a face-to-face six-week check-up between April last year and this.

Other charity reports suggest that, overall, about a third of health visitor appointments in England have been swapped for Zoom or telephone calls.

Meanwhile, according to the latest NHS waiting times data from September 2021, more than a third of patients with birth injuries have to wait at least 18 weeks for an appointment with a gynaecologist.

Every year roughly 40,000 women suffer severe, debilitating tissue tears during childbirth.

The most common stories we hear now are health visitors just not turning up, or doing one visit over the year, or just offering the occasional phone call, says Kim Thomas, chief executive of The Birth Trauma Association charity.

This means mental health referrals arent being made until women reach crisis point.

There are lots of physical problems that arent getting picked up. One woman came to us struggling with severe anaemia as a result of blood loss during childbirth. Another found breastfeeding excruciating because of her babys tongue tie  which no one spotted until months later, at which point the child was very underweight.

The nature of all these problems is that they can become very serious if not spotted early enough. And the longer women go without seeing a professional, the more they become acutely anxious and paranoid about their babys health, which can easily tip into a serious mental health issue.

Mental health professionals say theyre now dealing with the consequences of severe mood disorders flying under the radar for so long.

Im the busiest Ive ever been, and seeing an increase in women reaching crisis point, says Dr Rebecca Moore, a consultant psychiatrist working in East London who specialises in perinatal mental health  the time period from pregnancy to up to a year after giving birth. The idea of frequent checks is to spot signs of mental health problems early and prevent mothers from spiralling into a pit of anxiety or depression.

Without these, the onus is on new mothers to seek support, but its very hard to convince them to prioritise their own health over their babys. According to guidance by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, women who display signs of mental illness should be subject to an urgent referral to mental health services and given an initial assessment within two weeks. But experts say this simply isnt happening.

The demand for mental health services is so high, most women find they get stuck on a big waiting list for specialist help or they struggle to get someone to call them back, says Becky Saunders, from family support organisation Home Start. There are some dedicated perinatal mental health teams across the UK, but its patchy. Accessing one depends on where you live.

We know that catching a perinatal mood disorder early can make an enormous difference to the development of babies.

A recent British study of 600 women who gave birth since the start of the pandemic found that roughly a third who met the criteria for a clinical mental health problem  either anxiety or depression  were undiagnosed

A recent British study of 600 women who gave birth since the start of the pandemic found that roughly a third who met the criteria for a clinical mental health problem  either anxiety or depression  were undiagnosed.

One of the biggest problems, campaigners say, is the absence of the specially trained eye of an astute health visitor.

In March last year, NHS England halted face-to-face contact for community health practitioners, apart from cases in which parents or babies were considered vulnerable, and thousands of health visitors were redeployed to work in other areas of the NHS.

In fact, according to research published last year by the National Institute for Health Research, more health visitors were redeployed than other practitioners working with young children, including midwives, community paediatricians and social workers.

Then, early last summer the guidance changed back, with health visitors encouraged to return to patients homes. But speaking to The Mail on Sunday, one senior health visitor working in the South of England who wishes to remain anonymous, claims it wasnt as simple as going back to normal.

She said: Suddenly the work became a lot more complex and demanding, because the other services we refer to  such as social work and mental health services  werent back up and running yet, so we had to mop up all that.

The pandemic has exacerbated a serious staffing crisis that already existed, she adds. NHS trusts have been fishing from an empty pool of staff for years now.

It used to be the case that health visitors would see families every couple of weeks and get to know them extremely well, and be able to spend a great deal of time with them. Wed help with seemingly silly things, like taking the baby out in the pram for the first time, as this is often a nerve-racking experience, with many first-time mums struggling with confidence.

If you could see a mother looked like a rabbit in the headlights, you had the time and autonomy to say, Ill come back and check on you next week. Its almost impossible to do that now.

Since 2015, the number of health visitors in England has dropped by a third, resulting in a deficit of 5,000 professionals, according to data from the National Institute for Health Research.

Experts say that the increasing pressures on staff over the past few years has pushed many to take early retirement. And in a report published last month, compiled using testimony from more than 1,200 health visitors across the country, one in four currently has 750 children on their books  three times the number recommended by NHS England.

Concern has been expressed about health visitors being swapped out for junior nursing staff who havent undergone the same specialist training.

The health visitor said: In many areas, health visitors are being saved for referrals from social care, where you find the most complex, challenging families  like cases of domestic abuse, post-natal psychosis or severe developmental problems. But this means the average family doesnt get the specialist support.

Having to deal with extreme cases all the time also means health visitors become desensitised and struggle to decipher what is normal or abnormal. If you spend all day dealing with cases of domestic abuse, it doesnt take long before you think: Id like to do something else for a while. Its burnout city.

This health visitor has recently left the profession for this reason.

She says: I needed to take some time out  I was dealing with four of these types of visits every day, and having to write safeguarding reports about child safety in between, as well as speaking to other support services which dont have the capacity to help.

Like many health visitors, Ive decided to take some work in other fields of nursing for a little bit.

Abigail, meanwhile, has been forced to seek the help of a private physiotherapist to get her back on her feet. I am lucky because I dont now have any of the problems going to the toilet that I know a lot of women have, she says.

But I am still in tremendous amounts of pain, even four months on, and I havent really seen an improvement yet.

I can walk again, thankfully, and the physiotherapist is helping me find certain positions that are less painful. But Im still desperately worried that Im not healing normally, and thats the worst part.

As a first-time mother thrown into the deep end with a newborn baby, all you want is reassurance that everything is fine. I think it will be a long time before I get that.
APPLE, BRITBOX, AMAZON, SKY/NOW, DISNEY+ & NETFLIX

Swan Song

Advertising artist Cameron (Mahershala Ali) is dying and, to spare his wife Poppy (Naomie Harris), who is grieving over the death of her brother, and their young son the anguish of bereavement, embarks on a plan to have himself replaced with a perfect clone, a procedure offered by Glenn Close's Dr Scott.

Advertising artist Cameron is dying and embarks on a plan to have himself replaced with a perfect clone, a procedure offered by Glenn Close's (above) Dr Scott

Ali and Harris are great, and the sci-fi element is subtly done but, inevitably given the subject matter, the film is distinctively downbeat. Apple TV+, from Friday





Brexit: The Uncivil War

Terrific one-off drama first shown on Channel 4 in 2019, in which Benedict Cumberbatch plays political strategist Dominic Cummings.

Benedict Cumberbatch (above) plays political strategist Dominic Cummings in this probably historically inaccurate but entertaining one-off drama

In the run-up to the 2016 EU referendum, he recognised that data-analytics could be key in driving the Vote Leave campaign to a historic victory, the ramifications of which are still playing out.

How historically accurate is it? Probably not very, but its entertaining and funny. BritBox, from Thursday





The Grand Tour: Carnage A Trois

That rascally petrolhead trio, Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond, are back, this time offering their unique views on French car culture.

Theyre setting off on a road trip that begins in the Welsh hills before heading out across the English Channel. Along the way they drive propeller-powered cars, take a helicopter ride and participate in a medieval-themed grand finale.

Amazon, from Friday

Succession

If you havent been able to keep up with the latest machinations of the Roy family, nows your chance to binge on the family drama.

Sarah Snook and Alan Ruck (above) are just two of the vicious-tongued stars in this drama on the machinations of the Roy family

The early episodes of the latest series got a little bogged down in cut-throat business deals, but it has some of the best dialogue on TV when the warring members of dysfunctional media dynasty start to rip into each other.

Sarah Snook and Alan Ruck are just two of the vicious-tongued stars. Sky/NOW, from Monday

In The Heights

Adapted from the hit Lin-Manuel Miranda (who also wrote Hamilton) stage musical, this film follows life in a Dominican community in Washington Heights, New York thats threatened by gentrification.

Its exuberant and uplifting, an old-fashioned song-and-dance show  light on story, heavy on tunes and dance routines. Sky/NOW, from Friday

Another Round

Originally entitled Druk (Danish for binge-drinking), this focuses on four guys who find an excuse to keep their alcohol levels topped up at all times as part of a social experiment.

Originally entitled Druk, this focuses on four guys who find an excuse to keep their alcohol levels topped up at all times as part of a social experiment. Mads Mikkelsen (above) stars

While trying to see if having a blood-alcohol level of 0.05 per cent makes them feel more creative and relaxed, it doesnt work out quite how they expected Mads Mikkelsen stars. Sky/NOW, from Sunday

Whatever Happened To The Likely Lads?

Bob and Terry (Rodney Bewes and James Bolam), one-time 1960s rebellious youths, face up to the 1970s: Bob is now staidly, upwardly mobile, while Terry has had five years in the Army.

Ian La Frenais and Dick Clements cracking script took full advantage of the comic possibilities. BritBox, from Thursday

Jojo Rabbit

Germany is in the throes of the Second World War and young Jojo (Roman Griffin Davis) is determined to prove his worth at a Hitler Youth camp.

When Jojo discovers that his mother is hiding a Jewish girl, he and his imaginary friend, Adolf Hitler (Taika Waititi, above), must reconsider Jojos blind support for the Nazi party

But when he discovers that his mother (Scarlett Johansson) is hiding a Jewish girl, he and his imaginary friend, Adolf Hitler (Taika Waititi), must reconsider Jojos blind support for the Nazi party.

This comedy will have you laughing one minute and on the edge of your seat the next. Disney+, from Friday

Russell Howard: Lubricant

Theres a two-for-one on Russell Howard this week.

He is releasing Netflixs first combined comedy special and documentary with Lubricant and Until The Wheels Come Off.

Howard tries to make sense of Covid in his first special since 2017, alongside a more intimate take on life in lockdown. Netflix, from Tuesday

Last Train To Christmas

All aboard for a festive fantasy featuring Tony Towers (Michael Sheen), a celebrity and nightclub manager.

Things start to get a little strange when Tony Towers (Michael Sheen, above with Nathalie Emmanuel) discovers he can transport himself to various stages of his life

Things start to get a little strange when he gets on a train at Christmas and discovers he can transport himself forwards and backwards to various stages of his life. Sky/NOW, from Saturday

Why is there such a buzz about..? Selling Sunset (Netflix) After a dramatic series three finale, the latest run of Selling Sunset is a welcome return to toxic office feuds. The glitzy reality show that hooked many of us during lockdown last year centres around the Barbie-style real estate agents, including Mary Fitzgerald, of The Oppenheim Group, a luxury property agency on LAs Sunset Strip. The glitzy show centres around estate agents, including Mary Fitzgerald (above) As we catch up with the group, queen bee Christine Quinn is heavily pregnant and there are two new recruits, Vanessa Villela, a former soap star from Mexico, and Emma Hernan, who seemingly dated Christines ex while they were still a couple Things are about to get messy. And if you need more lavish real estate in your life, Netflix is releasing a spin-off called Selling Tampa on Wednesday. Kelly Woodward Advertisement

ALL4, BBC iPLAYER & UKTV PLAY

Seaside Hotel

The Danish comedy drama returns for its third series. Weve now entered the 1930s, and although a financial crisis is sweeping across Europe, the staff and residents of the seaside hotel in north Denmark seem untouched.

Amanda (Amalie Dollerup, above) is dreaming of a former lover in the Danish comedy drama, which has returned for its third series

But appearances can be deceptive.

We learn Merchant Madsen hasnt recovered from being declared bankrupt, Mrs Aurland hopes to hide the fact that her husband isnt the father of her unborn child, and Amanda (Amalie Dollerup) is dreaming of a former lover.

Meanwhile, south of the border, the Nazis are preparing to strike All4, from Friday

Ron Jeremy: Fall Of A Porn Icon

Ron Jeremy is notorious as the worlds most famous porn star, appearing in more than 2,000 adult movies.

Ron Jeremy (above) is notorious as the worlds most famous porn star, appearing in more than 2,000 adult movies

However, in June 2020 he was arrested and charged with 34 sex crimes against 21 women and is now behind bars, awaiting trial.

Some of his alleged victims discuss their ordeals in this disturbing documentary, which also explores the long-term impact the #MeToo movement may have on the porn industry. BBC iPlayer, available now

Jonathan Creek

Alan Davies stars as the magician and designer of stage illusions who solves seemingly impossible locked-room mysteries in this entertaining, long-running howdunnit series, a weekend comfort-viewing classic.

Over the course of five series and several specials, the show has also featured Caroline Quentin, Julia Sawalha, Sheridan Smith and Sarah Alexander.

The last new instalment was in 2016, but creator David Renwick, who also wrote One Foot In The Grave, has never ruled out a revival. UKTV Play, available now

The Story Of Tracy Beaker

Join Dani Harmer and her gang in this classic revolving around ten-year-old Tracys (Harmer) attempts to find a family after she is put up for adoption.

Join Dani Harmer (above, centre) and her gang in this classic revolving around ten-year-old Tracys (Harmer) attempts to find a family after she is put up for adoption

But with a wild imagination and an ability to cause mischief wherever she goes, will she find a place to call home?

The show has become a family favourite. BBC iPlayer, available now

The North Water

The atmosphere is as thick as blubber in this dark, disturbing five-parter about an ill-fated 19th Century whaling expedition to the Arctic.

It stars Stephen Graham, Jack OConnell and Colin Farrell as the terrifying, psychopathic harpoonist Henry Drax.

He is a man who is rarely happier than when standing on a whales back and forcing his spear into the beasts heart while gently whispering sweet nothings to it. BBC iPlayer, available now





Gold Digger

Emmy-winner Julia Ormond plays Julia Day, a wealthy 60-year-old woman who falls in love with Benjamin (Ben Barnes), a man 26 years her junior in this romantic thriller.

Emmy-winner Julia Ormond plays Julia Day, a wealthy 60-year-old woman who falls in love with Benjamin (Ben Barnes, above with Ormond), a man 26 years her junior

When Julia introduces Benjamin to her children, they are immediately suspicious. As the impact of their relationship on Julias family is explored and secrets revealed, the question remains: is Benjamin just too good to be true? BBC iPlayer, available now
The Book Of Dust

Bridge Theatre, London Until February 26, 2hrs 30mins

Rating:

Best Of Enemies

Young Vic, London Until January 22, 2hrs 25mins

Rating:

The Book Of Dust  La Belle Sauvage is far from dry as dust. In fact, the rain almost drowns the spires of Oxford in this adaptation of Philip Pullmans 2017 deluge novel.

The story is of two bickering kids who work in an Oxfordshire pub. Their mission is to save a newborn baby from the clutches of the Magisterium, a creepy medieval-style Catholic theocracy that wants to kill the infant and reassert its earthly power.

The kids getaway vehicle is a canoe. The baby is called Lyra, star of the His Dark Materials trilogy, to which this is the prequel. And what exactly is this mysterious cosmic dust? Adapter Bryony Lavery wisely leaves the question moot.

It is easy to root for the two young leads  Ella Dacres as the bolshie Alice and Samuel Creasey (above, centre) as her loud companion Malcolm

Everyone is upstaged by Lyra, a real baby girl (theres a roster of them for the run) who gets cuddled by the cast to coos and aaaahs of delight from the audience.

The dark, watery, visual projections are gorgeous and Nicholas Hytners direction keeps the momentum going. He includes a drone gyrocopter  a witty miniature of the helicopter from his long-running hit Miss Saigon.

But Pullmans hatred of Christianity feels misplaced in what is in effect a Christmas show.

As for the animal daemons  every actor has one  they are disappointing, lit-up novelty paper jobs.

It is easy, though, to root for the two young leads  Ella Dacres as the bolshie Alice and Samuel Creasey as her loud companion Malcolm.

They bond as they are chased downstream by a religious Gestapo and Ayesha Dharkers suavely evil Mrs Coulter in spiked heels.

Pip Carter plays the child torturer Bonneville (these unfortunately topical scenes leave a rather bad taste), with John Light as the undependable Lord Asriel.

A must-see for fans of the books. But I found it a mixed evening.

In Best Of Enemies, James Graham stages the 1968 series of ABC News debates between two commentators, Gore Vidal, the Lefty gay Democrat writer, and the even snootier William Buckley Jnr, intellectual darling of the Republican right.

The bizarre casting decision to have a black actor (David Harewood, above) playing the white neocon Buckley feels as if the theatre has taken revenge on the bloke

They loathed each other. Vidal at one point called Buckley a Nazi. Buckley lost it and retorted: You queer. Ratings went through the roof.

The bizarre casting decision to have a black actor (Homelands excellent David Harewood) playing the white neocon Buckley feels as if the theatre has taken revenge on the bloke.

Charles Edwards plays the caustic Vidal. Both actors impressions are slightly off, as is clear if youve seen the Oscar-nominated 2015 documentary of the same title that inspired this show.

The cast is populated out with news executives, Chicagos vulgarian Mayor Daley, Mrs Buckley, Vidals boyfriend and assorted 1960s icons, including James Baldwin, Andy Warhol and even Enoch Powell.

A play about televisions role in our political culture, with feisty studio scenes, but this staged version rambles when the cameras arent rolling.
Oh William!

Elizabeth Strout Viking 14.99

Here is a narrator whose tell-it-like-it-is voice will win you over from the very first sentence. Her name is Lucy Barton, and shes come a long way from her impoverished rural roots.

Now in her 60s, a feted novelist living in Manhattan, Lucy is mourning the loss of her second husband when she becomes embroiled once again in the life of her first, a scientist named William whos left reeling by two unpleasant shocks.

Its a subtle, vibrant masterpiece, bringing wisdom and wit to bear on the mysteries of love and fate.

Great Circle

Maggie Shipstead Doubleday 16.99

Long winter nights are made for novels like this ambitious, immersive 600-pager.

Artfully constructed and exuberantly entertaining, it braids the destinies of two compelling heroines: Marian Graves, an aviatrix born in New York City in 1914, who vanishes while trying to circumnavigate the globe, and Hadley Baxter, the Hollywood starlet who gets to play her in a biopic more than a century later.

Along the way, Shipstead grapples with celebrity scandal, wartime derring-do and the irresistible call of freedom.

Early Morning Riser

Katherine Heiny Fourth Estate 14.99

On the day she moves to Boyne City, Michigan, schoolteacher Jane falls for Duncan, a handsome, easy-going furniture restorer whose first marriage has left him skittish about commitment.

Jane isnt the only one to have succumbed to Duncans charms, however  it seems hes had dalliances with almost every woman she meets in this archetypal small town.

So far, so romcom, but as she tracks their ups and downs over two decades, Heiny weaves a comforting tale that also happens to be full of sharp truths.

April In Spain

John Banville Faber 14.99

Crime novels dont come classier than this. Banville used a pen name for his first books featuring pathologist Quirke, but this latest bears his own, and its a triumph  evocative, colourful and cannily constructed.

Its boozy, irascible hero has gone on holiday to San Sebastian with his wife. There, an unfortunate incident with an oyster lands him in hospital, where a very familiar-seeming Irish doctor examines him.

As Quirke becomes convinced that shes a woman believed to have been murdered, a hitman lurking in the background adds pace.





Harlem Shuffle

Colson Whitehead Fleet 16.99

Mid-20th Century Harlem is the spellbinding backdrop to this bustling tale of a small-time crook who winds up way out of his depth.

As well as being the proprietor of a successful furniture store, Ray Carney has a side-hustle fencing stolen jewellery. Determined to achieve social respectability, he tells himself hes only slightly bent  until he gets caught up in a hotel heist.

The result is top-notch storytelling and an unforgettable cast, perfectly capturing not just the eras promise but also its gloomier underbelly.
I hoover up diaries, though this was not a vintage year for them. The chirpy, too-big-for-his-boots Tory MP Alan Duncan released his political diaries, In The Thick Of It (William Collins, 25).

They were awash with clumsy, ill-fitting insults, most of them directed against his former colleagues. Away from the hustle and bustle of Westminster, his life seems deadly dull.

Hard to pick the single most boring entry, but Mike and Anne Eley from next door come for dinner. Slow-cooked shin of beef. Rather tasty must surely be in with a chance.

Much more enjoyable were Hugo Vickers diaries of the years he spent as a young man writing the biography of the high-camp designer and photographer Sir Cecil Beaton (Malice In Wonderland, Hodder, 25).

Of course his raw material was infinitely superior to Alan Duncans  along the way he encountered Princess Margaret, Princesses Diana and Grace, Jeremy Thorpe, the Duchess of Argyll, Truman Capote, Julie Andrews and Audrey Hepburn, to name but a few  but Vickers is also a much more gifted diarist, quick-witted and observant.

Chips Channons diaries, heavily redacted when first published in 1967, are at last being published in full, now that their victims are safely dead and buried (Henry Chips Channon: The Diaries, Volume 2, Hutchinson, 35).

The first two volumes top 2,000 pages, and there is another to follow in the spring. Waspish high campery among the upper classes is best consumed in small doses: if you read more than 50 pages in a single session, it feels a bit like stuffing yourself with marshmallows.

There were two brilliant books about villains published this year. Fall: The Mystery Of Robert Maxwell (Viking, 18.99) by John Preston took a fresh look at the overweight and overbearing newspaper magnate, whose body was found floating in the sea off the Canary Islands 30 years ago.

The great and the good praised him to the skies at the time of his death, but had to eat their words once it emerged that Maxwell had left debts of 1 billion, and had pilfered well over 400 million from his employees pension funds.

Though he is sympathetic to Maxwells roots as a Jewish refugee, Preston in many ways agrees with Rupert Murdoch, who describes him as a total buffoon.

When his newspaper, the Daily Mirror, launched a 1 million Spot The Ball competition, Maxwell told the editor to Make sure this doesnt cost me a million, and ordered the judges to find the squares no one had chosen and then pick them as the correct ones.

The Sackler family were, until very recently, viewed as saintly philanthropists, particularly by the arts world, as they kept endowing museums and galleries the world over with lavish bequests.

But, as Patrick Radden Keefe shows in the magnificent Empire Of Pain: The Secret History Of The Sackler Dynasty (Picador, 20), their vast fortune was founded on death.

Their company, Purdue Pharma, manufactured the painkiller OxyContin. They knew it to be dangerously addictive but they hushed it up.

In the end, half a million people died from opioids manufactured by the Sacklers and others.

Empire Of Pain is a milestone in investigative journalism and a masterpiece of storytelling, a family saga of greed and grandeur that stands comparison with Zola and Balzac.

Were living in a golden age of fiction by North American women: Anne Tyler, Elizabeth Strout, Meg Wolitzer, Curtis Sittenfeld, Alice Munro, Lorrie Moore, the late Carol Shields.

This year I chanced upon someone else who can be added to the list  Mary Lawson, who comes from the wilds of Canada but has lived for decades in sedate Kingston upon Thames.

All her novels are set in Canada and centre on the strains of family life. They are good stories, sharply observed, beautifully told.

Her latest, A Town Called Solace (Chatto & Windus, 14.99), was long-listed for this years Booker Prize, so has achieved a certain amount of acclaim, but still she deserves to be better known.

Hats off, too, to Meg Mason, a New Zealander whose Sorrow And Bliss (W&N, 14.99) is full of snappy one-liners but, at the same time, also remarkably poignant.

A Swim In A Pond In The Rain (Bloomsbury, 16.99) contains seven short stories by four great Russian writers  Chekhov, Tolstoy, Gogol and Turgenev  which are then examined in detail by the American short-story writer George Saunders.

This may sound dreary and academic but its quite the opposite. In clear, fresh, often humorous language, Saunders reveals the various sleights of hand involved in their construction, while never trying to flatten their essential genius. A gem.

The most original literary biography I read this year was Frances Wilsons Burning Man: The Ascent Of D. H. Lawrence (Bloomsbury, 25), which covers ten particularly hectic years in the life of the nightmarish author.

For some reason, Lawrence has always made my heart sink, and this book certainly never made me wish Id met him, any more than Id want to be pally with a tornado.

But Wilson writes with such energy and humour that you fast become absorbed in Lawrences mad, bohemian circus of drunks, conmen, freethinkers, spongers and adulterers.

I didnt expect much from the long and ludicrously expensive (75!), two-volume The Lyrics by Paul McCartney (Allen Lane).

I imagined that Paul McCartney (above) had already said anything worth saying. But The Lyrics is full of revelations about the domestic events that gave birth to songs

I imagined that he had already said anything worth saying. But its full of revelations about the domestic events that gave birth to songs which, decades later, still revolve in our heads.

For instance, the line from Rocky Raccoon the doctor came in, stinking of gin was inspired by a doctor who gave Paul three stitches on his lip after he fell off a moped while visiting his family in Liverpool for Christmas 1965.

The doctor was so drunk that Paul had to thread the needle himself. To cover the scar, he then grew a moustache. The other Beatles liked the look of it and copied him, and, within a few weeks, half the young men in the world followed suit.

If, like me, youve been missing New York during lockdown, Craig Taylors New Yorkers (John Murray, 25) will make you miss it even more.

Across seven years Craig Taylor interviewed a variety of New Yorkers to produce a book that perfectly captures their relentless drive

Across seven years he interviewed a variety of New Yorkers  a window cleaner, a personal injury lawyer, a subway conductor, a dog-walker, a security guard at the Statue of Liberty, and so on  to produce a book that perfectly captures their relentless drive.

Were all characters, were fast talkers, were hustlers, says an attorney. But it comes at a price.

A dentist points out: In New York, you get a lot of grinding. After the 2007-08 financial crash, that was huge, huge. People grinding their teeth, just clenching and grinding their teeth. You were seeing cracked teeth. You were seeing ground-down teeth.

I much enjoyed two very different books by comedians. For the first two-thirds, Bob Mortimers And Away (Gallery, 20) finds our hero almost as forlorn as a character in a Patrick Hamilton novel.

Bob Mortimers (above) And Away finds our hero almost as forlorn as a character in a Patrick Hamilton novel

But everything changes when he goes to see Vic Reeves performing above a pub. I felt like I had seen the past, present and the future of comedy.

Over the next weeks they strike up a friendship and  hey presto!  Mortimer transforms from downbeat solicitor to happy comedian.

Frank Skinners A Comedians Prayer Book (Hodder, 9.99) must confuse booksellers as they puzzle over whether to file it under Humour or Religion.

Frank Skinners (above) A Comedians Prayer Book must confuse booksellers as they puzzle over whether to file it under Humour or Religion. It's actually a bit of both

Its actually a bit of both, as Skinner is far from solemn. But I liked his disapproval of what he calls belief-lite.

He is an unequivocal Roman Catholic, reading the Bible every day, attending Mass, praying with a rosary. Weird-in-a-good-way is one of my favourite religious categories. I like my religion to feel like poetry rather than prose I dont like it cosy.

It was a disappointing year for royal books, or at least books by royals.

The Duchess of York published a romantic novel, Her Heart For A Compass (Mills & Boon, 14.99), which, it emerged, was co-written with a Mills & Boon veteran, Marguerite Kaye, who churns them out at the dizzying rate of 8,000 words a day.

Set in Victorian times, with lots of cod olden-days language  a typical sentence begins The day was considerably advanced  it proved a long, dreary read.

I found the romantic scenes, which never went beyond hugs and kisses, almost comically offputting. They kissed. Deep, starving kisses, adult kisses, their tongues tangling, hands clutching and clinging.

The wife of another second Windsor son, the Duchess of Sussex, published a cashing-in-on-baby, virtue-signalling childrens book called The Bench (Puffin, 12.99), which even the dimmest reader could read in a maximum of five minutes.

This is your bench/ Where youll witness great joy/ From here you will rest/ See the growth of our boy. It makes Pam Ayres seem like Milton.

Happily, it turns out that most of us can still sniff a celebrity turkey a mile off. The last time I looked, Fergie was 16,794 in the Amazon book charts, which, to be fair, is still a lot better than Meghan at 47,861.
Everything we know about the 'Log4Shell' bug so far WHAT IS THE PROGRAMMING FLAW? An exploit discovered in the Java logging library, log4j2, has sent developers scrambling for a patch. Java remains one the world's most popular programming languages and is used to create functions within an app or system. HOW WILL IT AFFECT MY DEVICES? With the 'Log4Shell' bug, hackers can take full control of an external server, without authentication, with relative ease. Experts have warned it is one of the biggest threats in the history of modern computing. The following apps or online services are known to use Java within its programming, either through back-end services or user interfaces. Google and Android OS

Netflix

Spotify

Apple's iCloud

LinkedIn

Uber

Amazon

Minecraft WHAT CAN I DO TO STOP IT? News of a potential vulnerability affecting millions of devices has sent programmers scrambling for a fix. Firewalls and VPNs are likely already working on short-term fixes to protect their customers' online security. Experts have suggested all Log4j users should immediately look to upgrade to Log4j-2.15.0-rc2. Unofficial patches have also been launched by internet sleuths. Advertisement

A 'fully weaponised' software flaw that easily allows criminals to steal personal data, plant malicious software or hijack credit card details is the biggest threat in the history of modern computing, experts have warned.

The 'Log4Shell' glitch, first discovered by users of the wildly popular online game Minecraft, allows another user to seize control of a device and execute programmes without the owner's consent.

Online services used by millions including Netflix, Amazon, Uber and LinkedIn and cloud-based services such Apple iCloud, Android OS, Google Documents and more are all understood to be under threat from the software bug.

The flaw discovered within the progamming language Java, which has tech experts scrambling for a quick fix, may be the worst computer vulnerability discovered in years.

'The internets on fire right now,' said Adam Meyers, senior vice president of intelligence at the cybersecurity firm Crowdstrike.

'People are scrambling to patch,' he said, 'and all kinds of people scrambling to exploit it.'

He said Friday morning that in the 12 hours since the bug's existence was disclosed that it had been 'fully weaponized,' meaning malefactors had developed and distributed tools to exploit it.

Java remains one the world's most popular programming languages and is used to create functions within an app or system.

It's still used to this day, either for backend services to user development interfaces, in some of the world's most popular applications or online services, including Netflix, Amazon, Google and Android OS, Spotify, LinkedIn and Uber.

With the 'Log4Shell' bug, hackers can take full control of an external server, without authentication, with relative ease.

'I would be hard-pressed to think of a company thats not at risk,' said Joe Sullivan, chief security officer for Cloudflare, whose online infrastructure protects websites from malicious actors.

'Log4Shell' was uncovered in a utility that's ubiquitous in cloud servers and enterprise software used across industry and government.

Until it is resolved, criminals, spies and programming novices alike are granted easy access to internal networks where they can steal valuable data, plant malware, erase crucial information and much more.

Untold millions of servers have it installed, and experts said the fallout would not be known for several days. Amazon, Twitter and Apple's iCloud are understood to be 'vulnerable' to the exploit.

Unless a patch is found, criminals, spies and programming novices could gain easy access to internal networks where they can loot valuable data, plant malware, erase crucial information and much more. [File photograph]

Hackers are also understood to be able to use QR codes, whose use was widely popularised throughout the pandemic for NHS Test and Trace purposes, to run malicious code on servers.

The scare prompted senior intelligence experts to react, including Robert Joyce, director of cybersecurity at the National Security Agency in America.

He explained: 'The Log4j vulnerability is a significant threat for exploitation due to the widespread inclusion in software frameworks, including the NSA's GHIDRA (a free open source reverse engineering tool)'.

Amit Yoran, CEO of the cybersecurity firm Tenable, called it 'the single biggest, most critical vulnerability of the last decade' - and possibly the biggest in the history of modern computing.

The vulnerability, dubbed `Log4Shell, was rated 10 on a scale of one to 10 the Apache Software Foundation, which oversees development of the software. Anyone with the exploit can obtain full access to an unpatched computer that uses the software.

Experts said the extreme ease with which the vulnerability lets an attacker access a web server - no password required - is what makes it so dangerous.

Marcus Hutchins, an internet security researcher, warned Log4Shell could make millions of apps vulnerable to hacking as its software is often used by developers.

New Zealand's computer emergency response team was among the first to report that the flaw was being 'actively exploited in the wild' just hours after it was publicly reported Thursday and a patch released.

The vulnerability, located in open-source Apache software used to run websites and other web services, was reported to the foundation on Nov. 24 by the Chinese tech giant Alibaba, it said. It took two weeks to develop and release a fix.

But patching systems around the world could be a complicated task.

While most organizations and cloud providers such as Amazon should be able to update their web servers easily, the same Apache software is also often embedded in third-party programs, which often can only be updated by their owners.

Cybersecurity experts say users of the online game Minecraft have already exploited it to breach other users' devices by pasting a short message into in a chat box

Yoran, of Tenable, said organizations need to presume theyve been compromised and act quickly.

The first obvious signs of the flaw's exploitation appeared in Minecraft, an online game hugely popular with kids and owned by Microsoft.

Meyers and security expert Marcus Hutchins said Minecraft users were already using it to execute programs on the computers of other users by pasting a short message in a chat box.

Microsoft said it had issued an urgent software patch for Minecraft users. 'Customers who apply the fix are protected,' it said.

Researchers reported finding evidence the vulnerability could be exploited in servers run by companies such as Apple, Amazon, Twitter and Cloudflare.

Cloudflare's Sullivan said there we no indication his company's servers had been compromised. Apple, Amazon and Twitter did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
A Michigan man who was convicted of killing his wife by spiking her cereal with heroin after failing to hire an assassin was sentenced Friday to life in prison without parole.

Genesee Circuit Court Judge David Newblatt handed down the sentence for Jason Harris, 47, of Davison, in the 2014 murder of Christina Thompson-Harris, 36, MLive.com reported.

'I agree completely with their verdict,' Newblatt said referring to the jury.

'You are guilty. You did this. You are a murderer. You are a liar. I want to make that very clear.

'The jury didn't believe your lies, and now they've finally exposed you for the selfish, murdering lying monster you are.'

A medical examiner had originally classified Christinas death as an accidental overdose, but investigators subsequently alleged that it was a murder scheme hatched by Harris when a co-worker refused his offer of $10,000 to kill his wife.

Harris had received $120,000 in life insurance benefits, and two weeks after Christinas death, another woman moved into the home.

Prosecutors said Harris (left) killed wife Christina Thompson-Harris, 36 (right), by spiking her breakfast cereal with heroin

Genesee Circuit Court Judge David Newblatt handed down the sentence, saying, the jury 'finally exposed you for the selfish, murdering lying monster you are'

Christina's mother, Kathy Mays, said she could barely breath during the sentencing

The jury convicted Harris in November of first-degree murder, solicitation of murder and delivery of a controlled substance causing death.

Christina's mother, Kathy Mays, said she could barely breath during the sentencing over the tension of the emotional case.

She added that she has not been able to visit her daughter's grave since her death because she felt Christina could not rest in peace until justice was dealt.

Family members insisted that the 36-year-old mother-of-two didnt use drugs. She had given birth four months before the murder and a sample of her frozen breast milk showed no evidence of any controlled substances.

It was later revealed that Jason had made a failed attempt to hire a hitman to kill Christina and asked a co-worker for drugs so his wife 'would go to sleep and quit nagging.'

On September 29, 2014, a neighbor discovered Thompson-Harris dead inside the family's home after getting a call from Jason asking to check on her because she was not answering his calls and texts.

A medical examiner initially classified Christina's death as accidental overdose, but samples of her frozen breast milk showed no traces of drugs

Harris was brought into court on Friday to hear his sentence for the 2014 murder

In the course of the investigation, detectives uncovered nearly 5,900 text messages to a woman from Providence, Rhode Island, on Jason's phone, as well as emails and photos sent to multiple other women

Just nine days after Christina died, he bought a plane ticket to go visit the woman in Providence.

Neighbors told police that shortly after his trip to Rhode Island, a woman and her daughter moved into the Davison home - about 60 miles north of Detroit - where his wife had died.

The medical examiner changed Christina's cause of death from accidental drug overdose to homicide in August 2019, leading to her husband's arrest.

Harris was charged in 2019, five years after his wifes death.

Police said Harris's version of events concerning the circumstances of his wife's death did not add up.

He told at least three co-workers and a neighbor that Christina was feeling sick, weak and hungry so he poured her a bowl of cereal and milk.

Harris said that she tried to eat it but dropped the bowl to the floor, fell out of her chair and passed out.

When one co-worker asked Jason why he didnt call an ambulance, he refused to respond.

Another co-worker told investigators that Jason had asked for Xanax pills, got five of them and told his colleague that he put them in Christina's water.

But when she refused to drink it because it tasted off, Jason went to another colleague to ask for pills that are odorless and tasteless.

Harris' co-workers at a plastics factory testified in court in 2019 that he had been looking for a hitman to have his wife killed. He was quoted as asking a colleague for drugs so his wife 'would go to sleep and quit nagging'

After Christina's death, Harris collected $120,000 in life insurance payments and brought another woman to live with him. He was arrested for murder in 2019

After that, Jason allegedly asked co-worker Zacariah Shustock if he could hire him to kill Christina for $10,000, saying his other hitman had been arrested before carrying out the murder plot.

Shustock said during a preliminary hearing in 2019 that he refused but never reported his conversation with Harris to the authorities.

Jason's brother, Jeffrey Harris, said in court he knew the dad-of-two had been cheating on Christina, and after her death he went to the police accusing his own brother of murdering her, because he said 'it was the right thing to do.'

One colleague at the plastics factory where Jason worked until he was fired for drug use previously told investigators that she asked him why not divorce his wife if he wanted her gone as badly as he claimed.

Harris told her he 'just needed to get rid of Christina,' but he didn't want to lose his kids or deal with child support or alimony, Leyton said.
A married father of three in Washington state shot dead a burglar who had broken into the family's home and wounded another before telling cops, 'I have a right to defend myself.'

Jerahme Smith, 31, said he was at home with his sister when the two alleged robbers kicked in the back door at around 4:20am on Thursday.

Police in Spanaway, about 45 miles south of Seattle, arrived within 10 minutes of getting Smith's call about the home invasion and found a 24-year-old man unresponsive on the floor.

The man, who has not been identified, was declared dead by medical professionals a short while later.

The second man who was shot managed to escape and remains on the loose.

'It kind of goes back to your rights. I have the right to carry and I have the right to protect myself and I have the right to protect my property,' Smith said. 'Protect yourself. That doesn't mean go looking for it, that means just be ready.'

Jerahme Smith, 31, said he was at home with his sister when the two alleged robbers kicked in his back door at around 4:20am

Smith has lived with his wife and kids in the single-story ranch home in Spanaway, Washington, for three years

Smith opened fire against the two robbers, killing one of them. The other ran off and remains on the loose

Cops cordon off site of shooting in Spanaway, about 45 miles of Seattle

Police said Smith has not been arrested and is not expected to be charged.

'The detectives will finish the investigation and forward the case to the Pierce County Prosecutor's Office for review,' the sheriff's department said in a statement.

Smith said he opened fire after seeing one of the robbers carrying a weapon.

'When everything first started, the first thing I had to do was take a few breaths and calm myself down because I knew it could have gone one of two ways,' Smith said.

'I didn't know who they were, I didn't know what they had, but the first thing I did -and it's the honest to God truth - is I took a few breaths to myself. That way I knew I was calm enough to make a proper judgment decision.'

Smith, who has lived in the single-story ranch home with his wife and three kids for three years, maintained that he acted in self-defense.

He called the shooting 'unfortunate' but that it was ultimately justified.

Neighbors told reporters that the area has seen an increase in crime.
Pauline Hanson has slammed the Covid-19 vaccine saying she would not be 'putting that s***' into her body before taking aim at the World Health Organisation.

The One Nation leader launched into the extraordinary anti-vaccine rant during a 'business for choice' event at Ipswich, Queensland, on Thursday night.

Ms Hanson stood in front of the forum and declared she refused to get vaccinated before trashing peak international organisations for pushing a vaccine agenda.

'I'll tell you honestly,' she said. 'I haven't had the jab, I don't intend to have the jab, I'm not putting that s*** into my body.'

Pauline Hanson has slammed the Covid-19 vaccine saying she would not be 'putting that s***' into her body before taking aim at the World Health Organisation

'I'll tell you honestly,' Ms Hanson said. 'I haven't had the jab, I don't intend to have the jab, I'm not putting that s*** into my body.'

A member of the forum recorded the speech showing the crowd applauding and cheering on the guest speaker.

'I've taken that stance and that is my choice,' Ms Hanson continues. 'I am not an anti-vaxxer, but I am very careful of what I put into my body.'

Ms Hanson told the audience she had maintained a healthy lifestyle and that she believed she would be jeopardising her health by getting the jab.

She then launched a scathing attack against the United Nations and World Health Organisation and accused the international organisations of pushing an agenda.

'I don't intend to listen to bureaucrats or politicians, or UN or WHO pushing their own agenda and take away my freedoms, my rights, my choices when that's why I'm fighting this issue and so should you,' she said.

The audience is heard in the video clapping and cheering as she makes the accusations.

The majority of Australians appear to disagree with Ms Hanson's comments with 93 per cent of residents receiving their first dose and 89 per cent two doses.

Queensland, which is Ms Hanson's state, also passed the 80 per cent double jab threshold this week.

The Covid-19 vaccines have been proven to be highly effective in combatting the virus with Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca offering up to 90 per cent protection.

Ms Hanson has been a vocal opponent to the vaccine and tried to ban jab mandates after attempting to move a bill in the Senate in November.

Ms Hanson stood in front of the forum and declared she refused to get vaccinated before trashing peak international organisations (pictured, WHO) for pushing a vaccine agenda

'This legislation is urgently needed to arrest and reverse the pandemic of discrimination which has been unleashed on the Australian people,' she said.

The Federal Government insists the Covid vaccine is optional but state and territory governments as well as private companies have enforced vaccine mandates, requiring jabs for activities like going to work, the pub or the shops.

Ms Hanson introduced a bill to over-ride the states and ban all vaccine discrimination.

In her passionate speech introducing the bill, Senator Hanson called Mr Morrison 'weak'.

'The Prime Minister is weak, he says there should be no vaccine mandates - then do something about it,' she said.

Senator Hanson also defended pro-choice protesters, saying: 'They're not idiots, they're not ratbags, they're everyday Australians. They're not extremists.'

Ms Hanson introduced a bill to over-ride the states and ban all vaccine discrimination (pictured, Ms Hanson with supporters during a protest staged on the Gold Coast on November 27)

The 67-year-old urged other senators to support her bill which she described as 'vital'.

'We don't do this lightly. We do it with sincere regret that such legislation is even necessary. But make no mistake: it is not only necessary, but absolutely vital,' she said.

'Senators here are on notice if you don't support my legislation, then you don't support Australian democracy and freedom and you don't support the right to choose.

'We are not here to wield power against the Australian people. We are here to wield the power of the Australian people. We have no right to take away their rights.'
Sex and the City star and former New York governor candidate Cynthia Nixon said that the sexual harassment and nursing home scandal that forced Governor Andrew Cuomo to resign allowed the world to see who he really was.

Nixon, who is promoting the highly anticipated Sex and the City revival And Just Like That, said she felt some vindication following the downfall of Cuomo, whom she lost to in the Democratic primary in 2018.

'I thought this is quintessentially who he is and it is finally being revealed for everyone, not just the people who really pay attention,' Nixon told Page Six on Friday at the opening night of 'Company' on Broadway.

Actress Cynthia Nixon (pictured) said she felt some vindication following the downfall of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, whom she lost to in the Democratic primary in 2018

Cuomo resigned in August after New York Attorney General Letitia James investigation found that the three-term governor sexually harassed at least 11 women

During an appearance on The View on Friday, Nixon said despite losing to Cuomo by a landslide - he received 66 percent of votes while Nixon got 34 percent- she had no regrets about running.

'The year that I ran, so many people ran alongside me, and we took back the New York State Senate, and what has happened over the last four years is that even though I wasn't elected, 90 percent of what was in my platform has passed because Andrew Cuomo couldn't block it anymore because he couldn't hide behind the Republicans who were controlling the State Senate even though they were in the minority because of these Democrats that were incentivized to give them the leadership.'

Cuomo, 63, resigned in August after New York Attorney General Letitia James investigation found that the three-term governor sexually harassed at least 11 women. He voluntarily left the job to avoid a likely impeachment trial.

One of The View hosts also brought up Nixon's snarky tweet from August where she mocked Cuomo for losing his job and his Emmy award.

'The difference between me and Andrew Cuomo? Neither of us is governor, but I still have my Emmy(s),' she posted in August.

The host of The View also brought up Nixon's snarky tweet from August where she mocked Cuomo for losing his job and his Emmy award

When View host Ana Navarro asked Nixon about the upcoming gubernatorial election and if she would run again, the actress emphatically said 'no! I don't need to!'

Nixon, who plays Miranda Hobbes on the classic series, won an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 2004.

Four years later, she won the Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series Emmy for her turn in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

Cuomo was awarded the International Emmy Founders Award 'for effective communication and leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic' last year, before the Academy rescinded the honor.

When View host Ana Navarro asked Nixon if she would run again in the upcoming gubernatorial election, the actress emphatically said 'No! I don't need to!'
Demand for holiday accommodation in Britain over Christmas and New Year has soared

Families swapping festive foreign breaks for staycations are facing exorbitant prices.

Demand for holiday accommodation in Britain over Christmas and New Year has soared, with scores of providers sold out.

Many families desperate to celebrate with loved ones after a disappointing December 2020 had already rushed to book getaways earlier this year.

At the same time, strict new Covid testing requirements mean many forced to abandon winter breaks overseas are searching for a plan B. But the surge in demand has driven up prices, with some properties costing more than 14,000 for a week over Christmas.

The average nightly rate between December 23 and 27 has jumped 30 per cent to 218 compared with the same period before the pandemic in 2019, according to the short-term rental property firm Guesty. Between December 30 and January 2, it is 93 per cent higher at 172.

Many families desperate to celebrate with loved ones after a disappointing December 2020 had already rushed to book getaways earlier this year. Pictured: The Country Stables, Stroud, Gloucestershire, was listed this week at 14,647 on booking site Snaptrip

The average nightly rate between December 23 and 27 has jumped 30 per cent to 218 compared with the same period before the pandemic in 2019, according to the short-term rental property firm Guesty. Between December 30 and January 2, it is 93 per cent higher at 172. Pictured: The Victory Residence in Kingsdown, Kent

However, some accommodation providers have been accused of cashing in with eye-watering prices most families would struggle to afford.

For example, a seven-night break from December 23 at the Country Stables, a six-bedroom property in Stroud, Gloucestershire, was listed this week at 14,647 on the booking site Snaptrip.

And a six-bedroom house in Snowdonia was advertised by Sykes Holiday Cottages at 13,184 for the week starting on December 24. Holiday firms were criticised this summer after bumping up the cost of British breaks when families had no choice but to stay in the UK. But since then prices have continued to rise. The cost of certain rental properties  in Broadgate in the Lake District, Kingsdown in Kent and Ramsbottom in Lancashire, for example  is significantly up on prices at the peak of summer.

Four nights at Broadgate, Lake District (pictured) is up 39 per cent from 252 in summer 202to 351 in December this year

Five nights a tBabbling Brooks near Ramsbottom, Lancashire (pictured) is up 18 per cent from 1,444 in summer this year to 1,699

Rory Borland, travel editor of Which?, said: Holidaying at home has always been expensive and the problem does not seem to be getting better. We have seen increased demand for UK holiday accommodation during the pandemic but some price hikes seem hard to justify and risk making a Christmas break in a popular destination too much of a stretch for many.

However, some companies have reported losing bookings after travellers from abroad were forced to scrap plans to visit the UK this winter at the last minute.

Jill Taylor, who owns South View Lodges in Exeter, Devon, said: We have been booked for Christmas and New Year for six months. However, we had a cancellation two weeks ago as the guests were coming from South Africa and we havent yet managed to book it.

Experts said rising UK demand will help plug this gap.

James Starkey, of holidaycottages.co.uk, said: Demand has been really strong over the past few weeks, with a lot of people looking to get away from it all with family and friends over Christmas.

We expect this level of demand to continue into 2022 as travel plans may need to be put on hold with the potential of restrictions.
Tory whips were last night scrambling to persuade MPs to back new coronavirus curbs amid fears Boris Johnson could suffer his biggest rebellion yet.

More than 50 backbenchers are poised to vote against the Plan B measures to counter the Omicron variant, with particular anger at plans for vaccine passports.

MPs have said the curbs  which also include an extension of mask-wearing and the return to working from home  are illiberal and unnecessary.

Mask-wearing became mandatory in cinemas, theatres and places of worship yesterday, and work from home guidance will return on Monday. A woman is seen walking along Oxford Street in London

Last night a minister told the Daily Mail that Conservative whips are engaged in a massive ring round in a desperate bid to quell the revolt. [Plan B] will lead to probably the biggest rebellion in this Parliament so far, although the irony is we will win the vote by a huge amount because Labour is voting with us, they said.

But theres a big operation going on to stop the rebellion growing beyond 40, which is the threshold for losing your majority.

The minister said some anti-Boris backbenchers are using Tuesdays vote as an opportunity to bash him  and warned the Prime Minister may face a leadership challenge next year.

If we lose the North Shropshire by-election and we do badly in the local elections in May, then I think thats much more terminal.

As well as fury at the Plan B measures, many MPs are angry at the way Downing Street has handled allegations of Tory sleaze, the Wallpaper-gate row and reports of Christmas parties in No10.

MPs have said the curbs  which also include an extension of mask-wearing and the return to working from home  are illiberal and unnecessary. People are seen walking along Oxford Street

Lectures should go online again Universities were yesterday urged to move the final week of term online sparking a backlash from lecturers. The University and College Union wants institutions to halt in-person teaching to protect staff and students from Covid in the lead-up to Christmas. But Richard Johnson, a politics lecturer at Queen Mary University of London, said: We cannot shut down universities every time there is a new variant. I accepted it before the vaccine rollout. Not now. And Christopher Barrie, a sociology lecturer at Edinburgh University, said: I would be gutted to have to teach online again. This is robbing everyone of their right to work and learn. Imperial College London has already asked staff to move classes online for the final days of term next week. Advertisement

Mask-wearing became mandatory in cinemas, theatres and places of worship yesterday, and work from home guidance will return on Monday.

Covid passports will come into force for large venues from Wednesday. One rebel, Tory former minister David Jones, said of Plan B: Its unnecessary. Its illiberal. Im not entirely sure when it comes to Covid passports what they are meant to achieve.

Ex-minister Steve Baker, a prominent figure in the Covid Recovery Group of Conservatives, said: I am not expecting to be lonely when I vote against Plan B but we do need MPs to vote against, not abstain.

And Karl McCartney said he would not support the draconian impositions on our hard fought freedoms. Amid the opposition, Downing Street yesterday insisted it was not introducing vaccine passports but rather certification which requires either a vaccination or a negative test.

The Prime Ministers spokesman said: Evidence from Sage, from Public Health England research reports, shows that the use of certification means a lower probability that an individuals infectious and that therefore they will be less likely to spread Covid in these venues.
There were seven parties and explanations in the last few days that have just not stacked up.

Claims have emerged that a Christmas party was held in No 10 last year.

The festive bash on December 18, which allegedly involved staff and aides drinking alcohol, eating cheese and swapping secret Santa presents, was in breach of lockdown rules in place in London.

Indoor gatherings were not allowed at the time.

Nov 30: After story about first Downing Street party breaks, No 10 spokesman says: Covid rules have been followed at all times.

Dec 1: Health Secretary Sajid Javid tells LBC: I didnt attend. I dont know who attended these parties, but I dont even think there were parties that Im aware of. But the point is, whether its in No 10 or any government department, all rules would have been followed at all times.

At a Downing Street press briefing, the PMs spokesman denies there was a party and says: We dont recognise these accounts.

At PMQs, Boris Johnson insists: All guidance was followed completely in No 10.

Dec 2: Mr Johnson refuses to give reporters further details because I have told you [what happened].

Dec 3: Vaccines Minister Maggie Throup tells BBCs Question Time that all guidance was followed, dismisses the reports as rumour and hearsay, and says she wasnt aware of a party.

Claims have emerged that a Christmas party was held in No 10 last year, when indoor gatherings were not allowed

Mr Johnson told PMQs: I repeat... that I have been repeatedly assured since these allegations emerged, that there was no party and that no Covid rules were broken

Dec 5: Justice Secretary Dominic Raab insists the rules were followed, but tells the BBCs Andrew Marr: Of course, if there was a formal party held, of course that it something that is clearly contrary to the guidance. If anyone held a party that is contrary to the rules, of course that is the wrong thing to do.

Dec 6: The PMs spokesman reiterates the Governments denial, saying: There was not a party and Covid rules have been followed at all times.

Policing Minister Kit Malthouse tells LBC: Officials at No 10 have assured me, as part of my briefing... that no regulations were broken.

Dec 8: Mr Johnson tells PMQs: I repeat... that I have been repeatedly assured since these allegations emerged, that there was no party and that no Covid rules were broken.

Dec 9: Mr Javid on LBC: I have received assurances that there were no [Covid] rules that were broken at any time in Downing Street. That means a party could not take place. If the rules were not broken, then a party could not take place.
Members of historic insurer LV yesterday voted down the firm's controversial 530million takeover by a US private equity shark.

The 1.2million policyholders, who together own the 178-year-old firm, rejected the takeover attempt by Bain Capital in a victory for the Daily Mail.

Just minutes after the results were announced, LV's chairman Alan Cook  who had been central in trying to push the deal through  said he would step down.

Critics of the deal were also calling for the removal of chief executive Mark Hartigan  a former army colonel who kicked off the sale process just weeks after joining the insurer at the start of last year.

The vote from LV members to keep the firm, once known as Liverpool Victoria, out of Bain's grip came as a victory for the Mail.

Members of historic insurer LV yesterday voted down the firm's controversial 530million takeover by a US private equity shark. The 1.2million policyholders, who together own the 178-year-old firm, rejected the takeover attempt by Bain Capital in a victory for the Daily Mail

This paper has campaigned to stem the tide of 'pandemic plundering', as private equity firms have scoured the UK for undervalued companies which they can snap up and wring for profits.

A buyout of LV by a private equity firm would have been particularly distasteful, since the life insurer is a mutual  meaning it is owned by its members and can be run entirely for their benefit.

This dates back to LV's birth in Liverpool in 1843 when it began selling 'penny policies' to help the poor bury their loved ones with dignity.

But private equity firms buy businesses to squeeze them for cash. They are notorious for cutting jobs, slashing costs and hiking prices  and LV members were worried that their policies and services would suffer.

The firms have won control of businesses from Morrisons to the AA to G4S since the pandemic hit, as major City shareholders have caved in to the buyout companies and taken their money.

MPs, experts and campaigners praised the rebuttal of Bain. Tory MP Kevin Hollinrake said: 'This is a huge win for the Parliamentary group on mutuals and the Daily Mail, who exposed one scandal after another.

Just minutes after the results were announced, LV's chairman Alan Cook  who had been central in trying to push the deal through  said he would step down

This sends a message to private equity plunderers to keep their hands off beloved British companies.

One of the main reasons it happened is because members were given a say, not big City institutions looking to make a killing.'

Labour MP Dame Margaret Hodge added: 'If there had not been a really strong campaign in which the Daily Mail played an instrumental role, I think people would have had the wool drawn over their eyes and that is scary.'

And Tory grandee Lord Heseltine said members' 'long-term commitment to the company has repelled the short-term opportunism of the break-up businesses'.

LV is now weighing up whether to enter into discussions with fellow mutual Royal London, which bid against Bain last year. It has tabled a bid which would see LV's members become part owners of the entire enlarged firm.

Critics of the deal were also calling for the removal of chief executive Mark Hartigan  a former army colonel who kicked off the sale process just weeks after joining the insurer at the start of last year

Of the 15 per cent of LV members who turned out to vote, 69 per cent waved the deal through. But this fell short of the 75 per cent needed to strip LV of its mutual structure.

It is the latest blow for Mr Cook, 68, whose career has been riddled with scandals.

He was chairman of Irish lender Permanent TSB and had to apologise to 1,400 victims who were overcharged on their mortgages.

And he was managing director of the Post Office between 2006 and 2010, when 161 postmasters were wrongly prosecuted.

Mr Cook will remain chairman of LV until a 'way forward is agreed'.

RUTH SUNDERLAND: Small savers could tell they were being sold a pup and came out in sufficient numbers to thwart LVs plans

By Ruth Sunderland for the Daily Mail

Perhaps it doesn't tug at the heartstrings quite like It's a Wonderful Life  the classic Christmas film starring James Stewart as the manager of a mutual savings firm.

But the triumph of ordinary customers at LV over the powerful forces of private equity is still a good reason to celebrate the festive season a little early.

It now looks likely that one of this country's oldest and best-loved mutual insurers will retain that cherished status, instead of being thrown to the private equity wolves for the gratification of its self-serving bosses.

While so many businesses and families have battled to stay afloat financially during the pandemic, it has been a golden period for private equity.

Companies including the supermarket group Wm Morrison have fallen into the clutches of buyout barons.

The predators have swooped on some of the UK's most important businesses virtually unhindered  until now.

Perhaps it doesn't tug at the heartstrings quite like It's a Wonderful Life  the classic Christmas film starring James Stewart as the manager of a mutual savings firm

Big City shareholders have almost always failed to put up much of a fight. They prefer to pocket quick gains from a sale, regardless of the consequences for employees, customers or the economy as a whole.

And bosses of target companies are often all too eager to sell out to private equity as it means they will be in line for large personal gains  as was the case at LV.

So it is heartening to see small savers ready to stand up for mutual values.

Throughout the sale process, LV's so-called leaders have treated their policyholders with sheer contempt.

They gave every impression of hoping the deal would go through on the nod, due to apathy or passive acquiescence on the part of what they seemed to assume to be sheeplike savers.

If this was the case, they did not bargain on the shrewdness of their own members who, although the turnout was low, came out in sufficient numbers to thwart their plans.

The LV policyholders who voted against Bain may not be financial experts  but they can tell when they are being patronised and sold a pup.

From the start of the attempted sale to the bitter end, chairman Alan Cook and chief executive Mark Hartigan conducted the process atrociously.

Important information was withheld and disclosed only grudgingly under pressure, or tucked away in long documents where it was hard to find.

Transparency and respect, two key mutual principles, were sorely lacking.

This attitude persisted to the last gasp.

The media were even barred from the final online meeting yesterday. This was despite there being a clear public interest and the fact it is common practice for companies to admit reporters on such occasions.

Hartigan and Cook never convincingly explained why they rejected a bid from fellow mutual Royal London, which many members would have preferred.

The two mutuals are now in discussions about a fresh offer.

That looks like a positive development but mutuality in itself does not give anyone a free pass and this newspaper will be watching like a hawk to make sure Royal London's new bid serves the interests of LV savers.

This is a moment of victory for campaigners, politicians and above all for the LV savers who voted down the deal.

As for Messrs Cook and Hartigan, they should put It's a Wonderful Life on repeat over Christmas.

Maybe if they watch it enough times, they might absorb some of its mutual spirit.
An elite private school has been accused of sexism amid suggestions girls are repeatedly favoured over boys when it comes to enrolments.

Ivanhoe Grammar in Melbourne's north-east, has come under fire with some parents adamant their sons are victims of gender discrimination.

It comes after the co-educational private school - who charge annual fees of at least $25,000 - was this week given the blessing of the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) to continue its long-standing campaign of 'positive discrimination' towards female students.

The controversial exemption sees Ivanhoe Grammar structure waiting lists and allocate student placements based on gender.

The school was initially granted the unique exemption to do so in 1999, with VCAT's recent decision likely to see the exemption in place until at least December 2026.

Ivanhoe Grammar (pictured) in Melbourne's north-east, has come under fire with some parents adamant their sons are victims of gender discrimination

Co-educational private school Ivanhoe Grammar was this week given the blessing of the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) to continue its long-standing campaign of 'positive discrimination' towards female students (stock image)

A recent tribunal hearing revealed some families held the belief their sons missed out on places to Ivanhoe Grammar due to a repeated focus on female pupils.

'Concerns were raised about the effect that rejecting a boy on the basis of sex can have on their gender identity, their overall identity and anger management,' VCAT member Christopher Thwaites said.

'The response also raised concern this anger may manifest as anger against girls/women, with the discrimination damaging to boys and society as a whole.'

A second objection - from a group called Victims of Ivanhoe Grammar Discrimination - claimed turning away male students based on their gender was detrimental.

The group pointed to girls repeatedly 'jumping the queue' over boys in recent years at Ivanhoe Grammar.

Principal Gerard Foley told the tribunal the one-time boys' school, which went co-educational in 1992, was constantly seeking to ensure gender balance for all its students, according to the Herald Sun.

Foley pointed out the school has repeatedly met its quota when it came to the number of places made available to male students in recent years - before adding when there was not an exemption in place from 2010-2016, more boys were enrolled than girls.

He concluded Ivanhoe Grammar would not be able to maintain the balance between male and female students without the exemption in place.

In granting the exemption until 2026, VCAT representative Thwaites said Ivanhoe Grammar would be in a position to offer a genuine co-educational experience - and that female numbers at the school wouldn't decrease.

Daily Mail Australia approached Ivanhoe Grammar for comment, with the Victorian Department of Education declaring it was a matter for Independent Schools Victoria.
Many believe they would never pursue somebody who was already in a relationship.

But even the most saintly among us could be tempted if the situation was right, a study suggests.

Researchers found that people were more likely to approach someone who was taken if they believed high-quality partners were hard to come by, compared with if they thought there were plenty of fish in the sea.

Many believe they would never pursue somebody who was already in a relationship. But even the most saintly among us could be tempted if the situation was right, a study suggests

Previous studies have focused only on the individual characteristics that make a person more likely to 'mate poach', the academics said.

But this research shows that someone's propensity to steal a partner is also influenced by environmental factors.

The study explained that those who believed there was a lack of suitable spouses started feeling more worried about being single.

They then began feeling greater rivalry towards members of their own sex, which consequently made them more open to the idea of stealing someone's partner, found the study published in the Journal of Sex Research.

The researchers, from Nipissing University in Canada, said the results 'suggest that humans adjust to ecological conditions to maximise their reproductive success, such that when mates are perceived as being scarce, they are more willing to adopt poaching as a mate tactic'.
Government sources have revealed that Treasury staff held a boozy party to celebrate Rishi Sunak's spending review during lockdown.

Around two dozen civil servants attended the drinks party in the Treasury on November 25 last year.

The party was held despite coronavirus restrictions which had asked people to stay at home unless exercising or food shopping.

At the time, non-essential shops, bars and restaurants were closed.

Sources revealed that Mr Sunak's officials who had been working on his spending review announcement stayed for a drinks party afterwards.

Wine and beer were brought into the Treasury but the officials insisted the party had been spontaneous.

A source said: 'They'd all been working really hard. They had to be in the office anyway that day.

'It was not a formal party but perhaps in hindsight it was not the most sensible thing to do.'

Around two dozen civil servants attended the drinks party in the Treasury on November 25. Rishi Sunak was not at the event and it is understood he did not know it was happening

Another insider said nobody had questioned the drinks party or thought there was anything wrong with the event.

They described the situation with parties and events coming to light as a 'blame game', according to the Times.

Mr Sunak was not at the event and it is understood he did not know it was happening.

The latest revelation comes after the PM's ex-COP26 spokeswoman Allegra Stratton resigned this week over a video released by ITV which showed her laughing and joking with other staff about last year's Downing Street Christmas party on December 18.

Staff joked about the party as families and friends were separated, many of whom had lost loved ones to coronavirus.

People had been told to stay at home in their own bubbles for Christmas and to not mix households.

The video left many people outraged, with some calls for the prime minister to resign.

Despite the footage being released, Mr Johnson has maintained that there was no Downing Street Christmas party.

The latest revelation comes after the PM's ex-COP26 spokeswoman Allegra Stratton resigned over a video released by ITV which showed her laughing and joking with other staff about last year's Downing Street Christmas party

A spokesman said of the Treasury drinks party: 'In line with the guidance at the time, a number of staff came into the office to work on the Spending Review 2020.

'We have been made aware that a small number of those staff had impromptu drinks around their desks after the event.'

An inquiry is set to take place into the three parties which came to light before this latest drinks party was revealed.

Simon Case, the cabinet secretary, is leading the investigation into last year's Downing Street Christmas party on December 18, a leaving event on November 27 and an education department party on December 10.

He will decide whether to also investigate the drinks party held at the treasury.

Simon Case (pictured), the cabinet secretary, is leading the investigation into last year's Downing Street Christmas party on December 18, a leaving party on November 27 and a party in the education department on December 10

Jack Doyle, Boris Johnson's director of communications, offered to resign before the inquiry happens but the prime minister did not accept it.

Photos of the Downing Street party, some showing staff wearing Christmas jumpers, may be handed over to Mr Case.

Mr Case will also access WhatsApp messages which organised the event.

The messages are believed to reference the alcohol available at the event in large amounts.

Mr Doyle's resignation was refused because, according to a senior Conservative, Boris needs to 'throw someone under the bus.'

According to the Tory, Mr Johnson wants to make Mr Doyle 'the fall guy' and is good at convincing people he is looking after them.

Another source said the revelations and fall-out from the parties have been a miserable time and that no one is sure when it will end.

Jack Doyle (pictured), Mr Johnson's director of communications, offered to resign before the inquiry happens but the prime minister did not accept it

They said Mr Doyle's position at Downing Street may become difficult.

Mr Case is aiming to investigate the events in the next two weeks leading up to Christmas.

The Prime Minister will contribute to the investigation by saying that the event was not a party but instead was staff having drinks when they were all in the office.

The investigation will be difficult for Mr Case as according to a Whitehall source, evidence will point to a party and it will be hard to escape.

Chief Whip Mark Spencer has said that staff at No.10 were not drinking and party during Covid lockdowns or restrictions.

Chief Whip Mark Spencer (pictured) has said that staff at No.10 were not drinking and party during Covid lockdowns or restrictions

Speaking to BBC Radio Nottingham, he said Mr Johnson will have stuck to the rules and that there will have been no parties.

Mr Spencer also said the prime minister struggled with Christmas under Covid restrictions, like the rest of of the country.

A former BBC presenter may assist the inquiry into Downing Street parties.

They have been named in connection with the leaking of the video.

A potential source of the ITV News footage has been named as Chris James, a broadcast technology expert, who used to work for No 10.

It has been confirmed by Mr Johnson's official spokesman that the Treasury and No 10 have cancelled this year's Christmas parties but the public should continue with their festivities.
An Arizona woman driving with her husband and pregnant daughter has died after being shot by a hail of bullets in a possible road rage incident, Phoenix police confirmed on Friday.

Stella Montes, 38, was found injured in a vehicle that had crashed into a road-side wall on Thursday.

Montes, who was behind the wheel of her white SUV with her husband and her eight-months' pregnant daughter, was rushed to a hospital but died from her injuries.

She 'was shot by a person in another vehicle after a traffic altercation,' police said.

A witness who lives near the crash site near Seventh Avenue and Beardsley Road in north Phoenix said she heard eight to 10 shots before the crash.

'I felt my whole house vibrate when the van hit the wall,' she said.

Stella Montes, 38, was found inside her car which had crashed into a wall. She had been shot

Montes from Arizona has been killed after a possible road-rage shooting

Montes' car was found crashed into a wall at the side of a road

No description of the suspected gunman or the vehicle was immediately available.

Brooke Raspa, a woman who lives on the other side of the retaining wall where the crash occurred told azfamily.com that the victim's daughter was at the scene and believed it was road rage.

'They honked at him to go, not realizing that it was no turn on red and then they decided to go around him and that angered him, apparently. So he drove by and probably emptied a whole clip,' Raspa said.

Other family members were with Montes at the time including her husband and pregnant daughter

Brooke Raspa, a woman who lives on the other side of the wall where the crash occurred told azfamily.com that the victim's daughter was at the scene and believed it was road rage

It's believed Montes had honked at another driver who was stopped at a red light

Montes's wrecked car came to a stop along the wall along the shoulder of the Pima Freeway.

Raspa said she couldn't understand the shooter's motivation.

'You have to be a very angry person to even have the mindset to ... kill this person because they went around me,' Raspa said. 'I mean, who does that? And to take someone's life because of it is so sad to me.'

Raspa said she heard screams for help. It turned out to be the victim's daughter.

'We went up over the hill and the lady was stuck in the vehicle and we were trying to pull her out and the police showed up and told us to get out of the way and he started CPR immediately,' Raspa explained.

After the light changed to green, she honked before going around him. The driver then caught up with her who then fired between 8 to 10 shots killing her

'She was non-responsive from the very beginning.'

'This investigation is in the preliminary stages,' police explained in a statement on Friday.

'Detectives are working to determine more information about what led up to the incident.'

Investigators, along with a mobile command unit, were at the scene for some time according to Fox 10.

A police office can be seen keeping watch while investigators work the scene of the crime

Police say they do not have a vehicle or description of the suspect, but acknowledged the report that Montes 'was shot by a person in another vehicle after a traffic altercation.'

A GoFundMe account set up to raise funeral expenses for the family paid tribute to Montes.

'Montes always had a big heart and old soul. Never failed to put a smile on your face no matter the circumstances. Always willing to put herself last, in order to help those she loved first. There was never a dull moment that was shared with her. '
Allies of Andrew Cuomo plotted to try and discredit a Fox News meteorologist, according to reports, who became one of the former New York governor's most strident critics during the pandemic after both of her husband's parents died from COVID while at separate nursing homes.

Janice Dean, 51, lost both her father-in-law and mother-in-law to COVID-19 within weeks of each other in the spring of 2020.

The pair lived in nursing homes, and Dean blamed Cuomo's policy of forcing nursing homes to readmit convalescent COVID patients for causing their deaths.

The governor's inner circle were rattled by Dean's attacks, with Chris Cuomo - the now-fired CNN anchor - texting his brother's senior aide Melissa DeRosa, according to The New York Post, and asking: 'This Fox weather b****Any help painting her as a far right crazy?'

Fox News senior meteorologist Janice Dean (pictured) was among Andrew Cuomo's most strident critics for his handling of the COVID pandemic. On Friday it was reported that the then-governor's allies attempted to discredit her

Melissa DeRosa and Chris Cuomo allegedly strategized to discredit Dean, according to a report

DeRosa, dubbed a 'mean girl by the disgraced governor, played a leading role in devising a strategy to harm Dean's credibility, according to CNBC.

It is unclear whether Chris Cuomo or DeRosa ever took action to damage her. Neither have responded to the reports.

At the time, Dean branded the governor a 'monster', and demanded he resign.

He eventually quit in August - not due to his handling of the pandemic, but thanks to sexual harassment and assault allegations filed by 11 women.

After New York Attorney General Letitia James revealed the report into his sex pest claims, Dean said: 'I've always said I don't care what brings him down.

'He's a monster and deserves to go in shame. But also, please don't forget our loved ones that are no longer with us to testify.'

Dean is seen on December 9, at the lighting of the new Fox News Christmas tree - after the original one was burnt in an arson attack

Dean's in-laws, Michael and Dolores Newman, both died from the virus in spring last year.

The Newmans were married for 59 years and lived in Brooklyn for the majority of their lives.

The 83-year-old Mickey, a former firefighter, was in the Grandell Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Brooklyn with dementia and other issues. Dee was in assisted living, at the Long Island Living Center, and hoped Mickey would join her when his health improved.

He was the first of the two to become sick, in late March 2020, and passed away not long after. Two weeks later, his wife caught coronavirus at her assisted living facility and died at a hospital on April 13.

'The reason I am vocal is because I'm trying to seek some kind of justice for my husband's parents and the thousands of other families out there,' she said.

'My response is we care because they're our are family members an we are not going to give up on this.'

On March 25, 2020, Governor Cuomo ordered nursing homes to readmit patients who were positive for COVID due to concerns about hospital capacity

Dean lost both of her in-laws to COVID-19 and holds Cuomo responsible after he sent patients who had tested positive for the virus into nursing homes last year

Dean's mother-and father-in law, Dolores and Michael Newman (above), are among the patients who died of coronavirus in nursing homes and assisted living facilities

She had long called for Cuomo's resignation and for him to face consequences for his actions.

On March 25, 2020, Governor Cuomo ordered nursing homes to readmit patients who were positive for Covid due to concerns about hospital capacity.

He reversed the ruling, on May 10, 2020, barring nursing homes from accepting patients without a negative test first.

In January, a shocking report from Letitia James' office detailed how the state had undercounted the number of nursing home deaths by as much as 50 percent.

It forced New York State's Department of Health to reveal the true death toll among nursing home residents was 12,743, rather than the previously acknowledged figure of 8,711.

The Newmans were married for 59 years and lived in Brooklyn for the majority of their lives. They are pictured above in an undated family photo

Michael and Dolores 'Dee' Newman died from COVID-19 in spring last year

Rich Azzopardi, Cuomo's spokesman, was dismissive of Dean's criticism at the time.

'Last I checked she's not a credible source on anything except maybe the weather,' he said.

On Friday night, he denied that Cuomo's team had tried to discredit her.

'We had no 'strategy sessions' about Janice Dean and to the extent that the press office had to respond to something she said, it was handled by the press office and did not rise to the level of something the governor would be engaged with,' said Azzopardi.

He added: 'I have no knowledge of this ever happening and you must ask, why then did the Attorney General not put anything about it in her report or ask any of the relevant people about it?'

Dean said she was unsurprised by the revelations and that she was targeted.

'This wont stop me from standing up for myself and thousands of others who no longer have a voice. The man who called himself New York tough is nothing but pathetic and weak,' she said in a statement Friday.

'Seeing Chris and his brother joking on CNN while body bags were piled up outside of nursing homes was the tipping point for me.'

'My politics have never motivated my decision to speak out. All Ive ever wanted was a fair investigation into my in-laws preventable deaths and why our disgraced governor went to great lengths to cover it up. Thousands of families deserve that without fear of being shamed or smeared.'

Dean previously criticized Cuomo spokesperson Rich Azzopardi for telling her sister in law to 'get a life' not long after both her parents died.

'In January of this year, Azzopardi was particularly misogynistic by responding to my inquiries and reporting as 'not a credible source on anything except maybe the weather,' she said.
The Omicron variant could 'substantially overwhelm' the NHS and cause up to 10,000 hospitalisations a day, according to 'Professor Lockdown' Neil Ferguson.

The Government scientist, whose modelling spooked Number 10 into ordering the original coronavirus lockdown last March, said was the UK was experiencing a 'very explosive wave of infection' because of the new variant.

As a result, he said it could lead to 'quite an explosive wave of hospitalisations', the scientist told The Guardian.

'Unfortunately, most of the projections we have right now are that the Omicron wave could very substantially overwhelm the NHS, getting up to peak levels of admissions of 10,000 people per day,' he said.

The scientist added that the figure could be reached 'sometime in January', but said that the resultant deaths figure was harder to predict.

Professor Ferguson's prediction is ten times higher than the one made by the Government's SAGE panel of experts for early in the New Year.

The frightening figure of 10,000 hospitalisations a day is a little more than double the current highest figure, which was 4,582 on January 12 this year.

Professor Ferguson's latest warning comes just three days after he said that a new new national lockdown could be on the cards to tackle Omicron.

He told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme on Wednesday: 'There is a rationale, just epidemiologically, to try and slow this down, to buy us more time principally to get boosters into people's arms because we do think people who are boosted will have the best level of protection possible, but also to buy us more time to really better characterise the threat.'

As the Government's Plan B measures were announced last week, Health Secretary Sajid Javid warned that Omicron cases could reach 1million by the end of this month.

And on Friday, new official data suggested that as many as 4,000 Britons could be catching Omicron every day, with the super-variant on track to replace Delta in a matter of days.

An additional 448 confirmed cases of the Omicron variant have been reported across the UK, bringing the total number to 1,265.

The Omicron variant could 'substantially overwhelm' the NHS and cause up to 10,000 hospitalisations a day, according to 'Professor Lockdown' Neil Ferguson

Confidential UK Health Security Agency data showed that Omicron may now be behind 8.5 per cent of infections

The highly-evolved Omicron variant is now behind 8.5 per cent of coronavirus cases in England 13.3 per cent north of the border and cases are doubling every two or three days.

With an average 48,000 Britons testing positive for Covid every day, it suggests more than 4,000 of them are the new Omicron variant  even though fewer than 1,000 cases have been confirmed.

Scotland, which along with London has become one of the UK's Omicron hotspots, today reported 5,018 positive Covid tests, which is the highest number in three months and double the number a week ago.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told Scots on Friday to brace for a 'tsunami' of infections, as she warned the new super-variant posed a 'severe challenge'.

At a press conference in Edinburgh, she said: 'The fact is we do face a renewed and very severe challenge in the face of the new Omicron variant. To be blunt, because of the much greater and faster transmissibility of this new variant, we may be facing  indeed we may be starting to experience  a potential tsunami of infections.'

Public health chiefs expect Omicron to outstrip Delta nationally by Christmas and even sooner in the epicentre of London, with its rapid spread prompting No10 to resort to its Plan B strategy.

But Ms Sturgeon believes the variant to become dominant much more rapidly north of the border, adding: 'I think we can now say with some confidence that we expect it to overtake Delta within days, not weeks  we estimate this could be as early as the very beginning of next week.'

Public Health Scotland projections estimate that Omicron will be dominant by Tuesday and will make up virtually every infection by December 20.

A senior member of the Government's scientific advisory group SAGE warned on Thursday that Omicron was spreading even faster in the UK than it is in South Africa  where cases have rocketed 10-fold in a fortnight.

The UK Government hopes Plan B restrictions will be enough to slow the spread of the mutant strain, buying the NHS precious time to dish out millions more booster jabs.

The above map shows the ten areas that have the most confirmed and suspected Omicron cases in England, according to the UK Health Security Agency. West Northamptonshire is the country's hotspot for the mutant strain, although eight in ten areas on the list are in London

The first part of Boris Johnson's Plan B came into force in England on Friday, with the introduction of compulsory face masks in indoor settings such as theatres, cinemas and churches.

New work-from-home guidance will come into effect on Monday, and MPs will vote the next day on the introduction of vaccine passports for nightclubs and large venues.

But officials are already drawing up a 'Plan C', which would see care homes slapped with fresh restrictions in the run up to Christmas and masks made compulsory in pubs and restaurants.

Controversial vaccine passports could also be extended to more venues as part of contingency measures being floated within Downing Street if Omicron proves to be as dangerous as scientists fear.

According to confidential data given to ministers that underlines the severity of the situation faces in the run-up to Christmas, Omicron already makes up 30 per cent of new Covid cases in London.

On Friday, Communities Secretary Michael Gove, who is isolating after testing positive himself, warned the current crisis was 'deeply concerning', naming London and Scotland as hotspots.

He described the latest data presented to the devolved nations as 'very challenging new information'.

Stark projections show the super-mutant variant could become dominant within days, prompting concerns that Boris Johnson will have no choice but to hit the panic button once more.

All of London's 32 boroughs are seeing cases tick upwards, and Omicron has been found in every corner of the city.

Hospitalisations and deaths in the capital remain flat but both measures lag behind by several weeks because of how long it can take for someone who has caught the virus to become seriously unwell.

Public health chiefs in the capital say they are taking the new threat 'extremely seriously', and that it could take over in the city in as little as two weeks.

Last week, Professor Ferguson was asked on the BBC if a lockdown could be reimposed.

He said: 'Clearly if the consensus is it's highly likely that the NHS is overwhelmed then it will be for the Government to decide what to do about that but it's a difficult situation to be in of course. It certainly might be possible at the current time.'

Professor Ferguson said light measures like WFH 'wouldn't stop' Omicron but 'could slow it down' and buy the country precious time, extending the doubling time to five or six days.

'That doesn't seem like a lot, but it actually is potentially a lot in terms of allowing us to characterise this virus better and boost population immunity,' he added.

The Imperial College London scientist said that while Omicron was concerning, it is

still unclear what impact it will have on severe disease, hospitalisations and deaths. The first lab study of the super-variant in South Africa on Tuesday found that people given two doses of Pfizer's vaccine produce forty times less antibodies when exposed to Omicron.

Professor Ferguson said the finding suggests Omicron will cut the effectiveness of current vaccines on mild disease in half, but he said they should still hold up against severe illness.
Shocking video footage captured the moment a suspected shoplifter punched an NYPD cop in the face, knocking her to the ground before running from the store as crime in the city continue to spiral out of control.

The violent encounter, taped at a Duane Reade store on East 34th Street in Murray Hill at 11:30 am on Friday, left the cop bloodied and with a fractured bone to her face, police officials said.

The male suspect had been recognized by the store's manager from a previous theft and told the cop to step inside the store to monitor him, according to a police report.

The footage captured the officer talking with the suspect before he attempted to push her away and leave the store. He then smacked her to the ground as she grabbed his arm and ran off.

The unidentified officer was taken to Bellevue Hospital, where she was treated for a laceration to her left ear and a fractured bone to the face. She is in stable condition.

Shocking video footage captured the moment a suspected male shoplifter hit a female officer at a Duane Reade store in Murray Hill

The suspect had knocked the officer to the ground before fleeing

The female officer confronted the suspect after the store's manager had recognized him from a previous theft incident

The suspect was seen wandering the store on Friday morning prior to the confrontation

The known shoplifter was described as black male wearing a dark-colored hooded jacket, pants and shoes.

It remains unclear if anything was stolen from the store.

The female sergeant was working a paid security gig at the store, between Lexington and Third Avenues, after the drugstore chain began hiring cops in an effort to crack down on shoplifters.

The violent incident comes as larcenies have increased 4.9 percent since 2020.

Robberies have gone up from 12,151 in 2020 to 12,692, a 4.5 per cent increase, and rapes went up by 2 percent, from 1,361 to 1,388 this year.

Shocking video showed a black BMW driven by gang members suspected of planning a robbery at a high end restaurant mount the curb as it was blocked in by police vehicles

Officer Corey Titus fired three shots at the windshield of the oncoming vehicle

This incident comes after a string of reported robbery-related incidents involving the 'Own Every Dollar' gang.

The group had been responsible for at least 12 jewelry robberies in the last four months.

Recently released CCTV footage captured the moment NYPD officers had opened fire on the gang after they had been spotted by a security guard at Pergola restaurant on October 11.

The members fled the scene in a black BMW before being shot at by officers as they sped down the street.

The shots then stopped the vehicle and forced three of the members to continue the pursuit on foot.

They had initially gotten away before police had apprehended Wilson Mendez, 19, who was then taken into custody.

Mendez was taken to the hospital to be treated for cuts he had received on his face.

He has been charged with two counts of criminal possession of a weapon for a loaded firearm.

Wilson Mendez, 19, was taken into custody near Madison Square Park on October 11

The vicious gang are allegedly responsible for least 12 jewelry robberies across New York in the last four months (detailed above)

The Own Every Dollar gang has been described as 'vicious' by police officers.

The ring, who are linked to the notorious Trinitarios gang in the Bronx, netted in more than $4million in jewelry and watches in just one theft, as well 11 other heists, and are suspected to be involved in at least one homicide, according to police sources.

NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea blamed the drastic reduction in incarceration levels for several high-profile incidents of gun violence throughout the five boroughs.

Shea was reacting to the incident outside Pergola leading to Wilson's arrest.

Shea told WNYW-TV that the NYPD is part of a task force that involves multiple federal agencies as well as all five district attorneys in an effort to arrest and prosecute the gang members.

There have been some arrests but the problem is still ongoing. This boils down to two things, really - nightclubs and guns, the commissioner said. Targeting high-end jewelry is what is occurring.

Theres been a couple of arrests. You can absolutely expect more arrests as we get closer to hopefully bringing this to a conclusion.

When asked the next day whether New York City is experiencing an increase in gang activity, Shea said: The gangs have always been an issue here. Weve talked about it for a number of years.

You have to look at the incarceration levels. Its a hard topic to talk about but theres been such a drastic reduction.

I think thats part of what youre seeing play out.

At the state level, we are down significantly. Many people get out of prison and turn their life around, but, unfortunately, we all realize that many do not.

Youre seeing those unintended consequences on the street at times.

New York Police Department Commissioner Dermot Shea (right) earlier this year slammed the new crime reform laws as a failed 'soft-on-crime experiment'

Under former Governor Andrew Cuomo's controversial reform laws passed last year, bail can no longer be imposed on misdemeanors and non-violent felonies, even as New York City continues to be gripped by a crime wave, with murder, assault, rape and robbery rates all on the rise.

Back in August, New York Police Department Commissioner Dermot Shea begged Gov. Kathy Hochul, who took over for Cuomo after his resignation over sexual misconduct allegations, to undo her predecessor's crime reform laws, calling the 'soft-on-crime experiment' a failure that has led to the city's runaway crime.

'This city is built on public safety,' Shea told NY1. 'We're probably about two years into this soft-on-criminals experiment.  Show me a New Yorker that thinks this experiment has worked.

'It's been a disaster. By any definition, it's been a disaster.'

Sergio Jimenez, 21, (left) was shot in the head and killed inside his BMW on Sunday night. He is pictured with family during a birthday party

Sergio Jimenez, 21, was parked in his white BMW with his girlfriend, 18, when masked men in a black BMW pulled up beside them and opened fire on

The masked men fired multiple times, shooting Jimenez in the back of the head and his girlfriend in her hand and back

A third man stepped out of the car to help open fire before his gun failed to reload

Violent crime have also been on the rise in New York City with the NYPD reporting 1,761 shooting victims so far this year, eight more than last year.

Felony assaults soared by more than 9 per cent, going up for 19,423 last year to 21,192. Murders also saw an increase of 1.4 per cent, with the NYPD reporting 443 incidents so far in 2021.

On Sunday, Bronx man Sergio Jiminez, 21, was killed inside his vehicle after three masked men had shot him multiple times.

His girlfriend 18-year-old girlfriend was also in the vehicle at the time and was shot in the back and in the hand.

Jiminez, a father of three, was pronounced dead the scene and his girlfriend was taken to BronxCare Health System for treatment where she was found in stable condition.

Jimenez's father, also named Sergio, told the New York Daily News he suspected the killers were neighborhood rivals who had thrown a brick at the family's home recently.

'He knew he was being threatened,' the father said. 'And they knew where he lived. The threats were to such an extent that he wanted to change apartments.'

The New York Police Department said Jimenez has previous arrests records and was wanted for a 2020 misdemeanor assault. The wounded passenger has no criminal record.
A food and beverage operator has tested positive to Covid-19 after working at the Sydney Opera House during the AACTA Awards.

The worker was infectious while the star-studded event, which included guests such as comedian Rebel Wilson and actor Simon Baker, unfolded on Wednesday.

'The Sydney Opera House has been advised that an employee of a food and beverage operator who worked at the Opera House from 8  9 December has tested positive for Covid-19,' an Opera House spokesperson said.

'A thorough cleaning of affected areas has been carried out and we are taking all necessary steps as required by NSW Health.'

NSW Health issued the alert after the state recorded 560 new COVID-19 cases and three deaths on Saturday.

A food and beverage operator has tested positive to Covid-19 after working at the Sydney Opera House during the AACTA Award (pictured, radio host Brittany Hockley and comedian Rebel Wilson were guests at the AACTA Awards)

Opera House guests are not required to take any action unless they have been informed by NSW Health (pictured, director Baz Luhrmann)

Opera House guests are not required to take any action unless they have been informed by NSW Health.

'The Opera House currently has a number of measures in place in line with our COVID safety plan and our commitment to the health and safety of everyone on our site,' the spokesperson said.

The new cases mark the highest-daily tally recorded in NSW since October 9, two days before lockdown lifted, and the second day in a row with more than 500 cases.

Health authorities are concerned festive season celebrations are driving the spike in cases, and are urging caution.

'The transmission in these types of settings is contributing to the increase in cases in NSW,' Dr Jeremy McAnulty said on Friday.

'We urge people not to attend any of these social functions or venues if you have any symptoms at all, even if mild.'

NSW Health is already battling to contain several large transmission events.

A trivia night at a Sydney pub sparked a new cluster of cases, with at least 46 patrons testing positive to the virus after attending the Oxford Tavern in Petersham on November 30.

The worker was infectious while the star-studded event, which included guests such as comedian Rebel Wilson and actor Simon Baker, unfolded on Wednesday (pictured, comedian Hamish Blake with his partner Zoe)

Health authorities are concerned festive season celebrations are driving the spike in cases, and are urging caution

Authorities are also concerned about 140 passengers who embarked on a Sydney Harbour cruise on Friday night which has so far resulted in five cases of the Omicron variant.

The number of people diagnosed with the Omicron variant of COVID-19 in NSW has reached 42.

NSW Health has also issued alerts for the Golden Sheaf Hotel in Double Bay and the Albion Hotel in Parramatta.

Woody's Surf Shack Night Club in Byron Bay has also been linked to at least three cases, while an event at the Coorabell Hall on Saturday night has resulted in 16 cases so far.

There are 150 COVID-19 cases in hospital, with 25 people in intensive care.

Premier Dominic Perrottet is urging 'confidence, hope and optimism' ahead of the end of most restrictions next week.

NSW Health has also issued alerts for the Golden Sheaf Hotel in Double Bay and the Albion Hotel in Parramatta

NSW has recorded 560 new COVID-19 cases and three deaths, as the number of daily infections continues to surge

From December 15 density limits will be scrapped, QR check-ins will only be required at high-risk venues, and masks will only have to be worn on public transport, at airports and on planes.

There are currently 158 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 24 people in intensive care, nine of whom require ventilation.

The government has also announced a boost to rebate relief available to eligible sole traders, not-for-profit organisations and small businesses across the state.

They will be able to access up to $2000 - up from $1500 - to offset some NSW and local government fees, including food and liquor licences, event fees and council rates.
Fox News anchor Martha MacCallum clashed with New York Black Lives Matter co-founder Hawk Newsome as they discussed the planned reintroduction of undercover units to the NYPD once Eric Adams becomes the city's mayor after the new year.

Newsome has previously threatened 'riots' and 'bloodshed' on the streets of New York City if Adams reinstates the NYPD's anti-crime units, which were disbanded last year at the height of the violent BLM protests in the wake of the George Floyd killing.

On Friday, during an appearance on Fox News, Newsome accused Adams of attempting to score political party points, while calling out the anchor for her 'white privilege' when she tried to press him on the rampant crime that has plagued the city over the past year.

NYC Black Lives Matter Walter 'Hawk' Newsome, right, defended his criticism of New York City Mayor-elect Eric Adams over reinstating NYPD plainclothes division on Fox News with Martha MacCallum on Friday night

'The mayor is engaging in a political circus. And my parents didn't raise a clown. So, I'm not here to play these circus-type political games with him.

'Look at what happened after we engaged in this back and forth. He was on (Stephen) Colbert, he was on Anderson Cooper, he was on Bill Maher. I made him famous, right, for this spat we had. And if the mayor truly cared about what's best for the city, he would've talked about the things we agreed upon in that meeting. But didn't want to discuss that, Martha. He just wants the hype and the attention,' Newsome said.

Adams, a former NYPD captain, has vowed to bring back the controversial anti-crime units composed of about 600 plainclothes officers that target violent crimes - something BLM has been angry about.

'This is what I'm going to do. That was my promise and I'm going to keep it,' said Adams last month.

New York BLM co-founder Hawk Newsome, pictured during an NYC press conference in September 2021, has threatened 'riots' and 'bloodshed' in the streets if Mayor-elect Eric Adams reinstates the NYPD's anti-crime units

Newsome vowed there would be blood in the streets if Adams went through with his promise.

'There will be riots. There will be fire, and there will be bloodshed. I am not threatening anyone. I am just saying that it's a natural response to aggressive oppression, people will react.'

MacCallum argued that crime in New York has risen since the plainclothes unit was disbanded by Mayor Bill de Blasio.

Newsome responded by citing the city's poverty levels.

'People are starving,' he said.

'People need to be safe, Hawk', MacCallum said. 'They need to know that the police are gonna have their backs.'

'People need jobs and opportunity,' Newsome responded.

'Absolutely, do what you can to keep the kids safe and let the police officers go out and keep those same kids safe,' MacCallum argued. 'They're dying at the hands of gangs.'

Newsome wasn't buying it.

'The things that he's saying, precision policing, focusing on gangs, these are all things that de Blasio said. Crime isn't just up in New York City. It's up around the country, so what is he going to do that's different other than talk?' Newsome said.

Mayor-elect Eric Adams (pictured delivering his victory speech on November 2), a moderate candidate, defeated progressive rivals in June's Democratic primary on a law-and-order ticket, pledging to crack down on violent crime that soared in New York City during the pandemic

MacCallum continued to make her case for the reintroduction of the plainclothes police units.

'The purpose of this unit that he wants to put back on the street was to clean up illegal guns, violence, and hard drugs on the street. So I'm asking you, what is wrong with putting this unit back on the street if it keeps children of New York City and adults safer?'

Newsome again countered.

'Ok, there's this thing called the Constitution. The Fourth Amendment protects us against illegal search and seizure. Secondly, this unit has been responsible for the most high-profile deaths in the city. He isn't saying what he's going to do differently,' he said.

The conversation suddenly turned once Newsome brought up his own experience as a black man at the hands of police.

'You don't know what it's like, you don't know what it's like to be pulled over and thrown up against walls,' he explained.

'You don't know what it's like, you don't know what it's like to be pulled over and thrown up against walls,' Newsome explained during his interview on Fox News

'Come on, don't throw that at me!' MacCallum interjected You know what? I want this whole city of people of every background, faith, color to be safer. What I see on the street is that that not what is happening since this unit was disbanded,' MacCallum explained

'No, I don't. I will cede that to you,' MacCallum agreed.

'You live from a place of white privilege, where you don't ...' Newsome started.

'Come on, don't throw that at me!' MacCallum interjected. 'You know what? I want this whole city of people of every background, faith, color to be safer. What I see on the street is that, not what is happening since this unit was disbanded,' MacCallum said in her defense before attempting to bring the interview to a conclusion.

Newsome, a controversial New York figure who has labeled members of the U.S. government 'terrorists' because the 'government goes and pillages different countries,' last month slammed Adams's hard-nosed approach to bringing back the plainclothes units.

When the BLM leader asked during their sit-down if the stop-and-frisk is coming back, the mayor-elect responded: 'Stop-and-frisk never went away, brother.'

'It's about bringing back a sense of protection in our city and not the disorder we feel at this time,' Adams had said earlier this month prior to being elected, regarding his plan to clean up the city streets - which have seen an influx of violent crime since the start of the pandemic.

New York City recorded a staggering 26 percent spike in shootings compared to the same period last year

Adams plans to reinstate the NYPD's plainclothes police units, which Newsome warned would be greeted with 'riots'. Pictured: People march in Brooklyn after Derek Chauvin court case

According to the latest New York City crime statistics, there has been an almost 25% rise in robberies compared with November 2020.

There were 1,056 incidents in 2020, with 1,317 robberies reported in November 2021.

According to the NYPD's latest monthly numbers, overall crime was up 1.73 percent last month compared with November 2020. Felony assault was up by 8.3 percent.

There has also been an increase in the amount of crime committed in New York City housing complexes, with an 11% rise compared with November 2020 and a 6% increase overall year on year.

In the city as a whole, crime is up on the year to-date some three percent compared to 2020, with an almost 20 percent increase compared with November 2020.

Shootings are also up. Over the last 28 days, there have been 151 shootings, a 26 percent jump compared to the 120 recorded for the same period last year.

Shootings had soared across the city in the summer of 2020 after de Blasio did away with the plainclothes unit in June 2020, after an outpouring of anti-police sentiment following George Floyd's death in Minneapolis and the 'defund the police' movement.
Fears are mounting an Australian town famous for its mining could eventually be shut down.

The development comes after global mining giant Glencore refused to pledge its commitment to the Mt Isa mine in the Queensland outback beyond 2027.

Workers for the Swiss-based multinational company now fear focus will be shifted to a fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) operation, after it was confirmed this week rosters will see work delegated across seven consecutive days in the copper-mining facility, followed by seven days off.

Mt Isa City councillor Kim Coghlan said the population in Mt Isa continues to dwindle, despite the huge mining salaries on offer, an abundance of jobs at all levels and zero Covid cases.

She feels the sense of community is virtually non-existent, pointing to children's sport suffering due to a lack of available volunteers.

Fears are mounting Mt Isa, an Australian town famous for its mining, could eventually be shut down

The development come after global mining giant Glencore this week refused to pledge its commitment to the Mt Isa mine in the Queensland outback beyond 2027

Workers also fear a series of fly in, fly out (FIFO) workers will eventually be introduced after it was announced the new rosters from Glencore will see seven straight days of work underground, followed by seven days off

Some cafes are currently not trading each Sunday because they cannot attract staff, and even the local McDonald's and Bunnings are battling to recruit workers.

'We know in the community what's going to happen. If people have seven days off [in a row], some families are going to move away,' she told The Australian.

'They will take off to Townsville or head up to the Gulf to go fishing. We will (just) have to adapt, like we always have.'

Matt O'Neill, Glencore's chief operating officer, said copper reserves in the almost century-old mine are currently at a very low level, and the new seven-day on, seven-day off rosters were vital to improve productivity for 2022 and beyond.

But uncertainty surrounding the future of the Mt Isa Copper Operation - despite the value of copper being tipped to rise significantly over the next few years - has left many on edge.

'Desert paradise' Mt Isa, 1800km northwest of Brisbane, was once a venue similar to Kalgoorlie in Western Australia and Broken Hill in NSW where many families relocate to strike it rich, digging up copper, zinc and lead.

Mount Isa did everything mining was supposed to do for Australia, but now it's facing a crisis that will require it to adapt or possibly fade away (pictured: Girls picinicing in Mount Isa)

Some cafes are currently not trading each Sunday after being unable to attract staff, and even the local McDonald's and Bunnings are battling to recruit workers

Fast forward to 2021 and entry-level mine jobs in Mt Isa are readily available for just under $100,000 with three-bedroom homes well under $500,000.

In some places, they are around the $300,000 mark.

So why are people leaving in droves?

Local Troy Lusk, of Mount Isa Four Wheel Drive Services, believes that is the million dollar question.

He recently advertised for a mechanic with an accompanying salary of $125,000 - but had no suitable takers, so he hired his own son Trent as an apprentice.

Lusk also believes it is a case of people not being prepared to move out of their life comfort zones.

Countless mining jobs with huge salaries are on offer in Mt Isa in Queensland, but they are not being filled

Being geographically isolated is also a factor - many people are happy to work for less money if they are closer to Australian capital cities

Geographical isolation in Mt Isa is also a factor, and many workers also know they can earn six figure salaries - or close to it - in close proximity to capital cities.

For many families, money talks - but in terms of people relocating to Mt Isa, it appears alternative 'safer' options have taken precedence.

Glencore chief operating officer O'Neill also pointed to the pandemic changing people's priorities - in a personal and professional sense.

'As a business, we need different modes of people working  fly-in, fly-out, working remotely, residential or whatever other version there is,' he said.

'Flexibility and the way organisations and communities adapt to this is important. 'You want to be in front of the times, not behind it.'
The federal treasurer is warning Australia's states against overreacting to the new Omicron variant of COVID-19.

'The Omicron variant is a reminder of the challenges we face but states need to keep calm and carry on,' Josh Frydenberg told reporters on Saturday.

In a positive sign for the economy, Mr Frydenberg said business investment was at its strongest since the mining boom a decade ago.

The federal treasurer Josh Frydenberg (above) is warning Australia's states against overreacting to the new Omicron variant of COVID-19

'States need to keep calm and carry on,' Mr Frydenberg told reporters on Saturday

Next week's Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook will show that investment is up 16 per cent.

Non-mining investment will reach its highest recorded level - $200 billion.

However, the treasurer said the post-pandemic economic recovery depended on states staying the course on reopening.

The post-pandemic economic recovery depended on states staying the course on reopening according to Mr Frydenberg

While the health implications of the new variant are still being figured out, Mr Frydenberg said the early signs were reassuring.

'The virus is certainly highly transmissible but perhaps not as severe as other variants,' he said.

He said high vaccine rates mean states should be able to avoid extreme measures like lockdowns and border closures.

The federal government is focused on reopening borders to international students and other visa holders, after delaying the move by two weeks.

Mr Frydenberg said high vaccine rates mean states should be able to avoid extreme measures like lockdowns and border closures

The federal government is focused on reopening borders to international students and other visa holders, after delaying the move by two weeks

It's also extended COVID-19 biosecurity measures governing controls around who can enter and leave the country until February 17.

They allow the continuation of mandatory COVID-19 testing for people wanting to fly into Australia as well as mask-wearing on international flights.

The rules also cover restrictions on international arrivals from high-risk countries, unvaccinated Australians wanting to go overseas, and controls on cruise ships.

The federal government will allow the continuation of mandatory COVID-19 testing for people wanting to fly into Australia as well as mask-wearing on international flights

Mr Frydenberg's comments come after Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly advised national cabinet it was still early days for Australia's understanding of the Omicron variant.

Leaders agreed to continue considering international border settings consistent with a suppression strategy and as more evidence emerges about Omicron's severity and transmissibility and the efficacy of vaccines against it.

Meanwhile, cases continues to rise in NSW. The state reported 560 new infections on Saturday, the highest in two months. Three people died.

Leaders agreed to continue considering international border settings consistent with a suppression strategy

Victoria announced 13 new virus deaths on Saturday although seven occurred in November and their reportage represented an amendment to existing data. The state's infection tally of 1193 was the sixth in a row of more than 1000.

Eleven more people were diagnosed with COVID-19 in the ACT, taking the total number of active cases there to 76. South Australia reported six local cases and Queensland and the Northern Territory one each.

NT Health Minister Natasha Fyles says new restrictions have been imposed on the small communities of Barunga and Beswick near Katherine after the virus was detected in wastewater.

Government will take into account evidence that emerges about Omicron's severity and transmissibility and the efficacy of vaccines against it

Australia's 16-plus full vaccination rate sits at 88.9 per cent

A 72-hour mask mandate will be imposed in Barunga. A lockout will apply to people in Beswick, where the vaccination rate is lower at 64 per cent.

Alice Springs residents have also been asked to be on high alert after a wastewater detection.

Australia's 16-plus full vaccination rate sits at 88.9 per cent.

More than two million children aged between five and 11 will be eligible for Pfizer shots from January 10.

Australia's immunisation advisory body signed off on giving younger children a Pfizer dose one-third of the usual strength.

Jabs will be spaced eight weeks apart for under-12s and bookings will open in late December.
A Kansas police officer's three-month-old puppy was shot and beheaded in what police officers described as a 'targeted attack' because of the owner's job.

On December 3, a Parsons Police Department officer reported her three-month-old puppy named Ranger had been killed.

The unidentified officer said she let the pure-bred black German Shepard out into a fenced yard in Parsons, located 100 miles from Wichita, at about 7 am and found the puppy in the yard beheaded at about about 2 pm

On December 3, a Parsons Police Department officer reported her three-month-old puppy named Ranger (pictured) had been killed

Due to it being a 'targeted attack' of an officer's home, the Parsons Police Department is offering a $1,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest

Police said the puppy was killed at a separate location, where he was shot in the head and then decapitated before he was returned to the officer's yard.

Police say they believe the killer or killers targeted the innocent pup because it's owner was an officer.

'This is disgusting enough that it was done to an animal in our community, but when you add in that this appears to be a targeted attack on the home and personal property of a police officer, this makes it nothing more than a hate crime,' Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks said in a statement.

Spinks called the people responsible for the beheading 'cowards.'

'I cannot even describe my feelings of disdain for the person(s) responsible. I am an avid dog lover as I have made it clear to the community over the years that I have been here, I have 2 rescue dogs, one that I adopted from our local shelter,' Chief Spinks added. 'The level of cowardice that would lead someone to kill a little puppy named 'Ranger' is astonishing.'

Police said the suspects are facing felony charges of animal cruelty and trespassing.

Due to it being a 'targeted attack' of an officer's home, the Parsons Police Department is offering a $1,000.00 reward for information that leads to an arrest.

'This reward is offered due to the alarming nature of this crime,' the police department said. 'If someone is willing to mutilate an innocent puppy due to the very nature of the owner's career, then it is possible that the suspect is willing to go even farther into the criminal underbelly and attack innocent children or family member to make a statement.'
Around 100 students from a New York middle school left class in the middle of the school day on Friday to protest what they say is 'rampant sexual harassment from peers'.

The young students, consisting mainly of teenage girls from Tompkins Square Middle School, headed to nearby Tompkins Square Park to air their grievances and make their voices heard in public.

The group addressed their fellow classmates as they detailed how girls who attend the school are subjected to unwelcome comments and touching from boys who go there.

The protesting teens said they had to take their voices out onto the street after feeling school officials were doing little to curb the behavior.

About 100 pupils from Tompkins Square Middle School walked out of class on Friday. The group consisted mainly of teen girls who say they are sexually harassed by boys

'We hear rape jokes and sexual assault jokes being made left and right... nothing is being done about it,' 13-year-old Esme Thorne, who helped to organize the demonstration, told the New York Daily News.

'I've gone to the bathroom crying multiple times because of it it's really sad we don't feel safe in our school anymore,' Esme added as she explained how a boy who harassed her was given an in-school suspension where the boy was able to complete school work from the office.

'That's no punishment,' Esme said.

Aside from being abused physically and verbally, the students are also subjected to homophobic and racist jokes to the point at which some students are unable to concentrate in class, another protesters said.

'Kids are super distracted from their work because they're so afraid to be in their classrooms,' organizer 13-year-old Rain Barak, explained.

Educators blame pandemic's lack of in-person teaching for anti-social behavior. Pictured, Tompskins Square Middle School is pictured

One girl told how she would wear 'sweaters with my jeans because I feel uncomfortable to walk around school with revealing clothing.

'I should be able to wear what I want without worrying I'm going to distract this boy, because I'm not wearing it for them, I'm wearing it for me,' the student added.

Teachers at the school believe online learning that was required during the pandemic saw toxic behavior among students worsen because of the distinct lack of informal lessons on how to behave in society, coupled with the increased amount of time the children were spending on the internet and on social media.

'These kids just finished a year and a half with functionally no structure,' one teacher from the school told the Daily News. 'During that time they were online the entire time and the internet is a terrible place. Homophobic, racist, sexist comments were normalized by virtue of these kids having free rein on the internet 24/7.'

Some teachers say they felt constrained through online teaching, particularly when it came to sex-education classes, with worries they might be being watched or recorded by parents at home.

ollowing walkout, staff are vowing to suspend those responsible and take a tougher line on such behavior against fellow pupils going forward

'It's no wonder things are a mess, we're floundering trying to come up with solutions,' the teacher added.

'Interventions need to take place, open, frank conversations acknowledging the problem. It's not enough to just deal with the individual issues as they come up you are leaving out the dozens of kids not receiving the message,' the teacher explained. 'Until you attack it at its root, change isn't going to happen.'

The problems faced by Tompkins Square Middle School are said to be reflected in schools across the country.

City public school social workers and guidance counselors have reported a flood of student challenges ranging from kids in acute mental health crisis to social media disputes that spill over into classrooms.

Quadira Coles, deputy program director at Girls for Gender Equity says that sexual harassment was a problem in city schools long before COVID struck but the problem was made worse because of the pandemic.

'We've seen this exacerbated because of the pandemic and the way young people are experiencing other in this virtual, digital world,' Coles explained.

During the Tompkins Square protest, students explained how they were particularly frustrated at the response by school officials who seemed to look at the problem on a case by case basis rather than systemically.

Students caught perpetrating such anti-social behavior also appeared to receive relatively light or ineffective punishments.

'Harassment of any kind has no place in our schools and we're providing supports to Tompkins Square to ensure these students and the larger school community know their safety and well-being is our number one priority,' Education Department spokesman Nathaniel Styer said in a statement.

'The school took immediate action by suspending the accused students and a Title IX team will be on-site next week to directly assist with trainings, investigations and quick implementation of the school's action plan.'

Student, Esme, who was behind the protest told the News that she believes things may now start to change given the success of Friday's walkout.

'Seeing pretty much the whole school down there, it was so amazing. So many people were there, so many people shared and used their voices. It was such an empowering moment,' she said.

'That made it all so much better and easier. I do love my school. I don't think my school is a bad place... I know we have the potential to do better.'
An alternative Australian fashion label has been slammed by shoppers for quietly discontinuing its plus-size fashion range.

Dangerfield discretely axed its Curve Clothing range which stocked sizes 22 to 24 in August 2021 without offering an official statement or explanation.

The brand has also removed its 'Curve' size option entirely from its website and heavily discounted its existing plus-size stock, which ranged from sizes 18 to 24.

Dangerfield discretely stopped stocking sizes 20 to 24 as part of its Curve clothing range in August 2021 (pictured, a model showcasing Dangerfield's plus-size range)

After a slew of public backlash - which accused the brand of alienating part of the plus-size community - Dangerfield released an official statement on Friday.

'We pride ourselves on being an inclusive brand and recognised that the Curve range was not giving our loyal customers enough choice and appropriate fits,' the brand wrote on Instagram.

'In August 2021, we made the decision to expand our straight size range up to a size 20.

Dangerfield released a statement on Friday saying the brand prides itself 'on being an inclusive brand'

'The Curve range used to only have 62 styles and now because of the changes we have made, our customers have access to over 638 styles up to a size 20.'

'We received feedback on our size 22 and size 24 in regards to fit, and we are working on what this will look like in future collections.'

Dangerfield urged customers shopping for those sizes to contact the company for updates.

'Within the next few weeks, we will receive an exciting initiative that will be donated to front line workers that is produced in a size range from size 6 - 24,' the statement said.

'This is part of our inclusivity strategy ensuring all members of our community have the opportunity to wear what they love.'

But the brand's response didn't sit well with social media users who blasted the company for preaching the opposite of size inclusivity by limiting their range to size 20.

Customers slammed the brand on social media for removing its curve range which featured sizes 22 to 24

'Why not just include sizes 22 and 24 in your straight size range to begin with? People over size 20 need to wear clothes too,' wrote one person.

'How can you pride yourself on being inclusive when you've literally just done the opposite of that,' commented another.

'Why not make styles in the Curve range available from the start? Where you even going to announce it if people didn't start complaining?' added a third.

An email obtained by Pedestrian TV sent from Dangerfield to a customer earlier this year, revealed shoppers were dissatisfied about the limitations of its Curve range.

The email also said it received mixed feedback about its sizing, with customers complaining styles ran larger than industry standard 18 to 24 sizes.
A New Jersey window washer was killed Friday morning after he plummeted more than a 100 feet while cleaning on 21-story Brooklyn building.

Diego Rodriguez Celi, 34, of Harrison, New Jersey, fell from the 12th floor of the building at 135 York Street in Dumbo.

He had reportedly landed on second-floor balcony or parapet, according to police sources.

The cause of the fall is being investigated and Celi's equipment is being checked as it is believed his harness may have been broken.

Celi was working for New Line Structures and Development, which has had 115 complaints lodged against it by workers since the company started in 2017.

New Jersey window washer Diego Rodriguez Celi, 34, was pronounced dead on Friday after he fell off a 21-story building in Brooklyn

Celi had been working at a construction site for the company New Line Structures and Development at 135 York Street in Dumbo

Celi's cousin Bolivar said that he had never heard any complaints about the job from him about it being unsafe.

'I spoke this morning with him and he was happy,' Celi told the Daily News. 'He didnt have any problems with it.

'Hes hard-working. Hes quiet. Hes a young man. It was an accident. I dont know what happened.'

Celi was remembered as being 'happy' about his job and had no complaints about it

Despite these claims, nine workers have reportedly made complaints against the company regarding safety hazards.

Some of these complaints have included a worker suffering from chest pains and another who had hurt his back after lifting heavy materials by himself.

A worker had also been hospitalized after falling off a four-story building, according to city records.

The company was fined in May by the Buildings Department after inspectors discovered workers were not using equipment that met the manufacturer's standards.
An iconic part of Kiwi life, the corner 'dairy' could face extinction because of Jacinda Ardern's radical proposed ban on tobacco sales.

Plans to make New Zealand smoke-free beginning with a ban on young people buying cigarettes, could have a devastating impact on the 4,000 small family-owned corner stores known as 'dairies'.

The plan will see smoking phased out, with anyone aged 14 never permitted to buy cigarettes from 2025, and older generations restricted to low-nicotine products.

Now some health experts across the ditch in Australia are calling for similar measures to stub out smoking Down Under.

Plans to make New Zealand smoke-free beginning with a ban on young people buying cigarettes could have a devastating impact on the 4,000 small family-owned corner stores known as 'dairies'

An iconic part of Kiwi life, the corner 'dairy' could face extinction because of Jacinda Ardern's radical proposed ban on tobacco sales

The plan would see smoking phased out, with anyone aged 14 never able to buy cigarettes from 2025, and older generations restricted to low-nicotine products

Crucially, the plan will slash the number of shops allowed to sell the addictive product, placing many dairies in peril.

Of the 8,000 retailers (which include supermarkets) that are currently licensed to sell tobacco in NZ, fewer than 500 will be allowed to continue stocking the product, Associate Health Minister Dr Ayesha Verrall said.

Those shops won't be compensated for lost revenue, in potentially disastrous news for the many dairies that rely heavily on tobacco sales to survive.

Kiwis have grown up with a dairy walking distance from their front door, making them an intrinsic part of 'Kiwiana' culture, immortalised in photography and art.

The government proposal led by the New Zealand PM will see smoking eventually eradicated from society

The arrival of supermarket giants in NZ in the 1980s meant Kiwis stopped buying their staples such as bread, milk and vegetables in dairies and the shops turned to selling junk food and tobacco to survive.

Cigarette sales make up more than half of the turnover for some, including High Street Dairy in Taranaki, its owner Janet Lin told stuff.co.nz.

'Customers come and buy the cigarettes and tobacco, they never come and buy the milk or the bread,' Ms Lin said.

She says she 'cannot afford' the change and will be forced to sack staff.

Many family-run dairies would not be compensated for lost revenue from losing tobacco sales, potentially disastrous news for the many dairies that rely heavily on them to survive

The bans on cigarette sales could see many dairies collapse, said Dairy and Business Owners Group chairman Sunny Kaushal.

'We all want a smokefree New Zealand, but destroying dairies and lives and families in the process is not the way. That would happen, Mr Kaushal said.

It will force most to change their business models to improve revenues, while many would have to sell up.

It is understood the Kiwi franchise-holder for the giant North American Circle K chain, owned by the Canadian multinational Alimentation Couche-Tard, wants to convert at least 100 dairies to its model.

Over 15,000 Circle K stores - most franchisees - operate in the United States, Canada and Europe.

Officials in NZ believe the country will save $5billion in health costs related to smoking as a result of the smokefree 2025 action plan (stock image)

That franchise holder, Pamma Retail Group, already has four Circle K stores in downtown Auckland.

Another chain operator, Night n'Day - which has around 50 convenience stores around NZ - has built a model beyond the traditional dairy.

It heavily markets hot food deals - especially fast food - and also ice cream and coffee sales.

About one in five premature deaths each year in NZ is directly attributable to smoking, according to NZ's Ministry of Health.

'Around 5000 people die each year in New Zealand because of smoking or second-hand smoke exposure. That's 13 people a day,' a health ministry statement said.

But heart disease is an even bigger killer, responsible for claiming over 6,000 lives a year in NZ, which equates to 18 lives a day.

NZ's rate of heart disease is higher than the OECD average.

NZ plans to become the world's first smokefree nation after 2025

Some Australian health experts have praised the Kiwi plan and are calling for more to be done Down Under to stub out smoking.

Professor Carol Gartner in a paper for the Medical Journal of Australia said Australia should be looking at similar measures to NZ.

'Cigarettes do not meet modern consumer product safety standards,' Gartner and her colleagues wrote.

'It is normal for governments to remove unsafe products such as contaminated food, asbestos, and lead paint from the market.

'We don't want to criminalise people and are not talking about making tobacco an illicit product... but we need to start doing research now and consulting on acceptable alternative options.'

But not everyone is convinced by NZ's radical plan.

Former Australian Labor Leader Bill Shorten publicly expressed his doubt surrounding NZ's radical smokefree proposal, saying it could lead to an explosion in black market sales.

Speaking on Channel Nine's The Today Show, the Shadow Minister for Government Services told co-host Sylvia Jeffreys the aim to eradicate the deadly habit across the Tasman was a healthy approach - but also fraught with danger.

'I was uneasy when I read about this....Both my parents died of catastrophic heart attacks and they were both long-term smokers. I'm no fan of smoking,' Shorten said on Friday morning.

'On the other hand, we've had a lot of government in our lives... we are basically saying smoking is illegal, it will lead to a black market in cigarettes.'

Up to 13 Kiwis die every day from smoking related illnesses but even more die from heart disease
John Griffin, 44, of Stamford, Connecticut has been arrested charged with enticing minors to engage in unlawful sexual activity

A CNN producer for fired anchor Chris Cuomo's has been charged in a plot to lure a mother and her young daughter to come to his home to 'train' her to be sexually submissive.

John Griffin, who worked on the CNN show New Day when Cuomo was its host, was charged Friday with three counts that he used a 'facility of interstate commerce to abuse underage girls.'

A Vermont grand jury indicted 44-year-old Griffin, from Stamford, Connecticut, of attempting to entice the girls to engage in sexual activity.

'According to the indictment, between April and July of 2020, Griffin utilized the messaging applications Kik and Google Hangouts to communicate with people purporting to be parents of minor daughters, conveying to them, among other ideas, that a 'woman is a woman regardless of her age,' and that women should be sexually subservient and inferior to men,' according to a statement from the Department of Justice on the case.

Griffin who was a producer with CNN is alleged to have sought to persuade parents to allow him to 'train their daughters to be sexually submissive'

The statement goes on to state that he 'attempted to entice two other children over the internet to engage in sexual activity.'

Griffin, who began working for CNN in 2013 on New Day when Chris Cuomo was its host, was suspended by the embattled network.

In his most recent role, he was a producer for CNN senior political analyst John Avlon.

He faces 10 years to life in prison if convicted on each federal count.

'We take the charges against Mr. Griffin incredibly seriously,' a CNN spokesperson said on Friday. 'We only learned of his arrest this afternoon and have suspended him pending investigation.'

In the communications, Griffin is said to have tried to persuade parents to let him train their daughters to be sexually submissive toward men.

In June 2020, Griffin told a mom of two girls, aged 9 and 13 that she needed to have her daughters 'trained properly.'

Griffin is alleged to have sent her $3,000 in order to pay for plane tickets so that she could travel with her daughters from Nevada to Boston, according to the indictment.

After the trio flew to Boston, Griffin collected them at the airport before driving them to his home in Ludlow, Vermont.

Griffin worked shoulder-to-shoulder with former lead anchor Chris Cuomo on the show New Day

Prosecutors say the girl was forced to engage in illegal sexual contact.

Other allegations in the indictment detail how Griffin allegedly tried to entice two other children online in order to participate in sexual activity.

In April 2020, Griffin coordinated a 'virtual training session' in which he instructed a woman and her 14-year-old daughter to remove their clothes during a video chat.

Two months later, in June 2020, prosecutors claim Griffin offered to pay for a woman and her 16-year-old daughter to come to his ski house in Vermont for sexual 'training' involving the teen.

Griffin is then said to have mentioned how he 'sexually trained girls as young as 7 years old,' according to the indictment.
A pair of restaurant owners who fell victim to a brazen $30,000 gnocchi heist have made a hilarious 'Taken' parody after the haul was set on fire.

Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers restaurant shared the clip of the famous 2008 film Taken - famously starring Liam Neeson - after learning their delivery truck was set alight.

'Negotiations with the gnocchi bandit, surrender or face the punishment,' they wrote on Instagram.

Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers restaurant shared a hilarious parody of the famous 2008 film Taken (actor Liam Neeson, pictured) after thieves stole a delivery truck containing $30,000 worth of gnocchi

In the video a worker is seen reciting a parody monologue from the blockbuster movie - where he tells the thieves 'If you turn yourselves in now that will be the end of it'.

'I will not look for you and I will not pursue you'

'But if you don't I will look for you, I will find you, and I will make you wash the dishes at Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers for the rest of your miserable life.'

The owners revealed in an Instagram post the truck had been located after the thieves attempted to set the vehicle and its 'golden nugget evidence' on fire.

Ben Cleary-Corradini (right) and Theo Roduner (left) own the Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers

'Thank you to the team from Springfield Police Station for locating our missing gnocchi delivery truck,' they wrote on Thursday.

'Unfortunately, in an attempt to destroy the golden nugget evidence, the gnocchi thieves attempted to set our gnocchi and truck on FIRE.

'We want to thank everyone who shared our stories and help spread the word. Now remember people, Gnocchi should be BOILED, not burnt alive.'

Restaurateurs Ben Cleary-Corradini, 40, and Theo Roduner, 37, previously called on the community for help offering a reward of Italiano Spritz and bottomless bowls of the delicious gnocchi.

Brazen potato-pasta bandits took off with the vehicle as the delivery driver was carrying a box into the cool room of the Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers South Bank restaurant in Brisbane (pictured) at about midnight on Sunday

The brazen potato-pasta bandits took off with the vehicle as the delivery driver was carrying a box into the cool room of the Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers restaurant in South Bank, Brisbane, on Sunday night.

When the driver returned to the loading dock, the Toyota Hilux refrigerated truck and its precious cargo had vanished without a trace.

'It's a shame for the gnocchi. I really feel sorry for the poor gnocchi. I know that sounds ridiculous but a lot of work went into making it,' Mr Cleary-Corradini told Daily Mail Australia.

'I hope the truck is returned but for god's sake I pray they treat the gnocchi with care. Please don't throw it out, it's a beautiful fresh gnocchi.'

The iconic Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers chain prepares the Italian favourite at their 'Gnocchi Love Factory' in Everton Hills and then delivers the product to their eight restaurants in Brisbane with their own trucks and drivers

The Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers chain prepares the Italian favourite at its 'Gnocchi Love Factory' in Everton Hills and then delivers the food to its eight restaurants in Brisbane with its own trucks and drivers.

They planned to drop off stock in the truck at three locations on Sunday, but were targeted on the first delivery run at South Bank in what is potentially Australia's largest gnocchi heist.

The best mates and business partners hit the street in the surrounding areas hoping a gang of kids may have taken the vehicle for a 'joy-ride' and dumped it by the side of the road.

But the search has come up empty handed.

The theft is a bitter blow in the wake of the Covid pandemic which devastated much of the country's hospitality sector.

The delivery truck (pictured) was located by Springfield Police on Thursday after thieves had attempted to set the vehicle and its $30,000 gnocchi haul on fire

'It's not only about the loss of the vehicle and the gnocchi, but it's the replacement costs, the time cost and the extras with insurance,' Mr Ben Cleary-Corradini explained.

'We've had to go out and spend thousands renting a replacement vehicle for this month because we have to make deliveries tonight.

'These costs are exactly what we are trying to avoid right now just as we are starting to recover from the Covid lockdowns.'

The bizarre robbery comes after another Italian restaurant in Brisbane was targeted last year.

Two thieves broke into Beccofino at Teneriffe in the inner city using an angle grinder and stole and array of produce.

Among the haul was cheese, cuts of meat, salami, ham, prosciutto, and a large amount of pasta.
A harrowing Facebook video, posted from inside a Kentucky candle factory, gives an idea of the horror faced by those trapped by debris after deadly tornados tore through the South and Midwest on Friday night.

The video, credited to Kyanna Lou, lasts about 1 minute and 41 seconds and is largely in complete darkness with multiple voices - apparently candle factory workers - heard crying in the background as they beg for help after the tornado struck a candle factory in Mayfield.

'I don't know who's watching,' a woman is heard saying. 'We got hit by a hurricane. I'm at work in Mayfield and we are trapped.'

'Please y'all, give us some help. We are at the candle factory in Mayfield. Please, please. Y'all! Please send us some help. Somebody please send us some help, we are trapped.'

The woman then gave further details of the workers' conditions.

'The wall is stuck on me,' she added. 'Nobody can get to us, y'all, we can't move.'

Kyanna Lou, the woman believed to be on the Facebook video asking for help as she and other workers were trapped at a candle factory in Mayfield, Kentucky

Lou begging for help, saying 'the wall is stuck on me' and that nobody can get to the factory to assist them

Mayfield Consumer Products prior to the tornado, where workers from the candle factory are currently stuck

A storm watcher claimed that fire personnel have arrived on the scene to try and help the factory workers

Mayfield, Kentucky, was the scene of devastation on Friday night after a tornado smashed through the centre, ripping the tower off the Victorian courthouse

Storefronts in Mayfield, KY, were ripped open and their contents flung onto the sidewalk

She is then heard telling someone else in the room to 'calm down' before continuing.

'Please y'all, pray for us, get somebody to come and help us. A tornado... and the building fell. We were all in the safe shelter place. The whole building fell. We are stuck.'

Chris Jackson, a storm watcher, said just before 1am that fire personnel had arrived.

'We have multiple cars kinda fused into a tractor-trailer, the candle factory was apparently 120,000sq ft and the entire building is gone and there is at least 1 vehicle sitting in what used to be the middle of the building,' he tweeted.

As of midnight, no deaths were reported in Mayfield, where a 'severe' tornado struck, though Kentucky State Police say loss of life is 'expected.'

One analyst measured the debris as traveling up to 30,000 feet in the air, a near record.

The tornadoes left a path of destruction that killed a nursing home resident in Arkansas and another person in Missouri, trapped workers inside a collapsed Amazon warehouse in Illinois and leveled Mayfield - home to about 10,000 people.

Mayfield, KY, was devastated by the tornado on Friday night

Large trees were uprooted and a dark shadow hung over the skies of Mayfield, Kentucky on Friday night

At least 1 killed, 5 hurt when tornado ripped off the roof of the Monette Manor Nursing Home in Monette, AR. 68 people inside at the time #ARTornado #ARwx pic.twitter.com/ZcmP905cJM  melissa moon (@MMoon_WREG3) December 11, 2021

Emergency crews were on the scene in Monette, Arkansas, where two people died in a nursing home collapse

The Amazon warehouse in Edwardsville, Illinois, was pictured on Friday night with its roof ripped off after a tornado swept through the area

The huge tornado is seen as a black shadow in the sky, as emergency crews respond to the warehouse in Edwardsville

Lightning bolts can be seen in the distance as the emergency workers tried to free those trapped inside the Amazon warehouse

ALERT*** If you live in or near MAYFIELD, you need to be underground if at all possible. Get to shelter NOW!  NWS Paducah, KY (@NWSPaducah) December 11, 2021

This is the Outskirts of Mayfield, KY. Hard to make a path in to downtown because roads are impassable with the amount of debris in the road pic.twitter.com/VaIngBIWNU  Brandon Lane (@INstormchasing) December 11, 2021

Mayfield had the grim distinction of being hit by among the most intense storms on record, with debris thrown 30,000 feet into the air, according to storm trackers.

Around Mayfield there was 'absolute devastation', said Brett Adair of Live Storms Media.

Craig Ceecee, a meteorologist and researcher at Mississippi State university, described the Mayfield storm as 'among the most intense ever recorded'.

He said it was 'an extremely violent tornado'.

'Communities being hit hard. And we won't know how bad it is until morning. We have to think and pray for those being affected,' he tweeted.

Mayfield, founded in the early 19th Century, saw its main street battered by the storm.

Many of the Victorian buildings were severely damaged, including the courthouse, built in 1888 - the fourth such building on the site.

The courthouse was renovated in 1990.

Mayfield's residents, 35 percent of whom are classed as living in poverty, according to the census, work mainly in manufacturing and food processing, the Graves County economic development board says.

The governor of Kentucky declared a state of emergency on Friday evening.

Andy Beshear activated the Kentucky Guard and Kentucky State Police to respond to the destruction in western Kentucky.

So far, no fatalities have been confirmed but officers said 'loss of life is expected,' according to WLWT.

Multiple agencies are responding and assisting Kentucky State Police.

The governor said he will providing an update with Kentucky Division of Emergency Management officials at 5am Saturday.

'We are praying for our Western Kentucky families,' Beshear said in a tweet.

Two people were killed in a nursing home in Monette, Arkansas, according to KARK, and residents of the small town in the north east of the state were ordered to shelter in place.

Crews at the scene reported the nursing home had partially collapsed, with five others injured and as many as 20 people trapped, according to Craighead County Judge Marvin Day.

Melissa Moon, a reporter with WREG3, tweeted a photo of the severely damaged Monette Manor nursing home, with what appeared to be a mangled bed in the parking lot.

Almost 300 miles to the north of Monette, Southern Illinois Fire Incidents confirmed a 'mass casualty incident' at the Amazon warehouse in Edwardsville and said more than 20 units of emergency responders were attending the scene.

'About a third of the warehouse is torn down and damaged from either straight by line winds or tornado,' tweeted Jenna Rae, with Illinois's KMOV station.

One woman said she was speaking to a family member inside the warehouse as the storm hit.

'He was on the phone with me while it was happening,' Aisha White told KMOV.

'The tornado was hitting the back of the building, the trucks were coming in, I told him to jump out the truck and duck.

'We watched the building go up, stuff hitting the cars, I told him I was on my way.'

J.B. Pritzker, governor of Illinois, tweeted: 'My prayers are with the people of Edwardsville tonight, and I've reached out to the mayor to provide any needed state resources.'

Richard Rocha, an Amazon spokesman, said: 'The safety and well-being of our employees and partners is our top priority right now.

'We're assessing the situation and will share additional information when it's available.'

And across the region, tornadoes on Friday night were barreling through parts of Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee and Kentucky - with one becoming what a storm chaser said was the first quad-state tornado in U.S. history.

A tornado watch was in place until 2am CST.

Photographs posted on social media in Arkansas showed tornadoes touching down on Friday night

Just a heartbreaking scene at Monette Manor Nursing Home. Prayers that somehow everyone is ok. #arwx pic.twitter.com/kRNcpznNo2  Brian Emfinger (@brianemfinger) December 11, 2021

I-55 near Caruthersville, MO with multiple semis thrown across the interstate after a wedge tornado moved through this spot. #mowx #arwx @MyRadarWX pic.twitter.com/bubQBYQlWm  Aaron Jayjack (@aaronjayjack) December 11, 2021

The Graves County Emergency Management Office says if you live in Mayfield and can walk safely, you should head to Fire Station House 1 at 211 E Broadway street. There will be buses to help transport people. @JackKaneWPSD shared these photos of some of the damage there. pic.twitter.com/YJUQv5HnoD  WPSD Local 6 (@WPSDLocal6) December 11, 2021

Footage on social media from across the region showed huge swirling towers of storm clouds sweeping across the plains.

Storm chasers photographed the tornado near Caruthersville in Missouri, along the I-55.

Video showed multiple semis thrown onto their sides, twisted in the road.

Observers speculated that the tornado was at four or even five on the Enhanced Fujita (EF) scale.

Wind speeds of between 136 and 165mph are found in EF4 tornados, and of 200mpg in EF5 tornados.

Chris Jackson, a professional storm chaser, said that he had seen tractor trailers in Steele, Missouri, lifted off the ground and flung into the air.

'A second tractor trailer was picked up and thrown on I-55 near exit 17,' he tweeted.

'Just spoke to the driver. Has some minor cuts but is ok.'

Jackson said that emergency responders were flocking to the area, with their lights flashing as they raced to help people.

He said the power was down along the I-69 between Troy and Mayfield, Kentucky.

Cut our way into Mayfield - absolute devastation from what we can see of it so far. Search and Rescue ongoing all over along US 45  Brett Adair (@AlaStormTracker) December 11, 2021
Comedian Dave Hughes' words have come back to haunt him after he told attendees of the AACTA awards to 'shut up' if they test positive for Covid in 'the next few days'.

A food and beverage operator tested positive to Covid-19 after working at the Sydney Opera House during the AACTA Awards on Wednesday.

Host Dave Hughes - an outspoken critic of Covid lockdowns - prophetically joked to the star-studded audience: 'If any of you in the next few days get Covid, we need you to shut up.'

Comedian Dave Hughes (pictured) told attendees of the AACTA Awards 'If any of you in the next few days get Covid, we need you to shut up,' days before a worker tested positive

'Just be quiet, stay home, but do not ring us.'

'We're all double-vaxxed alright, we're all okay'.

Hughes then went to joke about mask wearing and state Covid-19 restrictions - at one point comparing WA Premier Mark McGowan to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

All attendees were required to be double-vaccinated for the lavish event which included guests such as comedian Rebel Wilson and actor Simon Baker.

All attendees were required to be double-vaccinated for the star-studded event

Concerns about potential transmission of the virus were raised after it was revealed the food and beverage attendant worked at the event while infectious.

'The Sydney Opera House has been advised that an employee of a food and beverage operator who worked at the Opera House from 8  9 December has tested positive for Covid-19,' an Opera House spokesperson said.

'A thorough cleaning of affected areas has been carried out and we are taking all necessary steps as required by NSW Health.'

NSW Health said they are investigating the event as a 'low-risk' exposure site after the state recorded 560 new COVID-19 cases and three deaths on Saturday.

A food and beverage operator has tested positive to Covid-19 after working at the Sydney Opera House during the AACTA Award (pictured, radio host Brittany Hockley and comedian Rebel Wilson were guests at the AACTA Awards)

Opera House guests are not required to take any action unless they have been informed by NSW Health (pictured, director Baz Luhrmann)

Opera House guests are not required to take any action unless they have been informed by NSW Health.

'The Opera House currently has a number of measures in place in line with our Covid safety plan and our commitment to the health and safety of everyone on our site,' the spokesperson said.

The new cases mark the highest-daily tally recorded in NSW since October 9, two days before lockdown lifted, and the second day in a row with more than 500 cases.

Health authorities are concerned festive season celebrations are driving the spike in cases, and are urging caution.

'The transmission in these types of settings is contributing to the increase in cases in NSW,' Dr Jeremy McAnulty said on Friday.

'We urge people not to attend any of these social functions or venues if you have any symptoms at all, even if mild.'

NSW Health is already battling to contain several large transmission events.

A trivia night at a Sydney pub sparked a new cluster of cases, with at least 46 patrons testing positive to the virus after attending the Oxford Tavern in Petersham on November 30.

The worker was infectious while the star-studded event, which included guests such as comedian Rebel Wilson and actor Simon Baker, unfolded on Wednesday (pictured, comedian Hamish Blake with his partner Zoe)

Health authorities are concerned festive season celebrations are driving the spike in cases, and are urging caution

Authorities are also concerned about 140 passengers who embarked on a Sydney Harbour cruise on Friday night which has so far resulted in five cases of the Omicron variant.

The number of people diagnosed with the Omicron variant of COVID-19 in NSW has reached 42.

NSW Health has also issued alerts for the Golden Sheaf Hotel in Double Bay and the Albion Hotel in Parramatta.

Woody's Surf Shack Night Club in Byron Bay has also been linked to at least three cases, while an event at the Coorabell Hall on Saturday night has resulted in 16 cases so far.

NSW Health has also issued alerts for the Golden Sheaf Hotel in Double Bay and the Albion Hotel in Parramatta

There are 150 COVID-19 cases in hospital, with 25 people in intensive care.

Premier Dominic Perrottet is urging 'confidence, hope and optimism' ahead of the end of most restrictions next week.

From December 15 density limits will be scrapped, QR check-ins will only be required at high-risk venues, and masks will only have to be worn on public transport, at airports and on planes.

There are currently 158 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 24 people in intensive care, nine of whom require ventilation.

The government has also announced a boost to rebate relief available to eligible sole traders, not-for-profit organisations and small businesses across the state.

They will be able to access up to $2000 - up from $1500 - to offset some NSW and local government fees, including food and liquor licences, event fees and council rates.
Police are desperately searching for a four-year-old girl who vanished from her home in the early hours of the morning and has not been seen since.

Tasma was last seen at her South Hedland home in remote Western Australia at 5am on Saturday.

The toddler was reported missing to police by her family at about noon.

'Despite extensive police patrols and inquiries at the residences of several family members, Tasma has not been located,' police said in a statement.

She is thought to be wearing black shorts and a blue shirt.

Anyone who has any information about the little girl's whereabouts is urged to contact police immediately.
The Foreign Office plans to reduce its staff count by almost a quarter within the next four years in a move that could have severe consequences for Britain's international prestige, experts have warned.

Civil servants working in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office have been hit with the news that staff numbers will be cut by 20 per cent by 2025, reports the Times.

The FCDO faced a barrage of criticism over its handling of the evacuation of Afghanistan in August, exacerbated by junior mandarian Raphael Marshall's extraordinary whistleblower testimony.

Mr Marshall warned soldiers had to be drafted in for desk work in the Foreign Office when colleagues insisted on putting their 'work life balance' first. He also claimed thousands of pleading emails were opened, but were not dealt with.

Another source of frustration of civil servants in the FCDO has been the planned merger with the Department for International Development, which has yet to come to fruition.

Lord Ricketts, a former Foreign Office permanent secretary, warned a reduction in staff numbers would ultimately scupper Britain's global reputation and impact 'our foresight or capacity to see problems coming'.

'Further cuts in FCDO numbers now seems to be completely incompatible with rhetoric about Global Britain,' he added.

Civil servants working in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office have been hit with the news that staff numbers will be cut by 20 per cent by 2025. Pictured: Foreign Secretary Liz Truss at the G7 summit in Liverpool

FCDO civil servants were told that a voluntary redundancy scheme will be opening soon to help staffing numbers be cut by 20 per cent. Pictured: An empty Whitehall, London

Civil servants were told that a voluntary redundancy scheme will be opening soon to help staffing numbers be cut by 20 per cent.

Staff are already said to be grappling with low morale after the FCDO's top mandarin Sir Philip Barton admitted there were 'lessons to be learned' from the bungled Afghanistan withdrawal.

It comes on top of an incomplete merger with the Department for International Development that employees fear will result in unequal pay and a 'culture clash', between teams, reports the Times.

An FCDO spokesperson told MailOnline: ' FCDO strategic workforce planning will ensure that we have the right capabilities to deliver on our international priorities as set out in the Integrated Review.

'As the Foreign Secretary has said, we must deploy our diplomacy and development expertise to advance freedom, democracy and enterprise around the world.

'We have committed as part of the Spending Review to make 5% cost efficiencies from our budgets, which will be delivered across a number of areas including our estate, non-aid programmes, Arms-Length Bodies and our workforce.'

But warning of the devastating impact of the 'massive' reduction in headcount, Lord Ricketts said Foreign Office posts were now 'hollowed out with very small numbers to actually go out and do diplomacy, do development work, be on the ground and understand what's going on'.

His comments were echoed by Sir Paul Lever, ex-ambassador to Germany, who told the Times that the planned cuts would affect Britain's 'presence and performance' on the international stage.

He said: 'You cant absorb a cut of 20 per cent across the board in staff while continuing to do all the things you used to do... they wont be able to maintain the same level of presence and performance.

'They will therefore need to be more ruthless in choosing what the priorities are.'

Lever suggested more funding would be needed to combat existing cuts in language training for staff in foreign-facing roles.

It comes as Sir Philip Barton told shocked MPs he stayed on holiday for 11 days after the dramatic fall of Kabul - as he admitted there are 'lessons to be learned' from the Afghanistan debacle.

During an extraordinary committee hearing, Sir Philip Barton (left) revealed that he did not return from a break until August 26, nearly two weeks after the government collapsed and handed the Taliban control. He was slammed by MPs including Tory Alicia Kearns (right)

During an extraordinary committee hearing, the top mandarin revealed that he was on leave from August 9 and did not return until August 26, nearly two weeks after the government collapsed and handed the Taliban control.

He refused to say where he was on holiday, but disclosed that it was partly in the UK and partly abroad - trying to play down the impact on the crisis response by saying he had put cover in place and at the time he left there was 'no inevitability' about the situation spiralling.

'If I had my time again I would have come back from my leave earlier,' Sir Philip said. Furious MPs questioned when he had booked the trip - and why he was allowed to be off at the same time as Dominic Raab, as well as the national security adviser and the head of the Home Office.

The 185,000-a-year mandarin - who has a pension worth 1.7m - said the evacuation from Kabul following the collapse of the government was 'one of the most complex and challenging crises we've had to face'.

But he conceded there were ways it could have been handled better and he 'wished' the operation had been able to get more vulnerable people out.

Sir Philip, senior colleagues and former Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab are all scrambling to fend off damning testimony from a junior civil servant who claims that at times they had been the only person dealing with thousands of emails from those desperate to flee the Taliban.
A Royal Navy serviceman who suffered an 'unexplained death' at a nuclear submarine base has been named as Stephen Cashman.

The engineering technician, 25, is believed to have been found dead in the barracks at HM Naval Base Clyde, known as Faslane, just outside the town of Helensburgh in Argyll and Bute on Thursday.

Police Scotland was called to the scene at 12.30pm and is now leading the investigation.

Defence sources had earlier suggested the deceased worked as a junior crew member on a Vanguard-class vessel, which carries Britain's Trident missiles.

A post-mortem examination will now take place to determine the exact cause of death.

A Royal Navy spokesperson said: 'It is with great sadness that we can confirm engineering technician Stephen Cashman died on Thursday December 9.

'Our thoughts and sympathies are with Stephen's family and friends at this difficult time and we request their privacy is respected.'

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: 'A post-mortem examination will be carried out to establish the exact cause of death which is currently being treated as unexplained.

Stephen Cashman (pictured), 25, is believed to have been found dead in the barracks at HM Naval Base Clyde, known as Faslane, just outside the town of Helensburgh, Argyll and Bute, on Thursday December 9.

Emergency services were scrambled to Faslane on the Clyde at around 12.30pm yesterday following the tragedy

The death at Faslane is being treated as unexplained

'A report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.'

A Royal Navy spokesman added: 'Faslane is home to the UK's four nuclear submarines, HMS Vengeance, Vanguard, Vigilant and Victorious, which together operate the country's continuous at-sea deterrent.'

As well as the nuclear submarines, Faslane is home to the Royal Navy Astute class vessels, the First Mine Counter Measures Squadron, Fleet Operational Sea Training (Submarines), 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines and the Northern Diving Group, with total personnel on site numbering 6,800.

The site inspired the fictional base used in hit BBC drama Vigil, starring Suranne Jones and Martin Compston, and in the James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me, the secret agent - then played by Roger Moore - was briefed about submarines at Faslane.

The UK's four nuclear submarines, armed with Trident missiles since 1996, have been based at HMNB Clyde at Faslane since 1968.

Faslane inspired the fictional base used in hit BBC drama Vigil, starring Suranne Jones and Martin Compston (pictured)

A secondary base at Coulport, less than ten miles away, is where missiles are routinely stored.

Some 6,800 people are employed at Faslane, with a further 200 at Coulport.

The Royal Navy's association with Faslane - which lies on the eastern shore of Gare Loch - stretches back as far as the First World War.

It was in the loch that the steam-propelled HMS K13 sank in 1917 after her engine room flooded during sea trials.

In the Second World War, large jetties and a railway were built at Faslane to accommodate arrivals of troops and supplies on large ships from across the Atlantic.

After the conflict ended in 1945, the base was used to break up old navy vessels. The last battleship to be scrapped in Britain, HMS Vanguard, was taken apart at Faslane in 1962. The base was also used as a home for submarines.
Lego can be a better investment than gold, art and financial securities, according to a study.

It found that the secondary market for old Lego sets surges by 11 per cent annually, faster than bullion, stocks, bonds, stamps and wine.

The study even claimed that the value of old sets was rising during the 2008 financial crash.

The research means Brits could have a gold mine of old toys gathering dust in their lofts and cupboards.

Lego can be a better investment than gold, art and financial securities, according to a study. Pictured: Star Wars' Millennium Falcon set

It found that the secondary market for old Lego sets surges by 11 per cent annually, faster than bullion, stocks, bonds, stamps and wine

The study even claimed that the value of old sets was rising during the 2008 financial crash

Researchers suggest several reasons for the spike in 'retired' Lego's value including limited quantity, a scarcity of 'retired' sets being resold and even fewer being flogged in good condition, and Lego's decades of popularity.

Experts looked at the prices of 2,322 Lego sets from 1987 to 2015 for the study.

The most expensive ones include Star Wars' Millennium Falcon, Death Star II, and Imperial Star Destroyer, plus models of the Cafe on the Corner and Taj Mahal buildings.

The research also found Barbie dolls, superhero mini figures, or model cars and trains are sought after items for collectors.

The research means Brits could have a gold mine of old toys gathering dust in their lofts and cupboards

Russia's Higher School of Economics University (HSE) carried out the study, suggesting Lego collectors are among the savviest investors as they can resell for huge returns.

HSE University's Victoria Dobrynskaya said: 'Investors in Lego generate high returns from reselling unpacked sets, particularly rare ones, which were produced in limited editions or a long time ago.

'Sets produced 20-30 years ago make Lego fans nostalgic and prices for them go through the roof.

'But despite the high profitability of Lego sets on the secondary market in general, not all sets are equally successful, and one must be a real Lego fan to sort out the market nuances and see the investment potential in a particular set.'

Experts looked at the prices of 2,322 Lego sets from 1987 to 2015 for the study

The data included information on primary sales and online auction transactions of new unopened sets.

Secondary market prices usually start to grow two or three years after a set is retired.

But there is a significant variation in returns ranging from minus 50 per cent to more than 600 per cent annually.

Prices of small and very big sets grow faster than prices of medium-sized ones.

That is most likely because small sets often contain unique parts or figures, while big ones are produced in small quantities and are more attractive to adults.

The most expensive ones include Star Wars' Millennium Falcon, Death Star II, and Imperial Star Destroyer, plus models of the Cafe on the Corner and Taj Mahal buildings

Prices of thematic sets dedicated to famous buildings, popular movies, or seasonal holidays tend to experience the highest growth on the secondary market.

Another attractive category includes sets that were issued in limited editions or distributed at promotional events, as rarity increases their value from the collectors' perspective.

It comes after Lego vowed to remove gender stereotypes from its toys, after a survey revealed how boys fear they will be 'made fun of' if they play with toys marketed for girls.

The famous Danish firm, the world's largest toymaker, says its products are primarily used by young boys.

But it says it will now work to remove gender bias from its toys and push towards products aimed at both genders.
Talks over a new bailout for Transport for London (TfL) are continuing as a transport workers' union calls for a long-term settlement.

The Department for Transport (DfT) said it is in talks with TfL to provide more money for London's public transport as it recovers from a loss of earnings due to the pandemic.

DfT has provided 4 billion in emergency funds to TfL to cover the provider's loss of fare revenue since March 2020.

Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, has said that without Government money Londoners could see a reduction in Tfl services

A DfT spokesperson said: 'Government has repeatedly shown its commitment to supporting London's transport network since the start of the pandemic, providing more than 4 billion in emergency funding to Transport for London.

'In addition to the emergency funding, this year's Spending Review settlement for London provided over a billion pounds of capital investment per year, in line with previous funding.

'This is at a time of significant pressure on national finances.

'We are in discussions with TfL on funding beyond December 11, and any future support provided will focus on getting TfL back on to a sustainable financial footing in a way that is fair to taxpayers across the country.'

The deadline for a deal to prop up London's services is today but TfL has said the Government is likely to extend funding into next week while talks are ongoing.

Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, has said that without Government money Londoners could see a reduction of 10 per cent of Tube services, 20 per cent of bus services and more closures of the Rotherhithe Tunnel.

Mr Khan has previously indicated that without a solution to TfL's funding crisis, whole Tube lines could close - with the 115-year-old Bakerloo Line mooted to be axed.

TfL staff are in the middle of a series of strikes over rota changes to facilitate the return of the Central and Victoria line Night Tube services

The mayor has said that he will not be able to balance TfL's books until at least the 2024/25 financial year and has announced a cull of 500-600 staff members at mainly central London stations to bring down spending.

Union chiefs are hoping that a long-term settlement will protect TfL jobs while staff are in the middle of a series of strikes over rota changes to facilitate the return of the Central and Victoria lines Night Tube.

Transport Salaried Staffs Association general secretary Manuel Cortes said: 'TfL staff and passengers are desperately waiting to hear some good news that their jobs and services will be there to keep our capital city running.

'We hope that this extension of talks will bring some much-needed Christmas cheer. There will be absolutely no Christmas cheer in another short-term deal for TfL.

Londoners could see a reduction of 10 per cent of Tube services, 20 per cent of bus services and more closures of the Rotherhithe Tunnel if the funding gap is not addressed

'TfL needs a long-term, fair funding deal which protects and enhances our capital's transport services. Anything less than that will be an utter betrayal by this Government.'

Rail, Maritime and Transport union general secretary Mick Lynch said: 'More brinkmanship, more deadlines pass, yet more uncertainty.

'Our transport key workers who will have to keep the capital moving through the latest coronavirus crisis are being treated in a shameful way.

'As the TfL board acknowledged this week, this wrangling means endless uncertainty for the people on the front line of the pandemic.

'As they approach Christmas, sick with anxiety about their own futures, it is no wonder they are also preparing for widespread industrial action to save their jobs and livelihoods.

'This is no way to fund a global city's public transport system.'
Russia would face 'severe consequences' if it invaded Ukraine, the Foreign Secretary has warned ahead of a meeting of G7 foreign ministers in Liverpool.

Liz Truss said the UK would aim to damage the Russian economy if it made an incursion into Ukraine, as she prepared to lobby allies during weekend talks to become less dependent on Moscow for cheap gas.

She will accuse Russia and China of 'trying to erode our liberties' during a speech at the Museum of Liverpool today as part of the UK's year-long G7 presidency.

The Cabinet minister will also urge allies from the US, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan to present a united front against 'malign' behaviour by Russia in a meeting today.

US intelligence officials say Russia has stationed about 70,000 troops near its border with Ukraine and has begun planning for a possible invasion as soon as early next year.

Foreign Secretary Lizz Truss has warned Russia would face 'severe consequences' if it invaded Ukraine ahead of a meeting of G7 leaders in Liverpool over the weekend

The Cabinet minister will also urge allies from the US, Canada , France, Germany, Italy and Japan to present a united front against 'malign' behaviour by Russia in a meeting today

Liz Truss said the UK would aim to damage the Russian economy if it made an incursion into Ukraine, as she prepared to lobby allies during weekend talks to become less dependent on Moscow for cheap gas (pictured, Russian President Vladimir Putin)

US intelligence officials say Russia has stationed about 70,000 troops near its border with Ukraine and has begun planning for a possible invasion as soon as early next year

President Joe Biden has spoken with Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the leaders of Germany, Italy and France - dubbed the Nato 'quint' - twice this week as they deliberate on how to deal with the threat.

Ms Truss, asked by broadcasters how likely an invasion was, repeated her assertion that it would be a 'strategic mistake' for Moscow to send troops across the border - something she wants the G7 to 'spell out' over the next two days.

'What the G7 meeting this weekend that's taking place is about a show of unity between like-minded major economies that we are going to absolutely be strong in our stance against aggression, against aggression with respect to Ukraine,' she said.

'There will be severe consequences if anything were to happen, but also make sure that we're building security and economic relationships with like-minded partners, including Ukraine, to protect them in the future.'

Ms Truss sidestepped questions about whether there could be a British military response to an invasion, saying only that Defence Secretary Ben Wallace had been in Ukraine 'very recently' as the UK helps to build Kiev's defence and security capability.

A deal struck last month will see UK warships and missiles sold to Kiev.

President Joe Biden (left) has spoken with Prime Minister Boris Johnson (right) and the leaders of Germany, Italy and France - dubbed the Nato 'quint' - twice this week as they deliberate on how to deal with the threat

Ms Truss, asked by broadcasters how likely an invasion was, repeated her assertion that it would be a 'strategic mistake' for Moscow to send troops (pictured, taking part in drills near the Ukraine border) across the border

The Foreign Secretary added that the UK was working with allies to 'make sure there would be severe economic consequences' if Russia sent troops into Ukraine.

She said Britain would also be pushing for an 'alternative to Russian gas supplies' in a bid to establish stronger energy security.

'There have been decisions made by the free world in the short term to obtain cheap energy or cheap financing, and that has a long-term cost for freedom and democracy,' the former trade secretary said.

'And we can't make that mistake again.'

And she will call on the 'world's most influential democracies to take a stand against aggressors who seek to undermine liberty and send a clear message that we are a united front,' in a thinly veiled threat to Russia.

Ms Truss and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken 'expressed deep concern' about the amassing of Russian troops at the border with Ukraine during their meeting ahead of G7 foreign ministers gathering in Liverpool on Saturday.

A spokesman from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said: 'Both agreed their support for Ukraine and expressed deep concern about the build-up of Russian troops on Ukraine's border.

'In addition, they said that any incursion by Russia would be a strategic mistake for which there would be serious consequences.

'The Foreign Secretary and Secretary Blinken both agreed on the importance of defending and promoting freedom and democracy, and the need for a unity of purpose from the G7 to achieve this.'

The pair also spoke about tech and security co-operation while stressing the 'need for Iran to meaningfully engage on a nuclear deal', the FCDO added.

Ms Truss also met new German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock, during which they spoke about the 'need to stand up to autocratic regimes that threaten the free world', unity in the face of Russia's 'threat' to Ukraine, the Northern Ireland Protocol and the European migrant crisis.

Over the course of the weekend, the Foreign Secretary will hold bilateral meetings with counterparts from the G7 countries and the EU, as well as guest countries - such as Australia and South Korea - joining the event at the Museum of Liverpool.

On Sunday, she will host plenary sessions on global health security as well as regarding the Indo-Pacific region, with foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations joining the G7 meeting for the first time.

It comes after the UK's integrated review on foreign policy announced a 'tilt' towards the Indo-Pacific, in a move seen as aiming to counter China's growing influence in the region.

With the UK on Friday recording the highest number of Covid-19 infections since January, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said overseas attendees in Liverpool would have to take a PCR test before being admitted to the event, with daily testing on-site.

The gathering will be the second in-person meeting of G7 foreign ministers this year, following a session in London in May, which was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab before his demotion from foreign secretary to Justice Secretary during the Cabinet reshuffle in September.
A man who beat and raped a woman while banning her from eating or drinking and imprisoning her in a room for four days, has been jailed for 22 years.

Abdul Awil abused the victim between approximately 28 September and 1 October last year, at a property in Kensington, west London.

The 29-year-old was sentenced at Harrow Crown Court on Friday.

Detectives said Awil, 'took advantage of a vulnerable female who trusted him, and subjected her to such violence that no human being should ever have to endure.'

Abdul Awil, 29, was found guilty of grievous bodily harm with intent, false imprisonment and two counts of rape

The victim said Awil attacked the woman known to him in the house as she was arriving home from birthday celebrations and forced her into a room.

He assaulted her repeatedly, leaving her unconscious, and banned her from eating or drinking.

She eventually sought refuge at a family member's house after four days and her cousin then called an ambulance.

Police were called by the London Ambulance Service (LAS) to an address in Kensington on Friday, 2 October, 2020.

Detective Constable Gemma Harkin, who led the investigation, said: 'Awil has, at every turn, denied responsibility for his actions.

Awil was sentenced at Harrow Crown Court (pictured in a file image) on Friday

'He took advantage of a vulnerable female who trusted him, and subjected her to such violence that no human being should ever have to endure.

'The victim has displayed immense courage in coming forward and we hope that she finds some comfort in the sentence which has been handed down.

'I would urge any victims to please talk to us. We have specially trained officers who work closely with partner organisations to provide the right support.

'Please do not suffer in silence - we are here to help and will do all we can to pursue prosecutions and achieve justice.'

Awil was found guilty of grievous bodily harm with intent, false imprisonment and two counts of rape. He was also issued with a Restraining Order for life.
Six months ago both her feet were amputated & replaced with mechanical ones

At one stage Ms Rodriguez recalls witnessing a blackened toe fall off in her hand

A Sydney socialite has opened up about her life and death battle after malaria left her so sick she needed both feet amputated.

Stephenie Rodriguez, 52, endured an 18-month nightmare when she contracted cerebral malaria from a mosquito bite in Lagos, Nigeria.

The single mother and digital entrepreneur was speaking at a business gathering of travel executives who invited her for a photo shoot next to a pool of stagnant water.

Stephenie Rodriguez, 52, (pictured) had both her feet amputated after contracting malaria during a business trip in Nigeria 18 months ago

Ms Rodriguez (pictured) at one point witnessed her own toe fall off into her hand

It was there that Ms Rodriguez believes she was bitten three times by a mosquito on her left ankle, reported The Sydney Morning Herald.

During her trip to West Africa she had conscientiously doused herself in insect repellant, after she suffered a bad reaction from an anti-malarial drug in the past.

Days later after flying to India, Ms Rodriguez began to feel tired and exhausted - something she described as 'out of character', but put down to 'compound jet-lag'.

Her next stop was Boston, it was Ms Rodriguez' first time in the US, but her trip was abruptly cut short when she was rushed to hospital after struggling to eat and drink.

An infectious diseases specialist confirmed Ms Rodriguez, had cerebral Malaria just twenty hours later, but by then she had fallen into a coma.

Ms Rodriguez (pictured) believes she was bitten three times by a mosquito on her left ankle while posing for a photo in a stagnant pool of water in Lagos, Nigeria

Doctors gave Ms Rodriguez a two per cent chance of survival after Artesunate - a drug used to treat severe malaria - sent her into septic shock and organ failure.

In a last ditch effort to save her life doctors used vasopressor drugs to redirect blood flow from her limbs to her vital organs.

'It was the last trick in the bag, and they cautioned my family that if I survived, there would be collateral damage,' she said.

'The vasopressors robbed my feet and hands, the things furthest from my heart, of blood and like frostbite, the areas without blood and oxygen began to die.'

Doctors had given Ms Rodriguez a two per cent chance of survival

The drugs caused her feet and hands to blacken from necrosis and at one point she witnessed her own toe fall off into her hand.

'It was horrible, absolutely horrible. Completely unimaginable,' she said reflecting on the traumatic moment.

After being airlifted back to Australia, doctor's advised Ms Rodriguez would have to undergo an above the knee amputation along with several fingers.

Horrified by the thought she held off on the procedure, instead undergoing multiple skin grafts and surgeries to see if her condition would improve.

Eventually, she had to have her remaining toes amputated and slowly came to the realisation she couldn't put it off any longer.

Wheelchair bound and unable to stand from unbearable pain, Ms Rodriguez underwent drastic surgery to have both feet amputated and replaced with above-ankle bilateral osseointegrated implants and mechanical feet.

'It's bizarre, but I had to cut my feet off to walk again,' she said.

Titanium rods are now fused into her shin bones.

In a last ditch effort to save her life doctors used vasopressor drugs to redirect blood flow to her vital organs but this caused her feet to enter Necrosis

A radical new surgery - which involved the amputation of both feet and the installation of two mechanical feet - has now given Ms Rodriguez the ability to walk again

Attached to the ends of each rod via an allen key are a pair of prosthetic feet which now allow Ms Rodriguez to move freely again.

Thirty six surgeries later, Ms Rodriguez is the first woman in Australia to receive the implants and mechanical feet, thanks to Australian professor, Munjed Al Muderis.

The Iraqi refugee who became a leading surgeon of robotic limbs convinced her that giving up her blackened dead feet was her only hope of walking again.

Following surgery and hours of painful rehabilitation Ms Rodriguez' celebrated a recent achievement of being able to walk in a pair of 4cm kitten heels again.

'I never really felt 'dressed' until I had a pair of killer heels on; the higher, the better. That's just the sort of girl I was... still am,' she said.
Taliban gunmen shot dead one police officer and wounded another protecting polio vaccination workers in north-western Pakistan, officials today confirmed.

The terror group struck out in Tank, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on the second day of a five-day anti-polio drive in a bid to vaccinate more than 6million children.

Two gunmen riding a motorbike 'opened fire' on a police security detail that was escorting the polio vaccinators - killing one on the spot and critically wounding another, eyewitnesses confirmed.

Mohammad Khurasani, spokesman for Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, known as the Pakistani Taliban, claimed responsibility for the attack.

The Taliban had previously denounced the polio vaccine as a 'Western conspiracy' and 'bio-weapon' that would endanger children.

The terror group promised violent attacks against those found to be supplying and using it.

Saturday marked the first time the TTP had attacked those involved in a vaccination effort since announcing the end of a one-month ceasefire with the Government.

Two police officers were shot, one killed, by Taliban gunmen in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Saturday. Pictured: Pakistani security officials stand guard at a roadside checkpoint in Karachi

The terror group struck on the second day of a five-day anti-polio drive in a bid to vaccinate more than 6million children. Pictured: A healthworker gives a polio vaccine to a child in Peshawar, Pakistan

Police officer Sajjad Ahmed said two gunmen on a motorbike opened fire on the police team escorting the polio vaccinators in the Chaddarah area, killing one constable on the spot and critically wounding a Frontier Constabulary officer.

Members of the vaccination team were unhurt.

Pakistani militants often target polio teams and police assigned to protect them, claiming the vaccination campaigns are a Western conspiracy to sterilise children.

It was the first attack since the TTP on Friday announced the end of a one-month ceasefire with the government.

The truce had been announced in November amid peace talks between the two sides.

The attack took place in the district of Tank in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on the second day of a five-day anti-polio drive to vaccinate 6.5 million children, said Aimal Khan, speaking for the vaccination campaign.

Saturday marked the first time the Pakistani Taliban had attacked those involved in a vaccination effort since announcing the end of a one-month ceasefire with the Government

Pakistan and neighbouring Afghanistan are the only two remaining countries in the world where polio is endemic, after Nigeria was last year declared free of the virus.

Vaccine hesitancy remains high in the country, partly due to a botched CIA plan to oust Osama Bin-Laden in the early 2010s, according to Warwick University researchers.

The study, released in May, claimed the 2011 operation led to a decline in overall vaccine rates by up to 40 per cent the following year.

The CIA's ruse saw free hepatitis B vaccines offered to children living near a compound in Abbottabad, where US intelligence had placed the former Al Qaeda leader.

A local doctor was recruited to make the programme look authentic  but the real goal was to try to confirm that Bin Laden was hiding in the region by obtaining a DNA match.

The CIA already had DNA from Bin Laden's sister, who died in 2010, and were hopeful of getting a sample to compare it with from any of the terror chief's children.

News of the plot emerged shortly after a US military special operations unit killed Bin Laden on May 2, 2011. It was seized upon by the Taliban and used to fuel conspiracy theories discrediting official public health programmes.
Police have launched a hunt to find a missing nursing assistant who vanished from south London nearly two weeks ago.

Petra Srncova, 32, who lives in Camberwell, was reported missing on Friday, December 3 by a concerned colleague.

She works at Evelina London Childrens Hospital, which is next to St Thomas' Hospital.

Petra Srncova, 32, who lives in Camberwell, was reported missing on Friday, December 3 by a concerned colleague

Petra, a senior nurse assistant, is believed to have left the hospital at 7.45pm on Sunday, November 28, wearing a green coat and carrying a red backpack at the time.

It is understood that she withdrew money from a cashpoint, before getting onto a bus towards Elephant and Castle.

She is then thought to have changed to a new bus travelling towards her home address in Camberwell, where she was last seen at 8.22pm.

Police have contacted her family in her native Czech Republic and they have not heard from her.

A man has been arrested in connection with her disappearance and taken into custody. Police are not releasing further details of this arrest at present.

The Evelina hospital said on Twitter: 'We are extremely concerned about our valued colleague Petra who is missing.

'We want to encourage anyone who may have any information that could help to find her to contact the police."'

Officers are growing increasingly concerned for Petras welfare and are asking anyone who has seen her, or has information as to her whereabouts, to make contact immediately.

MP Harriet Harman (pictured) speaks in Camberwell, London, as she heads a search party and hands out missing posters of Petra Srncova

Harriet Harman, MP for Camberwell and Peckham, has called on the public to help search for Petra, and will help put up posters near her home on Saturday

Harriet Harman, MP for Camberwell and Peckham, has called on the public to help search for Petra, and will help put up posters near her home on Saturday.

She will also hold a press conference in the area later on Saturday.

Detective Superintendent Clair Kelland, from the Central South Command Unit which covers the area that Petra lives in, said: 'We continue to grow increasingly worried about Petra and we are doing everything we can to try and find her.

'Her disappearance is out of character and, of course, her loved ones are extremely concerned and want to know where she is.

'Please think about if youve seen her, or maybe come into contact with her. If you have any information whatsoever, please get in touch and help us with our enquiries.'

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or tweet @MetCC referencing 21MIS037753.
Australians will be able to for their first Covid booster shot just five months after their second jab with the mandatory waiting period brought forward from six months.

The move by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation means 1.5 million Australian will be eligible to get their third dose from Sunday, along with a further 2 million by Chirstmas.

The vaccine regulator brought the waiting period forward for those aged over 18, as cases of the highly transmissible Omicron variant continue to surge in Australia.

Australians will be able to for their first Covid booster shot just five months after their second dose

The Daily Telegraph reported ATAGI will recommend that Moderna and Pfizer can be administered as a boosters regardless of which vaccine the patient initially received.

'A booster dose, five or more months after the second dose, will make sure that the protection from the primary course is even stronger and longer lasting and should help prevent spread of the virus,' Health Minister Greg Hunt said.

'Data from Israel shows boosters supporting reductions in the rate of infection in eligible age groups, severe disease in those aged over 40 years and deaths in those over 60 years.'

Associate Professor Paul Griffin, from the University of Queensland, said immunity can start to wane months after receiving a second shot.

'I think in time that might be considered, we might have more of a risk-based approach,' he said.

'Some of the highest risk activities, such as health care or aged care, might consider three doses as a minimum.'

Prime Minister Scott Morrison (pictured) flagged Covid boosters shots could be brought forward in the fight against the new Omicron strain of the disease

Booster Covid jabs have been proven to offer 75 per cent protection against mild illness caused by the super-mutant Omicron strain, according to government data in the UK.

Experts are confident that three doses will provide significantly greater immunity against severe illness and death from the highly-evolved strain now causing concern across the globe.

In people who had their second dose more than three months ago, effectiveness against symptomatic disease could be lower than 40 per cent for Pfizer and virtually zero for AstraZeneca.

Mr Morrison on Friday said he would be discussing accelerating the booster shots with state and territory leaders at National Cabinet.

Booster Covid jabs have been proven to offer 75 per cent protection against mild illness caused by the super-mutant Omicron strain

'We are continuing to review the evidence about how that time period for the booster shot might be able to be reduced,' Mr Morrison said.

'We're working with the medical experts on those issues.'

He added: 'I want to encourage Australians, if you're eligible for your booster, go and get it.'

But the move to speed up the booster programme comes just a week after the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation had initially ruled it out - only to backtrack on their advice.

Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly said last Friday there was no evidence to show a benefit to speeding up that cycle, despite the new Omicron variant.

'Is [Omicron] more severe? We don't know yet. But at the moment, there is the evidence that it's mild or the same,' he said in Canberra.

'It is only in the last few weeks this has been circulating in South Africa and elsewhere. They are seeing a rise in hospitalisations there.

'But even hospitalisations they are seeing with the Omicron variant are not any more severe than previous.'

Experts are confident that three doses will provide significantly greater immunity against severe illness and death from the highly-evolved strain now causing concern across the globe. Pictured: A ovid-19 pop-up vaccination clinic at Ashfield in Sydney

It comes as ATAGI also signed off the Pfizer vaccine rollout for children aged 5-11 from next month, but the PM stressed parents would decide if their child would be jabbed.

Pfizer vaccines to be given to children contain one-third of the standard dose.

'This is another important step forward in our vaccination program,' said the PM on Friday.

'There are no more important decisions that you make, then those you make about the health and wellbeing of your children.'

Mr Morrison said the approval of vaccines for younger children would come as a relief to parents.

'They can have peace of mind knowing this has the tick from the best medical regulators in the world,' he said.

ATAGI has now signed off the Pfizer vaccine rollout for children aged 5-11 from next month, but the PM stressed parents would decide if their child would be jabbed
Victoria Derbyshire's brother has caught Covid at a Christmas meal with friends despite being triple-vaccinated.

The BBC presenter, 53, revealed on Twitter that 17 of the 21-strong group - all of whom were vaccinated - have been infected with the virus and that her sibling, Nick Derbyshire, 51, 'feels rough' and is in isolation.

The journalist warned it 'shows how rapid transmission can be with Omicron' - later adding that the point of her tweet was to raise awareness about the transmissibility of the disease.

It comes as the mutant strain is surging across Britain, with one expert warning today that people are 'very likely' to meet someone infected with the variant unless they are 'living the life of a hermit'.

Ms Derbyshire said: 'My brother's triple-jabbed - the third one was Pfizer 3-4 wks ago.

'He's just got Covid & feels 'rough' & is isolating.

Victoria Derbyshire (pictured), 53, revealed on Twitter that 17 of the 21-strong group - all of whom were vaccinated - have been infected with the virus and that her sibling, Nick Derbyshire, 51, 'feels rough' and is in isolation

Nick Derbyshire (pictured) is a former English first-class cricketer who now runs an e-commerce company in London, although it is not yet known where the meal took place

Ms Derbyshire added that the point of her tweet (pictured) was to raise awareness about the transmissibility of the disease

'Had a Xmas meal out with a load of mates last Friday - all of them vaccinated - 17 out of 21 of them have now tested positive.' [sic]

Mr Derbyshire is a former English first-class cricketer who now runs an e-commerce company in London, although it is not yet known where the meal took place.

Mail Online has contacted him for comment.

His sister's tweet has received hundreds of comments from her 150,000-plus followers.

One wrote: 'If he feels rough from Covid after 3 jabs then he must be very glad he had them, otherwise he could be looking at hospitalisation,' to which Ms Derbyshire replied: 'Yes he is.'

Another agreed that the triple jab will likely be minimising his symptoms, to which she added: 'Yep it is - he's never going to be near a hospital but shows how rapid transmission can be with Omicron.'

With cases of the variant doubling every three days in Britain, health chiefs are urging people to use testing and social distancing to avoid a spike in cases over Christmas.

UK Health Security Agency data shows that Omicron may now be behind 8.5 per cent of infections. The figures are based on the proportion of PCR tests failing to detect a specific gene, an early indicator of the variant. PCRs look for three genes to confirm a Covid infection, but with Omicron one is so mutated that they only pick up two of them

The above map shows the ten areas that have the most confirmed and suspected Omicron cases in England, according to the UK Health Security Agency. West Northamptonshire is the country's hotspot for the mutant strain, although eight in ten areas on the list are in London

Eleanor Riley, a professor of immunology and infectious disease, said on Saturday that Omicron is spreading so fast that people are 'very likely' to meet someone infected with the Covid-19 variant unless they are 'living the life of a hermit'.

The University of Edinburgh academic also warned 'a lot of people' could still end up in hospital even if the coronavirus mutation proves to provoke milder symptoms than the Delta variant.

Prof Riley told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'Omicron is spreading so quickly that, I think, unless you are living the life of a hermit, you are very likely to come across it in the next few weeks.

'I don't think anyone should be going around thinking they are not going to catch it, I think that situation has changed.'

She added: 'There is a huge 'if' about this, 'is it milder?'. I think it is very dangerous to compare data from South Africa, say, to the UK.

'Even if it is milder and, therefore, a smaller proportion of infected people end up in hospital, given that so many people are going to come across this virus, even a small proportion of a lot of people is a lot of people in hospital.'

The highly-transmissible mutant strain is likely to make up most cases of Covid in Britain over the next two weeks, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said in a report yesterday, and could reach one million infections by the end of this month.

It comes as leaked advice from the body, sent to health secretary Sajid Javid, called for 'stringent national measures' to be brought in by December 18.

In a document marked 'official, sensitive', sent from UKHSA to Mr Javid, seen by the Guardian, the body warns: 'The key point is that under a range of plausible scenarios, stringent action is needed on or before 18 December 2021 if doubling times stay at 2.5 days.

'Even if doubling times rise to around 5 days, stringent action is likely still needed in December.'

It adds: 'The rapid spread of Omicron means that action to limit pressures on the health system might have to come earlier than intuition suggests.'

London also appears to be faring badly this time around, with Omicron thought to blame for Government data showing the capital has the England's fastest growing Covid outbreak.

All of the city's 32 boroughs are seeing cases tick upwards, and Omicron has been found in every corner of the city.

Hospitalisations and deaths in the capital remain flat but both measures lag behind by several weeks because of how long it can take for someone who has caught the virus to become seriously unwell.

Public health chiefs in the capital say they are taking the new threat 'extremely seriously', and that it could take over in the city in as little as two weeks.

Scotland is the other Omicron hotspot, with concerns of a 'tsunami' of cases prompting Nicola Sturgeon to introduce stricter self-isolation rules.

Announcing Friday that entire families will now have to self isolate if one member of their household tests positive for the virus, she said the variant could become dominant within days.

Speaking following yesterday's Cobra briefing, cabinet minister Michael Gove said: 'The meeting I've just chaired with First Ministers of all the devolved administrations was presented with some very challenging new information.

'We know that we have the highest number of Covid infections across the UK recorded today since January 9. We know the Omicron variant is doubling every two to three days in England, and possibly even faster in Scotland.

'We know that 30 per cent of reported cases in London are the Omicron variant and of course we only identified Omicron in this country a fortnight ago.'

Meanwhile, Britain's total Omicron cases surged by 54 per cent in a day with another 448 confirmed.

It took the official toll past 1,200 but health chiefs admit the true figure will be up to 20 times higher, with surveillance data suggesting it already makes up at least 10 per cent of new cases - the equivalent of 4,000 people per day.
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Omicron cases in Britain rose by 41 per cent today, data revealed as Government scientists warned the variant could cause nearly 2,500 daily hospitalisations this winter and tougher measures will be needed to deal with it.

Some 633 new cases of the strain were detected across the UK, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said, up from the 448 recorded yesterday. It takes the country's total to 1,898, although experts suggest the true number is much higher.

The UK's overall daily cases were also up 26% week on week today to 54,073 while deaths inched upwards by 4% to 132.

Modelling by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) suggests the strain could cause anywhere from between 25,000 to 75,000 deaths in England over the next five months and more hospitalisations in January than were seen last year.

The researchers  who also sit on the Spi-M SAGE modelling subgroup that advises No10  said restrictions similar to stage two of the roadmap out of lockdown, which include a ban on indoor socialising at pubs and restaurants, may be needed to stop the NHS becoming overwhelmed.

They suggested the measures should be brought in as Boxing Day to stem the tide of admissions and deaths and added that upping the booster rollout to the Government's 500,000 per day target will do little to reduce the toll.

But the data was based on assuming Omicron causes as much severe illness as Delta in people who are unvaccinated and have not been previously infected, which has been called into question after preliminary data from South Africa suggested the strain could be resulting in less hospitalisation.

One expert has said their projections could be "substantially" overestimated if the new variant causes less severe disease as some reports from South Africa suggest.

Scotland's Deputy First Minster John Swinney today confirmed the country is already considering bringing in new restrictions in the nation next week.

It comes after Professor Eleanor Riley, a professor of immunology and infectious disease at the University of Edinburgh, said the variant is spreading so quickly in Britain everyone will come into contact with it 'unless you're a hermit'.

Professor Riley warned 'a lot of people' could still end up in hospital even if the strain proves to cause milder symptoms than Delta.

Hospitals have already had to start shutting wards after detecting cases, with Raigmore Hospital in Inverness forced to close one of its units after a spike in infections.

Meanwhile, new rules on care homes have 'almost' returned residents to the same conditions they were in a year ago, according to care leaders. Michael Gove yesterday announced care home resident will be banned from seeing more than three named visitors this winter in order to protect them from the vaccine-evading variant.

While Covid booster jabs have been shown to be effective against Omicron, there are concerns that the millions of people who are yet to get their third inoculation could be unprotected against symptoms of the virus without it. Officials stress two doses should still offer high protection against severe illness but even a small drop in that could trigger a surge in hopsitalisations.

Some 663 new cases of the strain were detected across the UK, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said, up from the 448 recorded yesterday. It takes the country's total to 1,898, although experts suggest the true number is much higher

Modelling by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) suggests Omicron could cause anywhere from between 25,000 to 75,000 deaths in England over the next five months and more hospitalisations in January than were seen last year

Government scientists warned Omicron could cause nearly more daily hospitalisations this winter than Alpha did last year and tougher measures will be needed to deal with the variant

Stark projections show the super-mutant variant could become dominant within days, prompting concerns that Boris Johnson will have no choice but to hit the panic button once more (Pictured: PM is seen arriving Saturday to a central London hospital after his wife, Carrie Johnson gave birth to a baby girl earlier this week)

Omicron will cause nearly 2,500 hospitalisations this winter even under Plan B measures, Government scientists claimed today as they warned tougher measures  including a ban on indoor socialising at pubs and restaurants  will be needed to deal with the variant. Pictured: Customers enjoy a drink at Southwestern Wetherspoon pub in Clapham on July 19 'Freedom Day'

The above map shows the ten areas that have the most confirmed and suspected Omicron cases in England, according to the UK Health Security Agency. West Northamptonshire is the country's hotspot for the mutant strain, although eight in ten areas on the list are in London

Confidential UK Health Security Agency data showed that Omicron may now be behind 8.5 per cent of infections. The figures are based on the proportion of PCR tests failing to detect a specific gene, an early indicator of the variant. PCRs look for three genes to confirm a Covid infection, but with Omicron one is so mutated that they only pick up two of them. The analysis was done by Professor Alastair Grant, a Covid modeller at the University of East Anglia, who has access to the secret statistics

Scottish Government considering new restrictions next week New coronavirus restrictions could be introduced in Scotland next week, Deputy First Minster John Swinney has said. Mr Swinney said ministers are spending the weekend 'wrestling with the challenge of what are the right rules to have in place'. But he said he does not think that Scots will face a restricted Christmas. Asked on BBC Breakfast if new Covid-19 measures would be put in place next week, Mr Swinney said: 'I can't say definitively that will be the case, but that's certainly been looked at over this weekend. 'And we have to judge what's the best set of measures that we can take to try to interrupt the circulation of the virus. We can't have it moving at the pace its moving at just now because the danger is that will overwhelm our public and private services.' Nicola Sturgeon is due to give a statement in the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday. On Friday, she told a televised press conference that Scotland faced a 'tsunami' of Omicron cases. Mr Swinney's comments come as the latest statistics show 11 more Omicron cases have been confirmed in Scotland, taking the total to 121. There were 4,087 coronavirus cases in total reported in the last 24 hours, with 12 deaths. Asked if Scotland faced a restricted Christmas due to new Covid-19 measures, Mr Swinney said: 'I don't think so and I hope not. And we're working very hard just now to make sure that does not become the case.' Advertisement

In other developments in the Covid pandemic:

Post-mortem tests revealed two boys from the same school died within days of one another after they caught Covid

Victoria Derbyshire 's brother has caught Covid at a Christmas meal with friends despite being triple-vaccinated;

The number of cases of super-mutant Omicron jumped by 54 per cent yesterday and overall daily Covid infections breached levels not seen since the UK's devastating second wave;

London has the country's fastest growing Omicron outbreak with infections up in all of the city's 32 boroughs;

Tory whips have been scrambling to persuade MPs to back new coronavirus curbs amid fears Boris Johnson could suffer a rebellion of more than 50 MPs over the measures;

Nicola Sturgeon warned of an impending 'tsunami of infections' if the Omicron variant becomes completely dominant in Scotland within days;

Number 10 announced that it had cancelled this year's Christmas party but insisted that the public could still have theirs.

Of the nearly 1,900 Omicron cases in the UK, 1,757 have been found in England, 121 were detected in Scotland, 15 were in Wales and five in Northern Ireland.

The variant already makes up 30 per cent of new Covid cases in London, according to confidential data given to ministers.

Stark projections show the super-mutant variant could become dominant within days, prompting concerns that Boris Johnson will have no choice but to hit the panic button once more.

It comes as leaked advice from the UKHSA, sent to health secretary Sajid Javid, called for 'stringent national measures' to be brought in by December 18.

While No10 said there were no imminent plans for more restrictions when Plan B was announced this week, Mr Gove warned on Friday that the government had been shown 'very challenging information' about the speed of Omicron's spread at a Cobra meeting.

He hinted the Government was considering Plan C, saying: 'We need to keep everything under review.'

And the LSHTM modelling suggests that even under the most optimistic scenario  low immune escape of Omicron from vaccines and high effectiveness of booster jabs  a wave of infection is projected which could lead to a peak of more than 2,000 daily hospital admissions, with 175,000 hospital admissions and 24,700 deaths between December 1 this year and April 30, 2022.

This is if no additional control measures are implemented over and above the current Plan B introduced by the Government in England.

The team said mask-wearing, working from home and booster jabs may not be enough, and predict a peak of daily hospital admissions of 2,400 in January.

In this scenario, bringing in control measures early in 2022  such as restrictions on indoor hospitality, the closure of some entertainment venues and restrictions on how many people can gather in one place  would be sufficient to substantially control the wave, reducing hospital admissions by 53,000 and deaths by 7,600.

Dr Rosanna Barnard, from LSHTM's Centre for the Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases, who co-led the research, said: 'More data over the next few weeks will strengthen our knowledge on Omicron and the consequences of this on transmission in England.

'However, these early projections help guide our understanding about potential futures in a rapidly-evolving situation.

'In our most optimistic scenario, the impact of Omicron in the early part of 2022 would be reduced with mild control measures such as working from home.

Anti Covid pass protestors hold up signs comparing Boris Johnson to Adolph Hitler during a demonstration against the Government's Plan B rules outside Westminster today

Prrotestors hold signs reading 'No to exclusion, to checkpoints, to discrimination' in the demonstration against Covid vaccine passports, which will become mandatory at clubs and large events under Plan B rules next week

Demonstrators hold a banner reading 'Stop Covid passes, Big Brother watch' today. Experts fear England is likely to see thousands of hospitalisations per day this winter even with the Plan B restrictions

Pictured: Crowds of shoppers pack onto Northumberland Street in Newcastle this afternoon on the penultimate Saturday shopping day before Christmas

Millions of Britons have effectively no protection against the Omicron Covid variant from their first two jabs, health experts have warned as the public was urged to get their booster jabs to avoid overwhelming the health service this Christmas. Government scientists found that the mostly elderly people who had two doses of AstraZeneca several months ago had almost no protection against Omicron infection, and two Pfizer doses offered little more than 30 per cent.

The above graph shows vaccine effectiveness against mild illness and weeks since vaccination. The analysis showed a Pfizer booster provides between 70 and 75 per cent protection against mild Omicron illness, regardless of which vaccine was originally used, compared to 90 per cent for Delta. Two doses of Pfizer may offer just 37 per cent protection after three-and-a-half months compared to 60 per cent for Delta. Two shots of AstraZeneca offered virtually no protection after the same amount of time. But the scientists caution that data for AstraZeneca was less reliable due to the fact the vaccine was restricted in some age groups and typically used at the very start of the initial vaccine rollout in vulnerable people

Public Health Scotland estimates the new variant will be dominant next week, accounting for more than 50 per cent of all Covid cases, and make almost all new infections by the end of the year

Omicron makes up 13.3 per cent of Covid cases in Scotland and is doubling every two to three days

Two boys died after catching Covid within a week at the SAME school Two boys from the same school died within days of one another after they caught Covid, post-mortem tests have now revealed. Mohammed Habib, 14, was a year 10 pupil at St John Fisher Catholic College, Newcastle-under-Lyme when he contracted the virus earlier this year. The teenager passed away on Sunday, October 24 and was buried days later at Fenton Muslim Cemetery following a service at Markaz At-Waheed in Hanley. Now a medical examination has found Mohammed died from a bleed on the brain following a stroke caused by Covid-19. It was also revealed that investigations were continuing into the death of 15-year-old Harry Towers, who had also contracted coronavirus, who died on Saturday, October 30. His sister, Charlotte Nugent, paid tribute to him and confirmed he had not been vaccinated. Covid vaccines were due to be held at the school just weeks before the two teenage pupils died, although they were rescheduled and only flu jabs were offered, MailOnline understands. Neither Harry nor Mohammed had known underlying health conditions. Both students were remembered with prayers during a virtual assembly on Wednesday November 3, with senior staff paying tribute to the pair. Advertisement

'However, our most pessimistic scenario suggests that we may have to endure more stringent restrictions to ensure the NHS is not overwhelmed. Mask-wearing, social distancing and booster jabs are vital, but may not be enough.

'Nobody wants to endure another lockdown but last-resort measures may be required to protect health services if Omicron has a significant level of immune escape or otherwise increased transmissibility compared to Delta.

'It is crucial for decision-makers to consider the wider societal impact of these measures, not just the epidemiology.'

The most pessimistic scenario looked at by the modellers  high immune escape from vaccines and lower effectiveness of boosters  projects a wave of infection which is likely to lead to a peak in hospital admissions around twice as high as the peak seen in January 2021, if no additional control measures are taken.

This could cause 492,000 hospital admissions and 74,800 deaths, according to the study, which has not yet been peer-reviewed.

In this scenario, the team estimates that stronger measures may be required to keep the peak number of hospital admissions below the January 2021 peak.

The scientists assumed Omicron causes the same severity of illness as Delta but did not look at the impact of measures such as mass population testing to control its spread.

Dr Nick Davies from CMMID, who co-led the new study, said: 'These are early estimates, but they do suggest that, overall, Omicron is outcompeting Delta rapidly by evading vaccines to a substantial degree.'

He told a briefing 'the booster programme will substantially mitigate the impact of Omicron in England'.

Dr Davies added that it was difficult to predict the true level of protection offered by two doses of AstraZeneca and Pfizer, and urged people to get boosters.

He said the findings of the study were 'worrying' but added that 'lockdowns have a really devastating impact on people's lives and livelihoods, especially leading up to Christmas' and those impacts had not been included in the modelling.

He added: 'It's the role of decision-makers to weigh up all these different outcomes and decide what is the best policy to pursue. We're ... focusing on the epidemiological side of the control measures.'

The scientists made assumptions about the levels of transmissibility and immune escape of Omicron using 'S' gene target failure (SGTF) data from cases in England.

Victoria Derbyshire reveals her triple-vaccinated brother caught Covid after a Xmas meal with friends Victoria Derbyshire's brother has caught Covid at a Christmas meal with friends despite being triple-vaccinated. The BBC presenter, 53, revealed on Twitter that 17 of the 21-strong group - all of whom were vaccinated - have been infected with the virus and that her sibling 'feels rough' and is in isolation. She warned it 'shows how rapid transmission can be with Omicron' - later adding that the point of her tweet was to raise awareness about the transmissibility of the disease. It comes as the mutant strain is surging across Britain, with one expert warning today that people are 'very likely' to meet someone infected with the variant unless they are 'living the life of a hermit'. Ms Derbyshire said: 'My brother's triple-jabbed  the third one was Pfizer 3-4 wks ago. 'He's just got Covid & feels 'rough' and is isolating. Advertisement

Professor Paul Hunter, professor in medicine, University of East Anglia, said any model is 'only as good as its assumptions', adding that one key assumption in this model is that severity of disease outcomes for Omicron is the same as for Delta.

'Although we will not know for certain for a few weeks indications from South Africa do suggest that Omicron does cause less severe disease than Delta.

'There is also early as yet not peer reviewed data suggesting that although Omicron mutations are enough to escape antibody, T cell immunity would be less compromised.

'It is thought that T cell immunity is more important for reducing risk from severe disease than it is for reducing the milder nose and throat infections.

'If Omicron is indeed associated with less severe disease as is, in my view, likely to be the case then these models would overestimate hospital admissions and deaths, possibly substantially,' he said.

Professor Hunter said he suspects these models 'overstate' risk of hospital admissions and deaths and the 'worst case' scenarios are 'unlikely to be seen'.

He added: 'As better data becomes available in coming weeks we can expect these models to be refined.'

Meanwhile, Professor Riley this morning told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'Omicron is spreading so quickly that, I think, unless you are living the life of a hermit, you are very likely to come across it in the next few weeks.

'I don't think anyone should be going around thinking they are not going to catch it, I think that situation has changed.'

She added: 'There is a huge 'if' about this, 'is it milder?'. I think it is very dangerous to compare data from South Africa, say, to the UK.

'Even if it is milder and, therefore, a smaller proportion of infected people end up in hospital, given that so many people are going to come across this virus, even a small proportion of a lot of people is a lot of people in hospital.'

Omicron already makes up 30 PER CENT of all new Covid cases in London Omicron already makes up 30 per cent of new Covid cases in London, according to confidential data given to ministers that underlines the severity of the situation Britain faces in the run-up to Christmas as fears grow that even tougher restrictions may be needed. UK leaders today were dragged into a Cobra meeting to discuss the next logical steps in fighting the pandemic, and analyse the most up-to-date evidence on the super-mutant strain. Communities Secretary Michael Gove, who held the briefing virtually, warned the current crisis was 'deeply concerning', naming London and Scotland as hotspots. He described the latest data presented to the devolved nations as 'very challenging new information'. No10 has already brought in its back-up Plan B strategy, reimposing work-from-home guidance and making face masks compulsory in more venues. Officials have repeatedly refused to rule out acting further. Tougher options could replicate ones introduced last Christmas in the face of the second wave, which effectively cancelled Christmas for millions living in areas worst-hit by Alpha, such as London. London also appears to be faring badly this time around, with Omicron thought to blame for Government data showing the capital has the England's fastest growing Covid outbreak. All of the city's 32 boroughs are seeing cases tick upwards, and Omicron has been found in every corner of the city. Hospitalisations and deaths in the capital remain flat but both measures lag behind by several weeks because of how long it can take for someone who has caught the virus to become seriously unwell. Public health chiefs in the capital say they are taking the new threat 'extremely seriously', and that it could take over in the city in as little as two weeks. Advertisement

Meanwhile, new restrictions on care homes have left sector bosses at a loss as to whether residents will be able to see their families over Christmas.

Nadra Ahmed, of the National Association of Care Providers, said she is hoping to get clarity on several details on the new guidance, including if people can change the nominated three people to visit someone who is in a care home.

She told BBC Breakfast: 'Families are much bigger than [three people], if you've got four siblings, five siblings, you've got grandchildren, great grandchildren.

'It was something that we've been having to plan for and, of course, now we're looking at three nominated people. That kind of disempowers anybody else and for the residents, they may have been looking forward to it.

'We raise expectations on this quite substantially and, of course, we're almost back to where we were, just slightly better, but almost back to where we were last year.'

She said clarification on the guidance is something care home providers are expecting to receive by Tuesday, the day before the new restrictions are expected to come into force.

She told BBC Breakfast: 'Friday night, this was yesterday, it was announced, and then we have to put it into place by Wednesday with a weekend in the middle and providers will have been making all those appointments with people already.

'We really would like the days when we could have an open house and people came and went as they could, but we can't do that any more.

'I think that is an issue for us. We will have very few days to get it into place.'

It comes as Raigmore Hospital in Inverness had to close ward 7a because of a spike in Covid infections. Patients are being clinically assessed and monitored with normal in-patient care continuing.

An NHS spokesman said: 'There is no evidence of any link between these cases and those in ward 5a, which also remains closed to new admissions and visiting.'

Tests are establishing whether any of the cases are of the Omicron variant and the results are expected next week. Consultant microbiologist Adam Brown said: 'The fact that we have apparently unrelated instances of Covid-19 in two different wards shows how prevalent the virus is in the community at the moment.

'It is more important than ever to keep to guidance about distancing, hand-washing and wearing a face covering.'

All appropriate infection prevention and control measures have been put in place and close contacts have been identified and given advice and support.

It comes after health experts warned millions of Britons have effectively no protection against the Omicron variant.

The highly-transmissible mutant strain is likely to make up most cases of Covid in Britain over the next two weeks, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said in a report yesterday, and could reach one million infections by the end of this month.

The above graph shows Covid cases in London. They are starting to tick up as the more transmissible Omicron variant begins to spread in the capital

Care home visits cut to three per resident: After start of Plan B crackdown, Plan C has already arrived Care home residents will be banned from seeing more than three named visitors in an attempt to protect them from the Omicron variant. Last night's move was the first additional restriction  dubbed Plan C  introduced since Plan B measures to tackle rising Covid-19 cases were announced this week. Communities Secretary Michael Gove hinted last night that further curbs could be brought in if infections continue to increase. He said: 'We recognise the importance of balancing people's ability to get on with their lives with the need to protect them against this virus. 'But action is absolutely required and as new data comes in we will consider what action we do require to take in the face of that data.' New guidelines mean care home residents who are unvaccinated will also be forced to isolate for two weeks on their return if they go on a trip out. Even residents who are fully jabbed will have to take a lateral flow test on alternate days for a fortnight if they leave homes. Current guidelines do not place any restrictions on family and friends visiting their loved ones in care homes. According to official guidance, the homes are expected 'to facilitate visits wherever possible and to do so in a risk-managed way'. But the Government announced last night the number of visitors will be limited to three per resident, plus an essential caregiver. It is understood this will come into force from Wednesday. Campaigners criticised the move for forcing relatives to make the 'devastating' choice of which family members can see loved ones for what may be their last Christmas. Advertisement

Government scientists compared 581 cases of Omicron in Britain with 56,000 of Delta to give preliminary estimates of how well vaccines protect against a variant with mutations that help it evade the body's immune response.

They found that the mostly elderly people who had two doses of AstraZeneca several months ago had almost no protection against Omicron infection, and two Pfizer doses offered little more than 30 per cent.

But a third dose, if using Pfizer, can take protection levels back up to 71 per cent in those who had AstraZeneca the first time around and 76 per cent for those who had Pfizer.

Meanwhile, Wales has said it will remain on alert level 0 despite a warning the country is facing a new wave of infections caused by the Omicron variant.

People were urged to get their booster jabs during a press conference on Friday by First Minister Mark Drakeford, who said it was the best protection against the new variant.

He added: 'Every single vaccination is a small victory against the virus - so please make getting your vaccine or booster a priority.'

People will be asked to continue wearing face coverings in all public places and take regular lateral flow tests before going out help protect others in the lead-up to Christmas.

Those who test positive are strongly advised to not go out, self-isolate and arrange for a PCR test.

Mr Drakeford said: 'The emergence of the Omicron variant is another worrying development in this long-running pandemic. We are concerned about the speed it is moving and its potential to infect large numbers of people.

'We are speeding up the rollout of boosters in response to the new variant. We're increasing the number of clinics and extending opening hours.'

He added: 'We are not back at square one.

'Please do everything you can to protect yourself and your loved ones. Please follow all the advice and all the measures which have kept us safe over the last couple of years. And let's stay safe and well this Christmas.'

The Welsh Government say more than a million people have already received their booster vaccine. There remains only a handful of Omicon cases in Wales - nine are currently confirmed.

Ministers have said preparations must be made for cases to rise quickly and sharply given there is now widespread community transmission in many parts of England and Scotland.
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At least 70 people are thought to have been killed in Kentucky, and there are multiple fatalities at an Amazon distribution center in Illinois, after at least 18 tornadoes ripped across the South and Midwest of the US on Friday night.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said at a briefing midday on Saturday the death toll was now 'north of 70' and that 'it may in fact end up exceeding 100 before the day is done.'

'This will be, I believe, the deadliest tornado system to ever run through Kentucky,' he added. 'It is indescribable. The level of devastation is unlike anything I have ever seen.'

The early casualty estimates suggest that the tragedy is the deadliest tornado strike in Kentucky in more than a century, on a scale last seen in 1890 when twisters killed 76 in the Louisville area.

One tornado among the dozens that struck is estimated to have a damage path of more than 200 miles, which would approach or exceed the all-time global record.

The epicenter of the destruction was the town of Mayfield, a small city of about 10,000 people in the far western part of Kentucky, where the Bluegrass State borders Illinois, Missouri and Arkansas. Entire blocks were flattened, with the courthouse tower shredded, houses and buildings ripped apart, and twisted metal, shattered tree limbs and bricks scattered across streets.

The roof of a candle factory collapsed in Mayfield, resulting in 'mass casualties' according to Beshear. He said 110 people were working in the factory, and that only 40 had been rescued alive from the rubble as of midday Saturday.

'We're going to lose a lot of lives at that facility. I pray that there will be another rescue, another one or two, but it's a very dire situation at this point,' said the visibly emotional governor.

Elsewhere, in southern Illinois, authorities said at least two were dead and up to 50 people were trapped after a roof collapsed at an Amazon warehouse near St. Louis late on Friday, when tornadoes and strong storms blew through the area.

At least two were killed and five were injured when a tornado shredded the roof of a nursing home in Monette in northern Arkansas and another person killed in Missouri.

A further three people were killed in the severe weather in Tennessee, Dean Flener, spokesman for the state's Emergency Management Agency said.

Aerial view of a path of destruction that leads to the center of Mayfield, Kentucky after a tornado tore through Friday night

In Mayfield, Kentucky entire blocks were flattened, houses and buildings ripped apart, and twisted metal, shattered tree limbs and bricks scattered across streets after tornadoes ripped through the area on Friday night

Downtown Mayfield is seen decimated after the worst tornadoes in a century carved a path of destruction in Kentucky

The courthouse in Mayfield, Kentucky was heavily damaged as multiple tornadoes tore through parts of the lower Midwest late on Friday night leaving a large path of destruction and unknown fatalities

Emmanuel Baptist Church is seen in the aftermath of the tornadoes on Friday in Mayfield, Kentucky on Saturday morning

Heavy damage is seen Saturday downtown Mayfield, a small city of about 10,000 people in the far western part of Kentucky, where the Bluegrass State borders Illinois, Missouri and Arkansas

Governor Beshear said the damage was 'some of the worst we've seen in a long time' in the town of Mayfield (above Saturday)

A large semi trailer is flipped over and pushed against a building in Bowling Green, Kentucky on Saturday. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across multiple states late Friday

Heavy damage is seen to the town courthouse after a tornado swept through the area on in Mayfield, Kentucky

At least two were dead and many people were trapped after a roof partially collapsed at this Amazon warehouse after a tornado passed through Edwardsville, Illinois

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said on Saturday morning the death toll was now 'north of 70' and that 'it may in fact end up exceeding 100 before the day is done'

The genesis of the tornado outbreak was a series of overnight thunderstorms, including a super cell storm that formed in northeast Arkansas. That storm moved from Arkansas and Missouri and into Tennessee and Kentucky.

'Unfortunately it produced a couple of deadly tornadoes along the way. One of them may have been a long-track tornado,' Storm Prediction Center meteorologist Roger Edward said. 'The killer tornado was part of that.'

The White House said in a statement that President Joe Biden had been briefed on the destruction and would receive further briefings throughout the day.

'The President has directed that Federal resources be surged immediately to the locations where there is the greatest need to alleviate suffering from the devastating consequences of these storms,' the White House said.

Emergency response has been hampered by widespread power outages, with hundreds of thousands without electricity across multiple states on Saturday.

Speaking at a press conference early Saturday morning, Beshear said: 'As of 4:45am [CST] 56,854 Kentuckians are without power. I have been personally over at the emergency operations center since about 1am overseeing our response and hearing and absorbing the difficult news in real time.'

'This has been one of the toughest nights in Kentucky history and some areas have been hit in ways that is hard to put into words,' Beshear said.

He said: 'Before midnight, I declared a state of emergency. I've activated the national guard. We are deploying 181 guardsmen including search and extraction and debris clearing folks.'

He said search and rescue officials had been working through the night to pull people from the rubble.

About 110 people were inside a candle factory in the area when the tornado ripped through, bringing down the roof and causing mass casualties, Beshear said.

The busy factory was working three shifts around the clock to fill orders for the busy Christmas season, and early reports indicate that there were scores of fatalities.

Kyanna Parsons-Perez, who was inside the factory, said the roof collapsed soon after the workers could hear and feel the howling winds and the lights began flickering.

'We could feel the wind ... then we did a little rock,' Parsons-Perez told NBC. 'And then boom everything came down on us.'

Video and photos posted on social media showed brick buildings in downtown Mayfield reduced to rubble, with parked cars nearly buried under bricks and debris.

The clock tower on the Graves County courthouse in Mayfield appeared to have been toppled, photos showed.

The clock tower on the Graves County courthouse in Mayfield appeared to have been toppled in the storms

A derailed train is seen in Earlington, Kentucky amid damage and debris after a devastating outbreak of tornadoes

The scene of a train derailment is pictured in Earlington, Kentucky after a devastating outbreak of tornadoes ripped through several U.S. states

Earlington, Kentucky residents walk past the scene of a train derailment after tornadoes carved a path of destruction

Heavy damage is seen Saturday downtown in Mayfield, Kentucky after a tornado swept through the area

Mayfield city hall and police department is seen heavily damaged after a tornado swept through the area

Damage from a tornado at a feed store in Mayfield, Kentucky is seen on Saturday after deadly tornadoes struck

Bill Mosley walks with his wife Bonnie surveying the damage while carrying two of his guns, the only items he was able to recover after their home in Earlington, Kentucky was destroyed

A car sits under a house destroyed by a tornado in Campbellsville, Kentucky on Saturday. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across multiple states late Friday

Meanwhile, at least 100 emergency vehicles descended upon the Amazon warehouse near Edwardsville, Illinois, about 25 miles east of St. Louis, where a wall that was about the length of a football field collapsed, as did the roof above it.

It wasn't immediately clear how many people were hurt, but one person was flown by helicopter to a hospital.

Edwardsville Police Chief Mike Fillback said several people who were in the building were taken by bus to the police station in nearby Pontoon Beach for evaluation.

By early Saturday, rescue crews were still sorting through the rubble to determine if anyone was trapped inside. Fillback said the process would last for several more hours. Cranes and backhoes were brought in to help move debris.

'Please be patient with us. Our fire personnel are doing everything they can to reunite everyone with their loved ones,' Fillback said on KMOV-TV.

Fillback confirmed at a press conference early Saturday there was 'more than one fatality... at least two' at the Amazon facility.

He said authorities are still working to confirm how many people were at the facility when it was damaged. He said he believed the number was about 50.

'We're deeply saddened by the news that members of our Amazon family passed away as a result of the storm in Edwardsville,' said Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel in a statement to DailyMail.com on Saturday morning.

'Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their loved ones, and everyone impacted by the storm. We also want to thank all the first responders for their ongoing efforts on scene. We're continuing to provide support to our employees and partners in the area,' added Nantel.

The Belleville News-Democrat reported that the Amazon fulfillment center in Edwardsville opened with two warehouses in 2016, with 1.5 million square feet of space. The warehouses are used to store items until they are shipped to customers.

A heavily damaged Amazon fulfillment center is seen Saturday in Edwardsville, Illinois. At least two died when large section of the roof of the building was ripped off and walls collapsed when strong storms moved through area Friday night

Workers use equipment to remove a section of roof left on a heavily damaged Amazon fulfillment center Saturday

The Amazon distribution center is partially collapsed after being hit by heavy winds on Friday in Edwardsville, Illinois

Debris lies around delivery vehicles at a collapsed Amazon.com warehouse after a tornado passed through Edwardsville

First responders surround a damaged Amazon Distribution Center on Friday in Edwardsville, Illinois. According to reports, the Distribution Center was struck by a tornado Friday night

Emergency crews respond to a collapsed Amazon.com warehouse after a tornado passed through Edwardsville, Illinois

'About a third of the warehouse is torn down and damaged from either straight by line winds or tornado,' tweeted Jenna Rae, with Illinois's KMOV station.

One woman said she was speaking to a family member inside the warehouse as the storm hit.

'He was on the phone with me while it was happening,' Aisha White told KMOV.

'The tornado was hitting the back of the building, the trucks were coming in, I told him to jump out the truck and duck.

'We watched the building go up, stuff hitting the cars, I told him I was on my way.'

J.B. Pritzker, governor of Illinois, tweeted: 'My prayers are with the people of Edwardsville tonight, and I've reached out to the mayor to provide any needed state resources.'

Three storm-related deaths were confirmed in Tennessee, said Dean Flener, spokesman for the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency. Two of the deaths occurred in Lake County, and the third was in Obion County - both in the northwestern corner of the state.

In Tennessee, the severe weather killed at least three people, Dean Flener, spokesman for the state's Emergency Management Agency, said in comments reported by the Washington Post.

A tornado also struck the Monette Manor nursing home in Arkansas on Friday night, killing one person and trapping 20 people inside as the building collapsed, Craighead County Judge Marvin Day told The Associated Press.

Five people had serious injuries, and a few others had minor ones, he said. The nursing home has 86 beds.

Day said another nursing home about 20 miles away in Truman was badly damaged but no injuries were reported. The residents were being evacuated because the building is unsafe.

Workers at a National Weather Service office had to take shelter as a tornado passed near their office in Weldon Spring, Missouri, about 30 miles west of St. Louis. One person died and two others were injured in building collapses near the towns of Defiance and New Melle, both just a few miles from the weather service office.

The storms caused a CSX company freight train to derail in western Kentucky, although it said no injuries were reported, the New York Times said.

Bill Bunting, operations chief at the Storm Prediction Center, part of the National Weather Service, said at least five states were hit by the tornadoes, naming them as Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri and Arkansas, the Times reported.

'It happens quick but apparently there was a little bit of time with tornado sirens going off.'

Some residents were found in the basement 'and were prepared for this,' he said.

Large trees were uprooted and a dark shadow hung over the skies of Mayfield, Kentucky on Friday night

Mayfield, Kentucky, was the scene of devastation on Friday night after a tornado smashed through the centre, ripping the tower off the Victorian courthouse

The town of Mayfield, Kentucky (pictured) was devastated and people caught in the wreckage of a candle factory begged to be freed from the rubble

Photographs posted on social media in Arkansas showed tornadoes touching down on Friday night

Emergency crews were on the scene in Monette, Arkansas, where at least two people died in a nursing home collapse

At least 1 killed, 5 hurt when tornado ripped off the roof of the Monette Manor Nursing Home in Monette, AR. 68 people inside at the time #ARTornado #ARwx pic.twitter.com/ZcmP905cJM  melissa moon (@MMoon_WREG3) December 11, 2021

Melissa Moon, a reporter with WREG3, tweeted a photo of the severely damaged Monette Manor nursing home, with what appeared to be a mangled bed in the parking lot.

The exact speed of the tornadoes were not yet known on Friday night, and it was unclear how many there had been. CNN reported that there were 19 tornadoes that hammered the five state.

Some reports suggested that the record for the longest single tornado - 219 miles - could have been broken, and that it had crossed four states, breaking another record.

Observers speculated that many of tornadoes were at four or even five on the Enhanced Fujita (EF) scale.

Wind speeds of between 136 and 165mph are found in EF4 tornados, and of 200mpg in EF5 tornados.

'This tornado is so powerful it literally broke Radarscope velocity,' tweeted @WxAtlantic.

'The delta velocity is so high that the couplet just folded over on itself.'

Almost 300 miles to the north of Monette, Southern Illinois Fire Incidents confirmed a 'mass casualty incident' at the Amazon warehouse in Edwardsville and said more than 20 units of emergency responders were attending the scene.

And in Kentucky, the town of Mayfield - home to 10,000 people - was hard-hit.

Buildings were left without their roofs; large trees were uprooted; glass in store fronts was shattered, and debris scattered on the ground.

The courthouse, built in 1888, was devastated, with the tower sheared off the building and the roof lifted off.

The wall of a candle factory collapsed, trapping people inside and leaving them begging for help.

'We got hit by a hurricane - I'm at work in Mayfield, and we are trapped,' said Kyanna Lou, broadcasting a Facebook Live from the dark, with a woman sobbing behind her and muffled shouts and moans.

'Please, y'all. Get us some help. We're at the candle factory in Mayfield.

'Please, send us some help. The wall is stuck on me. Nobody can get to us, y'all please. Pray for us.'

She added: 'We were all in the safe shelter place, the whole building fell. We are stuck.'

Miguel Macias surveys the damage to Emmanuel Baptist Church where he came for shelter last night during the tornado on Saturday in Mayfield, Kentucky

The Amazon warehouse in Edwardsville, Illinois, was pictured on Friday night with its roof ripped off after a tornado swept through the area

Lightning bolts can be seen in the distance as the emergency workers tried to free those trapped inside the Amazon warehouse

ALERT*** If you live in or near MAYFIELD, you need to be underground if at all possible. Get to shelter NOW!  NWS Paducah, KY (@NWSPaducah) December 11, 2021

Storefronts in Mayfield, KY, were ripped open and their contents flung onto the sidewalk

This is the Outskirts of Mayfield, KY. Hard to make a path in to downtown because roads are impassable with the amount of debris in the road pic.twitter.com/VaIngBIWNU  Brandon Lane (@INstormchasing) December 11, 2021

Callie Lemle, the wife of the president of Graves County Economic Development, Jason Lemle, told WPSD on Friday night that he was at the candle factory, Mayfield Consumer Products.

She said people were digging through the rubble trying to get people out, listening to the cries of those trapped.

She said her husband told her they need more volunteers, and anyone with gloves, headlamps, and equipment for digging was welcome to help.

Mayfield had the grim distinction of being hit by among the most intense storms on record, with debris thrown 30,000 feet into the air, according to storm trackers.

Around Mayfield there was 'absolute devastation', said Brett Adair of Live Storms Media.

Craig Ceecee, a meteorologist and researcher at Mississippi State university, described the Mayfield storm as 'among the most intense ever recorded'.

He said it was 'an extremely violent tornado'.

'Communities being hit hard. And we won't know how bad it is until morning. We have to think and pray for those being affected,' he tweeted.

And across the region, tornadoes on Friday night ripped through parts of Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee and Kentucky - with one becoming what a storm chaser said was the first quad-state tornado in U.S. history.

Just a heartbreaking scene at Monette Manor Nursing Home. Prayers that somehow everyone is ok. #arwx pic.twitter.com/kRNcpznNo2  Brian Emfinger (@brianemfinger) December 11, 2021

I-55 near Caruthersville, MO with multiple semis thrown across the interstate after a wedge tornado moved through this spot. #mowx #arwx @MyRadarWX pic.twitter.com/bubQBYQlWm  Aaron Jayjack (@aaronjayjack) December 11, 2021

The Graves County Emergency Management Office says if you live in Mayfield and can walk safely, you should head to Fire Station House 1 at 211 E Broadway street. There will be buses to help transport people. @JackKaneWPSD shared these photos of some of the damage there. pic.twitter.com/YJUQv5HnoD  WPSD Local 6 (@WPSDLocal6) December 11, 2021

Footage on social media from across the region showed huge swirling towers of storm clouds sweeping across the plains.

Storm chasers photographed the tornado near Caruthersville in Missouri, along the I-55.

Video showed multiple semis thrown onto their sides, twisted in the road.

Chris Jackson, a professional storm chaser, said that he had seen tractor trailers in Steele, Missouri, lifted off the ground and flung into the air.

'A second tractor trailer was picked up and thrown on I-55 near exit 17,' he tweeted.

'Just spoke to the driver. Has some minor cuts but is ok.'

Jackson said that emergency responders were flocking to the area, with their lights flashing as they raced to help people.

He said the power was down along the I-69 between Troy and Mayfield, Kentucky.

Cut our way into Mayfield - absolute devastation from what we can see of it so far. Search and Rescue ongoing all over along US 45  Brett Adair (@AlaStormTracker) December 11, 2021

Debris from the #Mayfield tornado has also lofted over 30,000 feet into the air. That's among the most intense ever record. Combined with over 130 knots of VROT, that supports an extremely violent tornado according to a study by @ou_sams. #KYwx pic.twitter.com/52KwuKAHrr  Craig Ceecee (@CC_StormWatch) December 11, 2021

Mayfield, founded in the early 19th Century, saw its main street battered by the storm.

Many of the Victorian buildings were severely damaged, including the courthouse, built in 1888 - the fourth such building on the site. The courthouse was renovated in 1990.

Mayfield's residents, 35 per cent of whom are classed as living in poverty, according to the census, work mainly in manufacturing and food processing, the Graves County economic development board says.

The governor of Kentucky declared a state of emergency on Friday evening.

Andy Beshear activated the Kentucky Guard and Kentucky State Police to respond to the destruction in western Kentucky.

Multiple agencies are responding and assisting Kentucky State Police.

'We are praying for our Western Kentucky families,' Beshear said in a tweet.
This is England actor Andrew Shim faces being hauled back to Spain and jailed after pleading poverty to escape his 75,000 fine for a drug conviction.

It emerged in July that the star had been handed a suspended prison sentence after admitting to being a drug trafficker.

The 38-year-old was allowed to return to the UK but warned he would be incarcerated if he failed to pay the fine linked to the value of the cannabis found in his Mercedes van during a police stop.

Andrew Shim, 38, faces being hauled back to Spain and jailed after pleading poverty to escape his 75,000 fine for a drug conviction

Nottingham-based Shim, best-known for his roles in cult Shane Meadows films A Room for Romeo Brass, This Is England and Dead Man's Shoes, has yet to pay a single penny more than five months after his prison let-off.

A well-placed Spanish judicial source said he had offered up the van detectives seized following his arrest as an alternative.

The source said of Shim, who struck a deal with state prosecutors to avoid a tougher sentence: 'He is insisting he doesn't have the money to settle the fine and has asked for the van that was confiscated to be auctioned off and the proceeds put towards payment.

'The state prosecutor has been asked for a report before the judge makes a final decision.'

Another well-placed insider said: 'Shim was warned when he held his hands up to his crime that non-payment of the fine would mean jail.

In one of This Is England's most famous scenes, Shim's character Milky was badly beaten. Pictured, a photo of the cast

'If the judge agrees to the money made from any auction of the van being put towards what he owes, and it's a big if, it's only going to get him out of a hole for a bit because there's no way that vehicle is worth anything like 75,000.'

Shim was held for more than eight months on remand in a Costa del Sol jail before being told he could return to Britain following his plea bargain deal.

A judge handed him a suspended three-year prison sentence in July after he admitted wrongdoing following his October 20 2020 arrest near the southern Spanish city of Granada with 60 kilos of cannabis.

He admitted to a single charge of drug trafficking at a court in Malaga after being warned he could be jailed for five and a half years if he was convicted after taking his case to a full trial.

Prosecutors had indicated in a pre-trial indictment they wanted him jailed for four years for the drug trafficking offence and a year and six months if found guilty of membership of a criminal gang.

Shim shot to fame as a child star when he played the lead role in A Room For Romeo Brass

They were also seeking a fine of 161,000, more than double the 75,000 he was ordered to pay, before a deal was done and Shim received a more lenient punishment.

Another of the two men arrested and convicted alongside Shim has also pleaded poverty but asked the judge to imprison him for non-payment of his fine.

The written sentence issued after Shim confessed to his crime made it clear he will have to serve a month in prison if he failed to pay his fine.

It was not immediately clear today if the suspension of his three-year jail sentence could also be revoked should his debt with the Spanish state remain outstanding.

Any failure to return to Spain to serve time if the judge decides jail is the only option would almost certainly give rise to an international arrest warrant.

Paddy Considine pictured with Shim in the 1999 film A Room For Romeo Brass

Shim shot to fame as a child star when he played the lead role in A Room For Romeo Brass.

He was lauded for his performance in the 1999 movie, made when he was just 15. In one of This Is England's most famous scenes his character Milky was badly beaten.

Shim, also an MMA fighter, also appeared in 2015 Brit crime movie Anti-Social.

Trial judge Monserrat Cortes Lopez described the actor as a 'drug addict' when she announced her decision to suspend his prison sentence and said his addiction was a contributing factor along with the fact he had no previous convictions in Spain.

She also warned him he would be hauled to prison if he offended at any time during the next five years.

Thomas Turgoose and Shim attend the VIP screening of This is England '86 in 2010

Malaga Criminal Court Number 15 ruled on July 7 after the Brit trio's plea bargain agreement that it had been proven Matthew Adam Neale had flown from the UK to Malaga to meet up with his accomplices and help them with a drugs run.

He drove to a Shell petrol station just off the AP7 motorway running along the Costa del Sol in a hired Fiat Tipo where he met up with Shim and Regan.

They were stopped at another petrol station in Huetor Santillan in the neighbouring province of Granada.

Police found 19 packets of cannabis with a black-market value of 75,000 during a search of the van Shim and Regan were in.
A parade of world-famous elephants that have delighted the likes of Kim Kardashian, Steve Irwin and dozens of superstars for decades are starving to death because of the lack of tourists visiting Bali.

Mason Elephant Park and Lodge, home to 30 rescued Sumatran elephants, is on the verge of closing because there's almost no revenue coming in from visitors.

It costs almost $500,000 to feed the herd each year - but with less than 100 official tourists on the island paradise in 2021 - the zoo is on its knees.

Once its streets were flooded with travellers packed shoulder to shoulder, but now bars and shops sit empty after the tourism trade dried up during Covid travel bans.

The international airstrip remains deathly quiet even though the island considers itself open for business.

A herd of world-famous elephants that has delighted Kim Kardashian (pictured in Bali), Steve Irwin and dozens of superstars for decades is starving to death because of the lack of tourists visiting Bali

It costs almost $500,000 to feed the herd each year. Pictured: Kim Kardashian in Bali

Steve Irwin (pictured) has visited Mason park the best elephant park he'd ever visited

Nigel Mason and his son Jian Mason say the elephants in the park are beginning to starve because money to feed them has run out. Locals say they miss Aussies tourists most of all

'We're terrified that we'll start to see deaths in the irreplaceable herd,' said a desperate fundraising message posted online for Jian Mason, son of the park's founder Nigel Mason.

Mr Mason has spent his life savings keeping the park afloat and can no longer pay staff either.

In 2019 Bali had 6.3 million overseas visitors, including 1.23 million Australians.

Since the park opened in 1997, it had been a roaring success hosting millions of visitors including Irwin, the Kardashian clan, Kanye West, Julia Roberts, Jessica Biel, Calvin Klein, David Beckham, Jean Claude van Damme, and Jimmy Barnes.

Irwin once called it 'the best elephant park I have ever seen.'

'Bali survives on tourism, elephants survive on tourists. Without tourists I don't know what the future is. It's heart-breaking where this is going,' Mr Mason told A Current Affair.

Kanye West and Kim Kardashian (pictured) are among the many celebrities to have visited the park over two decades

Hollywood actor Jean-Claude Van Damme (pictured) is one of many superstars to have visited Mason Elephant Park

'We're now in a situation where we must get tourism back if we're going to be able to survive this any longer.'

The elephant park is now relying on a GoFundMe campaign which has so raised just $31,000 of a $90,000 goal.

'We need to be able to raise about $30,000 a month just to continue to look after the herd until Bali finally reopens again, which given the state of Indonesia, could be well into 2022 at best,' wrote fundraising organiser Nick Healey, on behalf of Jian Mason.

Australian chef one the island, Dean Keddell, also told the Channel Nine program he was spending all his time preparing meals for desperate locals.

The elephants at Mason park have delighted millions of visitors over many years

Former surfing world champion Kelly Slater is pictured with one of the Mason park elephants

Thousands of Balinese have slumped into poverty without the tourist trade they rely so heavily on.

Although Bali reopened to tourists in October, albeit with a seven-day quarantine, airlines haven't returned.

It is understood no international flights with foreign tourists have landed at Bali's Nagurah Rai airport since the island opened for business.

Indonesian authorities have extended the quarantine to 10 days over concerns about the Omicron variant.
Police in Northern Ireland have released the first image of a 12-year-old boy who died after being run over by a van on Friday - just 14 days before Christmas.

Aaron Webb was struck by the vehicle while walking on Lisburn Road, outside Glenavy in Co Antrim.

Aaron, described as a 'very special wee boy', from the Greater Lisburn area, died shortly after arriving to hospital.

Police are now appealing for any witnesses to come forward, particularly anyone who may have dash cam footage of the incident.

Police in Northern Ireland have released the first image of 12-year-old Aaron Webb who died after being run over by a van on Friday - just 14 days before Christmas

Sergeant Braiden said: 'Officers attended along with colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.

'Aaron was transported to hospital but, sadly, was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.

'The collision took place at approximately 3.30pm.

'We are appealing to anyone who was travelling in the area around this time and who witnessed the collision, or who may have captured dash cam footage, to contact us on 101. Please quote reference 1069 of 10/12/21.'

Glenavy Councillor David Honeyford tweeted: 'Heartbreaking news, this is a horrific tragedy, words can't convey the unimaginable pain and agony the family will be going through.

Aaron was transported to hospital where he was pronounced dead following the collision at 3.30pm (stock image)

'My heart goes out to the entire family circle, my thoughts and prayers are with them at this extremely difficult time of loss.'

One social media user commented: 'Unbelievable news. Aaron was one very special wee boy.

'He will be sorely missed by everyone.'

Hundreds of comments on Facebook simply read: 'Heartbreaking,' while another added: 'So sad at any time of year but worse near Christmas as his family will struggle to enjoy another one.'
A major bushfire in Western Australia's Margaret River region that has forced residents to evacuate was deliberately lit, police believe.

The blaze in the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park has ripped through almost 5500 hectares since Wednesday.

Based on an initial assessment of the scene, police say they believe someone deliberately lit the fire.

A major bushfire in Western Australia's Margaret River region that has forced residents to evacuate was deliberately lit, police believe

Based on an initial assessment of the scene, WA police say they believe someone deliberately lit the fire

They believe it may have been ignited near Mammoth Cave, which is accessed via Caves Rd near the border of Boranup and Forest Grove.

Detectives are calling for potential witnesses or anyone with footage of people or cars in the area on Wednesday to come forward.

On Saturday morning an evacuation warning was reactivated for people in the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park.

Detectives are calling for potential witnesses or anyone with footage of people or cars in the area on Wednesday to come forward

The warning area takes in an area bound by Mammoth Cave Rd to the north, Caves Rd and the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park boundary to the east, Grace Rd and Bridle Trail to the south and the coast to the west in the shire of Augusta-Margaret River.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services said 75 firefighters are on the scene strengthening containment lines and mopping up.

Residents were also urged to leave on Thursday as more than 150 firefighters battled to strengthen containment lines in hot and windy weather.

Firefighters had made good progress on Friday but the blaze remained uncontained.

'We've made some very good progress overnight,' incident controller Brad Barton told Perth radio 6PR on Friday.

'It is slightly cooler than yesterday down here in Margaret River.

'Our priorities are to build on our containment strategies along these eastern boundaries, to tie the fire into the national park and prevent further impact out into the private property areas.'

On Saturday morning, conditions worsened.

Residents were told around 8.30am local time on Saturday they were in danger, needed to act immediately and that there was a threat to lives and homes.

Residents were also urged to leave on Thursday as more than 150 firefighters battled to strengthen containment lines in hot and windy weather

If unable to leave safely, they were instructed to get ready to shelter in their homes by going to a room away from the fire front and making sure they could easily escape.

An evacuation centre remains open in Margaret River.

WA Premier Mark McGowan has been urging residents to follow official updates on the blaze.

The bushfire started near the intersection of Caves Road and Calgarup Road in Boranup, almost 300km south of Perth.
The editorial board of Boston University's independent student newspaper has called for 'outright abolishing' campus police who have 'egregious history and present of violence and racism'

Ridding the campus of cops would help address a 'safety issue' students face, a writer argues in the Daily Free Press opinion piece published December 8.

'From their own public statements to their racist history and present, it is clear the BUPD [Boston University Police Department] is not designed, nor does it seem willing, to protect all students on campus,' the piece says.

'Defunding this institution - or outright abolishing it - and creating new services in its wake that better address student and community needs may actually improve student safety.'

'The BUPD has an egregious history and present of violence and racism,' the article adds. 'If we are to ever truly approach a safe campus, we cannot continue to rely on these racist police institutions.'

The paper's editorial board joined a nationwide chorus of defund-the-police proponents who believe abolishing cops is the answer to ending systemic racism in the justice system.

Boston's newly-elected Mayor Michelle Wu is among those seeking to school resource officers from classrooms seeking instead to expand restorative justice to end the 'criminalization of students.'

Removing the Boston University Police Department would address a 'safety issue,' the piece said. 'Defunding this institution  or outright abolishing it  and creating new services in its wake that better address student and community needs may actually improve student safety.'

Boston University's independent student newspaper said in a recently-published editorial that students might be better off without its on campus police department

The article referenced several examples of purported racist behavior dating back as far as 1972, when 42 black students in a petition complained of being harassed at the hands of Boston University security guards.

Boston University Police Chief Kelly Nee

Its most recent example stemmed from October 15, when it said plainclothes officers 'created a hostile environment' while questioning students staging a small protest.

It also cited the 1984 fatal shooting of an unarmed man - whose race was not noted - by a Boston University cop.

Boston University Police Chief Kelly Nee did not respond to DailyMail.com's request for comment, nor did Deputy Chief Robert Molloy or the university. The newspaper's editorial board also did not immediately respond to an inquiry.

Nee said in a Policeforum.org special supplement that campus police departments face more scrutiny than their municipal counterparts.

'Our officers are expected to exercise a very high level of restraint,' Nee said. 'But if there's a threat, they are Special State Police Officers and they're very highly trained on use of force.'

The BUPD has an egregious history and present of violence and racism. If we are to ever truly approach a safe campus, we cannot continue to rely on these racist police institutions. The Daily Free Press

Free Press editors argued that lessening police presence would help address a 'safety issue' threatening students.

'This safety issue has nothing to do with a lack of campus security forces - Boston University Police and BU security staff - are distributed throughout our campus,' the article says.

'Rather, our safety issue has more to do with the fact that these campus security forces - both explicitly and implicitly - are not designed, or willing, to protect the safety of all BU students.'

The article presented other resources as alternatives, including transferring money to a program that safely escorts students to their dorm rooms.

'As many activists have pointed out, abolition requires that we create more community services that would address people's needs and community safety,' the article says. 'To put it simply, you would always have someone to call - the number would just be different.'

Boston University president Robert Brown did not respond to DailyMail.com's request for comment. He had in 2020 announced the establishment of a community safety advisory group.

It was launched to 'foster physical and psychological safety and security' for all students, Brown said in a letter at the time.

The editorial board is the latest group to join a call to defund police forces. Pictured: Women dance together during a Coalition of Black Youth march from Nubian Square to Boston City Hall on June 10, 2020

The group, among other things, trains BUPD officers in nondiscriminatory, bias-free policing, he said.

A primary area of focus is 'fostering quality of campus life, inclusion, and a sense of physical safety for all members of the Boston University community, with an emphasis on the safety of students of color and other underrepresented, nontraditional, and societally marginalized communities on campus,' the letter said.

The newspaper said the Boston University Police Department has an 'egregious history' of racism

Boston student groups have been outspoken for years in their efforts to end police-related racism both on and off campus.

Students participated in last year's peaceful protests stemming from several high-profile cases of police brutality, but have been calling for change long before it became a trending topic.

They've joined protests of solidarity for other campuses impacted by police brutality, and been outspoken about on-campus incidents as well.

The newspaper cited an incident last April where a campus officer 'wrestled a black man to the ground who they suspected had assaulted a student.'

The answer, the outlet concluded, was to find a different way of keeping campus safe.

Meanwhile, Boston's newly-elected mayor is continuing to call for the removal of police from public schools.

Wu - who in November became the first woman and first person of color to hold the title - campaigned on the promise of keeping cops out of classrooms.

She maintained her stance even after the principal of Dr. William W. Henderson Upper Campus School was hospitalized in early November with a head injury and broken ribs after being attacked by a student.

In her campaign manifesto, one of the pillars of her education plan was titled: 'Ending the criminalization of students'.

Michelle Wu, the newly-elected mayor of Boston, campaigned on the promise of keeping police out of Boston's schools
The UK and Jersey governments have issued another 23 licences to French fishing boats to trawl British waters in an apparent attempt to ease Brexit tensions.

It comes a day after the December 10 deadline for the UK to grant licences to dozens of French fishing boats under a Brexit deal signed last year, with Paris threatening European legal action if no breakthrough emerged.

The licences were agreed Friday night after British officials met European Union counterparts and followed what the spokesman called an 'evidence-based approach' ensuring vessels qualify to work in UK waters.

The spokesperson added that the approach 'provides stability and ensures the sustainability of our fisheries', with the UK granting 18 licences and the Channel Island of Jersey five.

The EU hailed the agreement as 'an important step in a long process' towards implementing the 2020 Brexit agreement and said work continued to license seven more vessels by Monday.

France had previously said 104 of its boats still lacked licences to operate in British and Channel Island waters that should have been granted under the Brexit agreement.

Under the deal, EU fishermen can continue to work in British waters if they can prove they used to fish there.

A spokesperson said the decision had come after Environment Secretary George Eustice spoke with European Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevicius on Friday evening 'following several weeks of intensive technical discussions on licensing'.

The UK has come to an agreement with Norway and the European Union over how to divide up fish stocks in the North Sea next year

The deal will see UK cod quota rolled over, with haddock up five per cent, herring rising by a fifth, while whiting will increase by a quarter compared to the 2021 allocation

The decision had come after Environment Secretary George Eustice (left) spoke with European Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevicius (right) on Friday evening 'following several weeks of intensive technical discussions on licensing'

Paris threatened to lodge a complaint with the European Commission over the dispute.

That could have seen the EU impose financial penalties or even tariffs on British goods if Britain was judged to be reneging on its commitments.

The EU added that 83 vessels had received licences since it attempted to intensify negotiations over outstanding applications in late November.

It is unclear whether the UK's latest licences offer will satisfy Paris' definition of a 'gesture of good faith' in the talks.

On Friday, France's European affairs minister Clement Beaune suggested the deadline could be extended as long as the UK offered 'a few dozen extra licences' to show that 'the dialogue is bearing fruit'.

The UK said it considered the latest phase of negotiations to be closed.

French fishermen last month disrupted cross-Channel ferry and freight traffic in protest at the post-Brexit arrangements and consequent loss of trade.

Half a dozen fishing boats blocked access to ferries at the northern port of Calais and the port of Ouistreham in Normandy to the west.

In May, protesting French trawlers massed in front of Jersey's main port and even caused a brief standoff with Royal Navy vessels.

The UK and Jersey governments have issued further licences to French fishing boats (pictured, French fishermen sort their catch in Boulogne-sur-Mer in November)to trawl British waters amid a post-Brexit wrangle over access rights

UK, Norway and the EU agree division of fishing stocks The UK, Norway and the EU agreed a deal today over how to divide up fish stocks in the North Sea next year. It means that all three know what share - known as total allowable catch - of six jointly-managed fish stocks they can take from the North Sea in 2022. The UK Government said the agreed catch levels will provide opportunities estimated to be worth around 190 million to the fishing industry, based on historic landing prices, and argued it will provide certainty heading into the new year. The deal will see UK cod quota rolled over, with haddock up five per cent, herring rising by a fifth, while whiting will increase by a quarter compared to the 2021 allocation. However, plaice will see a 12 per cent reduction in allowed catch and said the will be down by 24 per cent on last year. Fisheries minister Victoria Prentis said: 'We are confident that this agreement has struck a balance that will benefit both our fishing industry and ensure our marine environment is healthy and viable long into the future.' Advertisement

The UK is highly dependent on French ports, particularly for fresh food imports, and any extended blockade would have the potential to have a significant impact.

The EU and Britain are also locked in a separate trade row over checks on products entering the British province of Northern Ireland after the UK government unilaterally postponed the introduction of checks.

The dispute has exacerbated deteriorating bilateral relations between Britain and France, who have clashed this year over migrant crossings in the English Channel, post-Brexit trade arrangements and submarine sales to Australia.

A UK Government spokeswoman said it had adopted an 'evidence-based approach' and that where fishing data had not been provided, 'licences have not been issued'.

Providing details of the decision to grant more fishing licences, she added: 'On direct replacement vessels, we have taken an approach in line with the TCA which provides stability and ensures the sustainability of our fisheries.

'Last night, following receipt of new evidence from the (European) Commission, the UK licensed 18 replacement vessels on the basis of this methodology.

'Further technical work on seven more licences for direct replacement vessels is scheduled to conclude on Monday.

'Jersey has today announced that it can, following receipt of new data this week, issue permanent licences to an additional five qualifying vessels currently on temporary licences.

'This will take the total permanent licences issued by Jersey to 130. This now concludes this phase of intensive talks on licensing.'

Officials said the process of issuing licences had been based on 'evidence rather than deadlines', with talks continuing into next week.

They stressed that the UK and the Crown Dependencies had 'gone to great lengths to help vessels prove' their historical fishing activity, including purchasing commercially available electronic positioning data.

To satisfy UK criteria, vessels need to prove that they have fished in UK waters for one day in each of the four years between 2012 and 2016, while Guernsey and Jersey ask for evidence of fishing for more than 10 days in one year of the above period.
A Serbian Youtuber has been found dead at the age of 21 after being subjected to years of alleged bullying and trolling on social media.

The body of Kristina 'Kika' Dukic was discovered in the Serbian capital of Belgrade at around 11.40pm on December 8.

Investigators reported no signs of foul play, while the Ministry of the Interior said an investigation was ongoing.

The shock death was revealed by Kristina's mother, named locally as Natasa Djukic, who released a short statement on Instagram.

She said: 'This will be a hard time for us all and all we can do is keep her memory alive.

'We love you Kika and miss you more than words can explain.

The body of Kristina 'Kika' Dukic, 21, (pictured), who was also a popular Twitch streamer, was discovered in Belgrade in Serbia at around 11.40pm on December 8

The shock death was revealed by Kristina's mother, named locally as Natasa Djukic, who released a short statement on Instagram (Pictured: Kristina)

Investigators in the capital reported no signs of foul play, while the Ministry of the Interior said an investigation was ongoing (Pictured: Kristina Kika Dukic in a video speaking about bullying)

'If you are having suicidal thoughts or suffering from depression please speak to someone you are not alone.'

A close associate of the influencer, Mira Vladisavljevic told local media outlet Telegraf : 'Terrible. A terrible thing happened last night. I appeal to all the media to carefully report on this case and on the girl who struggled with bullying for five years. Please understand.'

It comes after Kristina, who had more than a million followers across Instagram, YouTube and Twitch, said in a recent video that she felt like nothing she ever did was good enough for other people.

She also touched on the constant bullying she was subjected to, and said it was important to be happy and for her to do what she wanted in life.

Many of the hate-filled messages, shared by Kristina, vilified her appearance and accused her of having plastic surgery.

One of her biggest critics had been Bogdan Illic, who went through several of her videos and labelled her as a fake, according to local media outlet Republika.

The news site said his massive following of more than one million followers meant that many of his fans went on to troll Kristina with hateful comments, with some telling her: 'Kill yourself.'

Following the tragic news, Bogdan claimed he had been becoming friends with Kristina before her death.

According to local media outlet Direktno he said: 'I was among the first to find out about this event because her friends called me and told me that they would publicly support me with the truth about the whole event, but I refused because I do not want to be a victim.'

Kristina, who had more than a million followers across Instagram, YouTube and Twitch, said in a recent video that she felt like nothing she ever did was good enough for other people

According to Instagram post from December 11, Kristina's funeral will be held at one of Belgrade's largest cemeteries in Lesce on December 14

Many of the hate-filled messages vilified Kristina's appearance and accused her of having plastic surgery

He said that if people hate him because of this then this is 'fine' with him.

'I'm sorry about what happened. I'm sorry I didn't announce that we reconciled and became friends,' he added.

'I'm sorry because people don't know the reason and point the finger.

'They do not give the dead peace and respect, just to get a few likes, to fulfill their desire for revenge and in the ugliest possible way.'

Kristina's final post, shared on November 11, read: 'She said, "Where we goin'?" I said, "The moon".'

According to Instagram post from December 11, Kristina's funeral will be held at one of Belgrade's largest cemeteries in Lesce on December 14.
Disgraced former minister Matt Hancock today continued his 'comeback tour' by debuting a bold new look at a red carpet event.

Mr Hancock chose a black roll neck sweater and blue jeans for an unlikely appearance at Capital FM's Jingle Bells Ball starring Justin Bieber in London.

The look bore a striking resemblance to the iconic outfit of the late American businessman Steve Jobs, who was known for wearing a mock turtleneck, Levi blue jeans, and New Balance sneakers.

The ex-Health Secretary looked a far-cry from his usual suit and tie looks that he wore every day as a member of the Cabinet as he attempts rehabilitate his image after he resigned over his rule-breaking affair.

Mr Hancock was filmed in a steamy clinch with married aide and millionaire lobbyist Gina Coladangelo in his Whitehall office in June - spelling both the end of his time as a minister, and his 15-year marriage to wife Martha.

Earlier today he was pictured holding hands with lover Gina on an early morning stroll just days after he publicly apologised for the affair and admitted the infamous kiss was 'a failure of leadership'.

Disgraced former minister Matt Hancock today continued his 'comeback tour' by debuting a bold new look at a red carpet event in London

In a rare public appearance, disgraced ex-Health Secretary Matt Hancock and lover Gina Coladangelo cosy up to another as they take an early morning walk in London

Trendy Hancock went to see Justin Bieber at London's O2 Arena on Saturday night

Mr Hancock lost his job when it emerged they were seeing each other despite her being his 15,000-a-year aide and them breaking social distancing rules that he had himself created.

Media reports soon after the bombshell revelation speculated that he had left his wife Martha, 44, to pursue a long-term romance with Ms Coladangelo, who was married to Oliver Bonas founder Oliver Tressas.

But it comes just days after Mr Hancock made yet another public appearance after months in the political wilderness on ITV's Peston - where he made a third grovelling apology for his conduct but failed to directly mention his wife Martha by name.

Mr Hancock and Ms Coladangelo were wrapped up warm as they braved a chilly Saturday morning in their winter jackets.

Mr Hancock wore pale faded jeans and navy trainers, while Ms Coladangelo sported an oversized turtle neck jumper and paired black jeans with combat boots.

Matt Hancock was pictured holding hands with his lover Gina Coladangelo on an early morning Saturday stroll in London

It comes after Mr Hancock and Ms Coladangelo were pictured on romantic getaways together in Croatia and the Swiss Alps earlier this year.

Speaking to ITV political editor Robert Peston on his show last week, Mr Hancock said: 'Well, as you can imagine, the first thing that I focused on was my personal life, and then I focused on my professional responsibilities, and I decided that I had to resign.

'I had blown up every part of my life and I concentrated on my personal life first as you can probably imagine. It was the right thing to do.'

The Tory MP was exposed in June cheating on his wife Martha after he was caught kissing Ms Coladangelo, who he had appointed as an adviser, in his private office, breaching the social distancing guidelines that he had established.

Mr Hancock tried to ride out the political storm over his flagrant breaches of Covid-19 regulations and his marital infidelity but was eventually forced to resign.

Mr Hancock lost his job when it emerged they were secretly seeing each other, despite her being his 15,000-a-year aide and them breaking social distancing rules that he had himself created

The pair have previously been pictured enjoying romantic getaways together in Croatia and the Swiss Alps earlier this year

Mr Hancock was forced to resign for breaching social distancing guidelines after he was shown in CCTV footage kissing his aide Gina Coladangelo inside his ministerial office

When asked on the ITV's Peston whether he was surprised Boris Johnson did not sack him, Mr Hancock said: 'I'm not going to go into the conversations that I had with the Prime Minister.

'I made the decision [to resign], it was clearly right decision. And I just say, sorry again for the failure of... I let a lot of people down and I'm sorry to the people who I hurt.'

Mr Hancock also insisted that he is 'not in any hurry' to return to the Government.

He said: 'I actually think that being on the backbenches - I'm enjoying it. It's a very important job.

Martha Hancock, wife of Britain's Health Secretary Matt Hancock, arrives at her home in London after they split up

'I think contributions from people who have been there in the heat of battle... Theresa May, the contributions she makes as a former Prime Minister. If I can make that sort of contribution...[then I will be pleased].'

The Hancocks, who met while they were both students at Oxford University and married in 2006, had lived with their daughter, 14, and two sons, 13 and eight, in London and West Suffolk until earlier this year when Mr Hancock's affair was exposed.

The jaw-dropping footage was taken on May 6 - less than a fortnight before the Government relaxed safety rules including giving permission to hug.

The father-of-three ended his 15-year marriage to wife Martha and has pursued a relationship Ms Coladangelo, a former university friend who was also married with three children.

The pair, who met while studying at Oxford University, have been pictured together at public gatherings for nearly two years, with one image dating back to the Conservative Party Conference in September 2019.

In his resignation letter to the Prime Minister, Mr Hancock said ministers 'owe it to people who have sacrificed so much in this pandemic to be honest when we have let them down'.

Matt Hancock has admitted he had 'blown up every part of my life' after he was caught on CCTV cheating on his wife with his most senior aide

The Tory MP was exposed in June cheating on his wife Martha (pictured together in 2018) after he was caught kissing Ms Coladangelo

After the CCTV clip emerged, Mr Hancock confirmed his resignation and said he wanted to 'reiterate his apology for breaking the guidance'.

He said: 'The last thing I would want is for my private life to distract attention from the single-minded focus that is leading us out of this crisis.

'I want to reiterate my apology for breaking the guidance, and apologise to my family and loved ones for putting them through this. I also need (to) be with my children at this time.'
Boris Johnson was pictured Saturday visiting his wife Carrie Johnson and their newborn daughter at a hospital in central London - as pressure on his premiership and government continues to mount.

The prime minister was seen climbing out of a Range Rover donning a black face mask emblazoned with a Union Jack, paired with a grey suit, red jumper and white open-collared shirt.

It came after the list of scandals facing the government was added to yet again last night - when it was revealed that the Treasury had a boozy impromptu party in late November last year, which allegedly went against Covid rules in place at the time.

Meanwhile, surveys show the PM is losing support among key portions of the voting public, while the Labour party is polling as much as eight points ahead of the Conservatives.

A Tory MP today compared his premiership to that of the doomed Theresa May's, claiming he had 'f***ed' it over the Christmas party furore - which saw him fire spokeswoman Allegra Stratton after she was caught on camera joking about an alleged No10 Xmas bash, believed to have taken place on December 18 last year.

Boris Johnson was pictured climbing out of a black Range Rover donning a black face mask emblazoned with a Union Jack and clutching his mobile phone in his left hand as he visited his wife and newborn on Saturday

The PM waves to photographers outside the central London hospital

'The anger is right up there now with the dog days of the May premiership,' the MP told the i.

'Two years on almost to the day from Boris's biggest triumph he has, not to put too fine a point on it, f***ed it.

'His chances of making the next election have slipped well below 50-50. He is treating the British public like he has his previous relationships and it's not an edifying sight.'

The scathing review comes amid:

Growing Tory anger over the announcement of Plan B restrictions on Wednesday

Continued fallout from the allegedly rule-breaking No10 party last Christmas

The 17,800 fine handed to the Conservatives Thursday over a controversial donation which helped cover refurbishments to the PM's Downing Street flat

A Savanta ComRes poll for the Daily Mail on Friday showing two thirds of voters don't trust the PM

The Conservatives falling eight points behind Labour in a snap poll by Focaldata on Friday

Following the birth of his daughter, Mr Johnson said he would be taking some family time, but not the full two weeks paternity leave he is permitted to under law.

The girl is the second baby for the couple and is the little sister of Wilfred, who was born in April last year.

The couple announced they were expecting their second child together at the end of July, as the 33-year-old environmental campaigner spoke of having a miscarriage earlier in the year.

There are growing concerns that Mr Johnson is damaging the Conservative Party's chances at the next election (pictured outside hospital on Saturday)

The birth came the morning after the Prime Minister announced England is entering Plan B to combat the spread of the Omicron variant of coronavirus.

As well as facing Tory anger over the latest restrictions, Mr Johnson was battling the fallout of an allegedly rule-breaking No10 Christmas party last year which forced the resignation of senior Government aide Allegra Stratton.

Also on Thursday morning, the Conservatives were fined 17,800 over a controversial donation which helped cover the lavish refurbishments to his and Carrie's Downing Street flat.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said Thursday: 'I think there's a recognition the Prime Minister has a unique role and this is a particularly challenging time for the country, and the Prime Minister will continue to lead, as the public would expect, while making time for his family.'

But there are growing concerns that Mr Johnson is damaging the Conservative Party's chances at the next election.

A Savanta ComRes poll for the Daily Mail on Friday found that two thirds of people do not trust the PM.

Meanwhile among female voters, Labour's lead has grown from six points to 14 points in just the past few days.

It is now on 45 per cent  compared to the Tories who fell by four points to 31 per cent.

YouGov research today found that the PM's personal ratings have plunged to an all-time low of minus 42, down 11 points in a month

A stark focaldata poll showed Labour eight points in the lead, compounding the Tory anxiety over the PM's stewardship

Overall support for the Tories has dropped five points since last weekend to 33 per cent. This is their lowest since October 2019.

A snap poll by Focaldata on Friday showed the Tories polling eight points behind Labour.

Meanwhile, another senior Conservative MP told the i that he has failed to build a long-term power base in the party, adding: 'The trouble is, no one likes him.

'He has never been an MP who gets along with people, so it means he has no support base inside the Commons.'

It comes after fresh revelations last night claimed that around two dozen civil servants attended a drinks party in the Treasury on November 25 last year.

The party was held despite coronavirus restrictions which had asked people to stay at home unless exercising or food shopping.

At the time, non-essential shops, bars and restaurants were closed.

Sources revealed that Chancellor Rishi Sunak's officials, who had been working on his spending review announcement, stayed for a drinks party afterwards.

Wine and beer were brought into the Treasury but the officials insisted the party had been spontaneous.

Carrie Johnson and security arrive at central London hospital where Carrie had a baby daughter

A source said: 'They'd all been working really hard. They had to be in the office anyway that day.

'It was not a formal party but perhaps in hindsight it was not the most sensible thing to do.'

Another insider said nobody had questioned the drinks party or thought there was anything wrong with the event.

They described the situation with parties and events coming to light as a 'blame game', according to the Times.

Mr Sunak was not at the event and it is understood he did not know it was happening.

A spokesman said of the Treasury drinks party: 'In line with the guidance at the time, a number of staff came into the office to work on the Spending Review 2020.

'We have been made aware that a small number of those staff had impromptu drinks around their desks after the event.'

An inquiry is set to take place into three parties which came to light before this latest bash was revealed.

Simon Case, the cabinet secretary, is leading the investigation into last year's Downing Street Christmas party on December 18, a leaving event on November 27 and an education department party on December 10.

He will also decide whether to investigate the drinks party held at the Treasury.
A Scuba-diving YouTuber has discovered a car containing human remains that's connected to a cold case of two Tennessee teens who went missing 21 years ago.

Jeremy Beau Sides, 42, of the YouTube channel Exploring with Nug and his team found a black Pontiac Grand Am during a dive mission in Sparta, Tennessee, in late November, with yet-to-be-identified human remains discovered inside.

The two teens, Jeremy Bechtel, 17, and Erin Foster, 18, went missing without a trace in the small town of Sparta in 2000.

The newly discovered vehicle - which The New York Times reported had belonged to Foster - was recovered by Sides and his team after having been submerged in Calfkiller River.

The license plate matched that of Foster's missing Pontiac, according to the White County Sheriff and The Times. DailyMail.com reached out to the Sparta Police Department for comment.

Sides made the trek to the small town last month to search for Foster's Pontiac Grand Am. His entire YouTube channel focuses on recovering lost items from bodies of water, often connected to cold cases.

He and his team searched the waters and found the car using side scan sonar, before sending in scuba divers to pull it out of the water, he said.

Video of the car's retrieval shows the rusted Pontiac being pulled from the river while still mostly intact. They later turned the vehicle and the remains to the police department.

SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO

Pictured: A Grand Am that was retrieved it from a river in Tennessee. It's connected to a cold case of two missing teens who haven't been seen in 21 years

The car is wheeled out of the river, sparking hopes the disappearance of teens Jeremy Betchel and Erin Foster may finally be solved 21 years after they vanished

The vehicle, which the NYT reported had belonged to one of the missing teens, Erin Foster, was recovered by Sides' and his team after having been submerged in a local river

Pictured: Jeremy Bechtel, 17, and Erin Foster, 18, at the time of their disappearance

A team of forensic investigators was collecting evidence from the 1998 Pontiac as of Wednesday, KTFV reported.

While the remains have yet to be positively identified as of Saturday, they have been sent for genetic DNA testing alongside dental record comparisons.

Both families have since been notified.

'It was like losing him all over again,' Jeremy's father, Ron Bechtel, 57 said in an interview with the New York Times on Thursday.

'We kind of had just had a thin bit of hope that he was still alive.'

Sides said that the story has haunted local residents for years.

'It was a very small town, two teenagers go missing and no one knows where they went. Everybody knew these kids, they went to school with them, you know,' Sides told WTVF.

'Half the police officers went to school with these guys, they were friends with them. It was a very great feeling to bring so much closure and answers to so many people at once. It meant a lot to me and I know it meant a lot to all of them too.'

Police have continued to search and follow dozens of different leads over the years.

Jeremy Beau Sides, pictured, runs a YouTube channel where he and his team search bodies of water for missing cars and items related to cold cases

Pictured: the interior of Foster's 1998 Pontiac Grand Am, which had unidentified human remains

The two teens, pictured, went missing in the small Tennessee town of Sparta back in 2000

'Every so often a case will pop up where somebody just vanishes off the planet and they disappear in their car. Thats an immediate red flag that chances are, they went into a body of water somewhere,' Sides explained.

White County Sheriff Steve Page said in a Facebook statement that he told Sides he might be looking in the wrong area after a member of Foster's family requested the sheriff watch one of Sides' videos on his search for the missing teens.

'The man changed his location to Hwy 84, Calfkiller River on 11/30/2021 where he later discovered a vehicle and called Sheriff Page,' the department wrote in the statement posted to Facebook.

'Sheriff Page contacted [Sparta Police] Major John Meadows and his team arrived on the scene within minutes to investigate which led to the confirmed [plate] match of the vehicle.'

Meadows is the lead investigator of the case and was among the teens' classmates in high school.

Sides said he and his team searched the river and found the car using side scan sonar, pictured, before sending in scuba divers to pull it out of the water

The vehicle, which is believed to have been submerged in water for 21 years, was mostly still intact but it did have some rust damage, pictured above

An investigation into the teens' disappearance remains ongoing, according to local authorities.

Sides, YouTube channel, which currently has over 138,000 subscribers, says he dives in 'rivers and lakes recovering lost or stolen property, clean up the waterways, and help bring closures to families in need.'

In October, Sides teamed up with another YouTube group, Adventures With Purpose, and found a body in a submerged vehicle in Texas, the Times reported.

And early in November, Sides also discovered a car associated with a missing woman who hadn't been since 2005 about an hour away from Sparta in Oakridge.

That same month, a different YouTube group called Chaos Divers is believed to have found a car belonging to an Ohio couple who had been missing for nearly four years.
A Wisconsin wedding was found to be the source of a COVID Omicron 'super-spread' now taking Oakland by storm, leaving 38 hospital workers and patients exposed as the variant has now been spotted in half of U.S. states.

Debra Furr-Holden, 47, the associate Dean of Public Health Integration at Michigan State University, said she attended the Milwaukee wedding on November 27 after she was assured nearly all 100 guests, many of whom were medical experts, were vaccinated.

But the medical professional noted that as the celebration went on, many guests took their masks off and mingled, causing Furr-Holden and more than a dozen others to be infected with COVID-19, including 11 people who work for Kaiser Permanente's Oakland Medical Center.

While Furr-Holden confirmed that she went on to infect her daughter, Jordan, Kaiser Permanente officials said the infected employees may have exposed a total of 38 co-workers and patients at two Oakland, California hospitals.

'I'll give people a cautionary tale,' Furr-Holden told ABC . 'If a group of medical professionals and public health professionals can't prevent spread at a social gathering, it's just the luck of the draw for everybody.'





The super-spreader event comes as large holiday celebrations continue across the U.S., including the infamous SantaCon in New York City, where thousands gather for a massive pub crawl, despite the rise in COVID-19 cases and the Omicron variant.

Debra Furr-Holden, the associate Dean of Public Health Integration at Michigan State University, confirmed she contracted the virus after attending a wedding in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on November 27

The Omicron COVID-19 variant has now been sequenced around 80 times in at least 25 U.S. states, half of America

Wisconsin public health officials are investigating the outbreak and have yet to find any local positive cases among the wedding guests. They said one guest had recently returned from an international trip.

Kaiser Permanente officials told the San Francisco Chronicle that the 11 infected employees were fully vaccinated and had received booster shots.

Some of the infected did not exhibits systems before going to work after the wedding ceremony, exposing eight patients and another eight coworkers to the virus.

As of December 8, 13 of those exposed have tested negative for COVID-19. Kaiser Permanente would not provide further details on the remaining tests.

'The few affected staff members, who are in patient-facing roles, worked briefly prior to being symptomatic or tested and all adhered to COVID-19 infection prevention guidance while in the facility,' the medical company said in a statement.

One of the infected workers from the Oakland medical center also worked at the nearby Highland Hospital, where officials there said 11 staff members and another 11 employees were potentially exposed.

The wedding left 11 employees of Kaiser Permanente's Oakland Medical Center infected with COVID-19. They potentially exposed a total of 38 coworkers and patients in two hospitals

Furr-Holden said she infected her daughter, Jordan, who tested positive for the virus shortly after. The pair are quarantining away from Jordan's three-month-old daughter, India

Furr-Holden said she must have infected her daughter, Jordan, who tested positive for the virus shortly after. The pair are quarantining away from Jordan's three-month-old daughter, India.

'We all did the right thing, we got tested in advance. We got our vaccines. Many had boosters,' Furr-Holden said of the attendees.

'And we still ended up infecting each other and then some of us came home and infected our loved ones.'

She added that the bride and groom, who were on their honeymoon when they alerted the guests about the outbreak, had also tested positive and are still in a 14-day quarantine.

The Omicron COVID-19 variant is now in half of U.S. states, after Arizona, Iowa, Michigan and Virginia joined the growing list on Thursday or Friday morning.

Now, 25 states have recorded at least one Omicron case.

While Omicron dominates headlines, the Delta variant continues its spread nationwide, causing a 30 percent increase in new daily cases and 20 percent increase in deaths over the past two weeks.

America's worsening COVID situation, combined with the Omicron variant and general apathy the population has for the pandemic at this point has one expert sounding alarms that things may get worse for the nation.

Dr .Gregory Poland (pictured) warns that there are 32,000 Americans alive right now who will be dead because of Covid by the end of the year, and do not even know it yet

Dr. Gregory Poland is one of the nation's top experts on vaccination and immunology, and works as an epidemiologist for the Mayo Clinic and is editor-in-chief of the scientific journals 'Vaccine'.

As deaths in America continue to rise, he warns that people should not let their guard down.

'32,000 Americans who think they're going to be alive to celebrate Christmas and New Years are, no pun intended, dead wrong,' he told DailyMail.com, as his calculations show that with the current death rate in America, around 32,000 more people are likely to die between now and New Years.

'Not one of them believes [they will die].'

While early data about the Omicron variant is promising - showing that the highly infectious variant does not cause as severe cases as Delta and other Covid strains - he fears that people will see those messages and expose themselves to the existing dangers of virus.

'Everybody's comforting themselves with the idea that Omicron is less severe,' he said.

'It may well be but that is very, very, preliminary information that comes from one specific area of the world where Delta has not been as deadly as it has here.

'It fascinates me that a tiny little preliminary report like that makes its way around the world. Everybody fixes on that belief. And yet, look at the last year of work trying to get people immunized and they ignore it.'

Poland urges Americans to get fully vaccinated as soon as they can, and for those already fully vaccinated to get their booster shot.

He is echoing the calls of many other health officials since the discovery of the Omicron variant, with Dr. Anthony Fauci - the nation's top infectious disease expert - even saying earlier this week that the definition of 'fully vaccinated' would eventually be changed to only include people who have received their booster doses.

On Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published a report finding the first 43 cases of Omicron sequenced in the U.S. were all mild infections, with no severe complications reported so far.

Poland says that much of America's failures to deal with the pandemic draws back to humans inability to understand the scale as to which how quickly the virus can spread.

'What we're fundamentally discussing is a concept called exponential reality... and there are no circumstances in which humans don't fail in decision making under conditions of exponential reality,' he said.

Because of the nature of COVID, and especially the more infectious variants like Delta and Omicron, cases can double in a matter of only a few days if spread is not mitigated - meaning a situation that seems controlled can quickly become overwhelming.

Poland supports vaccine mandates and believes that no one should be able to travel into the United States without showing proof of a negative test.

He also supports the 'pre-emptive' strike against COVID that New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced earlier this week - implementing vaccine mandates on the private sector workforce and requiring proof of two vaccine doses for a person to go to many indoor events and facilities.

'I thought that was a very wise and courageous action that most people will not want to do, not realizing the value of that to them,' Poland said.

Pfizer finds that third shot is needed to protect from Omicron The pharma giant Pfizer revealed data Wednesday showing that its two-dose COVID vaccine regimen may not be effective at preventing infection from the Omicron variant Data published by AHRI on Tuesday found that the jab had 41 times less antibodies effective against Omicron as it had against over variants Pfizer reports that a booster dose increases Omicron-fighting antibodies 25-fold when compared to only receiving the two-shots Officials could not say whether the jab is still effective at preventing severe COVID infection The Pfizer vaccine is the most popular in the U.S., having been administered over 275 million times to fully vaccinate more than 110 million people Advertisement

While his outlook on the pandemic is not the rosiest, Poland still thinks it is ok for people to travel for Christmas and New Years this holiday season, as long as they understand they are absorbing some risk in doing so.

'I have no problem with that. Just [make sure] they're fully vaccinated and boosted and they were a proper mask properly,' he said.

'We were built for community, we were built for social interaction, we must have that. That question is how to do it safely. And [how to] balance risks and benefits.'

There is no such thing as doing anything 'safe', Poland said, even adding that the act of driving a car can be extremely dangerous, but people could do things 'safer' by taking some precautions like wearing a mask and getting vaccinated.

The United States reached 60 percent of its population fully vaccinated earlier this week, a milestone reached only days before the one year anniversary of the first vaccine doses becoming available.

Some officials are pushing to bring that rate even higher, including New York Gov Kathy Hochul.

On Friday, Hochul announced that all indoor businesses in New York would have to either institute a vaccine mandate or mask mandate, a drastic move that will go into effect on Monday.

On Wednesday, Pfizer, who manufactures the most commonly used vaccine in the U.S. - used to fully vaccinated over 110 million people - announced it had data showing that the first two doses of its vaccine were not as effective against the new variant.

It came a day after the African Health Research Institute released a study finding that people who were fully vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine had 40 times less antibodies available for fighting Omicron that they did other strains.

Pfizer did say that it had data showing the booster shot would get protection levels back up, though, and increases antibody levels 25-fold.

On Thursday, the Food and Drug Administration expanded eligibility of the Pfizer booster shot to also include people aged 16 and 17.

Nearly 50 million, or 15 percent of the population, has received a booster shot, with half receiving the Pfizer shoot as their booster.

America is also averaging around 120,000 new daily COVID cases, a 30 percent increase over the past two weeks.

Deaths in the U.S. are up 18 percent over the past two weeks, up to nearly 1,300 per week, and the 62,000 Americans in the hospital due to severe cases of the virus is a 20 percent increase over the past two weeks.

Dr. Michael Osterholm, a public health expert at the University of Minnesota said this week that he believes Omicron could become the dominant strain within the next few weeks.

'I think Omicron is going to be remarkable in how fast it takes,' Osterhold said.

'If you look at what it took for Alpha and Delta to prevail, it took really two months before they became the dominant variants around the world, some countries sooner than others. I think youre going to see this one become the dominant variant in just a matter of weeks.'
A gunman was shot dead in Kensington after raiding a bank and a bookmakers in broad daylight on a busy residential street in central London, according to police.

Police officers rushed to the scene near Kensington Gardens just after 3pm on Saturday afternoon after reports of a man with a firearm entering a bank and bookmakers.

At least five police cars and one unmarked vehicle were seen at the scene in the upmarket London borough.

The man then drove away and fifteen minutes later, armed officers stopped a car near Palace Gate at 3.19pm, according to the Metropolitan Police.

Police officers rushed to the scene near Kensington Gardens just after 3pm on Saturday afternoon after reports of a man with a firearm entering a bank and bookmakers

At least five police cars and one unmarked vehicle were seen at the scene (pictured) in the upmarket London borough

The man then drove away and armed officers stopped a car near Palace Gate at 3.19pm, according to the Metropolitan Police

Police at the scene near Kensington High Street in London, where a man died after sustaining gunshot wounds in an incident involving armed officers close to Kensington Palace

The public are urged to avoid the area as road closures remain in place. Pictured: Police at the scene in Kensington

Eyewitnesses reported hearing 'three loud bangs'. Pictured: Police officers are seen at scene after a man was shot dead in Kensington

Shots were fired and a man sustained gunshot wounds. Despite the efforts of paramedics, he was pronounced dead just after 4pm.

It is believed the man who sustain gunshot wounds was the gunman, and that he was shot dead by armed police officers.

The man's identity is not yet known and efforts are underway to inform his next of kin.

Eyewitnesses reported hearing 'three loud bangs' and claimed to have seen paramedics performing CPR to at least one person, reports MyLondon.

A police helicopter was also reportedly seen circling the area.

The Metropolitan Police said the incident was not being treated as terrorism and urged the public to avoid the area as road closures remain in place.

The incident has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

Shots were fired and a man sustained gunshot wounds. Despite the efforts of paramedics, he was pronounced dead just after 4pm. Pictured: Police at the scene on Saturday

Footage taken at the scene appeared to show a man lying on the floor at the corner of Kensington Road and Palace Gate, while armed police officers stood around him

Police officers remained on the scene where a man was shot dead on Saturday afternoon

Police officers are seen at scene after a man was shot dead by police after he reportedly entered a bank with gun in London on Saturday

A police helicopter was reportedly seen circling the area. Pictured: Police at the scene near Kensington High Street in London, where a man died after sustaining gunshot wounds

Police at the scene near Kensington High Street in London on Saturday evening, following an incident involving armed police

Eyewitnesses reported hearing 'three loud bangs'. Pictured: Police cordon off Kensington High Street in London, near the scene where the man was shot

Kensington and Chelsea Police said: 'Officers are responding to an incident at the junction of Kensington Road and Palace Gate.

'There is no risk to the public but roads are closed and are likely to remain so for some time.'

A Metropolitan Police statement read: 'At 15:04hrs on Saturday, 11 December police were called to reports of a man with a firearm seen to enter a bank and bookmakers in the vicinity of Marloes Road, W8.

'The man was then seen to get into a vehicle and leave the area.

'At 15:19hrs, armed officers stopped a vehicle at the junction of Kensington Road and Palace Gate, SW7.

'Shots were fired and a man sustained gunshot wounds.

Police officers remained at the scene on Saturday evening, while people were urged to avoid the area due to road closures

Police officers are seen at scene after a man was shot dead by police after he reportedly entered a bank with gun in Kensington

Police remained at the scene on Saturday evening (pictured), following the incident just after 3pm

It is believed the man who sustain gunshot wounds was the gunman, and that he was shot dead by armed police officers. Pictured: Police at the scene near Kensington High Street

The man's identity is not yet known and efforts are underway to inform his next of kin. Pictured: Police at the scene near Kensington High Street on Saturday evening

The Metropolitan Police said the incident was not being treated as terrorism and urged the public to avoid the area as road closures (pictured: police at the scene) remain in place

A taxi and a police tent erected in the middle of a cordon in Kensington High Street, London, where a man died after sustaining gunshot wounds

Eyewitnesses claimed to have seen paramedics performing CPR to at least one person, reports MyLondon. Pictured: Police at the scene on Saturday night

The incident has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. Pictured: Police officers are seen at scene after a man was shot dead in Kensington

'The London Ambulance Service and London Air Ambulance were called and the man was treated at the scene.

'Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, he was pronounced dead at 16:08hrs.

'Efforts are under way to confirm the man's identity and to inform his next of kin.

'The Met's Directorate of Professional Standards has been informed and the incident has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

'A number of road closures are in place in the local area and are likely to remain in place for some time. The public are advised to avoid the area.

'The incident is not being treated as terrorism.'

The Met have been contacted to provide further information.

More information to come as we get it.
Donald Trump has reacted to Jussie Smollett's conviction for lying to police about a hate crime he claimed was perpetrated by MAGA supporters, calling it a 'hate crime in reverse.'

'This is really a hate crime. Sort of a hate crime in reverse. And he's not going to get away with it,' Trump told Fox News host Laura Ingraham in a phone interview on Friday night.

'If he were a Republican, if he were on the other side, he'd be in jail for 25 years for hate crimes for what he did and for what he said,' he added.

Smollett, 39, was convicted Thursday of five counts of disorderly conduct for lying to Chicago police about being the victim of a racist, anti-gay attack he said was perpetrated by Trump supporters who screamed 'this is MAGA country'.

He maintains his innocence, and his attorney has said he will appeal the verdict.

Trump on Friday called Smollett a 'con man' whose hoax was an attempt to garner publicity and get contract on the television show Empire renewed on favorable terms.

Donald Trump has reacted to Jussie Smollett's conviction for lying to police about a hate crime he claimed was perpetrated by MAGA supporters, calling it a 'hate crime in reverse'

Actor Jussie Smollett was found guilty of orchestrating and reporting a false hate crime on himself, after lying to police when he reported that two masked men physically attacked him

Nigerian brothers Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo arrive at the courthouse during trial

'He was the con man, and he wanted to try and get sympathy so he could have his contract renewed for his ridiculous television series. So that didn't work out too well,' said Trump.

'And then, on top of it, he got caught. And you know it's interesting. He wouldn't have been caught except that he pressed it all the way. He pressed it too far.'

'He wanted apologies and everything else,' said Trump. 'And then the police came, and they did an amazing job. And they caught him cold, and he deserves it.

Earlier Friday, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki brought up Trump when asked whether President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris regretted rushing to judgement in their passionate support of convicted liar Jussie Smollett.

Both Harris and Biden tweeted enthusiastic support for Smollett in January 2019 when he claimed he'd been the victim of a hate crime.

They were then silent when Smollett was arrested, and have said nothing about his trial.

Psaki was asked during the White House briefing on Friday, in light of Smollett's Thursday conviction: 'Since the guilty verdict, are there any lessons learned here on rushing to judgement when a crime is alleged?'

She replied: 'There are lessons learned perhaps for everybody who commented at the time, including former President Trump.'

Psaki then looked down at her notes to read aloud Trump's quote, when he said: 'I can tell you that it's horrible, it doesn't get worse'.

She then went on: 'We respect the jury's decision. Lying to the police, particularly about something as painful as hate crimes is shameful.

'Instances of that need to be investigated fully and those found guilty need to be punished. False accusations divert valuable police resources, important investigations that make it harder for real victims to come forward and be believed.

'You know, look back at the time. It's also true and important to note that accusations of hate crimes should be taken seriously and they need to be fully investigated, but that's where everybody was looking at it at the time.'

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki quotes Trump when he called the Jussie Smollett hoax attack 'horrible' when asked if Biden and Kamala 'rushed to judgement' with their passionate tweets

Referring to Jussie Smollet, President Joe Biden tweeted shortly after the incident in 2019: What happened today to @Jussie Smollet must never be tolerated in this country. We must stand up and demand that we no longer give this hate safe harbor; that homophobia and racism have no place on our streets or in our hearts. We are with you, Jessie.'

The Democratic Candidate had previously written: 'Jussie Smollett is one of the kindest, most gently human beings I know. I'm praying for his quick recovery. This was an attempted modern day lynching. No one should have to fear for their life because of their sexuality or color of their skin. We must confront this hate'

'But certainly, knowing what we know now it's important to also note the danger of lying to police and lying about hate crimes and the fact that it diverts important resources.'

Biden tweeted on January 2019: 'What happened today to Jussie Smollett must never be tolerated in this country.

'We must stand up and demand that we no longer give this hate safe harbor; that homophobia and racism have no place on our streets or in our hearts. We are with you, Jussie.'

Harris tweeted: '@jussiesmollett is one of the kindest, most gentle human beings I know. I'm praying for his quick recovery. This was an attempted modern day lynching. No one should have to fear for their life because of their sexuality or color of their skin. We must confront this hate.'

Their now-embarrassing tweets still sit on their accounts, and attracted a host of mocking comments on Thursday in the wake of Smollett's guilty verdict.

Trump, when first asked about Smollett, said it was a 'horrible' attack and he said: 'It doesn't get worse.'

Trump tweeted after police revealed details of Smollett's plot and spoke to reporters about his arrest, demanding an apology from the actor

Smollett is shown leaving court yesterday after being found guilty. He has said nothing but his lawyer says he plans to appeal

Donald Trump Jr also got in on the act, sharing a collage of pro-Jussie tweets sent by top liberals, including the Biden and Harris missives.

He captioned his post: '#JusticeForJussie we got him guys we got the guy that did this heinous act. #juicy'

Over on Twitter, Don Jr replied to another old tweet from civil rights campaigner the Reverend Al Sharpton saying 'the guilty must face the maximum.'

The former president's son added: 'I'm with you Al, I think all of America is with you on this one. The guilty must face the maximum.'

Smollett could face 20 years in jail. While he's widely expected to get a custodial sentence, his

Trump Jr later added his own thoughts to the matter, tweeting: 'I'm just happy to live in a country where people will go to jail for attacking a gay black man... There's absolutely no place for that s**t in America, or anywhere else, and I am happy the perpetrator was brought to justice.'

Silence: Others who rushed to defend Smollett and support him have now stayed silent in light of his guilty verdict

Other liberal stars whose pro-Jussie tweets have now aged very poorly include Democratic representatives and Squad members Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez as well as Rashida Tlaib.

AOC tweeted: 'There is no such thing as 'racially charged.' This attack was not 'possibly' homophobic. It was a racist and homophobic attack.

'If you don't like what is happening to our country, then work to change it. It is no one's job to water down or sugar-coat the rise of hate crimes.'

And Tlaib said: 'When one of the most famous black and gay men in America is not safe, the message is clearer than it has ever been.' The dangerous lies spewing from the right wing is killing & hurting our people. Thinking of you @jussiesmollett, and my LGBTQ neighbors.'

Donald Trump Jr's reaction to the guilty verdict on Friday

Other top Democrats who railed against the now debunked beating include House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders.

Pelosi soapboxed: 'The racist, homophobic attack on @JussieSmollett is an affront to our humanity. No one should be attacked for who they are or whom they love.

'I pray that Jussie has a speedy recovery & that justice is served. May we all commit to ending this hate once & for all.'

And Bernie railed: 'The racist and homophobic attack on Jussie Smollett is a horrific instance of the surging hostility toward minorities around the country. We must come together to eradicate all forms of bigotry and violence.'

Smollett, 39, told Chicago police he had been accosted on a darkened street by two masked strangers. According to his account of the attack, the assailants threw a noose around his neck and poured chemicals on him while yelling racist and homophobic slurs and expressing support for then-President Donald Trump.

A host of other political bigwigs and A-list stars' messages backing Jussie have come back under the spotlight after his conviction for lying.

Sen. Cory Booker, rushing to his defense, echoed Harris' claims that the attack was equivalent to a lynching and cited it as reason for Congress to pass an anti-lynching bill.

'The vicious attack on actor Jussie Smollett was an attempted modern-day lynching. I'm glad he's safe,' Booker tweeted in January 2019. 'To those in Congress who don't feel the urgency to pass our Anti-Lynching bill designating lynching as a federal hate crime I urge you to pay attention.'
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South Africa's Omicron outbreak appeared to slow on Saturday as one leading expert said the population's T-cell immunity against Covid-19 has kept hospitalisations low, and praised the government for not locking down.

Nationally 17,154 cases were reported in the past 24 hours, 4.8 percent up on last week and around 1,000 more than the tally on the previous Saturday, the country's National Institute for Communicable Diseases said.

However at the beginning of this week the country was recording percent weekly case rises of over 90 percent, with 22,391 cases detected on Thursday - almost double recorded on the previous Thursday.

The number of hospitalisations caused by South Africa's Omicron outbreak has been proportionally lower than its Delta wave leading to speculation that it is a milder strain of the virus.

However experts caution that this could be down to younger people being infected or the fact that 76 percent of the population in the Johannesburg area have previously been infected with Covid.

It remains to be seem how infection-induced immunity to Omicron compares to the vaccine-induced immunity that is more prevalent in Western nations including the US and the UK.

Meanwhile, 36 new Covid-19 related deaths were reported on Saturday - its highest total since Wednesday - with the country reporting a 16.4 percent test positivity rate.

According to South Africa's National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD):

Only about 30 percent of those hospitalised with COVID-19 in recent weeks have been seriously ill, less than half the rate as during the first weeks of previous pandemic waves in the country

Average hospital stays for COVID-19 have been shorter this time - about 2.8 days compared to eight days

Just 3 percent of patients hospitalised recently with COVID-19 have died, versus about 20 percent in the country's earlier outbreaks

Shabir Madhi, a professor of Vaccinology at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, gave an optimistic analysis of South Africa's Covid-19 situation, and the risk of the Omicron variant.

Writing on Twitter, he said that the infection rate had been much faster than any of the country's previous three waves, but said there were signs that hospitalisations were remaining low relative to the number of cases.

'Three weeks into resurgence, many adults and children testing SARS-CoV-2 [positive] in hospital, but COVID hospitalisation remains low relative to community case rate,' he wrote on Friday.

In south Africa, 17,154 cases were reported in the past 24 hours, around 1,000 more than the tally on the previous week, the country's National Institute for Communicable Diseases said. Pictured: A graph showing South Africa's daily new Covid cases

Writing on Twitter (pictured) Shabir Madhi, a professor of Vaccinology at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, gave an optimistic analysis of South Africa's Covid-19 situation, and the risk of the Omicron variant

He also said the death rate was low compared to when similar number of cases were being seen in previous waves. 'Death rate very low compared to period of same case rate in previous waves. Trend over next week will be informative, but optimistic unlikely to surge,' the professor wrote.

Using South Africa's Gauteng province - its Omicron ground-zero - as an example, he said the likely explanation of the low death rate was that 73 percent the region's population was either vaccinated or previously infected, giving T-cell immunity. The majority of those hospitalised with severe Covid, he said, are unvaccinated.

Professor Madhi went on to praise the South African government for not panicking and imposing more Covid-19 restrictions with the outbreak of the Omicron variant, that was first reported by the country to the World Health Organisation on November 24, and designated it variant of concern by the health body two days later.

'Government response correctly remains measured by not increasing restrictions and not panicking with increase in cases, but seem to rather focusing on COVID (excluding coincidental Ix) hospitalisation and health facility capacity,' he said.

In another positive sign, reported cases in Gauteng on Saturday were also lower for the second day running, where infections rose by 43 per cent in a week on Thursday. The province made up almost half of the country's reported infections on Saturday.

This is followed by KwaZulu-Natal (15 per cent), and Western Cape which accounted for 9 per cent. North West accounted for 7 per cent; Eastern Cape, Free State, Limpopo and Mpumalanga each accounted for around 3-5 per cent each; and Northern Cape accounted for 1 per cent.

While Gauteng still produces a huge number of cases, Mail analysis has suggested that the country's Omicron outbreak has now peaked after the epicentre saw the drop in cases.

On Saturday, a British expert said there is still 'significant uncertainty' about the impact of the Omicron variant, but the modelling will be refined as more data becomes available.

Scientists advising the British Government have said tougher Covid restrictions may be needed to prevent Omicron causing anywhere between 25,000 to 75,000 deaths in England over the next five months.

A wave of infection is projected which could lead to a peak of more than 2,000 daily hospital admissions, with 175,000 hospital admissions and 24,700 deaths between December 1 this year and April 30 next year, even under the most optimistic scenario.

The most pessimistic scenario looked at by the modellers - high immune escape from vaccines and lower effectiveness of boosters - projects a wave of infection which is likely to lead to a peak in hospital admissions around twice as high as the peak seen in January 2021, if no additional control measures are taken.

This could cause 492,000 hospital admissions and 74,800 deaths, according to the study, which has not yet been peer-reviewed.

Pictured: A data graphic released by South Africa's National Institute for Communicable Diseases showing the latest figures in the country, and in its nine provinces. Gauteng made up almost half of the country's reported infections on Saturday. This is followed by KwaZulu-Natal (15 percent), and Western Cape which accounted for 9 per cent. North West accounted for 7 percent; Eastern Cape, Free State, Limpopo and Mpumalanga each accounted for around 3-5 percent each; and Northern Cape accounted for 1 percent

Covid cases appear to have already peaked in the in the South African province at the epicentre of the Omicron outbreak, figures suggest. Graph shows: Gauteng's daily cases (red line), average cases (blue line) compared to the predicted 25 per cent daily rise cases had been following since November 15

The above graphs compare cases (left), Covid hospitalisations (centre) and ICU admissions (right) during the Omicron (red) and Delta (blue) waves. The start date for both waves was set as when South Africa announced its first case of each variant. Although the number of Covid hospitalisations (centre) is similar during both waves doctors on South Africa's frontlines have said there are far fewer patients needing ICU admissions and ventilators than at the same point in the Delta wave. This is backed up by official data (left) which shows the number of ICU admissions is currently at a third of the level it was during the Delta wave

The proportion of Covid patients hospitalised in Gauteng, South Africa's Omicron epicentre, is shown during the Omicron (left) and Delta (right) waves. The start of each wave was marked as when South Africa announced its first case of the variant. Figures show that at present the ICU admission rate for Covid patients is just a third of the level seen at the same point during the Delta wave. Experts say this may suggest that the mutant strain is less severe than first feared

The above shows the proportion of hospitalised Covid patients on ventilators during the Omicron (left) and Delta (right) waves. It reveals that levels are currently at a third of what they were when Delta took hold as well. The start date for both waves was set as when South Africa announced its first case of each mutant strain in the country

Pictured: A throat swab is taken from a patient to test for COVID-19 at a facility in Soweto, South Africa, December 2, 2021

Professor Paul Hunter, professor in medicine, University of East Anglia, said any model 'is only as good as its assumptions', adding that one key assumption in this model is that severity of disease outcomes for omicron is the same as for Delta in unvaccinated people.

'Although we will not know for certain for a few weeks indications from South Africa do suggest that Omicron does cause less severe disease than Delta, though this is likely to be due to partial immunity.

'There is early as yet not peer reviewed data suggesting that although Omicron mutations are enough to escape antibody, T cell immunity would be less compromised.

'It is thought that T cell immunity is more important for reducing risk from severe disease than it is for reducing the milder nose and throat infections, consequently.

'Consequently there is still significant uncertainty over how much less severe Omicron would be in the UK context,' he said. 'As better data becomes available in coming weeks we can expect these models to be refined.'

Later on Sky News, Prof Hunter was asked about the current situation being a guessing game for the Government due to experts still ascertaining information about Omicron so close to Christmas.

'Quite right. Yeah, absolutely. It is probably the most difficult decision we've had in the whole of this pandemic in terms of the uncertainty of the outcomes,' he said.

He said that while the group that has carried out the modelling is 'one of the best' in the country, they are still working on assumptions that we do not know are too soft or too harsh.

'And until we get that data we won't really know for certain,' he said.

Prof Hunter added: 'There are significant uncertainties around a lot of the assumptions around these models at the moment, particularly how bad Omicron will be in relationship to Delta.'

Boris Johnson on Wednesday announced England would enter full Plan B rules from next week, after experts gave warning over the Omicron variant. Some restrictions - such as wearing masks in more indoor settings - came into force on Friday.

But MailOnline analysis of hospital rates in South Africa suggests Omicron is causing less severe illness than its predecessors. The variant has caused 60 per cent fewer hospitalised patients going to intensive care in Gauteng compared to Delta.

WHO officials say 'the number of admissions is very low' in South Africa compared to those seen during the Delta wave  despite infections being higher than with the previous strain. But even if the strain does cause milder disease, if infections balloon to too high a level, hospitalisations will soon follow.

A nasal swab is taken to test for COVID-19 at a site near Johannesburg, Decemver 8, 2021

A healthcare worker prepares a dose of the Pfizer coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine, amidst the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 variant Omicron, in Johannesburg, South Africa, December 9, 2021

Meanwhile, South African Doctor Unben Pillay has said he is seeing dozens of sick patients a day. Yet he hasn't had to send anyone to the hospital.

That's one of the reasons why he, along with other doctors and medical experts, suspect that the omicron version really is causing milder COVID-19 than delta, even if it seems to be spreading faster.

'They are able to manage the disease at home,' Pillay said of his patients. 'Most have recovered within the 10 to 14-day isolation period.' said Pillay.

And that includes older patients and those with health problems that can make them more vulnerable to becoming severely ill from a coronavirus infection, he said.

In the two weeks since omicron first was reported in Southern Africa, other doctors have shared similar stories. All caution that it will take many more weeks to collect enough data to be sure, their observations and the early evidence offer some clues.

'At the moment, virtually everything points toward it being milder disease,' Willem Hanekom, director of the Africa Health Research Institute, said, citing the national institute's figures and other reports. 'It's early days, and we need to get the final data. Often hospitalizations and deaths happen later, and we are only two weeks into this wave.'

In the meantime, scientists around the world are watching case counts and hospitalization rates, while testing to see how well current vaccines and treatments hold up. While delta is still the dominant coronavirus strain worldwide, omicron cases are popping up in dozens of countries, with South Africa the epicenter.

Pillay practices in the country's Gauteng province, where the omicron version has taken hold. With 16 million residents, It's South Africa's most populous province and includes the largest city, Johannesburg, and the capital, Pretoria. Gauteng saw a 400% rise in new cases in the first week of December, and testing shows omicron is responsible for more than 90% of them, according to health officials.

Pillay says his COVID-19 patients during the last delta wave 'had trouble breathing and lower oxygen levels. Many needed hospitalization within days,' he said. The patients he's treating now have milder, flu-like symptoms, such as body aches and a cough, he said.

Pillay is a director of an association representing some 5,000 general practitioners across South Africa, and his colleagues have documented similar observations about omicron. Netcare, the largest private healthcare provider, is also reporting less severe cases of COVID-19.

But the number of cases is climbing. South Africa confirmed 22,400 new cases on Thursday and 19,000 on Friday, up from about 200 per day a few weeks ago. The new surge has infected 90,000 people in the past month, Minister of Health Joe Phaahla said Friday.

'Omicron has driven the resurgence,' Phaahla said, citing studies that say 70% of the new cases nationwide are from omicron.

The coronavirus reproduction rate in the current wave - indicating the number of people likely to be infected by one person - is 2.5, the highest that South Africa has recorded during the pandemic, he said.

'Because this is such a transmissible variant, we're seeing increases like we never saw before,' said Waasila Jassat, who tracks hospital data for the National Institute for Communicable Diseases.

Of the patients hospitalized in the current wave, 86% weren't vaccinated against the coronavirus, Jassat said. The COVID-patients in South Africa's hospitals now also are younger than at other periods of the pandemic: about two-thirds are under 40.

Jassat said that even though the early signs are that omicron cases are less severe, the volume of new COVID-19 cases may still overwhelm South Africa's hospitals and result in a higher number of severe symptoms and deaths.

'That is the danger always with the waves,' she said.

Professor Christina Pagel, a mathematician at University College London who has been following the outbreak, said on Thursday that infections have been increasing at a rate of around 25 per cent per day in Gauteng since November 15.

Melva Mlambo, right, and Puseletso Lesofi, both medical scientists prepare to sequence COVID-19 omicron samples at the Ndlovu Research Center in Elandsdoorn, South Africa, December. 8, 2021

Omicron may be milder than Delta, WHO chief claims Early data indicates the Omicron Covid variant may cause milder disease than previous variants but could also more easily reinfect people who have already had the virus or been vaccinated than previous variants, the WHO said Wednesday. 'Emerging data from South Africa suggests increased risk of reinfection with Omicron,' World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters, adding that 'there is also some evidence that Omicron causes milder disease than Delta'. But he stressed that more data was needed before drawing firm conclusions, and urged countries everywhere to boost their surveillance to help provide a clearer picture of how Omicron is behaving. The hopeful assessments came as global concern grew over the heavily mutated variant, which has forced dozens of nations to re-impose border restrictions and raised the possibility of a return to economically punishing lockdowns. Even if it does turn out that Omicron causes less severe disease, Tedros warned against slacking off vigilance against the virus. 'Any complacency now will cost lives,' he warned. WHO emergencies director Michael Ryan agreed, pointing out that so far the data indicates the variant is 'efficiently transmitting, and probably more efficiently transmitting even than the Delta variant.' 'That does not mean that the virus is unstoppable,' he said. 'But it means the virus is more efficient at transmitting between human beings. And therefore we have to redouble our efforts to break those chains of transmission to protect ourselves to protect others.' Even if the new variant turns out to be less dangerous than previous variants, if it transmits more rapidly, it could still sicken more people, overburden health systems, 'and more people die,' he said. The WHO experts stressed the importance of vaccination, highlighting that even if vaccines prove less effective against Omicron, as some data indicates, they are still expected to provide significant protection against severe disease. Chief WHO scientist Soumya Swaminathan cautioned against knee-jerk reactions to early studies hinting that the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine may have reduced efficacy against the new variant. She pointed out that the studies done so far were small and that the reduction in the 'neutralising activity' varied dramatically between different studies, from four to five fold in some experiments to up to 40-fold in others. They also only looked at the neutralisation of antibodies, when 'we know the immune system is much more complex than that,' she said. 'So I think it's premature to conclude that this reduction neutralising activity would result in a significant reduction in vaccine effectiveness,' she said. 'We do not know that.' Advertisement

She said Thursday that infections over the previous four days had dipped below this trend, suggesting cases may be rounding off their previous exponential rise.

As a member of the UK's Independent Sage Group, Professor Pagel has typically pushed for tougher restrictions and accused ministers of underestimating outbreaks. But her optimistic prediction suggesting Omicron may have burnt itself out in just a month in South Africa's 'ground zero' province could suggest the UK's outbreak will not be as large as some experts fear.

Writing on social media, she said: 'There is some tentative good news out of Gauteng this week, suggesting that cases might be reaching a peak there.'

South Africa will next month start giving Pfizer booster shots against coronavirus, a health official said Friday, a day after the country reported a near-record high in daily cases of the disease.

'The first people who will qualify for the booster dose in South Africa will be people over the age of 60 years,' Dr Nicolas Crisp, director general at the health ministry, told a weekly news conference.

Experts are working to determine whether current Covid vaccines will work against the new highly-mutated variant, which was discovered by South African scientists last month.

The highest daily tally in the country so far was in early July, when the country hit more 26,000 new infections.

Health practitioners last month had already started being offered Johnson & Johnson shots as boosters.

South Africa is the worst-hit country in the continent for coronavirus, recording a cumulative 3.09 million cases, of which over 90,000 have been fatal.

A small study this week by the country's African Health Research Institute, not yet peer reviewed, suggested that Omicron may be able to evade some of the antibody immunity from the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

But, its authors said, there was no reason to believe that vaccination would not protect against from severe disease caused by the variant.

Slightly more than a quarter of South Africa's population are fully vaccinated, with the figure among adults being 43 percent.

Despite the low vaccine uptake blamed on widespread hesitancy, South Africa is targetting to inoculate around 70 percent of its population by March 2022.

Last month it deferred taking delivery of more ordered doses because 'we are getting vaccines in faster than we are using' them, according to Crisp.

Omicron accounts for around 70 percent of new infections being detected in South Africa, 'very quickly' displacing the Delta variant, Health Minister Joe Phaahla said.

The economic hub of Gauteng province - which houses Johannesburg and the capital Pretoria - being the hotspot.

However, hospitalised patients are so far showing mild symptoms, he said.

An analysis of wastewater by the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) also established that Omicron is now the dominant variant in parts of the country including the tourist city of Cape Town.

'We found the Omicron variant in 11 of 12 (92 percent) samples of wastewater collected from Cape Town treatment plants on 30 November,' said Rabia Johnson, deputy director at the government research outfit in a Friday statement.
Several women claimed the 59-year-old lured them to Epstein's residences to provide massages before he sexually assaulted them

Ghislaine Maxwell is on trial accused of sex trafficking girls for Jeffrey Epstein

Ghislaine Maxwell believes her late lover and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was murdered rather than took his own life, her brother has claimed.

Disgraced paedophile businessman Epstein was found hanged in his New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting a trial for child sex charges.

Epstein's notoriety and connections to figures including Bill Clinton and Prince Andrew created numerous conspiracy theories surrounding his death.

Writers have also made claims of a series of 'suspicious events' surrounding Epstein's death, including surveillance video of the incident disappearing and him being bunked with an accused quadruple murderer.

Asked about his suicide in a Spectator podcast yesterday, Ian Maxwell, Ghislaine's older brother, said that 'my sister does think that he was killed'.

Ghislaine Maxwell believes her late lover and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was murdered rather than took his own life, her brother Ian has claimed. Pictured: A courtroom sketch shows Ghislaine Maxwell, center, seated in court in new York

Ghislaine Maxwell, 59, currently faces six counts of trafficking women and minors for sexual purposes, which she denies.

The 65-year-old brother has been seen in New York to watch the ongoing sex trafficking trial alongside own of their other siblings, Isabel.

Giving his thoughts on the Epstein's reported suicide, he compared swirling theories to those around the death of his own father, Robert Maxwell.

The body of the billionaire media tycoon and owner of the Daily Mirror was discovered floating in the Atlantic Ocean in 1991 after he apparently fell overboard from his yacht.

He had at the time been in significant debt and was set to default on million of pounds in loans, an event that would later collapse his business empire.

Ian told the podcast: 'I don't buy a lot of the conspiracy theories at all. It so happens that one of the conspiracy theories is about my father that he was murdered rather than committed suicide or had an accident.'

Disgraced paedophile businessman Epstein was found hanged in his New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting a trial for child sex charges. Epstein's notoriety and connections to figures including Bill Clinton and Prince Andrew created numerous conspiracy theories surrounding his death

Epstein was found hanged in his jail cell at New York City's Metropolitan Correctional Center

He said however, that of his father's nine children, his sister Ghislaine was the 'only one' who believed he had been murdered.

'And I would venture to believe that she may also think that Epstein was murdered I do happen to think my sister does think that he was killed,' he added.

Ian added that he had himself only met Epstein once, in a joint 1996 meeting with Ghislaine and their brother Kevin.

The pair didn't warm to each other however, with Ian describing the mysterious billionaire as a 'cagey character' who 'took things from you rather than gave things back'.

Ian has also batted off claims that his sister has long been kept on a suicide watch regime at the Brooklyn detention centre, which has been described as 'one of the most troubled facilities' in the Justice Department's prison system.

Ian told the podcast: 'I don't buy a lot of the conspiracy theories at all. It so happens that one of the conspiracy theories is about my father that he was murdered rather than committed suicide or had an accident'

Though only able to communicate to her through her lawyers, he confirmed that the suicide watch stories were 'a nonsense' and that there had been 'no evidence of any self-harm intent'.

The comments come as the prosecution yesterday rested on the tenth day of Maxwell's sex trafficking trial.

The high-profile trial has moved more swiftly than anticipated, with the defence now set to argue the British socialite did not recruit and sexually abuse girls and pick out inconsistencies in accusers' testimony.

Jeffrey Epstein victim Annie Farmer was the last witness to take the stand for prosecutors yesterday and is the only accuser in the case to testify under her real name.

Farmer, whose older sister Maria was the first person to report Epstein and Maxwell's alleged sexual abuse of underage girls in 1996,

Images obtained by 60 Minutes that were taken by the New York City medical examiner's office show the prison cell where Epstein killed himself in August 2019

The millionaire pedophile's death at Manhattan's Metropolitan Correctional Center - while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges - was officially ruled as a suicide by hanging

The 42-year-old described meeting the late pedophile in New York in 1995 when she was 16, and how he brought her to his ranch in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she met Maxwell.

She described how the two lavished her with gifts and offered to help her academic endeavors, before subjecting her to unwanted fondling of her breasts and cuddling instead.

Farmer said despite feeling 'sick to my stomach' she didn't tell her sister Maria -- then Epstein's employee, who Farmer was visiting at the time -- because she feared for her sibling's job.

Months later Farmer, who was 16, was invited to travel from Arizona to New Mexico, she said.

The 66-year-old pedophile was awaiting trial on charges of conspiracy and sex trafficking and was being held at the high-security complex without bail

The photos from inside his cell reveal that fragments of material were found hanging from a window, while a large strip of bedding was also looped through a hole on the top bunk bed

Farmer was invited ostensibly as part of a 'retreat' that Epstein said would bring together some two dozen 'academically gifted' students,' her mother, Janice Swain, said.

Epstein told Swain that Maxwell would 'chaperone' the girls.

But when she arrived Farmer found herself alone with Maxwell and Epstein.

A weekend that included shopping and movies also saw Maxwell direct Farmer to undress for a massage, according to testimony.

Maxwell then exposed Farmer's breasts before 'rubbing on my chest,' she said.

'I think this was all a pattern of them confusing my boundaries,' Farmer told jurors. 'With the ultimate goal of sexually abusing me.

Her testimony followed harrowing accounts from three other women who accused Epstein of sexual abuse and pinpointed Maxwell as his partner.

Previous accusers said they were as young as 14 when Maxwell allegedly began grooming them and arranging for them to give massages to Epstein that ended in sexual activity.

One woman, 'Carolyn,' said she visited Epstein's Palm Beach home more than 100 times when she was between 14 and 18 years old.

Another key witness, who spoke under the pseudonym 'Jane,' detailed how Maxwell recruited her at summer camp and made her feel 'special' -- before orchestrating or participating in sexualized massages and sex acts with the teenager and Epstein.

The trial is expected to resume next week on Thursday.
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New York City's SantaCon returned this year as hundreds took part in drunken debauchery after the booze-fueled festival was cancelled last year due to the pandemic.

The event brought countless of maskless Santas, Grinches, reindeers and other holiday-themed characters to the Big Apple on Saturday to march, crawl through pubs and celebrate Christmas.

The fun times come amid concerns that the gathering might serve as a super-spreader for the COVID-19 Omicron variant, which has now been spotted in half of U.S. states, including New York.

At least 43 people in the country have contracted Omicron, with New York confirming 20 cases of the variant as of Friday, 13 of which were located in the city. New York has reported more than 11,000 new COVID cases over the past day and 80 new deaths.

Thousands came out in festive attire to celebrate New York City's Santa con on Saturday after it was cancelled last year

The event took place despite worries that it might serve as a super-spreader for COVID-19

The annual pub crawl has hundred of Santas and other Christmas characters take the streets of the Big Apple

The event often features festive spirits, outrageous clothing, as well as some drunken mayhem

Several Grinches were spotted across Manhattan enjoying bottles of booze during the SantaCon celebration

Attendees to the SantaCon wear outfits designed after Father Christmas as they travel from bar to bar

Often times the outfits reveal a bit too much. Carl Plandford brought out his version of Santa near Times Square

One groups of friends celebrated the return of the festival with a sign that read, 'You can't kill SantaCon'

Along with the Santa outfits, participants dress as reindeer and other Christmas-themed characters

The annual pub crawl usually results in revelers being flagged for public urination, littering, and the usual disorder that results from mass drunkenness.

Hundreds of this year's attendees also went maskless, even after outgoing NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio warned of further Omicron spread in the city.

'We gotta assume there's a lot more behind that and that it has been here for a meaningful amount of time,' he said, warning more cases of the variant 'were now inevitable.'

New York received its first confirmation of the Omicron variant in late November, after a Minnesota man attending the Anime NYC convention on November 22 tested positive for the virus.

Hochul also said Thursday that that man only suffered very mild symptoms, and has since recovered. She stated that there was no cause for alarm and that the state has the tools to stop the spread as Hochul reinstated New York's mask mandate for all indoor venues unless the business requires customers to be vaccinated.

The Omicron COVID-19 variant is now in 25 states, after Arizona, Iowa, Michigan and Virginia joined the growing list on Thursday or Friday morning.

While Omicron dominates headlines, the Delta variant continues its spread nationwide, causing a 30 percent increase in new daily cases and 20 percent increase in deaths over the past two weeks.

Under de Blasio's instructions, the city will maintain a mask-free environment for its New Years Eve festival as well.

The Omicron COVID-19 variant has now been sequenced around 80 times in at least 25 U.S. states, half of America

Authorities in New York have managed to contain the fallout in recent years after mass transit banned carrying alcohol, and police beefed up their presence while getting advance notice of the pub crawl route, which began on Broadway.

The SantaCon NYC Facebook group organizing the event also reminded members to avoid any mayhem and leave behind the event's notorious past of drunken violence.

'Don't be the one who ruins a good time. Help out where you can. It's a merry day and we want to keep it that way,' the organization wrote on the group page just before the event began.

Organizers of the annual SantaCon reminded attendees to keep the usual mayhem down to a minimum

The festivities center around the New York City pup brawl, as evident by these attendees and their tequila Christmas hats

Even tour buses around Manhattan dressed up as the jolly red elf to take part in the celebration

The event kicked off on Broadway at the intersection of 6th Avenue and 39th Street on Saturday

Those who preferred not dress up as a Santa usually opted to come as one of his reindeer

Others went dressed in festive Christmas pajamas with Santa hats that read, 'Naught' and 'Nice'

Many waved through traffic dressed as Santa to make it to the much anticipated bar crawl

Some couldn't wait to get into bars for drinks and instead opted to drink some eggnog out in the streets

SantaCon NYC  pic.twitter.com/BLwsQVU0kl  New York Live with Mickey (@MickmickNYC) December 11, 2021

Still, the festivities were not without incident as police were spotted throughout the city, distributing tickets and breaking up fights between Santas.

MTA Police Chief Joseph McGrann told ABC 7 that the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North trains and platforms will keep its alcohol ban up until noon Sunday.

'There may be riders coming back to the train for the first time since the start of the pandemic,'McGrann said.

'It is important we do everything we can to maintain orderly travel so that everyone can enjoy their holiday plans by getting to their destinations smoothly and on time.'

The overzealous Santas that get too wild on booze receive their own naughty listings from the NYPD

The NYPD kept the streets as orderly as possible despite the drunk Santas strolling around Manhattan

SantaCon attendees stopped at one of the many pubs open for business as they made their way through the bar crawl

While the event has its wild roots, it's also become a family friendly festival in recent years

The even brought hundreds together in NYC after celebrations were halted last year due to COVID

People wearing all kinds of outfits paraded across the streets of Manhattan as they heralded the festive season

The MTA said it would ban booze on all trains until Sunday noon to ensure the safety of all passengers
It was incredibly foolish for Downing Street to allow a Christmas party a year ago when they were banned for the rest of us. It was even worse to lie about it when they were found out.

In a democracy, the idea that there is one rule for the powerful and another for the people is fatal to trust and respect.

But giving the impression that the Government is incapable of admitting to wrongdoing does deeper damage.

When will politicians grasp that confessing your failings and apologising sincerely for them is actually a good thing, showing qualities  such as courage and self-awareness  that most people want to see more of?

It was incredibly foolish for Downing Street to allow a Christmas party a year ago. But governments should in the end be judged on larger issues. Pictured: Boris Johnson

The Mail on Sunday wishes fervently that the Government had not made either of these errors. It condemns them as stupid and insensitive, for so they were. Nothing of the kind should be allowed to happen again.

But governments should in the end be judged on larger issues.

If all secrets could be revealed, how many of the strongest critics of Partygate, in politics and the media alike, would turn out to have made their own secret breaches of Covid rules, and to have been lucky  so far  that nobody has found out about them?

Immeasurably more important is the Government's handling of the new Omicron variant.

Again, our view differs from Boris Johnson's. We believe that the best course is to encourage vaccination, a proven way of reducing the impact of the virus without hobbling our economic recovery.

Others urge restrictions on daily life that are beginning to look suspiciously like a new lockdown, even if they are not called that.

More important is the Government's handling of the new Omicron variant. The Mail On Sunday believe the best course is to encourage vaccination (stock image)

Whichever side you take in this, there is no doubt that the country faces a huge and serious debate about how to deal with the new variant. There are clever and well-meaning people on both sides.

Yet those who watch or listen to the BBC could easily get the impression that the Christmas party row is more important than the battle against Covid. Bulletin after bulletin focuses relentlessly on this subject.

Is this the only problem for the licence-funded BBC to focus on? Or is it again letting its inherent, relentless bias show? If the Government were more to the liking of the Corporation's metropolitan liberals, would this sort of coverage continue?

It is not just us pointing out this problem. Star BBC interviewer Andrew Marr is leaving his post to return to the Left-wing journalism from which he emerged before he miraculously became impartial.

Even he said in 2006 that the BBC was 'a publicly funded urban organisation with an abnormally large proportion of younger people, of people in ethnic minorities and almost certainly of gay people, compared with the population at large'.

All this, he said, 'creates an innate liberal bias inside the BBC'.

One of its senior executives, Roger Mosey, admitted the BBC had been 'too closed to a wide range of views' and had 'too narrow an agenda'.

Mark Thompson, when he was director-general, said the Corporation had suffered a 'massive bias to the Left'  in the past. Is it possible that it has in fact continued into the present? It looks very much like it.

Nobody wants the BBC to be a toadying State broadcaster, but if we want the opinions of the Left-wing Guardian, we may buy them or read them online.

We should not see them broadcast by the BBC.
A video emerged on Saturday of former U.S. Army captain Brittany Ramos DeBarros stripping down at a 2019 anti-war burlesque show in Brooklyn.

DeBarros, a Staten Island native who is currently running against incumbent New York State Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, can be seen on video first reported by the New York Post dancing to Edwin Starrs protest song 'War' at Starr Bar in Flatbush.

The retired captain and Afghan war veteran, who is running on a Democratic socialist platform, began her routine in a camouflage uniform before removing it to show nothing but red lingerie and pasties.

A veteran Democratic strategist Hank Sheinkopf told the newspaper that the video might not go over well in Staten Island, as much of the borough is pro-military and law enforcement - and the video mocks the Armed Forces.

'In the era when Democrats are seen as disorderly and out of control, all this does it make it more difficult to elect Democrats,' Sheinkopf said.

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A video emerged on Saturday of former US Army captain Brittany Ramos DeBarros, center, stripping down at a 2019 anti-war burlesque show in Brooklyn

The retired captain and Afghan war veteran began her routine in a camouflage uniform and began removing her clothing piece by piece

She was deployed to Afghanistan in 2012 and eventually became a vocal critic of the war

Flanked by three other women, the former Army officer eventually went topless in the December 2019 performance

The army veteran has since pivoted to politics, and has taken a Democratic socialist stance following the lead of Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Jamaal Bowman

DeBarros, pictured here after being deployed to Afghanistan back in 2012

'In Staten Island where you have a disproportionate number of police, corrections officers and other law enforcement personnel who have served in the armed forces, this burlesque making fun of the armed forces will not go over well,' Sheinkopf told the Post.

Flanked by three other women, the former Army officer eventually went topless in the December 2019 performance - with nothing but pasties covering her chest, as she danced and twerked to the Frozen song, 'Let It Go.'

She was deployed to Afghanistan back in 2012 and eventually became a vocal critic of the conflict.

At the time of the burlesque show, DeBarros had tweeted that she was nearly court-martialed for 'posting facts' regarding the war while she was still enlisted.

'Furthermore, I was called a traitor and almost court-martialed for posting literal facts about what our military is up to. Now the #AfghanistanPapers prove that officials were knowingly LYING about this war. I would like to know whats going to happen to them,' her December 2019 tweet read.

DeBarros, pictured here armed and in full army fatigues after her deployment to Afghanistan in 2012

At the time of the burlesque show, DeBarros had tweeted, pictured, that she was nearly court-martialed for 'posting facts' regarding the war while she was still enlisted

Flanked by three scantily-clad women, the former Army officer eventually went topless in the December 2019 performance - with nothing but pasties covering her upper body

The Staten Island Afro-Latina native has already raised over $350,000 since announcing her candidacy in January, records show, however much of it has come from out of state donors

'I was a captain in the Army. I was deployed to Afghanistan. I was like, "This is bullst,"' she tells the Brooklyn crowd in the video, before adding that she became committed to 'anti-war, anti-imperialist [and] anti-racist work' after her return to the U.S.

DeBarros posted video of the burlesque performance to her Instagram page alongside the hashtag #dropbootiesnotbombs.

'When you see me pause and cover my face in the first video it's because I'm actually overwhelmed with emotion and how liberating it felt to angrily tear that uniform off in front of an audience,' she wrote.

Pictured: Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, who DeBarros is looking to beat for the Staten Island seat in the NY State House of Representatives, should she win the Democratic primary

'I'm proud of this show and it still brings me so much joy to watch myself step into long under-nourished pleasure and passion.'

The Staten Island Afro-Latina native has already raised more than $350,000 since announcing her candidacy in January, FEC records show; much of it has come from donors out of New York State.

The large cash reserve will give her a leg up on the competition for the Democratic primary, the district's former representative, Max Rose, a decorated first lieutenant and fellow military veteran.

The self-proclaimed Democratic socialist is looking to follow in the paths of Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Rep. Jamaal Bowman, who both won seats through electoral upsets in New York City.
'The name's Bond. James Bond. Pronouns: Them/they.'

He may be an enduring symbol of masculinity, but Britain's most famous spy could identify as 'non-binary' in future, 007's producer has revealed.

Barbara Broccoli has poured cold water on suggestions the role could go to a woman but in a new interview, she conceded a future Bond could be 'non-binary'  someone who considers themselves neither male or female, and usually prefers to be referred to as 'they' rather than 'he' or 'she'.

Speaking to the Girls On Film podcast, Ms Broccoli talked about the hunt to replace Daniel Craig who is stepping down from the role after No Time To Die.

He may be a symbol of masculinity, but Britain's famous spy could identify as 'non-binary' in future, 007's producer Barbara Broccoli has revealed. Pictured: Daniel Craig in No Time To Die

Barbara Broccoli (pictured), who controls the 007 franchise through her Eon Production company, also said the next Bond might not be white

When host Anna Smith asked if she thought 007 would always be male, she replied: 'I do, because I don't think that we should be making films where women are playing men.

'I think we should be making more films about women. I think Bond will be a man.'

Smith suggested 'Non-binary, perhaps, maybe one day?' to which Ms Broccoli replied: 'Who knows? I mean, I think it's open. We just have to find the right actor.'

Ms Broccoli, who controls the 007 franchise through her Eon Production company, also said the next Bond might not be white, adding: 'We want the actor to be British and British, as we know, can be many things.'

Names linked with the role include Idris Elba, Bridgerton's Rege-Jean Page, Mad Max star Tom Hardy and Bodyguard actor Richard Madden.

Last night, one Hollywood producer said: 'Bond has to adapt to the times but a non-binary 007 might be hard for fans to accept.'
He said portrayal of Conservative Party as being anti-immigration is wrong

Darius Nasimi, 22, hopes to stand for Hounslow Council in London next year

A refugee who arrived in Britain in the back of a lorry and is now standing to become the first Afghan Tory councillor has backed Home Secretary Priti Patel's crackdown on illegal immigration.

Darius Nasimi, 22, who hopes to make history in next year's local elections for Hounslow Council in West London, told The Mail on Sunday: 'I don't always support what Priti Patel says but I think there should be good border controls and that other countries in Europe must take more refugees.'

Mr Nasimi's parents fled Afghanistan in 1999 after the Taliban seized control, and he was born during their nine-month journey across Europe.

After they paid people smugglers to get them into the UK, Mr Nasimi arrived in Dover along with his two older sisters in a refrigerated truck.

Darius Nasimi (pictured), 22, who hopes to make history in next year's elections for Hounslow Council, London, said the view of the Conservative Party as being anti-immigration is wrong

Immigration officers found their hiding place, but the freezing ten-hour ride from Belgium had left the family clinging to life and they were rushed to hospital for treatment.

They were later granted asylum and became UK citizens in 2004, settling in London.

Last year Mr Nasimi graduated in philosophy from King's College, London, and has recently been helping Afghan refugees who were evacuated earlier this year.

He said the portrayal of the Conservative Party as being anti-immigration was wrong, adding: 'The Tories push you to do something, not just receive benefits that make you lazy and keep you away from work or business.

'That's why they are the best party for migrants like me.

Mr Nasimi's parents fled Afghanistan in 1999 after the Taliban seized control, and he (pictured aged five in 2004 in Lewisham) was born during their nine-month journey across Europe

Despite his background, Mr Nasimi supports Priti Patel's (pictured) tougher stance on cross-Channel migration

'I also like the focus on British values, the rule of law, democracy and individual liberty.'

Despite his background, Mr Nasimi supports Ms Patel's tougher stance on cross-Channel migration  so far this year more than 26,000 people have arrived in small boats.

'Illegal immigration is an ongoing problem, but at the same time there needs to be some kind of controls and we need to reduce the pressure on the Government,' he said.

'Some people are coming to the UK for economic reasons. They're not all refugees fleeing persecution or conflict. I think border control is very important.'

The Government has been criticised for its handling of the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan, but Mr Nasimi said he felt only gratitude for the 15,000 people who were airlifted to safety.

He currently works for the Afghanistan And Central Asian Association, a charity founded by his father, Dr Nooralhaq Nasimi, which has led efforts to provide assistance to Afghans who were evacuated in August.

Ao far this year more than 26,000 people have crossed the English Channel in small boats. Pictured: Around 100 migrants are rescued by the RNLI coastguard

Dr Nasimi, 54, a father-of-four, said he fled Afghanistan over fears the Taliban would kill him because he was a scientist with liberal views who had been educated overseas.

The family's journey to Britain took them via Ukraine, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany and Belgium. They were then packed inside the lorry by traffickers in Antwerp.

Two of Mr Nasimi's three sisters work for the Government.

Shabnam, 30, was last week appointed as policy adviser to Victoria Atkins, the new Minister for Afghan Resettlement.

Rabia, 27, a Cambridge graduate, works as an adviser in the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
Fordham University reportedly fired a white professor who mixed up the names of two black students in class and then sent an email to the students rambling about his 'innocent mistake.'

Christopher Trogan, 46, was fired from the university on October 25, The Fordham Observer recently reported. The former English professor allegedly mixed up the names of the two black students when they walked into the class late on September 24.

After class, Chantel Sims and another unnamed student emailed Trogan to express their frustration with the professor's mistake, explaining that they believed the mix-up was due to their skin color, according to the university paper.

Trogan responded by emailing the entire English class addressing the situation that he described as an 'innocent mistake,' which he blamed on a 'confused brain' because the students arrived to class while he was in the middle of teaching.

After his termination, Trogan sent an email again, this time a nine-page letter to his 80 former students explaining his view of what happened. The university has since told him to refrain from communicating with the students.

Bob Howe, assistant vice president of communications, declined to answer students' questions on the case.

He told the New York Post that Fordham 'takes personnel matters very seriously,' but claimed 'media representations regarding this issue do not reflect the facts in Dr. Trogan's case.'

Howe told DailyMail.com on Saturday that national regulations forbid the university from discussing personnel matters and therefore can not elaborate on what he claims is being misrepresented.

Christopher Trogan was reportedly terminated on October 25

Fordham University, pictured, reportedly fired Trogan after he mixed up the names of two black students and then sent a rambling email to his students explaining his 'innocent mistake'

'The offended student assumed my mistake was because I confused that student with another Black student... I have done my best to validate and reassure the offended student that I made a simple, human, error. It has nothing to do with race,' Trogan's first email read, according to The Observer.

Trogan said the Composition II class was 'centered specifically and explicitly around issues of justice, equality, and inclusion,' and noted that he has spent his 'entire life' dedicated to those issues.

He had pushed students to file a formal complaint with the university if they still felt offended by the incident.

'Depending on your response to the officials above, I may - or may not - be your professor in class next week. It's all up to you,' he wrote.

Sims said she did not file a complaint about the incident but both she and the unnamed student felt the rambling letter was over the top.

'It seemed a little excessive, like all you needed to do was say sorry and it would have been fine,' she said. 'We were not actually that upset about him mixing up our names. It was more so the random things he would throw into the response.'

The other student said that Trogan has repeatedly called her by the wrong name despite her correcting him.

'I felt really disrespected,' they told the student paper. 'I did not feel heard because every time he (misnamed me) I would tell him, and it just seemed like he would brush it off or that he did not care.'

Two days after the incident, Trogan was placed on an immediate suspension with pay and benefits while his actions were investigated.

On October 5, the university held a video conference with the professor and he was terminated effective immediately several weeks later.

'I was never informed of the charges against me, nor of the nature of the investigation of which I was the subject,' Trogan said in an email to his former students after he was let go. 'I was kept completely in the dark.'

While the unnamed student was upset with her professor, she said she was surprised by Fordham's decision to fire the professor.

Other students came to his defense calling him 'brilliant,' 'humble' and 'nice.' Some stated that they did not believe he deserved to be fired.

Trogan said that the university cited the nine-page email rather than the name mix-up as the main reason for his termination and that he did not show 'proper development' from the conversation on October 5.

'[Eva] Badowska may have carried things out legally, but definitely not morally and certainly not justly,' the professor claimed. Badowska is the dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and Associate VP of Arts and Sciences at the university.

Ashar Foley, chief steward of Fordham Faculty United, said Trogan has warned that he is considering taking legal action against the university.

He is arguing that his remaining salary for the academic year should be paid in full, his benefits should be immediately reinstated and that the incident should be erased from his record.

'If any student would like to help me achieve some justice now that my name is mud and my reputation has been ruined, they could insist that Badowska carry out the above three actions at a bare minimum,' Trogan said.
New York State Attorney General Letitia James allegedly halted her bid for governor after her team realized it would not hit a $5 million fundraising ultimatum from the Brooklyn Democratic Party by January.

James ended her short-lived campaign on Thursday after learning that the Brooklyn Democratic party would be backing incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul because James could not boost her fundraising efforts, insider sources told the New York Post.

James's campaigned had only raised about $1.6 million as of July, with one source saying it was unlikely that she could raise $2 million before the year's end.

'She saw the writing on the wall that, if she couldn't even get Brooklyn's support, this was a race she couldn't win,' the anonymous source told the newspaper.

New York State Attorney General Letitia James (pictured in December) suspended her campaign for governor on Thursday

Hochul, who is favorited to be re-elected after becoming the state's first female governor in July, has raised more than $11 million

James's office denied such allegations, calling it 'complete fiction.' The office did not disclose how much James had raised before ending her campaign.

State Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, who chairs the Brooklyn Democratic Party, also denied claims that a fundraising minimum was set.

State Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn denies the Brooklyn Democratic Party, which she chairs, set a fundraising minimum to back James

'Tish James has long had the support of countless elected officials in Brooklyn, and the idea that future support would be contingent upon fundraising is as false as it is offensive,' Bichotte Hermelyn told the Post.

Hochul, who is favorited to be re-elected after becoming the state's first female governor in July, has raised more than $11 million as of November.

One source familiar with James's candidacy added that Hochul had gathered up the majority of deep pocket donors and blunders who wanted to stand behind the trail blazer.

'[James] was expecting to get all these female bundlers behind her, but they were like, "We already have a woman governor,"' the source said.

Neither James's office nor the Brooklyn Democratic Party immediately responded to DailyMail.com's request for additional information.

In a tweet on Thursday, James, 63, wrote that she would not seek the gubernatorial seat but instead run for re-election as attorney general in 2022 after a recent poll showed her trailing behind Gov. Kathy Hochul.

'I have come to the conclusion that I must continue my work as attorney general. There are a number of important investigations and cases that are underway, and I intend to finish the job,' James said.

Her office is currently seeking a deposition against Trump as part of a tax fraud probe of the Trump Organization, based in New York.

James announced her bid for governor in October after her office delivered the sex pest report that led to Andrew Cuomo's resignation in July

James had announced her candidacy for governor in late October, months after she filed the sex pest report that led former Gov. Andrew Cuomo to resign.

James, the first woman elected as the state's attorney general and first black person to serve in the role, was the leading candidate challenging current Hochul, but she was still falling behind.

A Siena College Research Institute survey released earlier this week showed James trailing behind Hochul, who enjoyed 36 per cent backing by Democratic voters while James only held 18 per cent.

Fellow challengers Jumaane Williams held 10 per cent of voters, and US Rep. Tom Suozzi and out-going New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio held 6 per cent each.

People familiar with the campaign told CNBC that James may not have been able to raise enough money for a successful candidacy after a number of large Democratic donors signaled that they would be sticking with Hochul.

Democratic Party Chairman Jay Jacobs told Spectrum News, 'I think she understands how difficult a year 2022 is going to be for Democrats. This is selfless for her to put her party ahead of her own preference.'

In a news conference on Thursday, Hochul said she was excited to run on the same ticket as James rather than against her.

'She let me know her intention was to remain doing the critically important work that she has undertaken in the attorney general's office. I want to thank her for her leadership.'

Geoff Burgan, communications director for the Democratic Attorneys General Association, told CNN the organization is proudly supporting James's re-election bid.

'She's a battle-tested leader who has fought for consumers, working people, and those in need, and we're excited that she'll be continuing her work as New York's Attorney General.'

The decision came hours after James announced her office subpoenaed Donald Trump to testify in person as part of her investigation into potential tax and financial fraud inside the Trump Organization, The Washington Post reported.

New York AG Letitia James wants Trump to testify next month, according to the Post

New York State Attorney General Letitia James is seeking testimony from former President Donald Trump in a Jan. 7th deposition, the Washington Post reported

James is seeking a deposition from Trump on January 7 at her office in New York as part of a long running probe into the financial practices of the former president's company  including whether the Trump Organization pumped up valuations of its assets when seeking financing, then low-balled values when communicating with tax authorities.

His son Eric Trump, a Trump Organization executive, testified previously in the probe, after his lawyers initially put up resistance.

James is looking at whether fraud 'permeated the Trump Organization,' according to the Post.

Trump himself has testified in numerous lawsuits over his career  and in October provided a four and a half hour deposition in connection with a lawsuit brought by protesters who claim they were roughed up by Trump's security outside Trump Tower in Manhattan in 2015.

Trump was dismissive of the probe, even after finally appearing in a suit that outlasted his presidential term.

'After years of litigation, I was pleased to have had the opportunity to tell my side of this ridiculous story,' Trump said.

Trump has repeatedly attacked the probe as a 'witch hunt.' He has not been accused of wrongdoing in the case.

Longtime Trump CFO Allen Weisselberg has been indicted on tax charges

Former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen testified to Congress that the company inflated valuations when seeking financing

Investigators reportedly are looking closely at different valuations for the Seven Springs estate in upstate New York, which ranged from $56 million to $291 million

Prosecutors have convened a second grand jury in the ongoing probe. The Trump Organization's longtime Chief Financial Officer, Allen Weisselberg, was indicted in September by federal prosecutors in Manhattan. The government charges Weisselberg evaded nearly $2 million in taxes, in part by taking luxury perks. Weisselberg has pleaded not guilty.

The New York case is just one of many legal challenges Trump is facing. Prosecutors in Georgia have undertaken a criminal investigation of his election overturn efforts in the state.

Trump settled a defamation case last month with accuser Sumner Zervos without paying compensation. Last week, a three-judge federal appeals court panel heard a case regarding a defamation suit by rape accuser E. Jean Carroll.

Prosecutors are reportedly investigating properties including the Trump Organization's Seven Springs in upstate New York. Trump bought it for $7.5 million in 1996, but company valuations for it have ranged from $56 million to $291 million in 2012.

Former Trump Organization lawyer Michael Cohen testified to Congress in 2019 about the alleged practice of inflating values of Trump assets when seeking financing from lenders. He has said he met with prosecutors multiple times.
The Armed Forces were issued with guidance telling service personnel not to say 'crippled by debt' or 'blind drunk' to avoid giving offence.

Despite criticism that it was 'woke nonsense', the Ministry of Defence insisted its Inclusive Language Guide 2021 was a 'practical toolkit' to help personnel understand why 'certain words or use of language is hurtful or non-inclusive'.

But after concerns were raised by The Mail on Sunday, it emerged that Defence Secretary Ben Wallace was withdrawing the 30-page document.

MoD sources confirmed last night that the guidance  which advised that 'not all women are biologically female'  was being revised.

A senior insider said Mr Wallace was 'unhappy' with it and it was being taken down from the MoD website. But the source insisted a new version would be published because 'criticism over the conduct and attitudes across the Armed Forces' showed it was needed.

However, Tory MP Peter Bone, who had urged Mr Wallace to put it 'in the shredder', demanded to know why the MoD had produced it in the first place.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace (pictured) withdrew the Inclusive Language Guide, hours after it was declared 'woke nonsense' by critics

The guide, produced by the MoD's Diversity and Inclusion Directorate, denies being 'an attempt to police language' or 'restrict your personal style of communication' but was created to help staff 'speak more powerfully, precisely and respectfully'.

However, some recommendations caused fury, including advice to soldiers, sailors and RAF personnel to avoid 'deaf to our pleas' in case it offended the disabled.

The section 'Woman or female' states those words 'mean different things but are often used interchangeably', adding: 'Referring to women as females is perceived by many as reducing a woman to her reproductive parts and abilities.

'Not all women are biologically female, and the conflation of 'female' to 'woman' erases gender nonconforming people and members of the trans community.' SAS veteran James Deegan tweeted that it was 'woke nonsense'.

The MoD source said the decision to revise the document was taken 'over the past few weeks', adding: 'There is a need for a guide. But the Defence Secretary is unhappy with the current approach and with the lack of consultation and piloting before publication.'

MIND YOUR LANGUAGE: The MoD's inclusive language guide which is being revised after it faced criticism

Last night, Mr Bone said he was 'delighted' at Mr Wallace's intervention, but slammed the guidance. The MP said: 'Everyone should be mindful of the language they use, but for the MoD to produce such a guide is utterly ridiculous.

'Whatever they say, this is political correctness gone mad and woke nonsense, pure and simple.

'The average person in the street or on the Clapham omnibus will simply not understand why the MoD has to waste time  and no doubt money  producing this rubbish. We don't need to tell our brilliant, brave servicemen and women what to say.

'We should be concentrating on teaching them how to defend themselves in conflict and when they are protecting us. The best thing the Defence Secretary could do with this absurd document is put it through the shredder.'

Pictured: Sailors carry a pride flag at a parade in London in a photograph from the withdrawn MoD guide

'Careless or ill-considered language can categorise or stereotype': British council urges staff to avoid 'Brits' and 'the Queen's English' in a 'non-discrimination' guide

BY CHRIS HASTINGS ARTS CORRESPONDENT FOR THE MAIL ON SUNDAY

Its mission is to promote the nation to the world, yet the British Council has urged its staff not to refer to 'Brits' or 'the Queen's English'.

The taxpayer-funded body, which will receive 189 million from the Foreign Office this year, has issued employees with a 'non-discriminatory' guide that states: 'Careless, uninformed or ill-considered use of language can categorise, marginalise, exclude or stereotype.'

In the document, the use of terms such as 'British English' or 'Queen's English' is deemed 'problematic as it implies that these varieties of English are more correct or of greater importance than others'.

It also advocates avoiding the term 'native English speaker' because 'it is often understood to relate to countries like the UK, the USA and Australia, and to discriminate against others who are often called non-native speakers'.

The document  obtained by The Mail on Sunday under Freedom of Information legislation  advises against the use of the word 'Brits' to describe people from the UK, 'as the term generally does not include people from Northern Ireland'.

Even 'politically correct' is frowned on, because it 'downplays and trivialises the hurt and offence caused' in certain circumstances.

The taxpayer-funded body will receive 189 million from the Foreign Office this year. Pictured: Foreign Secretary Liz Truss

Meanwhile, remarking that 'the colour scheme is insane' or 'they had a fit' should be off limits due to the mental health connotations.

The guide also advises readers to use the terms 'lower-income country, middle-income country or fragile and conflict-affected state' instead of 'developing country', and says it is preferable to avoid saying 'guys' when referring to a group of people because it is 'usually associated with men and can be perceived as excluding women'. Suggested alternatives include 'folks', 'team', 'friends' or even just 'everyone'.

The council has offices in more than 100 countries. According to its website, it forges 'connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and other countries through arts and culture, education and the English language'.

Screenwriter and novelist Julian Fellowes criticised the guidance, saying: 'The British Council should be encouraging people not to take offence when no offence is intended  in other words, the exact opposite of what they are doing here.'

A British Council spokeswoman said the guide was 'advisory' rather than 'prescriptive', adding: 'We are proud of our work promoting the UK to the rest of the world. Last year we reached more than 791 million people globally, so it is important the language we use reflects the diversity of our audience.'

She added: 'As a global organisation, we are committed to being as inclusive as possible. This guide helps our colleagues across the world to achieve that aim.'
Comes as details of several more parties in Whitehalls including Treasury and Work and Pensions have continued to emerge

Ministers are concerned by data showing reduced protection of first Covid jabs against infection by new Omicron variant

Boris Johnson has condemned the BBC as 'shamefully frivolous, vengeful and partisan' over its coverage of the No 10 'Partygate' row.

The embattled Prime Minister turned his fury on the Corporation in the belief it has neglected its 'primary duty' of publicising the need for booster jabs to combat the new Omicron variant of Covid.

Mr Johnson  who is facing a Commons revolt, a crunch by-election and rumours of a vote of no confidence in his leadership  angrily told friends that the BBC's exhaustive coverage of the party scandal has 'wasted' too much 'public time and attention' when it should be concentrating on urging the public to get their jabs now that 'Omicron is starting to rip'.

Ministers have been rattled by data which shows people who had two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine several months ago have almost no protection against the Omicron strain, but are encouraged that a booster jab takes the protection above 70 per cent.

The analysis by the UK Health Security Agency has triggered intense debate within the Government about how the booster campaign can be accelerated in time to avoid fresh Covid restrictions.

An embattled Boris Johnson turned his fury on the Corporation in the belief it has neglected its 'primary duty' of publicising the need for booster jabs to combat the new Omicron variant of Covid

Mr Johnson angrily told friends that the BBC's exhaustive coverage of the party scandal has 'wasted' too much 'public time and attention' when it should be concentrating on urging the public to get their jabs now that 'Omicron is starting to rip'. Pictured: The details behind the 'partygate' coverage which has dogged No10

Ministers have been rattled by data which shows people who had two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine several months ago have almost no protection against the Omicron strain, but are encouraged that a booster jab takes the protection above 70 per cent

From tomorrow, 7.5 million people aged between 30 and 39 will be eligible to book a booster, taking the number who have been added to the online booking system over the past week to ten million.

In a separate move, Ministers are expected to scrap the controversial 'traffic light' system for travellers coming into the UK, meaning those arriving from 'red list' countries will no longer have to quarantine in hotels for ten days.

The move  which is expected to be introduced in time to spare anyone from having to spend Christmas in a hotel room  comes in response to the speed at which the Omicron variant is spreading and the expectation that there will soon be limited differences in infection rates between countries.

The 'Partygate' row was reignited last week when footage was leaked to ITV News of a mock press conference showing Downing Street staff joking about a 'cheese and wine' event on December 18 last year, despite days of denials that any party had taken place at a time when indoor gatherings were banned.

Mr Johnson was forced into a grovelling apology to the Commons while Allegra Stratton, the spokeswoman caught on the video, tearfully resigned.

In other developments:

Scientists at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine said the UK was facing a substantial wave of Omicron infections in January, with an estimated 25,000 to 75,000 dying from the variant by April  although they noted there was uncertainty around the modelling;

New cases of Omicron rose by 50 per cent yesterday  from 448 to 663  taking the total to 1,898, with the variant now predicted to be the dominant form of the virus in England by the end of the year

The latest figures showed 54,073 positive tests over the previous 24-hour period, up 12.6 per cent on the same day last week  while hospital admissions rose almost four per cent to 839 and deaths were up 1.1 per cent week- on-week to 132;

Former Cabinet Minister David Davis uses an article in The Mail on Sunday today to oppose the Plan B proposals which he describes as a 'knee-jerk reaction' that 'may do enormous economic harm for little gain';

Downing Street is resisting a 'grinch' push by Michael Gove to introduce tougher measures such as 'pub passports';

Furious holidaymakers accused a major Government-approved Covid test provider of failing to send them fit-to- fly certificates in time for their departures;

A study found that working from home is having a detrimental impact on family life as parents struggle to balance childcare with their job commitments;

Data showed Christmas shoppers are opting to buy locally rather than in city centres amid growing concerns over the Omicron variant;

Durham Cathedral will require worshippers attending Christmas services to show proof they are vaccinated, have tested negative within the previous 48 hours or have recovered from the virus;

Post-mortem tests revealed two boys from the same school died within days of one another after they caught Covid. Mohammed Habib, 14, and Harry Towers, 15, both students at St John Fisher Catholic College in Newcastle-under-Lyme died in October.

Some 663 new cases of the strain were detected across the UK, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said, up from the 448 recorded yesterday. It takes the country's total to 1,898, although experts suggest the true number is much higher

As Mr Johnson fumes about the BBC, Cabinet Secretary Simon Case has launched an investigation into the alleged Downing Street party as well as another reported gathering on November 27 and an event at the Department for Education on December 10.

Mr Case  who will examine the purpose of the events, who attended and whether rules were followed  is expected to report back within days.

The story led BBC bulletins and dominated Radio 4's Today Programme, with much of the coverage led by the outgoing Political Editor Laura Kuenssberg. In an online article yesterday, she wrote: 'This weekend it is worth asking if 'Planet Boris' might actually, finally implode?'

Ms Kuenssberg incensed No 10 last month by quoting a Downing Street source as saying that there was 'a lot of concern inside the building about the PM'.

Her report triggered a blame game within Whitehall and strong denials that the so-called 'chatty pig' responsible for the briefing worked for Chancellor Rishi Sunak.

Mr Johnson is facing a rebellion by more than 50 Conservative MPs on Tuesday when the Commons votes on new Plan B Covid restrictions, including vaccine passports.

Amid a tidal wave of sleaze allegations, Tory chiefs fear they could lose the North Shropshire by-election two days later, despite defending a majority of almost 23,000.

Meanwhile, a growing number of Tory rebels  some linked to former Prime Minister Theresa May  are discussing sending letters to Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the backbench 1922 Committee, calling for a leadership contest.

And an opinion poll for Opinium last night gave Labour a lead of nine points, their biggest the company has reported since March 2014. The poll puts Labour on 41 per cent and the Tories on 32 with Mr Johnson's approval rating at an all-time low of minus 35.

The national booking system will open tomorrow to everyone aged 30 to 39, allowing them to arrange a top-up jab three months on from their second dose. The booking can be made two months after their second dose.

Dr Emily Lawson, head of the NHS Covid-19 vaccination programme, said: 'With the emergence of the new variant and the rising case numbers, there has never been a more important time to get boosted. So when it's your turn, book in'.

The latest figures show more than 409,000 boosters were administered on Friday, meaning almost two-fifths of the population aged over 12 has now had the additional jab.

A BBC spokesman declined to comment last night.
Zegler, now 20, has already finished her second film and will star in Disney's live action Snow White

Zegler had received rave reviews for her role and is even tipped for an Oscar

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For almost any aspiring actress, a call from Steven Spielberg announcing she is to be his new leading lady would be a cause for wild celebrations.

But for 17-year-old Rachel Zegler, there was one question she had to ask the director before she accepted the lead role as Maria in his 120 million musical West Side Story: 'Can I still do Shrek The Musical at my high school?'

It was 'one of the first things out of my mouth', she recalls, adding that his response was: 'I produced the original Shrek, of course you can!'

Spielberg agreed to delay the start of rehearsals to accommodate Rachel  and it seems to have paid off as she is receiving rave reviews for her role, even being tipped for Oscar glory, while the film is being hailed as the director's best in decades.

On the brink of global fame, as West Side Story opens this weekend, Rachel, now 20, has already finished her second film, the 110 million superhero blockbuster Shazam! Fury Of The Gods, and will star as Snow White in Disney's live action version of the children's classic which will film in the UK next year.

West Side Story starlet Rachel Zegler had director Steven Spielberg delay rehearsals for the 120 million musical so she could play Princess Fiona in her high school's production of Shrek The Musical

Spielberg agreed to delay the start of rehearsals to accommodate Rachel  and it seems to have paid off as she is receiving rave reviews for her role, even being tipped for Oscar glory, while the film is being hailed as the director's best in decades. Pictured: As Princess Fiona in the school version of Shrek she delayed Spielberg for

She saw off competition from 30,000 other hopefuls to win the role of Maria, and the late Stephen Sondheim, who wrote the musical's lyrics, proclaimed she sang 'like a nightingale'. Pictured: Zegler and Ansel Elgort in West Side Story

Zegler grew up in New Jersey and still lives in the family home with father Craig, 59, who is of Polish descent and works for a construction firm, housewife mother Gina, 51, who has Colombian roots and sister Jacqueline, 23

She saw off competition from 30,000 other hopefuls to win the role of Maria, and the late Stephen Sondheim, who wrote the musical's lyrics, proclaimed she sang 'like a nightingale'.

Spielberg says that when he heard Rachel sing Tonight on the audition tape, 'I just broke down in tears, not just me, everybody around us.'

Based on the story of Romeo And Juliet, the 1957 stage musical was first made into a musical in 1961, with Maria hailed as one of Natalie Wood's greatest roles.

Its plot was inspired by New York gang violence, depicting bitter rivalry between the white Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks. But Rachel's upbringing was far from that world.

She grew up in New Jersey and still lives in the family home with father Craig, 59, who is of Polish descent and works for a construction firm, housewife mother Gina, 51, who has Colombian roots and sister Jacqueline, 23.

Speaking to The Mail on Sunday, her drama teacher, Greg Liosi, said: 'It was obvious from an early age that Rachel had special talent. When she was 16 and in the school production of The Little Mermaid I turned to her mother and said, "This is real, her talent, do you want me to call some agents I know?"

Based on the story of Romeo And Juliet, the 1957 stage musical was first made into a musical in 1961, with Maria hailed as one of Natalie Wood's greatest roles. Pictured: Natalie Wood as Maria in 1961, and Rachel now

Speaking to The Mail on Sunday, her drama teacher, Greg Liosi, said: 'It was obvious from an early age that Rachel had special talent. When she was 16 and in the school production of The Little Mermaid I turned to her mother and said, "This is real, her talent, do you want me to call some agents I know?". Pictured: Zegler enjoying an ice cream, aged four, with older sister Jacqueline  they still both live in the family home

But her newfound fame has a flip side, with online trolls questioning why a Hispanic actress was picked to play Snow White. Pictured: Zegler dressed Superwoman

Posing on social media last year and, right, taking part in the online fad of eating Cheetos with chopsticks to keep your fingers clean

Her Shrek castmate Devyn Siegel, added: 'She was always a very bright, friendly personality.' Pictured: Zegler starring in The Little Mermaid at school

'But her mum said, "No, I want her to enjoy her high school experience." When she landed West Side Story, I expected her to drop out of Shrek but she said, "I want to do it." Spielberg said, "Absolutely, finish it", and she did!'

Her Shrek castmate Devyn Siegel, added: 'She was always a very bright, friendly personality.'

But her newfound fame has a flip side, with online trolls questioning why a Hispanic actress was picked to play Snow White.

She hit back: 'These are a bunch of faceless people that you'll never encounter in real life. They will never have the gall to come up to you at Starbucks and say, "You're not white enough to play Snow White."

'I've got a responsibility for young people in the future, who can say, "This Latina was able to play Snow White  I can do anything."'

Additional reporting: Peter Sheridan
Boris Johnson's popularity fell to a new low today as polls showed Labour taking a nine point lead over the Tories after a series of scandals and amid furious backlash over a Christmas party that was allegedly held in Downing Street last year.

The poll of voting intentions, carried out by Opinium Research for The Observer, found that 41 percent would vote for Keir Starmer's Labour (an increase of 3 percent), while just 32 percent (a decrease of four percent) would vote for the Tories.

Mr Johnson's popularity fell sharply, with 59 percent saying they disapproved of the job he is doing, and just 24 percent approving - a net score of minus 35 percent.

Boris Johnson's popularity fell to a new low today as polls showed Labour taking a nine point lead over the Tories after a series of scandals and amid furious backlash over a Christmas party that was allegedly held in Downing Street last year. Pictured: Mr Johnson arriving at Hospital after announcing the brith of this daughter

Opposition leader Keir Starmer's approval also fell by two percent, but he took a clear lead over his rival on the question of who would make the best Prime Minister, with 29 percent choosing the Labour leader and 22 percent picking Mr Johnson.

However, both lost out to the 'none of the above' option, which was picked by 35 percent of the 1,175 likely voters that were surveyed.

Johnson has found himself facing criticism on a number of fronts in recent weeks from the funding of the refurbishment of his Downing Street flat to a claim he intervened to ensure pets were evacuated from Kabul during the chaotic Western withdrawal in August.

The most damaging has been reports that a party was held at Downing Street during a 2020 Christmas lockdown when such festivities were banned, with a video emerging this week which showed staff laughing and joking about it.

On whether the Prime Minister should resign, 57 percent agreed, up from 53 percent earlier in the week, with just 26 percent saying he should stay. A third of those who said they voted Tory in the last election said he should step down.

There has been growing talk of dissatisfaction with Johnson's leadership among Conservative lawmakers according to political commentators, and it is expected dozens will vote next week against his plan for new measures to combat the spread of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus.

Labour's nine point lead is the largest from any pollster since May 2019, and the biggest lead from Opinium since February 2014, it said.

The poll of voting intentions (pictured), carried out by Opinium Research for The Observer, found that 41 percent would vote Labour (an increase of 3 percent), while just 32 percent (a decrease of four percent) would vote for the Tories

When asked which of the three Covid-related scandals that have plagued senior ministers over the last two years shocked them most, 51 percent said the allegations of the No. 10 Christmas party in December 2020.

This was followed by 28 percent who said the Dominic Cummings Barnard Castle trip, and 21 percent who said the Matt Hancock/Gina Coladangelo affair, that saw the then-health minister resign in disgrace.

There has been growing talk of dissatisfaction with Johnson's leadership among Conservative lawmakers according to political commentators

It is expected dozens will vote next week against his plan for new measures to combat the spread of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus.

'The findings of our latest poll are certainly dramatic, with a devastating fall in both support for the Conservatives and approval for the prime minister,' said Adam Drummond, Head of Political Polling at Opinium.

He cautioned that Johnson was the 'king of comebacks' who had recovered from difficult polling situations before.

'However, unless the Conservatives can turn these numbers around quickly, backbenchers might start asking if the party is over for the prime minister,' he said.

Opposition leader Keir Starmer's (pictured in the House of Commons last month) approval also fell by two percent, but he took a clear lead over his rival on the question of who would make the best Prime Minister, with 29 percent choosing the Labour leader and 22 percent picking Mr Johnson

Meanwhile, anxiety in the Tory party has been heightened by the loss of three council seats in Rotherham and Bracknell in the week, with another three in Tonbridge also looking doomed.

There is a mood of 'despair' over the prospects for holding the previously rock-solid North Shropshire Commons seat next week, with senior figures telling MailOnline they will be 'astonished' if the Lib Dems do not win the by-election triggered by Owen Paterson's resignation.

The warning signs will heap pressure on the PM - whose wife Carrie has just given birth to their second child - to steady the ship after months of crisis over sleaze and bungled U-turns.

Ex-Cabinet minister Andrew Mitchel warned yesterday that the 'mood of the Conservative Party is sulphurous and we need to see some grip from No10'.

'The history of the Tory Party is littered with ruthlessness on these occasions but I'm confident that Boris will get a grip,' he told the BBC.

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, is treasurer of the powerful 1922 Committee of backbench MPs, delivered a thinly-veiled warning this morning, saying that Mr Johnson must stabilise the ship over Christmas.

'He's got to come clean on a lot of the issues that you mentioned in your opening news,' the veteran MP said.

'We're all about to go for a Christmas break. If he comes back in the new year refreshed, able to differentiate between his private life and public life, and clarify all the issues and then start to do the really big issues that this country needs  restoring the NHS, dealing with carbon emissions and Cop26, how we deal with the economy, helping businesses  we can really get onto that agenda away from these other, sort of, personal issues, then I think he's fine.

'But if we go on having these  what I call personal issues, issues of judgment by the Prime Minister  then I think that's a very different scenario.'

YouGov found three-quarters of voters believe there was a Christmas party in which rules were broken - nearly the same proportion think Mr Johnson lied about it afterwards.

More worryingly, one fifth of Tory voters say the government's response to the allegations made them trust it less.

Survation said of its research for the Daily Mirror: 'In terms of vote share, were these types of figures seen at the next General Election a Labour lead of this size would easily make Labour the largest party in the Commons with over 300 seats, albeit short of an overall majority.'

On the by-election hopes, a senior Tory source said: I would be astonished if the Lib Dems dont win North Shropshire. And that is despite the fact it is a heavily Leave constituency.'

Mr Johnson looks to be facing a perfect storm with the row over his grace-and-favour flat refurbishment reigniting, allegations of lockdown-busting parties in Downing Street, and a huge Tory revolt over Covid measures.

The Prime Minister relented and allowed an apology of sorts when video emerged of aides joking about holding such a bash last year despite repeated official denials.

Mr Johnson looks to be facing a perfect storm with the row over his grace-and-favour flat refurbishment reigniting, allegations of lockdown-busting parties in Downing Street, and a huge Tory revolt over Covid measures

The Daily Mirror was first to report last week that a festive bash took place in No 10 on December 18 last year as London was under Tier 3 restrictions.

Those measures explicitly banned Christmas lunches or parties where they are 'a primarily social activity', as a Government Twitter account pointed out to the public a day earlier.

As further sources came forward to confirm the party took place, reports said staff drank alcohol, wore Christmas jumpers and even organised Secret Santa gifts.

Downing Street bluntly rejected the allegations, with official statements insisting 'there was no Christmas party' and no rules were broken.

On Tuesday, Mr Johnson told reporters: 'I am satisfied myself that the guidelines were followed at all times.'

Hours after the Prime Minister tried to quell allegations of wrongdoing, ITV News published damning footage that gave increased weight to reports of the party.

Leaked video showed a mock press conference held between Downing Street aides and Allegra Stratton, then Mr Johnson's press secretary, on December 22.

In the bombshell video a No 10 aide asks a question about 'a Downing Street Christmas party on Friday night', to which Allegra Stratton laughed and replied: 'I went home.' Downing Street

In the rehearsal for televised briefings that were ultimately axed, they discussed a supposedly 'fictional' Downing Street party on 'Friday', which would have been December 18.

After the video was made public, Mr Johnson warned there will be 'disciplinary action' for any members of staff who broke the rules, but the first departure over the affair was not over attendance at any party.

In a tearful statement outside her north London home, Ms Stratton apologised over her remarks that 'seemed to make light of the rules'.

'To all of you who lost loved ones, who endured intolerable loneliness and who struggled with your businesses, I am truly sorry and this afternoon I am offering my resignation to the Prime Minister,' she added.
As Tory MPs gathered in sombre huddles on Wednesday to dissect Boris Johnsons Commons mauling over Partygate, allies of Theresa May moved among them like undertakers.

Its time to send the letters, said one senior figure from Mrs Mays Government, referring to the process by which Tory MPs trigger a leadership election.

When Mrs May was in Downing Street, she likened the troublesome Mr Johnson to a dog that was put down when its master decided it wasnt needed any more. Since he succeeded her in No 10, she has seethed on his backbenches, making increasingly outspoken criticisms over issues such as Brexit, Covid restrictions and his ill-judged and just plain wrong performance over sleaze.

Now, in the wake of the Partygate rows over alleged breaches of Covid rules in No 10 a year ago and the Wallpapergate saga about the cost of decorating the No 10 flat  and with a potentially disastrous defeat looming in Thursdays North Shropshire by-election  Mrs Mays friends can scent blood.

When Mrs May was in Downing Street, she likened the troublesome Mr Johnson to a dog that was put down when its master decided it wasnt needed any more

While her former No 10 chief of staff Gavin Barwell has complained publicly about selfinflicted wounds, her loyalist MPs have been touring the Commons to lobby for a change of leadership.

Although the rebels are still a long way short of the 56 letters to Sir Graham Brady, chair of the backbench 1922 committee, which are needed to trigger a contest  estimates vary between five and the low teens  the Prime Minister faces another brutal week.

On Tuesday, more than 50 Conservative MPs are expected to rebel in a Commons vote on new Plan B Covid restrictions, including vaccine passports. Then Mr Johnson faces the possible loss of a near-23,000 majority in the vote called as a result of Owen Patersons resignation over lobbying allegations. And all this just days after the birth of his second child with wife Carrie.

They have been waving the letters around, saying Its time, said one source. They are poised, waiting for Thursday. There is no suggestion that their actions are being condoned by Mrs May.

Now, in the wake of the Partygate rows over alleged breaches of Covid rules in No 10 a year ago and the Wallpapergate saga about the cost of decorating the No 10 flat  and with a potentially disastrous defeat looming in Thursdays North Shropshire by-election  Mrs Mays friends can scent blood

Mr Johnson was mortified by last weeks leak to ITV News of a mock press conference showing Downing Street staff giggling about a cheese and wine event on December 18, 2020, despite days of denials that there had been a party at a time when indoor gatherings were banned. He was forced to apologise to Parliament before his weekly duel with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer at Prime Ministers Questions, and hours later, Allegra Stratton, the spokeswoman caught on the video, resigned in tears on her doorstep.

Senior Tories say privately that they are convinced that vengeful former No 10 adviser Dominic Cummings is playing some form of role in the crisis by feeding damaging material about Mr Johnson, through intermediaries, to the Labour Party  which has then placed them with friendly media outlets.

They argue that he is motivated by the hope that Mr Johnson will be toppled and replaced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak, who would then offer Mr Cummings a path back into Government. Cummings allies dismiss this as paranoia, while the Treasury pours scorn on the prospect of a return for him under a Prime Minister Sunak.

However, there is an undeniable element of political symmetry to the fact that the first alleged party was said to have been held on November 13, 2020, by the Prime Ministers wife, Carrie, to mark the ousting of her rival Mr Cummings from No 10.

The claims were first reported two days later by The Mail on Sunday, which published the claim that after Mr Cummings had carried out his belongings in a cardboard box, former colleagues still in No 10 had heard the distinctive strains of a victory party from the Downing Street flat inhabited by Carrie. Her friends denied that there had been a celebration.

No 10 insiders now fear that an investigation already being conducted by Cabinet Secretary Simon Case into the social events of a year ago could be extended to the night of November 13, taking the row directly into the PMs living quarters.

Mr Sunak already has a readymade campaign chief in the form of adviser Liam Booth-Smith, one of the few Cummings appointments to still hold a key position in Government

The Case investigation comes on top of a separate row after an official report revealed that the Prime Minister had texted Tory donor Lord Brownlow asking for more money to refurbish the No 10 flat, despite having previously assured Lord Geidt, the Independent Adviser on Ministers Interests, that he did not know who was paying for the 112,549 refurbishment.

Party nerves started jangling even more after polls taken after the rows broke out showed Labour up to eight points ahead of the Tories. And a survey for yesterdays Daily Mail revealed that a third of the public are now less likely to follow Covid rules in the wake of the Downing Street party row, while two in three people said they do not trust the Prime Minister.

Mr Johnsons most likely successors are now openly taking soundings among their colleagues.

Mr Sunak already has a readymade campaign chief in the form of adviser Liam Booth-Smith, one of the few Cummings appointments to still hold a key position in Government. Mr Booth-Smith, the former head of Mr Cummingss joint economic unit at No 10, was furious to be accused of being the so-called chatty pig who told BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg that there was a lot of concern about Mr Johnson last month.

The Treasury flatly denied the claim, saying Mr Booth-Smith had been stitched up.

Since then, Mr Sunak, as part of a delicate operation to appear loyal to the Prime Minister while simultaneously developing his own political brand, has allowed it to become known that he favours a 2p tax cut before the next election  a move to appeal to the Tory base, and to those MPs who entered the Commons in 2019 by winning the Red Wall seats, mainly in the North, that had previously been Labour strongholds. The Governments levelling up agenda, which involves billions of pounds being directed towards their constituencies necessitates close contact with the Chancellors team.

Another front runner is Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, who routinely heads the surveys of Tory members favourite Ministers.

Ms Truss has been wooing female Red Wallers with Fizz with Liz nights at 5 Hertford Street, a 2,850-a-year private members club in Mayfair.

A WhatsApp group set up by Tory MPs, called Liz for Leader, was disbanded after being revealed by this newspaper.

Other likely candidates include Health Secretary Sajid Javid, who can boast about being in his sixth Cabinet post, Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi, Home Secretary Priti Patel, former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt  who lost out to Mr Johnson in the 2019 contest  and Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Tugendhat. Some sources even tip Matt Hancock, who was forced to resign from the Cabinet in June, to throw his hat into the ring.

One Tory MP told The Mail on Sunday that Mr Johnson was facing a critical few days.

The MP said: Dont underestimate the seriousness of this for Boris. I have been asking colleagues if they are putting a letter in. They are very shifty when they reply, but it looks as if many will hold off until Thursdays result.

I voted for Boris because the Brexit situation meant the Tories really could split. And he delivered on that  he delivered Brexit in a very recognisable way.

We all knew his faults: no moral fibre, lack of attention to detail and so on, but we hoped that he would place a strong team around him, as he did when he was London Mayor, which would address that.

The MP added: We didnt want Cummings in there, but to be fair to him he did provide a spine at No 10. Its not just new Red Wall MPs who are nervous. The old-timers are, too.

A former Cabinet Minister agreed that the situation was serious, saying: The Red Wallers have protected Boris because they think they owe their seats to him, but he now risks losing them because they are starting to feel that he is a liability, not an asset.

Boris is a fair-weather PM  fine when things are going well, less so in difficult times.

If he is going to be a happy Captain Kirk, he needs a lot of serious Spocks around him to steer the ship away from the rocks.

And I dont see many pointy-eared people in No10 just now.
A Michigan prosecutor who charged the parents of Ethan Crumbley - the teenage gunman accused of killing four classmates and wounding seven others in Oxford - could set a national precedent for school shootings.

Karen McDonald charged Crumbley's dad James, 45, and mom Jennifer, 43, with four counts of involuntary manslaughter after the teen allegedly opened fire at Oxford High School on November 30.

Details about the parents giving Ethan gun access began emerging in the days following the massacre and as evidence mounted, McDonald said she decided to hold them accountable.

'I just instinctually knew there was just absolutely no way I was not going to prosecute them when I heard all the evidence,' McDonald told the New York Times. 'It's the right thing to do. And if the jury decides that they aren't criminally culpable, I can live with that.'

A school shooting in Oxford, Michigan on November 30 killed four students and injured others. Ethan Crumbley, 15, was charged with the massacre and charges against his parents soon followed

Local residents huge during a vigil at Lake Pointe Community Church in Lake Orion, Michigan following the tragedy

It's rare for a prosecutor to seek punishment for the parents of a minor involved in such a serious crime, but McDonald said she hopes the move sets a precedent in deterring more bloodshed.

She viewed the case as 'a brand new way of approaching school shootings.'

Karen McDonald made the unusual decision to hold a suspected mass shooter's parents responsible for the crime

The Democratic lawyer said she's received support from both Republicans and liberals for decision to take Ethan's parents to task.

'Lots of gun owners say, "Absolutely-if youre not going to store your weapon safely, if youre not going to be responsible with it, you should be held accountable,"' she told the Times. 'I think this just goes so far beyond politics, if we are parents.'

During a press conference earlier this month, McDonald revealed stunning new details leading up to the shooting, including that Jennifer texted her son about 30 minutes after the rampage saying, 'Ethan, don't do it,' and that her husband James called 911 to report that his gun - a 9 mm Sig Sauer SP 2022 - was missing and that Ethan was likely the shooter.

The prosecutor revealed that James, who - like his wife - had a prior criminal history, bought the murder weapon from a retailer with his son there on November 26. He stored the 9mm handgun in an unlocked drawer in his bedroom, McDonald said.

Accused Michigan school shooter Ethan Crumbley (left) was given access to guns by parents James, 45, (right) and Jennifer, 43, (center).

The next day, Jennifer posted about the Christmas present to Instagram with the caption: 'Mom & son day testing out his new Xmas [sic] present.' Jennifer's Instagram account has since been taken down.

Two days later, on November 29, McDonald said a teacher at Oxford High School observed Ethan searching ammunition on his cell during class and reported it to school officials.

Ethan had a meeting with school administrators, and his mother Jennifer was contacted via voicemail by the school about her son's inappropriate internet search. Officials also followed up with an email but received no response, the prosecutor said.

The mother later exchanged texts with her son on that day stating: 'lol, I'm not mad at you, you have to learn not to get caught,' McDonald said Friday.

She also revealed that on the morning of the shooting, a teacher found a chilling note on Ethan's desk, which featured disturbing drawings depicting a semi-automatic gun, a bullet, a shooting victim and a laughing emoji.

According to the prosecutor, the note included the words 'blood everywhere,' 'thoughts won't stop, help me,' 'my life is useless' and 'the world is dead.'

Jennifer and James were immediately summoned to the school to discuss their son's worrying behavior. A school counselor was able to obtain the note with the drawings, but McDonald said by then its contents had been 'altered.'

The doodles of the gun and the bullet-ridden figure were 'scratched out,' as well as Ethan's writings.

Former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe said earlier this month that the charges against Ethan's parents were 'unprecedented' but 'absolutely called for.'

'I was stunned when I heard that they were leaning in that direction because it's so exceedingly rare,' McCabe tpld CNN's Ana Cabrera. 'In the few states that have laws that address this sort of thing really no one ever gets prosecuted.'

The prosecutor who charged Jennifer and James Crumbley said she instinctively felt compelled to do so after accumulating a mountain of evidence

But McCabe said after listening to the 'mountain of evidence' laid out by McDonald, he believes prosecutors will have a strong case and that what they presented was only just a sample of what they have so far.

McCabe stood behind prosecutors decision to move forward with charges against the Crumbleys and that he thinks this case will shine a light on school shootings.

Michele Gay, whose daughter Josephine died during the Sandy Hook shootings in Newtown, Connecticut, also embraced the charges.

'We do have to put it all out on the table every time, as painful as it is and look at every possibility that would have mitigated this, stopped this,' she told the Times.

All three Crumbleys pleaded not guilty to their charges related to the rampage.

Madisyn Baldwin, 17, (left) and Hana St Juliana, 14, (right) died in the November 30 shooting rampage at Oxford High School in suburban Detroit

Justin Shilling, 17, (left) died in the hospital on December 1 and Tate Myre (right) died in the school on November 30

Four students were killed and seven more people were injured.

Madisyn Baldwin, 17; Tate Myre, 16; Hana St. Juliana, 14; and Justin Shilling, 17, were killed.

Crumbley had a meeting with school administrators, and his mother was contacted via voicemail by the school about her son's inappropriate ammunition-related internet search.

According to the prosecutor, the mother and father also failed to ask Ethan if he had his gun with him, or where his gun was, and did not inspect his backpack.

Instead, the teen returned to class and the shooting occurred later.

His parents were arrested early Saturday after a large-scale manhunt. James and Jennifer were captured in the basement of a building in Detroit, less than half a mile from the Canadian border.

All the Crumbleys are being held at the Oakland County Jail.
The statement in full:

'The Principal of South College has insulted and humiliated the student members of the College. Tim Luckhurst, the former editor of a national newspaper, knew exactly what he was doing when he hijacked a Christmas party and allowed his personal friend to spout vile propaganda he knew would cause division.

'His shameful attempt to excuse this pantomime by pretending it was for the benefit of students' education is disgraceful. He has failed in his duty of care as Principal to South College students, and as a leader in our University community.

Inviting your friend to deliberatively provoke and shock students in their own home is a violation of their community.

'South students who were enjoying their Christmas celebrations were compromised by their Principal, who prioritised his own political agenda over their interests.

'Attempts to spin this act as a progressive strike for 'education' is an insult to every student and actual academic at Durham. This is hazing, pure and simple; a straightforward abuse of power, which Luckhurst knew would provoke those who refused to silently submit to his theatrical brand of bullying to stand up, and face his insults.

'We fully stand by our students who exercised their freedom of speech rights to leave this sorry excuse for an 'education'. We are also grateful to the very many academics at Durham, and beyond, who are calling out this attempt to corrupt their professional reputation for selfish reasons.

The Principal's attempts to frame his calculated behaviour within the freedom of speech discourse is disingenuous, and does a disservice to those genuinely fighting threats to academic freedom across the world.

'We will challenge the Acting Vice-Chancellor on how it could ever be procedurally correct for a Principal to take it upon himself to ruin a Christmas party because his 'right' to 'educate' students was more important than their right to just enjoy their dinner, with friends, in their home. The students at South College deserve a proper apology, not just self-aggrandising quotes from Orwell.

'We must also acknowledge the, at best inappropriate and at worst antagonistic, behaviour by the Principal's wife. Guests in our community are expected to respect our community. Our Colleges are not battlegrounds for childish belittlement; they are learning communities, and respect is fundamental to learning.

'We have read a lot about the Principal's 'rights' over the weekend. We have seen little recognition of his responsibilities. We ask that our community therefore focuses not on the distraction he has invited, but rather on the standards we should expect of a College Principal compared to the behaviour we have seen. Watch the videos of Friday night.

'Read the testimony of students who were present and the statements of our College representatives and SU Associations. This is not the behaviour of a man we want educating, leading and supporting our students.

Durham's problematic culture is endemic. This is not an isolated event, but a result of a longstanding failure to properly address unacceptable behaviour. We have welcomed the recent commitments and efforts from the University leadership to tackle the historic problems, and this incident shows that the change needed extends beyond policy and into culture.

'This is a test for all of us. If we accept this style of leading a College as normal then what we saw on Friday will become the norm.

Notwithstanding any other positive things done at South College, Tim Luckhurst's position at Durham is untenable.

'No Principal gets to abuse their students, call them pathetic, and then attack them for wanting to just be safe in their home. The Principal of South College's position as an intellectual and pastoral leader is now a threat, not an asset, to our collegiate community.

We must make clear our commitment to our values, and demonstrate our anger that this response has been necessary, so we encourage all students, staff, and supporters to contact the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (College and Student Experience) to make their views known.

'The events of Friday are acknowledged as unacceptable, and we must now have the wider conversation about what we expect of our leaders, and the conversation must be bigger than the misdeeds of one stubborn man.

Finally, in situations like these, when someone is in the wrong but convinced of their 'rights', it can be incredibly easy to help them make themselves a martyr. Our community can't afford to have someone who so clearly offends our values subjected to a rushed or flawed process that lets them claim to be a victim.

'We have to trust that the University leadership will do the right thing, even though the process won't be in public and the outcome won't be immediate. We should rightly be angry at the people who violate the values of our community, but we understand why institutional public statements are cautious in these situations. We'll judge them on their response and how they demonstrate that Tim Luckhurst is not untouchable.'
Navid (pictured), two, was paralysed in the deadly blast at Kabul airport on August 26 that killed 183 people

A toddler paralysed in a terror attack at Kabul Airport during Britain's chaotic evacuation from Afghanistan is being denied life-changing surgery in the UK by delaying Foreign Office bureaucrats.

The two-year-old boy called Navid and his family were caught in the deadly blast that killed 183 people, including 13 US Marines, on August 26 and which hastened the withdrawal of Western powers from the country.

While his parents and nine-year-old sister escaped unscathed, Navid  whose father had hoisted him on to his shoulders to protect him from the scrum trying to flee the Taliban  was hit by razor-like shrapnel, sustaining appalling injuries to his head and back.

Within hours, British surgeons had offered to perform intricate surgery that could spare the youngster from paralysis.

Foreign Office officials had provided reassurances that they would try to evacuate the boy and his family to Britain.

Yet almost four months later, Navid remains stranded in Kabul as his desperate family pray that his condition will not worsen before experts at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London can operate.

Last night, Navid's father  who The Mail on Sunday is not naming to avoid the threat of Taliban reprisals  said: 'We are reaching out our hands to Britain and to God to help us with Navid's treatment. After enduring this hardship, I and others like me only wish for a normal life as a free human being.'

The Foreign Office was last week hit by devastating claims that bureaucracy and home-working contributed to thousands of desperate Afghans, who might otherwise have been whisked to safety from the Taliban, being left behind.

They include Navid who, after being injured by the bomb detonated in a crowd by the ISIS-K terror group, was rushed to hospital.

Afghan doctors saved his life but lacked the skills to carry out the complicated neurosurgery that he requires.

As the youngster lay in hospital, his family appealed to a group of British campaigners for help.

Navid, whose father hoisted him on to his shoulders (pictured) to protect him from the scrum trying to flee the Taliban, was hit by razor-like shrapnel and sustained appalling injuries

A British diplomat in Washington DC learned of Navid's plight on August 27 and agreed to help by raising the case with the Foreign Office.

On the same day, Great Ormond Street was contacted and agreed to help if the youngster was brought to the UK.

On the morning of August 28, a Foreign Office official was provided with the details of the consultant at Great Ormond Street willing to perform the surgery  yet the last evacuation flight left later that day without the injured youngster.

Room was found, however, that day for 170 dogs and cats from a Kabul animal sanctuary run by former Royal Marine Paul 'Pen' Farthing.

It wasn't until August 31 that Navid's family heard again from the Foreign Office.

More than three months on, the toddler remains in Afghanistan where, with each passing day, two pieces of shrapnel embedded beside his spine threaten to make the paralysis that affects the right side of his body permanent.

Recalling the airport atrocity, Navid's father said: 'As we waited in the crowd at Abbey Gate, we were warned of the possibility of a terrorist attack. We were not more than a few metres away when there was a big explosion on our left.

'After the explosion, body parts and blood were everywhere. I was terrified but I knew I was alive.

'I found my wife and daughter in the crowd. They were also unharmed. Navid was on my shoulders and I could feel he was alive.

British surgeons offered to perform surgery that could spare Navid from paralysis. But almost four months later, Navid remains stranded in Kabul. Pictured: Kabul airport blast on August 26

'We escaped via an open canal. The inside of the canal was full of sewage and rubbish and barbed wire that sometimes clung to our feet.' The family realised Navid's clothes were soaked with blood.

'I felt as if my blood had turned to ice,' his father said.

A stranger helped to pull the family out of the drainage ditch and they ran to their nearby car, but were blocked by a stampede of terrified people.

Navid's father sprinted towards the nearest hospital with his son in his arms, until a passing motorcyclist heard his cries and took them there. 'Thankfully, God kept Navid alive for us,' his father said.

Navid has been discharged from hospital but the family are forced to move between friends' homes to evade the Taliban.

Navid's cries of pain make hiding from patrols more difficult and the youngster associates his injuries with being in his father's arms so will not embrace him.

'Mentally we are not in a good state due to what we have endured in Afghanistan,' said his father.

'Not just the bitter memory of Navid being injured, but also the fall of Kabul and the country and the loss of hope for the future.

'Our current situation is filled with terrible worry and anxiety for what is going on. I have been repeatedly stopped and beaten by the Taliban and their checkpoints.'

Navid's father is from the Hazaras, a Shia Muslim group which has faced the wrath of the Taliban.

Five years ago, he was kidnapped and beaten by members of the hardline group.

'On two occasions I was lined up and a mock execution scene was performed,' he said. 'I was convinced I was going to die.'

Since August 31, when the Foreign Office informed the family in an email that a 'crisis team open case file' has been created under Navid's name, the family and their supporters have faced endless frustration.

Three weeks elapsed before their request for an update was answered and even then it was only for an official to say that she was on holiday and was 'not returning to crisis work'.

Weeks and weeks of unanswered phone calls, text messages and emails followed before an official at the British High Commission in Islamabad, Pakistan, finally requested more information from campaigners working with Navid's family on November 24.

A file on Navid's case was sent to Islamabad on November 29 by a contractor working for the Foreign Office.

It included a note that Navid needed urgent treatment 'to prevent life-limiting disability and threat to life'.

Supporters of the family say there has been no concrete progress since then. MPs last night expressed concern at the Foreign Office's handling of the case.

Navid's desperate family pray that his condition will not worsen before experts at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London can operate. Pictured: Navid in hospital after the blast

Tory MP Tom Tugendhat, chairman of the Commons Foreign Affairs committee, said: 'The tragedy of the failure around the evacuation and the pain that has resulted for so many is even felt among the youngest.

'This poor boy has done nothing but be loved by his parents who hoped for a better future. It's a heartbreaking record of failure.'

Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy said: 'This appalling case underscores how badly the Government have handled the withdrawal from Afghanistan.

'We can't simply abandon children like this who are in dire need of our help. After months of delay, ministers need to get the resettlement scheme they promised up and running so we can get Navid and his family to safety.'

News of Navid's plight comes after Foreign Office whistleblower Raphael Marshall released a damning 39-page dossier detailing the shambolic handling of the Afghanistan crisis.

He claims less than five per cent of those who applied to the 'special cases' team to help rescue Afghan soldiers, civil servants, and 'extremely vulnerable individuals' actually received assistance.

He said that on one afternoon during the evacuation, he was the only person processing 'special case' emails and that there were up to 5,000 unread messages at any given time containing desperate subject lines such as 'please save my children'.

He attributed the bureaucratic blunders in part to a 'work from home' culture among civil servants who were 'encouraged to leave' after their designated eight hours in order to prioritise 'work-life balance'.

The then foreign secretary Dominic Raab was also criticised for failing to cut short a holiday in Crete to deal with the crisis, while Sir Philip Barton, the 185,000-a-year head of the Diplomatic Service, was savaged by MPs last week when he admitted that he took his full two-week holiday, which ended 11 days after Kabul fell to the Taliban.

A Great Ormond Street Hospital spokesman said: 'We were made aware of this little boy but have not received any recent medical information or an update on whether he is able to come to the UK.

'If he was able to and it was appropriate for him to come to GOSH for treatment then we would, of course, have a discussion about how to help him.'

A Government spokesman said: 'We are urgently looking into this case and will be contacting the family. UK Government staff have worked tirelessly to evacuate over 3,000 individuals to leave Afghanistan.

'We continue to do all we can to secure safe passage to enable British nationals and eligible Afghans to leave the country.'
Tory peer Michelle Mone was last night facing fresh questions over her links to a company that landed more than 200 million of Government PPE contracts.

The lingerie tycoon  nicknamed Baroness Bra  has previously denied any association with PPE Medpro, which last year won lucrative deals to supply the NHS with facemasks and surgical gowns.

But her denials were thrown into doubt last month after it emerged that she had referred the firm as a potential supplier during the pandemic.

PPE Medpro was then entered into a VIP high-priority lane for firms with political connections and was awarded two contracts with a total value of 203 million.

Tory peer Michelle Mone (pictured) was last night facing fresh questions over her links to a company that landed more than 200 million of Government PPE contracts

Now an investigation by The Mail on Sunday can reveal that PPE Medpros owner, Anthony Page, is also the director of a firm that owns a luxury yacht on which the peer sailed around the Adriatic last summer.

Lady Mone posted a string of pictures on Instagram of herself on board the 5 million yacht, named Lady M, between August 3 and 29.

Records show that the yacht sailed along the Croatian coast that month.

Mr Page, 45, is a wealth-management expert who works for Lady Mones husband, Scottish entrepreneur Doug Barrowman. Company records show that Mr Page is also a director of LM Yachts, which in May bought the 127ft yacht which Lady Mone sailed in, changing its name from Mia Cara to Lady M.

Mr Page also attended the wedding of Lady Mone and Mr Barrowman in November 2020.

Angela Rayner, Labours Deputy Leader, said last night: These fresh revelations underline how important it is that Baroness Mone is fully investigated.

She completely denied any relationship with PPE Medpro, which secured 200 million worth of taxpayers money on her recommendation. The further evidence uncovered by The Mail on Sunday makes a mockery of that denial.

PPE Medpro was incorporated in May 2020, two months into the first coronavirus lockdown. Mr Page was named as its 100 per cent shareholder and a director.

He is also a director of Knox House Trust, part of a group of companies founded by Mr Barrowman, and was the company secretary of a firm that manages Baroness Mones personal brand. He resigned from that position on the same day that PPE Medpro was incorporated.

Pictured: Anthony Page, PPE Medpros owner, circled, at Lady Mones wedding in 2020

On June 12, 2020, PPE Medpro won its first contract  worth almost 81 million  to supply 210 million facemasks. Two weeks later it landed a second 122 million contract to provide 25 million surgical gowns.

According to the Guardian, Baroness Mones lawyers repeatedly denied last year that she had any connection or association with PPE Medpro or a role in how it secured the contracts. Her lawyers reportedly claimed she was not connected in any way with PPE Medpro, adding that any suggestion of an association would be both inaccurate and misleading.

But the Department of Health and Social Care last month revealed that Lady Mone had referred the company to the Government as a potential PPE supplier.

A spokesman for Lady Mone said she is neither an investor, director or shareholder in any way associated with PPE Medpro, adding: She has never had any role or function in PPE Medpro, nor in the process by which contracts were awarded to PPE Medpro.

Baroness Mone had no knowledge of any high-priority lane, and did not play any part in or have any knowledge of PPE Medpro being placed in such a lane.

Asked if Baroness Mones earlier denial of any connection with the company was misleading, Mr Page replied: No. He added: I am a director of a licensed and regulated trust and corporate service provider. I am in the business of providing professional directorship services and do so to a wide range of companies and clients.
Concerns about claims of sexual harassment and bullying at the House of Commons grew last night with the revelation that a rape accusation was made to police.

Scotland Yard confirmed last night that a Commons worker claimed to have been assaulted on the parliamentary estate.

It is understood that the allegation  made in the 12 months up to March 31 this year, but potentially relating to an earlier incident  involved an alleged attack on a member of an MP's staff.

The accusation, reported to Scotland Yard by a force outside London, was reviewed by officers but did not lead to a formal investigation as there were 'insufficient grounds' to do so, sources said.

Scotland Yard confirmed a member of an MP's staff claimed to have been assaulted on the parliamentary estate. Pictured: View of the Houses of Parliament

The allegation comes as former-Small Business Minister Andrew Griffiths was found to have raped his former wife Kate Griffiths (both pictured). He denies the claims

Jenny Symmons, chairman of the GMB union branch for MPs' staff, said: 'We are horrified to hear another rape has been reported on the parliamentary estate.'

She added that the lack of a full police investigation did not give 'reassurance that this case or victim has been dealt with fully'.

The allegation comes as a Tory MP ruled by a family court judge to have been raped and abused by her former Government Minister husband told The Mail on Sunday of her decision to reveal her trauma.

In a judgment released last week after Kate Griffiths waived her anonymity, former-Small Business Minister Andrew Griffiths was found to have raped her during an eight-year campaign of abusive behaviour. He denies the claims.

Ms Griffiths, who divorced her husband and succeeded him as Tory MP for Burton-upon-Trent, said she would have been 'failing every victim of abuse who placed their trust in me if I hadn't take the opportunity to support publication of this judgment'.
High street retailers are allowing men to use their female changing rooms  so long as they say they identify as women.

An investigation by The Mail on Sunday has found that shops, including luxury retailers, will welcome men into traditional female spaces if they do so.

A 6ft-tall male reporter with a beard, who said he identified as woman, was given permission to use fitting rooms in the female sections of stores including Selfridges, Matalan, Uniqlo and even the lingerie brand Agent Provocateurs concession in Harrods.

Max Aichison, pictured with lingerie he purchased from Agent Provocateur in Harrods, asked staff if he could use the female changing room to try out the garments

Last week, Mail on Sunday reporter Charlotte Griffiths, pictured, revealed that she had been confronted by two men while in a female changing room

In each instance, the reporter, who was wearing a Covid face mask, made his excuses and left without crossing the threshold.

It comes as womens rights campaigners embarked on a mass leafleting campaign on high streets across the country to highlight how women and girls are losing their rights to single-sex spaces. Heather Binning, of the Womens Rights Network, who is organising the campaign, said this newspapers findings were truly disturbing and showed that common sense has gone out of the window.

While we believe everyone can identify however they wish, shops should not be letting men who say they are women go into female changing rooms, she said.

It might be well-meaning and shops do not want to be accused of discriminating against anyone but it is utterly wrong that the wishes of a tiny minority are being allowed to trump the safety and dignity of women and young girls who are getting undressed.

The investigation came after this newspapers Charlotte Griffiths wrote last week about how she was shocked to find two men in womens changing rooms at Zara as she undressed.

She was later told by a manager that the issue was sensitive but as a general rule, if people are carrying womens clothes to try on, they can use the changing rooms on the womens floor.

Her experience prompted a deluge of responses, with many condemning the store for not protecting single-sex spaces for women. Others suggested it was transphobic to question other peoples gender and that they should use the fitting room they felt most comfortable in.

To test how widespread the issue was, the MoS asked the top 25 high street stores if they had a policy for changing rooms.

Several, including Primark and Urban Outfitters, only operate unisex booths, whereby men and women will change in cubicles next to each other.

Meanwhile, Next, H&M, John Lewis and M&S said customers were free to choose a fitting room that suits their chosen identity.

For those shops that did not reply to our questions, a male reporter conducted a mystery shopper investigation. In each case, the reporter asked if he could use a changing room in the stores ladies section since he identified as a woman.

The default was always yes  a position reflected by the sectors trade body, the British Retail Consortium  although some assistants did check with superiors.

In the Harrods concession of Agent Provocateur, a staff member said she was fairly sure it was OK but had to consult a colleague. While the reporter waited, another member of staff on the shop floor addressed him as sir and asked how she could help.

Upon returning, the first staff member said: We are happy to do it but we would recommend normally that you go to one of our boutiques instead, theyre just a bit more used to it and theres a lot more privacy because our fitting rooms are just quite open here.

A female staff member at the womens fitting rooms in Nike Town on Londons Oxford Street was hesitant at first but then said: They normally dont allow men because women can feel disturbed if they come out wearing just a bra.

The group Fair Play For Women actively campaigns against the loss of female-only spaces, such as toilets and changing rooms.

They have said service providers have relied on simplistic and incomplete trans-inclusion guidance and elevating the needs of one protected group over another.

Dr Nicola Williams of Fair Play For Women added: This is the whole problem with allowing people to self-identify their sex. It means you dont have to look transgender or actually be transgender to be allowed in to what should be a womens only space.

It means there is no way for shop assistants to distinguish between a 6ft guy with a beard and someone who is transgender.

Miranda Yardley, 54, who was born a man but now describes herself as a post-op transsexual, said: The surrendering of womens changing rooms to anyone who claims to be a woman really is nothing other than the natural consequence of saying that anybody can be a woman.

The British Retail Consortium simply reflects the stance most retailers take.

Tamara Hill, its employment adviser, said: Retailers strive to be inclusive and encourage their customers to choose whichever fitting rooms they feel most comfortable using.

However, Debbie Hayton, a teacher and transgender rights campaigner, said: The shop workers are left in an impossible position. Shops have a duty to produce a clear policy that they consult on and everybody understands.

The MoS repeatedly tried to contact Stonewall, the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights charity, but they failed to respond.
Boris Johnson personally hosted a Christmas quiz at Downing Street last year, it has been revealed - piling more pressure on the PM over four allegedly lockdown rule-breaking parties attended by his staff.

The quiz took place on December 15 while London was under 'no mixing' guidance - and three days before the No. 10 Christmas party which is now being probed.

As many as 70 staff attended Downing Street in person despite invitations originally going out for a virtual quiz, according to the Mirror.

Pictures obtained by the paper show the Prime Minister on a TV screen beside an aide in a Santa hat at the time when London was under tier two restrictions that banned households from mixing.

The PM has repeatedly batted away allegations of rule breaking last year.

When video of spokeswoman Allegra Stratton joking about another Christmas party allegedly held by staff, Mr Johnson told Parliament: 'I repeat that I have been repeatedly assured since these allegations emerged that there was no party, and that no Covid rules were broken.'

The PM is said to have angrily told friends at the weekend that the BBC's exhaustive coverage of the party scandal has 'wasted' too much 'public time and attention' when it should be concentrating on urging the public to get their jabs now that 'Omicron is starting to rip'.

But the photo from the quiz adds will raise fresh questions about rule breaking in Number 10.

Downing Street staff are accused of holding four parties that may have broken lockdown rules last year - including one gathering on November 13 in the Prime Minister's Downing Street flat attended by his wife Carrie.

In addition to the quiz, Downing Street staff are accused of holding a Christmas Party on December 18 and a leaving do at which the PM allegedly gave a short speech on November 27.

Speaking about the quiz, sources told the Mirror that teams were huddled around computers discussing their answers to questions as they quaffed wine and beer bought from a nearby Tesco, a source revealed.

Pictures show the Prime Minister on-screen making a special appearance as 'quizmaster' for one of the rounds, flanked by staff wearing tinsel and Santa hats.

The quiz night is one of at least six parties across Whitehall from November to December last year when the Government was ordering the public to stay at home and protect the NHS.

Pictured: Boris Johnson is seen on Saturday arriving at a central London hospital after his wife, Carrie Johnson gave birth to a baby girl earlier this week

Mr Johnson angrily told friends that the BBC's exhaustive coverage of the party scandal has 'wasted' too much 'public time and attention' when it should be concentrating on urging the public to get their jabs now that 'Omicron is starting to rip'. Pictured: The details behind the 'partygate' coverage which has dogged No10

How many parties is the Government alleged to have held last year and when did they happen? PARTIES IN DOWNING STREET Dom's Gone bash - November 13: Dominic Cummings alleges that the PM held a gathering at his grace-and-favour flat on November 13 last year, the day the adviser was ousted from Downing Street. Mr Cummings also suggested there had been 'other flat parties'. Leaving do - November 27: The Prime Minister reportedly gave a speech at a packed Number 10 leaving do for a 'senior aide'. Sources claimed that '40 or 50 people' were present. Christmas party - December 18: Staff in Downing Street are believed to have held a Christmas party, with reports that dozens of people attended the event, some wearing festive jumpers and exchanging Secret Santa presents. London had been placed into Tier 3 restrictions on December 16 - the highest level of curbs on freedoms at the time which banned people from different households mixing indoors. Downing Street has said Boris Johnson did not attend the event. Quiz night - December: Sources told the BBC that a separate Christmas quiz event was held for Number 10 staff at some point in December. Everyone was apparently invited to attend and to form teams. One source said some people attended virtually via Zoom but others did attend in person and sat in groups of six. Downing Street has insisted the quiz was 'virtual'. ... AND ELSEWHERE IN WHITEHALL December 10: Then-education secretary Gavin Williamson hosted a Department for Education party for 'up to 24 people' on December 10. The gathering, which included food and drink, took place in the department's canteen. The department has admitted the event happened. December 14: About 25 people gathered in the basement of the Conservative party's Matthew Parker St offices in Westminster. The Times reported last night that advisers at Conservative campaign headquarters held an event with Shaun Bailey, the party's unsuccessful candidate for mayor of London this May. Advertisement

The insider told the Mirror in one office alone there were four teams each made up of six people.

In leaked pictures, the PM is shown sitting under a portrait of Margaret Thatcher flanked by two members of his top team.

According to the Daily Mirror's Political Editor Pippa Crerar - who also broke the story about the December 18 Christmas Party - one source said around 70 staff stayed in No10 after work to play the quiz, that was initially supposed to be virtual.

At the time, London was under Tier 2 Covid-19 regulations which banned any social mixing between households, which Mr Johnson appears to have breached by mixing with his aides shown in the photographs obtained by The Mirror.

Official guidance at the time said: 'You must not have a work Christmas lunch or party, where that is a primarily social activity and is not otherwise permitted by the rules in your tier.'

On December 15, 459 people died from coronavirus, while another 33,828 were infected, official data shows.

The latest revelations further call into question Downing Street's assertion last week that no Christmas parties had taken place in No10 last year.

Speaking last week, the Prime Minister said: 'I can tell you guidelines were followed at all times. I've satisfied myself that the guidelines were followed at all times.'

The Mirror reports that staff were invited to the virtual quiz, that was put on to raise money for charity. The invites were sent a couple of weeks earlier, it said.

Citing their source, the newspaper said dozens signed up to take party online, but at 6.30pm that evening, many staff opted to stay in No10 instead.

Among the teams to take part were teams from the PM's private office, the press office and the policy unit, it has been reported, with questions ranging from the history of Downing Street to Christmas song lyrics.

At the halfway point of the quiz, the Prime Minister surprised staff by appearing on screen to act as the quiz-master for one round that lasted 10 to 15 minutes, which the pictures obtained by the newspaper reportedly show.

'It was just part of the culture. The PM turned a blind eye. He seemed totally comfortable with gatherings,' the Mirror's source reportedly said.

Johnson has found himself facing criticism on a number of fronts in recent weeks from the funding of the refurbishment of his Downing Street flat to a claim he intervened to ensure pets were evacuated from Kabul during the chaotic Western withdrawal in August.

But by far the most damaging has been reports that a party was held at Downing Street during a 2020 Christmas lockdown when such festivities were banned, with a video emerging this week which showed staff laughing and joking about it.

The Prime Minister relented and allowed an apology of sorts when video emerged of aides joking about holding such a bash last year despite repeated official denials.

The Daily Mirror was first to report last week that a festive bash took place in No 10 on December 18 last year as London was under Tier 3 restrictions.

Those measures explicitly banned Christmas lunches or parties where they are 'a primarily social activity', as a Government Twitter account pointed out to the public a day earlier.

As further sources came forward to confirm the party took place, reports said staff drank alcohol, wore Christmas jumpers and even organised Secret Santa gifts.

Downing Street bluntly rejected the allegations, with official statements insisting 'there was no Christmas party' and no rules were broken.

On Tuesday, Mr Johnson told reporters: 'I am satisfied myself that the guidelines were followed at all times.'

Hours after the Prime Minister tried to quell allegations of wrongdoing, ITV News published damning footage that gave increased weight to reports of the party.

Leaked video showed a mock press conference held between Downing Street aides and Allegra Stratton, then Mr Johnson's press secretary, on December 22.

In the bombshell video a No 10 aide asks a question about 'a Downing Street Christmas party on Friday night', to which Allegra Stratton laughed and replied: 'I went home.' Downing Street

In the rehearsal for televised briefings that were ultimately axed, they discussed a supposedly 'fictional' Downing Street party on 'Friday', which would have been December 18.

After the video was made public, Mr Johnson warned there will be 'disciplinary action' for any members of staff who broke the rules, but the first departure over the affair was not over attendance at any party.

In a tearful statement outside her north London home, Ms Stratton apologised over her remarks that 'seemed to make light of the rules'.

'To all of you who lost loved ones, who endured intolerable loneliness and who struggled with your businesses, I am truly sorry and this afternoon I am offering my resignation to the Prime Minister,' she added.
Veteran BBC presenter Nick Robinson has been sounded out by the Corporation's bosses about taking the influential Director of News role.

The Mail on Sunday can reveal that BBC chiefs are keen for him to replace Fran Unsworth, who announced in September that she would be stepping down from her 340,000-a-year job next year.

The move would end Robinson's 25-year stint at the microphone for the Corporation and ITN, including ten years as the BBC's Political Editor.

It will also strike a blow in his rivalry with Media Editor Amol Rajan, 38, who joined him as a fellow presenter on the Radio 4 Today programme in March.

Veteran BBC presenter Nick Robinson has been sounded out by the Corporation's bosses about taking the influential Director of News role, ending his 25-year stint at the microphone

BBC sources say the Corporation is keen to have an 'impartial and safe' figure succeed Ms Unsworth, not least because of the controversy surrounding the appointment to a senior news executive role last year of Jess Brammar, who had previously made highly critical comments about the Tory Government.

While insiders say Robinson, 58, who underwent surgery six years ago to remove a tumour on his lung, is unlikely to throw his cap in the ring, the plan shines a light on the BBC's presenter 'merry-go-round' and the sharp elbows at the flagship Today programme, which has been described as a 'cauldron of egos'.

There are currently five Today presenters  Robinson, Rajan, Mishal Husain, Justin Webb and Martha Kearney  but there has been speculation that highly respected Laura Kuenssberg, who stands down as BBC Political Editor next year, wants a role there too.

There has been speculation that highly respected Laura Kuenssberg, who stands down as BBC Political Editor next year, wants a role at the Today Programme, and pushing out Robinson would free up a seat

'There is quite the merry-go-round happening at the moment and it is causing some headaches,' said an informed source.

'Laura needs to be looked after and Amol is a priority in the mix, so something has to give. While it might be surprising to some to move Nick to a non-presenting, behind-the-scenes role, it would solve a problem. It is a big job and Nick has the credentials to do it.'

The BBC has faced repeated claims of bias against the Tories. Before becoming a journalist, father-of-three Robinson was President of the Oxford University Conservative Association and later Chairman of the National Young Conservatives.

It also suggests Robinson is not seen as a contender to replace Andrew Marr as presenter of the BBC's Sunday morning political show. Sophie Raworth (pictured) will temporarily take over The Andrew Marr Show on BBC One's flagship Sunday programme

Andrew Marr will be presenting new radio shows on LBC and Classic FM from next year

The approach to Robinson provides further evidence that the appointment of Jonathan Munro, the Head of Newsgathering, to Ms Unsworth's job is no longer the formality that it was once considered.

Munro, nicknamed 'Macavity' for his ability to duck the blame for scandals, has found himself embroiled in the damaging Cliff Richard and Martin Bashir affairs.

It also suggests Robinson is not seen as a contender to replace Andrew Marr as presenter of the BBC's Sunday morning political show.

The Corporation has announced that newsreader Sophie Raworth will temporarily host the programme when Marr leaves at the end of the year.

Among those in the running to replace Ms Kuenssberg as Political Editor are her deputy Vicki Young, and Jon Sopel, who stood down as the BBC's North America Editor earlier this year.
Russia would face 'severe consequences' if it invaded Ukraine, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss warned at the G7 summit yesterday.

She expressed 'deep concern' about the build-up of Russian troops at the border, saying that the UK would seek to damage Russia's economy in the event of any incursion by Moscow.

Her strong message came as she hosted her counterparts in Liverpool in a show of Western unity against Russia, China and Iran.

She told allies from the US, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan of the need to 'defend ourselves against the growing threats from hostile actors'.

'We need to come together strongly to stand up to aggressors who are seeking to limit the bounds of freedom and democracy,' she added.

Speaking at the G7 summit in Liverpool on Friday, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss (pictured) expressed 'deep concern' about the build-up of Russian troops at Ukraine's border

Last week, US intelligence revealed that President Vladimir Putin has amassed in excess of 100,000 troops near Ukraine's border, and has begun plans for a possible invasion, to take place as early as next year.

US President Joe Biden spoke to Boris Johnson and the leaders of Germany, Italy and France  dubbed the Nato 'Quint'  twice last week, as Western leaders deliberated on how to deal with the threat.

Ms Truss said it would be a 'strategic mistake' for President Putin to send troops across the border, adding: 'What the G7 meeting is about is a show of unity between like-minded major economies that we are going to absolutely be strong in our stance against aggression with respect to Ukraine.'

She added: 'There will be severe consequences if anything were to happen. And we're building security and economic relationships with like-minded partners, including Ukraine, to protect them in the future.'

Ms Truss said Defence Secretary Ben Wallace visited Ukraine 'very recently' as Britain helps the country develop its defence and security capability.

A deal struck last month will see UK warships and missiles sold to Kiev.

President Putin invaded the Crimea and annexed it in 2014, when tensions between Russia and Ukraine flared after protesters ousted the pro-Moscow government in Kiev.

Last week, US intelligence revealed that President Vladimir Putin (pictured) has amassed in excess of 100,000 troops near Ukraine's border, and has begun plans for a possible invasion

Moscow has denied planning to invade Ukraine, saying it is 'alarmed' by the Western push to supply Kiev with weapons.

Ms Truss said Britain would also be pushing for an alternative to Russian gas supplies in a bid to establish stronger energy security in Europe.

She said: 'There have been decisions made by the free world in the short term to obtain cheap energy or cheap financing, and that has a long-term cost for freedom and democracy. We can't make that mistake again.'

Her comments may have been directed at countries such as Germany, which is dependent on Russian gas.

It also appears that she may have been referring to Britain itself, which over the years has become a haven for Russian state-backed oligarchs, who have invested billions in the City and in the London property market, earning the capital the nickname 'Londongrad'.

America will send its top diplomat for Europe, Karen Donfried, to Kiev and Moscow this week to 'reinforce the US's commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty,' the State Department announced.

Ms Truss will also discuss ways of building alliances against China, meeting ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

The G7 launched its 'Build Back Better World' initiative to offer developing nations in Asia and Africa funding for massive infrastructure projects, as an alternative to China's Belt and Road Initiative.

Ms Truss told her G7 counterparts that democracies needed to fight 'economic coercion' and 'win the battle of technology'  both pointed references to Beijing's growing influence around the globe.

Ms Truss and US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken also discussed how to revive the ailing Iran nuclear deal, and both indicated that if the Islamic Republic signed up to the deal, there may be a possible loosening of sanctions.

The Foreign Secretary warned that the nuclear talks taking place in Vienna are 'the last chance for Iran to sign up' again to the deal.
When Ruqia Haidari fled Afghanistan with her family as a 16-year old she assumed the worst of that wretched life was behind her.

Little did she know death had crossed the oceans from that war torn land too.

While her cowardly husband Mohammad Ali Halimi wielded the knife, Victoria Police claim it was her own mother, Sakina Muhammad Jan, that put her in harm's way.

Ruqia Haidari fled Afghanistan with her family only to be brutally murdered in Australia amid allegations she was forced to marry the brute

Sakina Muhammad Jan, 45, is facing a single charge of causing another person to enter a forced marriage, and faced Shepparton Magistrates Court for the first time this week

Ruqia Haidari had fled Afghanistan and the Taliban at age 16 in hope of a better life in Australia

On Friday, Muhammad Jan, 45, pleaded not guilty in the Shepparton Magistrates' Court to a single charge of causing another person to enter a forced marriage.

Appearing via videolink from her barrister's office in Melbourne, Muhammad Jan proceeded into a rant upon being asked to enter her plea.

'No I didn't. I did not do any crime and I do not accept any guilt,' she said through an interpreter.

Police allege Muhammad Jan pressured her then 21-year old daughter to marry Halimi - a 25-year-old an Afghan refugee and Uber driver she had only met four times.

Family friend Shukria Muqadas, 31, told the court Ms Haidari's mum had asked her daughter's soon-to-be killer for $20,000 to marry her, but accepted $15,000.

In January last year, after only weeks of marriage, Halimi used a kitchen knife to twice slash his young wife's throat in their home just outside of Perth.

Ms Haidari's friend, Zarah Haydar Big, claimed she had hoped to move from Melbourne to Perth with her husband where she would have a chance at life in the supposed 'lucky country'.

Ms Haydar Big said her friend was told her marriage would provide her with 'freedom'.

'She said that everything was going to be fine. She somehow was hoping she would get to her dream job, she could study, she could be free, she could have freedom of movement,' she said.

Appearing via videolink from her barrister's office in Melbourne, Muhammad Jan proceeded into a rant upon being asked to enter her plea

Police allege Muhammad Jan pressured her daughter into the marriage.

Forced marriage is considered a form of slavery in Australia and a criminal offence, but statistics show up to 80 have taken place in the last financial year alone.

Nobody has ever been convicted for orchestrating a forced marriage in Australia.

Halimi was sentenced to life imprisonment with a 19-year minimum for murdering his wife.

He had wanted his wife to cook and clean for him, but most of all he had wanted to have sex with her.

Ms Muqadas, who thought her friend would be the perfect match for her after coming off a failed first marriage, told the court Halimi was bitterly disappointed with his new wife.

He had complained his wife was 'not very experienced'.

In actual fact, a medical condition had halted her from consummating their marriage even if she had wanted to.

Ms Muqadas told the court Halimi had blamed his wife's mother for the marriage and that he was frustrated.

During his sentence, the Supreme Court of Western Australia heard Ms Haidari was not sexually attracted to Halimi and had repeatedly fobbed-off his attempts at intimacy.

On the day she would die, Ms Haidari had told her oafish husband to 'f**k off'.

The court was told Halimi phoned-up his wife's brother and moaned that his sister was 'not giving him any love'.

Her worried brother heard his sister in the background say: 'Don't touch me, don't hit me.'

Abbey Gawne, Ms Haidari's best friend (pictured together on the day of graduation), previously told Daily Mail Australia she had dreams of travelling

Police taped off Ms Haidari's home home and conducted forensic testing after her husband led them to the body

Nine chilling minutes later he phoned Ms Haidari's brother back.

'If you're a man, come and get the dead body of your sister,' came the message from Halimi, who surrendered to police directly after the murder.

The Supreme Court heard that in his video-recorded interview with police the day after the murder, Halimi said he knew Ms Haidari had been forced into the marriage.

She had been candid that she had been pushed into it by her parents and that she did not love him.

He changed his story during his plea hearing, pretending to be shocked that his wife had been forced to marry him.

Had he known, he would have helped her get a divorce, the court was told by his barrister Seamus Rafferty.

Mr Rafferty also said while arranged marriages were not part of the Australian community, within his client's culture 'such marriages are considered appropriate'.

It was a notion repeated in Melbourne last week by Ms Haydar Big, who claimed her friend had been too scared to raise her concerns with her mum over the arranged marriage.

She told the court her friend believed it was 'culturally inappropriate' to do so.

Ms Haidari (right) married Halimi (centre) in November 2019, and by January 2020, she had been killed

With tears in her eyes, Ms Haidari had accepted her fate, the court heard.

She had already been married once before to a man she loved, but was allegedly forced to divorce him due to some 'family dispute'.

Ms Haidari had been keen to continue working with the Afghan community and study to become a social worker.

Jenny Patterson, who had taught the young Afghani woman to drive, told the court Ms Haidari had been afraid of upsetting her mother.

Ms Haidari had been open in revealing her plight from their very first lesson, she said.

'She felt her choices were being taken away from her,' Ms Patterson said.

The court heard Ms Haidari had repeatedly failed to convince her mother to call-off the wedding.

Muhammad Jan will face the County Court of Victoria next month.

AFP 131 237

www.mybluesky.org.au assists people who are at risk of a forced marriage
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Eighty-year-old Liam is looking for love. He points to the gold Claddagh ring on his finger, where two hands are clasped around a crowned heart.

If the point of the heart is pointing to my body, it means Im taken, he tells me with a grin. If it faces out, Im single.

Liam may be a catch, but you will have to travel to the edge of Europe to find him. Galway, West Ireland, to be exact.

'Galways finest lure? The pubs. They are everywhere and a big source of local pride,' Hannah writes. Above is the city's Quay Street

Pictured is Galway's Eyre Square, which is 'lined with towering 19th-century buildings'

I meet Liam in The Skeff, one of 475 pubs claimed to trade in Galway. Its on the edge of Eyre Square, lined with towering 19th-century buildings.

From here, colourful streets criss-cross the compact city. At the 700-year-old medieval Collegiate Church of St Nicholas I see intricately carved gargoyles.

Nearby in the Latin Quarter is Lynchs Castle, once the grandest 16th-century townhouse. Today its a bank.

Galway is packed with history, from the City Museum, which tells the areas tale, to the old Quays with their Spanish Arch, built in 1584 to protect the harbour.

Hannah spies 'intricately carved gargoyles' at the 700-year-old medieval Collegiate Church of St Nicholas (pictured)

Kirwan's Lane in Galway. Thats the thing about Galway. Its a feeling, not a place,' a local tells Hannah

Head to the city's old Quays to pass through the Spanish Arch (pictured), which was built in 1584 to protect the harbour

But Galways finest lure? The pubs. They are everywhere and a big source of local pride.

There are tiny traditional places such as Tigh Neachtain, which has been serving punters since 1894.

Its all wooden booths, tables, black-and-white photos and all-important vintage whiskeys. Back on the West Side is where I find my favourite  The Crane.

A customer outside the Tigh Neachtain, 'which has been serving punters since 1894', according to Hannah

Tigh Neachtain, pictured on the left, is all 'wooden booths, tables, black-and-white photos and all-important vintage whiskeys'. Hannah's favourite pub, The Crane (pictured on the right), is set on the West Side of the city. Both pictures are courtesy of Creative Commons

Musicians perform on the streets of Galway. During her visit to the city, Hannah listens to a group of 12 musicians play folk music in The Crane, and says: 'Its utterly hypnotic'

Downstairs a handful of old gentlemen sip pints, but upstairs a group of 12 musicians are clustered around low tables. Each has an instrument, some of which I dont even recognise.

Soon, loud, fast Irish folk music fills the room and the crowd stamp, clap and whoop in time. Its utterly hypnotic.

Thats the thing about Galway, Liam had told me. Its a feeling, not a place. Everyone feels instantly welcome.
Despite all the changes to the travel industry over the past two years, wanderlust hasnt fizzled out.

And this is a great time to inspire your nearest and dearest to make 2022 a year to explore the globe. Heres our pick of the top travel Christmas gifts...

Swimming robe (199)

Cosy: Vivida Lifestyles All Weather Sherpa Changing Robe, pictured, is well-suited to wild swimmers

Need a present for someone who loves wild swimming? Vivida Lifestyle has taken the changing robe to another level.

The waterproof outer shell of the All Weather Puffer (199) is made from 100 per cent recycled plastic, while inside an ultra-insulating, Quilted Cloud fill is lined with honeycomb fleece. The puffer, which comes in three colours, can be packed down into a tow float or transformed into a travel pillow. For milder days, try the All Weather Sherpa Changing Robe (149, vividalifestyle.com).

Cook around the world (75)

Experiences trump presents for many travel fans, so why not buy your loved one a virtual cookalong voucher this year for an evening of dishes inspired by his or her favourite destination?

A Cooks Tour delivers artisanal ingredients to your doorstep hours before a live presentation on YouTube with an expert chef. Upcoming destinations include Northern Thailand, January 27 and 28, Paris, February 10 and 11 and Sicily, March 11 and 20 (from 75 for two people, acookstour.co.uk).

Coffee on the go (75)

Serve up a creamy shot of coffee on the go with the Nanopresso Portable Espresso Machine, pictured

Perfect for camping, hiking and road trips, the Nanopresso Portable Espresso Machine enables travel enthusiasts to create the perfect shot of espresso while on the go.

All you need is water and ground coffee  the lightweight machine does not require batteries or electricity and creates a creamy shot through a pumping system that blends the coffee grounds (75, conranshop.co.uk).

All-terrain shoes (78)

Pictured are the pine green version of Tropicfeels Jungle trainers, which can be worn both in water and on land

Tropicfeels Jungle trainers can be worn both in water and on land  perfect for those who like to pack light while going on an adventure. Available in black, green, blue and grey, the shoes have quick-drying capabilities thanks to the high-tech material, which is made from seven recycled plastic bottles (78, tropicfeel.com).

Moleskine kit (36.99)

Containing a Voyageur Notebook (complete with detachable packing lists, daily planning sections and budget pages), ballpoint pen and classic luggage tag, this Moleskine Travel Kit is the perfect gift for anyone planning to embark on a trip of a lifetime (36.99, moleskine.com).

Bags check (52)

Fight puffy eyes and dark circles with Elemis Pro-Collagen Hydra Gel Eye Masks (pictured)

If youre looking for a gift for someone who flies long-haul regularly, Elemis Pro-Collagen Hydra Gel Eye Masks could be just the ticket.

The combination of moisturising brown algae, vitamin C-potent chlorella and hyaluronic acid means puffy eyes, dark circles and dry skin will be a thing of the past (52 for six, uk.elemis.com).

Global style (100)

Paul Smiths silver globe cufflinks, pictured, will set you back 100

Paul Smiths silver and blue globe cufflinks are sure to jazz up any boring suit.

With a polished silver finish and Paul Smith signature embossed T-bar fastening, theyre the perfect gift for any suit-wearing travel lover (100, paulsmith.com).

Instant trip (49.95)

Whether its Tokyo, Rome or Lisbon, Holiday in a Box has a selection of destination-themed, activity-filled travel hampers that provide everything you need to create that holiday-from-home experience (from 49.95, theholidayinabox.co).

Chic passport (125)

This 125 passport holder is embellished with a foil embossed Mulberry signature

A fashion-lovers must-have, this designer passport holder comes in five colours and has a nappa leather-lined interior, four card slots, three slip pockets and a foil embossed Mulberry signature (125, mulberry.com).

FlatPak toiletries (30)

These handy reusable flatpacks can be filled with any gels, liquids or pastes, meaning no more tiny toiletries that run out in a day or bulky bottles of shampoo and conditioner. Theyre environmentally friendly, too (FlatPak bottles, 30 for three, bearandbear.com).

One for kids (139)

Prices for Hornits Airo balance bike, pictured above, start from 139

Children aged between 18 months and five years can ride the Hornit bike, which has a super-lightweight frame

At just 2.95 kg, Hornits Airo balance bike is perfect for packing in the car and heading off on an adventure with the family.

The super lightweight frame allows children (aged between 18 months and five years) to propel themselves along and learn to balance easily (from 139, hornit.com).

Jungle fun (15+)

Is your loved one a fan of safaris? A new collection of functional clothes for safari enthusiasts has been launched by the owners of Great Plains Conservation, which has camps across Africa.

Items in its d&b Explorer Collection include vests, skirts and blouses made from organic linen in earthy tones such as khaki, beige and sky blue (from 15, greatplainsconservation.com/safariboutique).
Radio personality Ryan 'Fitzy' Fitzgerald might be living a high-flying life in Sydney, but he's still an Adelaide boy at heart.

The NOVA FM star, who lives with his wife Belinda Jay and their two sons, Hewy, 10, and Lenny, six in Sydney, has been completely renovating a mansion in his home state of South Australia.

The property is based in the beachside suburb of Port Noarlunga just 34 kilometres south of Adelaide, and was purchased in 2008 - but this has been completely demolished to make way for a multi-level pad overlooking the beach.

Building for the future! NOVA FM star Ryan 'Fitzy' Fitzgerald and his wife Belinda Jay are currently renovating their South Australian family mansion as they continue to live in Sydney

The couple appear to be having a new roof installed, as as well as an extension to the property.

Despite relocating to Sydney to host popular radio show Fitzy and Wippa, Ryan has in the past revealed plans to return to Adelaide with his loved ones.

'We will end up back at Port Noarlunga to live,' Fitzgerald told RealEstate.com in 2015.

'Im really enjoying my time in Sydney but I really want my kids to have that life the childhood I had, I would not change it for the world,' he added at the time.

Ryan's renovations: The couple appear to be having a new roof installed, as well as an extension to the property

Hometown memories: 'Im really enjoying my time in Sydney but I really want my kids to have that life  the childhood I had, I would not change it for the world,' he said in 2015

Daddy's boys: Pictured, Ryan with his two sons, Lenny, six (left) and Hewy, 10 (right)

The huge home is situated a short walk away from a stunning South Australian riverfront.

The family of four often visit former AFL star Ryan's home town to visit his parents.

In December 2020 amid the height of the Coronavirus pandemic, they fled to Adelaide for safety precautions and it appears they found solace in the quiet town.

Finding solace: In December 2020 amid the height of the Coronavirus pandemic, they fled to Adelaide for safety precautions and it appears they found solace in the quiet town

Perhaps their visit prompted the new changes to the home, which they purchased in 2008.

Ryan lived in Port Noarlunga with his parents, Mick and Clare, since the age of 11.

He told the publication his parents chose to make the move because they wanted access to the sprawling beaches.

Stunning views: The huge home is situated a short walk away from a stunning South Australian riverfront
Kara Tointon looked effortlessly chic on Friday night as she stepped out in London's West End on Friday night.

The actress, 38, made a stylish appearance as she attended the premiere of 2:22 A Ghost Story at the Gielgud Theatre.

Going for a classy look, Kara chose some neutral colours that accentuated her immaculate complexion.

Style Queen:Kara Tointon looked effortlessly chic on Friday night as she stepped out in the West-End

The former EastEnders actress wore a matching two-piece cream tweed set.

The high-waisted trousers complemented the stars svelte physique.

She stylising wore her grey fleece coat over her shoulders, while she rocked the look with some gold strappy heels.

Meanwhile, the brunette beauty styled her hair in a simple bob while keeping it to one side. She accessorised the look with some subtle jewelry.

Classy: The actress, 38, made a stylish appearance as she attended the premiere of 2:22 A Ghost Story at the Gielgud Theatre

Beaming: The brunette beauty styled her hair in a simple bob while keeping it to one side. She accessorised the look with some subtle jewelry

Tasteful: The former EastEnders actress wore a matching two-piece cream tweed set

Following a record-breaking run at the Noel Coward Theatre, the edge-of-your-seat, supernatural thriller returns for a brand new season at the Gielgud Theatre.

Described as the theatre event of the year and after weeks of sell-out performances, audiences now have a limited chance to see what is undoubtedly the West Ends hottest ticket.

Unrecognisable: Amongst the celebrities who made an appearance on the night was TV personality Vicky Pattison

Amongst the celebrities who made an appearance for the hotly anticipated night was TV personality Vicky Pattison.

The reality star was almost unrecognisable as she wore a newsboy hat. Vicky pulled off the unusual look by coordinating it with some leather trousers, white polo neck and cream jacket.

PDA: The pair didn't shy away from any public displays of affection as they happily kissed for waiting photographers on the red carpet.

Also in attendance and looking more loved up than ever was Matt and Emma WIllis.

The pair didn't shy away from any public displays of affection as they happily kissed for waiting photographers on the red carpet.

Matt looked dapper in a grey suit and black polo neck, while Emma went for one of her signature casual looks sporting a green brushed check long shacket.

Proud: Tom's wife Giovanna Fletcher recently announced that she had joined the cast of A Ghost Story in which she stars alongside The Inbetweeners' James Buckley in London's West End

Support: Harry Judd came to support his bandmates wife

Two of Matt's McBusted bandmates were also in attendance including Harry Judd and Tom Fletcher.

Tom's wife Giovanna recently announced that she had joined the cast of A Ghost Story in which she stars alongside The Inbetweeners' James Buckley in London's West End.

The Im A Celebrity  Get Me Out Of Here! winner who has gone from strength to strength since her castle stint, will take over the role of Jenny, previously played by Lily Allen, when the show opens at the Gielgud Theatre.
Kate Ritchie showed off her slender figure as she stepped out to attend the Nova FM Christmas party on Friday evening.

The former Home and Away actress was joined by her drive show co-hosts Tim Blackwell and Joel Creasey.

For the low-key event, the 43-year-old let her brown locks down as she attended a Sydney bar with her colleagues.

Christmas Party ready! Kate Ritchie showed off her slender figure as she stepped out to attend the NOVA FM Christmas party on Friday evening

Kate wore a white and pink floral floor-length gown, teamed with a pair of suede block heels in a matching blush tone.

She accessorised with a tan satchel and minimal silver jewellery.

Meanwhile, Tim Blackwell made a swift entrance in a pair of black jeans and a monochrome shirt.

Comedian Joel Creasey opted for black trousers and a white t-shirt,

Trendby boys: Tim Blackwell (left) made a swift entrance in a pair of black jeans and a monochrome shirt, meanwhile comedian Joel Creasey (right) opted for black trousers and a white t-shirt. He also accessorised with a pair of yellow Ray Ban shades and black Converse trainers

He also accessorised with a pair of yellow Ray Ban shades and black Converse trainers.

It appears Kate's co-star Joel had double the reason to celebrate at the festive party, as he won Best Newcomer at the Australian Commercial Radio Awards earlier this week.

Posting to his Instagram on Monday, Joel announced the good news, writing: 'So bloody flattered to have won Best Newcomer at the Australian Commercial Radio Awards.

Best newcomer! Earlier this week, Joel Creasey announced he won the Best Newcomer at the Australian Commercial Radio Awards

'I started this gig 14 months ago replacing a legend, during a lockdown and curfew, without having met anyone, in a separate studio in a completely different state so was slightly overwhelmed.'

He also took the time to pay tribute to both Kate and Tim who helped guide him on his first official radio job.

'But luckily I had these 2 absolute nightmares who genuinely could not have been kinder and more welcoming,' he added.

What a team! Joel Creasey joined the show last year, replacing Marty Sheargold in September 2020

The Kate, Tim, and Joel show also won best networked show and best syndicated show.

He joined the show last year, replacing Marty Sheargold in September 2020.

The gang return to airwaves in early 2022.
She's making some serious waves as the newest member to join the Real Housewives of Orange County.

And Noella Bergener went completely naked for a sexy snap shared to Instagram on Friday afternoon where she encouraged her fans to 'Buy Black Owned.'

The 38-year-old budding reality star donned nothing but a purse and heels as she stood on a staircase at her home in Southern California following a shocking divorce filing earlier this year from estranged husband, personal injury attorney James Bergener.

Wow! Noella Bergener went completely naked for a sexy snap shared to Instagram on Friday afternoon where she encouraged her fans to 'Buy Black Owned'

Noella, the first Black housewife on RHOC, kept somewhat covered up wearing Ari500's laser-cut leather 'Ora' purse designed by Parsons School of Design grad Ariane Duhaney.

'Now that I have your attention,' she captioned the snap. 'Buy Black Owned #blackownedfriday #buyblackowned #buyblackfirst #supportblackownedbusinesses #supportblackdesigner.'

She added inches to her statuesque frame with a pair of Sable stiletto sandals by Salone Monet, a Black designer known for color-inclusive creations.

Noella's estranged husband, James Bergener  who is known thanks to his Sweet James billboards which can be seen throughout Southern California  filed divorce paperwork in Puerto Rico in August, a storyline which has yet to be fully revealed on the Bravo show

In the past: They were married just last year in June 2020 and share a two-year-old son, James Bergener II, together. She has an older daughter from a previous relationship

Noella's estranged husband, James Bergener filed divorce paperwork in Puerto Rico in August, a storyline which has yet to be fully revealed on the Bravo show.

She was reportedly blindsided by the filing as the personal injury attorney was not currently living at the Orange County home they share together.

They were married just last year in June 2020 and share a two-year-old son, James Bergener II, together. She has an older daughter from a previous relationship.

What a sight! He is better known thanks to his Sweet James billboards which can be seen throughout Southern California

Exciting: Fans caught just a glimpse into their unique lifestyle in the first episode of season 16 of RHOC where Noella showed clips of her sex dungeon

Free spirit: Whips, chains and paddles were just a few fun elements found in the bright red room, which also included a sex swing, a bed and a bookshelf full of toys

James was also hit with a massive federal tax lien for 2018 and 2019 which totaled over $4million in addition to a separate lien from the state of California of $1.85million, according to TMZ.

Fans caught just a glimpse into their unique lifestyle in the first episode of season 16 of RHOC where Noella showed clips of her sex dungeon.

Whips, chains and paddles were just a few fun elements found in the bright red room, which also included a sex swing, a bed and a bookshelf full of toys.

'I'm proud of it,' Noella told Bravo of her sex dungeon. 'I think it's kind of cool to be later in my life, as 38 years young, and to still be exploring my sexuality and still be playful about it, and growing into my own. I'm just looking forward to what the coming years have to offer.'
Mary McDonnell has filed for divorce from husband Randle Mell after 37 years of marriage, according to legal documents obtained by The Blast.

While the cause for their split remains unknown, the 69-year-old Dances With Wolves headed to Los Angeles Superior Court for a 'legal separation.'

The former couple, who share son Michael, 26, and 37-year-old daughter Olivia, listed their Pacific Palisades home for $3.4 million last February.

Parting ways: Mary McDonnell has filed for divorce from husband Randle Mell after 37 years of marriage, according to The Blast; seen in 2007

In 2015, she opened up about their relationship dynamics in an interview with The Press of Atlantic City, where she admitted they were both 'very stubborn.'

'That doesnt mean we dont fight a lot, its an Achilles heel kind of thing. There are power struggles that happen in my marriage that are just ridiculous because were both very stubborn,' she told the outlet.

The two-time Oscar nominee added: 'In the long haul, that stubbornness has helped us get through the tough times. And I think we found each other through like-minded values.'

Over after 37 years: While the cause for their split remains unknown, the 69-year-old Dances With Wolves headed to Los Angeles Superior Court for a 'legal separation' (seen in 1993)

She also reflected on dating 'a lot of actors before' her husband, who 'didnt date very many actors' and 'came from a big family, who wanted a family, who loved sports.'

'He was incredibly talented. I never develop a crush on an actor unless theyre talented. Randy was so talented, and we have the same values still. I think thats extremely important in a marriage. I think there has to be a friendship,' the mother-of-two gushed.

Mell, who starred in Grand Canyon with McDonnell, previously confessed that 'fell head over heels' for the star the moment he laid eyes on her.

Diving assets: The former couple, who share son Michael, 26, and 37-year-old daughter Olivia, listed their Pacific Palisades home for $3.4 million last February; seen in 1999

Role-of-a-lifetime: Mary McDonnell pictured in Dances With Wolves with Kevin Costner in 1990

'I walked in and there was Mary McDonnell wearing an off-the-shoulder sweater, a headband and tights,' he told American Profile of their first meeting.

Still, in the same interview, McDonnell pointed out they 'didnt date right away' but 'became friends and fans of each other' quickly.

They wed in 1984, before welcoming their first child Olivia three years later, then son Michael in 1995.
Kelly Landry has opened up about her new life and living in the Noosa hinterland with her two daughters as she finalises her divorce from accountant Anthony Bell.

The former TV presenter moved to Noosa in 2017 and tried to rekindle the marriage with Bell before the pair called it quits.

Landry now lives in a stunning 4.3 acre home in Doonan, Queensland and has a new life as a yoga teacher, which she says has brought her health and happiness.

New beginning for Kelly: TV presenter Kelly Landry speaks about her new life and living in the Noosa hinterland following her soon-to-be divorce from accountant Anthony Bell

'I came to yoga when I was a teenager because of my undiagnosed heart condition, so Ive always had a yoga practice,' she told The Daily Telegraph.

'Soon after getting here I started studying yoga. I went to an Indian ashram and have been lucky to have some great mentors.'

The Victorian-born former model purchased her new home for $2.5 million in September.

Finished: Kelly Landry's (left) divorce from Anthony Bell (right) is set to be finalised in the coming weeks. The couple pictured in 2010

Stunning: Landry now lives in a stunning 4.3 acre home in Doonan, Queensland and has a new life as a yoga teacher, which she says has brought her health and happiness

It features four bedrooms, high quality decor, huge open living spaces and an outdoor pool.

The property also has a spacious garage and shed, one of which the former Getaway host plans to turn into a yoga studio.

Landry will be finalising her divorce from Bell in the coming weeks.

The former TV presenter, who had tied the knot with Bell in 2011, told The Daily Telegraph that the couple have 'been separated for a while now' and 'work better as friends' than spouses.

Inclusions: The property features four bedrooms, high quality decor, huge open living spaces and an outdoor pool

Price: The Victorian-born former model purchased her new home for $2.5 million in September

Anthony and Kelly were believed to be working on their marriage after their bitter public break-up led to a court hearing in May 2017.

The pair first met in 2011 through a mutual friend and married less than a year later in Queenstown, New Zealand.

The couple share two daughters, Charlize, 10, and Thea, 7.

Landry is now working as a yoga teacher, having not appeared on TV screens since 2011.
Sarah Paulson has received countless accolades and applause for the diverse roles she's played over the course of her 27-year acting career.

And although she's developed a thick skin, Paulson admits that she found critique about her role as Linda Tripp in American Crime Story: Impeachment to be particularly 'hurtful'.

Paulson, who gained 30 lbs and wore a 'fat suit' to play the Clinton-Lewinsky whistleblower, opened up about the backlash she received during a conversation for The Wrap's 2021 Power Women's Summit.

'It did hurt my feelings, partly because it felt, as often happens when you're criticized for your work, or when you're celebrated too it's very hard not to personalize,' she confessed.

Sarah Paulson opened up and revealed the criticism she received for playing Linda Tripp in American Crime Story: Impeachment was 'hurtful'

Paulson is unrecognizable in prosthetics as Tripp, whose secret recordings of her phone calls with Monica Lewinsky (Beanie Feldstein) publicly exposed the former intern's relationship with then President Bill Clinton (Clive Owen).

To be questioned about playing the part, after giving so much of herself, made it even more dismaying for the Ratched star.

'And it's very hard to not want to say, "I just spent two years of my life and then I gained 30 pounds to play this part,' the Florida native, 46, continued in her conversation about women in acting with The Wrap's founder and editor-in-chief Sharon Waxman.

'I slept, breathed, wept, bled Linda Tripp for two years. So for you to sit down at your computer and decide that this endeavor was maybe not worthwhile, and that maybe I shouldn't have been the one to play it, it's so hurtful and also wrong."'

'And it's very hard to not want to say, "I just spent two years of my life and then I gained 30 pounds to play this part,' Paulson explained during a conversation for The Wrap's 2021 Power Women's Summit; Sarah pictured in October

Taking on a role like Linda Tripp is consistent with the decisions Paulson has made during her career, considering she has always been drawn to roles that some people would deem to be difficult, or even controversial.

'For me, it is more interesting to explore my own ugliness. Me, Sarah, the gnarly tree that lives inside me,' she explained.

Back in August, just ahead of the premiere of Impeachment, there were critics who thought Paulson prevented a worthy actor, with Tripp's larger body shape, from getting the role in the third season of the FX true crime anthology, American Crime Story.

In an interview with the Los Angeles Times in August, Paulson admitted that she understands the criticism about the padded suit.

Hollywood magic: Paulson gained 30lbs, wore a nearly five pound 'fat suit', prosthetic teeth, prosthetic nose, and a wig to emulate Tripp's signature '90s-style helmet of blond hair'; she is pictured in a seen with Beanie Feldstein (Monica Lewinsky)

'It did hurt my feelings, partly because it felt, as often happens when you're criticized for your work, or when you're celebrated too it's very hard not to personalize,' the acclaimed actress shared

'It's very hard for me to talk about this without feeling like I'm making excuses. There's a lot of controversy around actors and fat suits, and I think that controversy is a legitimate one,' she explained at the time.

'I think fat phobia is real. I think to pretend otherwise causes further harm. And it is a very important conversation to be had. But that entire responsibility I don't think falls on the actor for choosing to do something that is arguably  and I'm talking about from the inside out  the challenge of a lifetime.'

She continued, 'I do think to imagine that the only thing any actor called upon to play this part would have to offer is their physical self is a real reduction of the offering the actor has to make.'

'I would like to believe that there is something in my being that makes me right to play this part. And that the magic of hair and makeup departments and costumers and cinematographers that has been part of moviemaking, and suspension of belief, since the invention of cinema,' she surmised.

'Was I supposed to say no [to the part]? This is the question.'

Controversy: In an interview with the Los Angeles Times in August, Paulson admitted that she understands the criticism about her wearing a padded suit for the role

Her take: 'I would like to believe that there is something in my being that makes me right to play this part. And that the magic of hair and makeup departments and costumers and cinematographers that has been part of moviemaking, and suspension of belief, since the invention of cinema,' Paulson surmised; the real Linda Tripp is pictured in 1998

Being more informed on the issues, Paulson went on to admit that she would have, in fact, responded differently to being offered the role of Linda Tripp.

'I think the thing I think about the most is that I regret not thinking about it more fully. And that is an important thing for me to think about and reflect on. I also know it's a privileged place to be sitting and thinking about it and reflecting on it, having already gotten to do it, and having had an opportunity that someone else didn't have,' the 46-year-old Golden Globe winner shared.

'You can only learn what you learn when you learn it. Should I have known? Abso-f***ing-lutely. But I do now. And I wouldn't make the same choice going forward.'

Impeachment: American Crime Story is based on Jeffrey Toobin's book - A Vast Conspiracy: The Real Story Of The Sex Scandal That Nearly Brought Down A President (1999).
Earlier this month, PR mogul Roxy Jacenko revealed her daughter Pixie Curtis would be able to retire at age 15.

But it appears the ten-year-old is still as humble as ever, as she put her own hard-earned cash to a good cause this week.

Pixie spread some Christmas cheer to children in need by donating gifts worth a mammoth $80,000 to Ronald McDonald House at Randwick in Sydney.

Giving back! Earlier this week, Pixie Curtis, the daughter of PR mogul Roxy Jacenko donated gifts worth a mammoth $80,000 to Ronald McDonald House at Randwick in Sydney

'You don't realise how lucky you are to have good health until you visit kids who aren't as fortunate,' Pixie told The Daily Telegraph.

'I am really glad Mum encouraged this visit and donation,' she added.

Earlier in the week, Roxy shared footage of herself and Pixie delivering the goods to the charity homes.

Fun times: The toys packages included everything from dolls, to accessories, to water pistols.

Deliveries: Earlier in the week, Roxy shared footage of herself and Pixie delivering the goods to the charity homes.

The toys packages included everything from dolls, to accessories, to water pistols.

The mum-and-daughter duo's charitable trip comes after Roxy, 41, spoke about how she helped Pixie establish two successful business ventures - both the accessory line Pixie's Bows and toy range, Pixie's Fidgets.

At the time, it was revealed that the tot is on route to retire before she even finishes high school - with estimates that she'll earn $21million over the next decade.

Feeling festive: 'I am really glad Mum encouraged this visit and donation,' she added. Pictured, Pixie Curtis with the toys she dropped off at Ronald McDonald House

Money matters: Roxy Jacenko has ensured that her daughter, Pixie Curtis, won't ever have to earn her pocket money slinging burgers, like her mother once did. Both pictured

'You won't need to worry; you can retire at 15 the way you're going,' Roxy said to her daughter in a joint interview in last week's Stellar Magazine.

The Ministry of Talent founder went on to say that Pixie is a natural businesswoman.

'You know, what is the most exciting for me is the entrepreneurial spirit that she has at such a young age,' she told the magazine.

Nice! The PR queen, 41, has helped the ten-year-old to establish two successful business ventures - accessory line Pixie's Bows and toy range, Pixie's Fidgets

Business savvy! In 2018, it was reported that Pixie could be worth $21million by the time she turns 18, after department store Myer agreed to stock her bow range

'I never had it, although it was drummed into me that I had to succeed. When I was 14, I got a job at McDonald's because that's what you did back in my day.

'So, I guess to me the biggest thing is her drive as an entrepreneur. Yes, I've enabled it, but she's still got it, which is for me the most rewarding part.'

In May, Pixie's line of fidget toys alone sold a mammoth $200,000 worth in their debut month across Australia.

Pixie is already a social media sensation with over 89,000 Instagram followers.

By the age of six, she was charging $600 per sponsored post on Instagram - and those prices have only gone up.

A natural! The Ministry of Talent founder went on to say that Pixie is a natural businesswoman. 'You know, what is the most exciting for me is the entrepreneurial spirit that she has at such a young age,' she told the magazine

Wow! Roxy is known for showering her children with lavish gifts, including designer clothing and luxury vehicles. In August, Roxy bought a new Mercedes-Benz GLS, for Pixie and her little brother, Hunter, seven (right)

In September, Pixie became an ambassador for children's cancer charity Camp Quality.

The pint-sized entrepreneur fronts Camp Quality's Bucket Hat Day, alongside Purple Wiggle Lachlan Gillespie and the new campaign appears in Aldi's catalogue.

The bucket hats were available to be purchased exclusively from Aldi and 100 per cent of the proceeds go to the charity.

Popular: Pixie is already a social media sensation with over 89,000 Instagram followers. By the age of six, she was charging $600 per sponsored post on Instagram - and those prices have only gone up

Famous face: In September, Pixie became an ambassador for children's cancer charity Camp Quality alongside Purple Wiggle Lachlan Gillespie

Roxy is known for showering her children with lavish gifts, including designer clothing and luxury vehicles.

In August, Roxy bought a new Mercedes-Benz GLS, for Pixie and her little brother, Hunter, seven.

She was previously forced to defend her decision to buy Pixie a Mercedes Benz 4WD in December last year.

Pricey: In November, the Sweaty Betty PR founded revealed her daughter's extravagant Christmas list. The items included a new phone, skincare, a surfboard, trendy clothes - and even an 'aesthetic' iPad case

The PR mogul pointed out that obviously her daughter 'doesn't drive the car'.

In November, the Sweaty Betty PR founded revealed her daughter's extravagant Christmas list.

The items included a new phone, skincare, a surfboard, trendy clothes - and even an 'aesthetic' iPad case.

Oops: Roxy was forced to defend her decision to buy Pixie a Mercedes Benz 4WD in December last year. The PR mogul pointed out that obviously her daughter 'doesn't drive the car'

Earlier this year, the blonde businesswoman shared Pixie's birthday list, which featured 22 items on it.

Items on the list included a new room, skincare and a glass coffee table, as well as fairy lights, new shoes, and 'trendy clothes'.

She also wanted crystals, a ring light - which is used to film professional looking videos - and a skin care fridge to store her beauty products.

She's a cool mum! For her tenth birthday in August, Roxy spared no expense gifting her daughter a pair of fluro yellow Balenciaga pool slides worth a whopping $495

Pixie went on to list a teeth whitening kit, lip gloss, makeup, a new swimsuit, a second piercing, and a star light projector.

For her tenth birthday in August, Roxy spared no expense gifting her daughter a pair of fluro yellow Balenciaga pool slides worth a whopping $495.

Roxy shares her children with her Sydney banker husband of 9 years, Oliver Curtis, 36.
Farmer Wants a Wife's Hayley Love gave birth to first child, a daughter named Daisy, on Tuesday - who she shares with her ex-partner and former co-star Will Dwyer.

And while Dwyer has yet to comment on the birth on social media, he did take to Instagram on Friday to share a picture of himself and his beloved dogs.

The farmer, who briefly dated Love following the pair's involvement on Farmer Wants a Wife, shared a post on Friday endorsing Ranger Outdoor clothing.

Online post: Farmer Wants A Wife star Will Dwyer shared this photo on social media on Friday, afte his ex-partner and former co-star Hayley Love welcomed a baby girl

For the promotion, Dwyer, 39, posted a photo of himself wearing a shirt from the brand while herding his dogs into the back of a Ute.

Will also shared another picture to Instagram on Friday of his dog lying on the front seat of his Ute.

Daily Mail Australia have reached out to Will Dwyer for further comment.

Hayley announced the news of the birth of Daisy on Friday, and shared several pictures of the adorable bub.

Cute: Hayley announced the news of the birth of Daisy on Friday, and shared several pictures of the adorable bub

Daisy arrived to the world on Tuesday weighing 3.6kg.

'I cant believe you are mine, my little best friend,' Love captioned the pictures of her bundle of joy.

She said mother and daughter had left hospital and were now settling in at home.

In July, the cancer survivor shocked Farmer Wants A Wife fans when she revealed she was 22 weeks pregnant with farmer Dwyer's child, but said they were no longer together.

'I cant believe you are mine, my little best friend' Hayley wrote

She was originally matched with farmer Matt Trewin on the Channel Seven dating show, but he dumped her shortly before the finale.

Love went on to briefly date Dwyer after the FWAW finale was filmed in December, and after he'd split from his winner Jaimee.

But they ended things around April.

Dwyer later released a statement addressing Hayley's pregnancy in which he vowed to be 'the best dad I can be... when the time comes'.
Knives Out star Ana De Armas exuded retro chic when she was spotted stepping out in Los Angeles this Friday.

The 33-year-old Bond girl cut a stylish figure in a Louis Vuitton skirt suit that brought back memories of Coco Chanel's interwar fashion revolution.

She was spotted out that day for the first time since it emerged her erotic thriller Deep Water with her ex Ben Affleck has been yanked from Disney's release schedule.

Out on the town: Knives Out star Ana De Armas exuded retro chic when she was spotted stepping out in Los Angeles this Friday

Disney, which had earlier planned to put the film out this coming January, did not say why they are declining to do so now, according to Deadline.

The movie was directed by Adrian Lyne whose previous erotic thrillers include such classics of the genre as Fatal Attraction and Unfaithful.

In fact Deep Water was meant to be his first directorial release since Unfaithful, which came out all the way back in 2002.

Deep Water is based on a novel by Patricia Highsmith, whose work has been adapted into such films as Strangers On A Train, The Talented Mr. Ripley and Carol.

Throwback style: The 33-year-old Bond girl cut a stylish figure in a Louis Vuitton skirt suit that brought back memories of Coco Chanel's interwar fashion revolution

Although it was meant to be released in November 2020, the coronavirus lockdowns saw it pushed up to this August, and then it was delayed again to January 2022.

Ben and Ana met while making the new film together in 2019 and then struck up a real-life romance that lasted for about a year.

They even traveled to Georgia together along with Ben's mother as well as the three children he shares with his ex-wife Jennifer Garner.

Incidentally: She was spotted out that day for the first time since it emerged her erotic thriller Deep Water with her ex Ben Affleck has been yanked from Disney's release schedule

At the beginning of this year it emerged that Ben and Ana have split and he has since reunited with his former fiancee Jennifer Lopez.

Meanwhile rumors began to circulate over the summer that Ana had become involved with the sizzling Tinder VP Paul Boukadakis.

On the professional front she recently appeared in No Time To Die, the final James Bond movie to star Daniel Craig as 007.

Life imitating art: Ben and Ana met while making the new film together in 2019; they are pictured on the set of the film in Louisiana

Daniel had previously worked with Ana on the 2019 film Knives Out and was so impressed by her he got her a part in No Time To Die.

Ana is also playing Marilyn Monroe in an upcoming biopic called Blonde which is based on a Joyce Carol Oates novel of the same name.

Featuring Adrien Brody and Bobby Cannavale respectively as Arthur Miller and Joe DiMaggio, the movie is due out on Netflix sometime next year.
Married at First Sight star Jessika Power has tested positive to Covid-19 in the UK.

The 29-year-old is currently isolating in her home in Manchester and is having a 'tough time', her Australian manager Max Markson confirmed to Daily Mail Australia on Saturday.

Jessika was filming in the UK for Celebs Go Dating, who confirmed that some of the cast were in isolation earlier this week.

Shock diagnosis: Married at First Sight star Jessika Power has tested positive to Covid-19 in the UK

'She's doing it tough,' Max Markson told Daily Mail Australia. 'She'll definitely get better, she's not coming home anytime soon. She'll be back on set in no time, as long as she's clear of Covid.'

A Celebs Go Dating spokesperson said in a statement last week: 'The health and safety of cast and crew remains our top priority. Rigorous Covid-19 protocols are in place and are continuing to be followed at all times across the production.

'Some cast are currently completing periods of self-isolation following current Government guidelines.

Isolation: Jessika has not addressed her health battle on social media, but has shared videos of herself at her home

'The production maintains a safe environment to continue scenes with other cast, with further filming being rescheduled to ensure everybodys safety.'

Markson also told The Herald Sun: 'Yes, Jessika was the first one (of the cast) to get Covid.

'She has been travelling between Manchester where she lives to London where filming is.

'She's doing it tough,' her manager Max Markson told Daily Mail Australia. 'She'll definitely get better, she's not coming home anytime soon. She'll be back on set in no time, as long as she's clear of Covid'

'She is now in her home in Manchester, not feeling well but thank goodness she has been double vaxxed so just like Tom Hanks and Idris Elba and Donald Trump she will get better.'

Jessika has not addressed her health battle on social media, but has shared videos of herself at her home.

Daily Mail Australia have also contacted Jessika Power for further comment.

The MAFS star flew out to the UK back in October, to join the cast of Celebs Go Dating.
He has played Spider-Man over three films and is getting to portray Hollywood legend Fred Astaire.

And though it seems like he is just about to hit the peak of his career, Tom Holland has revealed that he has considered stepping away from acting.

The 25-year-old actor was candid about his next step in an interview with Sky News on Friday as he was there to discuss his upcoming feature, Spider-Man: No Way Home, which is poised to become one of this year's highest-earning films.

During the conversation, the performer expressed that he was considering taking his career in other directions after completing all of his planned professional obligations.

Looking to the future: Tom Holland publicly discussed his potential plans to leave acting behind during a recent interview with Sky News; he is seen earlier this month

'I don't even know if I want to be an actor...I started acting when I was 11 and I haven't done anything else, so I'd like to go and do other things,' he stated.

Holland also pointed out that, despite his young age, he was having issues with seeing himself as an actor in the future.

'Genuinely, I'm sort of  having a midlife crisis  at 25, I'm having like a pre-midlife crisis,' he said.

He did point out, however, that his involvement in the Spider-Man franchise allowed him to 'do some amazing things.'

Giving credit: He did point out, however, that his involvement in the Spider-Man franchise allowed him to 'do some amazing things'

Holland went on to express that he was considering focusing on dancing in his further efforts as a performer.

The actor may be putting his dance experience to work in the forthcoming Fred Astaire biopic, in which he is set to star.

The news about the forthcoming project was initially made known to the public earlier this week, when it was announced that the performer would take the lead role in the feature.

Holland also stated that development had just begun on the biopic and that he had not had a chance to read its script.

Changing lanes: Holland went on to express that he was considering focusing on dancing in his further efforts as a performer

The performer spoke about preparing for the role during a recent interview with Variety, where he noted that he would 'dust off the old tap shoes...and start taking tap lessons.'

The Devil All The Time star also expressed that he was well-suited for the starring part given his past experience.

'I'm quite a good tap dancer. It's something I've done for a very, very long time so it's something I'm sure I'll be able to pick up,' he said.

Holland, who previously starred in a Broadway production of Billy Elliot, made a point of expressing that his experience on the show would not factor into his portrayal of the dancing great.

Making plans: The performer spoke about preparing for the role during a recent interview with Variety, where he noted that he would 'dust off the old tap shoes...and start taking tap lessons'; he is seen on Friday

'Fred Astaire does have a very particular style. Billy Elliot was very much a kind of like scuffy boot kind of tap dancer whereas he is very elegant and graceful so I'll probably have to learn how to do that,' he said.

He noted that Astaire's style would be 'something I'm gonna practice, something I'm very excited for and I think it will be a fantastic film.'

Holland also humorously expressed that producer 'Amy Pascal is going to be my Ginger Rogers' during the sit-down.

A release date for the yet-unnamed feature has not been announced to the public.
His father Jon Bon Jovi, 59, is one of the most iconic rock stars of all time, having released 15 studio albums with his band Bon Jovi, as well as two albums of his own.

And Jesse Bongiovi, 26, joked to Daily Mail Australia this week about 'bullying' him into joining TikTok for their Hampton Water rose brand, which has just launched in Australia.

In the wide-ranging interview, Jesse also revealed the best piece of advice Jon has ever given him and how his zest for life has rubbed off on him.

EXCLUSIVE: Jon Bon Jovi's son Jesse (pictured together) joked about 'bullying' his rock star dad into TikTok in an interview with Daily Mail Australia this week - as they launch their own rose brand, Hampton Water, in Australia

'I have bullied him into being in a few of them. He's rarely amused. He's rarely amused,' Jesse said with a laugh on starring with his dad on TikTok.

With over 313,000 followers on their Hampton Water account, the pair are often seen hamming it up for the camera and unwinding at Jon's home in The Hamptons.

The father and son duo have collaborated with leading French wine maker Gerard Bertrand to launch their own rose.

From the stage to the screen: 'I have bullied him into being in a few of them. He's rarely amused. He's rarely amused,' Jesse, 26, said with a laugh on starring with his dad on TikTok

Jesse, who was 'always into sports' as a kid, said working together over the past five years has been great in spending quality father-son time together and learning something new.

'It's been amazing. I think it would have been one thing if I came to him one day and said, "Hey, I want to start a band". He would have known everything about that. For both of us, it was something that was so new, different, exciting and fun.'

He added with a laugh: 'We got to really bounce ideas off each other, and there'd be times where I'd look at him and go, "Hey, what do you think we should do here?" and he would say, "I don't know, what do you think we should do here?"'

The real Jon Bon Jovi: With over 313,000 followers on their Hampton Water account, the pair are often seen hamming it up for the camera and unwinding at Jon's home in The Hamptons

'Now five years in, I think we're starting to hit a different kind of stride which is exciting. All the hard work we've put in is starting to come to fruition.'

While the world knows 'Jon the rock star', Jesse said it's not surprising to learn that he's such an 'astute' businessman, having had such an illustrious career in music.

'Anyone that's had a career in anything as long as he has, has got to be pretty astute. There's definitely been a lot of great lessons [he's taught me] both in marketing and just in general business,' he said.

Business-minded: While the world knows 'Jon the rock star', Jesse said it's not surprising to learn that he's an 'astute' businessman, with such a famed career in music. 'One of the great things he taught me very early on [in life] was patience and to just really take my time'

'One of the great things he taught me very early on [in life] was patience and to just really take my time. Once something goes out to the world, there's no taking it back. It's a great lesson but it's also an important one to learn.'

With Jon's fans often joking online how he's a 'fine wine' and just 'gets better with age', Jesse said that his zest and passion for life has definitely rubbed off on him.

'I think that growing up, we obviously travelled a tonne and I still love to travel... meeting people and seeing the world,' he said.

'I think that having those kind of experiences growing up, it certainly made me very curious, showed me a love for learning, and learning new cultures has been one of the great pleasures.'

Passionate: With Jon's fans often joking online how he's a 'fine wine' and just 'gets better with age', Jesse said that his zest and passion for life has definitely rubbed off on him (pictured in November)

Inclusive: With rock star Jon a fan of rose, it's safe to say that it's no longer considered just a 'female drink'. 'I think rose is for everyone and it's for all the time. I think it's something that has really changed a lot in the last few years,' Jesse said

With rock star Jon a fan of rose, it's safe to say that it's no longer considered just a 'female drink'.

'I think rose is for everyone and it's for all the time. I think it's something that has really changed a lot in the last few years,' Jesse said.

'The 'rose season' seems to be getting longer and longer. And it's really becoming that third category of wine which I think is really exciting.'

Hampton Water is available from Dan Murphy's stores, RRP: $33.99.
They won this year's season of Love Island Australia - and it appears Tina Provis and Mitch Hibberd's relationship is still going from strength to strength.

On Friday, Tina, 25, took to her Instagram page to gush about how much she'd enjoyed a cute night out alongside her 'hot date' Mitch, 25.

In a selfie posted at dinner, Tina and Mitch beamed as they guzzled wine together at Italian restaurant Hugoes in Manly, Sydney.

Hot date! On Friday, Love Island winner Tina Provis took to Instagram to gush after enjoying a night out alongside her 'hot date' Mitch Hibberd

For their night out, the blonde stunner rocked a nude body suit with a plunging neckline, teamed with denim shorts.

Meanwhile, Mitch opted for a sleek black T-shirt.

Earlier in the day, it was Mitch who doted over his girlfriend, posting a picture of the pair after undertaking an outdoor hike in their activewear.

'Exploring', he simply captioned the scenic post of the two on top of a cliff.

Tina reciprocated the love on social media by commenting, 'Adventure time. Ps you're hot.'

The couple was announced as the winner of last month's epic Love Island Australia finale, deciding to split the $50,000 prize money.

Exploring together: Earlier in the day, it was Mitch who doted over his girlfriend, posting a picure of the pair after undertaking an outdoor hike

They were voted Australia's favourite couple, winning the nation's hearts over fellow finalists Chris Graudins and Zoe Clish, and Jess Velkovski and Aaron Waters.

In a post on Instagram shortly after their win, Tina spoke about her excitement at 'doing life' with Mitch outside of the Love Island Australia villa.

'And that's wrap! Our @LoveIslandAU journey has officially come to an end and what an amazing ride it's been! I'm so excited to take on the next chapter and start doing life with @mitchellhibberd...' she began.

'I can't believe I've met some of the most amazing people who will be friends for life and also such a special girl @tinaprovis,' Mitch wrote on Instagram after their win

'My journey has been everything I could have dreamt for and so much more. It has truly been the time of my life and I'm so happy to have found something so special with Mitch, as well as made friends for life along the way.'

Meanwhile, Mitch admitted that while he 'didn't know what to expect' ahead of his appearance on the show, his experience was 'everything and more'.

'I can't believe I've met some of the most amazing people who will be friends for life and also such a special girl @tinaprovis,' he wrote on Instagram.
Hilary Duff got a relaxing start to her weekend by swinging by Balayage in Beverly Hills on Friday afternoon.

The 34-year-old actress was captured exiting the celeb-friendly spa with a noticeably glowing complexion and a black goody bag.

She kept comfy for her spa day in an oversized beige turtleneck and a pair of black high-waisted jeans.

Relaxation: Hilary Duff got a relaxing start to her weekend by swinging by Balayage in Beverly Hills on Friday afternoon

Duff's blonde hair was styled in a messy bun secured in place with a black scrunchie.

She had a metallic silver purse slung across her body as she juggled a water bottle, reusable coffee up, and her cellphone in her hands.

The Disney Channel alum appeared to be mid-phone call and had her face mask dangling from one ear as she made her way back to her car.

Earlier in the day Hilary proved to be the perfect model wearing a sparkling black romper from the latest Smash + Tess collaboration which launched on Friday morning.

Glowing: The 34-year-old actress was captured exiting the celeb-friendly spa with a noticeably glowing complexion and a black goody bag

She showcased the latest Tinsel Skorty in a midnight black color before changing into a version in a gorgeous pale pink hue in a few snaps shared to Instagram.

'We're so excited to bring you The Tinsel Skortya Romper that you can wear out on the town OR while hosting a NYE party at home,' the brand shared online.

Hilary was certainly feeling festive as she stood in front of a mirror wearing the cozy one-piece which featured a deep-V neckline and three-quarter length sleeves.

Stunner: Earlier in the day Hilary proved to be the perfect model wearing a sparkling black romper from the latest Smash + Tess collaboration which launched on Friday morning

Model moment: She showcased the brand's latest Tinsel Skorty in a midnight black color

Gorgeous: Hilary was certainly feeling festive as she stood in front of a mirror wearing the cozy one-piece which featured a deep-V neckline and three-quarter length sleeves

The skort-style dress was hemmed above her knees, and designed with hidden shorts and pockets for ultimate comfort.

Hilary wrapped a black leather belt around her waist and paired the number with strappy silver heels.

Her dark blonde hair was parted down the middle, and slicked back into a tight and low ponytail with silver hoops in her ears.

'They're so damn cute,' Hilary said on Instagram before adding that the skorty's are 'just meant to make you feel your best at every party you attend this holiday season.'

Accessories: She paired the Pink Fizz romper with a brown leather belt bag and clear heels

Strike a pose: Her dark blonde hair was parted down the middle, and slicked back into a tight and low ponytail with silver hoops in her ears

Duff previously collaborated with the popular Canadian brand earlier this year on an inclusive line of overalls for kids and adults that sold out in days.

'They're flattering for so many different body types,' Duff said in a press release at the time. 'I've worn them when I'm in my best shape, throughout my pregnancies and, of course, post-pregnancy.

This collaboration was a dream come true. I love fashion, but I also love to be comfortable because I'm a busy mom.'

Hilary gave birth to daughter Mae at home in March with her family by her side, including husband Matthew Koma, daughter Banks, and her son Luca, who she co-parents with ex Mike Comrie.
Jen Shah's motion to dismiss her ongoing fraud case was reportedly denied by a judge on Friday.

According to People, the 48-year-old Real Housewife Of Salt Lake City star previously claimed that a Hulu documentary centered on her legal woes was 'reprehensible' and would 'severely jeopardize' her right to a fair trial.

However, the media outlet also reported that Judge Sidney H. Stein shot down the motion in an order that was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.

Not happening: Jen Shah's motion to dismiss her ongoing fraud case was denied by a judge on Friday.

In his order, the judge wrote that 'dismissal of an indictment is an extreme sanction that is to be utilized only in the rare case.'

He then expressed that 'there has been no evidence whatsoever proffered to suggest that Shah's right to a fair trial has been compromised or prejudiced in any respect.'

Stein also wrote that the case's jury would ultimately decide if the effects of the feature on the cast had been substantial.

He noted that 'an appropriate voir dire of potential jurors will be able to determine if the jury pool has been tainted in any way by' the documentary.

Complaint: According to People, the 48-year-old Real Housewife Of Salt Lake City star previously claimed that a Hulu documentary centered on her legal woes was 'reprehensible' and would 'severely jeopardize' her right to a fair trial

An attorney representing Shah did not immediately respond when asked for a comment by the media outlet.

The media figure previously argued that the fraud charges against her should be dropped after she pled not guilty in a fraud case involving an alleged $5 million telemarketing scheme.

However she maintains that two special agents from the Department Of Homeland Security were so unduly open about the investigation in a Hulu documentary that the case should be dismissed altogether, TMZ reports citing court documents.

Fighting back: Jen Shah is arguing that the charges against her should be dropped in a fraud case involving an alleged $5 million telemarketing scheme

She contends that the special agents' remarks - some of which her documents claim are 'highly prejudicial' - mean the jury pool is now tainted.

According to Shah, the presumption of innocence in her case has been shattered by the documentary and a fair trial has become impossible.

Jen is demanding that the federal authorities be court-ordered to disclose any further media opportunities they and the prosecutors may be pursuing about her.

Agents Rick Patel and Agnieszka Norman both granted interviews for The Housewife And The Shah, which premiered on Hulu this Monday.

Trying to shake it off: She claims two DHS special agents were so unduly open about the investigation in a Hulu documentary that the case should be dismissed altogether

The court documents accuse Agnieszka of intimating, in a 'highly prejudicial' move, that it was a narcotics smuggling investigation that led to Jen's case.

Jen also took issue with Agnieszka's comments about her supposedly using offshore accounts to conceal her finances, according to the website.

As far as Rick is concerned, the reality star's court documents say he discussed particular matters connected to her arrest.

Jen's position is that the special agents made disclosures of information that had previously not gone public with regards to the case.

Giving it a shot: Jen's position is that the special agents made disclosures of information that had previously not gone public with regards to the case

The references to the alleged 'fraudsters' and their 'lavish lifestyle' were also brought up in Jen's contention that her case should be thrown out.

As a result she believes the federal authorities should face sanctions, on top of her argument that her own trial should not move forward.

The news comes one day after her assistant was pictured for the first time since he flipped on her by changing his plea to guilty.

On Friday, Stuart Smith could be seen near his home in Utah holding papers and what appeared to be an open beer bottle while dressed down in casual clothes.

Omg the first two minutes of the #RHOSLC premiere Im shaking you guys!!! pic.twitter.com/dtiivyGUwq  Real Housewives Gifs (@housewifegifs) September 7, 2021

Letting them have it: She believes the federal authorities should face sanctions, on top of her argument that her own trial should not move forward

Jen has maintained her innocence in the fraud trial, and her assistant Stuart had initially plead not guilty over his alleged involvement in the scheme.

But last month it was revealed that Stuart, 43, has now altered his story, changing his plea to guilty during an appearance before Southern District of New York Judge Sidney H. Stein in November.

According to a report from PEOPLE at the time, Stuart has now been released on bail with his sentencing has been set for March 3.

Judge Stein stated that the maximum combined sentence for the three charges is 70 years in prison.

Embattled: According to her, the presumption of innocence in her case has been shattered by the documentary and a fair trial has become impossible

Per the report, he was arrested and charged in March with the following charges: one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with telemarketing, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and one count of obstructing an official proceeding.

Court documents allege that he victimized 10 or more persons over the age of 55 in the elaborate scam.

According to PEOPLE, Smith read out a statement where he admitted to his crimes involving various telemarketing companies that he worked for or helped create between 2008 and 2021.

Woes: Jen - pictured on the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City - has always denied any knowledge of the alleged scheme

His statement began: 'I knowingly and intentionally discussed and engaged with other individuals to develop a plan or operation to obtain money by false representation by offering and inducing individuals, many of whom were over 50 years of age or older, to provide money to entities that I and others were involved with.'

Smith continued saying that he 'became aware that these telemarketing companies were misleading customers of those entities by selling individuals, many of them who were older than 50 years of age, information that purported to be services to enhance their business opportunities.'

He added: 'The services sold were of no value and of no real benefit to the customer.'

In July, both Shah and Smith were placed by federal agents into a group of suspects with 'greater culpability' in the scheme.

Coming clean: Shah's assistant (pictured above with her on the show) has admitted to knowingly defrauding elderly people in an elaborate telemarketing scam

TMZ reported at the time that the duo and four others were moved into the US Attorney's 'Tier A' category for the alleged crimes targeting elderly people, accusing Shah of 'orchestrating' the scam.

This week, Shah said she spent around $50,000 a month in an audition tape for the Bravo series featured in the new Hulu documentary The Housewife & the Shah Shocker.

'I probably spend at least 50 grand a month,' Shah said in the clip, in which she opened up on the details of her luxe lifestyle, which included footage of her family traveling on a private jet.

'We live in a gated community,' Shah said. 'There are like 20 pieces of luggage when we travel and like maybe 17 of them are mine.'
Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Meredith Marks has shared her thoughts on rival Jen Shah being arrested and charged with conspiring to commit wire fraud and money laundering.

Speaking to the Reality Life with Kate Casey podcast, Meredith admitted that she wasn't shocked when Jen was arrested midway through filming RHOSLC's second season.

'I had a lot of different interactions with Jennifer that were not very positive in a lot of different ways,' the 49-year-old said.

'I knew something was off': Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Meredith Marks has shared her thoughts on rival Jen Shah's arrest on fraud charges

'I had certain odd suspicions about her, but did I think that what they're alleging was exactly what was going on? No, I did not. But I had bizarre things that made it seem not so surprising to me.'

She added: 'It wasn't like I knew what was going on, but I knew something was off.'

Meredith, unlike her co-stars, was not surprised when Jen was arrested on an episode of RHOSLC last month as her friend Lisa Barlow pleaded over the phone that the situation was terrible.

The jewellery designer was completely unfazed when she first heard the news and opted for a relaxing bubble bath while the other women attempted to unravel the series of events while on an eight-hour trip up north to meet her in Colorado.

Bizarre behaviour: 'I had a lot of different interactions with Jennifer that were not very positive in a lot of different ways,' the 49-year-old revealed on the Reality Life with Kate Casey podcast

Meredith was already in Vail, Colorado, where she was hosting a girls group trip when Lisa, 46, called from the limousine bus to ask if she already had heard the news.

'I haven't been on my phone. I was rushing to get myself here and get situated before you guys all arrived. What's going on?,' Meredith said.

'Meredith, it is bad,' Lisa said as they told her that federal agents arrived to arrest Jen, 47.

What arrest? Meredith was hilarious unfazed when she learned of Jen's arrest on an episode of RHOSLC this season

'Meredith, she's been arrest for fraud,' said Whitney Rose, 35, before Meredith responded: 'Honestly, I'm not surprised by this.'

Jen has pled not guilty in a fraud case involving an alleged $5 million telemarketing scheme.

Both she and her assistant Stuart Smith were charged in the case.

The reality star has maintained her innocence in the fraud trial, and Stuart had initially plead not guilty over his alleged involvement in the scheme.

Fraud: Jen has pled not guilty in a fraud case involving an alleged $5 million telemarketing scheme

Double trouble! Both she and her assistant Stuart Smith were charged in the case (pictured together)

But last month it was revealed that Stuart, 43, had altered his story, changing his plea to guilty during an appearance before Southern District of New York Judge Sidney H. Stein in November.

According to a report from PEOPLE at the time, Stuart has been released on bail and his sentencing has been set for March 3.

If found guilty, Jen and Stuart could face decades in prison.

Season two of the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City is currently streaming in Australia on hayu.
Kourtney Kardashian was very much in the Christmas spirit on Friday.

The 42-year-old shared a slew of precious childhood snaps of her and sister Kim Kardashian dressed in matching reindeer outfits and waiting for Santa to arrive.

It comes amid reports Kim, 41, has filed to be legally single and have her maiden name restored as her divorce from Kanye West, 44, progresses.

Adorable: Kourtney Kardashian, 42, shared precious childhood snaps of her and sister Kim, 41, dressed in matching outfits and waiting for Santa to arrive at Christmas to Instagram on Friday

In the post captioned 'Daddy Santa', Kourtney and Kim looked adorable in identical white blouses and red shift dresses with an embroidered green reindeer on the front.

They also donned white stockings, black Mary Jane shoes and wore red and white scrunchies in their hair.

The sisters looked absolutely delighted as they waited for Santa who arrived with presents.

Cute: In the post captioned 'Daddy Santa', Kourtney (left) and Kim (right) looked adorable in identical white blouses and red shift dresses with an embroidered green reindeer on the front

Matching outfits: They also donned white stockings, black Mary Jane shoes and wore red and white scrunchies in their hair

Doting parents: Also pictured in one frame was their mother Kris Jenner (left), who looked radiant and youthful in a red jumpsuit, and their father Rob Kardashian, who later passed away in 2003 (pictured at the back)

Also pictured in one frame was their mother Kris Jenner, who looked radiant and youthful in a red jumpsuit, and their father Rob Kardashian, who later passed away in 2003.

Kourtney also shared to her Instagram Stories a photo of herself taken from the Nineties, alongside Santa, looking just as youthful as she does today.

The holiday post comes amid reports by TMZ that Kim filed legal documents on Friday to make her a legally single woman amid her divorce from Kanye.

Gifts: Kourtney looked absolutely delighted as they waited for Santa who arrived with presents

Joy: In one precious frame, Kourtney is unable to wipe the smile off her face as Santa arrived

Perhaps the most interesting thing is that Kim wants her maiden name restored which means dropping West, despite her businesses like KKW Beauty and KKW fragrance using her married initials.

Just hours earlier on Thursday, Kanye begged Kim to 'run right back to me' during a Free Larry Hoover concert in Los Angeles, which she attended.

The legal move asks the judge to separate the issues of child custody, property, and financial implications from actual marital status.

Kim has enlisted celebrity attorney Laura Wasser, who has worked with a number of other A-list stars.

What's her secret? Kourtney also shared to her Instagram Stories a photo of herself taken from the Nineties, alongside Santa, looking just as youthful as she does today

Famous siblings: Kim and Kourtney are pictured in an Instagram snap from February, during a recent trip to Turks and Caicos

At the Free Larry Hoover event held at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Kim was in the crowd when Kanye performed an ad-libbed verse during his hit Runway, specifically directed at her.

He sang: 'I need you to run right back to me. More specifically, Kimberly.'

It's not known whether Kanye knew about the legal filing when the comments were made.

Kanye's latest public plea appears to have been unsuccessful as a source told People on Friday that the SKIMS mogul 'has moved on' but 'she knows it's difficult for Kanye to deal with'.

Divorce news: The holiday post comes amid reports by TMZ that Kim filed legal documents on Friday to make her a legally single woman amid her divorce from Kanye West, 44, (pictured together in August, 2020)

Bold: Perhaps the most interesting thing is that Kim wants her maiden name restored which means dropping West, despite her businesses like KKW Beauty and KKW fragrance using her married initials

The insider added: 'She isn't surprised that he pleads in public for her to run back to him. She is just trying to be respectful about it.'

Just weeks ago, Kanye made a similar public plea as he claimed that God will reunite them, and admitted to having made 'mistakes' in their marriage, while serving meals at the LA Mission for Thanksgiving.

'The narrative God wants is to see that we can be redeemed in all these relationships,' the Grammy-winner said. 'We've made mistakes. I've made mistakes.'

He continued: 'I've publicly done things that were not acceptable as a husband, but right now today, for whatever reason - I didn't know I was going to be in front of this mic - but I'm here to change the narrative.'

'We've made mistakes. I've made mistakes': Just weeks ago, Kanye made a public plea as he claimed that God will reunite them, and admitted to have made 'mistakes' in their marriage, while serving meals at the LA Mission for Thanksgiving (pictured)

Kanye spoke out on the status of the relationship as Kim's new romance with Pete Davidson, 28, continues to make headlines.

Kanye, referencing the Kardashian family's reality TV franchise, told those in attendance, 'I'm not letting E! write the narrative of my family. I'm not letting Hulu write the narrative of my family I am the priest of my home.'

Kanye, who shares four children with Kim - North, eight, Saint, six, Chicago, three, and Psalm, two - said that parenting remains his most important priority amid the tumultuous time.

'I have to be next to my children as much as possible,' he said. 'So, when I'm out the house, I've got a house right next to the house. I'm doing everything to be right next to the situation.'

Hot new couple! Kim is romantically linked to Saturday Night Live funnyman Pete Davidson, 28, as they are seen together last month

Kanye added, 'I'm trying to express this in the most sane way, the most calm way possible, but I need to be back home.'

Kim and Kanye wed at the Forte di Belvedere in Florence in 2014, where Kim donned a fitted gown with delicate white lace, custom-made by Givenchy Haute Couture.

A source confirmed to DailyMail.com in February that Kim has filed for divorce. 'The split is amicable and there is no drama.'

Family matters: West, who shares four children with Kardashian - North, eight, Saint, six, Chicago, three, and Psalm, two - said that parenting remains his most important priority amid the tumultuous time, as the family are seen in 2019

Kim is asking for joint legal and physical custody of their four young children. It was claimed that neither will contest their prenup.

The tension reportedly started in July 2020 when Kanye decided to run for President of the United States and claimed he stopped Kim from aborting North. He also called Kim's mother Kris Jenner 'Kris Jong Un'.

A source previously told People that Kim and Kanye's marriage 'has been broken for a long time'.

'Kim feels like she has done everything she can to save it. Filing for divorce is something she has been thinking about for a long time. She has also been dreading it. She really, really has done everything to avoid filing,' the insider claimed.
Jesinta Franklin and her husband, AFL star Lance 'Buddy' Franklin, have welcomed two children in the last two years.

And while it may appear that having kids close in age has benefits, she revealed that it has 'tested' their marriage.

The 30-year-old confessed to Stellar on Saturday that both she and Buddy have struggled to spend quality time together due to their duties as parents.

Challenges: Jesinta Franklin revealed to Stellar magazine how having two children in quick succession has 'tested' her marriage with AFL star Lance 'Buddy'

'A lot of people don't talk about how hard it is on your marriage having children,' she said.

The former Miss Universe Australia and her Sydney Swans star beau, who married in 2016, are parents to 21-month-old daughter Tallulah and nine-month-old son Rocky.

She said: 'We really haven't had much time just us two without the kids, but we're a very tight-knit family.'

Time flies: The former Miss Universe Australia and her Sydney Swans star beau, who married in 2016, are parents to 21-month-old daughter Tallulah and nine-month-old son Rocky

Children: The couple are doting parents to 21-month-old daughter Tallulah (seen right) and nine-month-old son Rocky (seen left)

'It's definitely not perfect, but we try to focus on being a team and facing the challenges together,' she said of herself and Buddy.

Jesinta also praised her husband for being a proactive and doting dad to their kids.

'Bud is so hands-on and supportive, and I really missed that when he was gone. I'm really lucky to have a partner who is such an amazing father,' she said, referring when he was away for the footy season.

Team work: She said of herself and Buddy, 'it's definitely not perfect, but we try to focus on being a team and facing the challenges together'

Doting: Jesinta also praised her husband for being a proactive and doting dad to their kids

Earlier this month, Jesinta had her kids bid an emotional farewell to Buddy as he headed off for a before heading off to pre-season training

The WAG shared a photo of Buddy giving 'goodbye kisses' to their little boy before heading off.

She captioned the post: '18th pre-season for Bud so he's now back at training full time. We have had the best few months together as a family.'
Former lingerie tycoon Michelle Mone was seen for the first time in Chelsea on Tuesday after racist allegations against her came to light.

Michelle, 50, looked casually glamorous in a designer ensemble as she stepped out for lunch in Chelsea with husband Doug Barrowman, 56.

Known as Baroness Mone, the businesswoman was accused of calling a man of Indian heritage 'a waste of a man's white skin' in a WhatsApp message following a fatal boat crash in 2019.

She insisted that she had believed him to be '100 per cent white and British'.

First sighting: Michelle Mone, 50, looked casually glamorous as she stepped out with husband Doug Barrowman, 56, for lunch on Tuesday - after racist allegations against her came to light

Walking arm-in-arm with husband Doug, Michelle donned a black top, blue skinny jeans, a black statement trench coat and 510 Gucci sneakers.

She accessorised with a black and gold Valentino belt, worth approximately 430, and a 1,690 black crocodile effect Balenciaga handbag.

Michelle showed off glamorous blonde tresses despite a sudden downpour, and opted for glamorous makeup.

Meanwhile, her husband looked sharp in a tailored sweater and suit combination.

Making headlines: The sighting comes after Ms Mone claimed that a man of Indian heritage put a Native American style headdress on her during a day of 'drinking and partying', just weeks before he accused her of racially abusing him

The sighting comes after Michelle claimed a man of Indian heritage put a Native American style headdress on her during a day of 'drinking and partying', just weeks before he accused her of racially abusing him.

The former lingerie tycoon risked being accused of 'cultural insensitivity' by donning the headdress made of black feathers during an al fresco lunch at an expensive restaurant on the French Riviera.

She was pictured in the controversial headgear just three weeks before she allegedly sent the offensive WhatsApp message to financial consultant Richard Lynton-Jones, describing him as being a 'waste of a man's white skin'.

Lady Mone and her husband were with Monaco-based Mr Lynton-Jones, 42, and 15 other people on two superyachts when they all had lunch together at La Guerite restaurant set on a rocky cove overlooking Cannes on the small island of Ile Sainte-Marguerite.

Incident: Michelle risked being accused of 'cultural insensitivity' by donning the headdress made of black feathers during an al fresco lunch at an expensive restaurant on the French Riviera

She claimed Mr Lynton-Jones had put the headgear on her head after fetching it from a box of fancy dress hats and outfits at the restaurant.

The lavish day out ended in tragedy when the second yacht which had Mr Lynton-Jones on board smashed into the yacht owned by Lady Mone's multi-millionaire husband, killing a British deckhand.

She made a statement apologising for any offence she had caused after MailOnline told her that it had a photograph of her wearing the headdress, and a second snap showing her with her husband who was wearing another headdress with white feathers.

Michelle admitted having it on for a brief period and claimed to have been 'set up' by having it placed on her head by the man who later accused her of racism.

Timeline: The former lingerie tycoon, nicknamed 'Baroness Bra', was pictured wearing the headdress along with her husband Doug Barrowman three weeks before she allegedly sent a racist text to a private banker of Indian heritage

Her representatives said last week that she strongly denied making any comments with racist intent and had believed that Mr Lynton-Jones was '100 per cent white and British'.

They also denied she had a lack of respect for 'those persons genuinely suffering with mental health difficulties'.

Mr Lynton-Jones said he had 'no memory' of placing any headdress on Lady Mone's head during the lunch at the restaurant which he described as 'a long day'.

He claimed that the video in which he was filmed saying, 'Michelle, Michelle, I've got one for you too' could have shown an incident when he had just bought two USB sticks of stored music from the restaurant's DJ at the request of her husband.

When told that it had been suggested that he put the headgear on Lady Mone, he said: 'I have no memory of that action. It was a long day and I have no memory of doing that at all to be honest.

'What I can't understand is why she is trying to drag me back into this again? All I ever wanted from her was an apology for the racist comment. The Indian headdress has nothing to do with what she called me.

'I have suffered racial abuse throughout my life and as usual when you stand up for what is right and call it out, you end up being attacked.'

Asked to respond to the claim that he had tried to 'set up' Lady Mone by putting the headdress on her head, he said: 'That is just bizarre. Why would I plan something two years later about racism after a yacht crash which had not yet taken place?

'I don't know why she keeps dragging me back into this. All I want is an apology for her racist abuse. It has no place in today's society, especially from a member of the House of Lords.

'I have suffered abuse my whole life. I was attacked and spent weeks in hospital. I had three brain haemorrhages, three fractures to my skull, a broken nose and a broken cheek bone from a racist attack. I am very much anti racism.'

The wearing of headdresses made of feathers used to be popular at music festivals and at fancy dress parties, but has become increasingly taboo and seen as culturally inappropriate in recent years.
Ava 'Willow' Stefanovic is ready to follow in her famous dad's footsteps by kicking off a career in the spotlight.

Karl's eldest daughter has signed with Precision MGMT to launch a career as a model.

Speaking to Stellar magazine, the 16-year-old credited her mum Cassandra Thorburn for helping her to achieve her modelling dreams.

Goals: Karl Stefanovic's daughter Ava 'Willow' Stefanovic has signed with Precision MGMT to launch a career as a model

'My family has always been supportive of my dreams and aspirations,' she said.

'Mum has been the one who put in the hard yards to get me to this point. She herself is very creative, especially in home decor.

'She has instilled in the three of us to journey safely through life, always with impeccable manners, and never get ahead of ourselves.'

The budding catwalk queen also had some kind words for Karl, stating: 'He backs me 100 per cent.'

Supportive: 'My family has always been supportive of my dreams and aspirations,' the 16-year-old told the magazine

She posed in a stunning modelling shoot for Stellar, which included one image of the teen in a pair of high-waisted pants and a matching jacket.

Willow, who previously went by her first name Ava before opting for her middle name, is the youngest daughter of Karl and his ex-wife Cassandra.

The former couple are also parents to sons Jackson, 22, and River, 14.

'Mum got me to this point': Willow credited her mum Cassandra Thorburn (pictured) for helping her to achieve her modelling dreams

The Nine presenter found love with shoe designer Jasmine in late 2016, after splitting from Cassandra, and the pair were married two years later in December 2018.

The couple welcomed their first child together, daughter Harper, in May last year.

Despite their age difference, half-sisters Willow and Harper have forged a close bond.

Jasmine recently shared a heartwarming photo on Instagram of Willow walking hand in hand with Harper at the beach, and captioned it: 'Sisters.'

Famous family: Willow, who previously went by her first name Ava before opting for her middle name, is the youngest daughter of Karl (left) and his ex-wife Cassandra

Jasmine and Karl finally moved into their new home in Castlecrag, on Sydney's Lower North Shore, in late June.

The couple took ownership of the property just two days before Sydney was forced into lockdown, reports Realestate.com.au.

The Today host and his designer wife purchased the home in March for $3.2million after the house they'd been renting nearby was sold for more than $8million.

New life: Karl found love with shoe designer Jasmine in late 2016, after splitting from Cassandra, and the pair were married two years later in December 2018 and then had a baby
Kyle Sandilands was recently given the 'all clear' after undergoing fertility testing as he and his girlfriend Tegan Kynaston begin plans to start a family.

And on Saturday, they enjoyed a double date with their friends John Ibrahim and Sarah Budge at what appeared to be an upscale restaurant in Sydney.

In an Instagram photo, the shock jock, 50, beamed alongside his girlfriend, 35, as she wrapped her arm around him.

Double date night! Kyle Sandilands and his girlfriend Tegan Kynaston (left) enjoyed a double date with their friends John Ibrahim and Sarah Budge (right)

Alongside them was the former Kings Cross night club owner, 53, who cosied up to his model partner, 31.

It's likely John and Sarah shared their parenting experiences as they just welcomed their son, Elvis, back in August.

Kyle recently told Daily Mail Australia that he was excited about starting a family with Tegan after his fertility results.

'I was really nervous [about the fertility test] until it came back saying, "Yep, it's all great, everything's fine,"' Sandilands said.

Proud parents: It's likely John and Sarah shared their parenting experiences just months after welcoming their son, Elvis, back in August

'[Tegan] is all good, obviously. She's a young and healthy woman. So it's good to know that everything's fine in that area so it won't interfere with any future plans.'

Sandilands admitted he wasn't always interested in having children, but came around to the idea after spending time with other parents, such as John and Sarah.

'I wasn't thinking about having kids because I've been work focused. But all my friends have kids and Tegan's family and friends, they've all got little kids. And we're like the only couple at the barbecue that've got no kids, we have the FOMO,' he said.

Good to go: Kyle recently told Daily Mail Australia that he was excited about starting a family with Tegan after his fertility results. 'I was really nervous [about the fertility test] until it came back saying, "Yep, it's all great, everything's fine"'

Kyle revealed he and Tegan had even tested the parenting experience by babysitting other people's children.

'We said, "Oh let's babysit in case we hate it." But we were running around and loving it,' he enthused.

'And my little godson is always hitting me in the head and hanging off my neck, and I don't get annoyed ever. So I thought, "Okay, well, I have the tolerance and I feel like the time is close."'

Testing the waters: The shock jock revealed he and Tegan had even tested the parenting experience by babysitting other people's children. 'We said, "Oh let's babysit in case we hate it." But we were running around and loving it,' he enthused

And while he and Kynaston haven't made any concrete baby plans yet, it's clear Sandilands is prepared for the challenge.

'We've got plenty of space for the night nurse and the nanny to live here and do most of the work. You've got to have that, because my work schedule, getting up every morning at 4.30am, that's never going to change,' he said.

'I'm not going to bring some kind of situation into the household that might throw that around, I can't put all that on the onus of the other partner. That's also unfair.'
Victoria and David Beckham's son Cruz, 16, enjoyed a 'fun night' of 'third wheeling' with his parents, his brother Romeo and his girlfriend Mia Regan, both 19, on Friday.

In a hilarious post shared to Cruz's Instagram on Saturday, the teen nestled in close to David, 46, and Victoria, 47, for a fun-filled selfie on the night out in London.

Cruz, who looked cool and casual in a puffer jacket, striped trousers and sunglasses, also pouted for the camera as he captured Romeo and Mia packing on the PDA.

'Had fun third wheeling': David and Victoria Beckham's son Cruz, 16, shared a hilarious post to Instagram on Saturday from a night out with his parents, brother Romeo and his girlfriend Mia Regan, in London

In the selfie, David donned a Spice World Christmas sweater and warmly embraced Victoria, who looked glamorous and flashed the peace sign for the camera.

Cruz also captured his brother Romeo and his girlfriend Mia warmly embracing while seated on a couch, playfully enjoying being a 'third wheeler'.

Romeo and Mia have been dating for two years and were first spotted together at the afterparty of Victoria's SS20 show.

Hilarious: Cruz, the youngest of the Beckham clan, also captured his brother Romeo and his girlfriend Mia, both 19, warmly embracing while seated on a couch, playfully enjoying being a 'third wheeler'

Going strong: Romeo and Mia have been dating for two years and were first spotted together at the afterparty of Victoria's SS20 show (pictured in London on November 29)

The youngest of the Beckham clan hilariously captioned the post: Fun night @victoriabeckham @davidbeckham had fun third wheeling @romeobeckham @mimimoocher,' alongside a laughing face and love heart emoji.

Noticeably absent on the night out was Brooklyn Beckham, 22, and his fiancee Nicola Peltz, 26.

Brooklyn, the eldest son of David and Victoria, recently revealed they would 'already be married', if the coronavirus pandemic 'wasn't a thing'.

Last month, Brooklyn, who popped the question to Nicola in June last year, spoke to Hello! Magazine about his imminent wedding and revealed his hopes to tie the knot next year - coronavirus restrictions permitting.

Lounging around: Cruz looked cool and casual on the night in a grey puffer jacket, striped trousers and dark sunglasses

Cruz hilariously captioned the post: Fun night @victoriabeckham @davidbeckham had fun third wheeling @romeobeckham @mimimoocher,' alongside a laughing face and love heart emoji

As well as shedding light on their nuptials, Brooklyn revealed he will be spending Christmas away from his famous family, having spent lockdown in America with Nicola's nearest and dearest while the Beckhams resided in the Cotswolds.

Brooklyn confirmed the happy news in July last year, much to the delight of his family, after first being linked in October 2019.

On their wedding, he said: 'We've been engaged for a year and if Covid wasn't a thing we'd have liked to have been married already, and it has been a bit difficult...

'You know, I've only just started to travel again, I'm travelling a little bit now but hopefully, it'll be next year.'

Lovebirds: Noticeably absent on the night out was Brooklyn Beckham, 22, and his fiancee Nicola Peltz, 26

Absolutely smitten: Brooklyn, the eldest son of David and Victoria, recently told Hello! Magazine that they would 'already be married', if the coronavirus pandemic 'wasn't a thing'

Speaking about being away from his family during lockdown, he said: 'No [it wasn't difficult], because I'm marrying my best friend so we kind of have our own little bubble together now and it's just really nice.'

On his Christmas plans, Brooklyn said: 'I am so busy with work right now so it's kind of wherever work takes me,' he explained. 'I think I'm going to be with my fiancee's family so I'm very excited.'

In announcing his engagement last year, Brooklyn shared a snap of the duo with the caption: 'Two weeks ago I asked my soulmate to marry me and she said yes xx...

Holiday plans: As well as shedding light on their nuptials, Brooklyn revealed he will be spending Christmas away from his famous family, having spent lockdown in America with Nicola's nearest and dearest while the Beckhams resided in the Cotswolds

'I am the luckiest man in the world. I promise to be the best husband and the best daddy one day. I love you baby xx'.

Brooklyn has previously dated actress Chloe Moretz and model Hana Cross.

Nicola was previously dating the youngest of the Hadid siblings, model Anwar Hadid. It's believed they dated for just over a year before they split up in May 2018.
Anne Hathaway is joining stars defending Succession star Jeremy Strong, after a profile on the actor in The New Yorker went viral earlier this week.

In the original article, the 42-year-old actor's very extreme approach to acting is revealed, including how he has injured himself doing stunts that were not required in the script.

Since then, actress Jessica Chastain and Oscar-winning screenwriter Aaron Sorkin have leaped to his defense, and Hathaway joined in them in a lengthy Instagram post on Saturday morning.

Speaking out: Anne Hathaway doubles down on support for Succession star Jeremy Strong after New Yorker profile as she praises his 'extraordinary sensitivity'

'As the week ends, I would like to send some love to Jeremy Strong who I'm lucky enough to have worked with twice and who I am proud to consider a friend,' she wrote, alongside a picture of Strong clutching an Emmy Award.

'I deeply value his qualities of thoughtfulness, sincerity, authenticity, sweetness, depth, kindness, generosity, as well as his powerful intelligence and extraordinary sensitivity,' she added.

Without name-checking the article per se, it seemed Anne was reference the saga as she continued: 'He is an incredibly talented and inventive artist who is fully engaged and committed on set, as well as a passionate, open person in life. I find all of these things inspiring. (oh, and he's fun.)'

In support: Anne posted this lengthy Instagram caption on Saturday morning

Who me? Jeremy Strong has been the subject of intense discussion this week thanks a to a profile in The New Yorker

Dedicated: He also noted that Strong was 'not a nut...he builds himself an on-ramp so that he's already started to give the performance by the time the director calls 'action''

Hathaway's post follows a day after Sorkin blasted the profile's author, Michael Schulman, saying he had created a 'distorted picture of Jeremy that asks us to roll our eyes at his acting process.'

Sorkin pointed out that the writer had asked him to make several comments about the actor, of which only one was used in the piece itself.

He also noted that Strong was 'not a nut...he builds himself an on-ramp so that he's already started to give the performance by the time the director calls "action."'

Speaking out: Aaron Sorkin released a statement regarding Jeremy Strong's controversial profile in The New Yorker through Jessica Chastain's Twitter account on Friday

The writer did recall, however, that the performer asked to experience the effects of tear gas during the filming of The Trial Of The Chicago 7, which he had to shoot down.

'Jeremy would never suggest endangering a member of the cast or crew or anyone else. It was something he mentioned in passing and I was telling the story affectionately and as a way of demonstrating his commitment,' he wrote.

He concluded his message by writing that 'Jeremy Strong is a great actor and a great company member. There isn't a writer, director or producer on Earth who wouldn't grab at the chance to cast him.'

Concerned: Actor Brian Cox admitted that he worries about how far Jeremy goes in his acting methods and 'what he does to himself'

Brian Cox previously voiced his concerns for his Succession co-star in the wake of the profile's release.

Sorkin expressed that the actor was only interested in eliciting a solid performance and was not trying to place anyone else working on the project in danger.

The article delved into the intense nature of the Boston-born actor and the lengths that he will go to in playing Kendall Roy on the hit HBO comedy/drama.

It even includes quotes from his co-stars Brian Cox and Kieran Culkin who express their concerns over some of Strong's acting methods.

The stunning profile reveals that Strong will often ad-lib lines and come up with his own stunts that are not part of the script, which have resulted in the actor seriously injuring himself.

Arguably, the profile presents information that paints a picture of Strong as being an actor highly dedicated to his craft. Though perhaps at times, too dedicated.

Worries: His on-screen father Brian Cox (pictured) admitted he fears for Jeremy's process, saying: 'The result that Jeremy gets is always pretty tremendous. I just worry about what he does to himself. I worry about the crises he puts himself through in order to prepare'

Speaking in the piece to staff writer Michael Schulman, Brian Cox said: 'I just worry about what he does to himself. I worry about the crises he puts himself through in order to prepare.'

Strong admits in the piece that he is currently wearing a leg brace after jumping off five-foot-high stage during a scene in the third season, that affected his femur and his tibia.

The scene was not used in the show, and it's unclear if he was asked to do it.

Meanwhile, co-star Kieran Culkin and executive producer Adam McKay also spoke about how he does not see the role as comic.

Kieran said: 'After the first season, [Jeremy] said something to me like, "I'm worried that people might think that the show is a comedy." And I said, "I think the show is a comedy." He thought I was kidding.'

Adam meanwhile revealed his bizarre severity is the reason Jeremy was cast, as he claimed his attitude to the show helped Kendall's character.

He said: 'That's exactly why we cast Jeremy in that role. Because he's not playing it like a comedy. He's playing it like he's Hamlet.'
Emma Corrin showed off her androgynous sense of style as she attended the first gala performance of Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club on Saturday.

The actress, 25, donned a black tuxedo style blazer for the occasion which she paired with a black shirt and trousers for a monotone look.

She added a pop of sparkle to the ensemble with a pair of jewel encrusted loafers, that sparkled under the lights.

Stunning: Emma Corrin showed off her androgynous sense of style as she joined Tom Hiddleston (right) at the first gala performance of Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club on Saturday

The Crown star wore her cropped blonde locks in a side part and tucked neatly behind her ears and opted for minimal makeup to let her natural beauty shine through.

She was joined at the performance by Tom Hiddleston, who cut a dashing figure in a smart black coat over a navy tee and paired with dark trousers.

The stars were two of many that came out to watch the play, which stars Eddie Redmayne and Jessie Buckley.

Stylish: The actress, 25, donned a black tuxedo style blazer for the occasion which she paired with a black shirt and trousers for a monotone look

A-list: Tom and Emma were two of many that came out to watch the play, which stars Eddie Redmayne and Jessie Buckley

Also in attendance was London Mayor Sadiq Khan who was joined by his wife Saadiya.

He looked suave in a grey blazer over a smart black shirt, while Saadiya looked lovely in a black lace blouse under a black jacket.

Hole singer Courtney Love, 57, looked stunning as she slipped into a vintage floral printed metallic dress with a ruffled hem and sleeves.

She wore her blonde tresses in a 1920's esque style with chic curls and a subtle makeup palette.

Mayoral: Also in attendance was London Mayor Sadiq Khan who was joined by his wife Saadiya

Vintage chic! Hole singer Courtney Love, 57, looked stunning as she slipped into a vintage floral printed metallic dress with a ruffled hem and sleeves

Doctor Foster actor Bertie Carvel, 44, looked smart in an all black ensemble as he wore an onyx overshirt with a matching turtle neck jumper.

Elsewhere, Irish comedian Aisling Bea, 37, wowed in a plunging velvet jumpsuit as she layered over a jacket with floral printed edging.

Fashion designer Christopher Kane, 39, also put in an appearance on the red carpet as he too appeared to get the all black memo.

He donned a layered look as he team a jumper with a shirt and pinstripe blazer jacket with washed out denim jeans.

Emma's outing comes after bosses at The WhatsOnStage Awards replaced the show's best actor and actress categories with 'performer in a male or female identifying role'.

Stunning! Irish comedian Aisling Bea, 37, wowed in a plunging velvet jumpsuit as she layered over a jacket with floral printed edging

The change came after nominee Emma, who is up for the gong for her stage debut Anna X, announced she was queer and non-binary - and will use pronouns she/they on her Instagram bio earlier this year.

The new terminology for the prestigious awards will also apply to supporting roles and to musicals as well as plays.

In Anna X, Emma plays a character based on the Russian fraudster Anna Sorokin, who conned Manhattan society into believing she was a wealthy heiress.

Smart! Doctor Foster actor Bertie Carvel, 44, looked smart in an all black ensemble as he wore an onyx overshirt with a matching turtle neck jumper

On coming out, Emma revealed in an ITV interview: 'My journey has been a long one and has still got a long way to go. I think we are so used to defining ourselves...

'That's the way society works within these binaries and it's taken me a long time to realise that I exist somewhere in between and I'm still not sure where that is yet...

'I know the people on social media and around the world who have been talking about it have helped me on my journey...

'When I started posting about it it felt very scary and revealing and I wasn't sure if it was the right thing to do but the feeling I've got from other people in the queer community has been wonderful...

'I just walked through from where we're staying along canal street and it's just an amazing feeling of solidarity, it's a beautiful feeling to be among that sort of thing.'
Selling Sunset's Vanessa Villela missed filming half of the show's upcoming fifth season due to COVID-19.

The 43-year-old real estate agent revealed that she tested positive for COVID-19 shortly before the fifth season was set to start production in August.

'Out of 11 weeks of filming, I was sick for five. I got COVID in August and we started filming right in that moment, so obviously they couldn't wait for me,' the former telenovela star told Page Six.

Health struggles: Selling Sunset's Vanessa Villela missed filming half of the show's upcoming fifth season due to COVID-19

She continued, 'I had a very strong COVID case. My case, it's still going actually.

'It's called long COVID. I'm still dealing with it.'

Vanessa joined the cast of the hit Netflix reality show along with fellow newcomer Emma Hernan in season four, which premiered on November 24.

New cast: Vanessa joined the cast of the hit Netflix reality show along with fellow newcomer Emma Hernan in season four, which premiered on November 24

Scary: The 43-year-old real estate agent revealed that she tested positive for COVID-19 shortly before the fifth season was set to start production in August

Immediately after wrapping the fourth season, the cast including Jason and Brett Oppenheim, Chrishell Stause, Christine Quinn, Mary Fitzgerald, Heather Rae Young, Maya Vander, Davina Potratz, Amanza Smith began shooting season five.

Netflix greenlit the fourth and fifth seasons back in March but a release date for the fifth season has yet to be announced.

Vanessa told Page Six that audiences will see how the illness impacted her work on the show.

Ongoing illness: Vanessa told Page Six that audiences will see how the illness impacted her work on the show

The Mexico City native said, 'I was sick for too long and you're going to see a little bit of struggle with Vanessa in work.'

Vanessa described some of the worrisome symptoms that she experienced which included brain inflammation.

She told OK! magazine: 'Some people get affected in the lungs, some people by the stomach, or people like me  I got inflammation in the brain. I had a lot of hormonal imbalances and Vitamin D deficiencies which can sound quite easy, but it's not that great either.'

Busy: Immediately after wrapping the fourth season, the cast including Jason and Brett Oppenheim, Chrishell Stause, Christine Quinn, Mary Fitzgerald, Heather Rae Young, Maya Vander, Davina Potratz, Amanza Smith began shooting season five

The Amores de Mercado star said that her doctors told her that her case may have been more severe because of her pre-existing Vitamin D deficiency.

Vanessa explained to Page Six that her brain inflammation can cause spells of dizziness and recalled one troubling on-set experience.

'I went to film one day after I "recovered" and while I was speaking, I started feeling like I was going to pass out and I started feeling super dizzy,' she said. 'They had to send me in an Uber to my house.'

Grateful: On October 17, she shared an Instagram post in which she discussed her battle with COVID and thanked her doctors

Vanessa expressed her gratitude to the doctor provided to her by the Selling Sunset production team.

'I'm incredibly grateful for him because he's the reason we (Vanessa and her boyfriend) didn't end up going to the hospital,' she told OK!

'I was starting to have an infection in the lungs and it was very close to becoming pneumonia, so that's when you have to go to hospital, but he nailed the antibiotics on time.'

Dangerous: 'I was starting to have an infection in the lungs and it was very close to becoming pneumonia, so that's when you have to go to hospital, but he nailed the antibiotics on time'

On October 17, she shared an Instagram post in which she discussed her battle with COVID and thanked her doctors. Vanessa posted a photo in which she posed with Dr. Katherine Marie Zagone along with several images in which she was seen receiving oxygen and other treatments.

She wrote in the caption: 'In August 5 I contracted Covid, and it stole 5 weeks of my life at the most important times as I was filming and doing my real estate.

'Today almost 3 months after and Im still dealing with getting my body to a 100% Ive had insomnia, hormonal imbalance, severe lack of energy, brain inflammation etc but everything started to get better when TWO ANGELS were put into my life @drzagone @brianpla from @genteramed helped me to go back to start living a normal life again, Im still in treatments and WOW I cannot imagine how my life would be without your help, i have no words to describe my gratitude to you AND EVERYTHING YOU HAVE DONE FOR ME!

In treatment: Vanessa posted a photo in which she posed with Dr. Katherine Marie Zagone along with several images in which she was seen receiving oxygen and other treatments

'Thank you a million times for everything youve done and continue doing for me, I owe you my life.

'If youre suffering from long Covid or any health problem contact them, I promise you they will change your life, they have clinics in Miami, and in Los Angeles California and they will give you the BEST DOCTORS AND TREATMENTS for a speedy recovery '

Meanwhile, despite her absence from five weeks of filming, Vanessa told OK! that viewers can expect 'more drama' from the upcoming season and hinted that her boyfriend might make an appearance.
They famously reunited onscreen for a third time in 2020 for Bill & Ted Face the Music.

And it seems as though the bond is still going strong for actors Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter.

Keanu, 57, is in the midst of promoting his other recently revived franchise  The Matrix Resurrections  but chose to have some hangtime with his Bill & Ted co-star Alex, 56, on Friday night.

Totally tubular: Keanu Reeves enjoys a mini Bill & Ted reunion with co-star Alex Winter on Friday night in LA

The duo were spotted out for dinner at Italian restaurant Mozza in Los Angeles, with Keanu's partner Alexandra Grant.

Meanwhile, Alex was accompanied of his wife Ramsey Ann Nait.

Bill & Ted Face the Music received positive reviews from critics upon its release, which went to theaters and through video-on-demand during lockdown last year.

Another film lads? The pair last reunited onscreen in 2020's Bill & Ted Face the Music

Classic: The stars as they appeared together for the 1989 movie Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure

It was a follow up to the classic comedies Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989), Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey (1991).

Meanwhile, it was recently revealed that his character, Neo, will return from the dead in The Matrix's reprisal, which hits screens next month.

Earlier on Friday, Keanu joined Graham Norton as he tuned in virtually from the US to discuss the return of the sci-fi franchise.

Fancy: The duo were spotted out for dinner on Friday night at Italian restaurant Mozza in Los Angeles, with Keanu's partner Alexandra Grant (pictured)

Date night: Keanu's partner Alexandra Grant and Alex's wife Ramsey Ann Nait were also along for the night out

Busy man: Keanu is currently promoting his rebooted The Matrix franchise

Keanu who is set to star as lead character Neo in the fourth installment of the franchise, The Matrix Resurrections, discussed the character's resurrection and detailed his shock at being asked to return to play a deceased character.

Talking to the chat show host about the film, Keanu said: 'Hopefully people will enjoy it  it's very exciting, and it was an extraordinary experience to make it.'

The question on everyone's lips remains to be Neo's resurrection for the new film, after his death 18 years ago.

Order to go: Alex was seen leaving the restaurant with a pizza box

He's back: Keanu is reviving his character Neo in the new reboot of The Matrix

On their way: Keanu and Alexandra make their way home

The actor confessed that he had the same question: 'When the director asked me what I thought about doing another Matrix film I said "What? That sounds amazing but I'm dead."'

He continued: 'She was like, "Are you?" and I said, "Do tell!" She wrote a beautiful story, and I love playing the character. How I am alive will all be explained.'

Also putting in an appearance on the show comedian Jack Whitehall asked why he turned down Speed 2.

Keanu revealed: 'At the time I didn't respond to the script. I really wanted to work with Sandra Bullock, I loved playing Jack Traven, and I loved Speed, but an ocean liner?...

'I had nothing against the artists involved, but at that time I had the feeling it just wasn't right.'

Success: Bill & Ted Face the Music received positive reviews from critics upon its release, which went to theaters and through video-on-demand during lockdown last year

The Matrix Resurrections which is set to be released later this month follows Neo as he tries to live a normal life under the new name of Thomas A. Anderson.

As he suffers from strange and unusual glimpses he is prescribed some blue pills to counteract the visions.

Previously, The Matrix Revolutions saw Neo meet his demise as he battled Agent Smith after he encountered the Deus Ex Machina.

Neo enters the Matrix and successfully defeated the machine, igniting peace between human and machine. However, he is stopped and killed by Agent Smith before he can leave.
She was the epitome of new Hollywood glamour while appearing on the cover of American Vogue earlier this week.

But on Friday, actress Olivia Wilde went for a more casual look, as she was spotted out in Silver Lake, Los Angeles, with a pal.

Still looking effortlessly stylish, Olivia wore little makeup and had her hair styled down messy as she was seen chatting to a male friend.

Hot pink: Olivia Wilde looks effortlessly stylish as she goes makeup free with a male friend... after addressing the 'false narrative' in Harry Styles romance

The 37-year-old wore a hot pink sweater with the year 1970 written across it, ripped denim jeans and smart white shoes.

The sighting comes after the star addressed the 'false narrative' about her relationship timeline with boyfriend Harry Styles, who she went public with in January this year, just two months after splitting with Ted Lasso star Jason Sudeikis.

In the interview with American Vogue the actress seemingly refers to a dispute over how things played out in the break-up, telling the magazine: 'It's obviously tempting to correct a false narrative.'

Check this out: Olivia was animated after a male pal showed her something on his phone

Olivia and Jason, 46, broke off their seven-year engagement on November 13, last year with sources claiming it was 'amicable' and that their two children Otis Alexander, seven, and daughter Daisy Josephine, four, would remain a 'priority.'

However, Olivia was then seen holding hands with Harry, 27, at his agent's wedding in Montecito, California, on January 3 this year, raising eyebrows over just how quickly she had moved on.

There were conflicting reports on the exact timing of their split, but a source claimed to PEOPLE at the time: 'Jason feels that the timeline that Olivia and Harry would like people to believe  that she and Jason split ages ago, long before she became involved with Harry  is simply not accurate.'

Look to the stars: The actress was pictured venturing out in Silver Lake, Los Angeles, with a friend

Staying warm: The performer later shared a selfie while wearing a Golf Le Fleur hunting cap to her Instagram Story

Hanging out: She also posted a photo of herself spending time with singer Santigold to her Story

The source added: 'But that's how quickly it happened, and none of it happened until she began filming with Harry.'

One insider had claimed Olivia and Jason split 'at the beginning' of 2020, while another said 'she and Jason were very much together as recently as this fall.'

Though it seems that Olivia has no interest in setting the record straight on the matter, as she says in Vogue: 'But I think what you realize is that when you're really happy, it doesn't matter what strangers think about you.'

Isn't she lovely: The 37-year-old actress, who's dating her Don't Worry Baby star Harry Styles, simply stunned in the gorgeous campaign captured by famed photographer Annie Leibovitz

Adding: 'All that matters to you is what's real, and what you love, and who you love.'

The report had claimed that she began directing her movie Don't Worry Darling  that stars boyfriend Harry  in September last year, and that by October, Jason had 'got the impression she wanted out.' The source added: 'By November, they'd announced their split.'

Jason has since moved on with his Ted Lasso co-star, British glamour model Keeley Hazell.

Their split was first reported by PEOPLE with a source initially claiming things were amicable between the pair.
Garg, who is in his mid-40's, cited market efficiency, performance and productivity as the reason behind the firings. (Representational Image: Reuters)

New York: Vishal Garg, the Indian-origin CEO of US-based homeownership firm Better.com, who recently laid off 900 employees over a Zoom call and triggered widespread outrage, is taking time off from the company as it looks to build a "positive culture", according to media reports.

Garg's leave is also effective immediately, according to a Friday email from the company's board of directors. Day-to-day operations will be taken over by the company's CFO Kevin Ryan, the CNN reported.

Better.com is hiring a third party firm to do a "leadership and cultural assessment", whose recommendations "will be taken into account to build a long-term sustainable and positive culture" at the company, it said on Friday, citing an email from the digital mortgage company's board.

On December 1 over a Zoom call that lasted less than three minutes, Garg abruptly fired more than 900 employees, about 9 per cent of the company's workforce.

"If you're on this call, you are part of the unlucky group that is being laid off." "Your employment here is terminated, effective immediately," he told the employees.

Garg, who is in his mid-40's, cited market efficiency, performance and productivity as the reason behind the firings. In a later post on the professional network Blind, he accused the fired employees of "stealing" from their colleagues and customers by being unproductive and only working two hours a day.

The abrupt layoffs triggered widespread criticism and subsequently three top Better employees resigned from the company, news website vice.com reported.

Garg later apologised to staff, saying he failed to show the appropriate amount of respect and appreciation for individuals who are affected and for their contributions to Better, it said.

Garg's temperament has been an issue repeatedly in the past. He has called a top investor sewage and told employees that rather than take Indigenous Peoples' Day off, their time was better served earning the company capital, and therefore our freedom, the report said.

Better, a digitally oriented fintech startup based in New York offers a range of creative services in areas like mortgage lending and title and homeowners insurance. The company had just been listed as LinkedIn's top US startup in September, the second year in a row it received the designation.
Four days is a long time. Earlier this week, I was planning to write a piece on the victory of the fifth battalion of 11 Gorkhas in the 1971 war. A fateful Wednesday morning changed that, when a helicopter carrying Indias first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat and his wife Madhulika Rawat crashed in the Nilgiri Hills, ending their lives. This piece is a personal tribute to an extraordinary general, gentleman and my battalion commanding officer.

On July 4, 1994, I arrived at my battalion stationed in Uri, Kashmir. I was a newly commissioned Second Lieutenant, exuberant but wet behind my ears. Summoned to the Adjutants office, I walked in and saluted the well-built, strapping senior Major, sitting behind the desk. After a brief welcome over tea, he handed me a series of minor errands in the unit.

Feeling like an underemployed youngster, in a melee of busy officers and men at battalion base, I strutted off to the quarter guard, company barracks, armory et al, asking questions and trying to look important. After a while, I returned to the adjutant's office, smug in the belief that I had found the right answers to the tasks. I was wrong. The adjutant, phlegmatic and unfazed, popped a few questions that I hadnt figured, despite the efforts. How could that happen?

I was promptly dispatched on another round of errands on the missing answers, with additional tasks of scouring war diaries, preparing a brief on the battalions area along the Line of Control, etc. The cycle continued and each time I returned with responses, he would lob a thought that invariably had eluded me. That was the Adjutants way of getting me to learn the units functions, operations and about the troops.

What struck me then was how the adjutant, despite an awfully busy day on relentless phone calls, monitoring operations and filing reports in a vital location in Kashmir, found time to spend an hour with me, with patience to correct my innocuous blunders. The adjutant wasnt one to waste the first day of a young Indian army officer and wanted me to hit the ground running in the unit.

That was my first meeting with Major Bipin Rawat.

One morning, in my early days in the unit, a succession of solar powered rockets rained from the Pakistani area across the Jhelum and LoC, exploding on our side. One of them blew away the temporary accommodation to smithereens. Taken by surprise due to the boom, flash and flying rockets that threatened troops on our side, we realized after a couple had been fired that these rockets were timed to launch every fifteen minutes.

Amidst the mayhem, I remember Major Rawats composed voice on radio from the unit headquarters directing me to figure out the pattern of rocket strikes. His calmness and the presence of another unruffled figure at that place, Colonel Durga Prasad, was my first lesson on decision-making under pressure. After over a decade of service, I left the army for a corporate career.

Over the years, Colonel Rawat went on to command the unit and take it to greater heights. Yet, he remained firmly anchored to personal relationships, with officers and families from the regiment or from the wider armed forces community. The larger fauji fraternity reminisces about refined conduct of both the general and his wife.

Once, around 2001, when Colonel Rawat was posted at the Army headquarters, a young newly commissioned lady officer Lieutenant Madhvi Singh (wife of a fellow battalion officer) visited his South Block office. He received the young officer at the gate and after the meeting, saw her off past the labyrinthine lanes of the building.

The Generals wife, Madhulika Rawat, whose brother went to the same school as I (Daly College, Indore), was a kind hearted lady who many families will miss. On one occasion, a wife of a retired officer of the unit was recovering from cancer in Mumbai. Mrs Rawat decided to visit their house in Juhu, Mumbai, to spend time with the ailing lady. It sent the neighborhood security into a tizzy.

For those who knew of Gen Rawat as China-focused in recent times, his erstwhile battalion adjutant Major Manish Mall reminded of how, way back in 2001, when the nation was obsessed with Pakistan, Gen Rawat recognized China as the bigger threat in a presentation to a visiting corps commander.

In 2017, before starting on my debut book on the untold 1967 battles, I met General Rawat, then our Army chief. Since my book was to be based on events in the 1960s that warranted visits to units, regimental centers and key locations, I sought his thoughts. As I briefly narrated the story to him, the Chief squinted his left eye, tilted his head to a side and lightly tapped the pencil on his desk  a mannerism that, over years, was well known to unit officers as a popular giveaway about the General's liking for a topic.

China? I am happy youre writing on the subject. Bataa, how can I help? he greeted my idea with typical reassurance and advised on the people and places for sources. I sought his wishes and left.

A remarkable aspect of the Generals aura was his immaculate sense of timing. Often, he read the tea leaves early. A few months ago, I met him at a literature fest where he delivered the valedictory address. Before he arrived at the venue, a Bangladeshi war hero on a panel rued how the victory of 1971 was often reduced to an Indian victory, though Bangladeshis had contributed too.

In walked the CDS and announced to the entire gathering, 1971 was a victory for the people of India and Bangladesh. In the tea for participants that followed, the Bangladeshi war hero sidled up to me and gushed in Bangla, Did you hear the CDS? No wonder he is a true leader.

With one inclusive stroke, General Rawat had turned around the opinion of the veteran.

A week ago, the battalions officers and jawans, serving and retired, along with their families gathered in Delhi for celebrations of the 1971 war victory. The CDS and his wife attended each event. The unit was his home: he socialized freely amongst troops, officers, families and children amidst food and banter in barakhanas and dinners; behind a tough exterior was a leader with a humane side.

Destiny ordained that everyone in the battalion came together last weekend to bid a final goodbye. At dinner last Saturday, I discussed my next book idea with him. Like earlier, he was enthused and said we must write more military history that drew people to read. I promised to meet him soon. That was my last conversation with my former commanding officer.

It has been an honor to have served alongside General Bipin Rawat, Indias first CDS, a military hero, a glorious officer of the regiment and a gentleman.

Major (retd) Probal DasGupta is the author of the bestseller, Watershed 1967, an Indian Army veteran, who served General Bipin Rawat as his battalion officer.
The control room police informed the Erode district police. The call turned out to be hoax, the police said. (PTI Photo)

Erode: Police on Saturday said a team has gone to Tiruchirapalli to catch a person who made a bomb hoax call.

According to the police, the Chennai control room received a phone call a couple of day ago through a mobile phone stating that bombs were placed here in three places -- Erode Municipal Corporation Central Bus stand, Old Clock Tower area, and railway station. The control room police informed the Erode district police. The call turned out to be hoax, the police said.

Later, the Cyber Crime police traced the mobile phone number to Tiruchirapalli, so the team has gone there to nab the person.
All the suffocated workers were removed to hospital where doctors declared them to be out of danger, the police added. (Representational image: PTI)

Erode: One person died and 13 others were hospitalised on Saturday following a gas leak at a factory dealing in liquid chlorine, police said.

According to police, Dhamodharan (43), running the liquid chlorine factory near Chitode in the district, collapsed and died on the spot after the leakage from a cylinder he was refilling.

More than 20 workers in the factory accidentally inhaled the fumes and 13 of them fell unconscious, the police said. On seeing this, the other workers went to the rescue and informed the police who, in turn, alerted the Fire and Rescue Services. The firemen plugged the leak from the cylinder.

All the suffocated workers were removed to hospital where doctors declared them to be out of danger, the police added.
Bengaluru: Karnataka Home Minister Araga Jnanendra on Saturday directed the Director General of Police Praveen Sood to identify and punish those who post derogatory remarks on social media against the Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat who, along with his wife Madhulika Rawat and 11 others, was killed in a helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu on December 8.

The Minister has instructed Sood that there should not be any delay in identifying and initiating stringent action against those who are celebrating the untimely death of General Rawat, Jnanendra's office said in a statement.

"Find out the residential addresses of those criminals who post such remarks on the social media celebrating the death of the proud son of India, as they are anti-nationals, and punish them befitting their distorted minds," the Minister told Sood.

In CDS Gen Bipin Rawat's death, the country has suffered an irreparable loss as his contribution to the nation was extraordinary, Jnanendra said.
A staffer conducts thermal screening of a passenger at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, in Mumbai. (PTI)

New Delhi: A 35-year-old man, with travel history to Zimbabwe and South Africa, has tested positive for Omicron, becoming the second patient in Delhi of the new COVID-19 variant, sources said on Saturday.

He is admitted at the LNJP Hospital and only has weakness, they added.

He returned to India from Zimbabwe and had even travelled to South Africa, the sources said, adding that he is fully vaccinated.

The LNJP Hospital has been designated for treatment of patients infected with the new Omicron variant of the coronavirus.

On Sunday, a 37-year-old fully vaccinated man who arrived in Delhi from Tanzania, became the first patient of Omicron in the national capital.

The patient, a resident of Ranchi, had travelled from Tanzania to Doha and from there to Delhi on a Qatar Airways flight on December 2.

He stayed in Johannesburg, South Africa, for a week. The person has mild symptoms.
SRINAGAR: A female employee of Jammu and Kashmir Bank, one of the oldest nationalised banks in India, has been placed under suspension over purportedly placing an inappropriate emoji on a Facebook post about the tragic death of Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat in a helicopter crash earlier this week.

An order by the bank says that despite repeated circulars issued from time to time against misuse of social media platforms by employees contrary to interests/rules of the Bank, in one such incident one of our employees has made derogatory comments/remarks on the social media platform on a tragic accident.

It adds, The contents are purely defamatory and not in consonance with conduct rules governing the services of an employee and tantamount to misconduct.

The bank has not disclosed the name of the employee but her (employee) code. The order reads, Pending disciplinary proceedings against the banking attendant, Code No 023581, presently posted at Central Processing Centre CASA, she is hereby placed under suspension with immediate effect.
George said the government was not in a position to settle the demand regarding advancing of first year PG admission as the matter was pending before the Supreme Court.  ANI

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Patient care services were badly hit in Government medical college hospitals in Kerala following the indefinite strike by medicos from Friday in support of their demands.

While the doctors carried out emergency services partially, out patient, inpatient services, labour room, intensive care, elective surgeries were badly affected by the strike. However, the striking doctors exempted Covid -19 duties from the agitation.

The main demand raised by the PG doctors is the appointment of non-academic junior residents doctors. The government has issued an order appointing 373

Non-academic junior resident doctors in medical College hospitals to reduce the work load of medicos.

Health Minister Veena George slammed the junior doctors for going on indefinite strike at a time when the state is fighting against Covid-19 pandemic. While issuing a warning to enforce the Epidemic Disease Act against the agitating doctors, she alleged that a section of medicos was deliberately trying to create obstacles in Covid treatment activities in hospitals.

She said the government was not in a position to settle the demand regarding advancing of first year PG admission as the matter was pending before the Supreme Court.

The medical college principals have directed the PG medicos to vacate the hostels in view of their indefinite strike.

Meanwhile, the organisation of senior doctors of medical colleges; Kerala Government Medical College Teachers Association (KGMCTA) has urged the state government to take immediate steps to resolve the strike of junior doctors which has badly affected the patient care services in medical college hospitals.

The association reiterated its demand for implementing the pay revision order which was issued last year, removal of anomalies in the entry cadre and reconsider the decison to redeploy the doctors from the existing medical colleges to the newly opened Idukki and Konni medical colleges.
HYDERABAD: As the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) government completes three years in its second term on Sunday, Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao is all set to put welfare schemes and development programmes on fast track besides gearing up his party for the 2023 Assembly polls.

According to party sources, the Chief Minister turned his focus on tightening administration and reforming government machinery to deliver effective services to people soon after MLC election code ends on December 16. He is expected to make key changes in the government to streamline administration and also in the party in 2022 soon after Sankranti in January, sources added.

A Cabinet reshuffle is also not ruled out after Sankranti besides a major administrative rejig of IAS and IPS officers, which has been pending since 2018. The Chief Minister is also expected to fill over 500 nominated posts in the government and boost the morale of the party's rank and file and brace them for Assembly polls which are just two years away.

Rao took oath as the Chief Minister for the second term on December 13, 2018, after the TRS retained power in Assembly polls with a landslide majority.

But the Chief Minister faced several challenges and obstructions in his second term due to successive elections since 2018 December Assembly polls to local bodies polls and Lok Sabha polls in 2019, Huzurnagar Assembly bypoll in October 2019, Dubbak Assembly bypoll and GHMC polls in 2020-end, Graduate MLC polls, municipal polls, Nagarjunasagar Assembly bypoll in April 2021, Huzurabad Assembly bypoll in October 2021 and MLC polls under local bodies held on Friday.

The election code of conduct, which was in force for several months in phases due to successive elections during the last three years, prevented the Chief Minister from taking decisions on launching new development programmes or welfare schemes.

The Covid first wave in March 2019 and second wave in April 2020 created financial problems for the state government due to lockdowns and business restrictions for several months which resulted in Rs 1 lakh crore loss to the state exchequer.

Now that the Covid situation came under control and all elections came to an end in Telangana with recent MLC polls, the Chief Minister has decided to fast track development programmes and welfare schemes for the remaining two years tenure of the TRS government.

Barring minor setbacks in GHMC polls, Dubbak and Huzurabad Assembly bypolls in the last three years, the TRS swept all the elections with a huge majority held since December 2018.
Islamic State (IS)-affiliated terrorists have staged several bomb explosions in Kabul and other places since the Taliban's takeover in mid-August. (Representational Image: ANI)

Kabul: The Islamic State has claimed the responsibility for the two recent explosions in Kabul, Russian media reported citing Afghan broadcaster Shamshad News on Saturday.

On Friday, TOLO News broadcaster reported that at least two people had been killed and three others injured in the explosions.

"A car bomb had exploded at the Iraqi police recruiting centre at Kisak, killing at least two civilians and wounding three others," TOLOnews quoted Interior Ministry's spokesperson Saeed Khosti as saying.

Sputnik reported citing Shamshad News' tweet that the terrorist group has taken credit for the attacks.

Islamic State (IS)-affiliated terrorists have staged several bomb explosions in Kabul and other places since the Taliban's takeover in mid-August.
Over the last couple of years, Samsung has done a pretty good job with the compact Galaxy Buds earphones series. Now, the company has come up with the new Buds2 with a refined design and improved technology to deliver better audio quality.

I used new Samsung earbuds for over a week and here are my thoughts about the Galaxy Buds2.

Design and build quality

Our review unit is a classical graphite colour variant. It comes in a glossy white case in a curved squarish pebble form factor. Inside, you will find the small smooth chocolate ball-like earbuds with silicone ear tips but in grey colour.

By the way, the company is offering three pairs of ear tips - Large, medium (pre-fitted with earbuds), and small and users can find the best comfortable fit for the ears.

It should be noted that Samsung offers an earbud fit test through a mobile app (Galaxy Wearable) to check if the outside noise can be blocked properly with the current ear tips for a better and comfortable fit.

It comes in three other colours--flawless white, soothing olive, and stylish lavender. They too look good to the eyes.



Samsung Galaxy Buds2. Credit: DH Photo/KVN Rohit



Like the previous iteration, each new earbud features a pogo pin for charging and also features high-quality sensors. They automatically sense the user has removed the earbuds and stops playing the music instantly, saving battery life.

Also, the Galaxy Buds2 comes with an IPX2 rating, which means the earbuds can sustain sweat due to heavy workouts at the gym and also be able to survive accidental water splashes and moderate rain.



Samsung Galaxy Buds2. Credit: DH Photo/KVN Rohit



Though the Galaxy Buds2 are light (weigh 5g apiece) and fit comfortably in my ears, I always felt anxious about losing them during the rush hour on the bus. It's psychological and I couldn't overcome it in my routine commute between the home and the office.

But, I have to note, I wore the Galaxy Buds2 during my weekend morning walks and jogged for a short distance on the mud track, and they stay put in my ears.

User-interface and performance

Like the previous iteration and any other earphones, setting up Galaxy Buds 2 was easy and is faster, if you happen to own any of the mid-range Samsung Galaxy A or premium S, Fold series models.

The instant you open the case, a screen pops up on the Samsung phones to initiate the pairing process. Users just have to follow the on-screen suggestions and it gets over in a few minutes. If you own non-Samsung Android phones, you need to install the Galaxy Wearable app.



Galaxy Buds2 can be paired with an Android phone using the Galaxy Wearable app. Credit: DH Photo/KVN Rohit



With this app, users can assign functionalities to touch and hold gestures. You will get four options- Switch noise control to Ambient Sound (and vice-versa), Bixby, Volume down (in left earbud)/Volume Up (in right earbud), and Spotify (open app on phone).

With the other three gestures-- single tap, double-tap, and triple taps-- you can play/pause music, play the next track and play the previous track, respectively.



Touch control features of Samsung Galaxy Buds2. Credit: DH Photo/KVN Rohit



The active noise canceling feature of the Galaxy Buds2 does a fine job of delivering clear and crisp audio be it during the phone or while playing music. I have to note that, there is a bit of leakage of outside environment noise, but never overwhelming. Samsung too acknowledges that the ANC feature cuts external noise by up to 98%.

Furthermore, the device offers three sound levels-- high, medium, and low- in Ambient mode.

It features three mics (two outside and one inside) and a built-in voice pickup unit inside. They work in tandem to pick clear audio even under noisy background. Backed by the machine learning-based algorithm, they do a fine job.

Add to that, the Galaxy Buds2 comes with dynamic two-way speakers (with Woofer + Tweeter driver units). This apparently helps the earbud to deliver crisp, clear high notes and deep bass.

In reality, yes they do work wonderfully in delivering the best possible audio output.

Also, with the equalizer feature on the mobile app, users can tweak the settings to-- Normal, Bass Boost, Soft, Dynamic, Clear, and Treble Boost-- to adjust audio output to certain frequencies of their choice to improve the audio listening experience.



Equalizer feature on Galaxy Wearable app for the Galaxy Buds2. Credit: DH Photo/KVN Rohit



I played tracks of different genres of music including Carnatic devotional songs, rock, heavy metal, blues, hip-hop, and others. I am happy to note, the Galaxy Buds2 fared well and there was no stressing issue I can complain of.

With Bluetooth 5.2, it is capable of maintaining a steady connection with the companion device inside any corner of the house.

Also, Samsung Galaxy Buds2 also boasts lost mode. Users can locate the lost Earbuds with the companion phone. Just have to install the SmartThings app and you will be able to track and find them.



SmartThings Find app can be used to detect Samsung Galaxy Buds2. Credit: DG Photo/KVN Rohit



As far as the battery life is concerned, it promises to offer up to five hours with ANC on and up to 7.5 hours with ANC off. In real-life usage terms, it worked fine for me and was able to perform as advertised.



Samsung Galaxy Buds2 case with Type-C charging port. Credit: DH Photo/KVN Rohit



For the uninitiated, each of the earbuds comes with a 61mAh cell and the case features a 472mAh battery.

I never faced any anxiety of losing connection due to a shortage of battery power. Thanks to the battery life indicator on the mobile app, I was always aware and charge at the appropriate time, so that the earbuds' case is fully powered most of the time.

It also supports fast charging. Just five minutes of charging is enough for the earbuds to deliver up to one hour of listening time.



Samsung Galaxy Buds2. Credit: DH Photo/KVN Rohit



Final thoughts

Samsung's new Galaxy Buds2 is a worthy premium earbud for Android phone users. The touch sensors on the smooth outer shell are really quick to respond to touch inputs and most importantly deliver excellent audio output. Also, the active noise-canceling feature, as noted before, does an excellent job to offer clear audio amidst a noisy environment.

Get the latest news on new launches, gadget reviews, apps, cybersecurity, and more on personal technology only on DH Tech.
Several popular services, including Apple iCloud, Amazon, Twitter, Cloudflare and Minecraft, are vulnerable to a 'ubiquitous' zero-day exploit, cybersecurity researchers have warned, leaving IT security teams at several companies scrambling to patch the vulnerability called 'Log4Shell'.

The 'zero-day' exploit (which is a cyber attack targeting a software vulnerability which is unknown to the software/antivirus companies) is found in the widely-used Java logging system called 'log4j2'.

If exploited, the vulnerability allows remote code execution (RCE) on vulnerable servers, giving hackers the ability to import malware that would completely compromise millions of machines.

Read more: Tesla's Elon Musk is 'thinking of' quitting his jobs and becoming influencer

"Many, many services are vulnerable to this exploit. Cloud services like Steam, Apple iCloud, and apps like Minecraft have already been found to be vulnerable," said researchers from application security company LunaSec.

"Anybody using Apache Struts is likely vulnerable. We've seen similar vulnerabilities exploited before in breaches like the 2017 Equifax data breach," the researchers noted in a blog post late on Friday.

Many Open Source projects like the Minecraft server, Paper, have already begun patching their usage of 'log4j2'.

According to a TechCrunch report, companies with servers confirmed to be vulnerable to 'Log4Shell' attack so far include Apple, Amazon, Cloudflare, Twitter, Steam, Baidu, NetEase, Tencent and Elastic, "though there are likely hundreds if not thousands of other organisations affected".

In a statement, Cloudflare said it has updated systems to prevent attacks, adding that it saw no evidence of exploitation.

"The Log4j vulnerability is a significant threat for exploitation due to the widespread inclusion in software frameworks, even NSA's GHIDRA," said Robert Joyce, the director of Cybersecurity at the US National Security Agency (NSA).

GHIDRA is a free and open source reverse engineering tool developed by the agency.

The Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) for New Zealand, Deutsche Telekom's CERT, and the Greynoise web monitoring service have also warned that hackers are actively looking for servers vulnerable to 'Log4Shell' attacks.

The Apache Software Foundation has also released an emergency security update to patch the zero-day vulnerability in 'log4j'.

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Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Saturday that Pakistan and the US must have deeper engagement to promote the shared objectives of peace, stability and economic development to support the Afghan people by taking all possible measures to prevent a humanitarian crisis and economic collapse.

Welcoming a four-member delegation of US senators, Khan also said the two countries should work in close cooperation to address the security threats in the region, including terrorism.

Pakistan valued its long-standing relationship with the United States and was committed to expanding it in all spheres, particularly in the economic dimension, he said while welcoming the delegation that arrived in Pakistan on Friday night amidst latest unease in the ties with Pakistan due to its decision to boycott the Democracy Summit hosted by US President Joe Biden.

He emphasised that Pakistan and the US must have deeper engagement to promote the shared objectives of peace, stability and economic development, particularly underscoring the urgent need to support the Afghan people by taking all possible measures to prevent a humanitarian crisis and economic collapse.

Also read: World Bank says donors approve release of $280 mn for Afghanistan

Khan also highlighted the importance of closer cooperation to address the security threats in the region, including terrorism.

The four-member US delegation consisted of senators Angus King, Richard Burr, John Cornyn and Benjamin Sasse.

All four senators are members of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, while Senator King is also a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

The Prime Minister reiterated that a deeper and stronger partnership between the two countries was mutually beneficial and critical for the regions peace, security and prosperity.

Recalling collective struggles of Pakistan and the US over the decades in promoting peace and security globally, the Senators appreciated Pakistans recent contribution in evacuation of the American nationals and others from Afghanistan post-15 August when the Taliban seized power in Kabul.

The Senators reaffirmed their commitment to a stable and broad-based Pakistan-US bilateral relationship.

They emphasised that, given the size of Pakistans population as well as its geo-strategic location, the US and Pakistan should make determined efforts to promote trade, investment and economic cooperation.
The United States placed a Chinese software firm and a North Korean animation studio on its blacklist Friday as it slapped sanctions on officials and entities in eight countries for human rights abuse.

The US Treasury said China's artificial intelligence company SenseTime, and two ethnic Uyghur political leaders in China's Xinjiang region Shohrat Zakir and Erken Tuniyaz, took part in the sweeping oppression of Uyghurs.

The Treasury said SenseTime's facial recognition programs were designed in part to be used in Xinjiang against Uyghurs and other mostly Muslim minorities, more than one million of who have been incarcerated in prison camps in the region.

"The mass detention of Uyghurs is part of an effort by (Chinese) authorities to use detentions and data-driven surveillance to create a police state in the Xinjiang region," the Treasury said.

The Treasury also accused North Korea's government-run animation firm, SEK Studio, and companies and individuals related to it, of exploiting North Korean workers to earn much-needed foreign exchange and avoid sanctions on the country.

SEK Studio has an international reputation and has contributed work to big-budget animated features including Disney's "Pocahontas" and "The Lion King."

Also hit with sanctions was North Korean Minister of People's Armed Forces Ri Yong Gil.

They are the first new US sanctions to target North Korea since President Joe Biden took office.

In additional actions to mark Human Rights Day 2021, the Treasury added four Myanmar state and region chief ministers to its sanctions blacklist, accusing them of participating in "brutal crackdowns" against the Myanmar people.

A Bangladesh internal security unit, the Rapid Action Battalion, which is accused of involvement in nearly 600 extrajudicial killings since 2018, was also included.

In a parallel, the US State Department announced Friday the blacklisting of 12 officials from China, Uganda, Belarus, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Mexico "for their involvement in gross violations of human rights."

"We are determined to put human rights at the center of our foreign policy, and we reaffirm this commitment by using appropriate tools and authorities to draw attention to and promote accountability for human rights violations and abuses," said Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

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Opposition Congress dug in its heels in the state assembly on the issue of illegal mining on the third day of the winter session on Saturday with Leader of Opposition Pritam Singh demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami for allegedly shielding the mining mafia.

Nandan Singh Bisht, a public relations officer (PRO) at the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), had written a letter to the Senior Superintendent of Police, Bageshwar on December 8 asking him to cancel the challans issued against three vehicles used allegedly for illegal mining specifying their numbers.

Bisht had said that the challans be cancelled citing an oral order of the chief minister to this effect.

After the opposition raised the issue in the House, Additional Chief Secretary Anand Vardhan issued an order on Saturday asking officers on special duty (OSDs), PROs, coordinators and the chief coordinator at the CMO not to use the official letterhead for issuing administrative orders with their signatures.

Singh said the letter proved the CMO's protection to the mining mafia and demanded the chief minister's resignation on moral grounds.

Congress poll campaign head Harish Rawat and state Congress president Ganesh Godiyal also raised the issue outside the assembly and staged a dharna at one of its gates along with their supporters holding anti-government placards which read "mining loving CM, wake up".

The opposition also raised the issue of unemployment in the state assembly accusing the BJP government of issuing "conflicting and misleading" data on the number of people given employment in the state.

"The parliamentary affairs minister informed the House in 2020 that 10 lakh people had been given employment and contradicted himself in 2021 saying only seven lakh people had been given employment," Singh said.

"All we want to know is which of the two figures is correct. The state government is misleading the House by giving conflicting data on employment," he added.

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Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and other dignitaries paid floral tributes to Junior Warrant Officer (JWO), who was killed in the helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu's Coonoor, as his mortal remains arrived at the Bhubaneswar airport on Saturday morning.

Das, a native of Talcher in Odisha's Angul district, was killed in the helicopter crash on December 8 along with India's first Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and 11 others.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) officer was given a guard of honour by the personnel of the 120 Infantry Battalion.

Also Read | IAF chopper crash: Mortal remains of 6 more identified

State ministers, MLAs and top police officers, including Director-General of Police Abhay, were among those who paid floral tributes to JWO Das at the airport.

The body was then taken to his native village of Krushnachandrapur in Kundala panchayat area in Talcher.

Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd, on the direction of Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, is preparing a special crematorium at the village for his last rites, which will be held with full military and state honours.

People of JWO Das' native village have been demanding that the road between Talabeda and Krishnachandrapur be named after him.

JWO Das, 34, joined the IAF in June 2006 and was posted at Coimbatore. He got married to Dr Sibangi, a dentist, in 2017, and the couple has a 19-month-old son.

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West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar on Saturday accused the Mamata Banerjee-led government of not providing information he sought on Howrah Municipal Corporation amendment bill sent to him for his assent.

The Howrah Municipal Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2021 that proposed to separate Bally Municipality from the jurisdiction of the HMC, was passed by the state assembly recently.

Also Read: West Bengal example of human rights violations: Governor Dhankhar

The governor also alleged that assembly Speaker Biman Banerjee blamed him for not signing the bill and withholding it, which he termed as "unfortunate". "I had sought information on the bill on November 24, but since then I have not received that.

The assembly speaker chose to blame me for not signing the bill and withholding it. His comment is unfortunate. I urge him to maintain dignity of the chair," Dhankhar said after visiting Padma Shri awardee cartoonist Narayan Debnath at his residence in Howrah.

The governor had earlier made the same allegation and returned the bill to the state government for reconsideration. Dhankhar had also said that he is yet to receive information sought from the speaker on other issues, too, since 2019.

The speaker, however, had claimed that full cooperation was provided whenever any information was sought for. "The allegations that the honourable governor has made are baseless. Whenever he has asked for anything or has made any queries, we have fully cooperated with him. But he has a habit of finding flaws in everything," Banerjee had said on December 6.

Replying to Dhankhar's allegations, state minister Firhad Hakim said, "When a bill is passed in the assembly, it is for the good of people as we have been elected by them. The governor is not elected but nominated. Withholding the bill is akin to suppressing the voice of people", he added.

Bally Municipality was a part of the Howrah Municipal Corporation since 2015. Minister of State for Urban and Municipal Affairs Chandrima Bhattacharya had said the idea behind the bifurcation is to provide improved service to people.

Opposition BJP, however, had claimed that Bally Municipality was separated from HMC because of political reasons.

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If voted to power again in Kolkatas upcoming civic polls, the Trinamool Congress promises a pothole-free city in its vision document (read manifesto) released on Saturday.

The party also promises to achieve zero blockage of drains to tackle waterlogging, and to have zero dark spots in the city.

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation has been steered by the Trinamool political leadership for the last two consecutive terms. It also had a five-year stint during 2000-2005.

After the parties in Opposition -- the BJP, the Left, and the Congress -- released their lists of promises to Kolkatas voters for the upcoming civic polls, the Trinamool leaders, on Saturday, released their 'vision document'.

The party manifesto puts forward its promises under 10 different heads that cover the city's drainage and sewerage, roads, water supply, garbage management, civic amenities, education, health, welfare schemes, municipal governance, and promotion of culture and tourism.

Unmaintained stretches of roads, lanes and pavements is a problem in many parts of the city.

White topping of the major thoroughfare and blacktopping of all tertiary roads across the city in phases over the next 5 years. Advanced road repair technology to be used for regular maintenance.

A usual scene in Kolkata is waterlogged streets after heavy showers.

The document promises: To combat increased water-logging due to change in pattern of rainfall, experts from reputed institutes will be consulted to find sustainable and scientific solutions. Existing pumping stations and sewer lines will be upgraded along with procurement of 200 pumps.

The document further adds that there will be regular mechanised desilting and cleaning drives for zero blockage of the water inlets in addition to the covering of open drains with tiles and precast slabs.

An interesting promise is zero dark spots that would be strived for by ensuring regular inspection and timely replacement of defunct lights with LED lights.

Besides the usual civic issues, the list of promises includes the promotion of electric vehicles, building SHE toilet complexes and accessible infrastructure for persons with disabilities.

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General Bipin Rawat was an extraordinary military leader, and his death has created a void that cannot be filled, President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday.

The President was speaking on the occasion of the review of the Passing Out Parade of the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun.

India's first Cheif of Defence Staff General Rawat, his wife and 11 other armed forces personnel were killed in an IAF chopper crash near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday.

The President said, "We gathered here today when the nation is yet to come out of the shock of the untimely demise of General Bipin Rawat, the Chief of Defence Staff. Uttarakhand was his home and he was trained at the Indian Military Academy.

Also Read | Will join IAF, follow father's footsteps, says chopper crash victim wing commander's daughter

"At the IMA, he was awarded the Sword of Honour for his exceptional skills. But for the tragedy, he would have been among us here today, looking at the passing-out parade with delight and pride for the cadets."

The President said that General Rawat added to the glory of the IMA, which is an institution with an inspiring tradition. Before him, Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa, Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw and many other extraordinary warriors and strategists began their journey from here as young cadets and potential leaders.

Some of them laid down their lives for the safety and honour of the nation, the President said, as he expressed confidence that the gentlemen cadets, who would shortly embark on their journey of a life characterised by valour and wisdom, would carry forward the rich legacy of this academy.

Also read: Coonoor crash: A teary-eyed farewell for Pradip in Kerala

Congratulating the cadets on the successful completion of their training at the IMA, the President said that their service and dedication as soldiers and leaders shall add to the strength of a peaceful, independent and democratic India.

He said, "We should recall the iconic status acquired by one of the many illustrious alumni of the academy, General Rawat, who with his hard work emerged as the role model of soldierly conduct for the future generation."

The President was happy to see gentlemen cadets from friendly foreign countries of Afghanistan, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Turkmenistan and Vietnam at the parade.

He said, "We cherish the special bond between our nations, and it is a matter of great pride for India to have such fine officers and gentlemen from friendly foreign countries graduating today."
India on Saturday sent medicines to Afghanistan in the first tranche of humanitarian assistance to the war-ravaged country after the return of the Taliban to power on August 15 last.

A consignment of 1.6 MT of medicines was sent from New Delhi to Kabul on an aircraft, which the Government of India chartered from the Kam Air of Afghanistan. The medicines will be handed over to the representatives of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and will be administered to children undergoing medical care at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health  a hospital, which was set up in Kabul in 1972.

New Delhi has not yet recognised the interim government set up by the Taliban in Kabul. But it sent the medicines in view of the challenging humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Also Read | Facing economic collapse, Afghanistan is gripped by starvation

A spokesperson of the Taliban, however, thanked the Government of India for the medicines. He said that medical equipment would be imported from India to Afghanistan in the coming days.

The aircraft chartered by the Government of India arrived in New Delhi on Friday, with 10 Indian and 94 Afghan citizens, including members of the minority communities of the war-torn nation. The Afghan Sikh evacuees carried with them two copies of the holy book Guru Granth Sahib and some ancient manuscripts of the Hindus. The aircraft returned with over 200 Afghans, mostly the students and others, who had come for medical care in India.

Just days after the Taliban took over Kabul, India evacuated its ambassador to Afghanistan, Rudrendra Tandon, and other diplomats and consular officials. It had earlier evacuated officials posted in its four consulates in Afghanistan. But neither any of the consulates in Kandahar, Herat, Mazar-e-Sharif and Jalalabad, nor the embassy in Kabul was officially shut down.

India also evacuated 669 people from Afghanistan after August 15, including 448 Indians and 206 Afghans, which included the Afghan Hindus and Sikhs. Besides, 565 people including 438 Indians had been evacuated from Afghanistan earlier in the month of August.

India may soon send 50,000 MT of wheat and another consignment of medicines to Afghanistan through Pakistan. Pakistan has recently agreed to allow trucks of Afghanistan to carry humanitarian aid from India through its territory.

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Prime minister Narendra Modi and Samajwadi Party (SP) President Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday accused each other of taking credit for the developmental projects in Uttar Pradesh ahead of the forthcoming assembly polls in the state which was scheduled to be held early next year.

Modi, who inaugurated the Saryu Canal Project in UP's Balrampur district, about 300 kilometres from here, took potshots at Akhilesh without taking his name saying that some people only knew about ribbon cutting. ''Maybe he (Akhilesh) had cut the ribbon of this (Saryu Canal Project) also,'' Modi said in a sarcastic vein.

Also Read  Akhilesh takes potshots at BJP over Saryu canal project

''I had been waiting since morning that someone would come forward and claim that he had cut the ribbon of this project....some people have a habit of taking credit for others' works....maybe he had cut the ribbon of this project in his childhood,'' the prime minister said taking a dig at Akhilesh.

Modi sought to woo the farmers also and said that the project would go a long way in benefitting the farmers. ''It is our top priority that the waters of the rivers are put to optimum use and the fields of the farmers get enough water for irrigation,'' he added.

He alleged that the previous regimes tried to create obstacles in the way of the project and as a result, huge amounts of public money was wasted. ''What pains me most is the misuse of the resources, money and time of the country...those who misused public money are liable to be punished,'' he remarked.

Also Read  India in pain but progress won't stop: PM Modi in UP

Akhilesh hit back at Modi almost immediately and termed his government as 'kainchijeevi' (cutting ribbons with scissors). ''The difference is clear...some people only know how to take credit for others' work.....BJP should make it clear how many of the promises that it had made to the people during the previous polls have been fulfilled,'' he asked.

The SP president also accused the BJP of misusing government events for the purpose of election campaigning. ''No political party had misused the government events as the BJP,'' he added.

Akhilesh said that the district magistrates had been entrusted with the task of arranging buses to bring people to the PM events and wondered if the saffron party had organised any real public meetings so far. Akhilesh's allegations came in the wake of reports that UP Roadways buses were being used to ferry the people to the inaugurations and launching of developmental programs by the PM and UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath.

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From a Havan to pray for CDS Bipin Rawat at Ghazipur border to the formation of a committee to honour the helping locals near Tikri and Singhu borders, symbolism marked life at farmer protest sites on the Delhi borders on Friday ahead of their ghar wapsi on December 11 after the year-long agitation that forced the government to withdraw the contentious farm laws months before polls in seven states.

Dismantling of the brick-and-bamboo-made structures were carried out by farmers before they head home on Saturday after the planned victory march for which the Delhi police have made elaborate arrangements.

Also Read | Farmers' unions to honour locals who lent a helping hand to their agitation

Keeping the spotlight on the farmers' struggles, Kisan Ekta Morcha took to social media to say, A year long of struggle, torture, humiliation but determination, unity & patience

made our farmers win this fight".

Putting out a list of over 700 farmers allegedly killed during the agitation, the farmers' organisation on Twitter further said that the government has accepted the demands of farmers at the cost of the sacrifice of these farmers and their sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Centre, however, asserted that no farmer died due to police action during the farmer protest.

Also read: To keep memories 'alive', farmers plan 'protest monuments' in villages

In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar on Friday said, no farmer died as a result of police action during the farmers' agitation. He was answering a question by Congress and AAP MPs on whether the government is planning to provide or has made any provision towards livelihood monetary compensation to the families of the farmers who died during farmers' protests.

The Union Ministers reply also added, the subject of compensation, etc. to the families of the deceased farmers in the farmers movement is with the concerned state governments.

Before the farmers take out the victory march, a ceremony will be held at the Singhu border to honour the locals, while some farmer leaders will also go to villages near the protest site at the Tikri border.

Also read: To keep memories 'alive', farmers plan 'protest monuments' in villages

The SKM statement on Thursday had taken note of the support of the locals.

SKM thanks local communities at the Morcha sites profusely for their patience and support throughout the long agitation and apologises to them for the inconvenience caused, it had said.

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Signalling confusion and differences in the ranks, suspended MPs appeared to have ignored senior Opposition leaders' nudge not to resume their dharna on Friday that was halted for a day, as the funeral of Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat was taking place.

The Opposition MPs, barring those of Trinamool Congress who walked out from Rajya Sabha, also attended the proceedings of the Upper House like they did the day before in honour of Gen Rawat, who died in a chopper crash on Wednesday.

Read more: Not aware of any unlawful interception of any message, says Centre

Barring three MPs who were out of town, nine other suspended MPs continued to sit at Gandhi Statue in Parliament House before they called it a day in the afternoon. MPs from Congress, AAP, Samajwadi Party, DMK and NCP, among others, attended the House proceedings.

There is also discontent within the Opposition parties for not stepping up the protest against the suspension of MPs and making it a political fight with senior CPI(M) MP Elamaram Kareem suggesting that a protest programme should be organised in Jantar Mantar with suspended lawmakers and national leaders like Sonia Gandhi and Sitaram Yechury in attendance. Kareem also suggested that Opposition should organise a seminar of Constitutional experts to explain how the suspension was "flawed and unconstitutional".

Sources said leaders of some Opposition parties, especially the Left, wanted an escalated protest. They were of the view that there is a need to take the protest outside Parliament and make a case out of it.

The Opposition leaders will be meeting again coming Monday to discuss further course of action.

During a meeting called by Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday, it was decided to continue the suspension of the dharna as well as not disrupting the House.

Sources said AAPs Sanjay Singh and Samajwadi Partys Ramgopal Yadav suggested that the Opposition should continue with the suspension of dharna and should not disrupt the House, as Gen Rawats funeral would be held in the national capital later in the day. The AAP leader said they should keep peoples sentiments in mind, as the last rites are being held here, and the ruling BJP could use it against them.

The proposal got the support of Congress, RJD and other parties and it was decided that the decision of the meeting would be conveyed to the suspended MPs. When the collective decision was conveyed to Trinamool leaders, who are not attending meetings called by Congress, they were not enthusiastic about it.

A suspended Trinamool MP asked what was the logic for suspending the protest for another day, as they have already expressed their tributes. Similar sentiments were shared by other suspended MPs, though a section among them said that they would abide by the common decision. A senior leader who was assigned to communicate the decision of the meeting, however, did not meet them.

A group of suspended MPs also visited the residence of Gen Rawat and paid homage before winding up the day's protest.

On Friday, only a few lawmakers like Karti Chidambaram, Benny Behanan (both Congress), Sougata Roy, Sukhendhu Shekhar Roy, Sushmita Dev, Mausam Noor, Nadimul Haque (Trinamool Congress), Jaya Bachchan (Samajwadi Party), Sanjay Singh (AAP) and Manoj K Jha (RJD) visited the dharna site before the protesters called it a day.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the Saryu Nahar National Project, which will provide assured water for irrigation of over 14 lakh hectares of land, in Uttar Pradesh's Balrampur district.

Remembering India's first Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat and other soldiers killed in Coonoor chopper crash, PM Modi said, "India is mourning but despite being in pain, neither do we stop our pace nor our development. India won't stop. India won't be at a standstill. Together, we Indians will work hard and face every challenge inside and outside the country."

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said the project has been built at a total cost of over Rs 9,800 crore, out of which more than Rs 4,600 crore was provisioned in the last four years. The project also involves the interlinking of five rivers -- Ghaghara, Saryu, Rapti, Banganga and Rohini -- to ensure optimum usage of water resources of the region.

It will benefit nine districts of Eastern Uttar Pradesh, namely Bahraich, Shravasti, Balrampur, Gonda, Siddharthnagar, Basti, Sant Kabir Nagar, Gorakhpur and Maharajganj, the statement said.

The farmers of the region, who were the worst sufferers of the inordinate delay in the project, will now immensely benefit from the upgraded irrigation potential, it said.

More to follow...

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Former Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh on Saturday hailed the successful completion of a farmers' agitation at Delhi's borders against three contentious agriculture laws of the Centre as they headed back home after 380 days.

He hailed the culmination of the farmers' agitation of "tapp", "tyaag" and "tapasya".

"It was their discipline, dedication, determination and perseverance that saw the movement reaching its logical conclusion with the government of India eventually repealing these laws," Singh said in a statement while congratulating and welcoming thousands of farmers back home in Punjab.

He also hoped that the Punjab government would fulfil all the commitments made to the farmers in the Congress party's poll manifesto.

Also Read | Punjab polls: Amarinder Singh confirms alliance with BJP, Dhindsa's party

"I have already fulfilled most of these promises and the onus is now on the incumbent government to fulfil the pending commitments before the election code of conduct comes into force," the former chief minister said.

The Punjab Assembly polls are due early next year.

Singh, who has floated his own political party to contest the upcoming polls after his unceremonious exit as the chief minister, was succeeded by Charanjit Singh Channi.

Expressing satisfaction over the resolution of the farmers' issue, Singh recalled how a year ago, he personally got himself involved with the movement and encouraged the farmers to take their protest to Delhi.

"I am happy that our purpose has been served and the laws have been repealed to the satisfaction of our farming community," he said.

The former chief minister said he was on course to fulfil all the pending demands of the farmers, but "unfortunately, first because of Covid-19 and then due to my replacement, some demands still remain unfulfilled, which the new government must fulfil now".

He reiterated his resolve to serve and safeguard the interests of common Punjabis, especially the farmers, at any cost.

"I want to reassure my farmer brothers and sisters that I won't hesitate in taking any step when it comes to watching Punjab's and farmers' interests the way I did in 2004, when I repealed all previous water-sharing agreements with other states with the Punjab Termination of (Water Sharing) Agreement Act, 2004 to save our waters and also save Punjab from going dry," Singh said.

Farmers from Punjab and Haryana were accorded a rousing welcome with sweets and garlands at several places on their return journey from the national capital on Saturday for their "victory" after the Centre repealed the three farm laws.

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), an umbrella body of over 40 farmers' unions, decided on Thursday to suspend the year-long movement against the three laws and announced that the farmers would go home from the protest sites at Delhi's borders on Saturday.

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Thirteen-year-old Aryan is now worried about his next meal as thousands of farmers ended their protest and wound up their langars at Delhis Singhu border.

Like him, there were many who used to get food at the community kitchens set up by farmers and slept in tents pitched by them during the over a year-long protest.

On Saturday morning, a large number of children and local poor, including slum dwellers, had their last breakfast at farmers' langars.

"We used to have our breakfast, lunch and dinner at langars here. This is our last breakfast today at the langar. Now, we have to either cook on our own or look for other options," 13-year-old Aryan, a resident of slums in Kundli, told PTI.

Also Read | Emotions run high as farmers bid farewell to Singhu protest site

Farmers said they too had developed feelings for local children who used to come to the protest site as they reminded them of their own sons and grandsons.

"These children became part of our protest as they used to come here for food. They reminded me of my grandsons. It was good to have them here. The Almighty will take care of them now," Satwant Singh from Mohali said.

Dwellers of slums generally work at factories or warehouses in the region.

The homeless who used to live in makeshift tents set up by farmers were concerned about their lodging arrangements.

Monu Kushwaha, 38, from Supaul in Bihar said before farmers came to the Singhu border to protest, he used to sleep on the footpath but that changed after the stir began last year.

Also Read | Farmers' journey back home slows down traffic on Delhi-Sonipat-Karnal NH

"During the farmers' agitation, I used to sleep in one of their tents and have food at langars. All of that will stop now and I will go back to footpaths again," Kushwaha lamented.

Eight-year-old Mausam, a resident of slums located near the KFC tower in Kundli, said for the past one year, he had been having good food at langars.

"My father works in a factory but since the family is big, we often have to skip meal of one time. But for the past one year, we used to have plenty of food at langars. We used to get it packed for home as well. All this will stop now," Mausam said.

The presence of farmers and their settlements also helped poor children in other ways as well.

They said they had no problem crossing the highway for their daily works, which before the protests generally used to be a tough task.

"My school is located on the other side of the highway. Ever since farmers came here, I faced no problem in crossing the road because of no traffic. I used to have food here and then go to school. It is sad that they are going back," said Tarun, 11, whose father works in a showroom.

On November 29, a bill was passed in Parliament to repeal the laws, one of the main demands of the farmers.

However, the farmers refused to end their protest, demanding that the government fulfil their other demands that included legal guarantee on the minimum support price (MSP) and the withdrawal of police cases against them.

As the Centre accepted the pending demands, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), which was spearheading the stir, suspended the farmers' movement and announced that they will be returning home on December 11.

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The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is likely to return to power in the 2022 Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, though with a significant reduction in the number of seats that the saffron party is expected to win, as per the third ABP News-CVoter Battle for the States Tracker.

The survey findings also suggest that the electoral contest in India's politically most significant state is getting bipolar and the fight is mainly between the BJP and the Samajwadi Party (SP). Other political players in the state  Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Congress  appear to be relegated to margins in the electoral contest.

The current projections are based on CVoter daily tracking poll conducted from November 13 to December 9 among 18+ adults, including likely voters.

As for the methodology and survey details, the survey reached out to a total of approximately 92,000+ persons across five states (UP, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Manipur and Goa). It was conducted through CATI (telephonic survey). The same is also expected to have a margin of error of 3 to 5 per cent and may not necessarily have factored in all the criteria.

Also Read | UP Polls: 'Ours is ganna, theirs is Jinnah' says Nadda

As per the findings of the poll, the ruling BJP in alliance with it its coalition partners is expected to grab 40.4 per cent of the votes in the Assembly polls scheduled to be held early next year.

Notably, the saffron party has continuously maintained its vote share of more than 40 per cent in the past few elections in the state. In 2017, the party had garnered 41.4 per cent votes polled in the state.

As for the vote share of the other political players in the state, while the vote share of SP is expected to witness a jump of 10 per cent from 23.6 per cent in 2017 to 33.6 per cent in 2022, the vote share of BSP is likely to witness a slump of 9 per cent from 22.2 per cent in 2017 to 13.2 per cent in 2022.

The country's grand old party  the Congress, out of power in the state since 1989  is expected to get 7.3 per cent votes. The party had secured 6.3 per cent votes in 2017.

Also Read | BJPs character undemocratic, be cautious of ways to affect UP polls: SP chief to party workers

Translated into seats, the BJP and its alliance partners are likely to get seats in a range of 212 to 224 in the 403-member UP Assembly.

Though the BJP and its alliance partners will witness a dip of almost 100 seats from the figures of 325 they had won in 2017, the coalition is expected to cross the majority mark comfortably.

The SP and its allies, emerging as a key challenger to the ruling saffron party, are expected to grab 151 to 163 seats.

The survey clearly suggests that the BSP is continuously losing political ground in the state as the party can secure victory on just 12 to 24 seats. The Congress is likely to register a victory on 6 to 10 seats.

Also Read: Yogi government taking credit for SP's work in Saryu canal project: Akhilesh

According to the survey data, incumbent Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is the most preferred choice to retain the top post in the state. In the survey, 41 per cent of the respondents expressed their opinion in favour of the incumbent Chief Minister.

As many as 33.5 per cent of those who were interviewed during the survey said that SP chief Akhilesh Yadav is their preferred choice for the top post, while 15 per cent stated that they want to see BSP supremo Mayawati heading the next government in the state.

Interestingly, only 4.3 per cent of those interviewed during the survey wanted Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi to be the next Chief Minister of the state.

During the survey, the majority of the respondents said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken the right step by withdrawing the agricultural laws that laid the foundation for the ending of the year-long protest by the farmers.

Also Read: For some priority is to cut ribbons: Modi takes a dig at Akhilesh Yadav over Saryu canal project

A total of 52.4 per cent of those who took part in the survey approved the PM's decision to repeal the farm laws, while 30.7 per cent said that instead of withdrawing the agricultural laws, the Central government should have tried to explain the benefits of the agricultural laws to the farming community. A total of 16.9 per cent of the respondents didn't have any opinion on the issue.

Similarly, the majority of the respondents said that BJP will benefit from the withdrawal of farm laws in the upcoming Assembly elections. According to the survey data, 60.6 per cent of those who were surveyed in the latest round of Tracker believe that the ruling party will benefit from the decision of the Prime Minister; 39.4 per cent of the respondents said that it will prove to be detrimental to BJP's electoral prospects.

Ahead of the 2022 Assembly polls, Akhilesh Yadav is forging alliances with the smaller parties that are essentially caste-centric with support restricted to a few districts like Jayant Chaudhary's Rashtriya Lok Dal and O.P. Rajbhar-led Suheldev Bharat Samaj Party (SBSP).

Also Read | Ahead of elections, Modi woos Uttar Pradesh farmers with Saryu Nahar project

However, according to the survey findings, despite alliances with several smaller parties, Akhilesh Yadav will not be able to dislodge the Yogi Adiyanath government. According to survey data, while 50.9 per cent of the respondents said that Akhilesh Yadav cannot topple Yogi Adityanath through such alliances, 42.7 per cent believe otherwise and 6.3 per cent appeared to be clueless about the prospects of such tie-ups.

The survey data suggests that more people believe that the inauguration of the Purvanchal Expressway will benefit the BJP in the upcoming Assembly polls, than those who think that it will not go in favour of the ruling party.

During the survey, while 52.3 per cent of the respondents said that the inauguration of the expressway that sparked off a war of words between the BJP and the SP with both claiming credit for the ambitious project will benefit the ruling party in the 2022 Assembly polls, 47.7 per cent felt otherwise.

Also Read | Influential 'Brahmin' leader in Yogi bastion to join Samajwadi Party

Similarly, while 54.3 per cent of those who were interviewed during the survey said that the Bhoomi Poojan of Jewar airport will benefit the BJP in Western Uttar Pradesh, 45.7 per cent believe that it will not benefit the ruling party in the region, which witnessed widespread farmers' protest against the controversial agricultural laws.

The Teachers' Eligibility Test (TET) paper leak case that caused embarrassment to the Yogi Adityanath government can hurt BJP's electoral prospects in the upcoming Assembly polls, as per the survey findings.

During the survey, 55.2 per cent of the respondents said that the TET exam leak case will harm the BJP in the Assembly elections, while 44.8 per cent said that it will have no impact on the party's electoral prospects.
Taking down their tents and breaking into dance atop their tractors, protesting farmers on Saturday began their 'ghar wapsi' vacating the protest sites on the Delhi border as their nearly 15-month long opposition farm laws formally ended.

Politics also played along. In the poll-bound Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi shared a photo on social media saying he has distributed the appointment letters and government jobs to the next kin of the farmers, who lost their lives during the protest, in solidarity with their families.

"My government stands with them and assures them every possible step for their rights," Channi said.

Also read: To keep memories 'alive', farmers plan 'protest monuments' in villages

Farmers began vacating the Singhu border early morning, many others stayed to clean the protest sites. At the Tikri border, farmers prayed with folded hands before starting their "Fateh March" (victory procession). Singer Jass also joined the Fateh March of farmers.

Farmers held a blood donation camp on Bastara toll plaza, seeking to mark the end of the protest on a positive note. The massive back home movement slowed traffic at a number of roads and arteries from Delhi borders to Haryana, Punjab and Western UP.

Kisan Ekta Morcha shared a photo of women kneading the floor on a farmer track under the caption "Ye saara masala roti ka (all this issue relates to livelihood)". In another tweet, it posted a picture of female farmers, calling them the biggest strength of the farm agitation.

Also Read | As farmers head home, the poor worry about food, lodging

An aircraft showered flower petals on farmers as they reached the Shambhu border (Punjab-Haryana border) from Delhi. Far away in UP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, inaugurating Saryu Nahar National Project to "solve irrigation related problems in Eastern UP and help our hard-working farmers", said the swift work on the Saryu Nahar National Project during the last four years is in line with his governments commitment to complete long-pending projects and also harness our water resources for the benefit of our farmers and to further Ease of Living.'

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Believing that a perfect opposition unity exists only theoretically in Uttar Pradesh, the BJP is focusing its strategy on getting over 50 per cent votes in the 2022 Assembly polls to blunt any consolidation against them.

To further consolidate its Hindu votes, the saffron party has also planned to highlight the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya and redevelopment of the Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi in the run up to the Assembly polls.

Also Read: BJP to return to power in UP with significant drop in seats: ABP News-C Voter

To achieve the target of over 50 per cent vote share in its favour, the saffron party is working on two fronts, firstly strengthening organisation at the booth level and secondly banking on the development and welfare measures that have taken place in Uttar Pradesh in the last five years under the BJP government at the Centre and state.

In 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP got nearly 50 per cent votes and 64 seats out of 80. In the last Assembly polls in 2017, the BJP and its alliance partner won 324 seats out of 403 in Uttar Pradesh. The BJP got around 40 per cent of total votes polled in the last Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls.

"We are working on getting over 50 per cent of the vote this time also and it will be the key strategy in Uttar Pradesh. In the last 2019 Lok Sabha polls, despite facing the challenge from the biggest alliance of Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), we won 64 seats with our alliance partner Apna Dal, and also got 50 per cent vote share. Perfect opposition unity only exists theoretically in Uttar Pradesh and on paper," BJP Uttar Pradesh vice president Vijay Bahadur Pathak said.

To achieve the target to get over 50 per cent vote share, the BJP has launched booth jeeto, chunav jeeto (wins booths, win elections). The BJP has constituted committees at over 1.53 lakh polling booths in Uttar Pradesh. The ruling party also completed the appointment of 'panna pramukh' at each page of the electoral roll. These workers at the booth level have started reaching out to the voters with works of Narendra Modi and Yogi Adityanath government.

Also Read: For some priority is to cut ribbons: Modi takes a dig at Akhilesh Yadav over Saryu canal project

In view of the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls, the BJP is also enrolling over 1.5 crore new members in the state. Currently the BJP has over 2.5 crore members in Uttar Pradesh.

"As per plan, the BJP workers are making a minimum 100 new members at over 1.53 lakh polling booths, where the party has a committee, in Uttar Pradesh. During the membership drive the party is targeting to enroll a minimum 1.5 crore members in the state," a party leader said.

On its core ideological agenda of Hindutva, the BJP has made a month-long celebration from December 13 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi will dedicate the massive redevelopment and beautification of the Kashi Vishwanath temple to the nation.

On the social engineering front, to woo all the communities ahead of next year's Assembly polls, the party has started holding a caste specific outreach programme for Other Backward Class (OBC) and Schedule Caste (SC). As per the strategy, programmes will focus on all the castes and sub castes of OBCs and SC.

Special focus will be on OBCs caste as they constitute over 50 per cent of total electorate of state. The non- Yadav OBCs have played an important role in the rise of the BJP in recent times. "OBCs are electorally important in Uttar Pradesh. This time we are also trying to win support of all OBC communities especially of non - Yadav," a party insider said.

Among SC communities, the BJP trying to make in roads of the BSP vote bank by projecting former Uttarakhand Governor and party national vice president Baby Rani Maurya as its Dalit face in the state against former Chief Minister Mayawati.

Both Maurya and Mayawati belong to the dominant Jatav community, which accounts for more than half of the Dalit community. Jatav consitutes 11 per cent of total 21 per cent of the Dalit population in Uttar Pradesh. Jatavs are still with Mayawati and any dent in Jatav vote bank will weaken Mayawati and strengthen the BJP.

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Bharatanatyam dancer Zakir Hussain has alleged that he was stopped from entering the famous Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple in Srirangam near Tiruchirappalli on the basis of religion on Friday when he had gone there to offer prayers.

Hussain, who is associated with the DMK, said he had offered prayers at the temple several times in the past and had even performed Bharatanatyam inside the temple premises. This is the first time I was stopped at the Ranganatha Swamy temple in Srirangam. I was stopped at the behest of one Rangarajan Narasimhan. I was stopped on the basis of religion, and I was literally pushed out, Hussain said.

Though a board has been put up prominently that only Hindus are beyond a point, Hussain said, he had always visited the temple and prayed before God. Ranganatha Swamy temple is one of the important temples of the Vaishnavite tradition and attracts devotees from across the country.

Rangarajan Narasimhan, who was named by Hussain, is an activist based out of Srirangam fighting to free temples across Tamil Nadu from government control. In a Twitter post, Narasimhan admitted that he stopped Hussain, a Muslim from entering the temple.

This guy, Zakir Hussain, a Muslim by birth and practice and who abuses Sanathana Dharmis in his Facebook/Twitter was seen inside Srirangam Temple today. I had to show him the door. Archakas of this temple have no sense whatsoever? If he wants to claim to be an SD, why didnt he convert? he asked.

As Hussains denial into the temple stoked a row, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR & CE) Minister P K Sekarbabu said an inquiry will be conducted into the incident. We will go into the incident and take action, if necessary, he said.

The temple management said none from the administration side stopped Hussain from entering the premises and declared that it was ready to welcome him anytime. It added that it would investigate whether Narasimhan stopped Hussain from entering the temple.

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Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan's resentment against the political interventions at universities in Kerala has triggered a political row with opposition parties accusing the CPM-led left-front government of politicising the higher education sector.

The Governor had literally cornered the Pinarayi Vijayan government by specifically citing instances of undue political interventions in universities. Though the Chief Minister reportedly got in touch with the Governor after receiving the Governor's letter suggesting that he may be removed from the chancellor post, the Governor was sticking to his stand.

The Governor told the media that the government wanted to impose its political decisions on the universities, which he could not tolerate while remaining as chancellor and hence he suggested that he may be removed from the chancellor post through an ordinance.

Also Read | Ahead of CPI(M) conferences, Kerala CM ensures everything is firmly under his belt

The opposition Congress termed the developments as unprecedented in the country and asked Vijayan to shed his silence on such issues. Opposition leader V D Satheesan said that the Pinarayi Vijayan government was trying to make universities party offices. The quality of the higher education institutions was being spoiled by recruiting unqualified persons through the back door, he alleged.

The immediate provocation for the Governor to shoot off a letter to the Chief Minister was the pressure, allegedly from the CMO, to reappoint Kannur University vice-chancellor Gopinath Ravindran. The move also came amidst allegations that the vice-chancellor was favouring a move to appoint Chief Minister's private secretary K K Ragesh's wife at the associate professor in the university. The Governor opposed reappointing the vice-chancellor citing the upper age limit restrictions of 60 in the university norms for vice-chancellor appointment. To overcome it, the government submitted a legal opinion of the advocate general citing the upper age limit of 62 in the UGC norms.

However, with regard to the selection of vice-chancellor of Sanskrit University when the search committee suggested only one person instead of a panel, the Governor pointed out that it was against UGC norms. Then the government maintained that as per the university norms it was proper.

Also Read | Kerala CM urges PM to sanction semi high-speed rail project

Government inaction against Kerala Kalamandalam vice-chancellor T K Narayanan despite moving the High Court against the Chancellor's (Governor) ruling in a disciplinary action was another instance pointed out by the Governor. Delay in appointments to the newly formed Sree Narayana open university despite repeated reminders by the Chancellor also irked Khan.

Earlier also there were differences between Khan and the Pinarayi Vijayan government on issues like NRC and farm laws. While those were defended by the government as its political stand, the present instances pointed out by the Governor seems to have put the left-front government in a tight spot.

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In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar on Friday said, "the subject of compensation, etc. to the families of the deceased farmers in the farmers movement is with the concerned state governments". "No farmer died as a result of police action during the farmers' agitation," he said.

Tomar was responding to a joint question by Congress leader Dhiraj Prasad Sahu and AAP leader Sanjay Singh. The members had asked whether the government is planning to provide or made any provision towards livelihood monetary compensation to the families of the farmers who died during farmers' protests.

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BJP national president J P Nadda on Saturday joined a long list of his party leaders who had been trying to polarise the forthcoming Assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh along religious lines.

"We have ganna and they (rivals) have Jinnah... ganna will win", Nadda said while addressing a meeting of party workers at Meerut. Before the BJP president, UP deputy chief minister Kehsav Prasad Maurya had referred to Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav as "Akhilesh Ali Jinnah".

UP BJP president Swatantra Deo Singh had also likened Akhilesh Yadav's regime to the rules of Mahmud of Ghazni, who had plundered India in the 10th century, and Muhammad Ghori, who laid the foundation of the Muslim rule in India in the 12th century.

"Like Ghazni and Ghori, these people (Akhilesh) have also looted the state and attacked our religious identity... the Hindus had to plead with the officials to allow them to make a pandal for Durga Puja," Singh said.

The BJP leader had also called Akhilesh a "seasonal Hindu".

Also read: For some priority is to cut ribbons: Modi takes a dig at Akhilesh Yadav over Saryu canal project

UP minister Dinesh Khatik, who was also present at the meeting, perhaps taking a cue from his party chief, went a step further saying that India should be declared a Hindu Rashtra. He also said that during the previous governments, even the prime ministers bowed before the graveyards and 'mazars' (graves of Muslims).

"Today we have a prime minister, who is requested to build temples even in Arab nations,'' Khatik said.

BJP leaders have also been raking up the issues of "conversion, cow slaughter, migration of Hindu families" in their rallies and seeking to remind the Hindus about their alleged 'humiliation' and attack on their culture during the regimes of the Samajwadi Party (SP) and others.

The opposition leaders have slammed the BJP for trying to polarise the polls along communal lines and said that it appears that the saffron party has already accepted defeat.

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The US sanctions on Iran have not affected India's Chabahar port project, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told Lok Sabha on Friday.

Replying to a question from BSP member Ritesh Pandey, the minister also clarified that US sanctions are "not relevant" to India's Chabahar port project in Iran "at all".

During the Question Hour, Pandey sought to know from the government if US sanctions on Iran had any bearing on India's project at the Chabahar port, and claimed that the Iranian government is "publicly saying that our Chabahar port project has been miserably delayed" due to sanctions imposed by the US.

The BSP member also claimed he is "aware" that China is trying to work on the project by taking advantage of US sanctions on Iran as it did "with the rail link", and asked the government if it is working on a "solution".

Also Read | 2+2 Dialogue: India, Russia sign agreements for arms production, cooperation

"I would like to inform the member that (his) assertion is completely inaccurate. This agreement was signed in 2016. We took possession of the terminal in 2018. We have already supplied six cranes. The terminal is fully functional," Jaishankar said.

"The US sanctions are not relevant to this project at all," he said in his reply.

In a supplementary question, the BSP member sought to know from the government if India has signed "any backdoor agreement" to continue using the Chabahar port to provide help to central Asian countries and Afghanistan after the Taliban took over the control of the Afghanistan government.

"All our agreements on the Chabahar port operations are limited to Iran. Originally, there was a trilateral agreement but that was the basis to set it up. In terms of port operations, we are not required to have an agreement with the government of Afghanistan. And, I assure you that the port is functioning and functioning back," the external affairs minister said in his reply.

Also Read  Despite US frowns, India moves ahead to expand defence ties with Russia, citing aggression by China

In a written reply to the question on the port, the minister noted that during the visit of the prime minister to Iran in May 2016, a trilateral agreement to establish the International Transport and Transit Corridor (Chabahar Agreement) was signed by India, Iran and Afghanistan.

India is participating in the development of the first phase of the Shahid Beheshti Terminal, Chabahar Port, in cooperation with the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, he pointed out.

"The Indian company, India Ports Global Limited (IPGL), through its wholly-owned subsidiary, India Ports Global Chabahar Free Zone (IPGCFZ), took over the operations of the Chabahar Port w.e.f. 24.12.2018. Since then, it has handled 160 vessels, 14,420 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) and 3.2 million tons of bulk and general cargo," Jaishankar said.

The Shahid Beheshti Terminal, Chabahar Port, has handled shipments and trans-shipments from various countries, including Russia, Brazil, Thailand, Germany, Ukraine, Oman, Romania, Bangladesh, Australia, Kuwait, Uzbekistan and the UAE, he said.

Also Read | India calls for humanitarian assistance to Afghan people without politicisation

The minister said India has committed total grant assistance of $85 million and a credit facility of $150 million for the development of the Shahid Beheshti Terminal, Chabahar Port.

"As part of our commitment towards infrastructure development of Shahid Beheshti Terminal, Chabahar Port, India has supplied six mobile harbour cranes (two 140 tonnes and four 100 tonnes capacity) and other equipment worth $25 million," Jaishankar said.

The Chabahar Port has provided much-needed sea access to landlocked Afghanistan and it has also emerged as a commercial transit hub for the region, he said.

Also read: Where Afghanistans new Taliban leaders went to school

It is a more economical and stable route for landlocked countries of the region to reach India and the global market, Jaishankar said, noting that recently, it facilitated the delivery of humanitarian assistance, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.

India utilised the Chabahar port to ship 75,000 MT of wheat as humanitarian food assistance to Afghanistan in 2020, he said.

To date, a total of 1,10,000 tonnes of wheat and 2,000 tonnes of pulses have been trans-shipped from India to Afghanistan, Jaishankar said.

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The police on Friday imposed section 144 of Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) within Mumbai commissionerate limits prohibiting rallies and protest marches involving people and vehicles over the next two days, an official said.

The order, issued by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), will be in force for 48 hours on Saturday and Sunday, he said.

Also Read  Dharavi resident who returned from Tanzania tests positive for Omicron; 11th case in Maharashtra

"It has been issued to prevent danger to human life from the new Omicron variant of Covid-19 as well as a threat to the law and order situation against the backdrop of violence that took place in Amravati, Malegaon and Nanded," he said.

Violators will be punished under section 188 of the Indian Penal Code and other legal provisions, the ordered stated.

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Child pornography cases have seen a six-fold increase in 2020, shows government data, but despite stringent laws, conviction remains abysmally low.

In reply to a parliament question, the women and child development ministry has said that of the 738 cases filed in 2020, there was no conviction in any case.

The WCD ministry, replying to a question by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, has said that in 2020, the Centre received 738 complaints of child sex abuse material (CSAM). That is a massive six-fold jump from 103 cases in 2019. In 2018, there were 44 cases of CSAM filed.

The data set shows that of the 738 cases filed in 2020, chargesheets were filed in only 272 cases, which is a little over a third of cases. The trial was completed in only one case, and the conviction rate was zero.

In the previous year, in 2019, chargesheets were filed in 58 of the 108 cases, and the trial was completed in only two cases. In 2018, of the 44 cases filed, chargesheets were filed in 22 cases, and trials were completed in one case.

Rajeev Chandrasekhar, minister of state in the IT Ministry, told DH that the low rate of convictions and high rate of acquittal is very worrying.

It means child sexual offenders who are almost always repeated offenders are out roaming around and remaining threats to the safety of children. State governments must do more to ensure better prosecution of these crimes, said Chandrasekhar.

Also read: OPINION | Child porn: An emerging threat

In his question, Tharoor asked the government to list the steps it has taken to curb CSAM cases. Incidentally, Tharoor heads the Parliamentary committee on information technology.

The WCD ministry, in reply, said that it periodically blocks websites containing extreme CSAM based on INTERPOLs worst of list received through the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

In addition, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 provides strict punishment for CSAM. Additionally, Section 67B of the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000 as well as The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 are instrumental in checking CSAM, the government said.

The WCD ministry further said that it has issued an order to Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to implement Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), UK or Project Arachnid, Canada list of CSAM websites and block access to them. However, barring one provider, major ISPs have not yet joined.

An ad hoc parliamentary committee formed in 2020 to study the alarming rise of CSAM on social media, among 40 recommendations, suggested that mandatory APPs to monitor access to pornography on all devices sold in India, permission to break end-to-end encryption to trace distributors of such content and penal provisions for cyber grooming.

Also read: Rajya Sabha panel suggests mandatory app to monitor porn access, broadening definition of child pornography

Rajeev Gowda, a former Congress Rajya Sabha MP who was a member of the panel, told DH that the reported data points to the lacunae in the law and order machinery.

Effective enforcement of criminal laws is possible only when Acts are accompanied by forceful actions on the investigation and prosecution front. The government must wake up and realise that its inaction and incompetence is perpetuating an unsafe environment for our children, said Gowda.

Vidya Reddy of the Centre for the Prevention and Healing of Child Sexual Abuse (CPHCSA) says that India is lacking in its larger international commitment to address CSAM.

Why is India not a part of global alliances like WeProtect and Virtual Global TaskForce. Conviction is woefully low because trial takes a lot of time, and filing cases under cybercrime is no easy task, said Reddy. She had filed a case in 2015 in a matter pertaining to CSAM; the trial for which began just recently.

The International Association of Internet Hotliness 2020 report shows that 93% of CSAM feature girls, and 77% of cases depicted children below the age of 13. In some cases, CSAM involving children below two years, too, were found.

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Over a year ago, after visiting the farm protest sites on the borders of Delhi, I wrote a piece published on December 5, 2020, saying that it's hard to see how the government will have any option but to repeal the three farm laws. In size, the protest was huge, in intent, it was determined, and in scale, it was magnificently organised. It was clear there was no backing down a year ago. Yet, it took so long for the Narendra Modi government to accept that they could not defeat the farmers. In the end, because this is a regime that prioritises elections over everything else, it succumbed on the farm laws and conceded most of the farmers demands only because crucial polls are round the corner, most significantly in Uttar Pradesh, that remains the pivot of the BJP's strength. With the farmers now disbanding their settlements on the borders, the ruling party hopes that in west Uttar Pradesh and further afield, the sting would go out of the anti-BJP sentiment being openly expressed by some farming communities.

But meanwhile, the farmers have restored the majesty and legitimacy of protest in our democracy. This was one of the largest peaceful protests in the world in recent timesand the world had taken note of it. It all happened on the borders of India's national capital, the city where two other significant protests have taken place in the last decade. The 2011 Anna Movement that defined itself as anti-corruption began in the Jantar Mantar protest site in central Delhi and became a lightning rod for sentiment against the then Congress-led UPA regime in Delhi. Its political outcomes were the founding of the Aam Admi Party in 2012, whose zone of influence remains restricted to Delhi, and the eventual defeat of the UPA at the hands of the Narendra Modi-led BJP in 2014. Because the credibility of the UPA was in tatters, the edifice would come crumbling down, and after decades of coalitions, India got a simple majority regime.

It's been during these years of single-party dominance that there has been a sustained attempt to delegitimise protest. This was most blatantly visible during the protests that too began in the national capital against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act or CAA that uses religion as a criterion to grant citizenship to refugees. These protests that started in the Muslim-dominated neighbourhood of Shaheen Bagh were very different in scale and size to the farm agitation. They were spread across small sites in the national capital and eventually other parts of the country and structured around swearing allegiance to the Constitution of India. They erupted at the end of 2019 when CAA was rammed through Parliament and continued till the end of March 2020 when the Covid lockdown and the Delhi riots were used to shut them down. The subsequent arrest of Muslim women, students and activists under draconian laws was seen as psychological messaging against protest, particularly those led by minorities.

The farm protests actually began in this environment of lockdown and crushing of protest, yet they sustained and eventually triumphed. A narrative had been created by a section of the media that these protests too were illegitimate, subversive and against the interests of the nation. So when the PM first announced in a television address on November 19 that his regime is taking back the farm laws, a facetious argument was offered by a section of the commentariat that this was done because of deep worry over alienation in Punjab, a border state where Sikhs make up 58 per cent of the population. The implication was that Sikhs could somehow go on the path of militancy again if their protest over economic issues were not heeded. This sort of thinking springs from the subliminal suspicion of any minority group, be they Muslim or Sikh.

But if such delicate concerns about alienating communities were behind the repeal of the farm laws, then the New Delhi regime would not have encouraged depiction in sections of the media of the farmers as anti-nationals who were believers in the separate Sikh homeland of Khalistan. The shameful attempt to defame a genuine people's movement is now part of public record and memory. Indeed, one of the significant achievements of the protests is to get the government to agree to withdraw all criminal cases against farmers in various BJP-ruled states, notably Haryana and Uttar Pradesh (those arrested over the CAA protests in contrast still languish in jail or face a long legal battle).

The farm protests always had resonance beyond Punjab and certainly in parts of Uttar Pradesh where the son of a Union minister allegedly ran over protesting farmers on October 3, killing four. They were also a factor in bypolls in the BJP-ruled Himachal Pradesh on October 30 this year, where the party lost three Assembly seats by large margins and a Lok Sabha seat to the Congress. The case of Himachal Pradesh is instructive in understanding how widespread the anger against the farm policies of the BJP regime was. In the run-up to the polls, there had been a crash in apple prices due to the low rate offered by Adani Agrifresh Limited. Apple growers were enraged, and the Congress raised the issue of seeking a minimum support price for the apple crop to protect farmers from the manipulations of corporate interests.

Indeed, that is what lay at the heart of the farmers' protest. At each of the three protest sites on the Delhi borders, the articulation was always about India being sold off to corporations. Stump speeches would be made, day in and out, for 15 months about people's interests being hawked off to big corporations where men in suits would henceforth run agriculture after making big donations to India's pre-eminent party.

If that was indeed the plan, the farmers of India have certainly derailed it.

(Saba Naqvi is a journalist and an author)

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are the author's own. They do not necessarily reflect the views of DH.
Children live in a make-believe world created by the stories they read and hear. They think the moon follows them, babies are sent from the sky, and watermelon seeds can sprout inside the stomach. We quizzed Bengaluru children about the things they believed in when they were younger, and how they faced their moment of truth when they discovered it was all just fiction.

Dinosaurs lived in parks

Rohan Muthappa was upset for two days when he learnt dinosaurs dont exist any more. He blamed the heartbreak on Steven Spielbergs sci-fi film Jurassic Park.

Now 17, Rohan recalls, I was in Class 2. I asked my parents to take me to the nearest dinosaur park because I thought dinosaurs are kept in big parks, like in that film. They smiled and told me dinosaurs became extinct millions of years ago. Theres not a day when he doesnt think of dinosaurs, or living in the same era as they did.

Ant-Man spied on us

Superheroes are just fictional characters. Lakshmikant Prakash realised this two years ago. Until then, the 14-year-old thought Ant-Man, a Marvel superhero, was for real. I believed he was a part of a secret organisation and he used his ant army to spy on us, he says.

But he is glad to know that there are many real-life superheroes who are helping people in need.

My imaginary friend, Simitha

Tanishs sister Nabha S Chindi had an imaginary friend Simitha. I know she doesnt exist but she lives on in my mind, says the seven-year-old. Together, they play and talk of everything from sunshine to flowers and food to fairies.

The world had fairy godmothers

Tanish S Chindi felt his whole life was a lie when he realised that fairy godmothers were a figment of the literary imagination, created to engage the kids. He had learnt about fairy godmothers from comics and short stories.

I would trade my real world with the fantasy world any day, says the 13-year-old.

Tooth fairy never came

Every time Simran lost a tooth, she would place it under her pillow expecting to wake up and see it change into money or treats. Her parents would place goodies there, and she thought the tooth fairy was for real. When a tooth did not change under the pillow. She was angry. I wrote a letter to the tooth fairy asking her where she was. After a few days, I found the letter in my parents closet. I realised they were giving me the treats, the 16-year-old recollects. She soon grew out of the disappointment.
Seen from a distance, the Lalitha Mahal palace gleams and glistens, an ethereal confection in pure white that seems to emerge out of the green landscape around it. Up close, it loses none of its beauty. In fact, it wears its age very well indeed. The palace recently celebrated a century of existence since its foundation stone was laid by Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar in November 1921.

Lalitha Mahal is Mysores second largest palace after Amba Vilas.

Originally called the New Guests Mansion, it was built to house distinguished visitors to Mysore. This might explain why, in contrast to the Amba Vilas Palace, this structure was built in a very European, neo-Classical style. The building was designed by Edwin Wolleston Fritchley who was already intimately familiar with Mysore, having worked with Henry Irwin in the design and construction of the Amba Vilas Palace a few years earlier.

Perhaps Fritchley, or the Maharaja himself, or both, felt that guests from outside India would be more comfortable in a European-styled building.

The palace was named after the eastern portion of Chamundi Hills which is called Lalithadri, says Rajachandra Urs, family historian of the Wadiyars. That is why even the model village nearby was called Lalithadripura, he explains.

Lalitha Mahal was built at a cost of about Rs 13 lakhs. The contractor was B Munivenkatappa. Work continued on it through the 1920s. It was handed over to the Maharaja in 1930, though minor construction work continued for a year more.

Archival records indicate that Fritchley had actually prepared drawings for two additional blocks, one each to the north and south of the main building, each of which was to cost another Rs 4.5 lakhs. However, to curtail expenses, these blocks and a few other structures were not approved by the Government and so were never constructed.

Interestingly, a book containing original plans and elevations for the building, including the additional blocks, was found in 2011.

Sir Mirza Ismail once referred to Lalitha Mahal as a monument to Fritchleys genius. For their part, Europeans were struck, almost startled, by its obvious similarity to St Pauls Cathedral in London. The historian David Cannadine referred to it as an extraordinary architectural fantasy while architectural historian Philip Davies described it as nothing less than a bold attempt to transpose St Pauls Cathedral to a South Indian setting.

The most arresting feature of Lalitha Mahal is its great, central dome. Just like the dome in St Pauls, Lalitha Mahals dome is also two-storeyed. It has a clear footing or base and then an extended, colonnaded drum on which the dome stands. And just as in St Pauls, a stone lantern adorns the top of the dome in this Mysuru counterpart too.

But there the similarity to St Pauls ends. The rest of two two-storeyed building is resolutely neoclassical but bears scant resemblance to St Pauls.

The entrance has a projected porch with a standard triangular pediment that would not be out of place in Greece. Rooms extend on either side on both the floors, opening out onto corridors with double ionic columns. The parapets are decorated with urn-like finials and in typical neoclassical fashion, the cornice is decorated with dentils.

Fritchley also added two smaller versions of the central dome on the ends of the facade.

The interiors are as lavishly appointed as you would expect of a palace for royal guests. A grand central staircase of lustrous Venetian marble appears almost as if it is made of glass.

The banqueting halls have roofs of stained glass. The regal ballroom with its wooden floor on springs is justly famous. Carved wooden shutters, decorative motifs on the walls, life-size portraits of the Wadiyars, sumptuous carpets (including a few that were made by prisoners in the Central Jail in Bengaluru), Belgian mirrors, period furniture and exquisitely patterned floor tiles all add to the palaces opulence.

In the days of the Maharaja, several important guests were put up at Lalitha Mahal, including visiting viceroys like Lords Willingdon in 1933 and Linlithgow in 1938. They were usually housed in suites on the first floor from where they could enjoy the lovely views of Chamundi Hills on one side or of the city of Mysore on the other.

Lalitha Mahal also hosted royalty visiting from other states such as Travancore. Several conferences and meetings were held here, too, including for instance the All-India Industries Conference in 1939.

From 1974, the palace began playing host to guests of a different kind when the India Tourism Development Corporation converted it into a hotel. The palace was renovated and expanded, adding 32 rooms to the original 22.

Since 2018, the hotel has been managed by Jungle Lodges and Resorts.

Though it has not been a royal palace for several decades now, the royal aura lingers on even today in the Lalitha Mahal.

(Meera Iyer is the author of Discovering Bengaluru and the Convenor of INTACH Bengaluru Chapter.)
The Karnataka Forest Department is organising a frog festival at Muppane nature camp in Sagar taluk on December 18 and 19 in order to create awareness among people about the need to protect the endangered amphibian.

Frogs, considered the best friend of farming community, are on the verge of extinction.

Seminars, discussions on frogs, screening of documentaries, presentation of research articles, information on various species of frogs and presentation of details on how frogs produce sound will be part of the two-day event. There would be an exchange of information on bush frog, Karaavali skittering frog, common toad and bullfrog.

Besides, environmentalists will pass a resolution in the event urging the government to declare the Malabar tree toad frog found in Western Ghat region as a State frog.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Sanjay Mohan will inaugurate the event on December 18 at 10:00 am.

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Sinn Fein spokesperson on Tourism, Media and Sport Imelda Munster TD has said it will come as a relief to the hospitality sector that the government has finally announced changes to the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS), and the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS).

The Louth TD also added that supports must be reviewed in January and extended if existing restrictions remain in place into the New Year and beyond.

Deputy Munster said:

The sector has been calling for these changes for weeks now, and its high time that they received clarity on the supports that are available given the impact that ongoing restrictions are having on their businesses and on workers in the sector.

The effect of the pandemic on tourism and hospitality in the last two years almost has been absolutely devastating.

We need to ensure that the EWSS and CRSS schemes can be tailored to the ongoing needs of the sector in 2022 in order to support businesses and workers who continue to need support.

This has been a long slog for hospitality, and it may not be over yet.

These businesses need to be supported for as long as restrictions are in place, she concluded.
Max Verstappen claims pole at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with a fine lap to leave title rival Lewis Hamilton starting second on the grid.

After Hamilton dominated the practice sessions in his Mercedes  in his quest for a record eighth Formula One world championship  Verstappen, with a tow in the slipstream of Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez, set an unassailable time of one minute 22.109 seconds to clinch what could prove to be the most important pole of his career.

Verstappen went into the season finale at the Yas Marina Circuit tied level with defending champion Hamilton at the top of the standings.

Poles The star of Saturday in 2021 #F1 pic.twitter.com/81kWwhcied  Red Bull Racing Honda (@redbullracing) December 11, 2021

Hamilton will at least start second, clocking a time 0.371 seconds slower as the title protagonists locked out the front row.

McLarens Lando Norris put in a fine display to qualify third for McLaren as Perez went fourth fastest in the second Red Bull.

It is an amazing feeling, said Verstappen.

We definitely improved the car again in qualifying. So far this weekend it has been on and off, but Im incredibly happy with this. It is never easy, especially with their form in the past few races.

Hamilton, meanwhile, admitted he had no answer to Verstappens fastest effort.

Final Quali of 2021 in the books.  Race Day can't come soon enough. pic.twitter.com/IDlOVRW3hy  Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) December 11, 2021

Max did a great lap today, so we just couldnt compete with that time at the end, he said.

It was looking really strong in practice. We couldnt answer that lap, it was a fantastic lap from him but we are in a good position, I think, with our tyres tomorrow.

I couldnt beat that time he did today and he fully deserved the pole. Im grateful I can see where he is!
Willyum Anderson, 12, was last seen about 3:40 p.m. Thursday at Clovis' Marshall Junior High School, police said.

UPDATE: Anderson has been located.

CLOVIS -- New Mexico State Police have issued a Brittany Alert for a 12-year-old Clovis boy.

Clovis police are looking for Willyum Anderson, 12, according to the police news release. Willyum was last seen about 3:40 p.m. Thursday at Marshall Junior High School on Commerce Way.

He is described as 5-foot-4 inches tall and 120 pounds with hazel eyes and dirty blonde hair. He was last seen wearing light-colored sweats, a black jacket, and black shorts, according to the release.

Police ask anyone with information call Clovis PD at 575-769-1921 or dial 911.

A Brittany Alert is issued when a missing person's health or safety is at risk, according to the New Mexico Department of Public Safety.
PORTALES  Eastern New Mexico University regents begrudgingly accepted a tuition and fees increase for the 2022-23 academic year Friday, taking little solace in the fact they held off a larger hike request.

By a 5-0 vote, regents approved a tuition increase of 3% and a fees increase of 4% in the meeting held a day before the colleges first indoor commencement in two years.

During its November meeting, ENMU officials had floated 5% increases to both tuition and fees, which would have added $162 per semester for an average ENMU student. With the change in percentages, Vice President of Business Affairs Scott Smart said, that increase would instead be $110 per semester.

Regents spent only a few minutes discussing the requests, as they hammered out most of their concerns Thursday at a three-hour work session held in Roswell prior to the branch campus commencement service.

This is not something we take lightly, said Student Regent Chandlar Head. Its important for our students that we keep them in mind at all times, but we have to keep lights on and we have to keep students safe.

Regents did note that even with the hikes, the college was still one of the least expensive in the states and the Southwest in general.

Regent Phillip Bustos said later in the meeting that he was against tuition increases, but voted for the measure as an emergency matter.

I will not do that again, Bustos said, noting any future tuition hike request must be accompanied by a sustainability plan. Board Vice President Lance Pyle said other regents shared his sentiments, and said prior to the vote that recruitment needed to be a key component for the college.

Regents also approved hikes to room and board rates  3% for room and 6.5% for board (campus dining). Vice President of Student Affairs Jeff Long said the college felt confident it could cover various wage and materials increases on the higher room rates, and the food service increase was provided by Sodexo based on its pricing indexes.

Pyle noted on-campus housing fell from 584 students in fall 2019 to 421 in fall 2021; ENMU held a fall 2020 semester virtually. Long noted the university didnt have the numbers to justify opening Eddy Hall this semester, but said the students largely converted to online learning instead of just leaving college altogether.

Bustos asked if there was a survey of students who didnt return to on-campus housing. Long said there wasnt an official one, but each student was contacted about their change in status. Long said many families had COVID-19 hesitancy because the university had no vaccination mandates and Roosevelt County has consistently had one of the states lowest vaccination rates. It was far from the only reason given, Long said, but, that reason was loud enough to get our attention.

Long said West Campus Apartments has remained full, and the college has set aside some of the unused dormitory rooms as quarantine spaces for students and the community at large.

In other business during the Friday meeting:

 During her report, Chancellor Patrice Caldwell said the Portales campus was at a 2% drop in spring registrations; we think we can make that up with many students not registering until finals week concludes.

 ENMU Foundation President Steve Doerr reported the foundations assets stood at about $32 million, up from the June 30 total of $28.46 million. While Doerr said having the balance was nice, he would like to find more ways to support students with that money rather than just watching it grow interest. Regents said they would be happy to have meetings to discuss such items.

Head thanked the Foundation for its support of choir trips to Spain and Carnegie Hall; it means the absolute world to us.

Pyle asked about the foundations desires for a new office; Doerr said it was a wish but not a priority, compared to scholarships.

 Pyle, who takes over as board president in 2022, conducted the meeting with President Dan Patterson participating virtually. Patterson had to stay home for a family matter.

 Regents met in executive session for about 30 minutes to discuss a personnel matter, but took no action before adjourning when they returned into open session.

 The next meeting is scheduled for 1 p.m. Jan. 19 in Santa Fe.
A SYRIAN citizen who now lives in Cork and runs her own business is donating a percentage of her profits to charity to thank the Irish people for the welcome and support her family has received.

I have been in my business one year, and [because of the] huge support I received from Irish people, I started to donate 15% of my monthly profit to support homeless in Ireland, Reham Ghafarji told The Echo.

Ms Ghafarji, who studied English literature at university in Damascus, has been living in Ireland with her husband Wasim and their young family since 2017.

She had worked as a beautician in her home country and undertook more training in Ireland. She worked in West Cork, but lost her job during the pandemic.

After that, I needed to be still active, still doing something I love, so I started my small business which was [making] handmade soap and skincare products like body scrubs and hair oils, she said.

Ms Ghafarjis products are made from natural ingredients and are chemical and cruelty-free.

She uses a mixture of Irish and Syrian ingredients.

Its tough to find black seed oil in Ireland, and its too expensive, so I bring it from my home country, she says. Its very good for skin as well  in the Middle East we call it blessed seeds because its full of benefits for the skin.

She sells her products online, and in a shop in Clonakilty and has added Christmas tree soaps to her range.

Ms Ghafarji says she is hugely grateful for the support she has received for her business and how her family have been supported in their move to West Cork.

My husband and I moved to Ireland in search of a better life from a country ravaged by war, in which we lost some loved ones, she said.

We hoped for a better life for our young children, and so we made the brave decision to uproot our family and start a new life in a new country. I now feel I have everything, my family, a new start in an amazing country and a new business  all of it is a dream come true!

In the future, she hopes to open a small factory and provide jobs for others with her business.
Charlie Bird said he does not believe he will see another Christmas as he discussed his diagnosis of motor neurone disease on Friday night.

The retired RTE reporter said he has been told he has between one and three years left to live and that he does not expect to be able to speak in three or four months time.

His voice sounding markedly different, the 72-year-old told the Late Late Show that he cries every day because of his diagnosis and that the slightest thing makes him emotional.

Hearing Irelands Call made me cry because its maybe the last time Im going to hear that, Mr Bird told host Ryan Tubridy during an emotional interview.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KP0e_QpjDTc

He said there are thousands of people facing similar challenges to him and that it is his final wish that the country looks after people who are dealing with illness.

Mr Bird said he is lucky that he has great friends and great family, including his wife Claire Bird who appeared with him on the show. He is also still able to walk unaided and plans to climb Croagh Patrick.

They say one to three years, Mr Bird said. Ive lost so much weight in the last few weeks. I probably wont have my voice in three or four months time.

He said he struggles to eat and sometimes wakes up in the morning and forgets for a moment that he is living this nightmare.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDP0S69eVFs

Asked about how he will face the end of his life, Mr Bird says he struggles with the issue and that he will have to make up my own mind about where and how I end up.

Mr Bird said he has told his family that he does not want to end up in a wheelchair. On Monday, he is due to meet up with terminally ill cervical cancer campaigner Vicky Phelan, who he said he admires greatly.

He said he does not think he will see another Christmas but that he hopes he is proven wrong so he can spend more time with his five grandchildren and two daughters.

The former chief reporter with RTE announced he had been diagnosed with the terminal disease in late October. It came after he suffered a coughing fit and began to notice problems with his voice.
America has always been a nation segregated into haves and have-nots with rampant inequity a seemingly natural aspect of our social order  the motif impacting towns and cities just as starkly as the people who live in them. But it doesn't have to be this way, argue authors UC Davis Professor, Stephen Wheeler, and Temple University Associate Professor, Christina Rosan.

In their new book, Reimagining Sustainable Cities: Strategies for Designing Greener, Healthier and More Equitable Communities, Wheeler and Rosan examine the steps municipalities across the country have taken in recent years in response to climate change, as well as their social and sustainability shortcomings, offering community-based solutions to ensure that urban development in the 21st century equitably raises the standard of living for all residents, not just for the rich.

In the excerpt below, the authors take a look at the myriad trials faced by residents of eastern Kentucky, a once thriving pastoral region ravaged by the intractable march towards modernization and distillation of wealth to the select few.

University of California Press

Copyright  2021 by Stephen M. Wheeler and Christina D. Rosan. Reprinted with permission from University of California Press.

While this book is about reimagining sustainable cities, we pause here to connect sustainable cities with the larger national and international context in terms of spatial inequality. We live in a world that is deeply interconnected. If we want sustainable cities, we need to work on reducing spatial disparities between cities and rural areas, and between different regions worldwide. Linkages between communities need to be recognized, and resources shared and equalized. Situations must be ended in which some regions exploit others by giving them the unwanted by-products of production, such as pollution, waste, and labor exploitation, while simultaneously moving resources and profits from poor regions to rich ones.

In and around the towns of eastern Kentucky, where Stephen Wheelers ancestral family is from, people of English and Scottish descent lived for many generations as self-sufficient farming families. That way of life changed in the second half of the twentieth century. Better roads, electricity, and telecommunications connected Appalachia with the rest of the world. Urban job opportunities lured away the young. Farming families became part of the cash economy and acquired new desires for processed foods, appliances, motor vehicles, and personal accessories. But hill farms didnt generate enough cash to buy such things, especially with rising federal subsidies for agribusiness in other parts of the country. So the people of eastern Kentucky became designated as poor and came to see themselves that way.

Environmental problems grew as well. Giant bulldozers scraped away hilltops and extracted coal, adding this region to the long list of others worldwide suffering from the resource curse. Runoff from coal mining poisoned wells and polluted waterways. Coal jobs left as quickly as they had come, leaving many even poorer.

A new, more globalized retail economy brought first Kmart and then Walmart, putting family-owned stores out of business. Fast-food outlets proliferated. But the new service economy jobs didnt pay much. To make better money some people began growing marijuana in hard-to-reach locations in the hills. Drug use, alcoholism, and obesity spread. Fundamentalist religion gained adherents and combined with Fox News (starting in the 1990s) to promote reactionary political values. A region that had been Democratic until the late twentieth century now helped elect US Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY). McConnell in turn played one of the largest roles in thwarting progressive legislation from Barack Obamas administration, supporting Donald Trumps presidency and fueling the rise of populism in the US.

If this tale of decline were one isolated example, it might not matter much. But spatial inequality persists and spreads worldwide. Some left-behind communities are rural. Others are urban. Entire countries are stuck in poverty due to the legacy of military or economic colonization. Spatial inequality is a core challenge to the development of more sustainable cities. Every community needs to be able to thrive, not just certain favored ones within a highly unequal global system. Instead of engaging in a zero-sum approach to development, with winners and losers, communities need to support one another so that all improve their quality of life and sustainability.

The so-called winners of todays global economic competition have their own problems. At the other end of the spectrum from Appalachia is Silicon Valley. This forty-mile corridor in the San Francisco Bay Area is an economic dynamo envied the world over. Covered by orchards and agricultural fields in the 1950s, this beautiful area was known as Valley of Hearts Desire. Now no orchards remain, and the region is a congested sprawl of poorly connected office parks, subdivisions, malls, and commercial strips. Incomes are high, but the price of a home is nearly five times that in the US as a whole. Many residents cannot afford housing near their jobs and so endure lengthy commutes or are housing insecure. Social inequality, traffic congestion, air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions expanded greatly during the past fifty years, reducing the quality of life in the region and contributing to global warming.

The Silicon Valley ethic of move fast and break things has created dynamic companies, unprecedented technology, and great wealth for a few. But the new gig economy pioneered there often operates at the expense of workers and the environment. It often produces an enormous concentration of wealth that comes from the exploitation of others. One study found that one-fifth of San Francisco Uber and Lyft drivers earned virtually nothing when their full expenses, including things such as health insurance, were accounted for. The tech industry has also been heavily criticized for sexual harassment during the MeToo movement and racism during the Black Lives Matter movement. The combination of individualism, predatory capitalism, toxic masculinity, and lack of concern for the common good that Silicon Valley represents works strongly against a sustainable and equitable future.

Similar problems of unequal development exist in other successful urban areas worldwide, including Shanghai, Beijing, Tokyo, Bangalore, Singapore, Toronto, London, Amsterdam, Paris, and Tel Aviv. Though among the worlds economic success stories, on many dimensions of sustainability they are failures. The growing core-periphery disparities that produce left-behind communities and sacrifice zones on the one hand and wealthy but unsustainable and highly unequal job centers on the other are at the heart of recent global development patterns.

Let us imagine instead a world where we are not content with the concentration of wealth and opportunity in a small number of global cities; where all communities have affordable housing and provide a decent quality of life; where cities meet the needs of people locally and regionally but do not drain wealth from other parts of the world; where no areas are left behind in the transition to a green economy, their populations increasingly alienated, despairing, and vulnerable to unscrupulous politicians and warlords; and where social dimensions of sustainability are well served everywhere.

Sources of the Problem

Todays spatial inequity problems have long historical roots, illuminated by literature in fields such as economic geography, sociology, and environmental history. One starting point is physical geography. Some parts of the world have more fertile soils than others, more abundant mineral resources, more useful plant, animal, and fish species, and/or more benign topography and climate. Other places have been strategically well located to serve as trading centers and market towns or have been easy to defend against attack. Such communities have been able to accumulate modest amounts of wealth and power. The chessboard of geographical wealth is constantly shifting and with global warming is likely to shift in even greater ways in the future.

However, in other cases spatial inequities have resulted from military, religious, cultural, political, and/or economic systems that further centralize power and wealth. Typically these have drained resources from the periphery to the core of empires. Many parts of the world still suffer the legacy of colonization. Local traditions and cultures were disrupted, peoples were exploited, racism was institutionalized, ecosystems were harmed, and corrupt, colonizer-friendly governments were installed following independence. The damage has been so profound and long-lasting in many places that reparations may be appropriate. The need for climate justice may likewise call for reparations and repayments.

Twentieth-century economic development philosophies exacerbated spatial inequality on the assumption that economic globalization was to everyones long-term benefit. Various versions of growth pole theory, originating in the 1950s, sought to focus business development in particular geographical locales within countries on the assumption that this would leverage economic development in other parts. Such wider-scale progress was rare; growth poles instead often channeled resources to local elites, created isolated business enclaves, and harmed the environment.

The municipal economic development practice of chasing branches of multinational corporations has likewise undermined prospects for a more stable long-term economic base in cities worldwide. This race to the bottom competition leads suburbs to compete to host the newest shopping mall, central cities to compete for corporate headquarters, and states or countries to lower their environmental and labor standards to attract multinational corporations. However, the resulting businesses often dont provide the expected number of jobs, pay the decent wages promised, or stay more than a few years. As Margaret Dewar has pointed out in her well-titled article Why State and Local Economic Development Programs Cause So Little Economic Development, politicians have an incentive in the short term to appear to be generating jobs by attracting well-known companies but little incentive to take into account long-term economic or environmental sustainabilIty. A recent example of the extreme lengths that municipalities will go to in order to attract development can be seen in the global competition for the second Amazon headquarters.

The Bretton Woods framework of postWorld War II development assistance only deepened global spatial disparities, creating what economist Andres Gunder Frank termed the development of underdevelopment. Agencies such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund loaned funds to developing countries for megaprojects that created wealth for elites but left others poor and displaced, while countries accumulated enormous debt to lenders in the Global North. National governments focused on what sustainability-oriented NGOs refer to as extreme infrastructure. These dams, power plants, industrial zones, and large-scale agricultural projects sought to jump-start an export-oriented form of economic development that was often environmentally harmful and funneled capital created by Third World labor and resources into First World bank accounts.

Yet another source of disparities has been the structural adjustment policies that neoliberal governments in wealthy nations insisted upon as a condition for international assistance during the past forty years. These require developing countries to take actions such as cutting social programs, privatizing public assets such as utilities and railroads, reducing barriers to foreign investment, and lowering taxes on the wealthy. The effect has been to make life harder for the poor while enriching elites and international corporations. It is increasingly clear that structural adjustment policies need to be discontinued and policies that promote spatial equity put in their place.

Finally, the offshoring of manufacturing from wealthy nations to low-cost and less regulated parts of the globe during the past half century has had complex effects on spatial disparities. It has impoverished the US Rust Belt as well as the British Midlands, leading to the growth of right-wing populism in both places. Meanwhile, it has helped fuel the rise of megacities and megaregions in the developing world, leading to massive internal migration and expanding economic disparities between those urban areas and the countryside. Undoubtedly, these global economic shifts have improved quality of life for many. But they have harmed others, disrupted societies, contributed to the climate crisis, and widened the gulf between rich and poor communities (figure 7).

UC Press

Although spatial disparities are still expanding in many places, there is hope for the rebirth of left-behind cities and regions. Manchester, UK, the first industrial powerhouse in Europe, lost much of its manufacturing in the middle of the twentieth century but has since rebuilt itself by focusing on culture, education, physical regeneration, and its geographical role as a transportation center. The US steel capital of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, after losing 350,000 industrial jobs in the 1980s, reinvented itself as a center of renewable energy, health care, and education. Even the long-declining hulk of Detroit, one of the most hollowed-out American cities, is showing signs of a turnaround. Examples such as these indicate the possibility for left-behind places to rebound. But all of these cities had assets to start with, including a strong identity and an active elite that led revitalization efforts. Other communities and regions dont have such advantages. And the pervasive problems associated with spatial inequality affect wealthy as well as declining places, necessitating holistic and imaginative solutions at higher levels of governance.
Yoolim Lee and Yantoultra Ngui, Bloomberg

As COVID-19 rages throughout the world, global supply chains are stretched thin. By now you've heard the conditions created a global chip shortage that has affected many companies. What you probably haven't heard are first-hand accounts of how the push to keep factories open turned tragic for many families.

Taylor Lorenz, The New York Times

Birds aren't real. They've been replaced by drones, used by the US government to spy on us. Meet the latest conspiracy theory that's gaining popularity on Instagram, TIkTok and YouTube.

Jon Keegan and Alfred Ng, The Markup

Life360 is a popular option for parents to keep an eye on their children via phone location, but the app is selling that data, on both adults and kids, to several companies that peddle such sensitive info to any and all buyers.
It won't surprise you to hear Twitter is fighting former President Trump's lawsuit over his ban. Bloomberg reports Twitter has asked a judge to dismiss the suit as it allegedly misinterprets and threatens the company's First Amendment free speech rights. The social network noted it was a private company that isn't obligated to host speech it doesn't like, and that Trump repeatedly violated the rules he agreed to when he chose to use the service. A forced ban reversal would challenge "bedrock principles of constitutional law," Twitter said.

Moreover, Twitter argued its editorial choices related to basic public concerns, including threats to a peaceful White House transition as well as statements that could foster "further violence." The company merely flagged Trump's tweets as misleading in the run-up to the January 6th Capitol assault, but banned him after he continued.

Lead attorney John Coale has contended Twitter is a "state actor" as Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act supposedly equates to a subsidy that forces it to honor the First Amendment like the government does. Biden's Justice Department has objected to this interpretation in a court filing, however, stating that Section 230 is only meant to protect against liability, not regulate the speech of officials like the ex-President.

Trump isn't waiting for a return to Twitter, Facebook and other social networks. He recently launched Truth Social in a bid to enable himself and other conservatives who've felt silenced by tech companies. If Twitter succeeds in its dismissal request, though, Trump won't have much of a choice but to give up his once-preferred platform.
If the weather remains favorable and no technical issues stop it, the New Shepard vehicle carrying six people will be lifting off today at 9:45AM Eastern time. It's Blue Origin's third ever crewed mission and the first time that a flight will be at full capacity with six passengers onboard. One of those passengers is Laura Shepard Churchley, daughter of Alan Shepard who's known for being the first American to go to space. She'll be making the trip with Good Morning America co-host Michael Strahan as guests of the Jeff Bezos-owned aerospace company.

The trip's paying passengers are technology-focused venture fund founder Lane Bess and his child Cameron Bass aka MeepsKitten on Twitch, Voyager Space CEO Dylan Taylor and engineer/Starfighters Aerospace volunteer pilot Evan Dick. Blue Origin NS-19 was supposed to make the trip to suborbital space on December 9th, but it was pushed back due strong winds.

#NewShepard is on the pad. The mission team is going through nominal procedures in preparation for this particular vehicles 3rd crewed flight of 2021 and its 5th overall this year. Meet the #NS19 crew as they prepare for their flight to space today: https://t.co/p6F9B4Jyvb  Blue Origin (@blueorigin) December 11, 2021

The company launched its first crewed spaceflight in July, carrying Jeff Bezos and his brother above the Karman line. In October it flew William Shatner into space for its second crewed flight. Mission NS-19 isn't only the third crewed Blue Origin flight this year, it's also one of the many across space agencies and private space companies, including SpaceX and Virgin Galactic. As Jennifer Levasseur, a curator at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, told The Washington Post, it's "the busiest year in human spaceflight." She added: "We're entering a new phase of activity that we've never, frankly, seen before. And it creates a lot of excitement."

You can watch the launch and the preparations before it below when broadcast begins at 8:15AM ET.

Update 12/11 10:25AM ET: The mission was successful, making this the first time Blue Origin has sent a full capsule to space and back.
The historical background of recent events in Afghanistan is examined, and its relevance to Indias foreign and security policy is analysed.

The historical background of recent events in Afghanistan is examined, and its relevance to Indias foreign and security policy is analysed.

The only thing that we learn from history is that we learn nothing from history. Georg Hegel

Afghanistan has seen numerous foreign interventions in the past two centuries starting with the Afghan wars in the 19th century, the proxy war between the United States (US) and the Soviet Union in the 1980s and early 1990s, and the US Global War on Terror post 9/11. Halford Mackinder propounded his heartland theory with Afghanistan at the crossroads of empires to explain the great game or rivalry between Britain and Russia in the 19th century, which included the Afghan wars (Mackinder 1904). During the time that Britain fought for control over Afghanistan, Tsarist Russia won over central Asia (Fromkin 1980).
Capital punishment is untenable within a normative frame of non-violence meant to address social violence.

The recent judgment of the Bombay High Court in the Shakti mills gang rape case commuted the death penalty awarded by a lower trial court to the convicts. The procedure established by law did not fit the requirements of Section 376E regarding repeat offenders, and hence, the sentence of death penaltyfollowing the earlier pronouncements of the Supreme Court and the reports of the Law Commission of India that imprisonment should be the norm and death penalty only the exceptionwas reduced to rigorous imprisonment for life lasting for the remainder of their natural life, while also acknowledging that public outcry must not necessarily be the primary consideration in such matters. However, it added that the convicts shall not be entitled to any remissions including parole and furlough. In this substitute to the death penalty, it was added that the convicts do not deserve to assimilate with the society, and since death puts an end to the whole concept of repentance, any sufferings and mental agony, the convicts should sense that with every day, the rising sun would remind them of the barbaric acts committed by them and the night would lay them with a heavy heart filled with guilt and remorse.

The wide normative assumptions that are followed and repeated here within the premises of this judgment (and similar ones to this), allow us to move beyond legal empiricism, and see what it portends for society, at large.
Officials from Guatemala and Mexico pledged to tackle international people-smuggling networks they blamed for Thursday's truck crash that killed 55 mostly Guatemalan migrants. Some migrants blamed the Mexican president for the accident.
Nielsen has announced the release of its enhanced Nielsen Identity System for Digital Ad Ratings in 15 markets, including India, starting 1st February 2022. This change enables more accurate digital ad measurement, connecting digital impressions to the demographics of people across billions of devices in preparation for a cookieless future.

Following the roll-out in the UK, Italy, and France on 1st February, the enhanced Nielsen Identity System for Digital Ad Ratings is planned for release in Japan, Australia, India, and Germany on April 1st; Spain, Brazil, Indonesia, and Canada on 1st May; and Singapore, Mexico, Thailand, and Hong Kong on 1st June. Nielsen plans to release the enhanced Identity System across other markets on a monthly cadence following the initial releases in 2022.

The Nielsen Identity System serves to unify the identity data that Nielsen receives in an interoperable way across the media ecosystem. Advertisers and publishers can use Nielsen measurement with confidence knowing that when a digital ad is viewed then the measured demographics are appropriately assigned and the audiences are deduplicated across mobile and PC platforms in order to get to true people based metrics. Nielsen achieves this by uniquely combining Nielsen assets with third party data sets calibrated against truth sets, the company said.

Sarah Miller, SVP, Product Management at Nielsen, commented "With this enhancement to our Identity System we are taking another step to assure the longevity of ad measurement amidst the rapidly evolving digital ecosystem. Because of Nielsen's unique data assets, we are not only able to adjust and correct licensed third party user registration data using panels, we have also developed sophisticated machine learning algorithms to cluster digital IDs into people and correct for any possible imbalances from the market's universe of users. It is this advanced data science methodology fueled by the sheer volume of Nielsen Identities that will empower the digital ad measurement into the future."

"Nielsen continues to evolve its technologies and methodologies for independent measurement of audiences as the industry itself evolves to utilise cross-media measurement," said Sean Cohan, Nielsen's Chief Growth Officer and President, International. "Nielsen's strategic measurement approach positions the company to deliver deduplicated audiences across linear and digital as part of Nielsen ONE."







Read more news about (internet advertising India, internet advertising, advertising India, digital advertising India, media advertising India)
Courtesy of the San Antonio Police Department

San Antonio police are seeking the publics help to find a suspect more than two months since a man was shot in the head at North Side apartment complex.

Officers found Jade Damountae Ray Hills, 19, with a gunshot wound at 11:42 p.m. on Sept. 23 at the Star Club Apartments, 8800 Starcrest Drive, according to a police report.
A teenager charged in the fatal shooting of his mother at his grandmothers North Side home in 2019 has been indicted on a murder charge.

Jorge Joseph Alvarado, 17, was among 269 felony indictments handed down this week by two Bexar County grand juries, the District Attorneys Office said in a statement Friday.

Alvarado was 15 when San Antonio police arrested him on suspicion that he fatally shot his mother in the head. The boy apparently called 911 after 10 p.m. on Sept. 11, 2019, to report a shooting at his grandmothers home in the 500 block of General Krueger Boulevard, according to reports.

On ExpressNews.com: Judge decides to continue holding San Antonio teen detained in his mothers death

When first responders arrived, they found the boys mother, Melissa Stebbins Alvarado, 50, with a gunshot wound to her head. Reports indicate Melissa Alvarado and her son lived with her mother.

It is unclear what led to the shooting. Records indicate that San Antonio police officers had responded to the house 11 times in the three years before the fatal shooting for incidents involving family violence, disturbance involving a gun, mental health issues, a 911 hangup call and a missing person or runaway.

Court records indicate Alvarado is being held in juvenile detention and is awaiting a trial in the 436th Juvenile District Court.

If convicted of the first-degree felony, Alvarado faces up to life in prison.

Also indicted this week were Daniel Garcia, 26, and Nickolle C. Aguilar, 25, each charged in separate indictments regarding the death of Aguilars son, Domenic Aguilar-Acevedo, 5, on July 24.

On ExpressNews.com: Pair wanted in death of 5-year-old jailed in Florida, SAPD says

An arrest warrant was issued in August after the childs great-grandmother  Aguilars grandmother  called San Antonio police and the FBI to report that the child was missing and believed to be dead after the couple went to Costa Rica without the boy, according to reports. The woman told police that when Aguilar arrived in Costa Rica without the boy, she asked where he was and was told that he died after getting sick and vomiting in a San Antonio hotel.

The couple was later taken into custody in Florida.

Reports indicate the child had suffered extensive physical abuse for three weeks leading up to his death at an extended stay hotel near Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston. After the boys death, the couple drove to Colorado, where they dumped the body, the indictment alleges.

A month later, the childs remains were found in a ravine, and he was wearing the same clothes that he had on when the three were captured on the hotels surveillance video, according to reports.

Garcia is charged with murder, and Aguilar is charged with injury to a child, both first-degree felonies.

Their cases are assigned to the 186th District Court. If convicted, each faces up to life in prison.

Morgan Michael Goode also was charged this week in multiple indictments.

Goode, 26, is charged with murder in the fatal shooting of Maria Calvillo, 50, on Sept. 11, and two counts of aggravated assault for shooting at two other women that day, according to the statement.

According to reports, Calvillo had worked an overnight shift at the Toyota plant and was shot to death in the front yard of a home down the street from where she lived on Kayton Avenue.

Goode is being prosecuted in the 226th District Court. If convicted, he faces up to life in prison.

On ExpressNews.com: Video footage shows 20-year-old fatally shooting teenager in the back, records say

Also indicted was Zachary Vargas, 20, who is charged with murder in the fatal shooting of Markhael Ross, 16, on Jan. 25.

According to reports, Ross had gone to Vargas home to sell some property when they began to argue and then fight. During the course of their physical altercation, captured by surveillance video, a gun was drawn, and they began to struggle over it. After a shot was discharged to the ground, Vargas is accused of picking up the gun and firing multiple shots at Ross as he ran away.

Ross later died at University Hospital.

Vargas case is being heard in the 227th District Court. He faces up to life in prison if convicted.

Francisco Javier Garcia Ventura, 29, was indicted on a murder charge in the death of his girlfriend, Crystal Iris Garcia, 32, on Sept. 17.

Ventura was arrested after members of his family allegedly told police that he told them he had beaten his girlfriend to death.

On ExpressNews.com: Man charged with murder after body found in Comal County confirmed to be girlfriends

According to reports, Venturas family reported that the couple had gotten into an argument that escalated, in which Ventura beat and strangled Garcia at her Wurzbach Road apartment. He was later seen on surveillance video leaving the apartment with a heavy duty garbage bag the day of the attack, according to reports.

Investigators later found blood in her bedroom, as well as evidence that more blood had been cleaned throughout the apartment, according to reports.

Garcias body later was found in Comal County.

Venturas case is being heard in the 186th District Court. He faces up to life in prison if convicted.

In another indictment, Gabrielle Ann Gaitan, 28, is charged with two counts each of intoxication manslaughter and failure to stop and render aid resulting in death.

She is accused of driving under the influence, speeding, running a red light and causing the deaths of Maricris Morris, 39, and Vicenta Rangel, 38, at about 4:30 a.m. on Sept. 13 at the intersection of Texas 16 and South Zarzamora Street on the South Side.

Gaitans cases are being prosecuted in the 437th District Court. If convicted of the second-degree felonies, she faces up to 20 years in prison.

ezavala@express-news.net | Twitter: @elizabeth2863
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released a new video this year promoting its humanitarian aid campaign, Light the World with Love.

It has inspired a group of teens in Seguin to help Afghan refugees resettling in San Antonio.

Set to the music of Angels We Have Heard on High, the video depicts scenes from everyday life that translate into a modern nativity.

Theres the stranger helping a guy whose truck has broken down. Its nighttime. The driver is trying to take a look under the hood. The stranger turns on his cellphone light, holding it above them.

Thats the star in this nativity.

My favorite sequence comes in the final scene. A woman and child are about to walk past a homeless person lying on a park bench. She stops, takes her coat off and covers the sleeping man.

The initiative asks that you be part of the greatest story ever told.

Teens at the churchs Seguin Ward were moved.

Heres where the story gets a predictable Texas twist.

The international campaign raises funds through electronic vending machines called Giving Machines that allow people to swipe a credit card and select an item to give to a charity.

Gifts range from a goat to an eye exam and from a chicken to a textbook.

Seguin didnt get a Giving Machine. Neither did San Antonio. Nor did Texas.

Only 10 Giving Machines are set up across the United States, although contributions can be made online to the local charities involved in those 10 cities.

Members of the Seguin youth group  including Charlie Taylor, 16, Jordan Johnson, 16, Anthony Buchanan, 18, and Nikolaus Mahlstede, 17  werent satisfied with that.

Armed with power tools, plywood and 2 by 4s, they decided to build a Texas Giving Machine. It stands 8 feet high, 4 feet across, 2 feet deep; sits on wheels; and  again, since this is Texas  already has made appearances in a couple of holiday parades.

Its the spirit of Christmas, said Tim Bird, a small-business owner and bishop of the Seguin Ward, explaining the project. Its been incredible.

Because the church has partnered with Catholic Charities and other local organizations on various projects, the Texas Giving Machine is raising money specifically to provide essential household items for apartments being prepared for Afghan refugees resettling in San Antonio.

Theyre part of the modern nativity story, and the name of the project makes that connection.

The Seguin Ward Youth Stable Project has a Facebook page where updates are announced. Its goal was first to provide enough household items for half an apartment. Then the goal was expanded to one apartment.

Bird says the project now has enough to supply 20 apartments and has set a goal of more than 100.

This may be a reflection of youthful exuberance but also of the growth of the Mormon population in the area.

For example, December marks the 100th anniversary of the churchs first congregation in San Antonio, which started with 15 people.

Today, there are about 28,000 members in San Antonio who worship in 25 meetinghouses.

That doesnt include Seguin, where the story of the Texas Giving Machine began.

The contraption is admittedly not as fancy as its global counterparts. There is no way to swipe your credit card, but you can use your smartphone to scan a QR code for the 72 items on the list.

The codes link to an Amazon.com registry thats being managed by a sister church group in Georgia, which monitors it and hunts for sales.

A girls youth group in the Seguin Ward is involved, too, sorting items arriving from across the country.

The registry lists the most essential items a family will need. The most expensive are beds, the least expensive are bags of clothespins.

When I looked at the registry Friday afternoon, the first item listed was a teapot  an all-important item, especially for an Afghan family. It costs $14.41.

The machine sits at First United Bank during the day. Items can be dropped off at the bank as well.

Last weekend, the machine made an appearance at the San Antonio Welcome Walk Race in honor of refugees. Mayor Ron Nirenberg talked with Seguin youth about their project.

Its also where they met a couple of Afghan families, including a widow with seven children that has been living in an apartment with little in it, Bird said.

The group made an instant connection with another family and invited its members to a Christmas party. They sat around a bonfire in fellowship.

The bishop paused several times when talking about the youths, overcome with emotion.

They dont know the impact theyre having on these families, but they feel it and want to keep going, he said.

The teens involved may learn more about Afghanistan in the process.

I think those stories will come later as we connect with the families, Bird said. But I dont think thats the driver. This group just wants to serve.

He said others are involved, including people making pillowcases and conducting a toothbrush drive.

After Christmas, Bird thinks the project will receive the larger pieces of furniture needed. Those donations have been lagging.

Together, theyre making real the churchs message of a modern nativity.

Theyre getting the stable ready.

eayala@express-news.net
If its possible for a personality to be encapsulated in a single image, theres one I have in mind for Greg Casar.

The young, bearded social-justice advocate stands in the parking lot of an Austin Burger King.

He wields a bullhorn and rouses fast-food workers who have joined a nationwide walkout to protest their low pay and poor working conditions.

An Austin police officer gets in Casars face, ordering him to vacate the property immediately. Casar seems completely unfazed.

Its not quite a look of defiance. Its more like an expression of absolute commitment to his cause, a commitment that doesnt allow for peripheral distractions.

This expression, showcased in an Austin American-Statesman photo of the August 2013 fast-food strike, is one that has become familiar to Casars supporters as well as his detractors in the intervening eight years.

During that time, Casar has won three terms on the Austin City Council and established himself as the progressive conscience of that citys municipal government.

At the moment, he has his sights set on Congress, specifically U.S. District 35, which runs along the Interstate 35 corridor from San Antonio to Austin.

Casar, 32, was in San Antonio this past week, building support outside his home base and announcing a spate of endorsements from local labor unions, including Communications Workers of America District 6, Southwest Laborers District Council, San Antonio Building and Construction Trades Council and UNITE HERE Local 23.

Casars path to the Democratic primary wont be easy. From Austin, hell face veteran state Rep. Eddie Rodriguez. From San Antonio, hell encounter former Southeast Side Councilwoman Rebecca Viagran.

Neither opponent, however, can match the grassroots passion that Casar routinely summons. Neither opponent can bring as much fire as he does whenever he makes the case for his candidacy.

The child of Mexican immigrants, Casar grew up in Houston, where he ran cross country for his Jesuit high school. He attended the University of Virginia and knocked on doors for Barack Obamas groundbreaking 2008 presidential campaign.

After moving to Austin, Casar entered electoral politics in the most organic possible way. He first established himself as an advocate for immigrant workers in Austin and frequently took his case to City Hall.

We were organizing just to make sure people got paid, he told me during his recent visit to San Antonio.

There were a lot of people who worked jobs, and they got promised they were going to get paid at the end of their construction job or after theyve cleaned certain houses or cut lawns. And they just didnt get paid at all by companies. My work was to push back against that.

He also championed the cause of construction workers who put in long hours without so much as a moment for a water break.

These causes, which Casar defines as common decency issues, are what drew him into politics.

In 2014, after Austin did away with its antiquated and undemocratic at-large council system and moved to single-member districts, Casar made a successful bid in his north/central district. He became the youngest person ever elected to the Austin City Council.

His first big project on the council concerned the North Lamar Community Mobile Home Park, a 69-unit property purchased by out-of-state owners who hiked the rents and ushered in exorbitant new fees. The owners started sending eviction notices to any residents who questioned the higher costs.

The desperate residents turned to Casar, who helped organize a neighborhood group and brought in legal assistance. With Casars help, the residents ultimately formed a cooperative and bought the park from its owners.

Casar also pushed forward the first paid sick leave ordinance in the South, a measure that set the stage for a similar ordinance in San Antonio (both of which have been stymied by legal challenges).

Over the past seven years, he also has been an unrelenting voice on the issues of homelessness, police accountability, home displacement and worker rights.

Casar rejects the common narrative that Democrats must choose between progressive ideals and practical compromise.

For one thing, he questions the notion that the compromisers are producing much in the way of tangible results.

Right now, were seeing corporate politicians, regardless of party, being the ones blocking things from happening, he said. A lot of the most progressive members are the ones saying, Lets pass policy. Lets do good work.

He defines himself, and like-minded politicians, as progressives who deliver.

For me, a good idea is only good if we can turn it into policies, Casar said.

Being progressive means we actually make housing more affordable for people, we actually deliver health care for people. So thats what Ive been committed to doing.

ggarcia@express-news.net | Twitter: @gilgamesh470
I recently found out that a friend of mine  a smart guy  was not vaccinated, and I confronted him about it.

How could he have not gotten his vaccination? And how had he not seen fit to tell me and our other mutual friends? Wasnt he worried about the risk he was posing not just to himself, but to the rest of us?

He tried to laugh it off, offering up a bunch of concerns rooted in conspiracy theories. But I told him that he had to get vaccinated, period.

The next time I saw him, he was worried about the omicron variant and asked if I would go with him to get the jab. I texted him a site where he could register and told him to let me know once he had. That was several days ago. He still hasnt signed up.

I am disappointed, and I am angry, not just with my friend but with all the people who are choosing not to get vaccinated.

There was a point, earlier in the pandemic, when vaccines were scarce, when I tried to be tolerant with the holdouts, tried not to shame them, tried not to be angry with them, tried to allow them time to educate themselves about the benefits of getting vaccinated.

But that time has long since passed for me. Call me one of the intolerant. Thats what I am. I will not coddle willful ignorance anymore. I will not indulge the fools errand of Im still doing my own research anymore, either.

This virus has already killed nearly 800,000 Americans and infected nearly 50 million. We are now averaging about 120,000 new cases a day.

This virus is deadly and unrelenting. The only way out of this situation, for our country and the world, is through the vaccines. We must dramatically shrink the number of people vulnerable to the virus  or else we risk allowing our population to act as a petri dish for the growth of variants.

In July, Michael Saag, a professor of medicine and infectious diseases expert at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, told the Guardian: Unvaccinated people are basically the cannon fodder of the virus. The virus needs people to infect in order to replicate and the more people it has that are vulnerable or susceptible to infection, the more likely it will mutate.

The unvaccinated dont only leave themselves vulnerable to the virus, they make everyone more vulnerable.

I have heard all the reasons for resistance. There are the people who have politicized the virus and see getting vaccinated through a partisan lens. There are the people who view government pressure, and especially mandates, to put something in your body as overreach and anathema to the American ideal of independence and freedom. There are people who dont trust the government, sometimes with good reason.

I have heard it all. And I reject it all.

There are just too many fresh graves pocking the land to entertain these objections. And too many lives disrupted, as people grieve lost loved ones, alter their employment, and keep their children home from school.

When this pandemic first exploded, I thought that it would be a disruption of a few months. We are now closing in on year two, and while some offices and schools have reopened, cases are again surging in many parts of this country, and the omicron variant has spooked markets around the world.

We now have to consider the very real possibility that the virus will not be eradicated but will become endemic. The journal Nature put this more directly in February: The coronavirus is here to stay. In a survey of more than 100 immunologists, researchers and virologists, the journal found that almost 90 percent thought that the coronavirus would become endemic. As Nature put it at the time, it will continue to circulate in pockets of the global population for years to come.

Even if eradication is all but impossible, it is possible to control the virus and mitigate its spread, if more people are vaccinated.

So, yes, I am furious at the unvaccinated, and I am not ashamed of disclosing that. I am no longer trying to understand them or educate them. Barriers to access have fallen. The only reason for remaining unvaccinated that I now accept is from people who have medical conditions that prevent it.

All others have a choice to either be part of the solution or part of the problem. The unvaccinated are choosing to be part of the problem.
Diane and Chuck McClaferty live and work on a Dripping Springs ranch. Its been in Chuck McClafertys family for 85 years. They raise beef cattle. They keep honeybees.

And a proposed four-lane highway would run right through the middle of their land.

If it comes to pass, theyll lose the cattle and the bees. Theyll lose the future theyve imagined for their children and grandchildren since they moved onto the ranch 28 years ago.

When you drive into Dripping Springs from Austin, theres a big water tower that says, Welcome to the gateway to Hill Country, Chuck McClaferty said. But theyre taking away the Hill Country and putting down pavement.

Dripping Springs is a quiet, small town where you escape the big city to gaze upon clear waters and dark night skies. At least it was.

The population of this Hays County city west of Austin has more than tripled to 7,500 since 2010, and the growing pains are showing.

The citys roads and wastewater treatment are overdue for upgrades. Its a fact that motivates those who want to upgrade them and scares those who fear the effects of development.

On ExpressNews.com: Two new mixed-use developments would serve Dripping Springs booming population

The county has yet to approach the McClafertys about buying  or even just taking  their land. But the couple and other affected ranchers have met with K. Friese and Associates  the firm contracted with Hays County to begin exploring the highways potential designs  and they see the writing on the wall.

Its going to cross Onion Creek in four places and destroy all of our ranches with the lighting, noise abatement, air pollution, Diane McClaferty said. All of us have livestock. All my neighbors have horses and cows.

Its just the way weve lived, she said. And now theyre just going to intrude on us and force on us this highway that doesnt make sense at all.

Growing pains

The existing roads havent kept pace with the influx of new homes and residents, leading to gridlock in rush hours. And although the population pressure has pushed the city to upgrade its wastewater treatment, environmentalists objections have slowed those plans.

Dripping Springs is known as a quaint town with several old family ranches and rolling hills. The town motto is the gateway to Hill Country. It holds the designation of the official wedding capital of Texas, and it hosts several breweries and distilleries, including one for Deep Eddy Vodka.

Snaking off the main roads  U.S. 290, FM 150 and RM 12  are quiet neighborhoods with ranch-style houses set back far from the street, copper weather vanes spinning on the roofs and junk cars rusting in the front yard.

The city proper, all 10 square miles of it, lies about 20 miles west of Austin, but its extraterritorial jurisdiction adds 100 square miles and extends all the way to Austins city limits.

Thats what has kept Austin from extending all the way to Dripping Springs, Mayor Bill Foulds said.

In the early 1980s, the city of Austin was trying to annex large areas of land, and people were constantly afraid of Austin, Foulds said.

Dripping Springs had tracts 8 to 10 miles away that came into its extraterritorial jurisdiction, even though ETJs typically extend a half-mile beyond city limits, Foulds said.

A citys control over its ETJ is limited, he said, but we are able to keep Austin out of (residents) backyard.

On ExpressNews.com: $1.1 billion renewable energy project touted for Caldwell County

Dripping Springs has only a couple of big-box stores  a Home Depot and an H-E-B  and the rest are mom-and-pop shops.

Yolanda Jones, who lives in a large white home with backyard views of hills and ranches, said neighbors realize development is inevitable.

All of us moved here from somewhere else because we love this lifestyle, the Gateway to Hill Country, she said, and we know other people want to live here, too.

A highway sign on the citys busiest road, U.S. 290, at the citys southern boundary reads: Dripping Springs  City limit  Pop (Population) 1,788. But that number hasnt been accurate since 2010. The most recent census data has the population at just under 7,500 people  an increase of 319 percent in just 10 years.

The Interstate 35 corridors massive growth in recent decades has meant that no matter how hard some people try, the quiet, charming Texas ranch life is beginning to deteriorate. Threats of four-lane highways, 3,000-home subdivisions and increased light and air pollution are a constant fog over the rolling Hill Country.

Were not opposed to roads or development, Jones said, but what we want is smart development, smart transportation, that solves the problems currently and in the future.

Housing

The city has experienced so much housing growth that its council enacted a moratorium on all development. It began Nov. 18 and has been extended until Feb. 20 to give city officials time to craft a comprehensive plan for the city.

Popping up adjacent to the once-quiet old neighborhoods are massive housing developments with hundreds  thousands, even  of new homes. Theres Headwaters, a master-planned community with cliff-side mansions that start at $500,000 and boast views of the Hill Countrys rolling green landscapes, and Caliterra, a 600-acre neighborhood with a pool complex. The citys two main bodies of water  Onion Creek and Walnut Creek  meander through Caliterra.

Its the latter subdivision where Kathy Epperson, Chris and Karen Hill, and Jones live  four members of a grassroots citizens alliance, Save Our Hill Country, which advocates for responsible development in and around Dripping Springs.

The backyards of the homes of Jones and the Hills have expansive views of the Hill Country, something they say they were promised when they purchased their homes in the new housing community around five years ago or less.

But for at least the past decade, county records show a proposed four-lane highway has been in the works that will expand FM 150. The project is still being designed, but it threatens to cut through Jones and the Hills backyard views. Also at risk: old family ranches, fragile wildlife habitats and at least one abandoned silver mine. Many say these make Dripping Springs a unique place to live.

On ExpressNews.com: Fighting for the edge of night in Hill Country amid growth, development

Jones lamented what could befall the pristine Onion Creek.

Any time you have a big roadway like that, youre going to have oil, gas, windshield wipers, trash debris and debris from car accidents that could impact the creek and the wildlife, Jones said. Its going to be terrible.

Jennifer Schaeffer, another Dripping Springs resident and a member of Save Our Hill Country, noted two deer-crossing signs at the edge of the floodplain. She said shes concerned about the implications for wildlife and auto collisions if the Southwest Loop or an accompanying roundabout at RM 12 and FM 150 move forward.

As the mayor takes in the moment for the city, he strikes a cautious tone.

This rapid growth was never anticipated at this volume by anyone.  We have to be careful what we ask for, Foulds said.

Waters and sky

Dripping Springs wastewater treatment plant is permitted to handle up to 400,000 gallons of water a day, and Foulds says the city treats only about 50 percent of that capacity. But all the new homes could overwhelm the plant. And to handle the extra effluent, the city wants to build 25-million-gallon ponds  something Save Our Springs, an environmental group based in Austin, has contested since city leaders first floated the idea four years ago.

Foulds says the city hopes to begin resolving the court disputes over the wastewater treatment plant in January.

Since 2014, Dripping Springs has been designated an International Dark Sky Community, which, according to the Dark Sky website, is a town that has shown exceptional dedication to the preservation of the night sky through the implementation and enforcement of a quality outdoor lighting ordinance, dark sky education and citizen support of dark skies.

Dripping Springs has a nighttime lighting ordinance that regulates everything from how long a buildings light can be on at night to the amount of light output a building is allowed during specific times at night.

Chris Hill, an astrophotography hobbyist who moved to Dripping Springs in part because of its Dark Sky designation, said hes concerned about the noise and air pollution that will inevitably accompany a huge road development.

The roundabout will have nine 30-foot light poles pushing out 250 watts of broad spectrum light each, and while the lights will be Dark Sky-compliant, when the light hits the ground it bounces off and creates a light dome, he said. And the noise nuisance is going to be extreme.

Moratorium

The development moratorium is meant to give city leaders time to draw up a new comprehensive plan. Foulds said the city needs to work with Hays County and Texas Department of Transportation leaders on road solutions. And it needs to continue litigating its wastewater treatment plant expansion, which has been locked in lawsuits for years.

But the moratorium doesnt extend to the citys ETJ, which includes the Caliterra subdivision. And it doesnt provide a long-term solution like one sought by County Commissioner Walt Smith, who is up for re-election in 2022.

We would love to say, Nobodys coming here, but we know better than that, Smith said.

He said over 18,000 platted home sites are not built yet but will be in the next seven to 10 years.

Roadways are one concern, but my biggest concern is just water, Smith added. How do you get water in those homes without draining the (Edwards) aquifer?

On ExpressNews.com: Explosive growth endangers unique wildlife, critical waters of San Marcos River

Diane McClaferty said she and her husband feel like theyre in the fight of our lives since they found out about the plans for the highway a few months ago. They attend city and county meetings, joined up with the Save Our Hill Country group and have organized with other ranchers who would be affected to try to stop the highway from happening.

Aside from their own land, the couple is worried that more highways and subdivisions will harm what Dripping Springs has always been.

But Smith cautioned that if Dripping Springs doesnt get a handle on its infrastructure problems, it could go the way of Austin in terms of traffic gridlock.

Or infrastructure is dire at this point, Smith said. As a community, just imagine the next five to seven years of sustained growth  we could possibly double our population by then without any additional transportation infrastructure.

The Save Our Hill Country alliance, which is trying to recall Smith or prevent him from running next year, says itll continue to monitor development agreements and infrastructure plans. And it will continue to attend meetings and to distribute flyers, email blasts and social media posts to pressure leaders to preserve the regions character as much as possible.

Its concerning to me, said Schaeffer of Save Our Hill Country, that we havent done our jobs to work as a county to facilitate smart growth and smart transportation in this area.

Foulds said thats the goal but that growth will persist regardless.

Cities either grow, or they go away, Foulds said.

Annie Blanks writes for the Express-News through Report for America, a national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms. ReportforAmerica.org. annie.blanks@express-news.net
Only it is missing that the partners of the FC Barcelona give his approval by means of a referendum by telematic road for the start of the works of remodeling of the Camp Nou in the frame of the Espai Barca, what will suppose an amount of 1.500 million euros for his execution. However, it persists the doubt on where will play the first team.

In such sense, the vice-president of the Barcelona team, Elena Fort, has offered statements after being consulted in the program 'Que t'hi jugues' and has launched the possibility that the today directed by Xavi Hernandez have to contest his parties like venues in the Estadi Lluis Companys.

Fort Estimates that the most critical stage would come after the first year of works: "The first year will be in the Estadi, the second is the most complicated year and already will see. The others two years want to be in the Estadi. In the first year the planned capacity would be of a 50-60%. The idea is to act a bit as with the Covid. Will be able to ask an excedencia and afterwards the credited would have to deliver of rotatory form".

In his opinion, Lluis Companys would be the ideal stage for then: "The most normal would be Montjuic by the capacity and for having fewer annoyances. Montjuic Has his pros and his contras. Go to Montjuic also supposes some costs and some performances to be able to play parties. it is finish To close with the City council which would be the cost of the works".

Johan Cruyff, another option

Likewise, it sustains that the case of the stadium Johan Cruyff, another of the alternatives in case that the Barcelona have to displace, has to be studied taking into account that it treats of a property of the club. Finally, it exhorted to the partners to participate in the query: "I Expect that in the referendum of the Espai Barca the participation was very high. The Espai Barca is not a project of this board, is a project of club. It is an investment, no a cost".
Property buyers looking for an off the beaten track location would do well to look at Uzumlu. Sitting a 30-minute drive from Fethiye town centre on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey, the small village is a scenic getaway combined with traditional Turkish lifestyles.

The name Uzumlu translates to grape place, but Turks sometimes call it Yesil (green) Uzumlu which is an exact reflection of the beautiful green mountain views that property owners wake up to every morning.

The village of Uzumlu nestling in the mountains above Fethiye (Photo by Steve Parsley)

One of the advantages of buying property in Uzumlu is that its elevated mountain height lessens the scorching summer temperatures and humidity that is often a common complaint in the coastal resorts.

You can read more about Uzumlu here: https://www.turkeyhomes.com/turkey-info/uzumlu-area-guide

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St. Paul, Minnesota--(Newsfile Corp. - December 10, 2021) - PolyMet Mining Corp. (TSX: POM) (NYSE American: PLM) ("PolyMet" or the "company"), today announced the appointment of Glencore executive Matthew Rowlinson to the board of directors, replacing Nathan Bullock, who stepped down. Mr. Rowlinson's appointment and Mr. Bullock's resignation is effective immediately.

Mr. Rowlinson leads business development for Glencore's copper assets group. He brings a broad range of mining and metals experience from multiple strategic finance roles across different production chains and geographies and exposure to global marketing strategies of different products. He has led and been involved with many of Glencore's copper divestments, mergers and acquisitions and has held various board positions for the group which included the Collahuasi and Antamina copper properties in Chile and Peru, respectively. Mr. Rowlinson is one of three Glencore members on the seven-member PolyMet board.

"We look forward to the contributions Mr. Rowlinson will make to our board with his project financing background and wealth of global financial leadership experience," said Jon Cherry, chairman, president and CEO. "We likewise are sincerely appreciative of the many meaningful contributions and insights Mr. Bullock made to the company during his board service."

Mr. Rowlinson began his career with Ernst & Young as an auditor of multinational mining and financial services companies in London, United Kingdom and South Africa. He joined Glencore in 2013 as an asset manager responsible for Latin American assets. He subsequently was named CFO of Copper Latin American Mining and Global Copper Smelting and Refining Assets, then CFO of Copper Latin American Mining and Joint Venture Assets Copper, followed by CFO, Copper Americas (mining and metallurgical assets). He was appointed to his current position earlier this year. Mr. Rowlinson is a qualified Chartered Accountant (South Africa) and holds an MBA from the University of Bath (UK).

Separately, the company and Glencore AG, a wholly owned subsidiary of Glencore plc, entered into a promissory note extension agreement to extend the term of the US$15 million initial principal plus accrued interest from December 31, 2021 to February 28, 2022. All other terms of the promissory note are unchanged.

* * * * *

About PolyMet

PolyMet is a mine development company that owns 100% of the NorthMet Project, the first large-scale project to have received permits within the Duluth Complex in northeastern Minnesota, one of the world's major, undeveloped mining regions. NorthMet has significant proven and probable reserves of copper, nickel and palladium - metals vital to infrastructure improvements and global carbon reduction efforts - in addition to marketable reserves of cobalt, platinum and gold. When operational, NorthMet will become one of the leading producers of nickel, palladium and cobalt in the U.S., providing a much needed, responsibly mined source of these critical and essential metals.

Located in the Mesabi Iron Range, the project will provide economic diversity while leveraging the region's established supplier network and skilled workforce, and generate a level of activity that will have a significant effect in the local economy. For more information: www.polymetmining.com.

For further information, please contact:

Media

Bruce Richardson, Corporate Communications

Tel: +1 (651) 389-4111

brichardson@polymetmining.com

Investor Relations

Tony Gikas, Investor Relations

Tel: +1 (651) 389-4110

investorrelations@polymetmining.com

PolyMet Disclosures

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements concerning anticipated developments in PolyMet's operations in the future. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "potential," "possible," "projects," "plans," and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions or results "will," "may," "could," or "should" occur or be achieved or their negatives or other comparable words. These forward-looking statements may include statements regarding the ability to receive environmental and operating permits, job creation, and the effect on the local economy, or other statements that are not a statement of fact. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements due to risks facing PolyMet or due to actual facts differing from the assumptions underlying its predictions.

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TIBSOVO in combination with azacitidine compared to placebo plus azacitidine also demonstrated significant improvements in complete remission rate, complete remission and complete remission with partial hematologic recovery rate and objective response rate

Safety profile was favorable and consistent with previously published data

Data from the Phase 3 AGILE trial of patients with previously untreated IDH1-mutated acute myeloid leukemia will be presented in an oral session on Monday, December 13, 2021, and featured in the official press program of the 63rd American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting

PARIS and BOSTON, Dec. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Servier, a growing leader in oncology committed to bringing the promise of tomorrow to the patients we serve, today announced Phase 3 data demonstrating that TIBSOVO (ivosidenib tablets) in combination with the chemotherapy azacitidine significantly improved event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) compared to azacitidine plus placebo in adults with previously untreated IDH1-mutated acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who are not candidates for intensive chemotherapy. These data from the global AGILE study will be presented in an oral session on Monday, December 13, 2021 from 2:45 - 4:15 PM ET, Abstract #697 and featured in the official press program during the 63rd American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting and Exposition.

Treatment with TIBSOVO in combination with azacitidine demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in EFS (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.33, 95% CI 0.16, 0.69, 1-sided P = 0.0011 1,2). In addition, the combination of TIBSOVO with azacitidine showed a statistically significant improvement in OS (HR = 0.44 [95% CI 0.27, 0.73]; 1-sided P = 0.0005), with a median OS of 24.0 months in the ivosidenib + azacitidine arm vs 7.9 months in the placebo + azacitidine arm.

"These significant findings from the AGILE Phase 3 study for TIBSOVO bolster our growing body of evidence supporting the rationale to target IDH1 mutations early in blood cancers like acute myeloid leukemia," said Susan Pandya, M.D., Vice President Clinical Development & Head of Cancer Metabolism Global Development Oncology & Immuno-Oncology, Servier Pharmaceuticals. "Up to 10 percent of patients with AML have mutations in the IDH1 enzyme, and current treatment options are limited, especially for those who are newly diagnosed and are not eligible for intensive chemotherapy."

Additional Study Results

Investigators reported on results of key secondary endpoints of the AGILE trial including:

Complete remission (CR) rate was 47.2% (n=34/72) for TIBSOVO in combination with azacitidine vs. 14.9% (n=11/74) for placebo plus azacitidine (p < 0.0001).

CR + complete remission with partial hematologic recovery rate (CR + CRh rate) was 52.8% (n=38/72) for TIBSOVO in combination with azacitidine vs. 17.6% (n=13/74) for placebo plus azacitidine (p < 0.0001).

Objective response rate (ORR) was 62.5% (n=45/72) for TIBSOVO in combination with azacitidine vs. 18.9% (n=14/74) for placebo plus azacitidine (p < 0.0001).

"We are excited about the potential to bring a new treatment option to patients with previously untreated IDH1-mutated AML. This further extends the significant clinical benefit for patients with acute myeloid leukemia and IDH1 mutations," said Patrick Therasse, M.D., Ph.D., Vice President, Head of Late Stage and Life Cycle Management in Oncology and Immuno-Oncology Therapeutic Area, Servier Group.

Acute myeloid leukemia is a rapidly progressing type of cancer, and the prognosis is often poor," said Stephane De Botton, M.D. Ph.D., Principle Investigator and Head of Multidisciplinary Hematology Committee at the Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France. "Our goal with treatment is to prolong overall survival, and the impressive clinical benefit following treatment with TIBSOVO in combination with azacitidine is incredibly promising for these patients with previously untreated IDH1-mutated acute myeloid leukemia."

Common all-grade adverse events (AEs) occurring in more than 20 percent of patients receiving TIBSOVO in combination with azacitidine vs. placebo plus azacitidine were nausea (42.3% vs. 38.4%), vomiting (40.8% vs 26.0%), diarrhea (35.2% vs 35.6%), pyrexia (33.8% vs 39.7%), anemia (31.0% vs 28.8%), febrile neutropenia (28.2% vs 34.2%), thrombocytopenia (28.2% vs 20.5%), neutropenia (28.2% vs 16.4%), constipation (26.8% vs 52.1%) and pneumonia (23.9% vs 31.5%).

The AGILE study has halted further enrollment due to compelling efficacy data for TIBSOVO.

Servier is in discussions with regulatory health authorities regarding submissions to expand the currently approved indications for TIBSOVO.

TIBSOVO[*] is currently approved in the U.S. as monotherapy for the treatment of adults with IDH1-mutant relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and for adults with newly diagnosed IDH1-mutant AML who are =75 years old or who have comorbidities that preclude the use of intensive induction chemotherapy. Recently, TIBSOVO was approved as a first and only targeted therapy for patients with previously treated IDH1-mutated cholangiocarcinoma.

About NCT03173248 AGILE Phase 3 AML Trial

The AGILE trial is a global, Phase 3, multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TIBSOVO in combination with azacitidine compared with placebo in combination with azacitidine, in adults with previously untreated IDH1-mutated acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who are not candidates for intensive chemotherapy (=75 years old or who have comorbidities that preclude the use of intensive induction chemotherapy). The study's primary endpoint is EFS, defined as the time from randomization until treatment failure, relapse from remission, or death from any cause, whichever occurs first. Treatment failure is defined as failure to achieve complete remission (CR) by Week 24.

Other key secondary endpoints included complete remission rate (CR rate), defined as the proportion of participants who achieve a CR; overall survival (OS), defined as the time from date of randomization to the date of death due to any cause; CR and complete remission with partial hematologic recovery (CRh) rate, defined as the proportion of participants who achieve a CR or CRh; and objective response rate (ORR), defined as the rate of CR, CR with incomplete hematologic recovery (CRi) (including CR with incomplete platelet recovery [CRp]), partial remission (PR), and morphologic leukemia-free state (MLFS).

About Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow marked by rapid disease progression and is the most common acute leukemia affecting adults with approximately 20,000 new cases in the U.S., and 43,000 cases in Europe each year3,4. The majority of patients with AML eventually relapse. Relapsed or refractory AML has a poor prognosis5. The five-year survival rate is approximately 27%3. For 6 to 10 percent of AML patients, the mutated IDH1 enzyme blocks normal blood stem cell differentiation, contributing to the genesis of acute leukemia6.

About Servier Pharmaceuticals

Servier Pharmaceuticals, LLC is a commercial-stage company with a passion for innovation and improving the lives of patients, their families and caregivers. A privately held company, Servier has the unique freedom to devote its time and energy toward putting those who require our treatment and care first, with future growth driven by innovation in areas of unmet medical need.

As a growing leader in oncology, Servier is committed to finding solutions that will address today's challenges. The company's oncology portfolio of innovative medicines is designed to bring more life-saving treatments to a greater number of patients, across the entire spectrum of disease and in a variety of tumor types.

Servier believes co-creation is fundamental to driving innovation and is actively building alliances, acquisitions, licensing deals and partnerships that bring solutions and accelerate access to therapies. With our commercial expertise, global reach, scientific expertise and commitment to clinical excellence, Servier Pharmaceuticals is dedicated to bringing the promise of tomorrow to the patients that we serve.



More information: www.servier.us

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About Servier Group

Servier is a global pharmaceutical group governed by a Foundation. With a strong international presence in 150 countries and a total revenue of 4.7 billion euros in 2020, Servier employs 22,500 people worldwide. Servier is an independent group that invests over 20% of its brand-name revenue in Research and Development every year. To accelerate therapeutic innovation for the benefit of patients, the Group is committed to open and collaborative innovation with academic partners, pharmaceutical groups, and biotech companies. It also integrates the patient's voice at the heart of its activities.

A leader in cardiology, the ambition of the Servier Group is to become a renowned and innovative player in oncology. Its growth is based on a sustained commitment to cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, oncology, neuroscience and immuno-inflammatory diseases. To promote access to healthcare for all, the Servier Group also offers a range of quality generic drugs covering most pathologies.

More information: www.servier.com Follow us on social media: LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter

Press Contacts

Servier Group (France and worldwide)

Sonia Marques

presse@servier.com

+33 (0)1 55 72 40 21 / + 33 (0)7 84 28 76 13



Servier Pharmaceuticals (U.S.)

Megan Talon

megan.talon@servier.com

+1 857-895-4334

Disclosures

This release contains general information about the Servier Group and its entities (hereinafter "Servier and its Affiliates") and is intended for informational purposes only. The information is thought to be reliable; however, Servier and its Affiliates make no representation as to the completeness of the information contained herein or otherwise provided and accept no responsibility or liability, in contract, in tort, in negligence, or otherwise, should the information be found to be inaccurate or incomplete in any respect.

Servier and its Affiliates are not acting as an advisor to the recipient of this information, and the ultimate decision to proceed with any transaction rests solely with the recipient of this information. Therefore, prior to entering into any proposed transaction, the recipient of this information should determine, without reliance upon Servier or its Affiliates, the economic risks and merits, as well as the legal, tax, and accounting characterizations and consequences, of the transaction and that it is able to assume these risks.

This statement also contains forward-looking statements that are subject to varying levels of uncertainty and risk. Investigational new drugs and indications are subject to further scientific and medical review and regulatory approval. They are not approved for use by the FDA.

Any reliance placed on this document is done entirely at the risk of the person placing such reliance. The information contained in this document is neither an offer to sell nor the solicitation of an offer to enter into a transaction.

The content of this document is a summary only, is not complete, and does not include all material information about Servier and its Affiliates, including potential conflicts of interest.

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations, Servier and its Affiliates disclaim all representations, warranties, conditions and guarantees, whether express, implied, statutory or of other kind, nor does it accept any duty to any person, in connection with this document. Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, Servier and its Affiliates do not warrant or represent that the information or opinions contained in this document is accurate or complete.

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations, Servier and its Affiliates shall not be liable for any loss, damage or expense whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, howsoever arising, whether in contract, tort (including negligence), strict liability or otherwise, for direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, punitive or special damages arising out of or in connection with this document, including (without limitation) any course of action taken on the basis of the same.

The estimates, strategies, and views expressed in this document are based upon past or current data and information and are subject to change without notice.

About TIBSOVO (ivosidenib tablets)

TIBSOVO is an isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 (IDH1) inhibitor indicated for the treatment of adult patients with a susceptible IDH1 mutation as detected by an FDA-approved test with:

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)



Newly-diagnosed AML who are = 75 years old or who have comorbidities that preclude use of intensive induction chemotherapy.

Relapsed or refractory AML.

Locally Advanced or Metastatic Cholangiocarcinoma

Locally advanced or metastatic cholangiocarcinoma who have been previously treated.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: DIFFERENTIATION SYNDROME IN AML

Patients treated with TIBSOVO have experienced symptoms of differentiation syndrome, which can be fatal if not treated. Symptoms may include fever, dyspnea, hypoxia, pulmonary infiltrates, pleural or pericardial effusions, rapid weight gain or peripheral edema, hypotension, and hepatic, renal, or multi-organ dysfunction. If differentiation syndrome is suspected, initiate corticosteroid therapy and hemodynamic monitoring until symptom resolution.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Differentiation Syndrome in AML: In the clinical trial, 25% (7/28) of patients with newly diagnosed AML and 19% (34/179) of patients with relapsed or refractory AML treated with TIBSOVO experienced differentiation syndrome. Differentiation syndrome is associated with rapid proliferation and differentiation of myeloid cells and may be life-threatening or fatal if not treated. Symptoms of differentiation syndrome in patients treated with TIBSOVO included noninfectious leukocytosis, peripheral edema, pyrexia, dyspnea, pleural effusion, hypotension, hypoxia, pulmonary edema, pneumonitis, pericardial effusion, rash, fluid overload, tumor lysis syndrome, and creatinine increased. Of the 7 patients with newly diagnosed AML who experienced differentiation syndrome, 6 (86%) patients recovered. Of the 34 patients with relapsed or refractory AML who experienced differentiation syndrome, 27 (79%) patients recovered after treatment or after dose interruption of TIBSOVO. Differentiation syndrome occurred as early as 1 day and up to 3 months after TIBSOVO initiation and has been observed with or without concomitant leukocytosis.

If differentiation syndrome is suspected, initiate dexamethasone 10 mg IV every 12 hours (or an equivalent dose of an alternative oral or IV corticosteroid) and hemodynamic monitoring until improvement. If concomitant noninfectious leukocytosis is observed, initiate treatment with hydroxyurea or leukapheresis, as clinically indicated. Taper corticosteroids and hydroxyurea after resolution of symptoms and administer corticosteroids for a minimum of 3 days. Symptoms of differentiation syndrome may recur with premature discontinuation of corticosteroid and/or hydroxyurea treatment. If severe signs and/or symptoms persist for more than 48 hours after initiation of corticosteroids, interrupt TIBSOVO until signs and symptoms are no longer severe.

QTc Interval Prolongation: Patients treated with TIBSOVO can develop QT (QTc) prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Concomitant use of TIBSOVO with drugs known to prolong the QTc interval (e.g., anti-arrhythmic medicines, fluoroquinolones, triazole anti-fungals, 5-HT3 receptor antagonists) and CYP3A4 inhibitors may increase the risk of QTc interval prolongation. Conduct monitoring of electrocardiograms (ECGs) and electrolytes. In patients with congenital long QTc syndrome, congestive heart failure, or electrolyte abnormalities, or in those who are taking medications known to prolong the QTc interval, more frequent monitoring may be necessary.

Interrupt TIBSOVO if QTc increases to greater than 480 msec and less than 500 msec. Interrupt and reduce TIBSOVO if QTc increases to greater than 500 msec. Permanently discontinue TIBSOVO in patients who develop QTc interval prolongation with signs or symptoms of life-threatening arrhythmia.

Guillain-Barre Syndrome: Guillain-Barre syndrome can develop in patients treated with TIBSOVO. Monitor patients taking TIBSOVO for onset of new signs or symptoms of motor and/or sensory neuropathy such as unilateral or bilateral weakness, sensory alterations, paresthesias, or difficulty breathing. Permanently discontinue TIBSOVO in patients who are diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

In patients with AML, the most common adverse reactions including laboratory abnormalities (=20%) were hemoglobin decreased (60%), fatigue (43%), arthralgia (39%), calcium decreased (39%), sodium decreased (39%), leukocytosis (38%), diarrhea (37%), magnesium decreased (36%), edema (34%), nausea (33%), dyspnea (32%), uric acid increased (32%), potassium decreased (32%), alkaline phosphatase increased (30%), mucositis (28%), aspartate aminotransferase increased (27%), phosphatase decreased (25%), electrocardiogram QT prolonged (24%), rash (24%), creatinine increased (24%), cough (23%), decreased appetite (22%), myalgia (21%), constipation (20%), and pyrexia (20%).

the most common adverse reactions including laboratory abnormalities (=20%) were hemoglobin decreased (60%), fatigue (43%), arthralgia (39%), calcium decreased (39%), sodium decreased (39%), leukocytosis (38%), diarrhea (37%), magnesium decreased (36%), edema (34%), nausea (33%), dyspnea (32%), uric acid increased (32%), potassium decreased (32%), alkaline phosphatase increased (30%), mucositis (28%), aspartate aminotransferase increased (27%), phosphatase decreased (25%), electrocardiogram QT prolonged (24%), rash (24%), creatinine increased (24%), cough (23%), decreased appetite (22%), myalgia (21%), constipation (20%), and pyrexia (20%). In patients with newly diagnosed AML, the most frequently reported Grade =3 adverse reactions (=5%) were fatigue (14%), differentiation syndrome (11%), electrocardiogram QT prolonged (11%), diarrhea (7%), nausea (7%), and leukocytosis (7%). Serious adverse reactions (=5%) were differentiation syndrome (18%), electrocardiogram QT prolonged (7%), and fatigue (7%). There was one case of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES).

the most frequently reported Grade =3 adverse reactions (=5%) were fatigue (14%), differentiation syndrome (11%), electrocardiogram QT prolonged (11%), diarrhea (7%), nausea (7%), and leukocytosis (7%). Serious adverse reactions (=5%) were differentiation syndrome (18%), electrocardiogram QT prolonged (7%), and fatigue (7%). There was one case of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES). In patients with relapsed or refractory AML, the most frequently reported Grade =3 adverse reactions (=5%) were differentiation syndrome (13%), electrocardiogram QT prolonged (10%), dyspnea (9%), leukocytosis (8%), and tumor lysis syndrome (6%). Serious adverse reactions (=5%) were differentiation syndrome (10%), leukocytosis (10%), and electrocardiogram QT prolonged (7%). There was one case of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML).

the most frequently reported Grade =3 adverse reactions (=5%) were differentiation syndrome (13%), electrocardiogram QT prolonged (10%), dyspnea (9%), leukocytosis (8%), and tumor lysis syndrome (6%). Serious adverse reactions (=5%) were differentiation syndrome (10%), leukocytosis (10%), and electrocardiogram QT prolonged (7%). There was one case of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). In patients with cholangiocarcinoma, the most common adverse reactions (=15%) were fatigue (43%), nausea (41%), abdominal pain (35%), diarrhea (35%), cough (27%), decreased appetite (24%), ascites (23%), vomiting (23%), anemia (18%), and rash (15%). The most common laboratory abnormalities (=10%) were hemoglobin decreased (40%), aspartate aminotransferase increased (34%), and bilirubin increased (30%).

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Strong or Moderate CYP3A4 Inhibitors: Reduce TIBSOVO dose with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. Monitor patients for increased risk of QTc interval prolongation.

Strong CYP3A4 Inducers: Avoid concomitant use with TIBSOVO.

Sensitive CYP3A4 Substrates: Avoid concomitant use with TIBSOVO.

QTc Prolonging Drugs: Avoid concomitant use with TIBSOVO. If co-administration is unavoidable, monitor patients for increased risk of QTc interval prolongation.

LACTATION

Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for adverse reactions in breastfed children, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with TIBSOVO and for at least 1 month after the last dose.

Please see Full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNING for AML patients.

References



Data on file. Servier. July 30, 2021 ClinicalTrials.gov. Study of AG-120 (Ivosidenib) vs. Placebo in Combination with Azacitidine in Patients With Previously Untreated Acute Myeloid Leukemia With an IDH1 Mutation (AGILE). Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03173248. Accessed July 2021 . National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program. Cancer Stat Facts: Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/amyl.html. Accessed July 2021 . American Cancer Society. Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/CRC/PDF/Public/8674.00.pdf. Accessed July 2021 . Kumar C. Genetic Abnormalities and Challenges in the Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Genes Cancer. 2011; 2:95-107. DiNardo CD, Stein EM, de Botton S, et al. Durable Remissions from Ivosidenib in IDH1-Mutated Relapsed or Refractory AML. N Engl J Med 2018;378:2386-98.

* Servier has an exclusive license agreement with CStone for the development and commercialization of TIBSOVO (ivosidenib tablets) in Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau and Singapore.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1389607/Servier_Logo.jpg
A few days after announcing that it would add Kishu Inu as a payment method, the retailer finally approved it. Gift Chill has done this to keep up with its promise of filling the void in gift card purchases using cryptocurrency.

QUEBEC CITY, Dec. 11, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The use of crypto on the platform gives the retailer a unique selling advantage over other online gift card hubs. Kishu is currently available on over 20 exchanges. Although it's still a relatively new cryptocurrency, it's on a path to becoming a world leader.

Why Use Kishu Inu for Payment on GiftChill?

GiftChillaims at providing a unique way for shoppers to use cryptocurrency in exchange for gift cards. Their tech-savvy customers can always stay ahead of the curve by using the perks cryptocurrency provides.

Speed and security are some benefits users enjoy in purchasing gift cards. They don't have to wait for weeks on end for delivery as it happens on competitive sites.

The cards are also verified and guaranteed. This protection is crucial to the security of customer information.

By confirming the use of Kishu Inu, GiftChill has only demonstrated its commitment to crypto as a payment method. The new token offers better rates and reduces overhead costs, as it allows customers to use PayPal and other credit card sites. The platform offers various gift cards to choose from, and the inventory is updated daily.

Investors can enjoy further enrichment by utilizing their currency on various other platforms through GiftChill. They can trade one cryptocurrency for other acceptable ones on Google Play, Amazon, Adidas, Steam, Walmart and more.

Shoppers then receive their gift cards through completely validated email. The email also includes other information the shopper may require, like expiration dates, pins, and company disclosures. Shoppers should feel happy to finally use Kishu Inu to shop for their favorite gift cards. More information is available on Gift Chill's website and they can be reached on Support@giftchill.co.uk.

Related Images











Image 1: kishu inu to be used on giftchill





kishu inu coin for e-gift cards









This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com.

Attachment


BASEL (dpa-AFX) - Novartis' (NVS) Kymriah or tisagenlecleucel demonstrated strong efficacy in high-risk patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma, as per a subgroup analysis from an about 17-month median follow-up of the pivotal Phase II ELARA study.



In the subgroup analysis, results showed high rates of durable responses were induced by Kymriah in patients for the majority of high-risk disease subgroups, who typically have a poor prognosis.



Complete response rate (CRR), overall response rate (ORR), and durability of response (DOR) were maintained in most patients in the high-risk subgroups, with the exception of those in three of the nine subgroups analyzed: those with progression-of-disease within two years (POD24), high total metabolic tumor volume (TMTV) and patients who had received five or more prior lines of therapy.



A separate analysis of hospitalization and intensive care unit patterns for patients treated in the inpatient and outpatient settings in the ELARA trial suggest Kymriah may reduce healthcare resource utilization for patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma treated in the outpatient setting.



Among patients treated in the outpatient setting (n=17), 35% did not require hospitalization during the first two months of the post-infusion period; those who did had a lower median average length of stay than the patients infused in an inpatient setting (4 days [n=17] vs 12 days [n=80]).



Additionally, the mean hospitalization costs in the post-infusion period were substantially lower in the outpatient versus inpatient setting.



Novartis said it is committed to bringing the benefits of Kymriah to more patients with advanced blood cancers worldwide, with regulatory submissions for follicular lymphoma in the US and EU complete in October 2021. If approved in this indication, Novartis will look to confirm these results of the ELARA trial and related analyses in the real-world setting.



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NOVARTIS-Aktie komplett kostenlos handeln - auf Smartbroker.de
Updated 48-week data from Phase III ASCEMBL trial consistent with improved major molecular response (MMR) rate of Scemblix (asciminib) vs. Bosulif * (bosutinib) and lower discontinuation rate due to adverse reactions demonstrated in 24-week primary analysis 1





(asciminib) vs. Bosulif * (bosutinib) and lower discontinuation rate due to adverse reactions demonstrated in 24-week primary analysis Data support longer-term use of Scemblix in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) who have previously struggled with intolerance and resistance to at least two prior tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatments 2-4





Differentiated by novel mechanism of action, Scemblix is the first FDA-approved CML treatment that works by binding to the ABL myristoyl pocket 2-4





Clinical development program continues, evaluating Scemblix across multiple treatment lines in CML2-19



Basel, December 11, 2021 - Novartis today announced new 48-week data from the Phase III ASCEMBL trial of Scemblix (asciminib) demonstrating that the results observed in the primary analysis (24 weeks) vs. Bosulif* (bosutinib) were maintained in longer-term follow up for patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase (Ph+ CML-CP) previously treated with two or more tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs)1-4.

In this analysis, presented at the 63rd American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting & Exposition (ASH), the major molecular response (MMR) rate at 48 weeks was 29.3% for patients treated with Scemblix vs. 13.2% for patients in the Bosulif arm, which is consistent with a doubling of the efficacy at 24 weeks (25% vs. 13% [P=0.029])1-4. The proportion of patients treated with Scemblix who experienced adverse reactions leading to discontinuation was more than three times lower than those in the Bosulif arm (7.1% vs. 25%)1.

Scemblix is the first FDA-approved CML treatment that works by binding to the ABL myristoyl pocket2. This novel mechanism of action, also known in scientific literature as a STAMP inhibitor, can help address resistance to TKI therapy in patients with CML and overcome mutations at the defective BCR-ABL1 gene, which is associated with the over-production of leukemic cells2-4. Scemblix continues to be studied across multiple lines of treatment for CML-CP3-12.

"We often see that sequential use of TKI treatments can be associated with increased failure rates and greater concerns regarding potential treatment side effects as patients move to later lines. Scemblix offers an increasingly proven option for patients living with CML who have previously tried two or more TKIs, and takes a different approach to targeted inhibition to better manage CML," said Dr. Michael J. Mauro**, Hematologist and Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Program Leader at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK).

In this updated analysis, responses were also durable, with 60 out of 62 patients on Scemblix maintaining MMR at time of their last assessment1. Scemblix continued to deliver more favorable deep molecular responses (MRs) with MR4 and MR4.5 rates at 48 weeks of 10.8% and 7.6%, compared to 3.9% and 1.3% in patients treated with Bosulif, respectively1. Additionally, the cumulative proportion of patients achieving a level of BCR-ABL1IS =1% at 48 weeks - a predictor of better long-term outcomes in this heavily pretreated patient population - was higher in the Scemblix arm than in the Bosulif arm (50.8% vs 33.7%)1.

The most common reason for treatment discontinuation was lack of efficacy in 37 (23.6%) patients treated with Scemblix and 27 (35.5%) patients treated with Bosulif1. Median duration of exposure was 15.4 months (range, 0.0-37.3 months) for Scemblix and 6.8 months (range, 0.2-34.3 months) for Bosulif1. With a longer duration of exposure, the safety and tolerability profile remains consistent with the primary analysis of the ASCEMBL trial1-4. The most common (incidence = 20%) adverse reactions reported in this analysis were thrombocytopenia (29.5%) and neutropenia (23.1%) in the Scemblix arm; and diarrhea (71.1%), nausea (46.1%), increased ALT (28.9%), vomiting (26.3%), rash (23.7%), increased AST (21.1%) and neutropenia (21.1%) in the Bosulif arm1.

"We are excited to see the continued benefit with Scemblix for this long-underserved patient population," said Jeff Legos, Executive Vice President, Global Head of Oncology & Hematology Development at Novartis. "These data are encouraging as we continue to challenge the current standard of care in CML by exploring if and how Scemblix can help more patients living with this disease."

Scemblix received FDA approval in October 2021 and is currently available for physicians to prescribe to appropriate patients in the US2. Scemblix is also being evaluated in studies across multiple treatment lines and indications for CML-CP, including the ASC4FIRST Phase III study for newly diagnosed adult patients, as well as in a Phase Ib/II dose assessment study in pediatric patients with Ph+ CML-CP. Trial-in-progress posters for both are being presented at ASH13-22.

To learn more about our long-standing commitment to transforming the lives of patients with CML with bold science, the latest information from Novartis and access to our ASH 2021 scientific presentations, visit the Novartis Oncology Congress Hub at https://www.hcp.novartis.com/virtual-congress/ash-2021/. (https://www.hcp.novartis.com/virtual-congress/ash-2021)

About Scemblix (asciminib)

Scemblix (asciminib) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with Ph+ CML-CP pre-treated with two or more TKIs, as well as adult patients with Ph+ CML-CP with the T315I mutation. The first indication is approved under the US FDA Accelerated Approval Program based on MMR rate at 24 weeks; continued approval for the first indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit from confirmatory evidence2.

Scemblix is the first FDA-approved CML treatment that binds to the ABL myristoyl pocket2. This novel mechanism of action, also known in scientific literature as a STAMP inhibitor, can help address resistance in patients with CML previously treated with two or more TKIs and overcome mutations at the defective BCR-ABL1 gene, which is associated with the over-production of leukemic cells3-12.

Novartis has initiated regulatory filings for Scemblix in multiple countries and regions across the globe.

Scemblix represents an important development for patients who experience resistance and/or intolerance to currently available TKI therapies, and it is being studied across multiple treatment lines for CML-CP3-20. Specifically, the ASC4FIRST Phase III study (NCT04971226) evaluates Scemblix as a first-line treatment and is in the recruitment phase14,21.

About Novartis Commitment to CML

Novartis has a long-standing scientific commitment to patients living with CML. For more than 20 years, our bold science has helped transform CML into a chronic disease for many patients. Despite these advancements, we're not standing still. We continue to research ways to target the disease, seeking to address the challenges with treatment resistance and/or intolerance that many patients face. Novartis also continues to reimagine CML care through its commitment to sustainable access for patients and collaboration with the global CML community.

Indication

SCEMBLIX (asciminib) tablets is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML) in chronic phase (CP), previously treated with 2 or more tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) medicines. The effectiveness of SCEMBLIX in these patients is based on a study that measured major molecular response (MMR) rates. No clinical information is available to show if these patients treated with SCEMBLIX live longer or if their symptoms improve. Ongoing studies exist to find out how SCEMBLIX works over a longer period of time.

SCEMBLIX is also approved for use in adults with Ph+ CML in CP with the T315I mutation.

It is not known if SCEMBLIX is safe and effective in children.

Important Safety Information

SCEMBLIX (asciminib) tablets may cause low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia), low white blood cell counts (neutropenia), and low red blood cell counts (anemia). Patients should tell their doctor right away if they have unexpected bleeding or easy bruising; blood in their urine or stools; fever; or any signs of an infection. SCEMBLIX may increase enzymes in the patient's blood called amylase and lipase, which may be a sign of inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Patients should tell their doctor right away if they have sudden stomach-area pain or discomfort, nausea, or vomiting. During treatment with SCEMBLIX, doctors may check their patients' blood pressure and treat any high blood pressure as needed. Patients should tell their doctor if they develop elevated blood pressure or symptoms of high blood pressure including confusion, headaches, dizziness, chest pain, or shortness of breath.

If a patient has an allergic reaction while on SCEMBLIX, they should stop taking SCEMBLIX and get medical help right away. Signs or symptoms of an allergic reaction include trouble breathing or swallowing; feeling dizzy or faint; swelling of the face, lips, or tongue; fever; skin rash or flushing; or a fast heartbeat. SCEMBLIX may cause heart and blood vessel problems, including heart attack; stroke; blood clots or blockage of patient's arteries; heart failure; and abnormal heartbeat which can be serious and may sometimes lead to death. These heart and blood vessel problems can happen in people with risk factors or a history of these problems and/or previously treated with multiple TKI medicines. Patients should tell their doctor right away if they get shortness of breath; chest pain or pressure; a feeling like their heart is beating too fast or they feel abnormal heartbeats; swelling in their ankles or feet; dizziness; weight gain; numbness or weakness on one side of their body; decreased vision or loss of vision; trouble talking; pain in their arms, legs, back, neck, or jaw; headache; or severe stomach-area pain.

Before taking SCEMBLIX, patients should tell their doctor about all of their medical conditions, including if they have a history of pancreatitis; a history of heart problems; or blood clots in their arteries and veins (types of blood vessels). SCEMBLIX can harm an unborn baby. Women should tell their doctor right away if they become pregnant or think they may be pregnant during treatment with SCEMBLIX. Women who are able to become pregnant should have a pregnancy test before they start SCEMBLIX and should use effective birth control during treatment and for 1 week after the last dose of SCEMBLIX. Women should not breastfeed during treatment and for 1 week after their last dose of SCEMBLIX.

Patients should tell their doctor about all the medicines they take, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. SCEMBLIX and other medicines may affect each other, causing side effects. The most common side effects of SCEMBLIX include nose, throat, or sinus (upper respiratory tract) infections; muscle, bone, or joint pain; rash; tiredness; nausea; and diarrhea. The most common blood test abnormalities include decreased blood counts of platelets, white blood cells, and red blood cells; and increased blood levels of triglycerides, creatine kinase, liver enzymes, or pancreas enzymes (amylase and lipase).

Please see full Prescribing Information for SCEMBLIX, available at https://www.novartis.us/sites/www.novartis.us/files/scemblix.pdf (https://www.novartis.us/sites/www.novartis.us/files/scemblix.pdf).

Disclaimer

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by words such as "potential," "can," "will," "plan," "may," "could," "would," "expect," "anticipate," "seek," "look forward," "believe," "committed," "investigational," "pipeline," "launch," or similar terms, or by express or implied discussions regarding potential marketing approvals, new indications or labeling for the investigational or approved products described in this press release, or regarding potential future revenues from such products. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations regarding future events, and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. There can be no guarantee that the investigational or approved products described in this press release will be submitted or approved for sale or for any additional indications or labeling in any market, or at any particular time. Nor can there be any guarantee that such products will be commercially successful in the future. In particular, our expectations regarding such products could be affected by, among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including clinical trial results and additional analysis of existing clinical data; regulatory actions or delays or government regulation generally; global trends toward health care cost containment, including government, payor and general public pricing and reimbursement pressures and requirements for increased pricing transparency; our ability to obtain or maintain proprietary intellectual property protection; the particular prescribing preferences of physicians and patients; general political, economic and business conditions, including the effects of and efforts to mitigate pandemic diseases such as COVID-19; safety, quality, data integrity or manufacturing issues; potential or actual data security and data privacy breaches, or disruptions of our information technology systems, and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG's current Form 20-F on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Novartis is providing the information in this press release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About Novartis

Novartis is reimagining medicine to improve and extend people's lives. As a leading global medicines company, we use innovative science and digital technologies to create transformative treatments in areas of great medical need. In our quest to find new medicines, we consistently rank among the world's top companies investing in research and development. Novartis products reach nearly 800 million people globally and we are finding innovative ways to expand access to our latest treatments. About 108,000 people of more than 140 nationalities work at Novartis around the world. Find out more at https://www.novartis.com (https://www.novartis.com).

Novartis is on Twitter. Sign up to follow @Novartis at https://twitter.com/novartisnews (https://twitter.com/novartisnews)

For Novartis multimedia content, please visit https://www.novartis.com/news/media-library (https://www.novartis.com/news/media-library)

For questions about the site or required registration, please contact media.relations@novartis.com (mailto:media.relations@novartis.com)

* Bosulif is a registered trademark of Pfizer.

** Disclosure: Dr. Mauro has provided consulting services to Novartis.

References

Mauro, JM. Efficacy and Safety Results from ASCEMBL, a Multicenter, Open-Label, Phase 3 Study of Asciminib, a First-in-Class STAMP Inhibitor, Vs Bosutinib in Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in Chronic Phase after =2 Prior Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors: Update after 48 Weeks. Oral presentation at: ASH Annual Meeting; Dec. 11, 2021 Scemblix [prescribing information]. East Hanover, NJ: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp; 2021. Rea D, et al. A Phase 3, Open-Label, Randomized Study of Asciminib, a STAMP Inhibitor, vs Bosutinib in CML After= 2 Prior TKIs. Blood. 2021. DOI: 10.1182/blood.2020009984. PMID: 34407542. Novartis Data on File, 2021. Cortes JE, et al. Asciminib, a First-in-Class STAMP Inhibitor, Provides Durable Molecular Response in Patients (pts) with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) Harboring the T315I Mutation: Primary Efficacy and Safety Results from a Phase 1 Trial. Oral presentation at: ASH Annual Meeting; Dec. 7, 2020 Wylie AA, et al. The allosteric inhibitor ABL001 enables dual targeting of BCR-ABL1. Nature. 2017;543(7647):733-737. Schoepfer J, et al. Discovery of Asciminib (ABL001), an Allosteric Inhibitor of the Tyrosine Kinase Activity of BCR-ABL1. J Med Chem. 2018;61(18):8120-8135. Hughes TP, et al. Asciminib in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia after ABL Kinase Inhibitor Failure. N Engl J Med. 2019; 381(24):2315-2326. Hughes TP, et al. Expanded Phase 1 Study of ABL001, a Potent, Allosteric Inhibitor of BCR-ABL, Reveals Significant and Durable Responses in Patients with CML-Chronic Phase with Failure of Prior TKI Therapy. Poster presented at: ASH Annual Meeting & Exposition; Dec. 5, 2016. Ottmann OG, et al. ABL001, a Potent, Allosteric Inhibitor of BCR-ABL, Exhibits Safety and Promising Single- Agent Activity in a Phase I Study of Patients with CML with Failure of Prior TKI Therapy. Blood. 2015;126(23):138. Mauro MJ, et al. Combination of Asciminib Plus Nilotinib (NIL) or Dasatinib (DAS) in Patients (PTS) with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): Results from a Phase 1 Study. Poster presented at: EHA Annual Meeting; June 15, 2019. Cortes JE, et al. Combination Therapy Using Asciminib Plus Imatinib (IMA) in Patients (PTS) with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): Results from a Phase 1 Study. Poster presented at: EHA Annual Meeting; June 15, 2019. ClinicalTrials.gov. 2017. Study of Efficacy of CML-CP Patients Treated with ABL001 Versus Bosutinib, Previously Treated With 2 or More TKIs. [online] Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03106779. ClinicalTrials.gov. 2021. A Study of Oral Asciminib Versus Other TKIs in Adult Patients With Newly Diagnosed Ph+ CML-CP. [online] Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04971226. ClinicalTrials.gov. 2020. Asciminib in Monotherapy for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in Chronic Phase (CML-CP) With and WithoutT315I Mutation (AIM4CML). [online] Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04666259. ClinicalTrials.gov. 2018. Study of Efficacy And Safety Of Asciminib In Combination With Imatinib In Patients With Chronic Myeloid Leukemia In Chronic Phase (CML-CP). [online] Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03578367. ClinicalTrials.gov. 2021. Study of Efficacy and Safety of CML-CP Patients Treated With Asciminib Versus Best Available Therapy, Previously Treated With 2 or More Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors. [online] Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04795427. ClinicalTrials.gov. 2014. A Phase I Study of Oral ABL001 in Patients With CML or Ph+ ALL. [online] Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02081378 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02081378). ClinicalTrials.gov. 2021. Study to Determine the Dose and Safety of Asciminib in Pediatric Patients With Chronic Myeloid Leukemia [online] Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04925479 ClinicalTrials.gov. 2021 Asciminib Treatment Optimization in = 3rd Line CML-CP. [online] Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04948333 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04948333) Cortes, J. Trial in Progress: A Multicenter, Open Label, Randomized, Phase III Study of Asciminib (80 mg Once Daily) Vs Investigator-Selected TKI in Newly Diagnosed Adult Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in Chronic Phase. Poster presentation at: ASH Annual Meeting; Dec. 11, 2021 Hijiya, N. Trial in Progress: A Multicenter, Open-Label, Phase Ib/II Study to Determine the Dose and Safety of Asciminib in Pediatric Patients with Philadelphia Chromosome-Positive Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in Chronic Phase Treated with =1 Prior Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor. Poster presentation at: ASH Annual Meeting; Dec. 12, 2021

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Apollo Health Ventures, a Boston, MA and Berlin, Germany-based venture capital firm specialized in developing and investing in data-driven biotechnology and health tech ventures, closed its second venture fund at $180m.

. Apollo Health Ventures invests in game-changing companies at the seed or early stage and builds companies within the aging sector. Apollos team consists of entrepreneurs, seasoned biotech investors and scientists with remarkable track records in life science investments and venture creation.

The new fund is supported by Apollos existing international investor base as well as new notable and experienced investors.

Fund II aims to build a portfolio of data-driven biotechnology and healthtech ventures aimed at extending human healthspan. It will invest in both venture creation as well as externally sourced deals.

Led by Nils Regge, Co-founder and Partner, Apollo Health Ventures has an investments focus on companies targeting well-validated aging pathways with the aim of, for example, maintaining overall cellular health and fitness, reducing tissue damage caused by chronic inflammation, or restoring a healthy immune system to provide more resilience and protection against diseases.

The firms predecessor fund has built and invested in companies developing differentiated therapeutics against age-related disorders. Portfolio companies from the fund include Aeovian Pharmaceuticals, a company developing a safer version of rapamycin, a drug which has been shown to extend healthspan as well as lifespan in several animal models. Apollo has also co-founded Samsara Therapeutics, the worlds largest discovery platform developing autophagy-enhancing molecules covering a broad range of therapeutic indications.

Regge ranks among the most successful European serial entrepreneurs. Companies he founded or co-founded have raised capital in over 30 fundraising rounds with a total valuation exceeding $1 billion. Since 2017, he has been focusing on healthtech and biotech companies. During his career he has been involved in several company exits leading to lucrative investor returns.

The team also includes:

Dr. Jens Eckstein, who joined Apollo Health Ventures in 2019. With more than 25 years of experience in biotech venture capital and leading roles at TVM Capital and SR One (GSKs corporate VC), he brings a long track record of successful transactions to the firm, including investments in groundbreaking companies like CRISPR Therapeutics.

Dr. Marianne Mertens, who joined Apollo Health Ventures as Partner. She will be responsible for Apollos investment- and company building activities. Mertens has over 13 years of experience in the life science industry, including roles in research, management consulting and venture investing. She was formerly with Wellington Partners, a pan-European venture capital firm, and High-Tech Gruenderfonds, Europes largest seed stage investor.

Dr. Jan Adams, who has been appointed as a Venture Partner and will focus on company creation at Apollo Health Ventures. Prior to joining Apollo, Adams was heading commercial activities as Head of Business Builder / Senior Director at the Merck Innovation Center in Germany and was a Managing Director with EMBL Ventures.

FinSMEs

11/12/2021
Samsung today announced that it has renamed its mobile business  Mobile Communications to MX (Mobile Experience). The company said that it marks the beginning of the next chapter for Galaxy, embodying the companys philosophy of open innovation and its dedication to making customer experiences a top priority.

Samsung added that the new title also emphasizes a user-centric focus at Samsung that goes beyond mobile, underscoring its commitment to proactively address the rapidly changing business environment and focus its products and services on meeting the diverse needs of its customers.

The company said that the change will also further accelerate Samsungs mission to create meaningful experiences that improve the lives of its users. Samsung will continue to expand the Galaxy ecosystem to innovate the mobile experience, fueled by the scalability and connectivity of its products and services.

Commenting on the same, TM Roh, President and Head of the MX Business, said:

Were excited to announce the renaming of our business after decades of innovation and leadership in the mobile industry. We believe this name change will help us usher in a new era in mobile innovations where we can create even more exciting possibilities for Galaxy users.

Samsung Together for Tomorrow at CES 2022

In the other news, Samsung said that in the upcoming CES 2022, Samsung give its keynote address under the theme of the Together for Tomorrow, within which the idea that technology should exist for humanity and the Earth is paramount.

It is planning to introduce its multifaceted efforts to contribute to making life on Earth more sustainable, and emphasize the need for everyone to participate in reducing climate change wherever they may be.

The company will also be introducing its latest innovative technologies to help users enjoy even more enriched lifestyles based on optimized, customized service for each and every person, along with enhanced experiences of being connected to one another.

Samsungs keynote address for at CES 2022 will begin at 6:30 P.M. PST on January 4th (8:00 AM IST on January 5th).
News

Pandemic isolation, fentanyl cause spike in opioid-related deaths, experts say

Toby Talbot/ AP file photo OxyContin pills are arranged for a photo at a pharmacy, in Montpelier, Vermont, on Feb. 19, 2013.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit two years ago, the country already was facing a different crisis  an opioid epidemic.

And as shutdowns and working from home spread, the opioid epidemic worsened as many who struggled with opioid use found themselves isolated from support and spiraling in their addictions, experts say.

All of this physical distancing and this social distancing has impacted the ability to get treatment, remain in treatment and have their support systems in place, said Kathryn Cunningham, director of the University of Texas Medical Branch Center for Addiction Research.

In Galveston County, opioid deaths have risen since 2017, the first year the Galveston County Health District began tracking the data.

There were 29 opioid-associated deaths in 2017 in Galveston County, according to data provided by the district. That rose to 43 in 2020, and from Jan. 1 to Oct. 31 of this year, 40 deaths were reported, although data is incomplete for 2020 and 2021.

Local experts attribute the rise in deaths to the isolation caused by the pandemic and the prevalence of a more lethal opioid, fentanyl, which is up to 100 times more potent than morphine and many times that of heroin, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

We are seeing more fentanyl adulterating the heroin or what people perceive to be heroin, Galveston County Local Health Authority Philip Keiser said. And then, on top of that, the past two years, weve had the pandemic. And weve seen a rise in mental illness and drug use all across the board.

OPIOID-RELATED EMERGENCIES

Opioids are a class of drugs that includes prescription medicines like oxycodone and fentanyl and nonprescription drugs like heroin.

From 1999 to 2019, nearly 500,000 people died from opioid-related overdoses nationwide, according to the CDC.

Although the epidemic has been ongoing for decades, the health district didnt start tracking opioid-related deaths until 2017, Keiser said. Traditionally, methamphetamine and crack cocaine have been the drugs of choice throughout Texas, he said.

We were concerned, given the rise of opioid deaths around the country, that we didnt know what was going on, he said.

That first year saw 29 deaths, which rose to 33 in 2018, before falling to 23 in 2019, according to data from the health district.

But it isnt just opioid deaths that tell the story of addiction in Galveston County.

Its the opioid-related emergency visits, said Holly Chapman, a graduate student at the medical branch conducting research on addiction.

Galveston County ranked 11th among 254 Texas counties for the most opioid-related emergency visits from 2016 to 2019, according to data Chapman provided from the Texas Department of State Health Services.

And although the number of deaths for that time frame might seem small at 105, its high for the countys population of just more than 350,000, Chapman said.

REASONS FOR RELAPSE

The social isolation, boredom and extra free time from working from home provided more time to use drugs, said Jimmy White, executive director of the AIM Recovery Center in Dickinson. And not having to go into the office meant those drugs could be consumed during the day, he said.

Boredom would probably make the top 10 list of things that cause relapse or things that drive people to addiction, he said.

Some people found themselves in unstable living situations, pushing them further into addiction, said Ellen Hanley, executive director of the ADA Womens Recovery Center, a substance abuse residential treatment center for women in Galveston.

If their living situations were unstable to begin with, it put that additional pressure on the living situations, Hanley said. Plus, if there was a tendency toward intimate partner violence, that was an increased risk as well.

DEVASTATING DELAYS

Most basic treatment, including support groups, temporarily stopped or went online during the pandemic, and treatment centers had to reevaluate how they provided services.

The Bay Area Recovery Center, which has residential facilities around Houston, including in Dickinson, has stayed full throughout the pandemic; but periodic COVID cases led to brief shutdowns, and COVID protocols changed how treatment was offered, Program Director Billy Smith said.

We usually do family groups and visitations and things like that that we havent been able to do because of COVID protocols, he said.

The ADA Womens Recovery Center had to reduce capacity before vaccines were released, Hanley said. The center can house 14 women, but that fell to 10 once the pandemic hit, she said. With the availability of vaccines, that number rose to 12, with plans to resume full capacity soon, she said.

Clients also had to test negative for COVID infection before being admitted to the program, and the process of being tested, awaiting results and then being admitted slowed admissions considerably, Hanley said.

Delays can be devastating for those seeking treatment, Cunningham said.

If you dont act now or in a few days, they may lose their motivation, she said.

AN INCREASINGLY LETHAL DRUG

Opioid addiction has been compounded by the rise of the more lethal fentanyl.

Almost everybody that comes in with the opioids right now, its fentanyl, Smith said.

A synthetic opioid, fentanyl has been one of the biggest drivers in opioid-related deaths in recent years, Chapman said. Often mixed with other drugs, even a small amount can be fatal, she said.

How many opioid-related deaths in the county are from fentanyl is unclear, Keiser said. Although the medical examiner conducts a drug screen, it can be expensive to perform a test that would identify the type of opiate, he said.

Keiser attributed the increase in fentanyl use to the prescription pill crackdown.

The increased use of prescription opioid medications began in the late 1990s and led to widespread misuse of both prescription and nonprescription drugs. But in recent years, crackdowns on prescribing the drugs have made them harder to obtain.

Its actually quite difficult to get an opioid prescription compared to the way it was five to 10 years ago, Keiser said.

THE FUTURE OF ADDICTION CARE

The pandemic forced providers to reevaluate care, and some changes will stay. Although there are benefits to in-person care, especially at higher levels, telehealth will continue, Smith said.

Theres been a lot higher attendance rate, he said. Obviously people can do it from home instead of having to come into the office.

The massive response to the pandemic also has raised questions about how such a high level of community interest could affect addiction treatment.

Can you imagine if Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson were working on things to help the addiction community at that level? White said. Can you imagine if judges were shutting down businesses because of the number of people who were becoming addicted from their services?
State Sen. Sara Gelser Blouin, a Corvallis Democrat who represents District 8 in the Senate, recounted how she got involved with changing laws to protect foster children from abuse.

Speaking from her downtown Corvallis office on Thursday, she relayed a harrowing tale of children being spirited out of state in the middle of the night, restraint protocols that have led to serious injuries and death, confusing and contradictory guidelines and protocols and incomplete paper trails and oversight in multiple states.

It is this work that earned Gelser Blouin a national award for her work in uncovering abuses in for-profit, out-of-state foster care programs.

The Carl Levin honor for effective oversight was presented to Gelser Blouin Friday via Zoom. The award is named for former longtime Michigan Sen. Carl Levin and is awarded by the Levin Center at Wayne State University Law School. The prize aims to honor legislators who remote bipartisan, fact-based oversight.

Im so grateful to my many colleagues on both sides of the aisle in Oregon, brave youth, zealous attorneys, and resourceful reporters for what has been truly collaborative work to uncover abuse and danger in the shadows of the programs serving our most vulnerable kids, Gelser Blouin said in a statement released by the Levin Center.

Im humbled that this work is being recognized with this award, particularly by an organization inspired by the great work of Carl Levin.

Gelser Blouins work led Oregon to:

 End placement of children in out-of-state programs in 2019.

 Enact legislation eliminating the use of prone and supine restraints on children.

 Become the first state in the nation to regulate independent education consultants that coordinate private placement of children in residential facilities and the transport companies that employ abusive tactics to move children across state lines to wilderness and residential programs.

Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Corvallis Gazette-Times.

Sen. Gelser Blouin protected Oregons most vulnerable kids. Period," Shemia Fagan, Oregon secretary of state, said in a statement released by her office. "Her courage and strength to stand up for those who cant stand up for themselves deserves recognition.

In a Thursday interview, Gelser Blouin emphasized the assistance and collaboration she referred throughout, starting with stories written by Lauren Dake of Oregon Public Broadcasting in 2015.

If somebody hadnt been investigating and reporting on this I wouldnt have started asking all of the questions, she said. And I couldnt have done it by myself as a legislator.

Many of the issues Gelser Blouin sought to address came at treatment centers run by Sequel, which had operations in multiple states, including Idaho, Illinois and Michigan.

One of the Michigan centers, Lakeside Academy, was the site of the 2020 death of 16-year-old Cornelius Frederick. His death, the result of being restrained on the cafeteria floor, was recorded on Lakeside video cameras and ultimately broadcast on a 60 Minutes episode that featured Gelser Blouin.

At its peak Oregon had approximately 90 foster kids in out-of-state centers. The total over a four-year period was 300, Gelser Blouin said. The care was costly to Oregon, Dake reported, totaling $2.5 million for just the three-month period between October 2018 and December 2018.

The emotional centerpiece for the Oregon effort was a 9-year-old girl from Eugene named Uvea Spezza-Lopin, who went from being injected with drugs for misbehavior at a Montana facility to testifying before Congress, accompanied by Paris Hilton and Gelser Blouin. Hilton got involved because of abuse she suffered at a facility in Utah in the 1990s.

Uveas testimony made it real, Gelser Blouin said. This was a 9-year-old that this happened to. It was really emotional for me to see her give a three-minute speech with Paris Hilton at the Capitol. She told her story and asked for change. But it makes me sad for all the kids who arent getting that outcome. Its a very neglected area, but I feel like we are getting to a place with so many people paying attention that we can make a change.

Were not trying to eliminate treatment. Were trying to change treatment so we dont hurt kids.

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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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 in 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
TORONTO, Nov. 29, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gran Colombia Gold Corp. (the Company) (TSX: GCM, OTCQX: TPRFF) announced today that it has changed its name to GCM Mining Corp. effective immediately and its website can be found at www.gcm-mining.com.



Commenting on the name change, Serafino Iacono, Executive Chairman of the Company, said We are very proud of our Colombian roots and, in Colombia, we will continue to operate as Gran Colombia. Our new corporate name reflects our strategy to grow through diversification, expanding our operations and investments to other countries and broadening our products to include other metals beyond just gold and silver. With the acquisition earlier this year of the Toroparu Project in Guyana and our equity stake in Denarius and its flagship Lomero Project in Spain, we have commenced our diversification strategy. We have a strong balance sheet and we are fully funded to build Toroparu, one of the largest undeveloped gold/copper projects in the Americas. We expect to announce the results on the updated mineral resource estimate and preliminary economic assessment for Toroparu shortly, solidifying its position along with our Segovia Operations, as a cornerstone asset in GCM Mining Corp.

There is no change to the Companys trading symbols for its common shares and common share purchase warrants and we expect that trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the Companys new name will formally commence on December 1, 2021. In the interim, trading will continue under the Companys old name. The new ISIN and CUSIP numbers for the Companys common shares are CA36168L1058 and 36168L105, respectively. For the Companys listed common share purchase warrants (TSX: GCM.WT.B; OTC Pink: TPRXF), the new ISIN and CUSIP numbers are CA36168L1132 and 36168L113, respectively.

About GCM Mining Corp.

GCM Mining Corp. is a mid-tier gold producer with a proven track record of mine building and operating in Latin America. In Colombia, the Company is currently the largest underground gold and silver producer with several mines in operation at its high-grade Segovia Operations. In Guyana, the Company is advancing the Toroparu Project, one of the largest undeveloped gold projects in the Americas. The Company also owns an approximately 44% equity interest in Aris Gold Corporation (TSX: ARIS) (Colombia  Marmato), an approximately 27% equity interest in Denarius Silver Corp. (TSX-V: DSLV) (Spain  Lomero-Poyatos; Colombia  Guia Antigua and Zancudo) and an approximately 26% equity interest in Western Atlas Resources Inc. (TSX-V: WA) (Nunavut  Meadowbank).

Additional information on GCM Mining can be found on its website at www.gcm-mining.com and by reviewing its profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information:

This news release contains "forward-looking information", which may include, but is not limited to, statements with respect to anticipated business plans or strategies. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. 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 the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual

results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements are described under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Information Form dated as of March 31, 2021 which is available for view on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this press release and the Company disclaims, other than as required by law, any obligation to update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, results, future events, circumstances, or if management's estimates or opinions should change, or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

For Further Information, Contact:

Mike Davies

Chief Financial Officer

(416) 360-4653

investorrelations@grancolombiagold.com
Bill Koenigsberg, CEO and founder of Horizon Media, will remain the long-term majority shareholder of the Company



Transaction also includes participation from LionTree

NEW YORK, Dec. 08, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Horizon Media, the largest U.S. media agency according to AdAge Data Center 2021, today announced that it has entered into an agreement to sell a minority interest in the Company to Temasek, a global investment firm headquartered in Singapore.

The investment from Temasek will help Horizon accelerate its unmatched product offering in the marketplace and set up Horizon to navigate the new world order in marketing, media, and technology in the years ahead.

LionTree, an independent investment and merchant bank, is also an investor in the transaction and will support the continued growth and expansion of Horizons platform, leveraging its deep sector knowledge and global strategic relationships.

Bill Koenigsberg, CEO and founder of Horizon Media, said, Horizon sees more opportunity than ever before to take advantage of gaps in the marketplace and continue our significant growth in driving positive business outcomes for our clients. In evaluating the next evolution of Horizon, I wanted a world class partner who is like-minded strategically, has the same appetite for growth, understands the media, marketing, and technology landscape, is global in scale, and culturally aligned. I found that perfect combination in Temasek and LionTree.

Allen & Company LLC acted as financial advisor and Loeb & Loeb LLP acted as legal advisor to Horizon Media. Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP acted as legal advisor to Temasek.

The transaction price is not disclosed.

Notes to Editors

About Horizon Media

Horizon Media, Inc, the largest U.S. media agency according to AdAge Data Center 2021, delivers data-driven business outcomes for some of the most innovative and ambitious brands. Founded in 1989, headquartered in New York, and with offices in Edmonton, Los Angeles and Toronto, the company employs 2,500 people and has media investments of more than $9.5 billion. Horizon Medias fundamental belief is that business is personal, which drives its approach to connecting brands with their customers and engaging with its own employees resulting in industry-leading workplace satisfaction levels (Glassdoor). The company is consistently recognized by independent media outlets for its client excellence and has earned several Best Workplaces awards reflecting its commitment to DEI and the life and well-being of everyone at Horizon Media.

About Temasek

Temasek is a global investment company with a net portfolio value of S$381bn (US$283bn) as at 31 March 2021. Headquartered in Singapore, it has 13 offices in 9 countries around the world. The Temasek Charter defines Temaseks 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 LionTree

LionTree is an independent investment and merchant bank focused on media, technology, and the global digital economy. The firm leverages its specialized industry insights and relationships to provide partners with tailored ideas, actionable opportunities and resources that drive growth and transformation. Founded in 2012, LionTree works across offices in New York, San Francisco, London and Paris to serve partners around the globe through an integrated product set: M&A Advisory, Capital Raising, IPO Advisory, Merchant Banking, Institutional Investor Membership (IIM) and LT Growth. LionTree also operates Kindred Media, a digital media production company, investor and advisor focused on the intersection of media, technology, and business.

For media enquiries, please contact:

Horizon Media

Dan Prince

dan@princecomms.com

Temasek

Paul Ewing-Chow

paulewingchow@Temasek.com.sg

LionTree

Brooke Jaye

bjaye@liontree.com
SAN DIEGO, Dec. 10, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The law firm of Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP announces that purchasers of Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd. f/k/a Lund Enterprises Corp. (ReconAfrica) (OTCMKTS: RECAF; LGDOF) securities between February 28, 2019 and September 7, 2021, inclusive (the Class Period) have until December 27, 2021 to seek appointment as lead plaintiff in the ReconAfrica class action lawsuit. Pending in the Eastern District of New York, the ReconAfrica class action lawsuit (Owen v. Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd. f/k/a Lund Enterprises Corp., No. 21-cv-06176) charges ReconAfrica as well as certain of its top officials with violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.



If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff of the ReconAfrica class action lawsuit, please provide your information by clicking here. You can also contact attorney J.C. Sanchez of Robbins Geller by calling 800/449-4900 or via e-mail at jsanchez@rgrdlaw.com. Lead plaintiff motions for the ReconAfrica class action lawsuit must be filed with the court no later than December 27, 2021.

CASE ALLEGATIONS: ReconAfrica purports to engage in the identification, exploration, and development of oil and/or gas assets in Namibia and Botswana, including in the Kalahari Desert and other fragile areas.

The ReconAfrica class action lawsuit alleges that, throughout the Class Period, defendants made false and misleading statements and failed to disclose: (i) ReconAfricas plan for using unconventional means for energy extraction (including fracking) in the fragile Kavango area; (ii) that ReconAfrica would begin unlicensed drilling tests; (iii) that ReconAfrica would illegally use water for well testing; (iv) that ReconAfrica would illegally store used water in unlined pools; (v) that ReconAfrica would skirt Namibian law and hire an inadequate and inappropriate consultant; (vi) that, as a result, ReconAfrica risked future well, drilling, and water-related licenses in Namibia and Botswana; (vii) that, contrary to its representations, ReconAfrica did not reach out nor provide adequate information (including in relevant local languages) through accessible means to those to be impacted by its testing and potential energy extraction; (viii) that ReconAfricas interests are in the Owambo Basin, not the so-called Kavango Basin; (ix) that ReconAfrica has continuously engaged in stock pumping; and (x) as a result of the foregoing, defendants public statements were materially false and/or misleading at all relevant times.

THE LEAD PLAINTIFF PROCESS: The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 permits any investor who purchased ReconAfrica securities during the Class Period to seek appointment as lead plaintiff in the ReconAfrica class action lawsuit. A lead plaintiff is generally the movant with the greatest financial interest in the relief sought by the putative class who is also typical and adequate of the putative class. A lead plaintiff acts on behalf of all other class members in directing the ReconAfrica class action lawsuit. The lead plaintiff can select a law firm of its choice to litigate the ReconAfrica class action lawsuit. An investors ability to share in any potential future recovery of the ReconAfrica class action lawsuit is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

ABOUT ROBBINS GELLER RUDMAN & DOWD LLP: With 200 lawyers in 9 offices nationwide, Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP is the largest U.S. law firm representing investors in securities class actions. Robbins Geller attorneys have obtained many of the largest shareholder recoveries in history, including the largest securities class action recovery ever  $7.2 billion  in In re Enron Corp. Sec. Litig. The 2020 ISS Securities Class Action Services Top 50 Report ranked Robbins Geller first for recovering $1.6 billion for investors last year, more than double the amount recovered by any other securities plaintiffs firm. Please visit http://www.rgrdlaw.com for more information.

Attorney advertising.

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices.

Contact:

Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP

655 W. Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101

J.C. Sanchez, 800-449-4900

jsanchez@rgrdlaw.com
OAKLAND, Calif., Dec. 10, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Alameda County Sheriff-Coroners Office finally released the Coroners and autopsy report concerning Mario Gonzalez, who was killed by Alameda, California, police on April 19, 2021. Mario was unarmed, non-threatening, and minding his own business in a park when Alameda police arrived. Officers ultimately forced Mario face down in the dirt and got on top of him, pinning him in a prone position with their body weight, for over five minutes until he died. At one point, an officer even said Mario was lifting the officers entire body weight. Mario died from mechanical or restraint asphyxia during the incident.



Haddad & Sherwin LLP represent Mario and his five-year-old son, also named Mario. Julia Sherwin says, The autopsy report was completed on September 25 and still not released for almost three more months. There is no legitimate reason for the Sheriffs office to hide the results this long. Marios family and friends, and the community, deserved transparency from the start.

The Coroner ruled Marios death a homicide, death at the hands of another. He was killed by the Alameda police officers who restrained him. The toxicology report found a recreational amount of methamphetamine, 907 ng/mL, in Marios blood. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has found that normal recreational concentrations of methamphetamine in people who are stopped for driving while under the influence of meth can be up to 2500 ng/mL. Additionally, methamphetamine has a very low fatality risk of 1 in 353,000 doses. Meth did not kill Mario, the officers did.

While little Mario will obtain justice and accountability for his fathers death in a federal civil rights lawsuit, it is the Alameda County District Attorneys job to prosecute the officers who killed Mario, in criminal court.

The Coroners report is available here.

ABOUT HADDAD & SHERWIN LLP.

Founded in 1998 by Michael Haddad and Julia Sherwin, Haddad & Sherwin LLP is an Oakland law firm representing people in serious injury and wrongful death civil rights, police misconduct, and jail misconduct cases. For more information, visit https://haddadandsherwin.com/.

Contact:

Michael Haddad or Julia Sherwin

(office) (510) 452-5500

michael.julia@haddadsherwin.com

Tim Johnson or Justine Goodiel

UPRAISE Marketing + PR for Haddad & Sherwin LLP

(415) 397-7600

Haddad-sherwin@upraisepr.com
Houston, United States, Dec. 11, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Houston, Texas: Local Buick GMC dealership group in Houston, Beck & Masten, announced today that they have donated $37,000 to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. As part of their ongoing community support, this gift was a result of donating a portion of every vehicle sold during October to help support the mission of Breast Cancer research at the Komen Foundation.

For those who wish to check out the Houston Buick GMC dealerships located in both the North and South Houston areas. Please visit: Buick GMC North Houston or Buick GMC South Houston

At a recent event located at the Beck & Masten North Buick GMC store, dignitaries presented a check to the Houston area Komen Foundation Executive Director. This donation will help the Komen Foundation search for a cure for Breast Cancer while also comforting and supporting those currently living with breast cancer.

The generous donation from Beck & Masten will help fund the Komen Foundations four pillars  research, care, community, and action. During the event, Houston area Komen Foundation Executive Director Kristen Barley said, What an incredible effort by Beck & Masten for this partnership, and we couldnt be more honored to receive the donation. Our breast cancer community wouldnt have access to the Patient Care Services and important research dollars without the support of community partners like Beck & Masten!

About Beck & Masten: For over thirty years, the Beck & Masten auto group has served the Houston community with excellent service and community partnerships. They have been awarded General Motors Dealership of the Year Award for 20 consecutive years, and continually look for ways to give back to their local community through acts of service and sponsorship.

For more information, please visit their websites below:

North Houston Store:

Beck & Masten North Buick GMC

11300 FM 1960 West, Houston TX. 77065

Phone: (844) 380-2308

Follow on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeckMastenNorth/

South Houston Store:

Beck & Masten Buick GMC South

12820 Gulf Fwy Houston TX 77034

Phone: (346) 214-0089

Follow on social media:

Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/BeckMastenSouth

Website: https://www.beckmastennorth.com/
NEW YORK, Dec. 11, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C., a nationally recognized stockholder rights law firm, reminds investors of its investigation into whether the officers or directors of GCP Applied Technologies Inc. (NYSE: GCP) breached their fiduciary duties or violated the federal securities laws in connection with the companys acquisition by Compagnie de Saint-Gobain S.A. (OTCPK: CODYY).



Click here to learn more and participate in the action.

On December 6, 2021, GCP announced that it had entered into an agreement to be acquired by Saint-Gobain in a deal valued at approximately $2.3 billion. Pursuant to the merger agreement, GCP shareholders will receive $32 in cash for each share of GCP common stock owned. The deal is scheduled to close in the second half of 2022.

Bragar Eagel & Squire is concerned that GCPs 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 GCPs stockholders.

If you own shares of GCP 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 mergers@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.
Carrollton, Georgia, Dec. 11, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- When Samantha Conerly learned she couldnt attend the Fall 2021 University of West Georgia commencement ceremony for health reasons, she naturally experienced a flurry of emotions.

Completing an accelerated masters while working full time and taking care of a toddler has been no easy task, explained Conerly, a teacher at Central High School who received her bachelors degree in mathematics from UWG in 2019. I am currently expecting my second son, and when I learned I was being put on bedrest just a month before graduation, I was extremely disappointed. Although I knew I would still receive my degree, it just didn't feel as special without the cap, gown and ceremony.

But thanks to new technology, Conerly was able to participate in the day shes been looking forward to since beginning the program.

Because of this resource  which interweaves the power of human connection with the sophistication of technological innovation  Samantha and her family are not missing a pivotal moment in the evolution of her education, said Dr. Brendan Kelly, UWG president. This is one example of how UWG curates first-choice experiences in the lives of our students.

The UWG College of Educations Innovation Lab is home to a variety of emerging technologies, one of which is a telepresence robot from Double Robotics that Conerly controlled remotely to cross the stage and receive her degree.

According to Brian Lane, director of technology innovations in the Department of Educational Technology and Foundations, graduation is just one way people can use this robot, one he likens to an iPad on wheels.

The technology has been around for a while, but with the pandemic, it gained momentum and became an even greater tool.

With COVID-19, everyone began participating in streaming meetings, like Google Meet and Zoom, he said. But where this is unique and separates itself from other platforms is you can actually move it around. So weve used them in classrooms, and Ive even given tours of our lab to online students.

The premise is simple. Lane begins by sending users like Conerly a link, and anyone who has the link can log in to the iPad. It shows the users face and allows him or her to control where the robot goes.

Conerly said the progressive technology was easy to access and the controls were intuitive.

Despite the simplicity of using the technology, it was extremely innovative, she observed. The video quality and movements of the robot were impeccable. It really felt like I was there in person. I could approach others and communicate with them in real-time.

Lane explained the Innovations Lab, which houses a variety of educational technologies  ranging from video cameras to 3D printers to virtual reality systems  has expanded its offerings beyond just faculty, staff and student usage. Local educators are also checking out equipment so individuals who cant physically visit the schools can still present to classes.

There are even hopes of retirement homes borrowing the technology in order for residents to visit with their relatives, especially in times that quarantine doesnt allow them to do so in person.

How will technology like this continue to evolve and shape our world?

I think its going to bring more humanity to online options and bring a personal feel to things, Lane mused.

Technology is already creating an environment in which students can receive equitable educational opportunities from anywhere, Conerly concluded. Its even allowed me to support my students from home, while on bedrest. And thanks to this innovative technology, I was not only able to attend my graduation, but I am also able to be a part of history in the making.

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Waukesha, WI (53187)

Today

Windy with occasional snow showers. High 16F. Winds W at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of snow 90%. Snow accumulations less than one inch. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph..

Tonight

Mainly cloudy with snow showers around this evening. Low 9F. Winds WNW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of snow 40%.
It's time for the very last qualifying session of 2021. On Saturday afternoon the qualifying session for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is scheduled, in which Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton will want to take the first step towards the title.

Liveblog | Qualifying for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

In the first free practice, it was Max Verstappen who clocked the fastest time, but in FP2 he had to let his title rival Lewis Hamilton ahead. Mercedes are looking strong, but they and Verstappen may not be getting the most out of it yet. In this session, Mercedes will install Hamilton's 'spicy' engine that completed races in Brazil and Saudi Arabia. This is expected to give them a performance advantage, but Christian Horner suggested that Red Bull will be able to find lap time elsewhere.

On Friday, Verstappen's long-run pace looked positive for the Dutchman. He ran much of his long run stint on the soft tyre, meaning Red Bull could be looking at an aggressive two-stop race around the Yas Marina. It could be possible that Verstappen wants to start on the softs to get a good start off the line on the run down to turn one.

Yas Marina revised for 2021

At the renewed Yas Marina Circuit the drivers will fight for pole position one more time in 2021. Verstappen already holds the title for the most pole positions this season but will be more than happy to add another one to his tally ahead of Sunday's race.

In previous years, Yas Marina has always been a Mercedes circuit. The team has won all but one race in Abu Dhabi since 2014. Last year it was in fact Verstappen who was fastest and also took pole position. This year, however, the circuit has changed considerably. Many slower corners have been removed and replaced with faster ones. This seems to be to the advantage of Mercedes.
Lewis Hamilton finished second in qualifying for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The Brit had hoped for pole position, but Max Verstappen was faster to the surprise of many.

Verstappen and Hamilton have been booed several times this season. After the race in Brazil there was a lot of booing during the interview of the Dutchman, but especially the seven times World Champion has had to deal with it several times.

However, it doesn't do much for the Brit. He was not surprised when he was booed by fans after qualifying in Abu Dhabi. "There's a lot of orange here, so Yeah, I think you're always surprised by the boos, no matter how many times you experience it. But I don't care, it doesn't make no difference to me if it was a cheer or if it was a boo."

It doesn't affect Hamilton

Footage around the circuit shows many Dutch fans present this weekend to cheer on Verstappen in the all-deciding race. The booing only gives Hamilton more confidence.

"It makes no difference to how I go about my life, so it doesn't affect me. If anything I use that as fuel so I'm grateful for it, one way or another," Hamilton added.
Do not lecture us about the sanctity, the importance of life 

Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy was giving an impassioned speech on the Senate floor Nov. 30. Listening to him, I shared the rage he expressed.

That day, Nov. 30, a 15-year-old sophomore in possession of a gun killed four students at Oxford High School in Oxford Township, Mich., also injuring six students and a teacher.

Nov. 30 was also the day that preceded oral arguments before the Supreme Court in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization. The eventual outcome of this case, which addresses the constitutionality of a 2018 Mississippi law banning abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy, could overturn nearly a half century of legal precedent affirming a womans constitutional right to an abortion, established with Roe v. Wade in 1973.

Murphy had been presiding over the Senate while Republicans were giving anti-abortion speeches. When he heard reports of the Michigan school shooting as he drove home, he turned his car around, returned to the Senate, and took the floor.

With their anti-abortion speeches in mind, he called out Republicans for the hypocrisy in their concern for the lives of the so-called unborn when Republicans refuse to address the lethal threat that gun violence poses to the lives of human beings who have actually been born.

Do not lecture us ... Murphy said, When 100 people every day are losing their lives to guns, when kids go to school fearful that they wont return home because a classmate will turn a gun on them.

Tuesday will mark the ninth anniversary of the Sandy Hook massacre. As we engage in solemn remembrance of the horror of that day  Dec. 14, 2012  we must confront the sad truth that, despite the national shock from the murder of so many little children, the carnage continues.

In 2021, according to Education Week, there have been 29 school shootings. Everytown for Gun Safety, which has been tracking gunfire on school grounds since 2013, reports at least 149 incidents of gunfire on school grounds in 2021, with 32 deaths and 94 injuries. Everytowns tracking of childrens exposure to shootings whether in schools, communities, or homes finds that every year more than 3,000 children and teens are shot and killed, while 15,000 are shot and injured. The number of children in the United States who are exposed each year to shootings is 3 million, an exposure that has a devastating long-term impact on children.

SCOTUS will rule on Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization in June or July. All indications are that the decision will place greater value on the rights of the unborn than on the rights of the women in whose bodies these unborn exist without viable personhood.

SCOTUS will also rule on the case of New York State Rifle & Pistol Association. Inc. v. Bruen, which is a challenge to a more than century old New York state law regulating who can carry a handgun in public. Oral arguments were heard at the beginning of November. At a time of increasing gun violence, indications are that SCOTUS, with its 6-3 conservative supermajority, is likely to find the New York law unconstitutional, with far-reaching implications for government regulation of guns, including the ability to ban assault weapons.

Republicans appear to believe government should play a minimal role in saving human life through gun regulation. At the same time, they would maximize governments role in saving the unborn through extreme regulation and control of womens reproductive lives, without regard for the harmful effects of such regulation.

A statement by Justice Amy Coney Barrett during the oral arguments is frightening: And so it seems to me that the choice, more focused, would be between, say, the ability to get an abortion at 23 weeks, or the state requiring the woman to go 15, 16 weeks more and then terminate parental rights at the conclusion.

Barrett was suggesting state-imposed adoption as an alternative to abortion, forcibly separating pregnancy from parenthood.

None of these self-proclaimed pro-lifers show an iota of concern for the womans rights as a human being, or the harmful impact of forced pregnancy upon her life.

Its time they stop feigning care for the sanctity of life.

Alma Rutgers served in Greenwich town government for 30 years.
GREENWICH  Police made an arrest Friday for the person allegedly responsible for writing a disturbing message in a womans bathroom at Greenwich High School Thursday morning.

We have referred a juvenile student to Bridgeport Juvenile Court for the charges of threatening, first degree; criminal mischief, third degree; and breach of peace, Police Capt. Mark Zuccerella said Friday.

The youths name was not released due to the age of the suspect.

Investigators from the Special Victims Unit in the department have been assigned to the case, Zuccerella said, and have solid leads to work the investigation.

Zuccerella said police took these threats seriously, regardless if the threat was meant as a prank or not.

Zuccerella said there are no current threats towards the school and school authorities were notified late in the afternoon that an apprehension had been made in the case.

The police updated us this evening that through their thorough investigation, a suspect has been identified, Schools Superintendent Toni Jones said in a statement sent via email to families and staff Friday evening. While the threat was not credible, these matters are taken seriously. Because the suspect is a juvenile, the case will be referred to Connecticut Superior Court - Juvenile Matters at Bridgeport.

Jones said an added police presence Friday was meant to allay concerns.

The Greenwich Police Department maintained a half a dozen police personnel inside and outside of Greenwich High School (Friday), including plainclothes detectives, starting just prior to the beginning of the school day, she said.

Jones, in her note, said social media posting complicated the situation.

For those of you with children on social media, we encourage you to have a discussion about the responsible use of social media and the need to report immediately if they see something which is disturbing. After our investigation, it appears that a social media post was being circulated almost 30 minutes before GHS administration were notified. Students were upset and teachers had no idea what was happening. Please reinforce the saying. If you see something, say something, Jones wrote.

Schools around the region have been hit with hoax threats and alarms in recent days. A 14-year-old male from Norwalk was charged with numerous criminal complaints after allegedly making multiple false threats at Norwalk High School over the last week.
TRENTON, N.J. (AP)  A New Jersey judge denied a Republican request to halt a requirement to provide proof of a COVID-19 vaccine or a negative test to enter the statehouse building on Friday.

The ruling doesn't look likely to be the final word on the matter, as the judge also set an April 2022 hearing date to consider arguments. The requirement was still firmly in effect at the statehouse this week.

The GOP challenge, brought by incoming Republican legislative leaders Assembly member John DiMaio and Sen. Steven Oroho, sought to block a mandate for proof of vaccination or a negative test set by a joint commission that manages the statehouse complex.

But, as the judge noted in her order on Friday, the Democratic leaders who run the statehouse have declared separate but similar COVID-19 rules, which the Republican suit did not challenge.

As the rules issued by the Legislatures presiding officers on December 2, 2021, make clear any stay issued by the court will not provide plaintiffs interim relief, the motion for stay is denied, Appellate Division Judge Allison Accurso wrote.

Oroho said in a statement he was disappointed that arguments are going to be delayed when it seems clear the commission went beyond its authority.

This isn't just about legislators, it's about ensuring the rights of citizens to have access to their government, he said.

The judge's order follows confusion last week when roughly a dozen Republican Assembly members sought to enter the voting chamber without showing the required proof or test. State police initially blocked them, but eventually permitted them to enter. No explanation has been given.

Since then, security around the statehouse to implement the vaccine-or-test requirement has increased substantially, with troopers setting up checkpoints at entryways across the complex.

It's unclear what Republicans who oppose the order will do Monday when committee hearings are set to resume in person in the Assembly. A voting session set for Dec. 16 has been moved to Dec. 20.

Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy lashed out at Republicans this week over their defiance of the requirement, calling it idiocy." But he declined to explain why troopers permitted lawmakers who did not follow the requirement into the Assembly chamber.

Friday's order follows an earlier court order that permitted the GOP challenge to advance. Republicans had hailed it as a victory at the time, though the new ruling amounts to a setback.
PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP)  Gunmen attacked two police providing security for polio vaccination workers in northwest Pakistan, shooting and killing one and wounding the other, officials said Saturday.

Mohammad Khurasani, spokesman for Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, known as the Pakistani Taliban, claimed responsibility. It was the first attack since the TTP on Friday announced the end of a one-month cease-fire with the government. The truce had been announced in November amid peace talks between the two sides.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The Pentagon said Friday that there are active discussions within the department about making the COVID-19 vaccine booster shots mandatory for service members, even as thousands refuse or seek exemptions from the initial shot requirement.

Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said there have been no final decisions on the matter, but added that Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin absolutely encourages people, if they can and if they qualify, to get the booster. But right now there is no requirement for it.

The defense department in August announced that it would begin requiring all members of the military  including National Guard and Reserves  to get the COVID-19 vaccine. The military services sent out specific guidelines on the mandate, set their own deadlines and laid out the repercussions for those who refused and were not granted a medical, religious or administrative exemption.

Since then, deadlines for the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps have all passed, and thousands still have not gotten the vaccine or are seeking an exemption, which involves a lengthy process including meetings with commanders, chaplains and medical personnel.

Speaking to reporters at a Pentagon press conference, Kirby said about 96.4% of all active duty personnel have gotten at least one shot. The percentage plunges when members of the National Guard and Reserves are included. Only about 74% of the total military force, including the active duty, Guard and Reserve, are fully vaccinated, but the Army Guard has until next June to get the shots.

Kirby said the numbers are trending in the right direction, but we know there's more work to do.

So far none of the services have said that any service members have been forced out due to their refusal to get the shots, although an unknown number have voluntarily retired or left the service over the matter since the mandate was put in place.

The secretary's expectation is 100% vaccination, that's what he wants to see, Kirby said.

He added that Austin also expects the services to implement the mandate in a compassionate and thoughtful way and not immediately go to some sort of punitive or administrative action. The services, he said, must ensure that troops understand the ramifications of the decision to refuse the vaccine, as well as the ramifications to their health and to their military unit's readiness.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP)  Politically liberal San Franciscans are used to living cheek by jowl with open drug use, feces-infested streets and petty crime. But a surge in home break-ins and brazen shoplifting has some residents feeling that the city they fell in love with is in decline.

Caitlin Foster is among San Francisco shopkeepers who have repeatedly had to clear away used needles and other drug paraphernalia outside the bar she manages. And after too many encounters with armed people in crisis, the Seattle transplant's affection for her adopted city has soured.

It was a goal to live here, but now Im here and Im like, Where am I going to move to now? Im over it, said Foster, who manages Noir Lounge in the trendy Hayes Valley neighborhood.

A series of headline-grabbing crime stories  mobs of people smashing windows and grabbing luxury purses in the downtown Union Square shopping district and daytime shootings in the touristy Haight-Ashbury  has only exacerbated a general feeling of vulnerability. Residents wake up to news of attacks on older Asian Americans, burglarized restaurants, and boarded-up storefronts in the citys once-vibrant downtown.

The pandemic emptied parts of San Francisco and highlighted some of its drawbacks, including a laissez-faire approach by officials to open drug dealing just steps from the Opera House and Symphony Hall. Parents despaired as public schools stayed closed for most of last year as nearby districts welcomed children back to the classroom.

Theres a widespread sense that things are on the wrong track in San Francisco, said Patrick Wolff, 53, a retired professional chess player from the Boston area who has lived in the city since 2005.

San Franciscans will vote in June on whether to recall District Attorney Chesa Boudin, a former public defender elected in 2019 whose critics say hes too lenient on crime. His supporters say theres no crime surge, and that corporate wage theft is a more pressing issue than cases like that of a San Francisco woman finally arrested after stealing more than $40,000 in goods from a Target over 120 visits.

Wheres the progress? If you say youre progressive, lets get the homeless off the street, and lets get them mental health care, said Brian Cassanego, a San Francisco native who owns the lounge where Foster works.

Cassanego moved to wine country five months ago after stepping out one day to find a man who looked like a zombie, with his pants down to his knees and bleeding from where a syringe was stuck on his hip. A woman cried out nearby in shock.

I went upstairs, and I told my wife, Were leaving now! This city is done! he said.

While crime overall has been trending down for years, reports of larceny theft  shoplifting from a person or business  are up nearly 17% to more than 28,000 from the same time last year. They remain lower than the more than 40,000 larceny theft cases reported in 2019. Requests to clean dirty streets and sidewalks are the majority of calls to 311, the citys services line.

San Franciscos well-publicized problems have served as fodder for conservative media outlets. Former President Donald Trump jumped in again recently, releasing a statement saying the National Guard should be sent to San Francisco to deter smash-and-grab robberies.

Elected officials say theyre grappling with deep societal pains common to any large U.S. city.

A high percentage of an estimated 8,000 homeless people in San Francisco are struggling with chronic addiction or severe mental illness, usually both. Last year, 712 people died of drug overdoses, compared with 257 people who died of COVID-19.

LeAnn Corpus, an administrative assistant, said a homeless man set up a makeshift tent outside her house using a bike and a bed sheet, and relieved himself on the sidewalk. She called the police, who came after two hours and cleared him out, but at her aunts home, a homeless person camped out against the backyard for six months despite attempts to get authorities to remove him.

This city just doesnt feel the same anymore, said Corpus, a third-generation native.

In Hayes Valley, business owners tired of seeing garbage strewn about and the city not doing anything to address the issue banded together to lease enclosed trash cans from a private company, said Jennifer Laska, president of the neighborhood association.

After the lease expired, the association managed to get the city to agree to buy and install new public garbage cans designed to keep trash in and pilferers out. That was four months ago.

Were still struggling just to get the trash cans actually purchased, Laska said.
BELGRADE, Serbia (AP)  Environmental protesters blocked roads in Serbia for a third consecutive weekend to oppose plans for lithium mining, despite a bid by the country's populist government to defuse the demonstrations by agreeing to the key demands of organizers.

Several thousand people braved rain and cold weather Saturday to halt traffic in the capital, Belgrade, and in other cities and towns in the Balkan nation.

The protesters want the government to fully remove any possibility of companies initiating mining projects. Environmentalists argue that extracting lithium, a key component in electric car batteries, causes huge damage to mined areas.

Serbian authorities withdrew two key laws that activists said were designed to help multinational mining company Rio Tinto open a mine in the country's lithium-rich west. Fewer people showed up at Saturday's demonstration compared to the two previous weekends, reflecting a rift among protest leaders over how to proceed.

There will be no peace until exploitation of lithium is banned and Rio Tinto sent away from Serbia, Aleksandar Jovanovic, one of the organizers, said.

Serbia's autocratic president, Aleksandar Vucic, described continued protests as political after the government gave up on the two proposed laws, which involved property expropriation and referendum rules. Vucic said people would have a chance to express their preferences during the next election in April.

Serbia must tackle its environmental problems to advance toward European Union membership. Vucic has said he wants the country to join the EU, but he has also fostered close ties with Russia and China, including Chinese investments in mines, factories and infrastructure.

Environmental issues have come into focus recently in Serbia and other Balkan nations because of accumulated problems from air and water pollution. Protesters argue that authorities favor the interests of foreign investors and profit over environment protection.
Scene Darien resident and journalist Ashleigh Banfield, host of Banfield on NewsNation, was seen having dinner with a friend at 1020 Post in Darien on Thursday night.

Out there C. Parker Gallery at 409 Greenwich Ave. in Greenwich is featuring an exhibit, Cool Yule - A Rock & Roll Holiday Art Exhibition, showcasing an amazing collection of art and photographs of musicians, including Paul McCartney, Jerry Garcia, John Entwistle of The Who, Jimi Hendrix, Ron Wood of the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Robby Krieger of The Doors, Tony Bennett, The Police, Lynyrd Skynyrd, John Lennon, Ringo Starr, U2, Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen and Led Zeppelin. The exhibition also features animation art, concert tour posters including a rare collection of Bruce Springsteen framed memorabilia of hand-signed items, photographs, and gold records as well as a rare Bob Dylan original painting. The exhibit runs through Sunday. For more info, call (203) 661-0205

Out there The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion in Norwalk, nominated for the second consecutive year as one of the 10 Best Historic Holiday Houses in the U.S. by USA Today, is featuring its annual seasonal exhibit: Holiday Enchantment at the Mansion. The exhibit, curated by trustees Mimi Findlay and Paul Veeder, includes Christmas trees and seasonal displays by renowned interior designer Victoria Vandamm of Vandamm Interiors and floral designer Danna DiElsi of The Silk Touch; a history of Christmas cards; table decor; vintage toys; and Victorian gowns curated by Stacy Danielson. Tickets range from $8 to $15, free for children under 8. Call 203-838-9799 or go to www.lockwoodmathewsmansion.com.

Scene... Darien resident Brian Cashman, general manager of the New York Yankees, met up with Sky Mercede of Forever Sweet Bakery in Norwalk and his son Sky Mercede II after his descent down the Landmark Building in Stamford last Sunday for the annual Heights & Lights holiday event. Mercede provided cupcakes and cookies for the Christmas tree lighting ceremony and an extra bag of cookies for Cashman to take home.

Out there Connecticut Ballets The Nutcracker takes place Dec. 18 and Dec. 19 at The Palace Theatre in Stamford with two performances each day. Guest stars including New York City Ballets Unity Phelan and Jovani Furlan and American Ballet Theatres Gillian Murphy and Blaine Hoven will alternate in the roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and Her Cavalier. The professional company will be joined by 105 local children from a dozen local dance schools and academies. Ticket holders may take photos with guest artists after the performances as well as obtain autographs. Collectible nutcrackers and ornaments, childrens books and souvenir posters will be for sale at the Nutcracker Boutique in the theater lobby. For tickets ($75, $60 and $50 plus a theater surcharge; student/senior discount day of show only) call 203-964-1211 or go to www.connecticutballet.org.

Scene Award-winning British actress Emily Blunt and her husband, award-winning actor John Krasinski, were seen having dinner at Truck in Bedford, N.Y., last Friday evening. The couple, who married in 2010, have two daughters, Hazel and Violet.

Out there Athena Books at 228 Sound Beach Ave. in Old Greenwich opened its doors on Thursday. The 2,000-square-foot space  formerly CmAlmy religious goods  is owned by Riverside residents Jennifer Bird and her husband Odysseas Kostas. For more info, visit their Instagram page @AthenaBooksOG.

Winter wonderlands Beautifully decorated windows are on display at Sophias on Liberty Way in Greenwich.

Want to keep Christ in Christmas? Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, forgive the guilty, welcome the unwanted, care for the ill, love your enemies, and do unto others as you would have done unto you.

 Steve Maraboli

And thats all for now.

Got a tip? Seen a celebrity? Email Susie Costaregni at thedish2@yahoo.com.
WINSTED, Conn. - The afternoon shift workers at Dollar General No. 18060 had listened with growing panic as an executive accused their store manager of stealing. They could hear the yelling and threats in the back office, a scene that had shaken all of them - especially Shellie Parsons.

In a life marked by poverty, addiction and physical abuse, Parsons, 37, had come to see her store - a beige prefabricated building on the outskirts of town - as her haven, a $15.75-an-hour pathway to a better life. She was desperately afraid of losing it.

And so, after a brief discussion with a few trusted co-workers, she headed to a nearby Stop & Shop grocery store where years earlier she recalled seeing a picket line, walked back to the deli counter and asked one of the butchers, whom she had never met, whether he had a phone number for someone at their union. She dialed from the parking lot.

"Why does it got to be me?" she recalled thinking as the phone rang. She feared that talking to a union organizer could get her fired, even as she worried that doing nothing would leave her and her colleagues vulnerable to the whims of upper management.

All over the country, workers who had labored through a global pandemic for low pay and meager benefits were concluding that they deserved better from their bosses. Wages were rising and a wave of strikes was sweeping across the country, hitting iconic American brands such as Kellogg's and John Deere. And now Parsons's phone call was setting off one of the most lopsided battles of the ongoing low-wage-worker revolt.

On one side: six Dollar General employees, most of whom were making the minimum wage or just slightly above it. The group included a community college student, a struggling musician who had recently moved back home and two single moms, one of whom was Parsons. On the other: a company with yearly revenue approaching $34 billion, more than 157,000 employees and 17,683 stores, not one of which was unionized.

Four days after her Sept. 17 phone call, Parsons and a few of her co-workers met with the union organizer. To prepare, she had written out what they all hoped to gain, in a letter that went through three drafts and that Parsons had finished in the front seat of her car.

"We all want to make sure we can make a living and not worry we will get fired for false accusations or made up things," she wrote. "Take our words serious, don't just brush them off. . . . We are your employees, not strangers."

The workers wanted more job security. They wanted a process to ensure that their complaints weren't ignored. They wanted to know that their labor was valued and that they were respected.

Parsons and three of her co-workers signed it and handed it over to the organizer with Local 371 of the United Food and Commercial Workers union. Then they signed union cards, authorizing an election scheduled for Oct. 22 - exactly one month away. To prevail, all the signees - or four of the store's six workers - would have to vote for the union.

- - -

Parsons and her fellow workers weren't just trying to unionize; they were challenging a core aspect of the business model that has fueled Dollar General's boom over the past decade.

"We believe our union free status is one reason we continue to grow and provide employment while many unionized companies have declined," the company wrote in third paragraph of its 2015 employee handbook.

Dollar General had carved out a niche that allowed it to thrive in communities where people were struggling to put food on the table and pay their bills, and there were more and more of these places popping up throughout the country ever year.

To serve these communities, Dollar General has concentrated on needs, not wants. Each store typically consists of about 7,400 square feet of cramped, dimly lit aisles focusing on staples such as milk, eggs and diapers as well as products such as pain relievers, frying pans and motor oil. They are stocked in small sizes instead of bulk to keep prices low and profit margins high. Staffing is just as spare - typically six employees and a manager, who often works six or seven days a week.

The approach had proved so successful that by 2020 there were more dollar stores - a category that includes Dollar Tree and Family Dollar - in the United States than all the Walmart, Starbucks and McDonald's locations combined. Of these, Dollar General was the biggest of them all.

Before the vote at Parsons's store, the last serious effort to unionize a Dollar General came in December 2017 when workers in Auxvasse, Mo., sought to become the first store in company history to join the UFCW.

Dollar General moved swiftly to quell the Auxvasse uprising. In the weeks before the vote, company executives flew into town on a private jet and the vice president for human resources embedded herself in the store, working alongside employees cleaning windows, stocking shelves and making the case for rejecting the union, according to workers and court documents.

The employees voted 4 to 2 to organize, an outcome Dollar General spent the next 28 months fighting in the courts on the grounds that the vote was flawed. In the middle of its legal battle, the company fired the employee who initially called the union, for using a curse word in a private meeting with his district manager.

As part of a settlement approved by the National Labor Relations Board, Dollar General agreed to compensate the fired worker. The company was also required to post a notice in the Auxvasse store's break room acknowledging the monetary settlement and its workers' right to organize.

"WE WILL NOT fire you because of your union membership or support," the notice read.

Instead, the company took a more extreme step: It closed the store early last year, only weeks after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit ordered Dollar General to recognize and bargain with the union. Alan Bloom, 70, a cashier, said some of the store's employees, including its manager, negotiated transfers. Bloom decided to retire.

He had voted for the union, but now that the store was closing, he wished he hadn't. "For a while it felt revolutionary, like we were going to change things," he said. "But that didn't happen. The store just closed."

Dollar General was the town's only national chain, and the only place - besides a gas station convenience store - that sold frozen food, snacks and canned goods. "It's left a hole in our town," said Ashley Steinbeck, Auxvasse's mayor. "It was such a convenience for everyone, especially for elderly folks who can't get around really well."

In a statement, Dollar General said the decision to close the store, just weeks after it was ordered to negotiate with the union, was based on an "assessment of the store's future profitability."

David Cook, the president of UFCW Local 655 in Missouri, suggested a different motive. "It's a control issue," he said. "I don't think anybody out there recognizes the value an employer like Dollar General puts on having an at-will workforce. 'At will' means I can fire you for any reason I want as long as it's not color, religion or ethnicity. It's that ultimate power of intimidation. . . . You can't put a value on that if you're an employer - especially one the size of Dollar General."

- - -

Parsons didn't know any of this history when she placed her call to the union in September. She was just worried about losing a job that offered a sense of stability and predictability in a life that had often felt on the brink of collapse.

She had spent her teenage years in foster care, battled a heroin addiction and served a year in prison, but by the time she started at Dollar General in 2019, she was beginning to pull her life together. Other than a brief relapse and terrifying overdose in early 2019, she had been drug-free for most of the past 12 years. She was trying to end an abusive relationship, and her boss and colleagues had offered support, noticing the bruises on her body and encouraging her to leave her partner.

Aside from Bella, her 8-year-old daughter, Parsons's store had become the most important thing in her life, a place where she felt successful, earning pay raises and a promotion to assistant manager.

"I don't have any family. I have no one," she said. "And when I started working for Dollar General, I got away from my lifelong abuser and I survived, and I got a family and a future."

Parsons didn't expect better pay or benefits from unionizing. She just wanted to hold on to what she had.

In the days after she and her co-workers signed union cards, the company hired five anti-union consultants, each of whom was paid $2,700 a day, according to documents filed with the Labor Department. It dispatched three out-of-state executives to the store who shadowed the employees for the month, working alongside them. Sometimes the executives talked baseball, hunting or music with the store employees.

Other times, they warned them about the union, which they said would make them pay costly dues and ruin their relationship with their store manager, whom they liked and admired.

Mostly, the executives seemed to be spying on them, the employees said. About a week after they arrived at the store, Jake Serafini, 31, was restocking an aisle with one of his co-workers, he recalled. "I would never be able to do this job for $7.25 an hour," he said, thinking of the minimum wage in North Carolina, where he had lived before returning home to Winsted.

Seconds later, Serafini said, one of the corporate executives emerged from a nearby aisle. "The minimum wage in Connecticut is $13 an hour," he said.

Serafini, a part-time musician, agreed but noted that it was still a "little low" given the state's high cost of living. He didn't think much about the incident until the same executive spotted him a few days later stacking pizzas in a freezer that was badly overstocked.

"It looks there are sparks coming out of your ears," the executive said.

"Look at this f---ing bullsh--," Serafini replied, pointing to the mess. The executive offered to show him how to fix the oversupply problem, and Serafini said he apologized for cursing.

After his shift, Serafini said, two of his co-workers approached as he was walking to his car and told him they had been ordered to sign statements saying they had heard him curse. Serafini's store manager called that evening and fired him. In his five months with the company, Serafini hadn't missed a shift and had no disciplinary write-ups.

"My heart is breaking," Serafini recalled his boss saying. "I'm doing everything I can on my end. We're going to get you back."

The dismissal shook some of Serafini's co-workers, who were convinced that he was fired because he was pro-union, or possibly because the Dollar General executives believed he had instigated the union drive. It incensed Parsons, who felt responsible. Serafini had been filling in for her on the day he was fired.

At the union's request, Parsons did interviews with CNN, HuffPost and the Hartford Courant. She recorded a video for More Perfect Union, a labor advocacy group, in which she talked about Serafini's dismissal. "The only people that can save us is a union," she said on the video.

Six days before the vote, Parsons believed that three out of six employees, including Serafini, who despite his dismissal was allowed to vote, were pro-union. One was wavering, a worker named Jen whose vote was crucial. The woman did not respond to requests for comment from The Washington Post for this story. Parsons said that a Dollar General executive had warned Jen about the closing of the Auxvasse store and suggested that the same thing could happen in Connecticut.

"I need you to call Jen and talk to her," Parsons texted the UFCW organizer, Jessica Petronella. "They are getting to her. We have to act Very Quickly or we are going to lose her."

Three days before the vote, Parsons, Jen and Petronella met in a supermarket parking lot a short drive down the highway from the Dollar General. It was a spot where they hoped that the company's executives and consultants, who now outnumbered the workers, wouldn't see them.

Petronella said she asked Jen to draft a statement describing what she considered to be the company's threat to close the store, along with an account of Serafini's firing. Jen wrote that the executive told her to "look into the dollar general store that had been closed" and shared that Serafini's firing may have been related to corporate's belief that he had been the first to call the union.

Dollar General, in response to questions from The Post, said that no threats were made to close the Connecticut store and denied that Serafini was "treated unlawfully."

Petronella intended to give Jen's statement to the National Labor Relations Board, which oversees union elections to ensure they are fair. She also saw the letter as a positive sign that Jen still supported the union.

On election day, the NLRB set up a small white tent in the parking lot of the Dollar General. Parsons, who agreed to serve as an observer for the union, arrived at 8:30 a.m. and cast her ballot. A worker representing the company occupied a second table. For the next two hours, Parsons sat, watched and nervously waited as her co-workers cycled through.

Dollar General was challenging Serafini's ballot, but he was still allowed to vote. "It's a great day for democracy," he told Parsons as he entered the tent.

"Absolutely!" Parsons replied.

A second co-worker who backed the union grinned at Parsons as he dropped his ballot in the cardboard box. A good sign. There were two workers, both part-timers, who hadn't supported the union. Parsons assumed they both voted no.

She was most worried about Jen, who stood over her ballot for several seconds, shaking her head as if she was thinking, Parsons said. Parsons tried to catch her eye, but Jen hurried past her.

At 11:05 a.m., an NLRB representative counted the votes. To prevail, Dollar General needed at least three of the six workers to vote against the union. The first two votes were both no. Then there was a yes, followed by a brief pause as the NLRB representative unfolded the next ballot. Parsons breathed in through her light blue surgical mask.

"No," the NLRB official read.

At first, Parsons didn't believe it. She walked out of the tent and into the sunlight, lit a cigarette and inhaled deeply. One of her co-workers called Serafini to let him know the outcome.

"I hate to be the one to tell you," he began.

"You're kidding," Serafini replied. He had assumed that the union would win and that he would be back to work in a week or two. Now he felt alone.

Parsons and Petronella drove to a nearby McDonald's to figure out what had happened and talk about their next steps. Tears streamed down Parsons's face. She believed that the election hadn't been fair, that Dollar General had "polluted" her colleagues' minds with falsehoods and fear.

"Obviously, Jen voted no," Petronella said.

Over the course of her life, Parsons had grown accustomed to feeling abandoned - by her parents, the foster-care system, the police and the courts. Now she wanted the union to stand with her, appeal the vote to the NLRB and keep fighting.

"What do we do now?" she asked Petronella.

- - -

For Petronella and the union, the answer was to move on to other battles. She could have sought an order that would have forced Dollar General to bargain with the union. "You have to hire lawyers, and it ends up costing a lot," Petronella said. For a company like Dollar General the expense was nothing. But the union's resources were limited.

Petronella decided that it would be faster and cheaper to wait 12 months and petition for another union vote, if Parsons and her co-workers were still interested. Her last piece of unfinished business from the Dollar General organizing effort was Serafini, who with the help of the union and a Labor Department lawyer was negotiating a wrongful-dismissal settlement with Dollar General.

Petronella wanted Dollar General to have to acknowledge publicly its agreement with Serafini, just as it had done in Missouri.

Serafini's immediate goal was to pay some bills and move on with his life, perhaps becoming a social worker. His dismissal, he said, had revealed what Dollar General really thought of its workers. "You have people go above and beyond for a minimum-wage job and then get tossed because a union might mean it costs a little more to run the store. It's all about greed," he said. "It just feels gross."

For Parsons there was only one option after the union organizing effort failed: A few weeks after the election, her alarm clock woke her at 5:15 a.m., giving her just enough time to stop by the methadone clinic for her daily dose before heading off to work.

The Dollar General executives had returned home, and the store had settled back into its old rhythms. Parsons helped unload a "humongous truck" that arrived that morning and fell off a ladder while trying to retrieve a box of adult diapers from a storage shelf for an elderly customer. In the afternoon, she headed off to a second job cleaning houses. She lugged bags of supplies and a scuffed yellow vacuum up the driveway of a small, brick ranch house, her back still throbbing from her fall. After only a few minutes of work, her forehead glistened with sweat.

Parsons was more than $5,000 behind on her electricity bill but was determined to use the money from her housekeeping jobs to pay the lawyer who was helping her fight for custody of her daughter. She saw Bella three times a week - visits that began with tense handoffs that Parsons knew took the heaviest toll on Bella.

After police charged Parsons's ex with "threatening" behavior and "breach of peace," the courts granted Parsons a restraining order and mandated that she and her former partner exchange Bella in a well-lit, public spot. For now, it was the Big Y supermarket. Inside the store, the two parents stood about 10 yards apart recording each other with their phones as their 8-year-old daughter ran with her head down from her father to her mother.

"Today Mommy doesn't have too much money," Parsons said as she hurriedly outlined some options for their three-hour visit. Bella chose a $5.75 matinee of the new Marvel movie, and Parsons began firing questions at her.

"Have you taken a shower lately?"

"What's Daddy feeding you?"

"You're still coughing, baby. Are you taking your medicine?"

Three-quarters of the way through the movie, Bella started to worry that they were going to be late for the court-mandated, 8 p.m. drop-off with her dad. So they left early, giving Parsons just enough time for a quick cigarette break before they sped through the Wendy's drive-through. Her feet were sore. Her back still ached. Her gas gauge hovered just above empty. Parsons lit a cigarette in the parking lot. A few kernels of movie theater popcorn, tossed by a giggling Bella, struck her on the cheek.

Back at the Big Y, they repeated the recorded drop-off in reverse. This was the worst part of Parsons's day, the time she felt most alone. "I fight addiction. I fight for my job. I fight for my kid. I fight for my survival," she said. "Every single way I turn, I have to fight."

One thing she could no longer afford to fight was Dollar General, and so these days she was focused relentlessly on the company's positives. Dollar General had dismissed the district manager who accused her boss of stealing - falsely, employees said - and replaced him with a new person who seemed fair. The new district manager had recently promised to start reimbursing store employees for their mileage when they had to drive to the bank to drop off the day's deposits. It wasn't yet clear whether they would be reimbursed thousands of dollars for earlier unpaid trips.

"After the election, I started to find out the truth about Dollar General," Parsons said. "It is not what we thought. If they knew what was going on they would have fixed it earlier. Really it was just a couple of bad people. Everyone has their flaws, but Dollar General is great people."

Parsons didn't regret calling the union. Without the organizing effort, she believed the problems at her store would never have been addressed. "It helped 100 percent," she said. But she also wasn't upset that the unionizing push had failed. "If we won, honestly I don't know anymore," she continued. "I don't know if it'd be different. Everything is just confusing."

Two weeks before Thanksgiving, Parsons received another bit of good news: Someone had posted on Parsons's employee group text chat that the store would be closed on the holiday, a change from previous years when it had been open for extended hours. "The union isn't involved, and they are still doing it," she said.

But it turned out that the company wasn't actually doing it. The store was open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day just as it had been the previous year, and Parsons was scheduled to work.

She didn't let it bother her. She needed the money. She worked an 11-hour shift and then rushed to the Big Y, where Bella was waiting.

- - -

The Washington Post's Abha Bhattarai and Jennifer Jenkins contributed to this report.
According to Counterpoint data sent out by Realme in the form of a press release, the manufacturer gained an impressive 18% market share of the Indian smartphone market in October 2021, almost surpassing Xiaomi. The latter was able to pull of 20% market share during the same period.

Xiaomi's sub-brand Poco didn't do all that well as it delivered only 2.7% of the sales while Redmi was the main driving factor. Interestingly enough, Realme was also the most popular smartphone brand on Flipkart accounting for 52% of the shipments. Its overall online presence isn't too shabby as well - the company snatched 27% of the total online sales.

Anyway, in October, Samsung took third place with 16% market share while vivo and Oppo came in fourth and fifth with 13 and 10% share, respectively.
In a short Weibo post, Xiaomi revealed a new battery tech the R&D team has been working on and it should be made available next year. The machine-translated Chinese might be a little bit off but from what we gather, Xiaomi was able to increase the silicon content inside the battery about 3 times and has resulted in more efficient capacity storage.

In the same size, the new battery can fit about 10% more mAh and provide up 100 minutes of additional runtime on a single charge. The packaging technology has also been revamped, which has further improved space efficiency. The PCM (protection circuit module) has been angled at 90-degrees and no longer lies flat, ultimately saving some space.

Moreover, Xiaomi has equipped the new battery with a fuel gauge chip that relies on advanced algorithms improving safety and the life span of the cells as it monitors overnight charging. This mitigates the overcharged state when the handset is plugged for too long. Some temperature control using additional sensors are also in place and as we all know, Li-Ion batteries don't like heat that much. However, we don't know how exactly Xioami is able to control the battery's temperatures.

The first mass-produced batteries of this kind should come around the second half of next year.

Source (in Chinese)
Paula Green, a registered nurse with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, injects Yona resident, Isa Taisipic, with a Pfizer booster shot at the Talofofo Gym vaccination clinic in Talofofo on Friday, Dec. 10, 2021.
Getting a job and certain government services start with three basic things: an ID, Social Security card and birth certificate.

For people who are homeless or rejoining the community after being incarcerated, the lack of documents can postpone any chance they have of rebuilding their lives.

Earlier this year, the Guam Homeless Coalition and the Office of Homelessness Assistance and Poverty Prevention started an initiative to focus on the problem, along with several other groups and agencies that are looking for solutions.

There were enough of them without proper identification to alarm us, said Sarah Thomas-Nededog, executive director of the Office of Homelessness Assistance and Poverty Prevention. The key is to access services, to get the proper identification that they will need to do so.

Robert Dames, a Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center chemical dependency treatment specialist who works with inmates and those released from the Guam Department of Corrections, said about 80% to 90% of the people he works with lack identification documents.

Time, money

Part of the problem is cost. On Guam, an ID is $25 and a birth certificate is $5. A Social Security card application is free, but other documents  such as a birth certificate and ID or passport  are needed for the application.

Acquiring documents also takes time. Former inmates can spend weeks or months waiting for their documents, and they cant work until they get them, said Dames.

Robert Revels, 41, has been in and out of prison over the past 20 years. He was released in September after having completed the Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Program and Re-entry Court.

Hes also completed classes through the GCA Trades Academy and is ready to work.

But he has been frustrated by the almost 4-month-long process and expense of trying to get documents necessary to apply for jobs and services.

If a person coming out, transitioning from the Department of Corrections, is not able to provide documentation, what do you think they are going to do? Revels asked. Well, they are going to go out and rob somebody or sell drugs.

Julie Sandra Muna Gaa, 51 from Tamuning, said she has been homeless on and off for the past five years.

She sustains herself by asking for money in the street.

Gaa said she has the documents for food assistance when she needs it, but getting them wasnt easy. And finding transportation to government offices and waiting in long lines once there were issues as well.

I have no car. Im riding the transit, or sometimes I walk, she said. If you are going to get the ID, you need to go early because the line is always long.

Help with IDs

Some organizations are looking for ways to tackle problems facing those who struggle with obtaining an ID and other documents.

Public Law 35-32, the Homeless Youth and Families Identification Act, passed in September 2019, waves the $25 fee for the homeless to get an ID.

Proof of identity, such as a birth certificate, is still required.

Thomas-Nededog said a mayors verification is needed, either from the village where someone is registered or through a roaming mayors verification, which states someone is homeless.

To make coordination between agencies easier, a memorandum of understanding was signed in August by the Department of Revenue and Taxation, Department of Public Health and Social Services, Guam Homeless Coalition, Mayors Council of Guam and the Office of Homelessness and Poverty Prevention.

We finally have that memorandum of understanding in place to get those homeless IDs out, said Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio during the Interagency Council for Coordinating Homelessness Programs meeting on Dec. 2.

Big need

Diana Calvo, executive director of Catholic Social Service, said the Guam Homeless Coalition is providing financial assistance to pay for the cost of getting a birth certificate and police and court clearances needed for employment and different programs.

In this past month, we have continued to assist clients at the Tamuning Plaza shelter in terms of getting their ID cards. That has been a big need that has been fulfilled, said Thomas-Nededog.

She said since the signing of the memorandum of understanding, the office has helped about 50 people get homeless ID cards. It also is working with Guam Memorial Hospital to access birth records for homeless people who were born there.

Revels said getting transportation to Rev and Tax through the Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness New Beginnings program was a great help.

Dames said major reforms still need to be made in the judicial system, since many of these issues stem from the court system, police detention and the Department of Corrections not keeping track or losing someones ID card and other important documents.
The University of Guam Drone Corps program produced its first 12 Federal Aviation Administration-certified drone pilots.

According to a UOG news release, the students passed the FAA exam and are earning flight hours through internships, simulator trainings and missions assisting local researchers and agencies.

Thor Hauerbach, a sophomore studying business administration, is interning at Tech Center Guam and is part of a team developing curriculum to facilitate remote pilot training for the Guam Fire Department, the release stated.

In the past months, I have spent numerous hours on the DJI Enterprise simulator, both doing skill training exercises and free flight, and have also had the privilege to fly real drones in the field, Hauerbach said in the release.

The Drone Corps, launched in April 2021, is a combined effort of the NASA Guam Space Grant and NASA Guam EPSCoR programs at the University of Guam to meet the demand for Guams rising drone industry.

Students complete a three-week course, then take a certification exam that gives a two-year remote pilot license needed to fly drones on Guam, the release stated.

Throughout the programs sessions and training workshops, students learned about drone components and proper storage, drone operations and mechanics, various flight conditions, appropriate times and locations for flight, types of flight zones, remote-to-drone signals and more, the release stated.

Promoting local businesses was one of the reasons Drone Corps member and computer science major Christopher Salas wanted to be a certified drone pilot, the release stated. He said he realized the potential in drone usage for marketing, surveying and mapping materials.

The most fulfilling aspect  was to educate myself of the actual intricacies of being a drone pilot, Salas said in the release. In the beginning, my mindset was, How hard is it to actually fly a drone? Why does anyone need a pilot license? When I learned more and more, I realized just how technical, precision-based, and detail-oriented it was to fly drones.
A COVID-19 vaccination is administered during a booster village clinic by Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services personnel, members of the Guam National Guard and Federal Emergency Management Agency-contracted health care professionals at the Dededo Senior Center Oct. 26, 2021.




Haiti - Politic : The Senate condemns the increase in fuel prices





In a note, the Senate via its communications office says it is deeply concerned about the economic and social situation of the country and "vehemently condemns" the decision of the Executive to increase the price of fuel at the pump https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-35425-haiti-flash-fuel-prices-will-explode-at-the-pump-official.html "without worrying about the negative impact of such a measure on the daily life of the most underprivileged segments of the population."



The Senate recalls that fuel being a transversal product "its increase will only worsen the misery of the population which is struggling to make ends meet".



"The Senate of the Republic, co-depositary of national sovereignty, urges the competent authorities to take all judicious measures to restore this critical situation so that peace returns to hearts and minds."



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-35425-haiti-flash-fuel-prices-will-explode-at-the-pump-official.html



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - News : Zapping...





Haiti excluded from Biden democracy summit

US President Joe Biden closed the two-day virtual democracy summit on Friday to which 111 countries were invited. Haiti was not invited to this event just like China, Russia, Hungary, Turkey, Nicaragua, Cuba, Honduras, Guatemala and Venezuela among others...



Barbancourt employees released

The 3 employees of the Compagnie Rhum Barbancourt kidnapped last November 25 in Tibe (Municipality of Croix-des-Bouquets) by the "400 Mawozo" gang (the 4th having been released the same day) https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-35354-haiti-news-zapping.html have been released by their captors after negotiations with the company. The conditions of their release are unknown.



The crisis in Haiti on the agenda in Puerto Plata

This Saturday, December 11 in Puerto Plata, Presidents Luis Abinader (Dominican Republic), Laurentino Cortizo (Panama) and Carlos Alvarado (Costa Rica) will meet to talk about tripartite trade but also about the crisis Haiti is going through and its regional impact.



Human rights : statement by the PM

On International Human Rights Day, Ariel Prime Minister Ariel Henry said "[] I would like to reiterate that the protection and promotion of human rights is one of the priorities of my government. We are all concerned by this problem. We will therefore need to redouble our efforts to improve the human rights situation in Haiti. The protection and exercise of these rights must be a permanent exercise so that every citizen is able to fully enjoy the rights inherent in his person [...]"



Fuel : Demonstrations against rising prices

Friday, day of entry into force of the increases in the price of fuel at the pump https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-35425-haiti-flash-fuel-prices-will-explode-at-the-pump-official.html, protests and burnt tires were reported in several places in the metropolitan area which aimed to force the Prime Minister to reverse his decision.



Jacmel : 2 body discovered charred

Jacmel police uncovered the charred bodies of two men in the locality of Saint-Cyr, according to Justice of the Peace Fritz Pierre, who was unable to identify the victims.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Published on 2021/12/11 | Source

Korean movie opening today 2021/12/11 in Korea: "We're Not Good At Parting" (2021)

Advertisement

Directed by Lee Hyunji, Min Byung-chae, Park Dong-ki

With Kim Hyun-jin-II, Kim Hye-won, Shin Min-jae, Son Woo-hyun, Lee Gun-wook, Han Ye-joo,...

Synopsis

An omnibus movie that shows the difference in perspective, conflict, and pain of parting between men and women through the images of couples breaking up.

1. "Farewell Movie" (, i-byeol-yeong-hwa) by Lee Hyunji

At the end of the meeting between aspiring actors and aspiring directors, Geon-wook wants to shoot his failed movie in reality even at the moment of his separation.

2. "Relationship Forest" ( , yeon-ae-eui sup) by Park Dong-ki

Hae-rang and Mio who were hurt by each other in an incompatible relationship, as well as Yeon-woo and Byeong-dae. Two couples fight in the forest, accidentally, Hae-rang and Yeon-woo, as well as Mio and Byeong-dae. Can peace come in the forest where the two lovers fought?

3. "The Way to Relationship" ( , yeon-ae-eui gil) by Park Dong-ki

Yeon-hyeok and I-seul fight while driving on the country road. The quarrel intensifies and Hyeok and I-seul stop the car and got out. Another couple fights. Dong-ik and Seon-ah are on a farewell trip. Seon-ah gets out of the car and runs away from Dong-ik who is starting an argument over trivial stories. Dong-ik who is chasing Seon-ah fall in the rice field and try to encourage Seon-ah, but Hyeok, who misunderstood it from a distance, kicks Dong-ik.

4. "Hello, How Are You" (, hel-lo-ha-wa-yu) by Min Byung-chae

Ji-an who is in a recluse at her mother's karaoke is visited by her boyfriend of 10 years, Dong-hoon. Through the karaoke glass, they clear each other's misunderstandings and fall in love again.
Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., held a press call Thursday where he talked about his vote to repeal the vaccine mandate on large employers, his bill to suspend imports of Brazilian beef, and other goings-on in Washington D.C.

Tester was one of only two Democrats in the Senate, the other being Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., to join all Republicans in voting to repeal the OSHA rule that would have required private businesses with 100 or more employees to get vaccinated or submit to regular testing and wear face masks while at work.

The measure passed 52-48 and President Joe Biden has voiced his intent to veto it.

The rule was recently halted by the federal courts and is barred from being implemented.

Tester said he resolved a few days ago to vote no on the bill after hearing from Montana businesses and business leaders that the mandate has and will lead to staffing shortages and will hurt their profitability.

"There were businesses that were concerned that they were going to lose critically important technological and not-easily replaced skill sets in their staff, which would slow down their ability to be profitable," he said.

He said these businesses universally expressed their desire for everyone to get vaccinated but it's very difficult to navigate the mandate.

"It's become so onerous for businesses that it just wasn't workable," he said.

Despite his opposition to the rule, he said, he fully supports vaccination and urge Montanans to get immunized as soon as possible, that the vaccines are safe and effective.

"My family's been vaccinated, my staff has been vaccinated, the people I work with in the Senate are all vaccinated," he said. "I just thought that this was too burdensome."

Tester said many of these businesses will be critical to the massive infrastructure bill passed last month, which he said will create at least 800,000 jobs, better roads and bridges, 21st century water systems, accessible broadband for everyone in the state, pay for improvements to the nation's ports and border crossings, and, maybe, most importantly, it will allow the U.S. to maintain an economic advantage over China.

"When we think about dysfunction in Washington D.C., and there is plenty to think about, you can think about the fact that we actually got something good done for small businesses, large businesses and working families in our state," he said about the bill's passage.

He said he has no problem whatsoever with the federal government's attempt to make sure that contractors who work with the government are fully vaccinated.

Tester said that mandate sets the rules up ahead of time instead of imposing requirements on business that will put them at a disadvantage.

He also said he doesn't support this mandate for private businesses but he does support requirements that health care workers be vaccinated, as they are working around people who are at risk of death should they get COVID-19 and they can't afford to have unvaccinated people putting them at risk.

When asked if he received any pressure from the White House to vote to uphold the rule he said it was nothing out of the ordinary, but he told them the same thing he's said in the press conference.

Tester's vote was praised by the Montana Camber of Commerce in a release that called it "a win for Montana businesses."

"The Montana Chamber of Commerce applauds Sens. Jon Tester and Steve Daines for their votes against this unnecessary regulation of business." the release says.

On the subject of health care, Tester said he also supports legislation that will prevent Medicare payment cuts by extending the pause on Medicare and PAYGO sequester reductions.

The legislation passed the Senate that day and has since cleared Congress.

Tester said health care is critically important for rural Montana, supporting communities that could not cannot exist without it, and the Medicare payment cuts, that would have gone into effect Jan. 1, threaten that.

He also talked about a bill he's looking to get passed that would suspend the import of Brazilian beef.

This bill comes in the wake of complaints from organizations representing US beef producers that government agencies in Brazil are not reporting outbreaks of animal diseases in a timely manner to the World Organization for Animal Health, which Tester said they should have done.

In June, Brazil had two cases of atypical bovine spongiform encephalopathy, known as Mad Cow Disease, but didn't report the cases until September.

Tester also talked about the state of the meat packing industry, which he is working to have investigated for violations of the Packers and Stockyards Act.

He said many big packing facilities had to close down during the pandemic, resulting in lower prices at the farm gate and higher prices for the consumer.

"That tells me we need to do some things to introduce more competition in that marketplace," he said.

Tester said he has a number of bills to do that just that, including one that would establish and office of special investigator to enforce the Packers and Stockyards Act, which was passed 100 years ago in a time when there was less concentration in the industry than there is now.

He said he also supports a bill that will allow the selling of state-inspected meat across state lines.

He said some consumer groups have objected to that bill and he's trying set up a time to meet with them to explain the reality of safe meat production.

After his opening remarks, he was asked about Gov. Greg Gianforte's efforts to get the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to delist the grizzly population in the Northern Continental Divied Ecosystem.

Tester said if the science behind the effort to delist them is sound then he has no problem with it, but if it's being done on a whim he will absolutely oppose it.

He said he applies the same standard to this situation as he applied to wolves, though he implied the Gianforte administration's handling of the wolf population in the wake of their delisting has been subpar.

"Wolves are a prime example, the science indicated that they were recovered and they needed to be managed correctly," he said. "Now, I think maybe the governor and some of the folks in the Legislature forgot about the term 'manage correctly.'"

Tester was also asked about the recent fire in Denton, which covered over 10,000 acres and burned 25 homes and grain elevators in town.

"All our hearts go out to the folks in Denton," he said.

Tester said this is one among many fires that have and are devastating the state, and it is undeniably a result of climate change creating more extreme weather in the state.

"This is December and we're talking about significant destructive fires in Montana. I'm 65 years old, I've lived in this state my entire life and I do not remember this kind of impact from fires in December. It's amazing, and it's about climate, it's absolutely about climate," he said. " ... We need to start taking this seriously."

He said the Build Back Better Plan still being debated in Congress does include funds to help combat climate change but the problem is getting more extreme and everyone needs to wake up and realize what Mother Nature is telling them.

Tester said he can see things getting worse before his own eyes on his farm.

He said even with a few inches of recent snow, it's still about the driest fall he's ever seen in 44 years of operation.

"It's starting to scare the hell out of me, quiet frankly," he said.

2021 was rough year for Montana, Tester said, but he thinks Congress has done some good work this year and he hopes everyone has a happy holidays.
A TAILOR which is synonymous with Henley Royal Regatta has opened its first shop.

Collier & Robinson has moved into a two-storey premises in Greys Road, which used to be a branch of Lilly Dry Clean until that closed 18 months ago.

It had operated from a workshop at Henley Enterprise Park for 12 years until the lease ran out at the end of October.

The business is owned by chief executive Kristie Shemilt and her husband Mark, who live in Friday Street with their children Toby, 15, and twins Ottilie and Amelie, 13.

It specialises in hand-made rowing blazers and supplies more than 300 clubs around the world. It makes up to 60 blazers a week using only British materials.

Mrs Shemilt said: I have always loved this particular shop front. The lighting is amazing with the huge windows and I think it is such a creative space being spread across two floors.

With my lease running out, I needed to find somewhere else. I wasnt looking to open a shop but decided this would be a great place to welcome customers.

Mrs Shemilt was born in England but raised in South Africa and studied at the college of fashion design in Cape Town.

She remained there for a number of years working for a fashion house before returning to Britain in 1998.

She completed an evening course at the London College of Fashion Design before working as a British Airways air steward for two years.

Mrs Shemilt said: I have always loved fashion and it was my dream to work as a buyer for Harrods.

I studied putting garments together and I was scouted at the final university fashion show, where the students would showcase their best work, which featured tailored clothes, lingerie and cocktail wear.

I was offered a job working for the award-winning Juanita Pacheco Boutique as an assistant designer before deciding to pursue my dream of fashion buying, so I moved back to the UK.

Once I had arrived in London, I realised I had such a love for working among fabrics and materials while being able to meet customers, which wouldnt have been possible if I had worked as a buyer.

I took a short course in bridal wear and tailoring. I would design dresses and corsets and work with such intricate beading and detailing. The course was a great way to build up my contacts.

Mrs Shemilt met her husband in 2000 at the regatta and later on, when they were on holiday in Bali, he suggested the idea of a blazer business.

The couple decided on a business name that combined Mr Shemilts mothers maiden name, Collier, and his wifes maiden name, Robinson, and got to work.

They started in March 2003, working from a flat in Reading Road for four years.

The couple began receiving orders, mainly from London clubs, but business grew through word of mouth and attracted new customers including Henley and Upper Thames rowing clubs, Shiplake College and the Oratory School in Woodcote.

Now Collier & Robinson makes blazers for clients across Europe and in America and Hong Kong.

Mrs Shemilt puts the success of the business down to the regatta, which she says helped blazers to grow in popularity.

She said: Blazers are designed to keep the rowers warm while out on the water, a bit like a tracksuit jacket would with a slightly relaxed fit.

Most importantly, the blazer differentiates teams by their colours.

I now supply blazers to more than 300 clubs and we produce, on average, about 60 blazers to clubs across the globe, from Henley to Toowong Rowing Club in Australia.

With all the blazers being handmade, one blazer can take up to six hours from start to finish, sometimes longer, and there are so many fine details to consider.

For example, Newcastle Boat Club asked for a star emblem embroidered onto the front of their blazer breast pocket.

We design an emblem with the team and then will digitise it for the embroidery machine, which works at around 990 repetitions (stitches) per minute.

During the coronavirus pandemic last year, the demand for blazers slowed and with rowing events, including the royal regatta, being cancelled, production came to a halt as orders were shelved.

This coincided with the shortage of personal protective equipment in the NHS and Mrs Shemilt began receiving requests from friends and family to put her skills to good use and support care workers by making scrubs.

She recalled: I was put in touch with the Royal Berkshire Hospital as they were lacking supplies and they wanted me to manufacture scrubs. In total, we made 840 sets for the hospital.

I wanted to do this properly, so I crowdfunded the money and sourced volunteers through friends and social media.

Originally my target was 8,500 but we exceeded this and raised 10,200 in total for the materials.

We had curtain makers and bridal designers all working together to make the scrubs.

Other individuals offered to do quality control, administration and deliveries of all the materials to the volunteers houses.

It was brought to my attention that at the Royal Berks there were many surgery patients who were being denied surgery due to a shortage of surgical gowns.

At the time, they only had enough gowns for two days worth of surgery and that was it.

The gowns they did have at the time were of very low quality, many of which were being shipped from China full of holes and not fit for purpose.

The hospital requested us to make the gowns if they provided donations towards the materials and volunteers.

Phyllis Court Club, which was closed at the time, offered us a working space and we set up

production.

In total, we created 7,000 surgical gowns, which lasted the hospital more than six months and meant that those who really needed surgery were able to have it.
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP)  Paul Magnuson was well into his career as an attorney in South St. Paul when U.S. Sen. Dave Durenberger, R-Minn., called one day with a job offer.

U.S. District Court Judge Edward Devitt had decided to step back from full-time duty, Durenberger told Magnuson, so there was going to be an open seat on the bench. He said, Hey, Mag, Ed took senior status. Do you want to be judge? Magnuson recalled.

Magnuson told Durenberger that Keith Hughes, an attorney and state senator from St. Cloud, should get the job. Ten minutes later, he called me back and said, No, Keith says you should be judge, Magnuson said. That was the essence of it. We went through a bunch of dog-and-pony-show stuff, but that was essentially it.

Forty years later, Magnuson, 84, is still serving.

Magnuson was appointed by President Ronald Reagan in November 1981, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported. He moved to senior status in 2002, but has continued to serve essentially full time. His tenure on the federal bench in Minnesota is second only to U.S. District Court Judge Gunnar Nordbye, a President Herbert Hoover appointee who served from 1931 to 1977.

Im not going to bet that I can beat that, but I have the runner-up position, Magnuson said.

Magnuson, who served as chief judge from 1994 to 2001, said he plans next year to move out of his coveted corner chambers on the top floor of the Warren E. Burger Federal Building in downtown St. Paul and begin decreasing his caseload.

One of my clerks said last year I had about the same number of cases as the active judges, he said. I didnt intend to do that; I intended to do less. Im consciously working now on winding that down.

FROM ONE-ROOM SCHOOLHOUSE TO LAW SCHOOL

Magnusons 40-year tenure reflects the steadfastness of his commitment to serve the country and the rule of law, said U.S. District Court Judge Eric Tostrud.

He is an exemplary servant leader, Tostrud said. He sets a great example for the rest of us. Hes direct. He has the ability to identify what matters most, whether it be an issue in a case or any other issue confronting the court, and the disposition to get right to it. He also does the job with quiet humility. He runs a tight courtroom without drawing attention to himself.

Said Chief Judge John Tunheim: He has the best of the judicial temperament: a willingness to listen carefully, to study the issues carefully and to decide them in a very fair manner. He is not ideological in any way; he is a very fair and careful judge, and I think thats what we all appreciate. Hes someone that we in the judiciary would call a judges judge  that means that he really does his work the right way all the time.

Born and raised on a farm in Carthage, S.D., Magnuson attended a one-room schoolhouse for elementary school and was one of 13 students in his high school graduating class. Magnuson went to Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, where he served as president of the Student Senate and majored in business and history and minored in economics and political science.

After he graduated in 1959, Magnuson said he knew he didnt want to go back to the farm because the work was too hard. I thought I was going to go into business, but once I started interviewing with the corporate structures  I have a little independent streak and I could just not see myself doing that.

He considered applying to Valparaiso University Law School in Indiana, when he got a call from the chairman of the board at William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul. He was recruiting a registrar for the law school, and so I went up and became registrar and student, he said. The job came with free tuition and a little spending money, he said.

He later became a claims adjuster for Anchor Casualty Co., working during the day and going to law school at night.

Magnuson served as class president at William Mitchell and clerked for the St. Paul law firm of Bertie & Bettenburg during his last year of law school. After graduating in 1963, he took a job at LeVander, Gillen, Miller & Durenberger in South St. Paul, where he specialized in eminent domain and municipal law. He became a partner and worked at the firm for 18 years.

LAWYER AS COUNSELOR

Between his work as an attorney and a judge, Magnuson estimates hes participated in about 500 jury trials. During his first 15 years on the bench, he heard about 35 jury trials a year. It was just out of one courtroom and into the next. Boom, boom, boom, he said.

Now, he said, he rarely has trials in his courtroom.

In the earlier days, it was more swashbuckling, he said. You went out and threw it in front of the jury and saw what happened. Now there are so many depositions and other discovery things that cause people to have a real solid knowledge of their case, and that gives them a pretty good idea of the value, if you will, of the case. They end up settling. Good people doing their job will recognize where it will fall.

One of Magnusons most high-profile cases was in 2003, when he had to determine who owned the Mall of America. Twelve years later, he presided over the Target Corp. data-breach case  a class-action lawsuit that affected 13 million people, he said.

While we spend a lot of time talking about lawyers and litigation, the reality is that were in the people business, Magnuson said. What we do to any person who is involved is oftentimes the most important thing that occurs in their life. You think of this guy sitting in the crowbar hotel, who has been wrongfully put there, who files a habeas case (to try to get released). That is incredibly important to that person.

Assistant Washington County Attorney Kevin Magnuson said his father has always been a firm believer in lawyer as counselor.

He believes lawyers have the ability to do a tremendous amount of good in peoples lives, he said. In the back of his mind, there was always the small-town lawyer who did everything for everybody, kind of like the preacher, the barber and the doctor. It was always, in his mind, a really noble profession and one that is really oriented to solving problems and helping people  both of which he is very good at because he has tremendous judgment. He is very wise, but he is also very unassuming and humble, so he doesnt shove things down their throats.

His fathers legal opinions are not written to be read and venerated and studied in law school, Kevin Magnuson said.

He really does not see his role as writing this marvelous opinion; thats for the appellate courts, he said. He sees himself as calling balls and strikes. You try to make the narrowest ruling you can on a matter. You solve a problem. You resolve the legal issue that is before you  nothing more. Hes trying to mete out justice efficiently, and part of doing that is to not do too much.

FAITH-BASED LIVING

In addition to hearing cases in Minnesota, Magnuson spent years hearing cases in U.S. District Court in Florida. He started out going two weeks a year to help alleviate that districts backlog of cases, but later extended his stays to include February, March and April. He divided his time between Fort Myers and Jacksonville; his law clerks would take turns filling the Florida assignment a month at a time.

Magnuson and his current and former law clerks gather each year for a reunion at The Lexington in St. Paul. The gatherings are referred to as meetings of the Lake Elmo Federal Bar Association; Magnuson lived in Lake Elmo for decades.

Its pretty typical for judges to have a close relationship with their alumni clerks, but I think Dads is really special, Kevin Magnuson said. That has a lot to do with the kind of people he chooses  they are typically people who get along well with each other and like each other.

Anita Terry, Magnusons permanent clerk, said her boss came to see her in 2002 at St. Josephs Hospital in downtown St. Paul after the birth of her daughter, Caroline. A friend, who was visiting from Iowa, commented on the judges attire after he left the hospital room, she said.

She said, He was wearing Dickies, she said. And Im like, Yeah, hes just a regular guy. Thats the best thing about him. Hes never had black-robe disease. He calls me and says, Anita, this is Paul, and I think, I will never in my life call you Paul. But thats just who he is. Hes a humble, just genuine guy who takes the job seriously  but doesnt take himself too seriously and that is exactly what we want in this country for our jurists, it seems to me.

Magnuson and his first wife, Sharon, had four children. Sharon died in 2007; their daughter Margaret died in 1997. He and his second wife, Elaine Torrey Holmen Magnuson, celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary on Nov. 26. The couple are members of St. Lucas Community Church in Lake Elmo, and Magnuson participates in a weekly Bible study.

A copy of Micah 6:8 hangs on the wall of his office: What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

Every time I walk out, I see that, he said. Faith-based living is important because you know there is something bigger than yourself, and you can rely on that in making the decisions that we are required to make.

WORK SPREAD OVERSEAS

His office bookshelves are filled with mementos from international trips. Theres a white felt hat from Kyrgyzstan, a flag from Rwanda, and a figurine from Albania  all countries where Magnuson has helped leaders establish and sustain independent judiciaries.

Magnuson has traveled to 53 countries and is considered the foremost leader within the judiciary for doing international rule-of-law development, Tunheim said. I have done a lot, but I pale in comparison to Judge Magnuson. He really has been my inspiration for going to a lot of these foreign countries and helping them understand the importance of an independent judiciary and the importance of democratic values.

Magnuson also has been instrumental in helping bring judges from other countries to the United States to learn about the American judicial system, government and culture. More than 200 judges have visited Minnesota as part of delegations from Russia, Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan, China and elsewhere.

Magnusons international work started in the mid-1990s, when he was asked to fill in for Eighth Circuit Judge Myron Bright on an educational trip to China; Bright threw his back out a week before he was to leave. He called me and said, Hey, Mag, you got a passport? I said, Uh, yeah, why? He said, I want you to go to China for me next week.

While in China, Magnuson ended up with a free weekend, so he flew to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, to visit friends whom he had met in Lake Elmo. I had a delightful time with them and an extremely delightful meeting with the chief justice of the Mongolian Supreme Court, he said. We sat in one of those gers (yurts) all afternoon and just talked law.

When he got back to Minnesota, Magnuson wrote up a trip report, which caught the imagination of the people in Washington, he said. That led to an appointment to the International Judicial Relations Committee, a committee of the United States Judicial Conference, which he later chaired.

Over the past 30 years, he has worked in Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Romania, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Albania and Rwanda, among other places.

Magnusons work in Albania began one day in the late 1990s when Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist called him into his office and handed him a letter from the chief judge of the Supreme Court of Albania. Essentially what the letter said was, I understand that you have an independent, ethical judiciary. Please come to Albania and tell us what that is, he said. That was the essence of the letter. The chief justice asked me to go and do that, and I did.

He has made almost 20 trips to Albania. With all of the work hes done in Albania, I consider him almost a member of the Albanian Supreme Court, Tunheim said.

But Magnuson said he is most proud of his work in post-genocide Rwanda.

After an estimated 800,000 people were slaughtered in Rwanda in 1994, Magnuson helped establish community-based gacaca, or grass courts  called that because they met outdoors  to try genocide criminals.

Rather than go through a formal court process, the gacaca worked to bring an entire village together to hear from all the parties where a crime took place, with village elders acting as judges. The gacaca promoted ownership of guilt by perpetrators, forgiveness by victims, and reconciliation as a way to move forward, Magnuson said.

Being from Minnesota, I knew about the circles of justice in our Native community, Magnuson said. I knew that it was a rough justice, but it works. Rwanda is now a very peaceful country.

The U.S. judicial system remains the gold standard, Magnuson said.

I am such a thorough believer in the jury system, he said. Juries just get it right. We are unique in the world with juries in both civil and criminal cases, and it is the basic underpinning of everything we do. Ive got the best job in the world.
BOSTON (AP)  Massachusetts announced more measures on Friday to give hospitals dealing with critical staffing shortages and an influx of patients more flexibility to ensure sufficient acute care capacity.

The state Department of Public Health in conjunction with the Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association announced guidance to reduce certain nonessential, elective services and procedures by 50%, starting next Wednesday.
ST. LOUIS (AP)  At least two people in Missouri have died and hundreds of homes and buildings are damaged or destroyed after a massive Friday night stormfront that killed dozens in several states, Gov. Mike Parson's office said Saturday.

Mark Borgmann told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that a tornado killed his mother and injured his father overnight in St. Charles County. His parents, Ollie and Vernon Borgmann, both 84, were at home when the tornado hit. The tornado swept his parents single-story home and a neighbors house off their foundations, scattering debris at least a half-mile. Parson's office said two others in St. Charles County were hospitalized.
Metro Video

A male bicyclist was fatally struck in north Houston by a vehicle that fled early Saturday, according to the Harris County Sheriffs Office.

Deputies were called around 3:22 a.m. for an auto-pedestrian hit-and-run in the 8800 block of Ella Boulevard, where they found a man lying in a grass median, according to Sgt. Beaty of the Harris County Sheriffs Office vehicular crimes division. EMS pronounced him dead at the scene.
When Jha D Amazi visited the Sugar Land cemetery containing the remains of African Americans who died in a forced labor camp more than a century ago, she was overwhelmed by the sobering history.

But with minimal fencing and no grave markers back then, the appearance of the cemetery located adjacent to a Fort Bend ISD school campus was underwhelming.

If I had not known about it and I was just driving through the parking lot, Amazi said, I could never have imagined that this much history was buried there in the ground.

Amazi and other members of MASS Design Group, an award-winning Boston-based architecture firm, visited the cemetery at the invitation of community members advocating for the proper memorialization of the group of buried individuals known as the Sugar Land 95.

Now, MASS Design is launching a project to revitalize the space with an exhibit meant to honor the dead and tell their long-buried stories. Fort Bend ISD last month approved a $170,000 contract with the firm to design an outdoor exhibit near the James Reese Career and Technical Center.

We now have an opportunity to heal this landscape, said Amazi, the project manager and a senior associate at the firm.

The remains were discovered in 2018 at the centers construction site, drawing national attention and sparking debate about how to recognize a dark chapter in American history. The finding came after the late Reginald Moore, a community activist and historian, warned the school district that they would likely uncover the remains of prisoners during construction. Moore had maintained a nearby cemetery where other prisoners were buried.

The bodies were found near the Imperial Prison Farm where prisoners labored in mosquito-infested fields and endured vicious punishment from guards. The brutal conditions inspired the nickname Hellhole on the Brazos. The farm was part of the convict leasing system in which the state generated revenue by leasing out convicts to sugar plantation owners and others, a practice that didnt end until 1912.

The system was referred to as slavery by another name because it targeted Black men through dubious charges and harsh sentences. Some see the legacy of convict leasing in todays prison system, with African Americans over-represented in the prison population and inmates performing labor for free through offender programs.

Community activists and other Fort Bend County leaders were often frustrated and critical of the districts decisions and handling of the discovery.

Leadership in Fort Bend ISD has changed since the remains were first uncovered. The board of trustees gained three new members during last years election and this fall appointed a new superintendent, Christie Whitbeck.

Im glad that theyre doing the work. Im just sad it took so long for the district to finally come around and do it in the appropriate manner, said Samuel Collins, an adviser for the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Theres a great deal of broken trust in the community because of how things were handled originally.

Moore died in 2020, several months before the district released a 500-page report that tentatively identified many of the bodies and determined the men were at the Bullhead Camp when they died. A Rice University researcher in October reported that there may be hundreds of bodies buried in the area.

Chassidy Olainu-Alade, coordinator of community and civic engagement at Fort Bend ISD, said the school district has the unique opportunity to educate students about the history of state-sponsored convict leasing and memorialize the victims of the brutal forced-labor camps.

Of course this has been a journey with lots of twists and turns to get to this point, Olainu-Alade said. It was always part of the plan to make sure there was a site where the community could come and learn and pay their respects.

The project remains in the early stages and no design has yet been created, but Olainu-Alade said the district has some big-picture plans.

We want the cemetery to be revitalized to reflect honor and dignity, she said.

This could include fencing, grave markers and lighting, she said. The district envisions an outdoor environment with informational signs where visitors can learn about the history, Olainu-Alade said. It will also include a serene, beautiful space for reflection and meditation, and a shaded spot for hot summer days.

The first phase of the project is community engagement, Amazi said. The firms proposal suggests their work could take nearly six months.

Her firm is best known for its collaboration several years ago with the Equal Justice Initiative to build the National Memorial for Peace and Justice  the countrys first memorial dedicated to victims of racial terror and lynchings  in Montgomery, Ala. Other work includes projects in Chicago, New York and Rwanda. The firm says its dedicated to promoting justice and human dignity.

Olainu-Alade, a longtime social studies and history teacher, said she believes in the power of history. It can be difficult to grapple with painful chapters of American history, she said, but its important to understand these overlooked periods, including the post-Civil War era when slavery persisted through convict leasing systems.

Its important we recognize that the individuals who labored to death had contributions to the society we currently live in today, she said. A lot of the groundwork of many of the places we call home were laid by the forced labor of these individuals.

Fort Bend ISD in 2019 approved a measure that allows teachers to integrate local history into social studies and history courses. This includes lessons on convict leasing and the recent discovery of the Sugar Land 95, Olainu-Alade said.

The new outdoor exhibit, she said, will offer a site-based and exploratory learning opportunity for students from Fort Bend ISD and elsewhere, giving them a chance to experience the power of setting foot in a historical setting. It can also help solidify history or science lessons taught in the classroom.

Collins, who worked and traveled alongside Moore in advocating for the Sugar Land 95, said its important to commemorate the past because many people do not know enough about history. They carry a false narrative that gives them a biased point of view, he said.

Its not that we want to live in the past or that we want to be victims, he said. What we want is the truth to be told so we can learn from it and never repeat the mistakes of the past.

anna.bauman@chron.com

twitter.com/abauman2
Rice University is continuing its employee vaccination requirement despite a court decision that temporarily halts President Joe Bidens vaccine mandate for federal contractors.

U.S. District Judge R. Stan Baker on Tuesday blocked Bidens directive nationwide, forcing leaders of colleges and universities that partner with the federal government to rethink any existing vaccination policies. By the end of a weekly meeting Friday of Rice administrators overseeing the campus COVID-19 response, the universitys rule requiring vaccinations for all employees remained unchanged, a Rice spokesman said.

Administrators interpreted Bidens mandate to mean all employees needed to be vaccinated, regardless of whether they are working on federal contracts, the spokesman said. The number of total employees who are considered federal contractors was not available late Friday.

Bidens order is broad, defining affected people as full or part-time employees working on or in connection to a federal contract, or people working at a contractor workplace - including employees working for contractors even if they are not contractors themselves.

Rices vaccine policy extends to all full and part-time employees, including student hourly workers. As of Nov. 19, more than 90 percent of its 12,000-person campus population was vaccinated, according to the university.

Until the judges decision, Texas higher education institutions were caught between Bidens order and a dueling executive order from Gov. Greg Abbott, which bans public and private entities from issuing vaccine mandates. Efforts to pass permanent state legislation on the issue failed to gain footing by the end of a third special session this year.

It is not immediately clear what occurred in the private Friday meeting of Rice administrators, or whether Rice is able to enforce its requirement in light of Abbotts order.

The University of Texas at Austin this week walked back its mandate for certain employees who fell under Bidens order, citing Bakers injunction. With Bidens order now lacking legal standing, Abbotts order must be followed, UT officials said.

Some other colleges and universities had not acted on the presidential directive. The University of Houston is prepared to follow Bidens order if or when it goes into effect, but the school did not implement any policy that had to be rescinded, a spokesperson said.

Bidens other efforts to mandate vaccines for certain populations in the private sector are also tied up in lawsuits, including mandates applying to businesses with 100 or more employees and to health care workers.

The presidents order on contractors requires the employees to be fully vaccinated by Jan. 18 unless they have religious or medical exemptions, meaning they would need to receive their second dose by Jan. 4. The order applied to new contracts as of Nov. 14 and renewed contracts as of Oct. 15.

The judges decision this week concerned a lawsuit brought by seven states and a trade organization, alleging Bidens mandate would cause irreparable harm for companies and lead to people choosing between getting medical treatment that they do not want and their employment, according to his order.

Baker, who was selected by former President Donald Trump in 2017, said the plaintiffs suing Biden will likely succeed in their claim that the president exceeded his authorization with his mandate. The injunction applies across the country, because the trade organization that sued operates out of many other states not included in the lawsuit.

Moreover, the Court acknowledges the tragic toll that the COVID-19 pandemic has wrought throughout the nation and the globe, Baker wrote. However, even in times of crisis this Court must preserve the rule of law and ensure that all branches of government act within the bounds of their constitutionally granted authorities.

Bidens order is part of a push to combat COVID-19 as the coronavirus pandemic nears its second anniversary in March. More than 785,272 Americans, including 73,227 Texans, have died from COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

samantha.ketterer@chron.com
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Hudson, NY (12534)

Today

Generally cloudy. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Temps nearly steady in the upper 30s. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. Low around 30F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.
Samsung is giving away irresistible discounts and offers for its mobile and ecosystem devices until December 31, 2021. This holiday season, the tech company aims to give customers new ways to connect and share their passion with their loved ones.

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Dont miss out and open up the holidays with Samsung Galaxy. These promos and freebies can be redeemed at Samsung Experience Stores, Authorized Stores, Authorized Online Partners, and samsung.com/ph.

Safe Samsung Shopping

Health and safety protocols are strictly followed in Samsung Experience Stores to keep consumers and employees safe. Adhering to the guidelines set by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Samsung has limited the number of its customers to 50% capacity, implemented the mandatory use of face masks and face shields, and performs frequent sanitation in all stores.

Samsung Experience Stores also have unique QR health declaration codes to promote a safe and contactless contact tracing process. Product demonstrations are done side-by-side instead of face-to-face while keeping the required safe distance of one (1) meter to make sure everyone is socially distanced.

To find the nearest Samsung Experience Store, visit samsung.com/ph/samsung-experience-store/locations.
Christmas lists can sometimes be never-ending, but shopping, especially during the holiday rush, is now made simpler with OPPOs special holiday deals and discounts-galore this 12.12!

Make your holidays merrier with exclusive prizes and giveaways on OPPOs stores via Shopee and Lazada with up to Php5,000 worth of premiums up for grabs

Get up to 56% off on your favorite OPPO gadgets during their 12.12 sale on Shopee and Lazada, the best way to make sure your loved ones stockings are stuffed in time for the holidays. From December 12 to 14, not only will you get more than half off on the best-selling smart devices like Reno series, A Series, OPPO Watch, Enco X and more, but you can also get vouchers worth Php200 and Php400 for minimum spends of Php9,999 and Php14,999 respectively.

For a minimum spend of Php500, you can also get shipping vouchers worth Php50 and Php55 on Shopee and Lazada respectively. If youre one of the first to checkout any of the participating smartphones, you can also get a free pair of G25 earphones, valid only on December 12 from 12am-2am.

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Lazada customers will also be in for more holiday specials with 10% coins cashback on your purchase, and Php60 Lazada Bonus vouchers for every Php600 spent. Six lucky shoppers will also win a free Globe At Home gift bundle, including an LTE-advanced modem and three months of 100GB data, all worth Php5,000.

To know more about the latest OPPO exclusive Christmas deals and events, visit the official website or via the official Facebook page at OPPO Philippines.
Today, December 11, marks a major victory for the farmers of India as they return to their homes after ending a 15-month-long protest at the borders of Delhi.

Thousands of farmers had camped during their year-long agitation at Singhu, Tikri and Ghazipur border surrounding the national capital. Their fight was over the three controversial farm laws and they had demanded complete repulsion of the Bill.

Protesting farmers at Tikri border dismantle their settlements as they vacate the area to return to their homes, following the suspension of their year-long protest. pic.twitter.com/hiZ8x9if32  ANI (@ANI) December 11, 2021





Farmers ended their 15-month agitation

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha, an umbrella body of farmers unions, on Thursday called off the protests after the farmers accepted the Centres new proposal on their pending demands. Although Parliament had repealed the three farm laws on November 29, the farmer leaders had said that they would continue their protests until their other demands were met.

Slow traffic movement seen at KMP flyover near Singhu border as farmers head back to their homes after the suspension of their year-long protest. pic.twitter.com/yE3bwGJtLb  ANI (@ANI) December 11, 2021





These included a legal guarantee on minimum support price on crops, withdrawal of cases lodged against the protestors during the farm law agitation and suspension of minister Ajay Mishra from the Union Cabinet. The farmers announced their decision to end the protest after receiving a written proposal from the Centre on the outstanding demands.

Victory march while heading home

As the farmers left the protest site on Tuesday, they played victory songs, performed havans and sang kirtans to celebrate the Vijay Divas, PTI reported. The farmers took out the victory march on Saturday as they returned to their villages in Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh after Centre withdrew the three contentious farm laws.

#WATCH | Protesting farmers sing 'bhajan' at Singhu border before vacating the site to return home, following the announcement of the suspension of their year-long protest. pic.twitter.com/rMjgSEChxW  ANI (@ANI) December 11, 2021





The victory march was initially planned for yesterday, but it was postponed in the wake of the tragic helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu that killed 13 people, including Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat.



Since Friday, the farmers have been dismantling their makeshift shelters at the Singhu border, the Hindustan Times reported. They are expected to vacate the site by December 15.

On Saturday, families of farmers and residents from may villages around Delhi-Karnal-Ambala and Delhi-Hisar national highways welcomed the farmers with garlands and sweets, PTI.

Agitation began with demand of repulsion

Thousands of farmers had been holding sit-in demonstrations at the borders of the national Capital since November last year. The agitation began with the demand for repeal of the three farm laws passed in the Parliament in September 2020.

The farmers were concerned about the new laws, which would have opened up the countrys agriculture markets to private companies. The Centre, however, had claimed that the laws would give farmers more access to markets and boost production through private investment.

Twitter

On November 19, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced that the laws will be repealed. On December 1, President Ram Nath Kovind gave his assent to the withdrawal of the laws after a Bill proposing their repeal was passed in Parliament during the Winter Session.



For more on news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.


With Maharashtra's Omicron tally rising steadily, Section 144 of the CrPC has now been imposed in Mumbai on December 11 and 12, as per TNN.

Rallies, morchas, or processions of either people or vehicles are not allowed. Violators shall face punishment under IPC section 188.

Officials said that the order has also been issued over a threat to the law and order situation in the backdrop of the violence in Amravati, Malegaon and Nanded in November.

Protest rallies were held to condemn reports of violence against Muslims in Tripura that went for an ugly turn in early November as agitators allegedly pelted stones on the cops.

PTI

Reports said that many shops and vehicles were also damaged and that the cops used lathi-charge and tear gas.

This decision comes after Maharashtra reported 7 fresh cases of the Omicron variant.

Maharashtra now has 17 cases.

As per the Mumbai civic body, 5 such cases are in the state capital.

PTI

India currently has 32 Omicron cases across 5 states.

3 of the COVID cases reported from Maharashtra were from Mumbai, while 4 were from the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation.

At the moment, India has 93,277 active COVID cases and has administered over 1.31 billion doses of vaccine.

Maharashtra has just over 10,000 active cases.



What's the status of Omicron?

Two doses of a Covid vaccine are not enough to stop you from catching the Omicron variant, UK scientists have warned. Early analysis of UK Omicron and Delta cases showed the vaccines were less effective at stopping the new variant. But a third booster prevents around 75% of people from getting any Covid symptoms.

BioNTech and Pfizer said that a three-shot course of their COVID-19 vaccine was able to neutralise the new Omicron variant in a laboratory test, an early signal that booster shots could be key to protection against infection from the newly identified variant. The German and U.S. companies said two doses of their vaccine resulted in significantly lower neutralising antibodies but could still be protective against severe disease.



Agencies

"The first line of defence, with two doses of vaccination, might be compromised and three doses of vaccination are required to restore protection," BioNTech Chief Medical Officer Ozlem Tuereci said at a press conference. The companies also said they could deliver an upgraded vaccine targeted specifically at the Omicron variant in March 2022 if one is needed.


Saudi Arabia has banned the Tablighi Jamaat, a Sunni Islamic organisation said it is one of the gates of terrorism", as per News18. The Saudi government instructed preachers in the mosques to warn people against Tablighi Jamaat.

His Excellency the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr.#Abdullatif Al_Alsheikh directed the mosques preachers and the mosques that held Friday prayer temporary to allocate the next Friday sermon 5/6/1443 H to warn against (the Tablighi and Dawah group) which is called (Al Ahbab)," tweeted Saudi Arabias Ministry of Islamic Affairs.

Twitter

1- Declaration of the misguidance, deviation and danger of this group, and that it is one of the gates of terrorism, even if they claim otherwise. 2- Mention their most prominent mistakes," it also tweeted.

3- Mention their danger to society. 4- Statement that affiliation with partisan groups, including (the Tablighi and Dawah Group) is prohibited in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," the ministry added in its tweet.

His Excellency the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr.#Abdullatif Al_Alsheikh directed the mosques' preachers and the mosques that held Friday prayer temporary to allocate the next Friday sermon 5/6/1443 H to warn against (the Tablighi and Dawah group) which is called (Al Ahbab)  Ministry of Islamic Affairs  (@Saudi_MoiaEN) December 6, 2021

The Tablighi Jamaat came under scrutiny for spreading COVID in India but it proved to be false propaganda.



A police inquiry was ordered against Ranaut and her sister Rangoli for allegedly defaming Muslims, particularly the members of Tablighi Jamaat in Delhi.

Earlier in 2020, Rangoli had posted a few tweets criticizing the members of Tablighi Jamaat.

PTI

As per a report on Mumbai Mirror, the court observed, Allegations in the complaint are based on the comments of the accused on (a) social media platforms. Evidence against the accused appears to be of electronic nature. Therefore inquiry at the hands of police is necessary for proceeding against (the) proposed accused. Such an inquiry will be helpful to know the roles of (the) accused.

The Supreme Court, while hearing the pleas alleging discriminatory coverage by a section of the media and spreading communal hatred over the Tablighi Jamaat congregation in Delhi, observed that freedom of speech is one of the most abused freedoms in recent times.

Agencies

The CJI observed, "We must also tell you that freedom of speech is the most abused freedom in recent times."

The bench also slammed the Centre for having a junior officer file an "evasive" affidavit full of "unnecessary and nonsensical" averments on pleas alleging vilification of Muslims by a section of media through their coverage on the Tablighi Jamaat issue.

During the hearing, the bench also said, "We want to know, does the government have any powers to ban or question the TV broadcast signals?"

For more on news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.


Voice of America has selected Salwa Jaafari as the new Director of Voice of Americas Africa Division. Jaafari, a VOA news executive since 2015, will oversee all VOA television, radio, and web content and coverage for Africa and the Africa Divisions staff of more than 500 journalists in the U.S. and around the world. Jaafari has been executive producer for the VOA French-to-Africa news team, in charge of television programming to French-speaking Africa.

Before moving to the U.S. in 2011, Jaafari managed newsrooms in her native Morocco and reported from around Africa and the Middle East. In 2006, she received CNNs African Journalist of the Year award. In the U.S. prior to joining VOA, she worked for Agence France-Presse and Sky News Arabia.

In addition to English, Jaafari speaks French and Arabic. She holds a bachelors degree in English linguistics and a masters degree in English.

We are delighted to welcome Salwa Jaafari to the ranks of VOA senior management and are excited about the energy and focus on excellence she will bring to the Africa division leadership, said Acting VOA Director Yolanda Lpez.

The VOA Africa Division is one of VOAs most impactful. Serving sub-Saharan Africa on radio, television and digital media, it reaches a weekly audience of nearly 70 million.

The appointment is effective December 19, 2021.
In August 2011, I was 21 and had just spent the summer writing gig reviews for the now-defunct free newspaper the Cork News. I wasnt being paid. I did it simply for the cachet and the free tickets  as well as the all-important byline.

Around this time, they called me in to talk about a junior position at the paper. It was everything I had been waiting for; it was a week too late. I had just been offered an internship at a film website in London. The internship was unpaid.

The job at the Cork News, while we never got into salary discussions, would have been a slight improvement on my pay in HMV. And plus, I could live at home.

I muddled between my two choices for days: I had a lovely boyfriend in Cork, desperately sexy and terribly unreliable, and I had big thoughts on taming him. My sister was pregnant for the first time. My best friend was moving back to the city after his graduate programme in Swansea. My final year at UCC, which had been highly depressive and filled with skin complaints, had come to an end. I knew nobody in London. There was every good reason to stay. I left anyway.

Upon leaving, the Cork News rather gamely offered me a newspaper column. It ran every Friday and I was paid 20 a week. It was my first column, my first piece of regular freelance work, and most importantly of all, it was proof of my identity.

I was living on a mattress above a Ghanaian food shop; I was writing reviews of Spy Kids 4 for free; I was so broke that I once had to call my sister from a phone box and get her to transfer me 10 so I could get the bus home. But I had a column. For a real newspaper. It gave me confidence. And you need confidence, a delusional level, if youre going to live on a mattress. I wasnt just another penniless wannabe trying to make it as a writer; I was a columnist!

The fact that I was a columnist became one of my most parrotted phrases.

When the internship ended, I had a succession of odd jobs in different industries: bars, film sets, temp work, recruitment.

I was eating leftover chips from a customers plate in the bars kitchen. Im a columnist.

I was hole punching scripts, and then was yelled at for misaligning the holes. Im a columnist.

I was pulling my eyebrow hair out while on the phone to job applicants. Im a columnist.

I wrote about it all. Time passed. Things got less hard. I started adding a few more places to my byline, and repeating my own status as a columnist to myself wasnt as important as it once was.

The Cork News folded a few years later. By then, I was writing columns for various online magazines that have since folded, too.

After that, I wrote another online column for a publication which also folded. Or, at least, the comment section of the paper did.

And then, finally, I began writing the column youre reading right now.

This is the last one.

When I look back on my career like this, it is an origami graveyard: all folds. I feel a bit like Jessica Fletcher. After a certain point, you have to wonder why someone dies every time she rocks up to town. Could it be that I have been ruining all these newspapers? Potentially. The evidence is there.

The rule for columnists, generally, is that they should be at least two of the following: political, controversial, well informed, outrageously funny, intimately personal, taboo-breaking. I am none of these things. I try not to write about the news.

Oh, god, Ive tried, but every time it scans like a sweating child reading their book report at the front of the class. Neither do I have strong opinions.

My worst nightmare is writing down any kind of strong opinion and then having to defend it on the radio. Next up we have Irish Examiner columnist Caroline ODonoghue, who thinks that men shouldnt wear socks, Tubridy would introduce. Joining us in the debate is sock historian Dr Richard Toesy and Hozier, to talk about his love of hosiery.

The things I have strong opinions about  namely ending direct provision, protecting trans lives, making abortion accessible to all women  are, most of the time, better left to the people who are experts.

So what have I been writing about then, for the last 10 years? Nothing, it seems. Relationships, friendships, what my dog is up to. England, Ireland.

Feelings.

But somehow its accumulated into something more precious than an inflammatory opinion: a rapport.

A conversation you can slip in and out of, with people who take your words in good faith.

If I phrase something in a clumsy way, or get something a bit wrong, nobody gives me too hard a time.

The readers of this newspaper seem, generally, to understand that I am doing my best. When I write personally, some of you write back.

The thing about a rapport is that, when you have it, you can leave the conversation for years at a time, and then pick up where you left off. And so, for now, Im leaving the conversation.

Its the first journalism job Ive ever walked away from, and it fills me with terror. The reasons, I assure you, are all boring.

My schedule has become too hectic for a weekly commitment, and aside from that, Im a little tired of myself.

I feel like Ive squeezed every drop out of being a millennial woman in the big city.

I like the idea of coming back again: when Im a little older, and when things have changed. Perhaps Ill be a parent, or a business owner, or live in a different city entirely. Perhaps Ill have a second dog.

But in the meantime, goodbye, and thank you.

Thank you for holding up your end of the chat. Thank you to the Irish Examiner for having me; to my editor Vickie Maye for being so patient with me; to my dads friends at the Tinny Shed who all read this every week and fondly taunt him about it.

Slan abhaile.
Burma Junta Watch: Coup Leaders Confession; Bogus Show of Leniency and More

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi (far left), U Win Myint (middle) and Dr Myo Aung (right) appear at a court in Naypyitaw in May.

The coup leaders confession

At a meeting of his regimes cabinet in Naypyitaw on Dec. 3, coup leader Min Aung Hlaing admitted Myanmars economy is suffering from the impact of COVID-19 and the post-coup political upheaval, which has forced foreign firms to withdraw from the country. For various reasons, the regime is being deprived of tax revenue, including income tax, he added.

Since the Feb. 1 military takeover, people have shown their opposition to the coup in various ways, including an economic boycott that has dealt a serious blow to the regime. People have refused to pay tax and utility bills, and boycotted military-linked products as well as the state lottery, which otherwise would supply the regime with billions of kyats to fund its coup. More than a dozen multinational firms have ceased their operations in Myanmar.

This has forced Min Aung Hlaing and his deputy Soe Win to continuously remind the ministries to be thrifty, and make sure they collect taxes in full. To reduce its heavy expenditures on edible oil and fuel imports, the regime has announced plans to launch fleets of electric buses and, ridiculously, Min Aung Hlaing has urged people to reduce their oil consumption when cooking.

Ten months into the coup, people are still refusing to pay taxes to the regime. On Oct. 15, the revenue office near Maha Bandula Park in downtown Yangon was bombed.

Juntas brutality only fuels opposition

At least four people were feared killed, according to witnesses, after Myanmar security forces in a car rammed into an anti-coup protest in Yangons Kyimyindaing Township. The regime appears to think that such vehicular homicide in Myanmars commercial capital will act as a deterrent to others.

To the contrary, the flames of public hatred toward the military were only fanned when photos and videos showing the junta vehicle crashing into protesters, and security forces firing shots and beating unarmed protesters, went viral on social media,

Far from falling for the regimes scare tactics, people took to the streets in various towns to stage flash-mob counterprotests in the wake of the incident, while Peoples Defense Force (PDF) groups launched deadly assaults on regime targets in retaliation for the vehicle-ramming attack on their Yangon comrades. That night, people resumed banging pots and pans to show that their opposition to the military regime is unwavering 10 months into the coup. Furious, junta soldiers entered residential wards and yelled threats at the protesters.

Needless to say, no one believes a word of the juntas statement that it acted in line with rules and regulations to break up the unauthorized protest in Kyimyindaing, and that only three people were injured in the crowd dispersal.

Coup leader sets up photo opportunities

Min Aung Hlaing visited 94-year-old National League for Democracy patron U Tin Oo at his home in Yangon on Dec. 5 and inquired after his health. U Tin Oo, a former commander-in-chief of defense services who is now barely able to speak after suffering a serious stroke several years ago, wore an NLD jacket emblazoned with the partys red badge as he received his junior. NLD members remarked that the meeting was politically motivated.

The visit came one day before a junta court sentenced the partys chairperson, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and deposed President U Win Myint to four years imprisonment for public incitement and violating COVID-19 restrictions.

The same day, Min Aung Hlaing met former military intelligence chief General Khin Nyunt, who is suffering from Alzheimers. The 82-year-old former spy chief was responsible for deadly interrogations and the persecution of hundredsif not moreof Myanmars pro-democracy activists during and after the 1988 pro-democracy uprising. He locked up many dissidents in the countrys remote prisons.

Following in Than Shwes footsteps

On Dec. 6, a regime court sentenced detained State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to four years in prison after convicting her of two out of 12 cases against hersedition and breaching COVID-19 restrictions. President U Win Myint was also given two years for the same offenses.

Within hours, the duos sentences were commuted to two years by junta chief Min Aung Hlaing, who ordered that the two be placed under house arrest.

The move reminded the people of a similar case in which Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was given three years in prison in 2008 for sheltering US citizen John William Yettaw, who, unbeknownst to her, swam across Inya Lake to Daw Aung San Suu Kyis residence, where she was being confined by the previous regime led by Senior General Than Shwe. At the time, Than Shwe instructed that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi be spared from serving half her sentence, on condition that she behaved well during the first half of the term. The latest commutation makes it clear that Min Aung Hlaing clings to the old regime playbook.

The show of leniency earned Min Aung Hlaing no praise, however. The world knows the arrests and prosecution of the State Counselor and President have been entirely unjustified from the outset, and that he granted the pardon in the hope that it would earn him some credit. But what has the move won him? Of course, only more curses from the people.

Unholy alliance

Cambodias prime minister has never had a good reputation, at home or abroad. He has often drawn criticism for his poor human rights record, and is assumed to be a puppet of Beijing. Shortly after Cambodia took over ASEANs rotating chair for 2022, he received Min Aung Hlaings foreign minister in Phnom Penh, and announced that he would visit Myanmar on Jan. 7-8 to meet the junta chief. If the visit takes place as scheduled, he will become the first head of government to fly to Myanmar to meet the blood-stained coup leader, who has so far been shunned as an outcast by the international community.

However, days after Hun Sen announced his visit to Myanmar, US Counselor Derek Chollet began a trip to Cambodia and Indonesia to discuss key regional issues, including the importance of strengthening US-ASEAN cooperation to press the Myanmar military regime to cease violence and release all those unjustly detained, among other things. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is due to visit Indonesia and Malaysia next week to discuss regional issues including the Myanmar coup. Their trips will surely have an impact on Hun Sens planned trip to Myanmar and relations between the regime and ASEAN. Lets wait and see.

UN move sees junta lose face on world stage

The junta suffered another international humiliation on Dec. 6 as the UN ambassador of Myanmars civilian government, U Kyaw Moe Tun, retained his position for the time being after the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution delaying a decision on who will represent the country at the world body.

The ambassador shamed the regime in late February by denouncing the coup at a General Assembly (UNGA) gathering and asking for the international communitys help in restoring democracy in Myanmar. Furious, the junta has been trying to replace U Kyaw Moe Tun with their man, but in vain so far. The UNGAs decision highlights the fact that the world in no way recognizes the junta as the legitimate government of Myanmar. The regime, which has shown a tendency to make noise whenever the UN makes an announcement about it, took the pain silently this time.



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Digital infrastructure company Equinix adds new innovations from AMD, Ampere, Intel, Nutanix, and full-stack accelerated computing from Nvidia to Equinix Metal, a solution which will give businesses more ways to build and scale as a service offerings, modernise infrastructure, and power hybrid multi-cloud architectures and cloud native applications.

Gartner predicts that by 2025, 40% of newly procured premises-based compute and storage will be consumed as a service, up from less than 10% in 2021.

With six new metros and the latest new hardware options from these leading providers now available on demand with Equinix Metal, customers can gain more raw processing power and throughputjust a few clicks away and with close proximity to clouds and end users.

It gives customers artificial intelligence (AI) and hybrid infrastructure, for the rapid building of new digital capabilities.

Developers and IT leaders use Equinix Metal's APIs, integrations with popular DevOps tools, and Kubernetes ecosystem to deploy, maintain, and scale their applications next to the clouds, users, networks and partners that matter most to their businesses. For example:

Cybersecurity company Human Security leverages Equinix Metal to get closer to their customers with ultra-low latency networking.

Super League Gaming uses Equinix Metal to deliver real-time content and live video streaming to millions of users around the world.

Blockchain Solana Foundation is able to deliver new nodes on demand to its global end users on the Solana blockchain in minutes with Equinix Metal.



Equinix is also announcing:

Updated Gen3 Configs with Next Gen Chips from AMD, Ampere, and Intel  Equinix Metal will feature a new hardware lineup with processors including 3rd Gen AMD Epyc, Ampere Altra, and 3rd Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors with built-in AI accelerators. These solutions, expected to come to market in early 2022, are part of Equinix Metals next generation (Gen3) of server configurations.

Nvidia AI  In November, Nvidia announced an expanded collaboration with Equinix to bring the Nvidia LaunchPad programwhich includes instant, short-term access to AI infrastructureto nine Equinix International Business Exchange data centres, supported in Equinix Metal environments.

The LaunchPad program includes curated labs and enables qualified enterprise accounts to test and prototype Nvidia AI software including Nvidia AI Enterprise. Enterprises can then deploy and scale AI in Equinix Metal or Nvidia DGX Foundry, also running at Equinix.

Workload optimised servers  In addition to its Gen3 line up, Equinix Metal will feature optimised configurations. These machines give customers a way to deploy infrastructure tailored for specialised workloads, such as AI training or in-memory databases, without the long lead times common for special order hardware.

Hybrid Multicloud on Demand  Equinix Metal is now certified for Nutanix Cloud Platform, enabling complete freedom to run applications on any with a single, unified management plane across bare metal, public cloud and on-premises environments. Equinix and Nutanix are currently enrolling customers in a trial program in preparation for general availability (GA).

Six additional metros  Equinix plans to expand Equinix Metal to six additional metros in 2022 across the Americas (Atlanta and Montreal); Europe and the Middle EAST (Helsinki and Stockholm); and Asia-Pacific (Melbourne and Osaka).

In addition to offering Bare Metal as a service in these 24 markets, Equinix also provides interconnection and networking through Equinix Fabric and Network Edge.

Operating system partners  Maintainers or experts of Ubuntu, Debian, FreeBSD, NixOS, Talos, Alpine Linux, Alma Linux, Rocky Linux, and VyOS will now certify and provide cloud images for Equinix Metal users to consume, enhancing performance, security and multicloud use cases.

Ecosystem expansion  Equinix has further expanded its ecosystem with fully documented and tested partner solutions from Cycle.io, Era Software, Macrometa, Mist.io, HarperDB, and Kubermatic.

In a year where hardware was hard to come by, Equinixs bare metal servers have proven to be more performant than other cloud offerings, and have helped validators and RPC providers scale with the tremendous growth of the Solana ecosystem, says Solana Foundation executive director Dan Albert.

As the worlds digital infrastructure company, Equinix delivers foundational infrastructure across clouds and to the edge, interconnecting them all. When customers combine this with Equinix Metals on-demand, state-of-the-art silicon and enterprise solutions alongside Equinixs efforts toward its goal of becoming climate-neutral globally by 2030, they no longer have to trade peace of mind for power and performance, says Equinix Metal managing director Zac Smith.

We are excited to collaborate with Equinix to deliver end customers an efficient, scalable and compute-intensive capable solution leveraging the 3rd Gen AMD EPYC processors through our collaboration on their next-gen bare metal offering, comments AMD corporate vice president cloud business Lynn Comp.

We look forward to our continued work with Equinix as they expand their on-demand infrastructure with Ampere Altra cloud native processors that deliver higher performance while consuming less power and data centre space, says Ampere Computing chief product officer Jeff Wittich.

The expanding breadth and rapid pace of todays data centre workloads require leading performance and flexibility optimally delivered by Intels 3rd Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors. It is the foundation for powering the industrys broadest range of workloads on Equinix Metal, driving new levels of efficiency and scale with advanced built-in acceleration capabilities like security, crypto, and AI, says Intel vice president and general manager cloud and enterprise solutions Anurag Handa.

By certifying Nutanix Cloud Platform on Equinix Metal, we are enriching our customers choices and helping them further unify their Nutanix environments across private and public clouds, says Nutanix senior vice president product management Thomas Cornely.

Nvidia LaunchPad makes it easier than ever for businesses to learn how to develop and deploy AI on accelerated infrastructure on Equinix Metal, with the option to continue working on Equinix as they move forward into production, concludes Nvidia head of enterprise computing Manuvir Das.
Susan Kime

Over the years, it has been said and agreed, that two elements constituting a memorable hotel are human: a great General Manager (GM) and a great Executive Chef. Of course location, service, and wellness amenities are also on these ubiquitous lists, but the human element is the one that is sometimes overlooked. On our recent travels to the Westgate Park City Resort and Spa, which lies at the base of Canyons Village in Park City, Utah, this dual human element revealed itself, and strongly.

The Westgate has been the recipient of many awards, but recently has received eight Utah Best of State Awards for 2021, for achievement in travel and tourism, hospitality and dining. It was named best in Utah in the following categories:

Best Steaks  Edge Steakhouse

Best Wine List  Edge Steakhouse

Best Wine Service  Edge Steakhouse

Best Gourmet Burgers  Drafts Burger Bar

Best American Pub  Drafts Burger Bar

Best Destination Spas  Serenity Spa by Westgate

Best Ski Resorts  Westgate Park City & Spa

Best Chefs  Chef Wayne Christian at Edge Steakhouse

Westgate Park City Resort and Spa

There are many reasons for these accolades, first, of course, is the location  about 5-7 minutes from Park City, the free shuttle buses at the hotel can take and pick up guests from the Park City areas. It also features ski-in/ski-out access to Park Citys 7,300+ skiable acres, a free ski valet service, onsite Aloha Ski & Snowboard Rental, and indoor and outdoor heated pools.

But then, there is the GM and the Executive Chef: two whose attitudes and aptitudes shape the hotels Zeitgeist. The GM, Brent Tary, oversees hotel services and amenities. He is an engaged, energetic young man, one who, when we interviewed him, was as informal as one can be, and told us of his experience, working his way up, from being a valet parking attendant in Las Vegas to being a desk clerk to learning the hotel/hospitality industry from the ground up. The front desk services, and the concierge, were exceptionally pleasant and were there to serve the guests. Brent said simply, Guest happiness and comfort --This is what we do and why were here.

Susan Kime - Brent Tary, GM of Westgate Park City

And then, there was Edge Steak House, where an example of guest happiness was profoundly apparent. When we were there on a Monday, Edge was closed. But Chef Wayne Christian opened the restaurant just for us, as he wanted us to try some of his award-winning food. It was a gesture of professional kindness, not usually seen on press trips, or anywhere else, and we were grateful. We basically ate lunch, all freshly prepared food, all the while talking with Chef Wayne  34 years old, and masterful in the kitchen.

Susan Kime - Entrance to Edge Steakhouse

He went to culinary school in Florida, but started out as a teenager, working in kitchens for free to get the experience. He attributes his culinary abilities to his mother who he said, taught him to try new things, create new tastes. He now runs this multiple award-winning steak house, Edge, in Park City.

Executive Chef Wayne Christian of Edge Steakhouse

I always like to try new things  as an example, there is a huge Farmers Market in Salt Lake, and we like to go and try fruits and vegetables we havent tried before, and combine them with more traditional fare. These unique flavor ideas combined and were evident in our tastings from our Edge dining experience on that cold November, Monday morning.

We sampled the Wagyu Tartare, garnished with Peruvian Potato Chips, Meyer lemon foam, braised mustard seeds, watermelon radish, and cornichon. The shrimp was garnished with a bell pepper salad tossed with lemon-basil vinaigrette on a English cucumber, The steak was from the Snake River Farms in Idaho.

Susan Kime -Shrimp with lemon-basil vinaigrette, and English cucumber

Combining these tastes and dishes for us was a memorable experience, and as we expanded our cognitive aperture, we understand why that the Westgate is as popular as it is. There was a warmth and generosity of spirit that was in direct contrast to the Park City weather -- a cold, but as yet snowless. We felt a unique gemutlichkeit  a German word meaning warmth, friendliness, tinged with kindness. We felt this here and wanted to return soon.

www.westgateparkcityresortandspa.com

Susan Kime

Wagyu Tartare
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore.  It's been slow going for the ambitions of "Citizens for a Greater Idaho," but they've been making steady progress in the rural counties of southern and eastern Oregon. On Thursday, supporters of the proposal to have Idaho annex Oregon's conservative-leaning counties submitted a petition to the Klamath County Clerk's office, one that could get their issue on County ballots in May of 2022.

According to the Greater Idaho group, the petition included 2,897 signatures. Only 1.696 valid signatures are required for the petition to appear as a ballot measure in May. For the next two weeks, the Clerk's office will be going over those signatures to verify their validity and determine if it will go forward.

Even if there aren't enough valid signatures, the Clerk's office said, the group will still have until February 16 to collect the difference and make it onto the May ballot. If they still miss that deadline, they'll have until June 9 to appear on ballots in the next election.

The proposed measure asks Klamath County voters whether a new Board should be created to "study state border relocation benefits" for citizens of the county. Three Border Relocation Board members would meet three times each year to study the potential upside of relocating the border between Oregon and Idaho.

Mike McCarter heads the Greater Idaho movement. While the pandemic delivered setbacks to his ambitious, methodical plan to have the vast majority of Oregon's counties secede  hinging, as it does, on signature-gathering for petitions  it has moved inexorably forward nonetheless.

According to McCarter, the group submitted signatures for a similar ballot initiative in Douglas County earlier this week. He expects three or four counties to be voting on the initiatives this May, including Klamath.

"The large number of excess signatures indicates enthusiasm in the county for the idea of moving the Oregon/Idaho border so that southern and eastern Oregon will be governed as a part of Idaho instead of Oregon," McCarter said in a statement on Thursday. "The county feels that state officials failed to defend its interests in dealing with the federal government on how Klamath River water was distributed during the drought this year. Hundreds of signatures were collected at rodeos, gun shows, the county fair, and at Caseys restaurant, which remained open during the lockdown."

Under Phase 1 of the Greater Idaho plan, the Gem State would absorb about twenty Oregon counties south of Eugene and east of Bend. In Phase 2, it would take six California counties north of Sacramento.

As Southern Oregonians are no doubt aware, similar things have been tried before. The State of Jefferson  a proposed breakaway state consisting of counties in Southern Oregon and California's North State  has persisted as a concept since the early 1940s, but it has thus far failed to gain traction as a political reality.

Even if McCarter is successful in getting all of Oregon's red-leaning counties on board, the movement faces several major hurdles. The state legislatures would need to approve in some combination (with three legislatures involved, including California's), followed by sign-off from Congress. Idaho lawmakers heard testimony from McCarter and other supporters of the plan in April, but it's unclear if the political will exists even in the state that stands to gain the most, at least in terms of landmass.

Proponents like McCarter frame the movement as a win-win for all involved  an admission of irreconcilable differences between Oregon's urban liberal-majority bastions and rural conservative-majority expanse. But it also raises some sticky questions for issues that aren't as clearly split between the red and the blue  such as how Southern Oregon, a hub for the legal cannabis industry, would fare in a state that still outlaws marijuana.
By Ariane de Vogue and Tierney Sneed, CNN

(CNN) -- The Supreme Court left in place Friday a Texas abortion law that bars the procedure after the first six weeks of pregnancy, but the justices said that abortion providers have the right to challenge the law in federal court.

The court's action means that the case will return to a district court for further proceedings, but it may still be difficult for providers to open their doors again.

It provides a narrow victory for the abortion clinics, allowing them to get into court. But at the same time, the court limited which state officials could be sued by the providers, which could make it difficult for the providers to resume providing abortions after the sixth week of pregnancy.

In statements after the decision came down, the abortion advocates who had challenged the law painted the Supreme Court's decision as a disappointment for how it will hinder the clinics' ability to continue to fight the ban in court.

"While the Court did not put a complete end to our legal challenge, its failure to stop Texas's deliberate nullification of the constitutional right to abortion within its borders makes the Court complicit in widespread chaos and harm to Texans, and responsible for giving the green light for other states to circumvent the constitution through copycat laws," Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, said in a statement.

The question of whom providers' can sue in the federal court -- while seemingly technical -- could be hugely consequential in the abortion advocates' efforts to block the law in a way that will let abortions resume after six weeks. By limiting whom abortion providers can sue, the Supreme Court left open the possibility that the abortion providers may ultimately win ruling in their favor, but because it only blocks those select officials from enforcing the law, it won't be enough to allow clinics to reopen their doors.

That is because of the six-week ban's novel enforcement mechanism. The law allows private citizens -- from anywhere in the country -- to bring civil suits against anyone who assists a pregnant person seeking an abortion in violation of the law.

If lower courts are only allowed to issue orders blocking the select state officials from enforcing the ban, it is unclear if that will be enough to allow clinics to resume the procedure, as they might still face state court litigation from private citizens seeking to enforce the ban.

"The providers won in the sense that their challenge to SB8 is allowed to go forward against these state licensing officials, but more importantly, they lost in the sense that they can't sue anyone else  so that even if their suit succeeds, it's unlikely to provide them with the relief they need to reopen their doors, that is, to prevent future lawsuits against them for performing abortion," said Steve Vladeck, a CNN legal analyst and a professor of law at the University of Texas School.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor, writing for her liberal colleagues, said the court should have gone much further, and blocked the law from going into effect when it had the chance back in September while the appeals process played out.

"The Court should have put an end to this madness months ago, before S. B. 8 first went into effect," she said.

Sotomayor said it was a good thing that the challengers would be able to go into court to challenge the law and that she hoped that a district court would "act expeditiously" to enter the relief.

But, she said, because the court limited which officials could be sued, it will make the legal challenges more difficult to bring, which in turn, could make it more difficult for the providers to open their doors again.

She claimed that the Supreme Court, by the limits it put on who could be sued in court, "effectively" invited other states to use the law as a model to nullify other federal rights, asserting that, "The Court thus betrays not only the citizens of Texas, but also our constitutional system of government."

The court's order came after oral arguments where two of the court's conservative justices called into question Texas' argument that the law could not be challenged by either abortion providers or the Biden administration in federal court.

The law has been in effect for more than three months.

On September 1, the Supreme Court, in a 5-4 vote, allowed the law to go into effect while the appeals process played out with Chief Justice John Roberts siding with the liberals in a dissent. Since then, women in Texas have scrambled across state borders to obtain the procedure and poor women -- without the means to travel -- were left with few options.

In this latest decision, court said in an 8-1 vote that abortion providers should be allowed to sue in federal court, with only Justice Clarence Thomas saying in a dissent that he would have thrown out the providers' case.

By a 5-4 vote, the Supreme Court's conservative majority said that the providers could not sue state court clerks, as clinics had sought to do in their efforts to short-circuit the private state court litigation that could be brought against them for violating the six-week ban. Chief Justice John Roberts said that the Court should have allowed lawsuits to proceed against those and other officials.

"Court clerks, of course, do not 'usually' enforce a State's laws," Roberts wrote in a dissent joined by Justices Stephen Breyer, Elena Kagan, Sonia Sotomayor. "But by design, the mere threat of even unsuccessful suits brought under S. B. 8 chills constitutionally protected conduct, given the peculiar rules that the State has imposed." He was deeply critical of the law which he said had a "clear purpose and actual effect" to "nullify this Court's rulings, as he stressed that other states --inspired by the Texas lawcould target other constitutional rights.

"If the legislatures of the several states may, at will, annul the judgments of the courts of the United States, and destroy the rights acquired under those judgments, the constitution itself becomes a solemn mockery," he wrote.

Writing for the majority, Justice Neil Gorsuch defended the limits that the court put on whom the providers can sue.

"This Court has never recognized an unqualified right to pre-enforcement review of constitutional claims in federal court," Gorsuch wrote.

He pushed back on warnings from Sotomayor, in her own dissent, that other states may now mimic the states' approach.

"Doesn't that possibility justify throwing aside our traditional rules?" Gorsuch asked rhetorically. "It does not. If other States pass similar legislation, pre-enforcement challenges like the one the Court approves today may be available in federal court to test the constitutionality of those laws."

The court on Friday also issued an unsigned order dismissing a separate lawsuit brought by the Justice Department in its own challenge to Texas' six-week abortion ban. Justice Sotomayor dissented from that decision.

"The Department of Justice brought suit against Texas Senate Bill 8 because the law was specifically designed to deprive Americans of their constitutional rights while evading judicial review," Justice Department spokesperson Anthony Coley said in a statement after the decision came down. "The department will continue our efforts in the lower courts to protect the rights of women and uphold the Constitution."

When oral arguments in both the DOJ's and providers' cases were heard last month, lawyers fighting the law called it blatantly unconstitutional and designed with the express intent to make challenges in federal court nearly impossible, therefore nullifying a woman's constitutional right to an abortion.

"Texas designed SB 8 to thwart the supremacy of federal law in open defiance of our constitutional structure," said Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar, arguing for the Justice Department, during oral arguments on November 1. "States are free to ask this court to reconsider its constitutional precedents, but they are not free to place themselves above this court, nullify the court's decisions in their borders and block the judicial review necessary to vindicate federal rights."

SB 8, the law in question, bars abortions after the detection of a fetal heartbeat at around six weeks -- often before a woman knows she is pregnant -- and is in stark contrast to Roe v. Wade, the 1973 landmark decision legalizing abortion nationwide prior to viability, which can occur at around 24 weeks of pregnancy.

While both the providers and the Biden administration had won challenges in federal district court, the conservative 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals reversed those decisions and allowed the law to remain in effect.

Anti-abortion activists celebrated the Supreme Court's rejection of the Justice Department's lawsuit and vowed to continue to defend Texas' ban as the legal action moved back to lower courts.

"We are grateful that the Supreme Court practiced judicial restraint today and stopped the Biden administration's pro-abortion campaign against the strongest Pro-Life law being enforced today," Texas Right to Life Director of Media and Communication Kimberlyn Schwartz said in a statement.

Progressives meanwhile acknowledged that the Supreme Court had not granted abortion rights advocates the sweeping victory they were hoping for.

"The Supreme Court has taken the minimal step of allowing abortion providers to continue their lawsuit against this horrific Texas scheme," Russ Feingold, the president of the left-leaning legal advocacy group, the American Constitution Society, said in a statement that noted that the Supreme Court had left the ban in effect.

"While we are relieved that some lawsuits may proceed, every day the judiciary fails to uphold well-established constitutional rights compounds the harm to pregnant people, to the legitimacy of our judiciary, and to the credibility of the Supreme Court," Feingold said.
A second person faces four felony drug-related charges after officers with the Kenosha Police Departments Special Investigations Unit executed a search warrant last year.

Stephanie Garcia-Gomez, 22, of Kenosha, is charged with felony counts of possession with intent to deliver cocaine, possession with intent to deliver THC, possession with intent to deliver Schedule V drugs and maintaining a drug trafficking place.

Garcia-Gomez also is charged with two misdemeanor bail-jumping counts that were filed because she has a pending case from earlier in 2020. In that case, shes charged with felony burglary, along with misdemeanor counts of theft and criminal damage to property.

A second defendant, Freddy Viera, 28, of the same address, earlier was charged with the same felonies as Garcia-Gomez, along with a felony count of possession of a firearm by a felon and two bail-jumping counts.

Garcia-Gomez is due back in court March 18, for a pre-trial conference before Judge Anthony Milisauskas, while Viera has a final pre-trial hearing set for Feb. 17 before Judge Bruce E. Schroeder.

According to the criminal complaint, members of the Kenosha Police Department and members of the Special Investigations Unit in January of 2020 executed a search warrant, where they found firearms, a plastic bag with $3,000 in cash and three large bags with what they identified as powder cocaine.

Police also seized 34 alprazolam (Xanax) pills in a bottle in a drawer, along with another small bag of cocaine.

Two large bags of marijuana were found in a backpack in a water heater closet next to the bedroom.

The total weight of the suspected cocaine that was seized was 143.8 grams, while the total weight of the marijuana was 757.7 grams.

Viera admitted to police he was selling cocaine and marijuana out of his house, the complaint states. He also admitted to possessing marijuana, cocaine and a loaded firearm.

The defendant stated the Xanax was prescribed.

Garcia-Gomez reportedly told police that Viera usually bought around an ounce of cocaine from someone in Illinois about every two weeks.

The night before the search warrant, she said they had gone to Racine to buy cocaine, according to the complaint.

Each of the alleged offenses happened within 1,000 feet of Brass Elementary School, 6400 15th Ave., which could increase the penalty for each of the drug-related charges by five years in prison.

The cocaine-possession felony charge carries a possible maximum prison sentence of 25 years and a fine of $100,000, the marijuana charge carries a possible prison term of three years and a fine of $10,000, and the two other felony drug charges carry a possible prison sentence of 18 months each and a fine of $10,000.

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Most of the 43 people known to have been infected with the Omicron variant of coronavirus in the United STates had mild symptoms, but most had been vaccinated and 14 of them had already had booster doses, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Friday.

The first CDC report on the Omicron variant in the US shows vaccination does not protect people against infection but it also indicates the first cases to be detected have been mild or moderate.

"One vaccinated patient was hospitalized for 2 days, and no deaths have been reported to date," the CDC Covid Response Team reported. "Case investigations have identified exposures associated with international and domestic travel, large public events, and household transmission."

"The earliest date of symptom onset was November 15 in a person with a history of international travel," the researchers added. "Fourteen (33%) persons reported international travel during the 14 days preceding symptom onset or receipt of a positive test result."

They said 79% of those infected had been fully vaccinated with either two doses of Pfizer/BioNTech's or Moderna's vaccine or one dose of Johnson & Johnson's vaccine. Five of the 14 who got booster doses had been boosted at least two weeks before and should have had maximum levels of immune protection.

"The most commonly reported symptoms were cough, fatigue, and congestion or runny nose," the researchers wrote.

Delta is still the dominant variant in the US, the research team said.

"Given the 2-3 weeks from the time of specimen collection to availability of sequence data for analysis, it is likely that additional infections with Omicron from late November will be detected during the coming days," they wrote.

"Scientists around the world are working to rapidly learn more about the Omicron variant to better understand how easily it might be transmitted and the effectiveness of current diagnostic tests, vaccines, and therapeutics against this variant," they added.

"Many of the first reported cases of Omicron variant infection appear to be mild, although as with all variants, a lag exists between infection and more severe outcomes, and symptoms would be expected to be milder in vaccinated persons and those with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection than in unvaccinated persons."

People who have recently traveled internationally are likely to be younger, healthier or both and might not be representative of the general population, the researchers noted. If the Omicron variant spreads widely, sheer numbers could mean there will be may severe cases. "Even if most infections are mild, a highly transmissible variant could result in enough cases to overwhelm health systems. The clinical severity of infection with the Omicron variant will become better understood as additional cases are identified and investigated," they wrote.

"Scientists in South Africa and elsewhere have established systems that allow study of the laboratory, clinical, and epidemiologic characteristics; CDC is collaborating with health officials around the world to learn more about the characteristics of patients with Omicron variant infections."

Separately, a team of government and academic researchers in the UK reported that many people there infected with the Omicron variant had also been vaccinated and boosted.

"Our findings show that vaccine effectiveness against symptomatic disease with the Omicron variant is significantly lower than with the Delta variant," the team, led by Nick Andrews of the UK Health Security Agency, reported in a pre-print posted online.

They looked at 581 cases of people infected there whose tests showed they had been infected with the Omicron variant, looked at their vaccination records and compared them to thousands of people who had been vaccinated when the Delta variant was dominant.

Two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine -- widely used in Britain but not authorized in the US -- provided no protection after 15 weeks, they wrote. People who had been vaccinated more recently with two doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine seemed more strongly protected against Omicron, but effectiveness fell to no more than 37% if they had been vaccinated four months or more earlier.

A booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine restored vaccine efficacy to about 75% against Omicron, they wrote. But the findings involved a small number of people, they said.

"We are unable to determine protection against severe forms of disease due to the small number of Omicron cases so far and the natural lag between infection and more severe outcomes," they wrote.

The British and US teams both urged booster doses of vaccine.

"Booster doses are especially urgent for those at higher risk of severe disease, such as persons residing in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. In addition, CDC recommends that everyone aged 2 years or older wear masks in public indoor places in areas of substantial or high transmission," the CDC team wrote.

All the known mitigation methods should be employed, the CDC said. "Implementation of concurrent prevention strategies, including vaccination, masking, improving ventilation, testing, quarantine, and isolation, are recommended to slow transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and to protect against severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19," the team wrote.

"A number of measures have been implemented throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce the introduction and spread of SARS-CoV-2 in the United States through travel. For example, masks are required in indoor areas on public transportation conveyances traveling into, within, or out of the United States, and on the indoor premises of U.S. transportation hubs," they added.

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California Gov. Gavin Newsom expressed his 'outrage' Saturday at a Supreme Court decision to allow the Texas six-week abortion ban to remain in effect and said he would use similar legal tactics to tackle gun control in his state.

'I am outraged by yesterday's US Supreme Court decision allowing Texas's ban on most abortion services to remain in place, and largely endorsing Texas's scheme to insulate its law from the fundamental protections of Roe v. Wade,' Newsom said in a statement.

'But if states can now shield their laws from review by the federal courts that compare assault weapons to Swiss Army knives, then California will use that authority to protect people's lives, where Texas used it to put women in harm's way,' the statement continued.

The Friday ruling from the Supreme Court allowed Texas' abortion law that bars the procedure after the first six weeks of pregnancy to remain in place but said abortion providers have the right to challenge the law in federal court. However, the ruling limits which state officials can be sued by the abortion providers, which could make it difficult for them to resume providing abortions after the sixth week of pregnancy.

That is due to the law's novel enforcement mechanism, which allows private citizens -- from anywhere in the country -- to bring civil suits against anyone who assists a pregnant person seeking an abortion in violation of the law.

If lower courts are only allowed to issue orders blocking the select state officials from enforcing the ban, it is unclear if that will be enough to allow clinics to resume the procedure, as they might still face state court litigation from private citizens seeking to enforce the ban.

In light of the Supreme Court's decision, Newsom said he directed his staff to draft a bill that would allow private citizens to seek injunctive relief 'against anyone who manufactures, distributes, or sells an assault weapon or ghost gun kit or parts in the State of California.'

The bill would also provide for statutory damages of at least $10,000 in addition to attorney's fees, the governor's statement said.

'If the most efficient way to keep these devastating weapons off our streets is to add the threat of private lawsuits, we should do just that,' Newsom said.

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CNN -- Storms unleashed devastating tornadoes late Friday and early Saturday across parts of the central and southern US including Kentucky, where the governor says the death toll will exceed 50 after "one of the toughest nights in Kentucky history."

More than 30 tornadoes have been reported in at least six states. A stretch of more than 200 miles from Arkansas to Kentucky might have been hit by one violent, long-track twister, CNN meteorologists say.

Among the most significant damage: Tornadoes or strong winds collapsed an occupied candle factory in Kentucky, an Amazon warehouse in western Illinois, and a nursing home in Arkansas, killing people at each site and leaving responders scrambling to rescue others.

The extent of destruction will not be known fully for hours, but video emerging from those three states alone -- flattened buildings, overturned vehicles and workers scouring rubble for trapped people -- speak of breathtaking damage in some areas.

"We believe our death toll from this event will exceed 50 Kentuckians, probably end up closer to 70 to 100 lost lives," Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said at a briefing Saturday morning.

"This will be one of the most significant, the most extensive disasters that Kentucky has faced," Kentucky emergency management director Michael Dossett said, adding this was "one of the darkest days in the state's history."

Tornadoes also have been reported in parts of Missouri, Tennessee and Mississippi.

One of the most devastated sites is the southwestern Kentucky city of Mayfield, where a tornado hit a candle factory Friday night while about 110 people were inside, Beshear said.

"We believe we'll lose at least dozens of those individuals," the governor said.

Video from Mayfield showed what remained of the factory: a massive debris field, largely of twisted metal, several feet high.

First responders have pulled "many, many" people out of the rubble, some alive and some apparently dead, storm chaser Michael Gordon told CNN Saturday morning from the scene.

"It's kind of hard to talk about. ... They're digging in that rubble by hand right now," Gordon said.

Other buildings hit in Mayfield, a city of around 10,000 people, include the Graves County courthouse and adjoining jail.

"It's changed the landscape ... here in Mayfield," Kentucky State Police Lt. Dean Patterson said. "We're seeing (destruction) that none of us have ever seen before."

Severe thunderstorms still are possible Saturday from the northern Gulf states into the south-central Appalachians, the National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center said. Tornado watches throughout the region were expected Saturday morning.

Deaths in Illinois and Arkansas, officials say

Deaths also have been reported in Illinois and Arkansas.

At the collapsed Amazon warehouse in the Illinois city of Edwardsville outside St. Louis, at least two people were killed, and rescue attempts were underway Saturday, Police Chief Mike Fillback said.

Rescues were going slowly because hanging debris was posing dangers to responders, Fillback said.

Dozens of people were able to escape without serious injury, Fillback said.

One resident told CNN affiliate KMOV that a family member and employee was trapped inside, and that others inside were remaining calm and working to get out of the warehouse. Video from the scene showed a large emergency response.

"It's devastating to see the amount of damage there and to know there were people inside when that happened," Fillback told KMOV on Saturday morning. Police did not know how many people were in the building at the time of the collapse, Fillback said, nor how many people still were trapped inside.

In the northeastern Arkansas city of Monette, at least one person was dead after a tornado damaged a nursing home Friday, trapping others inside before being rescued. At least 20 were also injured at the facility, Mayor Bob Blankenship told CNN.

Another person was killed in nearby Leachville, when a woman was "in a Dollar General store when the storm hit and they could not get out," Mississippi County Sheriff Dale Cook told CNN.

Also in Arkansas, Interstate 555 near the town of Trumann was closed because of overturned vehicles, Arkansas Emergency Management spokesperson LaTresha Woodruff said. State officials had been told the town's fire department, EMS facility and a nursing home were damaged, Woodruff said.

Those parts of Arkansas -- as well as Mayfield, Kentucky -- are in a path of more than 200 miles, including slices of Missouri and Tennessee, that might have been produced by one long-track tornado, CNN meteorologists said.

If it was one tornado, that 200-mile path would be the longest traveled of any since 1925.

A train derailed near Madisonville, Kentucky, early Saturday morning as weather moved through the area, according to a CSX spokeswoman. There are no reported injuries to the crew.

In the community of Samburg in northwest Tennessee, multiple structured were damaged, according to officials. The town "is pretty well flattened," Obion County Sheriff's Office dispatcher Judy Faulkner told CNN.

Along with multiple tornadoes, the storms produced dozens of wind and hail reports as of early Saturday.

More than 340,000 homes and businesses had lost power across seven states by 7:45 a.m. ET Saturday -- including more than 137,000 in Tennessee and more than 70,000 in Kentucky, according to poweroutage.us.

Setting off weather alerts Friday from Arkansas to Indiana, the severity of the storms is anticipated to diminish as Saturday continues, with the greatest threat during the early morning hours.

Much of the eastern US will be impacted by rain into Saturday evening. Isolated strong to severe thunderstorms may occur from the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys into the northern Gulf States, according to the Storm Prediction Center. Wind gusts, hail and an isolated tornado remain possible.
PORTLAND, Ore.  Former Proud Boys member Alan Swinney has been sentenced by Judge Heidi Moawad to 10 years in prison with three years post-prison supervision, Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt announced on Friday.

Swinney has previously identified himself as a member of the far-right Proud Boys group, although a Friday press release from Schmidt's officer referred to him as a "former Proud Boy."

An Oregon jury found Swinney guilty in October on 11 charges stemming from his actions last year during the Portland protests that began after a white police officer murdered George Floyd, a Black man, in Minneapolis.

The charges included multiple counts of assault, unlawful use of mace, unlawful use of a weapon with a firearm, unlawful use of a weapon (paintball gun) and pointing a firearm at another. The incidents all occurred on Aug. 15 and Aug. 22, 2020, and Swinney was arrested on Sept. 30, 2020 and has been in Multnomah County jail since then.

Swinney injured a man's eye by shooting him in the face with a paintball gun, sprayed people directly in the face with bear mace on multiple occasions and aimed a loaded Ruger .357 magnum at a crowd of people, Shmidt's office said in a press release.

Prosecutors with the District Attorney's office presented evidence that Swinney used social media to amplify his white nationalist beliefs and to threaten and incite politically motivated violence, and that his beliefs motivated him to commit the crimes, Schmidt's office said in the press release.

At sentencing, Senior Deputy District Attorney Nathan Vasquez called Swinney a White nationalist vigilante cow-boy who traveled to Oregon for the specific purpose of engaging in political violence.

The 120-month sentence is slightly less than what prosecutors had sought; in a Dec. 9 memorandum, Schmidt's office recommended 130 months in prison, declaring Swinney was a danger to the community because his social media statements and testimony that showed that he "has no remorse for his actions, no desire to change and every intention of engaging in future acts of violence."
EUGENE, Ore.  The Lane County Sheriffs Office is issuing a warning about a phone scam in the community.

They said theyve received reports about scammers identifying themselves as employees of the sheriffs office, either over the phone, by text or by email.

The scammers are using the names of real employees and provide a fraudulent callback number. According to officials, when the victim calls that number, they are directed into a fake phone tree system. Thats when the scammers will make claims that there are warrants or unsettled legal business and ask for personal or financial information.

As part of their warning, the sheriffs office reminds the public they will never ask for money, awards or compensation of any type over the phone. If you receive one of these calls, they ask that you reach out to authorities.
PORTLAND, Ore.  This week the U.S. Surgeon General issued a rare advisory, calling the status of youth mental health a crisis made worse by the pandemic.

The issuing of an advisory means youth mental health is a "significant public health challenge" that needs immediate attention.

The advisory says more than 140,000 children in the U.S. lost a parent or grandparent caregiver to COVID-19. In addition, emergency room visits for suicide attempts were up 51% for adolescent girls compared to 2019.

Dan Rothenberg is a licensed therapist who works with teens and young adults. He said the last couple years have been especially rough on kids.

I've noticed, particularly with teenagers, there really is a mental health crisis, said Rothenberg.

Last school year, he said he noticed students lacked motivation as they did online learning.

Now we're all catching up and so with that has come a lot of anxiety, a lot of a lot of depression, he said.

Teachers and school psychologists have reported the same thing. The anxiety is showing up through classroom disruptions to full on fights on campus.

Dr. Sara Polley is the medical director of the Continuum for Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, an organization that is dedicated to addressing mental health and substance abuse issues. Polley is a child and adolescent psychiatrist.

This is something that has started for young people even prior to the pandemic and I think there's a lot of different factors that have influenced why young people are struggling more, said Polley.

Some say the increased depression and anxiety might be linked to societal factors, climate change, racism or even anxiety related to social media. The pandemic adds more stress.

As a society, our infrastructure of the mental health business has not kept up with the need of increasing anxiety, Rothenberg said.

Polley agrees and school psychologists have said they are understaffed, making it difficult to meet students' needs.

The National Association of School Psychologists has a recommendation of one school psychologist per 500 students, said Karley Strouse, president-elect of the Oregon School Psychologists Association. Strouse is also a school psychologist for Salem-Keizer Public Schools.

In Oregon, most school districts are double or triple or even more of that recommendation, and Salem-Keizer, we're hovering about one to 3,500 students for our ratio, Strouse said.

There's a huge shortage of people who are qualified to work with children and adolescents and families that are struggling with mental illness, said Polley.

Both Polley and Rothenberg agree that the Surgeon General's advisory is a call to action, highlighting a need for more resources and funding dedicated to addressing mental health issues for youth.
A new poll has revealed a large majority of voters would back a united Ireland in a referendum.

The Ipsos MRBI study for the Irish Times showed that 62% of voters would support Irish unity, with 16% opposed  13% said they do not know, while 8% said they would not vote.

Most voters said they would like to see a vote issue take place in the next 10 years, at 42%.

That is compared with 16% who said they wanted the poll to be held more than a decade into the future, 15% who want one now and 13% who said never.



Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald and deputy leader Michelle ONeill knock down a symbolic wall that was built as part of an anti-Brexit rally at the Irish border near Carrickcarnan, Co Louth

However, a majority said that while they support Irish unity in principle, it is not a priority issue for them.

Some 52% said a constitutional poll was not very important, but I would like to see it some day, compared with 20% who said it was very important, it is a priority for me.

Almost a quarter, 24%, said it was not at all important.

Voters also appear reluctant to make changes to national symbols that might accommodate the Unionist population in a new Ireland.

On a new flag, 77% said they would not accept one, 72% opposed a new national anthem and 71% rejected Ireland rejoining the Commonwealth.



The flag of Northern Ireland on a pole at the Commonwealth Games.

People are also unwilling to bear the financial burden that could come with unity, with 79% saying they would not accept higher taxes, while another 79% said they were opposed if it meant less money to spend on public services.

But most people said they would accept having closer ties with the UK, with 47% in favour and 42% opposed.

A slim majority also backed having Unionist politicians as part of Government in Dublin, with 44% saying they would accept it, compared with 42% who opposed it.

People aged 25 to 34 are the biggest supporters of a united Ireland, at 67%, closely followed by the over 65s, on 66%.

People aged 18 to 24 and 50 to 64 are least likely to support the move, but a majority would still back it, with 57% of voters in each cohort in favour.

Fine Gael voters are most likely to oppose the move, with 25% of people who gave them a first preference vote saying they would opt for Northern Ireland to remain part of the United Kingdom, and 31% saying the issue was not at all important.

Unsurprisingly, Sinn Fein voters are most in favour, with 78% backing unity in a referendum and 36% saying the issue is very important, it is a priority for me.

The study found that 8% of Sinn Fein voters would opt for Northern Ireland to remain in the UK in a border poll.

The survey was conducted in the Republic of Ireland among a national quota sample of 1,200 people between December 5 and 8, among people over 18 and throughout every constituency.
Chief executive of the Health Service Executive (HSE) has warned hospitals will be under real pressure in December and January as a result of Covid-19.

Paul Reid has urged people to get the booster vaccine, with walk-in centres across the country open this weekend.

In a post on Twitter Mr Reid said:

In December & January we know our hospitals will be under real pressure with currently 481 COVID19 patients & 113 in ICU.

We can all help to make this better by taking up the booster vaccine when offered."



Queues at a walk-in vaccination centre in Greystones, Co Wicklow, earlier this week

This weekend many locations open for walk-ins for specified groups.

There are 18 walk-in vaccination centres open across the country today, with many experiencing long queues.

The centre at University College Dublin (UCD) has once again had to turn people away, with the HSE saying on Twitter it had reached capacity and would not be accepting any more walk-ins.

People had been queuing there for up to two and a half hours for a booster jab.

On Friday, Taoiseach Micheal Martin apologised to people who were turned away from the centre without receiving a vaccine earlier in the week.

Delighted to get my booster dose today. Thanks to all the staff and volunteers at Cork City Hall, who expect to get 1500 people vaccinated today. Every effort is being made to maximise vaccine numbers as the best protection we have against the threat of Omicron and Covid. pic.twitter.com/YtM3wXptGn  Micheal Martin (@MichealMartinTD) December 10, 2021

In Tipperary, a centre in Clonmel saw queuing times of two hours and twenty minutes, while there were waits of 90 minutes in Nenagh.

Other centres saw little or no queueing.

On Friday, Mr Martin said he was concerned but hopeful about Irelands Covid-19 situation, as he received a booster jab in Cork.

He said he hoped the HSE could deliver 1.5 million booster jabs before the end of the year.

Mr Martin, speaking at Cork City Hall, where he paid tribute to HSE staff, re-iterated that the uncertainty of the pandemic meant nothing could be ruled out.

We have a series of restrictions in place now to January 9. That was agreed by Government following advice from The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET).

One can never rule out anything in relation to Covid-19 because there are many twists and turns.

He urged people to take care in the weeks ahead, but said that hospital numbers had become more encouraging in recent days.
The University of Florida launches formal investigation after reports of Covid-19 research data being destroyed and delayed.
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At least 50 likely dead in Kentucky alone, governor says, after tornadoes hit central and southern US
JEFFERSON CITY - With the holiday season approaching, AAA, the Missouri Department of Transportation and the Missouri State Highway Patrol held a press conference Friday to remind drivers about the state's Move Over law.

Missouris Move Over law requires drivers to change lanes, if it's safe to do so, when driving toward any stationary vehicle displaying lighted red, blue, amber or white lights.

These vehicles include:

Law enforcement vehicles

Any other emergency vehicles

MoDOT vehicles

Tow trucks or any road side assistance vehicles

If drivers can't change lanes safely, they must slow down when passing these vehicles.

This may sound like common knowledge, but in recent data from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, from those surveyed, 23% are unaware of the Move Over law in the state they live in. Those who are aware of their state's law, about 15% reported not understanding the potential consequences for violating the Move Over law.

The consequences for violating the Move Over Law in Missouri include facing a Class A misdemeanor, which carries a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a fine of $2,000.

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Rob David, a battery service provider, described a time when he was changing a flat tire on Interstate 44 during rush hour for a women who also had her three children with her. He said he was trying to keep them safe, keep himself safe and still do his job.

"As I'm changing the tire, I stand up, this Silverado came through and had a two by four coming up the side of the truck bed and was so close the end of that two by four caught my arm and just scraped all the skin off my arm, David said. "Just blood dripping down all because he didn't want to slow down, he didn't want to get over."

David also said he has been hit by a car's side mirror because the driver didn't move over or slow down.

According to AAA, an average of 24 emergency responders, including tow providers, are struck and killed by vehicles while working at the roadside each year.

It is not only emergency responders or road side assistance workers whose safety is on the line but also drivers or passengers in the vehicle. According to the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), in Missouri, 42 people were killed while outside a disabled vehicle from 2015 through 2019.

MSHP Lt. Eric Brown said if you find yourself involved in a traffic crash or stranded on the side of a road due to a flat tire or vehicle failure, feel free to call 911.

"We encourage you to call 911 or *55. If you're going to remain in your car, please keep your seatbelt on. If you are going to exit your vehicle, please move as far away from the roadway to a place of coverage," Lt. Brown said.

MoDOT emergency response operator Floyd Bessard said he and his coworkers are just asking for space to be able to safely do their jobs.

"We are just asking you to give us the space to do what we need to do to make sure your loved ones, those that you care about who are stuck on the highway, return home to you. We would also like to return home to our families as well," Bessard said.
People look around the exhibition booth of aircraft maker Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) at Expodefensa 2021, one of the main security and defense fairs in Latin America, held in Bogota, Colombia, from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1. Courtesy of Korea Aerospace Industries



By Jung Da-min



The Korean defense industry is expanding its presence in the global market, with some successful promotions of domestic weapons to other countries' militaries in recent months.



Among such successful cases are: the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) decision in mid-November to purchase Korean-made mid-range surface-to-air missiles (M-SAM) and Slovakia's planned purchase of Korean-made trainer jets, following the signing of an agreement between local aircraft maker Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Slovakia's state-run defense firm, Letecke opravovne Trencin (LOTN), in early November.



In the case of the UAE, the country's defense ministry announced via Twitter its intention to acquire the Korean air defense system named Cheongung-II, adding that the value of the deal may reach about $3.5 billion ($4 trillion won). If struck, the deal will be the single most lucrative weapons export in the history of the nation's defense industry, four times larger than the current 1-trillion-won export record of submarines to Indonesia.





This photo shows the Cheongung-II, the upgraded version of the country's first internally-developed, medium-range surface-to-air guided missile. Korea Times file



With LIG Nex1 being the main contractor that has been mass-producing the M-SAM since 2018, other local companies, such as Hanwha Systems, Hanwha Defense and Kia, also participated in the project, which was launched by the state-run Agency for Defense Development (ADD) in 2012. The missile passed a suitability evaluation for field operations in 2017.



In the case of Slovakia, the country has been pushing for a $500-million defense project to replace its aging fleet of L-39 trainer aircraft, and so decided to import KAI's FA-50 fighters for the project. LOTN and KAI signed an agreement to ensure smooth bilateral cooperation in the introduction of FA-50 aircraft to Slovakia, on Nov. 3. If the aircraft are introduced, it will be the first export of Korean-made aircraft to a member state of the European Union (EU) and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).





Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) CEO Ahn Hyun-ho, left, shakes hands with Letecke opravovne Trencin (LOTN) Executive Director Juraj Laus during a signing ceremony of memorandum of understanding to ensure smooth bilateral cooperation in the introduction of Korea's FA-50 aircraft to Slovakia, held in Budapest, Hungary, Nov. 3, on the sidelines of the V4-Korea summit. Courtesy of Korea Aerospace Industries





Korea Aerospace Industries' (KAI) FA-50 fighter / Courtesy of KAI



Korea seeks more export opportunities in global defense market



For Korea, where the economy largely depends on trade and export, the global defense market offers many important opportunities.



This situation is especially so as the country's defense budget for improving its weapons systems has been cut by 606.7 billion won for next year  from 17.33 trillion won in 2021 to 16.69 trillion won in 2022. It is the first time in 15 years that the budget has been reduced.



With Korean firms seeking to find new opportunities abroad, the African and Middle East markets, as well as the South American market, are emerging as potential prospective markets. In particular, defense officials are eyeing Egypt, as the Egyptian Armed Forces is currently modernizing its military forces and diversifying its supplier nations. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Egypt is the world's third-largest arms importer, after Saudi Arabia and India, as of the period of 2015 to 2019.



Seeking new opportunities in the African and Middle East region, a total of 14 Korean companies participated in the Egypt Defence Expo (EDEX) 2021 that ran from Nov. 29 to Dec. 3. Among the 14 companies were four big ones, including: Hanwha Defense, Hyundai Rotem, Poongsan and Hancom Lifecare, as well as other small-and medium-sized companies.





A visitor takes a photo of Hanwha Defense's K9 self-propelled howitzer on display at the Egypt Defence Expo (EDEX) 2021, at the Egypt International Exhibition Center in Cairo, Nov. 29. Courtesy of Hanwha Defense





Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, on the right facing the left, visits the Hanwha Defense booth to listen to the progress of the K9 project in Egypt, Nov. 29, after inaugurating the Egypt Defence Expo (EDEX) 2021, at the Egypt International Exhibition Center in Cairo. Screenshot from the YouTube channel of the Egyptian presidential office



Hanwha Defense's promotion of its K9 self-propelled howitzer (SPH) drew attention there especially, with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi visiting the Hanwha booth on the inauguration day of the EDEX to listen to the progress of Egypt's contemplation of purchasing the K9. The Egyptian Armed Forces are considering acquiring a package of K9s and support vehicles, raising hopes for Hanwha and other smaller companies participating in the project to make their debut in the African market and pave the way for other local companies to gain standing in the African and Middle Eastern markets.



For Hyundai Rotem, it promoted its K2 Black Panther, a next-generation, Korean-made battle tank designed by the ADD and manufactured by the company.



Seo Jun-mo, leader of global defense sales and the marketing team for the company, said Hyundai Rotem has a favorable brand image among Egyptians, as it has sold its electric locomotives for use in Cairo Metro's Lines 1 and 3, and it will further promote its K2 tanks as a long-term sales goal on such bases.



"The Egyptian market is considered to be a market with a lot of potential in the Middle Eastern and African region. For Hyundai Rotem, we have already successfully exported our electric trains, acquiring a good brand image," Seo said.



"As the Egyptian Armed Forces are also showing interest in acquiring new tanks, along with the recent successful completion of the test operations of K2 tanks in the Middle East region, we expect that there will be good results in the tank business as well, with a long-term vision."





The Hyundai Rotem booth at the Egypt Defence Expo (EDEX) 2021, at the Egypt International Exhibition Center in Cairo, Nov. 29 / Korea Times photo by Jung Da-min



While companies selling ground weapon systems are seeking new opportunities in the Middle Eastern and African markets, aircraft seller KAI is eyeing the South American market.



KAI participated in the Expodefensa 2021, one of the main security and defense fairs in Latin America, held in Bogota, Colombia, from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1, to promote its FA-50 fighters in the Central and South American markets. As Colombia is carrying out a $1-billion project to replace 24 units of the A-37, an aging light attack aircraft, KAI proposed the export-type FA-50, with air-to-air and air-to-ground armaments and extended flying range, for the project.



Colombian President Ivan Duque Marquez visited the KAI exhibition booth and said, "During my recent visit to Korea, I discussed defense cooperation with President Moon Jae-in." The Colombian president visited Korea in late August and held a summit with Moon. "As we are well aware of the excellence of the FA-50, we hope that it will contribute to the modernization of the Colombian Air Force with a good proposal," he said.





Colombian President Ivan Duque, left, shakes hands with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) Managing Director Kim Han-il, on the former's visit to Expodefensa 2021, one of the main security and defense fairs in Latin America, held in Bogota, Colombia, from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1. Courtesy of Korea Aerospace Industries
A man sits while smoking in Auckland, New Zealand, Dec. 9. AP-Yonhap



New Zealand plans to ban young people from ever buying cigarettes in their lifetime in one of the world's toughest crackdowns on the tobacco industry, arguing that other efforts to extinguish smoking were taking too long.



People aged 14 and under in 2027 will never be allowed to purchase cigarettes in the Pacific country of 5 million, part of proposals unveiled Thursday that will also curb the number of retailers authorized to sell tobacco and cut nicotine levels in all products.



"We want to make sure young people never start smoking so we will make it an offence to sell or supply smoked tobacco products to new cohorts of youth," New Zealand Associate Minister of Health Ayesha Verrall said in a statement.



"If nothing changes, it would be decades till Maori smoking rates fall below 5 percent, and this government is not prepared to leave people behind."



Currently, 11.6 percent of all New Zealanders aged over 15 smoke, a proportion that rises to 29 percent among indigenous Maori adults, according to government figures.



The government will consult with a Maori health taskforce in the coming months before introducing legislation into parliament in June next year, with the aim of making it law by the end of 2022.



The restrictions would then be rolled out in stages from 2024, beginning with a sharp reduction in the number of authorized sellers, followed by reduced nicotine requirements in 2025 and the creation of the "smoke-free" generation from 2027.



The package of measures will make New Zealand's retail tobacco industry one of the most restricted in the world, just behind Bhutan where cigarette sales are banned outright. New Zealand's neighbor Australia was the first country in the world to mandate plain packaging of cigarettes in 2012.



The New Zealand government said while existing measures like plain packaging and levies on sales had slowed tobacco consumption, the tougher steps were necessary to achieve its goal of fewer than 5 percent of the population smoking daily by 2025.



The new rules would halve the country's smoking rates in as few as 10 years from when they take effect, the government said.





A sign indicates that the University of Aukland campus in New Zealand is smoke-free, Dec. 9. AP-Yonhap
President Joe Biden delivers closing remarks at the virtual Summit for Democracy, in the South Court Auditorium on the White House campus in Washington, Dec. 10. AP-Yonhap





US President Joe Biden said Friday he called Germany's new chancellor, Olaf Scholz, and discussed tensions on the Ukrainian border, where tens of thousands of Russian troops are massed.







Biden tweeted he had called Scholz to congratulate him on becoming the German leader. "I look forward to working closely together on the full range of global challenges, including transatlantic efforts to address Russia's destabilizing military buildup," he wrote.







New German Chancellor Olaf Scholz speaks during a joint press conference with the European Council President, following their meeting, at the EU headquarters, in Brussels, Dec. 10. AFP-Yonhap





The call with Scholz capped an intense week of telephone diplomacy for Biden on Ukraine, which fears a Russian invasion.







On Tuesday, Biden spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin, warning him of severe economic sanctions if the troops he has deployed to the border go on the attack.







He also said the United States would work with Russia in restarting diplomacy between the two.







Biden spoke to major European powers before and after the Putin talks. On Thursday he called the president of Ukraine and the leaders of nine eastern European allies.







Scholz took over from his long-standing predecessor Angela Merkel this week.







In a statement, the White House said Scholz and Biden also discussed a "full range of global challenges, including continued efforts to end the Covid-19 pandemic, countering the threat of climate change, and addressing Russia's escalation of forces surrounding Ukraine." (AFP)


Kendallville, IN (46755)

Today

Blustery with snow showers. High 22F. Winds WSW at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of snow 70%. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy. Low 12F. Winds WSW at 15 to 25 mph.
Officials from Ice Castles LLC have started constructing their ice castle structure at Geneva National Resort & Club in the Town of Geneva, one of the areas biggest winter tourist attractions.

Ice Castles employees are manufacturing and installing about 10,000 icicles to build the icy structure, which will be about an acre in size.

The ice castle structure is expected to be completed in mid- to late-January and will feature ice-carved slides, tunnels, fountains, caverns, crawl spaces and thrones. Colored LED lights, which will be illuminated at night, will be installed into the structure.

Horse-drawn carriage rides through an illuminated path will be offered to the ice castle.

This is the fourth year that an ice castle is being constructed in the Lake Geneva area.

An ice castle was first constructed in the area in 2019 at Riviera Beach in downtown Lake Geneva. The ice castles have been built at Geneva National Resort ever since.

The ice castles have attracted many visitors to the Lake Geneva area each year, which has benefitted area hotels, resorts, restaurants and shops.

A limited number of priority booking vouchers, which allow people early access to reserve a date and time for their visit, are available by going to www.icecastles.com.

General admission to visit the ice castle is $21 Monday through Thursday, and $27 Friday through Sunday.

The cost for children is $16 Monday through Thursday and $22 Friday through Sunday.

Ice castle structures are constructed in five locations throughout the country including Lake Geneva; Midway, Utah; New Brighton, Minnesota; Lake George, New York; and North Woodstock, New Hampshire.

Ice Castles LLC was founded in 2011 by Brent Christensen. He developed the idea for the company after he constructed a wintery structure for his children which attracted many visitors at his home in Alpine, Utah.

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Lake Geneva officials are recommending that the Business Improvement District (BID) selects a company to conduct a proposed forensic audit on its finances.

And aldermen have indicated they want the BID to pay for the audit themselves, not the city.

Spyro Condos, president of the Business Improvement District Board, has requested that the city conduct a forensic audit on alleged mismanagement of funds from the organization that has occurred during the past few years.

The Business Improvement District had a negative fund balance from 2017 to 2019. Condos has said he wants to know what happened to the misappropriated funds.

Members of the Lake Geneva City Councils Finance, Licensing & Regulation Committee approved, Oct. 6, a draft request for proposals document for obtaining bids from companies that may be interested in conducting the forensic audit.

Four companies recently submitted bids, which ranged from $16,500 to $114,210, to conduct the forensic audit.

Thats a big difference, City Administrator Dave Nord said of the range of bids.

Sikich, LLP Partner, Forensic and Valuation Services of Milwaukee submitted a bod of $16,500.

Bergankdv, Ltd. of St. Cloud, Minnesota submitted a bid of $22,500.

BKD, LLP of Chicago submitted a bod of $60,000.

Cotton & Company LLP of Alexandria, Virginia submitted a bid of $114,210.

Members of the finance committee recommended, Nov. 22, that the Business Improvement District select the company to conduct the forensic audit. The recommendation was approved by a 3-2 vote with aldermen John Halverson and Mary Jo Fesenmaier voting no.

Alderman Ken Howell said the Business Improvement District should select the company since they are the ones who are most likely going to pay for the audit.

I dont know if the city can choose any one of these companies since the city is not likely to be paying for it, Howell said. They would know they are paying for it and not the city.

Fesenmaier said the city should be involved with the audit because even though the Business Improvement District approves their own expenses, the city makes the payments for them.

The council needs to take ownership of what happened and at least investigate, Fesenmaier said.

Halverson said he feels the full city council should decide which company will conduct the audit.

I do think the city council does need to take ownership, Halverson said. I dont know if the city should pay for it or the BID should pay for it, but I think it should be brought to the city council for recommendation.

Comptroller Karen Hall said she informed the Business Improvement District Board of the negative fund balances last year, but she does not suspect them of any wrongdoing.

I dont think there is anything fraudulent, Hall said. I just think its a simple case of misspending, spending too much and pushing it into the next year.

Whether the Business Improvement District should select the company and pay for the audit has not been voted on by the full city council.

Condos said, during the Dec. 1 Business Improvement District Board meeting, that the board will not take any action regarding the forensic audit until the full city council votes on the issue.

He said the city should select the company and pay for the audit since city staff makes payments on behalf of the Business Improvement District.

We will have to decide what were going to do once the city votes on it whenever they do, Condos said. They havent voted on it. So this is a little bit of the cart before the horse.

Dimitri Anagnos, board member, said the board really cannot make a decision until the city council gives their final vote.

Theres nothing we can do before its voted on by the city, Anagnos said.

Alderwoman Shari Straube, who is a member of the Business Improvement District Board, said several of the council members feel the Business Improvement District should pay for the audit.

Basically, the thought process is really most of the aldermen feel this isnt something the city should be paying for, Straube said.

Condos said he is not accusing the past Business Improvement District Board members or the city of any wrongdoing but feels the misappropriated funds should be investigated.

I will debate anybody on this issue, Condos said. Whether they made a mistake, whether they didnt understand, we are responsible to the BID district property owners that provide the funding that we use.

The Business Improvement District is a tax-supported business organization, which was established in 1991 to help improve the appearance of the downtown area.

The group hosts several events throughout the year including Cocoa Crawl, Wine Walk, First Fridays, Maxwell Street Days, Oktoberfest and the lighting of the citys Christmas tree.

Downtown property owners fund the district through property taxes. The city collects the taxes and distributes the money to the Business Improvement District.

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Jammu, Dec 11 (PTI) A 14-year-old girl and her aunt were killed while another minor was injured as their mud house collapsed in Poonch district here on Saturday, officials said.

The 'kutcha' house belonging to Ashaq Hussain in Mangnar village near Poonch town collapsed abruptly, trapping the trio inside, the officials said.

Also Read | Indian Air Force and DRDO Successfully Test Indigenous Stand-Off Anti-Tank Missile from Pokhran.

The impact was such that Hussain's wife Zareena Akhtar (26) and niece Rahila Kousar (14) died while the locals rescued the couple's eight-year-old daughter Asma, they said. She was rushed to hospital.

The cause of the collapse was not immediately known, they said.

Also Read | Gujarat: Tribal Woman Killed By Sloth Bear in Saagtala Range.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
By Niranjan Mishra

New Delhi [India], December 11 (ANI): The Zimbabwe returnee, who tested positive for Omicron variant on Saturday, is asymptomatic and only complains of weakness, said sources in the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital here.

Also Read | Maharashtra: Man Arrested for Killing 60-Year-Old Mother Under Influence of Alcohol in Nashik.

The number of Omicron infected cases in Delhi rose to two after a passenger arriving from Zimbabwe tested positive on Saturday.

In the results of the genome sequencing report of 10 samples that arrived this morning, a 35-year-old man was found to be Omicron positive. He had returned to Delhi from Zimbabwe and his travel history also includes South Africa.

Also Read | Madhya Pradesh: Man Arrested For Objectionable Remarks on Death of CDS Gen Bipin Rawat, Others in Chopper Crash.

Earlier, on December 5, the first case of Omicron was reported in the national capital when the genome sequencing report of a patient who had landed in the city from Tanzania was found positive.

Delhi's Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital has a dedicated facility for treating Omicron patients.

According to hospital sources, "A total of 46 Omicron suspected patients have been admitted in LNJP so far. Out of these, 8 patients have been discharged and a total of 38 patients are still admitted here. Out of the 38 people admitted, 25 are COVID positive patients and two are Omicron positive."

Sources further revealed that genome sequencing reports of 27 out of 38 passengers have been received, of which two tested positive while 25 tested negative.

"The Zimbabwe returnee who tested Omicron positive today has taken both doses of the vaccine and has no symptoms of the virus and only complains of weakness," sources said.

As per information shared by sources, one of the suspected Omicron patients include a woman who came in close contact of the Omicron-positive patient in Rajasthan and then returned to Delhi, breaking her quarantine period. She was admitted to LNJP on Friday.

States including Delhi, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Gujarat have reported cases of the new COVID-19 variant with the total number of Omicron cases in the country going up to 33.

On November 26, the WHO named the new COVID-19 variant B.1.1.529, which has been detected in South Africa, as 'Omicron'. (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 [India], December 11 (ANI): After the farmers received a formal letter from the Centre agreeing to their pending demands on Thursday, farmers at the Singhu border expressed their happiness and prepare to return to their homes after calling off their protest against the farm laws.

Speaking to ANI, Manpreet Singh, Executive Member of Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) Punjab said, "We have won this battle after the struggles of a year-long protest. We are happy that the Central government has agreed to fulfil our pending demands. We are doing packing here and will return to our homes at 9 am on December 11."

Also Read | Maharashtra: Man, Arrested by NCB in Drugs Case, Dies in Nanded Prison.

"However, we will not celebrate the victory because our CDS Bipin Rawat has lost his life in Tamil Nadu helicopter crash," he said.

Meanwhile, Harvinder Singh, General Secretary of BKU expressed grief over the death of all those 700 farmers who lost their lives in this year-long protest.

Also Read | Covidengue in Telangana: COVID-19 Patients in the State Getting Infected With Dengue.

"We are disappointed that our 700 farmers died during this protest. The Centre has not said anything for them. When any higher rank official loses his life, the government gives special treatment to them. But it did not happen in the case of farmers. I want this kind of treatment should also be given to all 700 deceased farmers," Harvinder said.

Further, Harvinder said that the farmers did not become hurdles to the travellers passing by.

"We never created any problem or stopped travellers passing by. Traffic was moving as usual. The traffic was disturbed only when Andolan took place. I hope that the Centre will take care of farmers in future as well," he added.

Gurvinder Kaur, mother of a protester at Singhu border said, "My son has been protesting here since the beginning of this agitation. We are happy that we won this battle after a lot of struggle. The Central government has taken a good decision."

Farmers, who have been protesting against the three farm laws on different borders of Delhi since November 26 last year, announced on Wednesday that they are suspending their year-long agitation and would vacate the protest sites on December 11.

"As far as the matter of compensation is concerned, UP and Haryana have given in-principle consent," it read.

While addressing a press conference, farmer leader Gurnam Singh Charuni said, "We have decided to suspend our agitation. We will hold a review meeting on Jan 15. If the government does not fulfil its promises, we could resume our agitation."

"Protesting farmers will vacate the protest sites on December 11," another farmers' leader Darshan Pal Singh said.

Earlier on November 29, Both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha passed the Farm Laws Repeal Bill on the first day of the winter session of Parliament. (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, December 10: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday condemned the terrorist attack in Bandipora district claiming the lives of two police personnel and extended his condolences to their families.

Taking to Twitter, Sinha said, "No words are strong enough to condemn the heinous terrorist attack on our brave JK Police jawans SgCT Mohd Sultan and Ct Fayaz Ahmad at Bandipora. I convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of the martyrs." Also Read | Tejashwi Yadavs Uncle Sadhu Yadav Angry Over His Inter-Community Marriage to Rachel Godinho.

Sinha also said that the Jammu and Kashmir administration has "firmly resolved to avenge this barbaric action by the enemies of peace and determined to completely dismantle the terror ecosystem." "J-K administration will extend all possible support to martyrs families," he added. Also Read | Haryana Police Makes Elaborate Arrangements To Ensure Smooth Traffic During Return of Farmers to Their Homes.

Two policemen have been killed in a terror crime near Gulshan Chowk area of Jammu and Kashmir's Bandipora on Friday, Jammu and Kashmir Police informed.

The area has been cordoned off and search operations in the area are underway. As per the official statement of the police, today at about 05:15 pm, terrorists fired upon a Police party near Gulshan Chowk area of Bandipora.

As per the preliminary investigation, as per the police, the terrorists had fired upon police party of Police Station Bandipora near Gulshan Chowk area of Bandipora in which two police personnel Selection Grade Constable Mohd Sultan and Constable Fayaz Ahmad received critical gunshot injuries.

"Both the injured were shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment of their injuries, however, both of them succumbed to their injuries and attained martyrdom," the police said.

The police have registered a case under relevant sections of law. The investigation is in progress, as the officers continue to work to establish the circumstances which lead to this terror crime, the police said.

(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, Dec 11: A 35-year-old man, with travel history to Zimbabwe and South Africa, has tested positive for Omicron, becoming the second patient in Delhi of the new COVID-19 variant, sources said on Saturday. He is admitted at the LNJP Hospital and only has weakness, they added.

He returned to India from Zimbabwe and had even travelled to South Africa, the sources said, adding that he is fully vaccinated.

The LNJP Hospital has been designated for treatment of patients infected with the new Omicron variant of the coronavirus.

Also Read | DRDO Successfully Tests Extended Range Pinaka at Pokhran Range.

On Sunday, a 37-year-old fully vaccinated man who arrived in Delhi from Tanzania, became the first patient of Omicron in the national capital. Omicron Scare: Section 144 Imposed in Mumbai on December 11 and 12.

The patient, a resident of Ranchi, had travelled from Tanzania to Doha and from there to Delhi on a Qatar Airways flight on December 2.

He stayed in Johannesburg, South Africa, for a week. The person has mild symptoms.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Indore, Dec 11 (PTI) Amid rising concerns over the Omicron variant of coronavirus, a 14-year-old girl and her eight-year-old brother have tested positive for COVID-19 after returning from Nigeria five days back, a health official said on Saturday.

Also Read | Tamil Nadu: Two Arrested Under POCSO Act in Two Separate Cases in Coimbatore.

Their samples are being sent for genome sequencing, he said.

Also Read | DRDO Successfully Tests Extended Range Pinaka at Pokhran Range.

The siblings, who were found infected, had gone to Nigeria with their mother to meet their father and returned to Indore on December 6 via Delhi, said Dr Amit Malakar, nodal officer for COVID-19 in the district.

Their father works in Nigeria, while they live with their mother in Indore, he said.

"Although the mother of the two children was not found infected with coronavirus, we have taken her sample for re-examination as a precaution," he said.

Malakar said that after the test reports, the infected siblings have been admitted to a hospital and their samples are being sent to Delhi's National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) for genome sequencing to know whether they are carrying the Omicron strain.

While South Africa remains the epicentre of the Omicron variant outbreak, these cases have been confirmed in at least eight other African countries - Botswana, Ghana, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, Uganda and Zimbabwe.

The central government, while expressing concern over the decline in usage of face masks in the country, had on Friday said that the all India tally of Omicron variant cases has gone up to 32.

(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, Dec 11 (PTI) The day has come to do away with the allotment of public properties and plots under discretionary quota as it leads to "corruption, nepotism and favouritism", the Supreme Court observed on Saturday, advocating their distribution largely through auctions.

The Supreme Court made the observation while setting aside an order of the Orissa High Court closing a criminal case against three government employees accused of conspiring in allotting 10 commercial plots to their family members and relatives in Bhubaneswar.

Also Read | ICSI CS Admit Card Released for December 2021 Session, Candidates Can Download Their E-Admit Cards Online at icsi.edu.

In a significant verdict, the top court said many a time the guidelines on fair and transparent allotment are hardly followed and "therefore, the best thing is to do away with such discretionary quota and allotments of the public properties/plots must be through public auction by and large."

A bench comprising Justices M R Shah and B V Nagarathna also said that quashing of a criminal case by high courts should be "an exception rather than any ordinary rule and expressed its unhappiness over passing of such orders without much due diligence.

Also Read | ICMR in Assam Designs Testing Kit to Detect New COVID-19 Variant Omicron in 2 Hours.

It was critical of the courts for quashing the criminal cases without due diligence and said closing of a complaint or an FIR should be an exception rather than any ordinary rule and the courts in exercise of such a wide power should be more cautious as they are not required to go into the merits of the allegations at initial stages.

The bench allowed the appeal of the state government against the quashing of criminal proceedings against the three accused who were working with the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) -- Pratima Mohanty, S Prakash Chandra Patra and Rajendra Kumar Samal -- in the 2005 case. The then state minister Samer Dey is also facing trial in the matter.

It held that the allegations against the accused are very serious, including hatching a criminal conspiracy in allotment of 10 plots in the discretionary quota arbitrarily and to their own family members or relatives.

There are specific allegations with respect to a huge loss caused to the BDA as, according to the prosecution, the plots were allotted at throwaway prices and all these aspects are required to be considered at the stage of trial, it said, adding that wrongful losses to the tune of Rs 30.27 lakh and Rs 71.57 lakh have been caused to the state exchequer.

"Before parting, we may observe that now the day has come to do away with allotment of government largess on the basis of discretionary quota as this inevitably leads to corruption, nepotism and favouritism. Government and/or the public authorities like BDA are the custodian of public properties, Justice Shah, writing the judgment for the bench, said.

Allotment of public properties must be transparent and has to be fair and non-arbitrary and in such matters public interest only has to be the prime guiding consideration, it said, adding that idea is to get the best or maximum price so that it may serve the public purpose so as to avoid loss to the exchequer.

The allotment of plots in the discretionary quota cannot be at the whims of the persons in power and/or the public servants who are dealing with the allotment of plots in the discretionary quota. When a democratic government in exercise of its discretion selects the recipients for its largess, then discretion should be exercised objectively, rationally, intelligibly, fairly and in non-arbitrary manner and it should not be subjective and according to the private opinion and/or the whims and fancies of the persons in power and/or the public servants, it said.

Referring to the power under the CrPC on setting aside of criminal proceedings, the verdict said it is trite that the power of quashing should be exercised sparingly and with circumspection and in rare cases.

"As per settled proposition of law while examining an FIR/complaint quashing of which is sought, the court cannot embark upon any enquiry as to the reliability or genuineness of allegations made in the FIR/complaint, the 25-page judgment read.

Referring to judgments, it said the power to quash a criminal case is very wide and hence, such an authority requires the courts to be more cautious and it casts an onerous and more diligent duty on them.

"Quashing of a complaint/FIR should be an exception rather than any ordinary rule. Normally the criminal proceedings should not be quashed in exercise of powers under Section 482 CrPC when after a thorough investigation the chargesheet has been filed. At the stage of discharge and/or considering the application under Section 482 CrPC, the courts are not required to go into the merits of the allegations and/or evidence in detail as if conducting the mini-trial, it said.

The verdict came on an appeal of the state government against the judgment of the high court which had quashed the criminal proceedings against the three accused.

(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], December 11 (ANI): Fifteen European Union (EU) countries on Thursday decided to resettle 40,000 Afghan refugees in order to prevent irregular immigration of these people.

Commissioner of home affairs of the EU Ylva Johansson said that 15 member countries of the union have decided to resettle 40,000 Afghan refugees, reported Khaama Press.

Also Read | China's Real Estate Collapse Trigger Financial Meltdown Like US Subprime Crisis?.

Johansson after meeting interior ministers of the countries said that this is impressive solidarity and the more controlled way of resettling Afghans will prevent irregular immigration of these people.

As per statistics, Germany will host 25,000 Afghans, the Netherlands 3,159, Spain and France 2,500 each, and the rest of the countries in the lower number, reported Khaama Press.

Also Read | UNHCR Expresses Concern About Rapid Migration Under Taliban Rule in Afghanistan.

It comes after tens of thousands of Afghans mostly youths are taking dangerous ways to get to Europe through Iran and Turkey that often leading to the deaths of these asylum seekers.

There are now an estimated 85,000 Afghans who have gotten closer to the European borders and approximately the same number are waiting to find a way to get out of the country after the Taliban's takeover on 15 August, reported Khaama Press.

Earlier, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has asked the EU to accept 42,500 Afghans over five years but the request was resisted by the countries. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Washington, Dec 11 (AP) For many rioters who stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, self-incriminating messages, photos and videos that they broadcast on social media before, during and after the insurrection are influencing even their criminal sentences.

Earlier this month, U.S. District Judge Amy Jackson read aloud some of Russell Peterson's posts about the riot before she sentenced the Pennsylvania man to 30 days imprisonment. Overall I had fun lol, Peterson posted on Facebook.

Also Read | Phoenix Zoo in Arizona Vaccinates 75 Animals Against COVID-19: Media Reports.

The judge told Peterson that his posts made it extraordinarily difficult for her to show him leniency.

The 'lol' particularly stuck in my craw because, as I hope you've come to understand, nothing about January 6th was funny, Jackson added. No one locked in a room, cowering under a table for hours, was laughing.

Also Read | US Tornado: At Least 4 Dead in Windstorm; Amazon Warehouse Roof Collapses in Illinois.

Among the biggest takeaways so far from the Justice Department's prosecution of the insurrection is how large a role social media has played, with much of the most damning evidence coming from rioters' own words and videos.

FBI agents have identified scores of rioters from public posts and records subpoenaed from social media platforms. Prosecutors use the posts to build cases. Judge now are citing defendants' words and images as factors weighing in favor of tougher sentences.

As of Friday, more than 50 people have been sentenced for federal crimes related to the insurrection. In at least 28 of those cases, prosecutors factored a defendant's social media posts into their requests for stricter sentences, according to an Associated Press review of court records.

Many rioters used social media to celebrate the violence or spew hateful rhetoric. Others used it to spread misinformation, promote baseless conspiracy theories or play down their actions. Prosecutors also have accused a few defendants of trying to destroy evidence by deleting posts.

Approximately 700 people have been charged with federal crimes related to the riot. About 150 of them have pleaded guilty. More than 20 defendants have been sentenced to jail or prison terms or to time already served behind bars. Over a dozen others received home confinement sentences.

Rioters' statements, in person or on social media, aren't the only consideration for prosecutors or judges. Justice Department sentencing memos say defendants also should be judged by whether they engaged in any violence or damaged property, whether they destroyed evidence, how long they spent inside the Capitol, where they went inside the building and whether they have shown sincere remorse.

Prosecutors recommended probation for Indiana hair salon owner Dona Sue Bissey, but Judge Tanya Chutkan sentenced her to two weeks in jail for her participation in the riot. The judge noted that Bisssey posted a screenshot of a Twitter post that read, This is the First time the U.S. Capitol had been breached since it was attacked by the British in 1814.

When Ms. Bissey got home, she was not struck with remorse or regret for what she had done, Chutkan said. She is celebrating and bragging about her participation in what amounted to an attempted overthrow of the government.

FBI agents obtained a search warrant for Andrew Ryan Bennett's Facebook account after getting a tip that the Maryland man live-streamed video from inside the Capitol. Two days before the riot, Bennett posted a Facebook message that said, You better be ready chaos is coming and I will be in DC on 1/6/2021 fighting for my freedom!.

Judge James Boasberg singled out that post as an aggravating factor weighing in favor of house arrest instead of a fully probationary sentence.

The cornerstone of our democratic republic is the peaceful transfer of power after elections, the judge told Bennett. What you and others did on January 6th was nothing less than an attempt to undermine that system of government.

Senior Judge Reggie Walton noted that Lori Ann Vinson publicly expressed pride in her actions at the Capitol during television news interviews and on Facebook.

I understand that sometimes emotions get in the way and people do and say stupid things, because it was ridiculous what was said. But does that justify me giving a prison sentence or a jail sentence? That's a hard question for me to ask, Walton said.

In the case of Felipe Marquez, the judge found social media posts belied serious mental health issues that needed treatment rather than incarceration. Marquez recorded cellphone videos of himself with other rioters inside the office of Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore. Back at home in Florida, Marquez posted a YouTube video in which he rapped about his riot experience to the tune of Shaggy's It Wasn't Me. with lyrics that included, We even fist-bumped police, and We were taking selfies.

In the video, Marquez wore a T-shirt that said, Property of FBI.

Prosecutors had recommended a four-month jail sentence, but U.S. District Judge Rudolph Contreras sentenced him instead to three months of home confinement with mental-health treatment, followed by probation.

I do think you have some serious issues you need to address. That played a large role in my sentencing decision," he said.

Prosecutors asked for a one-month jail sentence for Vinson, but the judge sentenced the Kentucky nurse to five years of probation and ordered her to pay a USD5,000 fine and perform 120 hours of community service.

Judge Jackson gave Andrew Wrigley a history lesson before she sentenced the Pennsylvania man to 18 months of probation. Wrigley posted a photo on social media of him holding a 1776 flag during the riot. The judge said the gesture didn't honor the nation's founders.

The point of 1776 was to let the people decide who would rule them. But the point of the attack on the Capitol was to stop that from happening," Jackson said. "The point of the attack on the Capitol was to subvert democracy, to substitute the will of the people with the will of the mob.

Videos captured New Jersey gym owner Scott Fairlamb punching a police officer outside the Capitol. His Facebook and Instagram posts showed he was prepared to commit violence in Washington, D.C., and had no remorse for his actions, prosecutors said.

Senior Judge Royce Lamberth said other rioters in Fairlamb's position would be well advised to join him in pleading guilty.

You couldn't have beat this if you went to trial on the evidence that I saw, Lamberth said before sentencing Fairlamb to 41 months in prison.

But it worked to the advantage of one. Virginia charter boat captain Jacob Hiles likely avoided a stricter sentence by posting videos and photos of him and his cousin at the Capitol. A day after the riot, Hiles received a private Facebook message from a Capitol police officer who said he agreed with Hiles' political stance and encouraged him to delete his incriminating posts, according to prosecutors.

The officer, Michael Angelo Riley, deleted his communications with Hiles, but investigators recovered the messages from Hiles' Facebook account, prosecutors said. Riley was indicted in October on obstruction charges.

On Monday, Jackson sentenced Hiles to two years of probation. Prosecutors said the case against Riley may have been impossible without Hiles' cooperation. (AP)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Berlin, Dec 11 (AP) Party delegates from Germany's center-left Social Democrats, the senior partner in the country's new coalition government, elected three top officials on Saturday just days after its candidate, Olaf Scholz, became Germany's ninth post-World War II chancellor.

The developments this week have opened a new era for the European Union's most populous nation and largest economy after Angela Merkel's 16-year tenure at its helm.

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Scholz' government is composed of his center-left Social Democrats, the environmentalist Greens and the pro-business Free Democrats.

Lars Klingbeil, 43, the former Social Democrats' secretary general, was elected co-party leader at the mostly digital party convention with 86.3% of the vote, along with the 60-year-old party leader Saskia Esken, who got 76.7%, the German news agency dpa reported. It is not unusual in Germany to have parties led by co-leaders.

Also Read | Phoenix Zoo in Arizona Vaccinates 75 Animals Against COVID-19: Media Reports.

The former head of the party's youth wing, 32-year-old Kevin Kuhnert, was elected with 77.8% as the party's new secretary general, its third position.

Esken was first elected as party leader two years ago when she led together with Norbert Walter-Borjans, who did not run again this time.

At Saturday's convention, Klingbeil, told the roughly 600 delegates we've unleashed this country after 16 years, and we've unleashed it from the mustiness of the conservatives, and recalled the party's long polling slump.

We were written off, we were pitied, he said. But we never gave up, never, at any time.

Klingbeil added that the victory in Germany's federal election was a great opportunity to shape a social democratic decade.

His co-leader Esken told the delegates we will change this country, we will strengthen it, and we will make it more just. (AP)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Dhaka, December 11: On World Human Rights Day, activists and NGOs in Bangladesh raised serious concerns over the human rights violations in China, Pakistan, and other parts of the world.

On December 10, 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was declared by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

Also Read | Earthquake in Afghanistan: Quake of Magnitude 4.3 Hits Fayzabad.

Bangladesh Social Activists Forum organised a "horse carts rally" to protest against human rights violations throughout the world, especially to highlight the condition of Uyghurs in China and people in Pakistan's Balochistan.

The horse cart rally moved around Dhaka to spread awareness and highlight the significance of World Human Rights Day. The carts moved around from National Press Club to Dhaka University, Shahbagh, Karwan Bazar, Banglamator, Magbazar, Kakrail, Vijaynagar and Paltan in front of the DMP Commissioner's Office, and distributed pamphlets to raise awareness.

Also Read | World Bank Donors Approve Release of USD 280 Million for Afghanistan.

Bharat Bangladesh Sampreeti Sangsad (BBSS) Welfare Association organised a cycle rally to mark the occasion where media workers, leaders of various organizations, students from schools, colleges and universities were present.

They strongly condemned and protested against the extreme human rights abuses that are taking place in Xinjiang and Balochistan. The association also demanded protection of the rights of the Baloch and Sindhi people requesting intervention through the United Nations.

Confidence Poverty Alleviation Welfare Organization (CPAWO) led also organised a rally in front of Hadith Park in Khulnam, demanding the implementation of global human rights. They highlighted the recent killing of a Sri Lankan national who was lynched and then set on fire in Sialkot alleging blasphemy.

Jongibad Pratiroadh Andolan Bangladesh (JPAB) organised another event where a rally was organized in front of the Chittagong Press Club to protest against the brutality of the Pakistan army in Balochistan and persecution of Uyghur Muslims in China.

Mohsin Kazi, Joint Secretary General of Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists and Executive Editor of Daily Satyabani was the chief guest at the event. He also addressed the rally.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Islamabad [Pakistan], December 11 (ANI): A Pakistani policeman was killed on Saturday after gunmen attacked a polio team in the country's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province (KP). The Pakistani Taliban has claimed the attack, reported local media.

The incident took place in Tank, Dera Ismail Khan district of KP. Armed men came on a motorcycle and attacked the polio security team, killing one security official and injuring another, reported Geo News. The security officer was assigned to protect the Polio team.

Also Read | US Tornado: At Least 4 Dead in Windstorm; Amazon Warehouse Roof Collapses in Illinois.

District Police Officer Sajjad Ahmed has said that they have launched a search operation to find the armed men, who had fled the scene.

The Pakistani Taliban (Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan), which announced the termination of ceasefire with the government on Friday, has claimed the attack.

Also Read | Christmas Traditions Around the World: From Bad Santa in Austria to Steamy Sauna in Finland, As You Celebrate December 25, 2021, Know Weirdest X-Mas Celebrations.

Armed men targeting Polio teams in Pakistan is not new. Extremist groups often target polio teams and security assigned to protect them, claiming the vaccination campaigns are a conspiracy to sterilise children, reported Geo News. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Khost [Afghanistan], December 11 (ANI): United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on Friday announced to distribute USD 3 million for the displaced people from Waziristan in Khost province.

Afghan representative of UNHCR in Khost province said that they will distribute the money to the displaced people from Waziristan of Pakistan and they will be given food ingredients and fuel in the winter season, reported Khaama Press.

Also Read | China's Real Estate Collapse Trigger Financial Meltdown Like US Subprime Crisis?.

This is the first year the people will receive cash. UNHCR said that they will be given the money to over eight thousand families to address their needs in winter.

Local authorities of UNHCR said that USD 345 will be given to each family that has a Pakistani ID.

Also Read | UNHCR Expresses Concern About Rapid Migration Under Taliban Rule in Afghanistan.

They also said that UNHCR will give people extra cash who are willing to return to Waziristan, reported Khaama Press.

Thousands of families crossed Durand Line to Khost province after the Pakistani army launched large-scale operations in Waziristan and the families are still living in the province bordering Pakistan. (ANI)

(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], December 11 (ANI/Sputnik): The US Department of State has launched the DisinfoHacks project in Greece to counter "Russian disinformation," and the American ambassador to Greece, Geoffrey Pyatt, gave a speech at the ceremony.

"Just last week, Secretary of State [Antony] Blinken, my boss, was here in Europe for the NATO and OSCE ministerial.

Also Read | Phoenix Zoo in Arizona Vaccinates 75 Animals Against COVID-19: Media Reports.

He publicly highlighted what he called a massive Russian disinformation campaign' underway to try to convince people that Ukraine poses a threat to Russia and is somehow seeking confrontation with its much larger neighbour.

"This disinformation is part of the Kremlin toolkit to justify aggression and a potential invasion," Pyatt said on Friday, as quoted by the official website of the US Embassy in Greece, and added that disinformation has become one of the major challenges for democracies.

Also Read | US Tornado: At Least 4 Dead in Windstorm; Amazon Warehouse Roof Collapses in Illinois.

The ambassador noted that the project was designed to support democracy, suppress malicious cyberactivity, and counter authoritarianism. DisinfoHacks is funded by the US State Department's Global Engagement Center, according to the diplomat.

Pyatt served as the US ambassador to Ukraine when the country saw a coup d'etat in 2014, and he was an active supporter of the regime change.

Over the past several weeks, Kyiv and some Western countries have accused Russia of massing troops near its border with Ukraine. Moscow, for its part, rejected the accusations and alleged that the West wants to use them as an excuse to deploy NATO military equipment near the Russian border. (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)
X-mas in India usually is synonymous with the streets and shopping malls decorated with X-mas trees, light bulbs, decorations, big shopping discounts, exchanging gifts, rum bottles, raisin cakes and some amazing parties. Illuminated churches and midnight masses on X-mas eve are a common sight. Surprising as it seems, some countries around the world have a drastically different way of celebrating traditional X-mas. Christmas Traditions Around the World: From the Consoada Feast in Portugal to Eating KFC Fried Chicken in Japan on December 25, Here Are Ways People Celebrate X-mas.

Bad Santa  Austria

Austrians believe in a ghoulish creature called 'Krampus', the evil accomplice of St Nicholas, who wanders the streets in search of badly behaved children. During the month of December, it is hilarious to see terrifying masked figures out in the open scaring kids and adults alike with frightening pranks.

Uncle SAM as Uncle Santa - Japan

In 1974, American fast food chain KFC released a festive marketing campaign in Japan. With a simple slogan "Kurisumasu ni wa kentakkii!" (Kentucky for Christmas!). KFC unknowingly gave rise to an unexpected national tradition that is celebrated to this day. Although Xmas isn't a national holiday in Japan, families from all over the country head to their local KFC outlet for a special Christmas Eve meal.

Cartoon Day - Sweden

Every Xmas, families in Sweden gather around the television at 3pm sharp to watch Donald Duck wish Sweden a Merry Christmas". The natives plan Xmas around the television special, and more than 40% of Sweden's population still tune in religiously like clockwork. This tradition dates back to the 1960s when televisions were just introduced and only one out of the only 2 TV channels played Disney cartoons during Christmas. Definitely unconventional and a little childish, but a whole nation coming together to watch Christmas cartoons is as festive as it gets.

Steamy Sauna  Finland

Owing to the weather, mostly all homes in Finland come equipped with their own sauna. On Christmas Eve, it's customary for the Finnish to strip naked and take a long (being decreet here) stint in the sauna, which is also believed to be home to the legendary sauna 'elf'. After the sauna session, Finns head out to the evening celebrations in high spirits (of course). No better way to begin your Xmas Day is there.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 11, 2021 12:40 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Save the Redwoods League today announced it has secured a rare opportunity to purchase and permanently protect the 3,181-acre Lost Coast Redwoods property, which spans five miles of rugged, undeveloped Northern California coastline in Mendocino County. The League has negotiated an agreement to buy the ecologically and culturally significant coastal landscape from timberland owner Soper Company. The nonprofit must raise $36.9 million by December 31 to fund the purchase and secure a total of $43.4 million to support the stewardship of the property as part of the protected mosaic of California's famed Lost Coast. Every donation made before the December 31 deadline, up to a total of $1 million, will be matched dollar-for-dollar.

READ ALSO: California's Famous Giant Sequoia Trees Face Threats as Wildfires Continue

"The Lost Coast Redwoods property is the largest privately-owned California coastline in the coast redwood range and the League's highest priority land acquisition," said Sam Hodder, president and CEO of Save the Redwoods League. "The property's expansive redwood forest, spanning 5 miles of spectacular California coastline, was under direct threat of accelerated harvesting or development. We must act quickly to ensure these mature second-growth redwoods continue on a path to becoming an old-growth redwood forest for future generations."

Lost Coast Redwoods: A Conservation Priority

Soper Company originally purchased the Lost Coast Redwoods property, known to the timberland owner as DeVilbiss Ranch, for its unique coastal presence. The company has utilized the property for timber production since 1963.

Most of the property had been aggressively logged in prior decades, and the Soper Company focused its work subsequently on developing a sustainably managed redwood forest. It was the first California timber company to practice sustainable forestry through ethical stewardship, and it led the timber industry in science-based innovation and land management practices that foster sustainable forests and healthy salmon habitats. Soper Company was also the first California-based timber company to plant one million trees.

"This sale represents a unique opportunity to purchase more than 5 miles of California coastline inclusive of beaches, trails, open space, streams and a high concentration of quality timber," said Aric Starck, executive chairman of Soper Company. "We are pleased to partner on this acquisition with Save the Redwoods League."

Much of the property's 2,250-acre forest is now home to second-growth coast redwoods, Douglas-fir and grand fir, ranging in age from 80 to 100 years, with large, old-growth trees scattered throughout. The forested hillsides overlook coastal prairies and steep bluffs that lead down to a vast secluded beach and seascape.

Zoned for timber and agricultural management, the Lost Coast Redwoods property contains large trees that amount to millions of board feet of high-quality timber. Given its proximity to Highway 1 and well-maintained interior roads, the land faced an immediate threat of aggressive logging if acquired by another buyer that does not share the Soper Company's value of sustainable management.

"We are thrilled to work with Soper Company and appreciate having the opportunity to acquire this special place," Hodder said. "This acquisition is a rare moment, indeed: We have the chance to save a quintessential piece of the California coast for future generations. Had this deal gone another way, this property would be under direct and immediate threat of accelerated redwood harvesting. This forested landscape needs to continue to heal and be protected forever."

Protections for Imperiled Species Habitat and Important Waterways

The property supports abundant habitat for coho salmon and steelhead trout, culturally and ecologically important species that are protected under the Endangered Species Act. Cottaneva and Dunn Creeks traverse the property, and both have been identified by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife as critical habitat for spawning and rearing juvenile fish. These streams, which Soper helped to restore, also provide habitat for other plant and animal species of special concern, such as seaside bittercress, Whitney's farewell to spring, Point Reyes horkelia, foothill yellow-legged frog, Pacific tailed frog, red-bellied newt and southern torrent salamander.

The forest on the Lost Coast Redwoods property provides suitable habitat for the northern spotted owl, marbled murrelet and Pacific fisher - all of which are listed under the Endangered Species Act. This property is also home to Roosevelt elk, black-tailed deer and mountain lions.

Offshore, the recently designated Double Cone Rock State Marine Reserve buffers this sensitive coastline and protects sea lions and other marine life along the five miles of undeveloped beach. The islands just offshore, including Vizcaino Rock, support more than 11,500 nesting sea birds.

Expanded Future Public Access

Lost Coast Redwoods is adjacent to the League's Shady Dell property and within a quarter-mile of its Cape Vizcaino property. This connectivity offers the potential for the League and its partners to extend the famed Lost Coast Trail southward 5 miles from Shady Dell.

If the League is successful in raising the funds to purchase the Lost Coast Redwoods property, it will survey the landscape and begin to consider options and potential routes for a new trail and future public access. This work would advance the League's mission to provide all people with opportunities to experience the peace and beauty of the redwoods.

History of the Lost Coast Redwoods Property

Lost Coast Redwoods is in a place where the traditional territories of the Sinkyone, Cahto and Coast Yuki peoples converge. For millennia, these tribal nations have maintained relationships of reciprocity with the landscapes and seascapes of their traditional territories, thus enabling biological diversity and abundance. In the mid-1800s, they were subjected to genocide and forced removal by European American settlers. Tribal nations of this region remain connected to their territories and are revitalizing their roles of traditional guardianship and stewardship.

For more than 100 years, the Lost Coast Redwoods property has been managed for commercial timber, and it is currently zoned for timber and agricultural management. The DeVilbiss family established a ranch here in the late 19th century, and Soper Company has managed the property for timber production since 1963.

Funding the Protection of Lost Coast Redwoods

Save the Redwoods League has secured an agreement to purchase the Lost Coast Redwoods property for $36.9 million and is seeking to raise a total of $43.4 million in support of the acquisition and stewardship of the property. The League is pursuing contributions and financing toward the purchase by December 31, 2021, and will continue fundraising to support the remaining acquisition and stewardship costs in 2022.

The League has already secured more than $10 million in private donations for this project. The public can learn more about Lost Coast Redwoods and donate to support its protection and stewardship on the Save the Redwoods League website. Every donation, up to a total of $1 million, will be matched dollar-for-dollar by Ralph Eschenbach and Carol Joy Provan, honorary chairs for the Forever Forest Campaign through the end of the year.

Lost Coast Redwoods is an initiative of Forever Forest: The Campaign for the Redwoods, a comprehensive campaign launched by Save the Redwoods League in January 2020 to garner support for the organization's ambitious vision for the next century of redwoods conservation. The League's goal is to raise $120 million by March 2022 to fund the first years of this centennial vision, which includes protecting entire landscapes through large-scale, strategic land acquisitions; restoring young redwood forests to become the old-growth forests of the future; and connecting all people with the beauty and power of the redwoods through transformational park experiences.

RELATED ARTICLE: Redwood Trees in California State Park Shows Signs of Life Following Wildfires
The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday decided not to block a Texas abortion law that prohibits most abortions after six weeks. However, the Supreme Court opened an opportunity for abortion providers to sue the law in lower courts.

The Supreme Court ruling gained approval from anti-abortion groups, while abortion rights advocates expressed concern, according to an AFP News report.

Amy Hagstrom Miller, president and CEO of Whole Woman's Health, said that the decision of the Supreme Court is not okay. Hagstrom added that it is "unjust, cruel, and inhumane."

Miller's group filed a suit against the law with abortion clinics in Texas.

Marjorie Dannenfelser lauded the decision of the court, allowing the Texas law to remain in force as of now.

She is the president of the anti-abortion group Susan B. Anthony List

Dannenfelser said that the law saves the lives of unborn children and protects mothers while litigation continues in lower courts.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton described the decision as a "huge win."

On the other hand, U.S. President Joe Biden noted that he was "very concerned" that the Supreme Court allowed the Texas law to remain.

The president said in a statement that he will always stand with women to protect and defend the long-recognized, constitutional right.

READ NEXT: U.S. Pres. Joe Biden Returns Land to Texas Family After It Was Seized for Construction of Border Wall

Supreme Court Ruling on Texas Abortion Law

The Texas law depend on the public reporting of incidents rather than the authorities to sue those suspected of providing abortion or aiding in the service, according to The Guardian report.

The Supreme Court's opinion was written by Justice Neil Gorsuch. He makes clear that the court, in this case, was not addressing the issue of abortion rights per se or if the Texas abortion law was consistent with existing federal law.

Abortion providers alleged that the law, also known as Senate Bill 8, has already had a direct effect on their day-to-day operations.

Marc A. Hearron, a lawyer who argued on behalf of the abortion providers, noted that even a successful lawsuit against state licensing officials would also provide clinics limited relief from the effects of the law, according to The New York Times report.

Justice Gorsuch said that there were other ways to challenge the law beyond suing state officials in federal court.

However, the ruling of the Supreme Court does not note whether the majority of the court sees the law as unconstitutional.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has yet to rule in the Mississippi case, which is a direct challenge to the right to abortion established in 1973 in Roe.

Roe v. Wade is a legal case that decided state regulation on abortion is unconstitutional.

The Texas abortion law was believed to defy the Roe ruling as it bans abortions once cardiac activity can be detected, which is commonly found in six weeks of pregnancy.

A Texas state district court judge ruled that SB 8 violates the state constitutions as it's the law authorizes private citizens to enforce the law, according to a CNBC report.

The state judge noted that it was an "unlawful delegation" of exercise of power to a private citizen.

READ MORE: Biden Administration Owes More Than $200,000 to a Texas Hospital Treating Migrant Children

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

WATCH: Supreme Court rules abortion providers can challenge Texas abortion law - from CBS News






Criminal charges are being prepared against El Salvador's Deputy Justice Minister Osiris Luna along with another senior official.

United States official accused the two of creating a secret pact with gangs during rising tensions between Washington and El Salvador President Nayib Bukele's administration, according to a Reuters report.

The U.S. Justice Department task force is preparing the indictments of the two El Salvador officials. A Bukele ally, Carlos Marroquin, was also seen to be facing charges.

Marroquin is the chairman of the Social Fabric Reconstruction Unit.

Luna and Marroquin faced sanctions from the U.S. Treasury and Wednesday after accusation of cutting a deal with Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18 gangs.

The deal was done in an effort to reduce violence, in exchange the El Salvador government would receive political backing by providing easier prison conditions and financial benefits for gang members.

However, the El Salvador president has repeatedly denied that his government had cut a deal with any gangs and condemned the sanctions.

The U.S. government is eyeing to prosecute for a wide range of crimes committed abroad, which included acts committed by or against American citizens.

MS-13 has been determined as a terrorist group by El Salvador while U.S. prosecutors have said that the gang leaders had done terrorist acts.

READ NEXT: DEA Agent Who Conspired With Colombian Drug Cartel Gets 12 Years in Prison

El Salvador Officials Deal With Gang Leaders

The Treasury Department's statement said in 2020 that the negotiations happened with Luna and Marroquin and the gang leaders.

The gang leaders' part of the deal was reported to provide support to the Nuevas Ideas political party in upcoming elections, according to The Guardian report.

Luna and Marroquin allegedly led, facilitated, and organized a number of secret meetings involving incarcerated gang leaders, wherein known gang members were allowed to enter the prison facilities and meet with senior gang leadership.

Gang members also gained financial benefits with the deal. Imprisoned leaders have special treatment, including access to mobile phones and sex workers.

El Salvador mocked the report through a tweet, saying "Cell phones and prostitutes in the prisons? Money to the gangs? When did that happen?"

Bukele added in a tweet that how can people put out an obvious lie without anyone questioning its validity, according to an Associated Press News report.

Luna and his mother, Alma Yanira Meza Olivares, also allegedly put in motion a ploy to embezzle millions of dollars from the prison system.

They were also allegedly stealing pandemic relief supplies and re-selling the stolen supplies to the government.

The U.S. Agency for International Development noted that it would redirect its aid in El Salvador to non-governmental organizations.

In June, the new attorney general announced the cancellation of the Organization of American States anti-corruption mission in El Salvador.

Bukele's Chief of Staff Carolina Recinos was also accused by the U.S. government as a corrupt official after Recinos was included in the list of allegedly corrupt officials in Central America.

A U.S. top diplomat in El Salvador announced her resignation from her post last month, saying Bukele's government has no interest in improving the bilateral relationship.

READ MORE: Colombia's Most-Wanted Drug Lord Dairo Antonio Usuga Arrested; Pres. Ivan Duque Likened It to Capture of Pablo Escobar

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

WATCH: El Salvador seeks to reform gang members - from Al Jazeera English






A university student in Florida has been arrested after allegedly sharing in a Snapchat group his plotted mass shooting on his campus using a folding gun.

According to The Hill via Yahoo News, Florida police arrested the student who allegedly planned the school shooting after two other students of the university reported the concerning messages he made on the popular social media apps.

Florida Student Arrested After Plotting a Mass Shooting on the University Where He Studies

Authorities said they executed the immediate arrest as the student's plan could have resulted in another tragedy just over a week after the Michigan high school shooting.

According to New York Post, the Daytona Beach Police Department arrested 19-year-old student John Hagins at his apartment near the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University campus early Thursday morning.

Hagins would be transferred to Volusia County Jail after processing. He is being held without bond and is scheduled to appear before a judge for an arraignment on Friday.

READ NEXT: 4 California Children, Grandmother Shot to Death by 29-Year-Old Father

Mass Shooting in Florida University Stopped by Police After Receiving a Tip From Suspect's Classmates

Police said John Hagins had allegedly planned to carry out the mass shooting on Friday, the final day of classes before the university's winter break.

Authorities noted that they were able to foil the student's plan after some of his classmates alerted campus security about his threatening messages on Snapchat.

In the messages, the suspect allegedly revealed his plans to smuggle the folding gun and hundreds of rounds of ammunition to the university by putting them inside his backpack.

Police said they found the gun, ammunition, and backpack inside Hagins' apartment. Hagins allegedly sold his car to purchase the firearm and ammunition.

The police have yet to determine how long the student had been hatching his alleged plan. Investigators were still trying to determine the motive for the shooting plot.

But they noted that John Hagins was in danger of failing classes and received a traffic violation on campus on Wednesday.

In a news conference, Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young likened Hagins' plan to the 1999 school shooting at Columbine High School, which left 13 people dead.

The Daytona Beach police chief emphasized the importance of the two students reporting Hagins to law enforcement before he committed any violence.

Young said it was the way of combating what the country is currently experiencing. The police chief noted that most people who carry out shootings like this have friends and relatives who know their plans.

However, Young said they failed to bring it to the authorities' attention most of the time.

"So the credit truly goes to those two students that stepped up, came forward and brought this to our attention," he noted.

Young said Hagins "has already confessed" about his plan. He noted that the suspect "may want to claim it was all a joke," and he was not serious about it. But he said they do not find "anything funny about discussing a mass shooting on campus."

Due to his alleged plan to carry out a mass shooting, the Florida student has been charged with written threats to injure or kill, terrorism, and attempted first-degree homicide.

READ MORE: California Man Kills Himself Using Guillotine; Discovery of His Remains Lead to Squatter's Arrest For Tampering of Evidence

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Jess Smith

WATCH: Student Arrested for an Alleged Mass Shooting Plot - From ABC News
Florida man Alex Griswold said that social media platform TikTok has saved his life after viewers had spotted markings on his back, which turned out to be cancerous moles.

Griswold is a 25-year-old software developer and content creator from Florida. According to Daily Mail, he posted a video of his wife rubbing his shirtless back in 2019, which prompted two viewers to message him and advise him to get his two moles checked out.

Griswold, who has more than 3.5 million followers on TikTok, later updated his followers on the situation and said the moles were turning into skin cancer.

The Florida man said his fans likely saved his life. He noted that he had never thought about seeing a dermatologist regarding the big moles on his back.

But Griswold said he decided to err on the side of caution and booked an appointment with a dermatologist, wherein his doctor agreed that the moles "might be skin cancer."

He noted that it was removed, and it was confirmed that the moles were actually turning into skin cancer after being sent to a lab for testing.

READ NEXT: TikTok User Fat Trophy Wife Says She Was Removed From Alaska Airlines Flight for Wearing Crop Top

TikTok and the Florida Man's Cancerous Mole

Alex Griswold said in a viral 2020 TikTok video about the development that the doctor told him that whoever told him about the moles had likely saved his life, the New York Post reported.

The clip, showing where the now-removed moles were on Griswold's back, has since been viewed more than 5.8 million times and has garnered over 1.5 million likes.

One person commented that the social media platform was "really out here saving lives." During his six-month routine check-up, Griswold found out that he had another mole and had it removed, according to We Got This Covered.

He shared the experience in another TikTok video. Griswold said he has been taking better care of his skin and overall health since then.

The Florida man noted that his doctor told him that he would have to continuously monitor his skin since he had already shown signs of atypical moles in the past.

Griswold said he is much more conscious of wearing sunscreen now and making sure that he is not careless when spending lots of time in the sun.

Griswold noted that he knows the video has provided help for others. He added that some people have reached out to him to let him know that they have also had moles removed after watching the video.

TikTok Videos Save Lives

In early November, a 61-year-old man had abducted a 16-year-old girl in North Carolina. As the kidnapper drove the girl around the Midwest, she would repeatedly make a hand gesture toward unassuming cars passing by.

The hand signal is referred to as a signal for help. The girl had learned the sign on TikTok, Florida Today reported. The hand gesture instructs people to show their palm as if to give a high-five, then tuck their thumb into your palm and lower the remaining four fingers over it.

One citizen saw the girl's silent pleas for help right around noon and called 911, saying that the girl may be in danger. He also said he saw the girl mouthing the words "help me."

Because of this, the kidnapper was arrested and charged with several crimes, while the girl was safely returned to her family.

READ MORE: Disturbing TikTok Challenge 'Slap a Teacher' Prompts Warning From California Teachers Association

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

WATCH: Woman Spots Cancerous Mole on TikTok's Alex Griswold's Back - From Inside Edition






An associate of the Jalisco cartel was convicted of dealing methamphetamine out of his car dealership in Texas on Friday.

In a statement, the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas said Marco Antonio Gonzalez, 42, was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, two counts of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon after a four-day trial.

Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported that Gonzalez, an associate of the Jalisco cartel who goes by the nickname "Speedy," dealt methamphetamine between July 2016 and August 2017 out of his Hampton Motors, a car dealership he owned in Dallas, Texas.

According to court documents, Gonzalez and several co-conspirators stored large quantities of narcotics at the dealership and used the money from drug sales to purchase vehicles in order to disguise the source of the funds.

They also allegedly used homes in Dallas and DeSoto to serve as laboratories for the recrystallization of meth and often carried guns on those areas. DEA agents said that members of the Jalisco cartel moved thousands of kilograms of methamphetamine this way.

During the trial, prosecutors revealed that Gonzalez threatened to kill one of his co-conspirators set to testify against him. The co-conspirator still testified against Gonzalez, saying that Gonzalez used his dealership as a front for large-scale drug deals.

Altogether, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported that DEA agents confiscated 750 kilograms of methamphetamine valued at $5 million to $7 million in connection with this case.

Gonzalez, who was also accused of distributing cocaine and marijuana, faces up to life in federal prison when sentenced. The statement said 10 of his co-conspirators pleaded guilty to charges before the trial.

"Today's conviction is an affirmation of DEA resolve to keep methamphetamines out of our communities... Methamphetamine continues to be a significant threat in North Texas. DEA and all our law enforcement partners will continue to hold those like Mr. Gonzalez accountable for their actions," Eduardo A. Chavez, special agent in charge of the DEA Dallas Field Division, said in the statement.

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$5 Million Reward Offered for the Stepson of Jalisco Cartel Boss' El Mencho'

The conviction of the Jalisco cartel associate in Texas came days after the U.S. State Department offered a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to the arrest of the stepson of Jalisco cartel leader Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera.

On December 1, the State Department announced that Juan Carlos Valencia Gonzalez, known by his aliases "El Pelon" and "El R-3," was one of the alleged leaders of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel or Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG).

The department noted that the Jalisco cartel is considered "to be the most violent drug trafficking organization currently operating in Mexico, with the highest cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine trafficking capacity."

In an October 8, 2020 indictment, U.S.-born Valencia Gonzalez has been charged by the U.S. District Court of the District of Columbia with conspiracy and distribution of a controlled substance for unlawful importation to the U.S. and use of a firearm during a narcotics transaction.

El Mencho's stepson has been charged with conspiring to traffic more than five kilograms of cocaine and more than 500 grams of methamphetamine as early as 2007.

Valencia Gonzalez was identified by Mexico's Defense Secretary Luis Cresencio Sandoval as one of the leaders of the Jalisco cartel's "Grupo Elite." The armed wing, formed in 2019, reportedly operates in Zacatecas, Guanajuato, and Michoacan states in Mexico.

Valencia Gonzalez's mother, Rosalinda Gonzalez, is married to El Mencho. Rosalinda was 14 when she gave birth to Valencia Gonzalez. Rosalinda met and fell in love with El Mencho two years later.

Rosalinda and El Mencho eventually got married and had three children, namely Laisha Michelle Oseguera, Ruben Oseguera, and Jessica Johana Oseguera.

The Jalisco Cartel

The Jalisco cartel is currently being led by El Mencho, according to an Insight Crime report. The CJNG came out from the Sinaloa Cartel in 2010 after the death of former Sinaloa Cartel capo Ignacio Coronel, known as "Nacho," who was killed by Mexican security forces.

Nacho's death resulted in the split of the Sinaloa Cartel into two factions - "La Resistencia" and "Torcidos." The "Torcidos" became what is now the Jalisco cartel, which has since expanded rapidly in Mexico.

The CJNG involves itself in many criminal activities, including international drug trafficking. Most recently, the drug cartel got involved in synthetic drugs and powerful opioids like fentanyl.

El Mencho continues to evade capture, and the U.S. government offered a $10 million reward for information leading to his arrest. El Mencho remains to be the most elusive criminal and is reportedly hiding in Mexico.

READ MORE: Fentanyl Enough to Kill 200 Million People Seized in Texas Border This Year Alone

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Written by: Joshua Summers

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It almost beggars belief that Ireland has not completed a territorial just transition plan and accompanying programme to 84.5 from the EU Just Transition Fund, according to Independent TD for Laois-Offaly Carol Nolan who compared the delay to a famous Samuel Beckett play.

Deputy Nolan was speaking after the Minister the Environment, Eamon Ryan, confirmed that work on the draft plan remains incomplete in his Department, despite informing her in July that the plan would be ready for public consultation this Autumn.

It is completely unacceptable that Government and in particular, Minister Ryans department have yet to formulate the draft plan.

"We have to remember that I was told as far back as June 2020 by the former Minister for the Environment, Richard Bruton, that work was underway in developing the plan that would enable us to access 84 million from the EU Just Transition Fund.

"Since then, and this was also confirmed to me in July by Minister Eamon Ryan, his Department has been supported to develop the Territorial Plan through technical assistance under the European Commissions Structural Reform Support Programme," she said.

Dep Nolan said consultants were also selected by the Commission to assist in developing an evidence base to inform the selection of investment priorities for inclusion in the Territorial Plan and they had extensive engagements with national and regional stakeholders to inform their work.

She said these included the Just Transition Commissioner, the Midlands Regional Transition Team, Local Authorities, Regional Assemblies, ICTU, BnM, ESB, relevant Government Departments, NESC, IDA, Enterprise Ireland, Solas and the Education and Training Boards.

Despite all of this engagement, we are now told by Minister Ryan that he only intends to launch a public consultation before the end of the year to inform the further development and finalisation of the plan during the course of 2022.

"At this rate our communities in Offaly, Laois, and beyond who desperately need funding, might as well be Waiting for Godot, concluded Deputy Nolan.
Caroline Flacks mother has said seeing people who were not close to her daughter grieve publicly makes her feel "really hurt".

The Love Island presenter took her own life at the age of 40 in February 2020.

Her mother, Christine Flack, said she expects this Christmas to be challenging.

Caroline Flack

She told The Sun newspaper: Its been worse this year because its become real.

She added: Its hard. I saw someone on the telly this week calling her a friend and it really hurt.

When a death is in the media you cant just grieve quietly. Theres lots of people grieving that dont know her personally, so youre looking after them, as well as all her friends.

Flacks mother and her twin sister, Jody, helped produce the documentary Caroline Flack: Her Life And Death for Channel 4 earlier this year.

The documentary tells the story of her life and death, as well as her mental health issues.

Christine Flack said: There was so much going on last year, with everything, people talking, and that documentary really helped.

Flacks death prompted an outpouring of sorrow from celebrity friends

Before its release, her mother spoke out against social media companies for failing to protect her daughter from abuse on their platforms.

Flack, known for her TV work on shows including Love Island and The X Factor, was found dead at her home in Stoke Newington, north-east London, on February 15 2020.

A coroner ruled she took her own life after learning prosecutors were going to press ahead with an assault charge over an incident with boyfriend Lewis Burton.

Flacks death prompted an outpouring of sorrow from celebrity friends, colleagues and fans, who referenced one of the former Strictly winners social media posts in which she urged people to be kind.

Anyone who needs support should call Samaritans free on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or visit the Samaritans website.
The death has occurred of Patrick (Pat) Doyle of Hyde Road, Prospect, Limerick City. Formerly of Janesboro and Shannon Foundry. Pat passed away peacefully, after a short illness, at University Hospital Limerick. Sadly missed by his loving wife Betty, children Paul, Philip, Martina, Damien, Louise, Robert and Jessica, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brother Gerard, sisters Josephine and Mavis, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and many friends, especially Podger Healy. Reposing at Griffins Funeral Home, Johns Gate on Monday 13th December from 4:30-6pm. Arriving at St. Saviours (Dominican) Church, on Tuesday 14th December for Requiem Mass at 11:30am. Funeral afterwards to Shannon Crematorium. The Funeral Cortege will pass the family home after Mass. (1:15pm Approx.)

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The death has occurred of Noreen (Norah) Henn (nee Hegarty) of Athlunkard Street, Limerick City. Noreen passed away peacefully, in University Hospital Limerick, in the presence of her family. Beloved wife of the late William.Sadly missed by her loving children Veronica and Gerard, daughter-in-law Rose, grandchildren, Will and Fiona, sister Eileen, sister-in-law Peggy, nieces, nephews, relatives, kind neighbours and friends. Funeral arriving at St. Marys Church, Athlunkard Street on Monday, 13th December for Requiem Mass at 1pm. Mass will be streamed live. Burial afterwards in Mount St. Oliver Cemetery. Please follow current guidelines especially regarding hand shaking.

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The death has occurred of Ellen (Terri) McNamara (nee Brosnan) of Brickhill East, Cratloe, Clare. Late of Templeglantine and Sancta Maria Nursing Home. On December 10th 2021, peacefully, in the wonderful care of Sancta Maria Nursing Home, Cratloe. Beloved wife of the late Joe. Dearly loved sister of Margaret and Kay. Deeply regretted by her nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, extended family, neighbours and friends. Requiem Mass for family and close friends will take place in St. Johns Church, Cratloe this Monday (13th December) at 12.30pm followed by burial in Craughaun Cemetery. House strictly private.

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The death has occurred of Mary Moloney (nee Clarke) of Rock Place, Carew Park, Limerick City. Formerly New York and Cavan. Mary peacefully passed away at the Regional Hospital surrounded by her loving family. She is survived by her husband John, children Elizabeth, Johnny, frank, Michael, Eila, Annie and Mary. She is also survived by her brothers, sisters, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sons and daughters in law as well as friends and family too numerous to count. Requiem Mass will take place Tuesday 14th December at 10am in the Holy Family Church Southill. Private cremation for family only will take place afterwards.Please ensure social distancing and public health advice is adhered to at all times. For friends and neighbours who would like to pay their respect Mary's funeral cortege will pass by the family home Tuesday 14th December at 9.40am on route to the Holy Family Church, Southill.

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The death has occurred of Mary O'Dwyer (nee Sampson) of Knockanedoolis, Pallasgreen, Limerick. Mary, predeceased by her husband John (Sean). Sadly missed by her loving family, son Con, daughters Joan and Anna, grandson Eada, brother Ned, sisters in law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. Reposing in Whelan's Funeral Home, Bansha Road, Tipperary Town this Saturday evening from 6.30pm to 7.30pm for family and close friends. Mass for Mary will take place in St. Bridget's Church Templebraden on Sunday 12th December at 2pm and burial afterwards in Templebraden Cemetery.

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The death has occurred of David Smith of Colbert Avenue, Janesboro, Limerick. David Smith died in Milford Care Centre on Friday 10th December 2021. Deeply regretted by his loving wife Fiona. Sadly missed by his loving daughter Niamh and son Darragh, brothers and sisters, step-daughter Sophie and step-son Joseph, brothers in law and sisters in law, extended family and many friends. Requiem Mass will take place on Wednesday 15th December 2021, in Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Janesboro, at 12pm. Cremation afterwards in Shannon Crematorium, Shannon, Co. Clare. Please ensure social distancing and public health advice is adhered to at all times. David's funeral cortege will pass the family home, on route to the church at 11.40am on Wednesday, 15th December 2021.

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A MINUTE book of the Fine Gael Limerick East Constituency Executive, dating back half a century, has been donated to the archive at the National Library of Ireland in Dublin.

It was gifted by Grainne and Rachel, daughters of the late David OKeeffe of the Bruff Branch. The minute book covers the decade 1971  1981.

Mr OKeeffe was actively involved with the Fine Gael party throughout his lifetime and held officer positions at local branch and constituency level as well as a delegate to the National Council.

He was honorary secretary of the Fine Gael Limerick East Constituency Executive in the 1970s and held this minute book in safekeeping for the past 50 years.

Mr OKeeffe always had a great interest in politics and history and his daughters were delighted when the National Library were interested in acquiring the minute book.

He was passionate about Fine Gael and loved history and politics. He held the minute book in safekeeping for half a century and we know he would like this to be preserved for future generations.

We are delighted the minute book will go to a safe home to be preserved in the right environment by professional archivists, and most importantly it will be accessible to the public into the future they said.

Mr OKeeffe passed away in February of this year. The number of people that came out to pay their respects, in a socially distanced manner, as the funeral cortege left his residence to go to Bruff RFC before continuing to St Patrick's and St Brigid's Church reflected his standing in the community.

The minutes recorded during 1971  1981 include discussions on a number of interesting local and national topics. Limerick East TD Tom O'Donnell, Minister for the Gaeltacht and MEP for Munster during that period attended most of the constituency executive meetings to brief constituency delegates on national issues and it makes interesting reading.

Key national topics on the agenda in the early 1970s included the referendums on Accession to the European Communities and Voting Age Reduction from 21 to 18 years. Other topics from the time included the Northern crises, the problems facing the bacon industry in Limerick, American government seeking landing rights at Dublin Airport and impact on Shannon.

Constituency executive meeting agendas focused on planning and organising for upcoming elections, canvassing, manning polling stations on polling day, planning church gate collections, the annual dinner dance at Cruises Hotel, the Ard Fheis and setting up a youth branch in Limerick.

And, of course, the fact that the Limerick East constituency no longer exists adds to their historical value.

The National Library, Kildare Street, Dublin 2, is open, free of charge, to all those who wish to consult the collections. The catalogue is searchable online.
Volvo Car AB, the Swedish car maker, said Friday that it was investigating a cybersecurity breach targeting systems that store research and development files and warned the hack could have an impact on the companys operations.

Volvo, majority-owned by Chinas Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, said the data had been stolen from an unnamed third party, which it said had contacted Volvo about the theft.

Investigations so far confirm that a limited amount of the companys R&D property has been stolen during the intrusion," the car maker said in a statement, adding that based on information it had gathered there may be an impact on the companys operation."

Volvo declined to elaborate about the breach and its possible impact on its business but said that based on current information the safety or security of its customers cars or personal data shouldnt be affected.

Volvo said it was carrying out its own investigation of the breach together with an outside specialist, but didnt elaborate. It said it had taken precautions to prevent further access to its property and notified relevant authorities about the theft.

Cyberattacks on businesses and institutions have accelerated in recent years as companies and government authorities make more internal data accessible online, including by storing it on third-party servers that operate cloud services.

It isnt clear if the party that contacted Volvo is demanding a ransom. So-called ransomware attacks, in which hackers disable an organizations computer systems or encrypt its data and demand a ransom to relinquish control, have accelerated in recent years.

One of the biggest cyberattacks to date occurred this summer when Kaseya VSA, which makes software used by large companies and technology-services providers to manage and distribute software updates to systems on computer networks, was hit by a group of hackers known as REvil. The attack may have affected as many as 40,000 computers world-wide, according to cybersecurity experts.

Auto makers are particularly concerned that the development of computer-driven autonomous vehicles could open the door for hackers to take control of a persons car and cause damage or even the death of passengers or passersby.

In April, cyber experts demonstrated at a tech conference that it was possible to hack a Tesla vehicle and open its locked doors using a drone carrying a Wi-Fi dongle. Tesla responded by issuing a software patch to close the vulnerability.

A report by consulting group McKinsey & Co. in 2020 said that new cars being produced today contain around 100 million lines of computer code, adding that the number could triple by 2030 as autonomous cars and V2X (vehicle to everything) communication over data networks becomes widespread.

This amount of code creates ample opportunity for cyberattacksnot only on the car itself but also on all components of its ecosystem" such as computers storing files in data centers and information technology infrastructure, McKinsey wrote in the report.

Dominic Chopping in Stockholm contributed to this article.

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DETROIT (AP)  General Motors and a joint-venture partner plan to build an electric vehicle battery factory in Lansing, Michigan, their third such factory in the U.S.

The companies' plans were revealed Friday in documents posted on the city's website. They say the plant would cost up to $2.5 billion and employ as many as 1,700 workers.

The factory would be built on the site of GM's Lansing Delta Township Assembly factory, which has been annexed by the city under a revenue-sharing agreement. A joint venture between GM and LG Energy Solution called Ultium Cells LLC would build the plant.

The selection is a big win for Michigan, which missed out on three Ford Motor Co. battery factories and an electric vehicle assembly plant that were placed in Kentucky and Tennessee.

The documents seeking Renaissance Zone and industrial tax breaks say the joint venture is obligating itself to investment and job creation. It says the building and related site improvements would be about 2.5 million square feet (230,000 square meters) with two-thirds of the building being a clean room environment for battery cell manufacturing.

The machinery and equipment consists of electrode mixing, coating, assembly and formation areas, the documents say.

The plants first year of operation would be in 2025. It would start with 750 workers, with 1,700 by the end of 2026.

GM would not comment specifically on the factory's location but said it is developing business cases for potential future investments in Michigan. The company said it is discussing incentives with local officials.

These projects are not approved and securing all available incentives will be critical for any business case to continue moving forward, spokesman Dan Flores said. Im not going to speculate on the timing of when GM leadership will make a decision on potential future investments in Michigan.

The step came as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the state Legislature work to quickly enact economic development incentive bills focused on critical industries and preparing shovel-ready sites for business expansions. It is not clear what new incentives Michigan could offer GM, though it has billions of dollars in federal discretionary pandemic rescue aid and surplus state tax revenues.

A spokesman for the Michigan Economic Development Corp. said it is premature to comment on any potential state support for GM.

Fords decision in September to build electric vehicle and battery plants in southern states was a blow to the nations auto hub, particularly because Ford said Michigan did not have the types of sites it needed.

The Lansing City Council will meet Monday and the following week to approve the tax breaks, president Peter Spadafore said.

Its my understanding theres a competition for a battery plant and Lansing will do everything we can to make sure we are competitive to bring those jobs and billions of dollars of investment to our community, he said.

GM also has applied for tax breaks in Orion Township, Michigan, where a factory that builds the Chevrolet Bolt electric car and SUV is located. The company wants to build an addition to the plant to assemble battery cells into packs that would go into electric vehicles.

This likely means GM plans to designate the Orion plant as its third electric vehicle assembly plant, along with factories in Detroit-Hamtramck, Michigan, and Spring Hill, Tennessee. Flores would not comment beyond the company statement.

The company has said it would spend about $2 billion upgrading factories to build EVs, so that would bring the total new investment in Michigan to about $4.5 billion. Shares of GM closed Friday up 6%, at $63.21.

GM has said the joint venture will build four North American factories to make EV battery cells.

Two other locations have been announced, in Spring Hill and Lordstown, Ohio. The fourth location has not been disclosed.

GM has set a goal of selling only electric passenger vehicles by 2035. The company plans to roll out 30 electric vehicles globally by 2025. It also has pledged to invest $35 billion in electric and autonomous vehicles from 2020 through 2025.

Details of GM's plans come amid a race to build North American battery factories to supply what is expected to be exponentially increasing demand for electric vehicles as the world transitions away from internal combustion engines.

Earlier this week, Toyota announced it would build a $1.3 billion battery plant in North Carolina. Stellantis, formerly Fiat Chrysler, has said it will build two battery plants in North America. Ford announced three plants in Kentucky and Tennessee.

The LMC Automotive consulting firm expects U.S. sales of new fully electric vehicles to hit nearly 400,000 this year, almost double last years figures. They still make up only about 2.6% of sales, but the firm expects sales to grow to more than 730,000 next year and more than 2 million by 2025. Even at 2 million, EV sales still would be only about 12% of U.S. new vehicle sales.

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Eggert reported from Lansing, Michigan.
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In the future, when they talk about performers who did it all the way to the end, they may talk about Michael Nesmith, who died Friday of heart failure at 78. When he enthusiastically pushed to do a Monkees farewell tour this fall with his longtime compatriot Micky Dolenz, he probably had little idea that the end was so close at hand, but certainly he and others knew that the window was closing on how long he had to put himself out in front of fans for any extended trek. Monkees devotees who saw the first few shows on the tour reported some frailty, and yet he seemed to be getting a booster shot night after night, well before the tour ended in triumph at L.A.s Greek just three and a half weeks ago. If anything involving a death could be said to have had something like a fairy-tale ending, this mightve been it.

After Nesmiths death was reported Friday morning, Variety spoke with Andrew Sandoval, who has taken on management duties for the Monkees and also Nesmith as a solo artist for the last decade. His official title with the group has been producer, which has been appropriate enough; he did co-produce the bands studio comeback, Good Times!, five years ago, on top of putting together their touring and other duties. Sandoval, who might be as big a scholar of 1960s pop music as there is, is not your typical manager. Hes also been the groups biggest fan since he discovered them in grade school in the 1970s, years after theyd initially broken up, and he was both their A&R man and an author of books about the band before becoming a crucial force in keeping the surviving members working together over the last decade. If every group had a personally and professionally invested booster like Sandoval, none of them might ever break up.

Sandoval shared his thoughts about the rapprochement that Nesmith had had with the Monkees fan base after seeming to not care about it so much about the old days and ways at various points in his career, and what a heartwarming reunion with the faithful this last swing through the U.S. was. He also spoke frankly about what some might see as Nesmiths peculiarities  from his religiously based distaste for medical care to his perfectionism  and how these co-existed with the songwriting excellence and visionary qualities. Oh, and which Monkee was the wittiest? Sandoval has an opinion on that.

VARIETY: How are you feeling about Michaels death at the moment? And was this a shock, or did everyone know it was coming? Everyone knew he was in fragile health in recent years, and yet it hasnt been a month since the end of the Monkees tour  he was just in the spotlight, and doing well, at the Greek a few weeks ago.

SANDOVAL: Well, its not a total shock, because we anticipated that he would pass at some point, and he has been in the hospital this past week, although he had come home, as were his desires. He passed away at home with his family, in peace. He was raised as a Christian Scientist, and he only sought medical help when it was absolutely necessary or when it was something that he felt still worked with his philosophy.

He had gone on tour, as was his desire and request to me for the last two years. He wanted to wrap up things with the Monkees. He completed very date and did very well, and in fact got quite a bit stronger. He started out the tour where he could only perform sitting down, and then gradually got a cane and was standing up  and then for most of the shows, from about two or three weeks in, he was up for the entire duration of the show. So he gained a lot of strength from the audience and from performing. Lockdown had been tough on him, because he couldnt go many places, and he had sort of atrophied. So there was a real renewal with the tour. And also, he got to reconnect with a lot of friends and his half-sister and family members and other people. It was a great celebration for him, to do what he had done in the past, and do it really well. His final show at the Greek Theatre was before 5,000 people, and it was joy. So it was a very successful tour. He really went out on top, as far as thats concerned.

As a solo artist, he had played to his biggest crowd at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass (in San Francisco) in 2019, and he was going from highlight to highlight, as far as performing. And the Monkees Good Times album (their studio swan song, which went top 20 in 2016)  few other artists of his generation were having that kind of success  and critical success, finally, for the Monkees, where they had been lambasted for decades; they were finally accepted. He died knowing that they were beloved, and he finally embraced what they meant to so many other people. I think he finally got it.

His legacy and his music were being appreciated by more people in so many ways than he ever thought it would be, say, five or 10 years ago. So Im at peace with that aspect of his life. I wish I had more time with him. I spent 30 years off and on working with him, and Im going to miss him so much. I already miss him now. I mean, he was just hilarious to be around  just funny stuff, all the time. You think of the four Monkees and you think, well, who was the funniest guy? And really, in so many ways for me, he was, because his sense of humor was so left-of-center and just got right to the heart of me.

I remember seeing him do a Q&A with Micky ahead of an American Cinematheque screening of Head in Hollywood a couple of years ago, and it was shocking how comfortable he seemed to be embracing the legacy of the Monkees, after all those years in which people felt that, out of all the group members, he was the one where that was really not his thing.

He was really comfortable in the end. He told me in his living room just a few months ago, before the tour, he said, You know, I finally really have come to accept the Monkees music. I really like it now. And it was an amazing moment. I was showing him a reissue of the first Monkees album that had just come out on vinyl. And he was like, This is really beautiful. The people who love this are really going to love this. And he started to see it more through the eyes of his fans, of how they loved it. And that was bringing him a lot of joy at the end of his life. Their joy was coming back on him. He finally really felt that, and it lit him up, you know?

Is it possible to say what his specific infirmities were, or what his cause of death was?

He had serious heart issues and he had quadruple bypass surgery three years ago. We were on tour in 2018, and because of his Christian Scientist beliefs, he wasnt going to see a doctor regularly, but I insisted he see a doctor several times. And the doctors who were looking at him didnt have anything specific to say until we got to Pittsburgh, and then they said, Look, if you go on stage, you might die tonight. And so we pulled down the tour, and he went home. He said, Well, Im not going to get surgery here. If Im going to die, I want to die in California. He went home to California, and he thought about it for some time, and then got medical treatment that he was ready to do when he was ready to do it. I believe that he needed further help with his heart. Ultimately, he declined to go further with what may have been needed, if that (was even) possible. But I cant say for sure what all of his decision-making was, to be honest with you.

You mentioned how difficult it was for him to come back from having been in isolation during COVID. There are a lot of us without his pre-existing health problems who felt like we got something knocked out of us from not being as active as before, so its easy to imagine how hard it would have been for him to go from zero to 70, going into the regimen a tour requires.

It was extraordinarily difficult. He didnt show up for the first three days of pre-production rehearsals. He was fearful that he couldnt make it  and we were all fearful whether we would get sick and die from COVID on this tour. But ultimately it was his desire to want to do it that pushed myself and Micky and the band and the crew to go through with it, because we knew we didnt have that much time with him  that we couldnt postpone it again. We had already postponed the tour from the year previous, and it just felt like: Were going to lose the light here. Were not going to have the time to do it. And he really pushed it through, wanting to be on tour and do as long a tour as we did, which was two and a half months.

No one got sick, and we made it through all the dates. And he went from not being able to walk a few steps to being able to come on and off stage with good ease. And the only reason why I went through the tour was: I visited him for several months prior to the tour and worked with him musically and listened to his voice, and I could hear that his voice was all there, and that when he sang his songs, it would be beautiful. And it was. So once we got down to the business of figuring out how best to help him get on and off stage, we were (up and) away. And after that time-out, moving more and more, he actually got better, not worse. That was heartening. The day that we were finishing the tour in Los Angeles, I looked at a video of him from rehearsal, and we couldnt believe it was the same person, he had changed so much and was looking so much better.

So his death is a shock in that sense, because the tour work was really helping him. But, you know, we couldnt be on tour perpetually. We had to end at some point, you know?

When the tour ended, there was still a cruise booked with some other artists from the era for next year that apparently would have been the final-final show, if all had continued to go well. When you ended the tour, was he in the kind of shape that you had faith that the cruise show could happen?

Yeah. A lot of people were quite cynical about the idea that we had added this cruise thing, because they had assumed the Greek Theatre was the last-ever date. But it was just the last date on our schedule. And this past week when he was ill, he continued to ask about doing other dates: Well, are we going to do this? Because we were going to do that (cruise) and do a few of the makeup dates, like Savannah, Georgia, a date that we got shut down on because the local municipality said you cant have more than 500 people together, and wed sold more than 500 tickets. So the idea of performing and being in front of people was keeping him alive, or giving him more reason, and so I felt no need to shut it down. I thought leaving it as an option was a positive thing, and when the offer came up for the cruise, he was quite excited about it, because he had never done anything like that and thought it would be kind of fun. So we put it on the schedule and hoped for the best. And unfortunately, things declined.

Were you feeling that the end was probably at hand, recently, based on what was happening that you knew of?

I was aware that he was quite ill the last several days, and I knew that he was going to be passing. But its only been this past week. It wasnt a situation where I was aware that he was going to die during the tour or anything like that. We would not have gone through with what we did if we had felt that way.

But we did feel like we were playing out his ultimate desire to do things. And Micky was certainly supportive of him in wanting to be his partner and doing it. People that got to see the shows I think really, really got a lot out of it. It was a really intimate show. And in traditional Monkees fashion, they defied expectation. They did a unique set list. They didnt just retread things. It was a complete overview of their catalog and their careers. And for the people who got to commune with them one last time, I think its going to be a beautiful memory.

Did you feel like this last tour was more for him, then, or more for the fans?

I think it was probably a mixture of both. Each night there was a song he was doing in the show called While I Cry, which was from one of their obscure albums, Instant Replay, and he would give a speech that varied every night. It was not a scripted speech, but it was about his relationship to the fans. And I kind of feel like he wanted to finally say that he got it  that he got why they liked it, whereas he didnt always. And I kind of feel like it was more for him in that sense, that he got the opportunity to tell them that he knew and he cared about them, and that he liked the Monkees and he liked Monkees fans. And it was a really beautiful moment in the show.

But, in fact, he was also doing a lot more zany stuff that he wouldnt normally do. He was really much more comedic, which was fascinating.

He did have an image as the most serious of the Monkees, in some ways, despite you thinking of him as possibly the funniest. He had that inventor image, among those who really followed him.

I think theres a lot of his career that people missed  his innovations, and things that I picked up on just doing research over the years. He did the show Pop Clips, which ultimately became MTV, and sold the concept to Warner Communications, and that was one of his successes. He then became a producer of music videos, and produced music videos for Lionel Richie and all these other people. Had a prime-time television series on NBC, Television Parts (in 1985). Ran a thriving home-video thing. I found out he was also the first person to put a bar code on a record, because he was interested in how people got paid and doing inventory, and he felt that if all records had barcodes on them, you could easily scan in and out SKU numbers. Which is so contemporary, but this is something that he was thinking about in the 1970s. So he was a visionary. Any idea, there had to be a concept to drive it. There was no idea that was just simple  there was always some nuance.

Thats the innovator side. Is there anything you would say most marked him as a songwriter?

Yes. I think his sort of willful obscurity So many of his finest songs, say, Some of Shellys Blues, which was covered by Linda Ronstadt and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, the song title never appears in the song, because he didnt want to do anything obvious, ever., so there was no chorus line that had that song title. Tapioca Tundra, which was a top 40 record for the Monkees, theres no tapioca tundra mentioned in the lyrics. Good Clean Fun, another single for the Monkees, theres no good clean fun in it. He became more idiosyncratic, but he was also a poet at heart and looked at lyrics in that way.

Melodically, he was inventive. And as far as his concept in mid-1968 that country and rock music should go together, and then going to Nashville to record and do things along the lines of what the Byrds were doing  I mean, he was on the leading edge of it. And I think hes every bit as important as Gram Parsons and Rick Nelson and the Byrds as far as what he produced and what he was going for.

What did you find him to be like? What was your relationship like, and did it change along the way? Did you see him change as a person at all?

Yeah, he changed quite a bit. He became far more benign in the last few years of his life. And he used to say to me that that was a gift, both to him and to everybody else who dealt with him. [Laughs.] Because he was so concept-driven and such a perfectionist, it was ultimately very difficult to work with him, because the perfectionism wouldnt just be left on the stage. It wouldnt just be how a song is presented or how a song is performed, but how is the car being delivered to me? How is the shampoo and the conditioner in the hotel being left? Every detail to him was important. And if he saw details that were left undone, he would lose faith. So in the end, trust was an important part of our relationship, and I learned to do the things that would allow him to trust me so that we could get to the finish line together. That was a really important thing for me, and I learned a lot in the process.

He was a very intimidating person, and most people were incredibly intimidated by him because he would be quite quiet and not communicative. So I had to learn to just go directly and speak to him in a very direct fashion, which is why we got a lot done together. But many other people were put off immediately, and he could cut people to the quick quite easily with a few sharp words. I mean, he was never a physical person; it was always verbal. He was a master of vocabulary. So after you went to the dictionary to find out what he had actually said to you, you could learn quite a bit being around him. [Laughs.]

And in bringing him back into the Monkees in 2012, after he had been out of working with them from 1997 on, that was a big step for him to come back and really embrace that part of his career and reclaim it, which is what he did. I just thought it was brilliant. He did a great job this last nine years as a live performer, after being an executive and doing all these other things.

If there is such a thing as a good way to go out, headlining the Greek, in the last month of your life maybe there could be no better way to go out than with an appreciative crowd in L.A. at a big venue.

Yeah, in their adopted hometown, and at the place where the four Monkees had reunited in 1986 for the first time since 68 or so. Theres a lot of landmark things about the Greek. So as far as the fitting cap to it, it was great.

But Im kind of sad that There is just never enough, really, you know? For me, there were other projects I still wished I could have done with him. Not necessarily taking him on some long trip across America again. [Laughs.] But it was a great time and a lot of bonding happened. We got to go through a lot of stuff. I had hoped he would write more songs. I had hoped he would complete some other projects he had talked about. Theres always those hopes. I didnt think the time would run out so fast.

Probably all the fans who saw him play with Micky in recent years want to thank you for everything you did to reunite him with the broader base of fans, on top of those who always stuck with him and loved him throughout the years.

Well, thank you. I feel him knowing what we were all on about all these years  I mean, that was the success.

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The prosecution has rested in the sex-trafficking case against Ghislaine Maxwell, accused of procuring underage girls for sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The states last witnesses on Friday were Annie Farmer  the only victim to testify using her full name  followed by her high school boyfriend, and ending with her mother. The defense will present its case starting on Thursday, Dec. 16, following a break due to the judges scheduling conflicts. Attorneys estimated it will take two to four days.

Farmer, a therapist who holds a PhD in educational psychology, took the stand shortly before 10 a.m. on Friday to testify about uncomfortable experiences she said she had with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell when she was 16. The judge stipulated to the jury that the events Farmer described would not constitute illegal sexual activity, but that didnt weaken the impact of her testimony about Maxwell giving her an inappropriate massage and Epstein climbing into her bed one morning to cuddle her. In her testimony before the lunch break, she also appeared largely unshakable under cross-examination, where defense started by focusing on her memory.

Farmer is already known publicly as one of Jeffrey Epsteins alleged victims. Along with her older sister, Maria, Farmer has spoken in multiple interviews and appeared in the 2020 Netflix docuseries Filthy Rich telling the same story. She and her sister were infamously cut from Vicky Wards 2003 Vanity Fair piece on Epsteins wealth (either because Epstein spooked Graydon Carter, the magazines editor, or because Wards reporting did not meet the publications legal standards, depending on who you ask).

Punctuated by passages from her adolescent journal, Farmer told jurors that she had first met Epstein when she visited her older sister Maria in New York for a week after Christmas in 1995. At that point, Annie was 16, a diligent student, and knew Epstein as her sisters boss and as someone who might be able to help her get into college and pay tuition. Maria, 25 at the time of the New York visit, was not called to testify but has spoken publicly on multiple occasions about her own experiences with Epstein, whom she said had promised to help with her painting career.

Reading from the journal she kept at the time, Farmer detailed a teens fantasy vacation where Epstein shared champagne with her and Maria before having his personal driver deliver them to a showing of Phantom of the Opera on Broadway. They saw the Blue Man Group, The Duchess, visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art and went shopping. Farmer wrote about finding a vintage dream dress for her junior prom at a thrift store. One government exhibit showed her wearing the prom dress shed bought on that trip, with a pale pink pink tulle skirt. She wore matching pink gloves that ended at her wrists.

On another occasion during the 1995 New York trip, Farmer said she went to a movie  12 Monkeys  where Epstein sat between her and her sister. There, Farmer said, Epstein caressed her hand and interlocked his fingers with hers to hold hands. He also bumped the bottom of her shoe and rubbed her leg. She said when he spoke to her sister, he would stop touching her, but then resume. Farmer said she was very surprised and felt nervous, anxious, and kind of sick to my stomach. She said she didnt tell her sister who, more than nine years her senior, was protective of her. She said she feared it could cause Maria to lose her job.

Most telling were her journal entries about the trip. One shortly after she got home gushed about falling in love with the city. New York is such an amazing city, she wrote, saying she felt really comfortable there and like she could see herself living there one day. She described Epstein as seeming down to earth and easy to talk to. A few weeks later, she made another entry, filling in details like their other outings and shows they saw. She also wrote about the movie theater incident with unmistakable youthful ambivalence. It was one of those things that just gave me a weird feeling but wasnt that weird and probably normal, she wrote, adding that she couldnt tell Maria because she worships [Epstein] and it was not a big deal. I know this sounds like Im trying to justify him doing something weird, but it isnt.

In the spring of 1996, Farmer said Epstein paid for her to visit his New Mexico ranch. She met Maxwell there, whom she described as trim, attractive, well-dressed, well-spoken, articulate, and enthusiastic in greeting her. She said being the only person staying there in a residence with Maxwell and Epstein felt unusual but also made her feel special. The three took a shopping trip together, she said, where they bought her cowboy boots and a hair product from a natural foods store.

At the time, Farmer said, she didnt have much use for cowboy boots. She threw them in the back of her closet when she got home and later retrieved them from storage to use as evidence in a potential FBI case around 2006. That case never panned out. Since then, she says shes reclaimed the boots and started wearing them. I saw them as a symbol of a hard thing that happened to me, she said. But by using the boots, it was a way of changing that.

Farmer described the three of them going to a movie, Primal Fear, which Farmer said she wasnt eager to do again but hoped it would be different since Epstein and Maxwell appeared to be a romantic couple and the presence of Maxwell was comforting. Again, Epstein caressed and held her hand, but she says he didnt stop when he spoke to Maxwell.

On another occasion, Maxwell showed her how to rub Epsteins feet with Maxwell demonstrating on one foot while Farmer rubbed the other. Farmer said he made groaning noises during the massage.

At one point on that trip, she said, Maxwell asked if shed ever received a professional massage and then told her she wanted her to have that experience. Farmer agreed to undress and lie under a sheet on a massage table. She said Maxwell rubbed her back and legs, making small talk before asking her to flip over, then pulling the sheet down to expose her breasts. She described feeling frozen as Maxwell rubbed her chest and upper breasts. I wanted so badly to get off the massage table and for it to be done, she said. Epstein was not in the immediate vicinity, she recalled, but said she had a sense that he could see [her].

One morning, Farmer said she remembers Epstein opening the door and playfully bounding into her room, saying he wanted to cuddle. Farmer told the jury he did cuddle her, and again said she felt frozen as he wrapped his arms around her and pressed his body against hers. She made an excuse to get away and close herself in the bathroom.

After that happened, Farmer said she just wanted the trip to be over. Shed thought they were interested in her as a student, she said  shed even brought three-by-five-inch flashcards with talking points on a paper she was working on in school about British authors. She said after the massage, Maxwell seemed disinterested in the conversation about her academics. All these experiences made me feel like they had a very different interest in me, she said. I wanted it to be done.

In cross-examination, defense attorney Laura Menninger began by focusing on Farmers memory. She suggested that, lacking a journal entry from the trip to New Mexico (which Farmer said she hadnt written about because she didnt want to think about it again), Farmer had reconstructed her memory of the second movie outing and made her knowledge match the facts by cross-referencing her recollection with the time Primal Fear was released and checking with her friends on the timing of their prom that spring. Farmer said, I dont think Id say it like that. Menninger also focused in on the ambivalence in Farmers journal entry. Its weird, its not weird, she said, describing the sentiments as back and forth and pointing out that Farmer had written that she was in a pretty happy place and excited about the future after the New York visit.

After the lunch break, Menninger questioned supposed inconsistencies in other interviews. She asked Farmer if Maxwell had touched her nipples and Farmer said no. Menninger asked if it had been her pectorals that Maxwell massaged, and Farmer said yes, that this was all part of her breast. Menninger noted Farmer had used the word groped in an earlier interview. Rubbed, groped, massaged, Farmer said. I dont see that as substantially different.

The defense also tried to characterize the incidents as non-sexual, seeming to suggest that the actions Farmer described did not constitute abuse. After Thailand you said you were not raped, Menninger said, citing Farmers earlier testimony of what shed told her mother about her New Mexico experience. Yes, Farmer said. You said you were not sexually abused, Menninger said. I said I wasnt raped, she said.  You meant that you were not sexually abused, Menninger said. I think those are two different things, Farmer said. Farmer agreed that neither Epstein nor Maxwell had touched her nipples or genitals. At one point Menninger asked her whether she thought hand-holding was sexual abuse. Farmer said more than hand-holding had happened at the movies, repeating details about Epstein caressing her hand and rubbing her leg.

During a sidebar, Farmer straightened her spine and rolled her shoulders back, and took a few slow deep breaths. True to the defenses stated themes of memory, manipulation, and money, Menninger asked if Farmer knew how much money her lawyers  who have represented Farmer pro bono  make from the Epstein case, broadly speaking. This line of questioning drew a flurry of objections from the state. Menninger also asked if Farmer knew that sharing her own experience with sexual abuse gave her more credibility in her work as a psychologist who has treated other survivors. Farmer said opinions vary on whether her own status as a survivor might be a plus to potential clients.

During re-direct questioning by the prosecution, Farmer said that although Epstein and Maxwell had not touched her genitals or nipples, their behavior was all a pattern of them working on confusing my boundaries with the goal of sexually abusing her.

In the afternoon, Farmers high school and college boyfriend David Mulligan testified. Mulligan and Farmer are still friends who speak around once a month, he said. He has a masters in special education but currently works as a baker. He said shed told him over time during their relationship about her experiences with Maxwell and Epstein. The topic had come up when they were starting to become physically affectionate with each other, he said. He confirmed that Farmer had expected other students would also be at the weekend trip to New Mexico. She told me that she felt fearful, and awkward, and helpless, he said of Maxwell massaging her breasts.

Defense attorney Bobbi Sternheim spoke rapidly and loudly during cross examination, hitting Mulligan with a string of questions about his media consumption and the high-profile nature of Farmers story that didnt seem to yield the intended results. You must have been curious, Sternheim said, referring to Farmers multiple interviews and documentary appearances. Im not much of a news-watcher, he responded, pleasantly. Hed never heard of her $1.5 million settlement from Epsteins victims compensation fund, either, he said. In an accusatory tone, Sternheim asked him if hed recently gotten married. He said yes. She asked if Farmer had attended his wedding. He confirmed that she had.

The prosecutions final witness was Janice Swain, Annie Farmers mother. She offered a parents perspective on Farmers trip to Epsteins New Mexico ranch. She described speaking to Epstein on the phone, and said he told her 20 to 25 academically gifted students would be in attendance that weekend. She recalled asking him if he was sure he had space to house that many students. He told her there were cabins. She pressed him on whether there would be boys as well as girls there, and who would chaperone the girls. She said hed told her his wife, Ghislaine, would. She remembered Farmer seeming quiet, withdrawn, and tired when she got back from New Mexico. Later, she pressed her daughter to talk about the incident. She always said the same thing: Im not going to let it ruin my life, Swain said.

After the prosecution rested its case, Judge Alison Nathan dismissed the jury and the defense moved to have all charges against Maxwell dismissed. Defense attorney Christian Everdell argued there was insufficient evidence that Maxwell had enticed the witness known as Jane to travel to New York to engage in illegal sexual activity. Nathan promptly denied the motion.

Court will resume Thursday, Dec. 16th.
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Betty White has penned three memoirs and spent a lifetime in the public eye. When author Ray Richmond was approached to write a book timed to Whites 100th birthday on Jan. 17, he questioned whether there was anything left to uncover about her sui generis life and career.

Once he went down the rabbit hole of a quick facts about Betty White Google search, Richmond was hooked. Betty White: 100 Remarkable Moments in an Extraordinary Life, published this week by Becker & Mayer Books, became a five-month intensive study on what makes Betty White so beloved as an entertainer and such an enduring figure in pop culture.

Richmond, a former Variety reporter who has penned numerous books, believes Whites authentic aw shucks attitude about herself and willingness to go for it with bawdy humor has been crucial to her staying power. Theres a fine line between funny and crass, and White never fails to respect it.

Shes humble about it all. She doesnt think shes all that. Thats attractive to mainstream America, Richmond said. She knows knows how to measure the room and the mood better than any entertainer Ive ever seen. And she knows her brand better than anyone. She knows her limits what lines she can cross. She does it with flair and sophistication.

Richmond adds that good genes and good health have been another boon to Betty: One reason shes achieved all that she has is that once a performer hits a certain age, you become iconic and loved simply because youre still there.

But what sets White apart is that she has stayed relevant and active well into her 90s, with a starring role on TV Lands sitcom Hot in Cleveland, which ran from 2010 to 2015, and a co-starring role in the 2009 rom-com The Proposal opposite Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock. White hosted Saturday Night Live in 2010 after a viral campaign by fans to persuade executive producer Lorne Michaels.

What people love about Betty is how game she is for everything apple pie and America  and in the same breath she can swear like a sailor, Richmond said.

The book takes a chronological look at Whites story over the course of 100 key moments, starting with the arrival of Betty Marion White on Jan. 17, 1922, in Oak Park, Ill. to parents Tess and Horace White. The family relocated to Alhambra, a suburb of Los Angeles, when Betty was 18 months old.

White truly grew up in television. 100 Remarkable Moments recounts her experiences as a high school student taking part in experimental television broadcasts in the late 1930s. After World War II, she was destined to become one of Los Angeles first television personalities as a co-host of the live daily program Hollywood on Television, which ran for five hours on the station that is now KCOP-TV.

Through lively anecdotes, 100 Remarkable Moments details Whites extraordinary evolution as an actor, host, game show contestant, animal advocate, pitchwoman, author, producer and friend to many in the industry. Richmond tracks the big leap she took through her success on CBS The Mary Tyler Moore Show as the man-hungry Sue Ann Nevins. Later she was a pillar of NBCs The Golden Girls as the good-hearted Rose Nyland and the sharp-tongued Elka Ostrovsky of Hot in Cleveland.

Richmond is happy that he was able to work with Whites Mary Tyler Moore co-star Gavin MacLeod on the forward to 100 Remarkable Moments before his death last May at age 90.

You dont find many people who blend great talent and great humanity in so perfect a fashion, MacLeod wrote of White. Everybody wants to be around her because she has such a positive nature, such a cheerful vibe. Its like she emits an electric current that draws people to her.

All told, the collection of moments shine a light on a tireless performer who was born to be on camera. Some of milestones are well known and some are not, such as her assignment on New Years Day 1955. White and Bill Goodwin hosted the Rose Parade for NBC by pretending they were watching from Pasadenas Colorado Boulevard when in fact they were at a studio in Burbank.

White herself was unable to participate in the book. Richmond was pleasantly surprised by how much he was able to learn about White from talking to friends and collaborators such as Candice Bergen, Carol Burnett, Wendie Malick, producer Ed. Weinberger and fellow Mary Tyler Moore trouper Ed Asner, who died at age 91 in August.

Unlike so many stars, the deeper you look, the more you find dirt on them. They really arent quite the image they project. The further you dig into Betty White, the greater she gets, he said. Its uncanny.

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Amazon Prime Video hosted a festive holiday-themed screening and party at Neuehouse Hollywood on Thursday night to celebrate the debut of its new series With Love. The show follows the Diaz siblings, Lily (Emeraude Toubia) and Jorge (Mark Indelicato), along with their close-knit group of family and friends as they navigate love and relationships during the holidays.

Each of the shows five episodes take place on a different holiday over the course of a year, with the premiere episode centered on Christmas Eve/Nochebuena. Creator Gloria Calderon Kellett, who also stars as the siblings free-spirited aunt Gladys Delgado, told Variety that With Love was the fastest production that Amazon Prime Video had ever brought to air. She said, I pitched it in the middle of January and here we are. We just went, went, went.

Amazon Studios head of television, Vernon Sanders, explained that he greenlit the series immediately upon hearing Kelletts pitch. We need it, Sanders said. Shes a burst of energy and she has a vision and a voice. We just leaned into her and said we wanted it for the holiday season and she said she could make it happen, and so here we are.

With Love features a diverse cast and explores multiple storylines, including the first trans romance in a holiday rom-com. Isis King plays the role of Lily and Jorges trans non-binary cousin Sol Perez, who embarks on a romance with their co-worker Dr. Miles Murphy (Todd Grinnell).

Kellett said, Its embarrassing that it has taken so long for the trans community to be seen in this way. Its a real honor for me and for Isis to be able to put this forth. People just want love and kindness and equality. Im a cis, straight woman and if I can step up for the trans community and let them know that they are loved and welcome in my home and in my family show, then hopefully other people will start to change.

Im just happy to be able to play a happy character with no trauma, King told Variety. I get to be my silly, goofy self with my friends, have family support and now find love? We dont get that. We dont usually get to see that. Im just beyond grateful. Im so grateful for Gloria. Dont make me cry!

Toubia explained that she believed audiences would be able to relate to Lily, who finds herself newly single and under the scrutiny of her family during the holidays. Shes trying to handle family traditions and her own rules in life, Toubia said. So how do you balance that? I feel like as women, we are constantly feeling pressured by society, by our family on what is right and what is wrong.

She continued, A boyfriend doesnt define us, having kids doesnt define us as women. So what are the rules that are really going to set in on this journey? I think that is really the message and why every woman and girl is going to relate to that.

Indelicato said that the episodes holiday-themed settings helped highlight the comedic elements of the show. The holidays are very stressful! he said. I think that was the one thing for me that was the most interesting thing. No matter if its Christmas or Nochebeuna or Valentines Day  whatever it is, no matter how big of a holiday it is, its an extremely stressful time. And I think that exploring that on TV is a really hilarious thing. The show is really funny. I dont want to say that because this show is about love, its this sappy nonsense. The show is really funny and the show has a sense of humor about itself.

At the after-party, guests enjoyed hors doeuvres including tamales, coquitos and churros, cocktails and a mezcal and tequila tasting by Chef Ray Garcia of Broken Spanish. Throughout the night, guests danced to tunes by DJ Venus X and posed for pictures at the partys themed photo booth.

With Love premiers on Amazon Prime Video Dec. 17.

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CHEMNITZ, Germany (AP)  Party delegates from Germany's center-left Social Democrats, the senior partner in the country's new coalition government, elected three top officials on Saturday just days after its candidate, Olaf Scholz, became Germanys ninth post-World War II chancellor.

The developments this week have opened a new era for the European Unions most populous nation and largest economy after Angela Merkels 16-year tenure at its helm.

Scholz' government is composed of his center-left Social Democrats, the environmentalist Greens and the pro-business Free Democrats.

Lars Klingbeil, 43, the former Social Democrats' secretary general, was elected co-party leader at the mostly digital party convention with 86.3% of the vote, along with the 60-year-old party leader Saskia Esken, who got 76.7%, the German news agency dpa reported. It is not unusual in Germany to have parties led by co-leaders.

The former head of the party's youth wing, 32-year-old Kevin Kuhnert, was elected with 77.8% as the party's new secretary general, its third position.

Esken was first elected as party leader two years ago when she led together with Norbert Walter-Borjans, who did not run again this time.

At Saturday's convention, Klingbeil, told the roughly 600 delegates weve unleashed this country after 16 years, and weve unleashed it from the mustiness of the conservatives, and recalled the party's long polling slump.

We were written off, we were pitied, he said. But we never gave up, never, at any time.

Klingbeil added that the victory in Germany's federal election was a great opportunity to shape a social democratic decade.

His co-leader Esken told the delegates we will change this country, we will strengthen it, and we will make it more just.

___

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UNITED NATIONS (AP)  Sudans military must rebuild trust with the opposition, especially the young generation who feel betrayed by its seizure of power in an Oct. 25 coup that sparked the greatest crisis in the countrys political transition, the U.N. special envoy for Sudan said Friday.

Volker Perthes told the U.N. Security Council that immediate confidence building measures and a visible commitment to bring the country back on a democratic transition path will be key. He said Sudan will also have to take demonstrable steps for the international community to restore financial, economic and political support.

This crisis is not over yet, but discussions on a way forward have begun, he said.

The military takeover 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. Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, who now heads the ruling body, and other military leaders dissolved the transitional government and arrested dozens of officials and politicians.

Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok was reinstated last month amid international pressure in a deal that calls for an independent technocratic Cabinet under military oversight led by him. The agreement included the release of government officials and politicians detained since the coup.

The Nov. 21 deal, however, was rejected by the pro-democracy movement, which insists power be handed over to a civilian government to lead the transition. Their protests, which saw thousands of Sudanese back on the streets in Khartoum and other cities Monday, follow the slogan: No negotiations, no compromise, no power-sharing with the military.

Perthes said he cautiously welcomed the Nov. 21 agreement though it is far from perfect. But he said it can help avoid more bloodshed and provide a step toward dialogue and return to constitutional order.

At least 44 people were killed and hundreds injured in protests triggered by the coup, which Perthes blamed on excessive use of force by security forces."

This has deepened the crisis and mobilized the so-called `street, which continues to organize regular mass demonstrations," he said. Many feel betrayed by the coup, and now reject any negotiations or partnership with the military.

Perthes said the U.N. political mission in Sudan is prepared to facilitate a dialogue to address unresolved issues for the transitional period as well as broader questions for a new constitution.

He said progress in bridging the divide can be measured by a small number of short-term and medium-term indicators.

For the immediate term, the main indicator has been the release of all political detainees, cease of arbitrary arrests, and the guarantee of the right to peaceful protest and assembly, Perthes said. Almost all civilians arrested since the coup have been released, which is a welcome step.

But he said arbitrary arrests are reportedly continuing, especially during demonstrations.

Military and political leaders have promised to investigate the use of deadly violence against demonstrators, Perthes said accountability for human rights violations since the coup will be seen as a critical indicator for progress, and could help to rebuild confidence.

The U.N. envoy said three other important short-term indicators should also be watched: the ability of the prime minister to freely form a Cabinet of technocrats, the lifting of the state of emergency declared Oct. 25, and the restoration of freedom of the press.

Over the next few months, Perthes said, the main indicator for a return to a democratic transition path will be the restoration of political space that is particularly important ahead of elections in July 2023 when power is to be handed over to an elected civilian government. He said elections may even be held earlier than planned.

The U.N. envoy said the decision by donors to pause development assistance to Sudan after the coup is having significant impact on the livelihoods of the Sudanese people and risks rolling back the hard-won achievements of the last two years.

While those in power need to regain the trust of the international community, Perthes urged council members and donors to take a balanced approach and not to pause aid for too long, and consider the speedy resumption of funding for health services and livelihoods to ensure that the Sudanese people do not continue to bear the brunt of the political crisis.

Perthes also expressed deep concern at the resurgence of intercommunal conflicts and banditry in Darfur, Blue Nile and the Kordofans where the U.N. has received reports of a significant rise in the killing of civilians, destruction of property and displacements, as well as sexual violence against women and girls.
AIB Main Street Branch, Longford, proud partner of the GOAL Mile, has teamed up with GOAL Mile Organiser, Tiernan Dolan to encourage communities across Longford to step up together and take part in the GOAL Mile this Christmas season.

For over 40 years, the GOAL Mile has seen tens of thousands of people run or walk a mile to raise funds for GOAL at Christmas to enable its work supporting vulnerable communities in 14 countries across the globe.

Longford County Choir returns with Christmas concert For their loyal audience the County Longford Choirs Christmas concert in St Mels Cathedral has marked the beginning of the Christmas season.

In Ireland, a mile is simply 2,000 steps but for many in the developing world it takes thousands of steps to simply access water, get to school or even reach a hospital.

AIB is committed to building sustainable communities. In supporting GOAL and encouraging communities across the island of Ireland to step up together and take part in the GOAL Mile this Christmas, AIB is helping reach vulnerable communities already suffering deeply from the impact of crises, poverty and climate change.

People can take part in the GOAL Mile in a number of different ways, be it in one of the more than 150 GOAL Miles events being organised in Ireland and internationally or simply by registering with GOAL at www.goalmile.org and completing a mile in any place, at any time during the month of December.

GOAL Mile locations in Longford include Church Hall/Grounds, Strokestown and Connolly Barracks. AIB will also be supporting GOAL by encouraging people to take part in the GOAL Mile through a radio, print and on-line advertising campaign asking people to step up together this Christmas season.

AIB Branch Manager Gordon O' Bric said, The GOAL Mile, which is already a well-established event in many of the communities that we serve, helps transform the lives of the worlds most vulnerable people. This year we are committed to working with GOAL to make it the biggest GOAL Mile yet and are asking people across Longford to step up together to complete a mile for GOAL. In doing so, together we can help GOAL reach vulnerable communities that are already suffering deeply from the impact of crises, poverty and climate change.

Longford GOAL Mile Organiser, Tiernan Dolan, has seen GOALs incredible work first hand having travelled to assist with their programmes 15 times.

Mr Dolan, who set up the Longford GOAL Mile in 1981, said, The GOAL Mile is a big Christmas tradition here in Longford and is very close to peoples hearts. By turning up to Connolly Barracks on Christmas Day the people of Longford are showing incredible compassion for the communities in need across the world that GOAL supports. We are so proud to play our small part.

People can step up together to take part in the GOAL Mile by visiting www.goalmile.org. They can register to take part in one of the hundreds of AIB GOAL Mile events taking place across the island of Ireland, sign-up to organise a new event, or pledge to take their 2,000 steps at any time throughout the month of December. Donations to GOAL can be made at www.goalglobal.org/donate .
The following editorial was published in the Kansas City Star:

(TNS) Tuesday, the U.S. House passed a bill dealing with behavioral health and well-being among health care professionals, which certainly sounds like an important topic. The bill was named for Lorna Breen, a physician who committed suicide in the face of the COVID-19 onslaught.

Except, of course, the bill actually had nothing to do with her, or the mental health of doctors and nurses. Instead, the House stripped all the original language out of the bill and inserted unrelated material, a procedure Kansas lawmakers call gut and go.

The new bill makes several changes to Medicare spending. Oh, it also sets up a convoluted procedure for the Senate, and therefore the government, to approve an increase in the nations debt ceiling.

It passed, barely. Its on its way across the Capitol to the Senate.

The hypocrisy surrounding debt ceiling votes has been obvious to all for decades. In Missouri and Kansas, Republicans and Democrats who have been around long enough have voted for debt ceiling hikes, and against them, repeatedly and without shame.

Ten years ago, Rep. Emanuel Cleaver called a debt ceiling bill a sugar-coated Satan sandwich. Others have even more colorful descriptions.

Those votes have nothing to do with the wisdom of approving an increase in federal borrowing. Theyre designed to embarrass the other party, or the president, or both. Its a horrible way to run a government, or to pay the nations bills.

But lets leave that aside for a moment. What is a debt ceiling procedure doing in a bill that deals with Medicare? Or that might have addressed the unrelenting pressure on health care providers?

Of all the practices of our national legislature, the tactic of cramming unrelated subjects into so-called must-pass bills is the most pernicious, and common. It needs to stop.

Piling different bills into one huge measure confuses voters, which is part of the point. It makes it almost impossible for regular people to decipher congressional decisions. That makes the practice bad enough.

But its worse than that, because massive catchall bills allow members of Congress to deflect any responsibility for their choices. Members of the House and Senate can, and do, take credit for the things in bills they think voters want, and disclaim parts of bills they dont like, without penalty or scrutiny.

The result is an incomprehensible muddle, where good ideas fail and bad ideas are embedded in thousand-page monstrosities only pizza-fueled congressional aides can understand.

This isnt a Republican or Democratic problem. Both parties do it. You may be for President Joe Bidens Build Back Better plan, or against it, but youd likely agree Congress should consider its proposals one at a time, so everyone understands what theyre voting on.

Fat chance. The proposals are linked, so everything passes, or nothing does. What a mess.

Acres of newsprint and millions of pixels have been used to explain the dysfunction of Congress  gerrymanders, maybe, or the rise of outside spending. Filibusters. The government is too big. Members arent friends anymore.

All are reasonable explanations. But the common practice of stuffing everything into one bill, which grows worse by the month, is on the list, too.
Matt Rourke/AP

LANSING  Following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approval, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is urging all eligible Michigan residents 16 and up to get the Pfizer booster vaccine if they have received their two primary COVID-19 vaccines. Currently, Pfizer is the only authorized vaccine for people under age 18.

"Vaccines are the way out of the pandemic, and now we can continue to protect ourselves further from COVID-19, which continues to surge in our state, said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive, in a news release. "Keeping our children safe includes getting them vaccinated and boosted, and this in turn will help alleviate burdens on our health care system to help avoid our children needing emergent care. We urge all Michiganders ages 5 and up to get vaccinated, and Michiganders age 16 and up receive their booster as soon as theyre eligible after their primary doses.
Demaryius Thomas passed away at the age of 33. The official cause of death is still unknown. However, Demaryius' family believes that he died from a seizure while alone at home.

Thomas passed away on December 9, and LaTonya Bonseigneur told to the Associated Press what it appears to be his cause of death.

"He had been suffering from seizures for over a year, and we believe he had a seizure when he was showering," Bonseigneur said. "He was alone and a friend couldn't get hold of him, so he called his driver, who has a key because of these seizures, and he went into his home and found him in the shower."

Is Bonseigneur correct?

According to Fulton County, Georgia medical examiner's office, on December 10 an autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death.

Police reports state that officers responded to a 911 call at Thomas' residence before Thursday's 7 pm. The reason for the call was a cardiac arrest.

Thomas was found in the shower. The medical team pronounced him dead later.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announces Indiana-based EQ United establishing new operations in Cassopolis, creating up to 175 jobs

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announces Indiana-based EQ United establishing new operations in Cassopolis, creating up to 175 jobs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 6, 2021

Contact: Kathleen Achtenberg, Achtenbergk@michigan.org

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announces Indiana-based EQ United establishing new operations in Cassopolis, creating up to 175 jobs

Expansion expected to generate total capital investment of $ 6 .2 million

Project underscores strength of Michigan's advanced manufacturing, logistics sectors

LANSING, Mich. - Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) today to announce that EQ United, a logistics provider and RV components manufacturer, is establishing new operations in the village of Cassopolis with support from the Michigan Strategic Fund.

"Michigan's business climate and highly skilled manufacturing workforce provide an environment where businesses like EQ United can grow and thrive, creating good-paying jobs for Michiganders in Southwest Michigan," said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. "This is great news for working people, their families, and our economy as we continue our economic jumpstart and put Michigan back to work. With the help of companies like EQ United, we can build back our state's economy stronger than ever."

The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $6.2 million and create up to 175 jobs, supported by a $350,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen for the project over competing sites in Indiana.

Founded in Elkhart, Indiana in 1914, Days LLC dba EQ United, has two divisions: distribution and logistics and its manufacturing operations, providing components for RVs, trailers, and specialty markets. The company currently has three campuses in Indiana.

EQ United is planning to consolidate its manufacturing operations, EQ Systems, into one facility in the village of Cassopolis where it will house office space, retail and installation space and additional manufacturing areas. The company will also add manufacturing capacity with the expectation of increasing its overall ability to produce cylinders it is currently purchasing from vendors in Minnesota and Canada.

"EQ United and its subsidiary, EQ Systems, is looking forward to our continued growth and expansion by moving our manufacturing operations into Cassopolis, Michigan. We are eager to become a part of the local community and landscape, providing a great place to work and for a strong partnership with the MEDC," said Nate Carpenter, CFO of EQ United. "We are striving for more in-house manufacturing and currently we are working on doubling our cylinder manufacturing and producing wire harnesses for many outside markets. Our 'United' company will continue to provide quality products and services to the markets and regions we currently serve and beyond."

The project further builds on Michigan's leadership position in advanced manufacturing and will solidify the company's future growth in the state. Market Van Buren has offered to assist the company in finding candidates for the newly-created positions, and the company also plans to work closely with Michigan Works! Individuals interested in careers with EQ United should contact https://equnited.us/.

"Congratulations to the team at EQ United on your tremendous growth and success. We appreciate your vote of confidence in incredible talent and competitive business climate here in Michigan," said Quentin Messer, Jr., CEO of the MEDC and President and Chair of the Michigan Strategic Fund. "This project is a win for Southwest Michigan and for the entire state. We're proud to join our local partners as we welcome EQ United to Cassopolis, and we look forward to attracting more companies like EQ United to Michigan."

To watch a video on EQ United's operations, visit here.

"We are excited to welcome Days Corporation to Cass County," said Market Van Buren Executive Director Zach Morris. "We look forward to supporting their growth and celebrate the new jobs and investment that Days Corporation is bringing to our community."

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state's marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan's economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

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Governor Whitmer Calls for Full Funding of Brandon Road Lock and Dam to Prevent Invasive Carp in Great Lakes

Governor Whitmer Calls for Full Funding of Brandon Road Lock and Dam to Prevent Invasive Carp in Great Lakes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

December 10, 2021

Contact: press@michigan.gov

Governor Whitmer Calls for Full Funding of Brandon Road Lock and Dam to Prevent Invasive Carp in Great Lakes

Governor and bipartisan group of Great Lakes governors sends letter urging federal leaders to fund Brandon Road in Water Resources Reform and Development Act to stop carp, protect Michigan jobs

LANSING, Mich. - Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the bipartisan Council of Great Lakes Governors came together to ask federal leaders to include funding for the Brandon Road Lock and Dam in the 2022 Water Resources Reform and Development Act to prevent a species of invasive carp from entering Michigan's water and protect key industries and tens of thousands of jobs.

"The Great Lakes are the beating heart of Michigan's economy, and we are taking action to put Michigan first and protect the Great Lakes," said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. "By funding the Brandon Road Lock and Dam, we can protect local economies and key, multi-billion-dollar industries that support tens of thousands of jobs including fishing and boating. I am proud that my fellow Great Lakes governors from both parties and I are coming together to continue uplifting our economies, build the Brandon Road Lock and Dam, and keep invasive carp out."

"Guarding the Great Lakes against the ravages of invasive carp is one of the most urgent tasks for those charged with protecting and managing Michigan's natural resources," said Michigan Department of Natural Resources Director Dan Eichinger. "The Brandon Road Lock and Dam marks a key pinch point for keeping these harmful species out of the lakes. This proposed funding will help secure a better future for the Great Lakes and for all those who cherish and depend upon them."

Read the full letter here.

Brandon Road Background

The Brandon Road Lock and Dam in Joliet, Ill., is a critical pinch point in the Chicago Area Waterways System for stopping invasive carp-bighead and silver carp in particular-from entering Lake Michigan. The State of Michigan continues to lead efforts with partner organizations and governments to add safeguards at Brandon Road that will prevent these fish from doing untold harm to the economy and ecology of the Great Lakes.

The federal government through prior legislative and agency actions has already recognized the importance of stopping the introduction and spread of invasive carp. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) submitted a Chief's Report to Congress with a plan of action at the Brandon Road Lock and Dam to prevent invasive carp from entering the Great Lakes. Subsequently, Congress authorized the construction of the Brandon Road Project in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) with a $858,047,000 price tag.

The Great Lakes Governors and Premiers have already demonstrated their shared commitment to preventing the introduction of invasive carp into the Great Lakes.

Governor Whitmer and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker agreed to work jointly to protect the Great Lakes from invasive carp species in January 2021, announcing an intergovernmental agreement between the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) allowing Illinois to use up to $8 million in funds appropriated in 2018 by the Michigan Legislature as nonfederal match to support the pre-construction engineering and design (PED) phase of the Brandon Road Ecosystem Interbasin Project.

The USACE and the State of Illinois signed a design agreement in 2021 to complete the PED. The process is estimated to cost $29 million and take 3-4 years, and Illinois and Michigan have committed to provide the 35% non-federal cost share for this phase.

However, the remaining balance of the cost for design, construction, operation, and maintenance is beyond the capacity of the Great Lakes States to match. That's why the Great Lakes Governors are coming together to request that the federal government back this project and invest in the Great Lakes economy. The governors support the inclusion of full federal funding for the remaining design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the Brandon Road Lock and Dam Project in the 2022 Water Resources Reform and Development Act.

For more information on the Brandon Road Interbasin Project: https://www.mvr.usace.army.mil/Missions/Environmental-Stewardship/BR-Interbasin-Project/

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MANISTEE  ECHO His Love is resuming its search for a new executive director.

The 501(c)3 nonprofit serves homeless and low-income people in Manistee and Benzie counties. It's board of directors announced this week that Rev. David Carlson will no longer replace outgoing Executive Director Robin Paulus.

The board received a letter from Carlson stating that due to uncontrollable life events, he had to sadly and reluctantly withdraw his letter of employment and decline the executive director post, according to a press release.

It was announced in August that Carlson, a U.S. Navy chaplain would begin on Dec. 1.

It was with great disappointment we acknowledged the letter, however we very much appreciated Davids kind words that stated he will absolutely continue to pray for and support ECHO in every way that he can," said Board President, Sherry Pries in a statement to the News Advocate.

Lisa Clarke, ECHO family services director has been appointed to an interim position that will oversee daily operations while the search is ongoing.

Paulus announced her departure in January, and she plans to continue to serve ECHO His Love remotely during the transition, according to previous News Advocate reporting.

Lisa Clarke has been my right hand in the ministry for almost eight years, and I have complete confidence in her ability to serve in an interim capacity. We have a solid staff, an amazing board of directors and dedicated volunteers that will continue serving our community as the board once again searches, Paulus statement read.

Paulus plans to move out of the organizations service area by the end of the year, but plans to continue to serve with a different focus, ensuring the ministry transitions smoothly, according to the release. She was appointed executive director of then Love INC of Manistee in July 2006.

The board is thankful that Robin loves ECHO His Love and the community so much that she has continued in her role as we completed our search, and will remain until the transition is complete, Pries stated in an Aug. 20 press release.

The nonprofit began as Love For Children in 1992, with a mission to support the needs of families with young children in the county.



That mission expanded to meet the needs of all low-income residents, and in late 2005, the organizations name changed to Love INC of Manistee County. In 2006, the organization was expanded to serve Benzie County residents.

In October 2018, the organization's name was changed to ECHO His Love.



The organization serves from 1,200 to 1,500 individuals on average each year, and provides for some basic needs, life skills educational classes and winter shelter for the homeless.

The nonprofit operates a number of programs aimed at low-income individuals and families in Manistee and Benzie counties. According to its website, ECHO "exists to mobilize area churches to transform lives by meeting physical and spiritual needs with the love of Jesus."

To learn more about ECHO His Love, volunteer or make a donation, visit echohislove.org or on Facebook at ECHOHisLoveManistee.
MECOSTA COUNTY  Deputies with the Mecosta County Sheriff's Office responded to the following calls.

All calls may not be reported.

Wednesday, Dec. 8

 A woman had her license plate stolen from her vehicle in the 19000 block of 14 Mile Road in Big Rapids Township.

 Larceny was reported in the 10000 block of Pierce Road in Morton Township. A catalytic converter was stolen from a van. The incident occurred in the last week.

 A juvenile was cited in Big Rapids Township for minor in possession of marijuana.

 A two-vehicle accident was reported in the 21000 block of Perry Avenue in Big Rapids Township. A driver hit a parked car and left the scene. The incident remains under investigation.

 Threats were reported in the 4000 block of Northland Drive in Aetna Township. A student threatened to bring a gun to school and shoot two students on Dec. 3. The incident was reported Dec. 8. Authorities conducted an investigation and found it to be verbal threats only and the student had no access to weapons. The student was suspended.

 A traffic stop was performed near Maple and Second Streets in Big Rapids Township. The stop, for disregarding a stop sign, lead to the arrest of the driver for operating while under the influence of intoxicating liquor.

 A violation of the Controlled Substance Act was reported in the 19000 block of Northland Drive in Green Township. A clerk was sweeping the floor and found a bag of methamphetamine.

 A traffic stop was performed on 30th Avenue near Taft Road in Sheridan Township. The stop resulted in the driver being cited for driving while license suspended.
MAYFIELD, Ky. (AP)  A monstrous tornado, carving a track that could rival the longest on record, ripped across the middle of the U.S. in a stormfront that killed dozens and tore apart a candle factory, crushed a nursing home, derailed a train and smashed an Amazon warehouse.

I pray that there will be another rescue. I pray that there will be another one or two, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said, as crews sifted through the wreckage of the candle factory in Mayfield, where 110 people were working overnight Friday when the storm hit. Forty of them were rescued.

We had to, at times, crawl over casualties to get to live victims, said Jeremy Creason, the citys fire chief and EMS director.

In Kentucky alone, 22 were confirmed dead by Saturday afternoon, including 11 in and around Bowling Green. But Beshear said upwards of 70 may have been killed when a twister touched down for more than 200 miles (320 kilometers) in his state and that the number of deaths could eventually exceed 100 across 10 or more counties.

The death toll of 36 across five states includes six people in Illinois, where an Amazon facility was hit; four in Tennessee; two in Arkansas, where a nursing home was destroyed; and two in Missouri.

If early reports are confirmed, the twister will likely go down perhaps as one of the longest track violent tornadoes in United States history, said Victor Gensini, a researcher on extreme weather at Northern Illinois University.

The longest tornado on record, in March 1925, tracked for about 220 miles (355 kilometers) through Missouri, Illinois and Indiana. But Gensini said this twister may have touched down for nearly 250 miles (400 kilometers). The storm was all the more remarkable because it came in December, when normally colder weather limits tornadoes, he said.

Debris from destroyed buildings and shredded trees covered the ground in Mayfield, a city of about 10,000 in western Kentucky. Twisted metal sheeting, downed power lines and wrecked vehicles lined the streets. Windows and roofs were blown off the buildings that were still standing.

The missing at the candle factory included Janine Denise Johnson Williams, a 50-year-old mother of four whose family members kept vigil at the site Saturday.

Its Christmastime and she works at a place thats making candles for gifts," her brother, Darryl Williams, said. To give up the gift of life to make a gift. We havent heard anything, and Im not presuming anything. But Im expecting for the worst.

He said Johnson Williams called her husband overnight to report the weather was getting bad, the last time anyone heard from her.

Kyanna Parsons-Perez, an employee at the factory, was trapped under 5 feet (about 1.5 meters) of debris for at least two hours until rescuers managed to free her.

In an interview with NBC's Today, she said it was absolutely the most terrifying event she had ever experienced. I did not think I was going to make it at all.

Just before the tornado struck, the buildings lights flickered. She felt a gust of wind, her ears started popping and then, Boom. Everything came down on us. People started screaming, and she heard other workers praying.

Kentucky State Trooper Sarah Burgess said rescue crews were using heavy equipment to move rubble at the candle factory. Coroners were called to the scene and bodies were recovered, but she didnt know how many. She said it could take a day and potentially longer to remove all of the rubble.

Rescue efforts were complicated because Mayfields main fire station and emergency services hub were also hit by the tornado, Creason said.

After a wall at a nursing home in Mayfield collapsed, Vernon Evans said he rushed to help firefighters pull people out, only to find one resident lying dead in a few inches of water.

All I could do is sit there and hold their head up, he said. I never experienced nothing like this.

President Joe Biden approved an emergency disaster declaration for Kentucky on Saturday and pledged to support the affected states.

I promise you, whatever is needed  whatever is needed  the federal government is going to find a way to provide it," Biden said.

Six people were killed in the collapse of the Amazon warehouse in Edwardsville, Illinois, with another injured worker airlifted to a hospital, fire Chief James Whiteford said.

Investigators searched the rubble throughout the day for additional victims and 45 people survived, Whiteford said. Authorities were uncertain Saturday evening whether anyone was still unaccounted because workers were in the midst of a shift change when it was struck by the tornado about 8:30 p.m. Friday.

This is a devastating tragedy for our Amazon family and our focus is on supporting our employees and partners," Amazon spokesperson Richard Rocha said in a written statement.

The Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, which has been trying to organize workers at an Amazon facility in Alabama, criticized the company for keeping the Illinois site open during a weather emergency.

Missouri Gov. Mike Parsons office said the storms killed at least two people in the state and initial assessments indicate they destroyed or did major damage to hundreds of homes and buildings.

Workers at a National Weather Service office had to take shelter as a tornado passed near their office in Weldon Spring, Missouri, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) west of St. Louis.

This was an incredible storm that lasted a long time and covered a lot of territory, said Larry Vannozzi, meteorologist in charge of the National Weather Service office covering the Nashville area.

Meteorologists havent determined whether the storm spawned a single tornado or multiple tornadoes, he said.

In Arkansas, a tornado struck a nursing home in Monette, killing one and trapping 20 people inside as the building collapsed, Craighead County Judge Marvin Day told The Associated Press.

Another person died when the storm hit a Dollar General store in nearby Leachville, Gov. Asa Hutchinson said.

Probably the most remarkable thing is that theres not a greater loss of life, Hutchinson said after touring the wreckage of the nursing home. It is catastrophic. Its a total destruction.

Gov. Bill Lee on Saturday toured tornado-torn parts of western Tennessee in which four people had been killed.

Lee traveled to Tiptonville and then Dresden, a small town of about 3,000 that saw its downtown corridor ripped to shreds.

"This is about the saddest thing Ive ever seen, said Lee, who has had three fatal tornadoes rip through the state during his first term in office. The whole town, the whole town.

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Dylan Lovan in Mayfield, Seth Borenstein in Washington, D.C.; Travis Loller in Nashville, Tennessee; Kimberlee Kruesi in Dresden, Tennessee; John Raby in Charleston, West Virginia; and Jeff McMurray in Chicago contributed to this report. Salter reported from O'Fallon, Missouri.

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This story has been edited to correct the name of a researcher on extreme weather. He is Victor Gensini, not Victor Genzini.
CHEPOL, Guatemala (AP)  Anxiety was high Saturday in Guatemala amid uncertainty about loved ones who might have been on the tractor-trailer that crashed in southern Mexico while jammed with smuggled migrants, killing 55 people and injuring more than 100.

Most of those on the truck are believed to have been from Guatemala, according to authorities, who are working to identify the dead from Thursday's disaster in Mexico's Chiapas state.

Victor Manuel Mateo Tiniguar, who lives in an Indigenous area of the northern Guatemalan department of Quiche, said Saturday that he is convinced his brother was among the victims.

My brother was in the accident, Mateo Tiniguar said, adding that he is sure one of the men shown in photographs from the accident scene was his brother, Elias. Yes, it was him. He was lying down, but we dont know if he was gravely injured or dead.

Mateo Tiniguar and his family live in a house in the lower part of a ravine in the poor village of Chepol. With no work and little money, they scratched to buy any time for a cellphone so they could search the internet for information. They clung to the hope that Elias Salvador was alive and that he was one of the three injured migrants who are still unidentified.

But two days after the tragedy, they live in anguish because they cannot shake the fear that he is among the dead.

The bodies of the 55 migrants who lost their lives are scattered in three morgues while Mexican and Guatemalan officials work on identifications.

A forensic service worker, who insisted on speaking anonymously because he was not authorized to give statements to the press, told The Associated Press in the Chiapas capital of Tuxtla Gutierrez that the morgue there had to ask for help because it did not have enough capacity.

The process is being complicated and slow because many of the bodies did not have identifications and others are in poor condition, said a Chiapas state official, who also agreed to discuss the matter only if not quoted by name because he was not authorized to speak publicly.

Although some of the injured reported they were accompanied by relatives or friends, many are still not well enough to see if they can identify any of the dead, the official added.

Guatemalan authorities have made several phones available to citizens, and Mexican officials say relatives of six victims have already come to Mexico.

But in Quiche and other poor areas of Guatemala, answers are lacking.

Mateo Tiniguar said his brother Elias had left home Wednesday with a change of clothes in an old backpack. The would-be migrant did not pay for his trip, but went into debt for about $12,000 that he had to pay if he managed to enter the United States, the brother said.

He said Elias didn't tell anyone else he was leaving. He said his brother felt they had to do something to get out of their poverty, especially since their father had a stroke and needs medicine.

My young kid left to be able to buy my husbands medicine, said Dominga Tiniguar, mother of the missing man.

Hundreds of people are estimated to migrate from Guatemala each day, driven out by the Central American country's extreme poverty. The nearly 3 million Guatemalans living in the United States have sustained their homeland during the pandemic, sending back.$11 billion, which is a little more than 14% of the country's economy, the central bank says.

Mateo Tiniguar said none of his nine brothers learned to read and write. Their father, who shined shoes in Guatemala City, couldnt earn enough to send them to school. He said his brother felt he had an opportunity when a migrant smuggler offered to help him find a job in Chicago that would pay more than the $5 he could earn daily on farming tasks in his community.

A neighbor, Martin Mendez, was another migrant from Chepol who was in the doomed trailer, but suffered only minor injuries and was recovering Saturday at a hospital in Chiapas.

Many of those who died were glued to the walls of the shattered trailer. Those who were in the center were saved, protected by the bodies of their companions.

My face is swollen but the wounds are healing, Im no longer in pain, Mendez said by phone from a hospital corridor where mats have been down on the floor for the less seriously injured.

The 25-year-old is in constant contact with his family in Chepol and counts down the hours to be allowed to leave the hospital. I want to go home, he said.

Knowing his neighbors are worried about Elias Salvador Mateo Tiniguar, Mendez said he has asked officials about the missing man but they have not been able to give him information. He said he last saw Elias lying seriously wounded and unable to speak.

Mendez's brother Pedro has been working with Elias' brother to search various online media for information about Elias. Pedro said the two have considered going to Mexico to look for information.

Mexican and Guatemalan officials say they are investigating the network of traffickers that operated the trailer, one of the routes through which thousands of migrants cross Mexico daily to the border with the United States despite attempts by governments in the region to contain the flows.

Authorities also are working to expedite aid to the injured and provide help with identification papers. Mexico also has offered humanitarian visas to survivors who want to stay in Mexico.

For relatives, the urgent thing is to learn the fate of their loved ones.

I want you to please help me look for him, whether he is alive or dead, said Mateo Tiniguar.

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Associated Press writer Sonia Perez D. reported this story in Chepol, Guatemala, and AP writer Manuel de la Cruz reported from Tuxtla Gutierrez, Mexico.
ROME (AP)  A consortium of Catholic womens groups is calling on the Holy See to join the Council of Europe and to sign the European Convention on Human Rights, arguing that the Vatican should show consistency by expressing its firm commitment to protecting human rights.

In a petition marking the Human Rights Day declared by the United Nations, the groups said the Holy See is recognized internationally as a sovereign state and presents itself as a firm promotor of human rights and dignity. Yet they noted the Vatican hasnt followed up by adhering to the European Convention, regarded as the gold standard for rights protections around the world.

For years, the Holy See has acted like a state in its own right. This gives rise to rights, but also to duties, wrote the signatories, which are European members of the Catholic Women's Council, an international umbrella group, .

The Holy See enjoys observer status at the United Nations and the Council of Europe, and has ratified a host of U.N. and Council of Europe conventions. They include the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child, the U.N. Convention against Torture, the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and other weapons conventions.

But it has never signed the European Convention on Human Rights, which to date has been ratified by 47 European states.

The convention obliges signatories to respect human rights, including the right to life, liberty, security, freedom of expression, assembly, religion and conscience. It prohibits torture, slavery, forced labor and discrimination based on race, religion, gender or political beliefs.

Signatories must also ensure that defendants receive fair trials before independent and unbiased judges. The convention provides recourse to the European Court of Human Rights for ultimate appeals after national appeals are exhausted.

The Vatican is an absolute monarchy in which the pope wields supreme legislative, executive, and judicial power. It would be loath to allow European commissions to evaluate its policies forbidding the ordination of women, for example, or to subject decisions of the Vaticans criminal or ecclesial tribunals to appeals at the Strasbourg-based European Court of Human Rights.

Yet the pope frequently lectures European leaders on protecting human rights and human dignity, most recently during a visit this month to Cyprus and Greece where he chided Europe for its failure to welcome migrants.

During that trip, Francis lamented that authoritarian rule was on the rise in Europe as democracy wanes.

The women's groups that participated in the petition include Catholic Women Speak in Britain; We Are Church in Ireland, Germany and Austria; Women for the Church in Italy; Voices of Faith in Rome and Liechtenstein, as well as similar progressive Catholic groups in Spain, France, Croatia and Switzerland.
Sanford Village officials are expected to discuss marijuana, a mountain bike pump track and a moving in proposal from Biggby Coffee.

The regular meeting is 7 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Jerome Township Hall, located at 737 Beamish Road.

Village attorney Bill Fahey is expected to attend the meeting and join the discussion about cannabis and related ordinances. The village board will also discuss a pump track request by JoEllen Billingsley.

This next meeting with the village attorney, we will discuss the next steps regarding cannabis in the village, said Sanford Village President Dolores Porte.

Last month, resident Sue LaBonville encouraged the village to opt into cannabis, noting it could boost village revenue and foot traffic. She herself would like to open a dispensary in Sanford. She asked the village to reconsider the opt out status.

LaBonville was armed with information that state retailers recently collected $1.3 billion from cannabis sales and thus returned $428,000 to local governments. LaBonville said studies found that one in five state residents report using cannabis in the past year, and regulated cannabis generated $169 million in tax and fee revenues in 2020. However, the studies reported 70% of cannabis sales take place outside of retail stores, noting that legal village sales could squeeze-out illegal sales. Thus, offering the village a bit more of a controlling hand.

LaBonville hoped that such a business would help with revenue and foot traffic in Sanford. The near lifelong resident said she offered the consideration with the utmost care for the community, saying she would never want a negative eye on the village.

Council is expected to hear Billingsleys proposal to bring a pump track to Sanford. Billingsley cited three possible locations: West Saginaw at Center Street; Center Street past the ballfield entrance on the other side of the storage building; or next to the Veterans Monument and First Responders Monument in front of Porte Park.

The pump track, a mountain bike obstacle course, would be beginner-friendly for smaller children but also challenging enough for adults. The track would contain berms and manmade hills. It is estimated to need about an acre of land.

The Sanford Village government is also expected to hear a proposal by Biggby Coffee to move into the Food Pride parking lot at 11 W. Saginaw Road.
LIVERPOOL, England (AP)  Britains top diplomat welcomed Group of Seven foreign ministers to Liverpool on Saturday with a warning that free democratic nations must wean themselves off Russian gas and Russian money to preserve their independence.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss is hosting U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other G-7 counterparts for weekend talks in the northwest England port city as the wealthy nations club faces growing tensions with Russia, China and Iran.

As concern mounts about Russias troop build-up near Ukraine, Truss said the G-7 meeting would be a show of unity between like-minded major economies that we are going to absolutely be strong in our stance against aggression, against aggression with respect to Ukraine.

Truss told broadcasters that a military move on Ukraine would be a strategic mistake with severe consequences for Moscow. The U.S. and its NATO allies are concerned Russias movement of troops and weapons to the border region may be a prelude to invasion, and say they will inflict heavy sanctions on Russias economy if that happens.

Moscow denies planning to attack Ukraine and accuses Kyiv of its own allegedly aggressive designs.

Truss said she wanted to work with other countries to make sure that free democratic nations are able to have an alternative to Russian gas supplies, a reference to the contentious Nord Stream 2 pipeline carrying gas from Russia to Germany.

The Liverpool meeting will be the first international gathering for Germanys new foreign minister, Annalena Baerbock, a politician from the environmentalist Greens who has previously opposed Nord Stream 2.

Britain is not very dependent on Russian gas, but Londons financial district and property market are major hubs for Russian money. U.K. authorities have long been accused of turning a blind eye to ill-gotten funds from around the world.

Truss insisted Britain is willing to consider new economic measures to protect its core values.

There have been decisions made by the free world ... in the short term to obtain cheap energy or cheap financing, and that has a long-term cost for freedom and democracy, she said. And we cant make that mistake again.

The diplomats will also discuss Chinas muscle-flexing in the Indo-Pacific and lagging efforts to vaccinate the world against the coronavirus at the meeting, the final major event in Britains year as G-7 president.

The meeting of top diplomats from U.K., the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan also comes as negotiators meet in Vienna to try to revive an ailing international deal on Irans nuclear ambitions.

Truss warned this week that the Vienna talks are the last chance for Iran to sign up to the deal, which was meant to rein in Irans nuclear program in return for loosened economic sanctions. It faltered after then-President Donald Trump pulled the U.S. out of the agreement in 2018 and Iran began ramping up its uranium enrichment.

In a speech at the Chatham House think tank, Truss urged Iran to rejoin the deal, because we are determined to work with our allies to prevent Iran securing nuclear weapons.

Climate change, tensions in the western Balkans, Afghanistan and North Korea are also on the agenda for a meeting that will include both foreign and development ministers from the G-7 countries.

Unity among members of the group often proves hard to find. G-7 foreign ministers last met in London in May, issuing a statement accusing China of economic mischief and human rights abuses against Uyghur Muslims, but offering little concrete action to deal with an increasingly forceful Beijing.

Britain is keen to work more closely with Asian nations as part of an Indo-Pacific tilt following the U.K.s departure from the European Union last year -- both to boost U.K. trade and as a counterweight to Chinas dominance. Truss has invited ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to the Liverpool meeting, though many will be joining remotely because of the coronavirus pandemic.

For the ministers attending in person, the U.K. has chosen a location steeped in British history and culture.

They are meeting at the Museum of Liverpool in the citys docklands, which were once a symbol of Britain's global reach and economic might, then of post-industrial decline. Now the area on the River Mersey is an example of 21st century urban renewal as a leisure and cultural district, complete with a museum dedicated to the citys most famous sons, The Beatles.
A group of community leaders from Midland and Gladwin counties met late Friday morning at Strykers Lakeside Marina on the county line to discuss the impact of redistricting.

During Gladwin-Midland Uniteds press conference, presenters explained the impact that redistricting could have on the regions businesses, healthcare, infrastructure and government.

Midland Business Alliance CEO Tony Stamas began the press conference by explaining how Midland and Gladwin have been partners over the decades in many aspects and were brought closer together by the dam failures and subsequent floods in May 2020.

The main goal of Gladwin-Midland United is to make the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission (MICRC) understand how Midland and Gladwin are a community of interest together and how its important it is that they remain in a single district moving forward.

The flood in 2020 really changed things. It made us a much larger community of interest, Stamas said.

Gladwin County Board of Commissioners Chair Karen Moore explained that Midland and Gladwin counties have historically shared the same congressional, state house and state senate districts. She said separating the counties would diminish the communities joint voice for the rebuilding of the community after the 2020 dam failures and floods.

Moore harkened back to when voters supported the creation of the MICRC in 2018 and noted that a purpose of the commission was to focus on communities of interest in the redistricting process.

That purpose was not only just overlooked but trampled on in the redistricting thats proposed for Midland and Gladwin counties," Moore said. "Eight radical activists have hijacked Proposal 2 and are engaged in gerrymandering the entire state of Michigan for their political objectives. The redistricting commission is violating our Michigan Constitution by meeting in private and refusing to disclose secret memos.

Midland and Gladwin county drain commissioners Joe Sova and Terry Walters, respectively, stood united as well. Sova stated the new districts would cause local communities to compete for state and federal resources. According to Sova, the two counties are physically connected by eight associated inter-county drains, making it possible for the counties to receive a Natural Resources Conservation Service grant to improve the Upper Tittabawassee River Watershed.

These types of mutual conservation endeavors would not be likely if wedid not have the same political seats, he said.

Jon Lynch, CEO of Three Rivers Corporation and former city manager of the City of Midland, highlighted two of the seven components of the constitutional mapping criteria for legislative districts: an ability to reflect a diverse population in communities of interest and reflecting the consideration of township boundaries.

Communities of interest are defined by MICRC through various factors, including historical and cultural characteristics, economic interests and commonly shared bonds in public policy interests, among others. Lynch shared how Midland and Gladwin share connections in these areas.

Map evaluation appears to favor statistics over people, Lynch said. These proposed districts of elector representation are going to ignore the longstanding common interests among the people of Gladwin and Midland counties and the city of Midland. They stand to dilute the common concerns of the voters in these communities.

Diane Shields and Ray Stover of MyMichigan Health System represented the healthcare sector at Friday's event. Shields stated that MyMichigan Medical Center Midland is the health systems largest campus, making it critical to keep the county whole and connected to other rural communities.

None of the current (state House or Senate) maps keep Midland County whole. Therefore, none of the existing maps address our community of interest, which is critical to our success in working collaboratively in our communities, Shields stated, asking that the Lange Congressional map be considered.

Most of the state Senate, state House and U.S. Congressional maps proposed by the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission would separate the city of Midland from Midland County as well as separate Midland and Gladwin counties.

However, members of Gladwin-Midland United agreed that the Lange Congressional map would be the best option, as it keeps the city of Midland and Midland County together and Midland and Gladwin counties together.

During his speech, Lynch brought up the issue that the MICRC has yet to hold a public hearing regarding the redistricting maps in either Midland or Gladwin counties or in the city of Midland.

Mark Bone, chairman of Midland County Board of Commissioners, encouraged all those present on Friday as well as all Midland and Gladwin county residents to sign a petition to keep Midland County whole and connected with Gladwin County in the same district. The petition can be found at www.ipetitions.com/petition/gladwin-midland-united

Before the MICRC votes to adopt Congressional, state Senate and state House maps on Dec. 28, individuals can provide public comment to the commission in the following ways:

In person starting at 10 a.m. on Dec. 16 at Cadillac Place, Detroit or starting at 10 a.m. on Dec. 28 at the Cadillac Room, 1115 S. Washington Ave., Lansing.

Remotely at the Dec. 16 or 28 meetings via Zoom or telephone; register at the link on the meeting notice posted at www.michigan.gov/micrc.

In writing, via email to Redistricting@michigan.gov or mail to P.O. Box 30318, Lansing, MI 48909.

Stamas explained he went to one of the hearings in Flint and got the impression that other communities were not happy with the way they were being disconnected in a way that didnt make sense to them.

Many Democrats, however, favor the maps that would split Midland and Gladwin counties.

Jennifer Austin, chair of the Midland County Democratic Party, voiced her support of the MICRC, stating the MICRC has collected testimonies about the legislative districts for the past eight months. According to Austin, 80% of the 1,000+ comments pertaining to the Tri-Cities were in favor of putting the Tri-Cities together as legislative districts, and 61% of those people were from Midland.

Austin further stated that the proposed districts would give Midland competitive state Senate and U.S. Congressional districts where a candidate from either the Republican or Democratic party has an equal opportunity to earn the votes of the people. She argued that having multiple representatives invested in both Midland and Gladwin counties would amplify local voices in state and federal government.

Demanding counties be kept whole is an age-old gerrymandering tactic employed by the GOP and has been well-documented. The proposed districts being championed by local Republicans would give them another 10 years of safe Republican districts, which we have had for more than three decades. Those Republican representatives failed to prevent the many floods Midland has experienced since I was a child on Wixom Lake. I don't trust those same politicians to guide us through flood recovery. Midland already has split districts, so claiming we must be united to recover is disingenuous, Austin said.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP)  Fellow Kansans on Saturday celebrated Bob Dole as a tough but compassionate patriot shaped by small-town values, a strong partisan leader who could nevertheless work with political opponents, and a war hero who ultimately became the greatest of the Greatest Generation.

Dole made his last journey to his prairie state for memorial services in his western Kansas hometown of Russell and at the Statehouse in Topeka. He was honored for the military service during World War II that left him severely wounded and the distinguished political career that followed his recovery.

Elected officials and former elected officials from both parties said Dole embodied the state's motto, To the stars through difficulties, and never stopped trying to help others.

He did not hide in a time of crisis. He looked for solutions, former U.S. Rep. Jim Slattery, a Kansas Democrat, said during the Statehouse event. I often told Bob he was the toughest man I ever knew, both physically and mentally, but he had a tender heart."

Dole died Sunday at the age of 98 after a lifetime of service that included nearly 36 years in Congress and running as the GOP nominee for president in 1996. U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who served more than a decade with Dole in the Senate and later surpassed Dole as the longest-serving GOP leader there, attended both Kansas events as well.

Saturday's events began with a public viewing of his casket and a memorial service at a Roman Catholic church in Russell, the small town some 240 miles (386 kilometers) west of Kansas City where he grew up during the Great Depression. Speakers for the state capital event Saturday afternoon noted that Doles career in elective office began in the Kansas House in the early 1950s.

The dignitaries at both events included Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly, Kansas two Republican U.S. senators, Roger Marshall and Jerry Moran, and former GOP U.S. Sens. Pat Roberts and Nancy Kassebaum Baker.

Kelly said in remarks in Dole's hometown that Russell was where his roots run deepest. Dignitaries in dark, formal business attire mixed in the congregation with local residents dressed in less formal farm and work clothes, a KWCH-TV livestream showed.

As we gather here today to come together to salute our states most favorite of favorite sons and the greatest of the Greatest Generation, we pause to reflect with immense gratitude on all that Bob Dole's life meant to Kansas and to Kansans, to our nation and to the world, Kelly said.

Dole  known for a caustic wit that he sometimes turned on himself  also was honored Friday during a service at Washington National Cathedral. President Joe Biden was among the speakers there. Another tribute followed at the World War II Memorial in Washington  a monument to Doles generation that he worked to get built.

Dole became known as a congressional leader who could bridge partisan divides to pass legislation such as the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act aimed at preventing discrimination on the basis of disability. In Russell, Moran attributed that ability to Doles ties to a small town, where people who disagree on politics still mix in their daily lives.

Speakers also pleaded for more civility in politics, with Kelly calling on her Statehouse audience to pledge ourselves to be more like Bob Dole.

Moran added: Think of all the things he's been through and how hope had to be so important to his life to get through the day."

Dole will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery, but his casket was flown Friday evening to Salina, Kansas, then transported 70 miles (113 kilometers) west to his boyhood hometown, which now has about 4,400 residents.

Oil production allowed Russell to boom when Dole was growing up, even during the Great Depression, with the first local well drilled in 1923, the year he was born. In Russell, Moran quoted Dole's speech accepting the 1996 presidential nomination, in which Dole said, "the first thing you learn on the prairie is the relative size of a man compared to the lay of the land.

His family and this community endured the Dust Bowl of the Great Depression, Moran said. In Russell, you could feel and see the challenges, the obstacles, the barriers that were put in peoples lives. Nothing was easy.

___

Follow John Hanna on Twitter: https://twitter.com/apjdhanna
HONOLULU (AP)  The Navy believes that contaminated tap water that went to Hawaii military households came from a one-time spill of jet fuel last month and was not caused by a leak from aging underground fuel storage tanks above an aquifer, a top Navy official told state lawmakers on Friday.

Rear Adm. Blake Converse said Navy officials are very confident that the contamination happened on Nov. 20, when 14,000 gallons (52,995 liters) of jet fuel spilled at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility inside an access tunnel that provides fire suppression and service lines for the complex. The complex supplies fuel for many military planes and ships that operate in the Pacific and its use has been suspended.

The spill was cleaned up, Converse said, but people have complained for weeks of foul-smelling water and some have said they have gone to hospitals because of cramps or vomiting after they drank the water.

Converse said it appears that some of the jet fuel was sent through the Navys water distribution system that serves about 93,000 people, including those in military housing.

Converse also told state lawmakers that Navy officials have moved more than 3,000 families to hotels on the island of Oahu and that they will stay there until the problem is solved.

The overall water system and water systems in all homes and facilities that have been impacted will be flushed with clean water and Navy officials said they hope to complete that process by Christmas.

The Navy is responsible for this crisis. We are taking ownership of the solutions, and we are going to fix it, Adm. Sam Paparo, commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, told the lawmakers.

Before Navy officials divulged the likely cause of the contamination, a U.S. senator called on the Environmental Protection Agency to take the lead in testing to determine whether the Navy's water is safe to drink.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz said the EPA should step in after the Navy disputed the Hawaii Department of Health's analysis of fuel contamination at a well for drinking water to the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam's water system.

Testing last week showed the presence of petroleum in water that comes from a well near the underground fuel tank complex that has been the source of multiple fuel leaks over the years.

The state health department said the Navy reported diesel fuel levels more than double Hawaii health limits for drinking water in samples collected at another one of the Navy's shafts that provide water to the drinking water system.

But the Navy said the sample didn't come directly from the Navy's well and that Navy officials don't believe it indicated contamination.

After receiving results Friday from a California lab, the health department said samples collected from a ground water source called the Red Hill shaft had tested positive on Sunday for "high levels' of gasoline.

Schatz wants the EPA to be the lead agency handling collection, testing, analysis and public communication of the water crisis.

We can't afford another day of the Navy and the state and county agencies disagreeing on the basic question of whether the drinking water is safe, he said in a statement Thursday.

The EPA is not independently testing the water, but is reviewing Navy test results, Julia Giarmoleo, an agency spokesperson, told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

___

Thiessen reported from Anchorage, Alaska.
WESTPORT  Over the last year, residents have told town officials about trees being chopped down and ruining the character of their property and neighborhood.

One emailed the town in frustration after several trees on Bayberry Lane were cut down. The resident said that while the trees were not only cut down without a permit, it has left a bit of an eyesore on the rest of the neighborhood as the rubble has been sitting on the property for close to a year.

Another resident told a planning and zoning subcommittee that a developer bought the property next to him and cut down the majority of the trees. He said the situation drastically transformed the back half of his 50-year property.

We decided the time has come to try and do something about it, said Planning and Zoning Chairwoman Danielle Dobin. Ive conducted a little bit of research and asked the staff to do the same to see if we could find any ordinances that thoughtfully preserved tress while still allowing for private property owners to have utilization of their property.

The group found a number of towns have drastically different ordinances for preserving trees.

Hartford protects significant trees, that are 13 inches or more from removal, the commission said. Anyone who wants to remove a tree this size would need approval from the city forester. During any development, these trees require protection if they are not being removed. Unpermitted removal results in fines.

Ridgefields landscaping regulations require site-plan applications to preserve trees that are 18 inches or more to the greatest extent possible, the commission said. The site plan also has to enact protection measures around any trees that are not being removed. Anything removed has to be replaced by equivalent trees.

Greenwich requires sediment and erosion control plans for anything that disturbs more than half an acre. Those plans must have tree-protection measures, the commission said.

Westport planner Michael Kiselak said in eastern Connecticut, Brooklyns zoning permits require clearing limits to be marked in the field before the permits can be issued.

This was interesting, Kiselak said. They said it was because contractors often times just go out cutting without looking at the plans so they wanted to prevent that from happening.

Kiselak said in the Zoning Regulation Revision Subcommittees proposal for Westport, they tried to be cognizant of not overstepping and telling residents that they cant remove any trees.

Within the proposal, the subcommittee decided to restrict removal and setbacks on private property, Kiselak said. If a tree provides a safety issue, it has to be demonstrated that it is a threat of some sort.

If there are safety concerns, we want to acknowledge that so the draft regulation that we came up with doesnt make it impossible, Kiselak said. Its just a draft we need to get feedback here and from the legal team so its just a starting point.

The subcommittee will seek input from the town as it moves to create a better rules for preserving the trees.

serenity.bishop@hearstmediact.com
NEW HAVEN  A city man suffered serious injuries in a shooting Thursday night, according to police.

Officers responded around 6:20 p.m. to a ShotSpotter gunfire activation on Davenport Avenue between Orchard and Baldwin streets, Officer Scott Shumway said.

Responding units found a 22-year-old New Haven man who had been shot, Shumway said. Medics transported the victim to Yale New Haven Hospital, where Shumway said he is listed in stable condition.

Police ask any witnesses who have not yet spoken to investigating officers to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to call 866-888-TIPS or text NHPD and the information to 274637.
Tim Fischer / Midland Reporter-Telegram

STAMFORD  An emergency road replacement on High Ridge Road in Pound Ridge, N.Y. will cause road closures in both directions just north of the Connecticut border, city officials said Friday afternoon.

The New York State Department of Transportation will close High Ridge south of Upper Shad Road for about four weeks starting on Dec. 14 to perform an emergency culvert replacement. The closure will divert all inbound and outbound Stamford traffic around the work zone onto local roads for the projects duration.
BULLHEAD CITY, Ariz. (AP)  Site-clearing work has begun for a $52.4 million bridge construction project to provide a long-awaited second road crossing over the Colorado River between Bullhead City, Arizona, and Laughlin, Nevada.

Bottom line, the new bridge project is underway after many, many years of dialogue and debate," said Bullhead City Manager Toby Cotter. Its going to happen. Its starting to happen now.

The project is a partnership between Bullhead City and Clark County, which includes Laughlin, an unincorporated casino and resort community.

The two communities across the river from each other share a local economy, with many Bullhead City residents working in Laughlin.

The need for a second bridge connecting Laughlin and Bullhead City has been discussed and planned for decades, with federal funding first committed in the 1990s, said Clark County Commission Michael Naft, whose district includes Laughlin. This bridge is an important transportation element and it is also critical for emergency responders.

The bridge will link the Bullhead Parkway in southern Bullhead City to Needles Highway in Laughlin, the Mohave Valley Daily News reported.

The existing Laughlin Bridge, paid for by Laughlin founder Don Laughlin in 1987 and deeded to the states of Nevada and Arizona, has served since 2001 as the only span crossing the river within the Bullhead City limits.

The new bridge will be about 8 miles (13 kilometers) south of the Laughlin Bridge and about 6 miles (9.6 kilometers) north of the Veterans Memorial Bridge linking Fort Mohave to Laughlin near the Avi Resort Casino.

The next-closest bridge is at Needles.

Before the Laughlin Bridge was built, the bridge at Davis Dam was the only link between Bullhead City and Laughlin. That bridge was closed to public access following the 2001 terrorist attacks against New York and Washington, D.C.

Work recently started with clearing brush and other debris from the project area, constructing a pond near the Colorado River Nature Center on the Arizona side and staging equipment near the work site.

Actual construction is expected to begin by the end of the year and is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2023.

Fisher Sand and Gravel, of Tempe, Arizona, is the primary contractor for building the four-lane bridge that will span 724 feet (221 meters) and include a path for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Clark County is contributing $27.1 million, the federal government is providing $20.8 million and Bullhead City will pay $4.5 million.

The bridge has long been in the planning process, with then-U.S.-Sens. John McCain of Arizona and Harry Reid of Nevada pledging support well before the turn of the century and Bullhead City and Nevada officials working with the Federal Highway Administration to identify an appropriate site.

The original favored site was discarded in 2008 because construction would have infringed on a public park, precluding federal funding.

It then took Bullhead City several years to come up with its current preferred site.

But Laughlin officials didn't like the site, saying it was too far south of Laughlins business and casino districts and that the location would require construction of a new roadway to connect the bridge to Needles Highway.

At one point, the Laughlin Town Advisory Board asked if there were other projects of greater benefit to Laughlin that could benefit from county money earmarked for the bridge.

But Clark County refused to back off its commitment to the bridge project, and the project got the go-ahead earlier this year.
A former Fort Hood soldier was sentenced Wednesday to 40 years in prison for strangling a woman to death in a Killeen, Texas, motel more than two years ago.

Cory Latrell Grafton, 21, pleaded guilty to a charge of murder in a Bell County courtroom in lieu of a trial, according to court records. He was accused of killing Chelsea Cheatham, a 32-year-old mother from Kyle, Texas, at a Days Inn on June 3, 2019.

After half his sentence is served, Grafton will be eligible for parole, according to Texas law.

It is hard to say the justice can ever truly be served when a loved one is taken from a family,

Cristin Lane Taft, the countys assistant district attorney assigned to the case, said in a statement. Chelsea Cheatham was a mother, daughter, and sister who was very much loved by her family. No amount of time spent in prison can truly bring justice to this family for her absence. We only hope that the conclusion of the prosecution and Grafton going to prison brings some closure for the family and is a step in their healing process.

Grafton was arrested Nov. 2, 2020, at Fort Hood, where he held the rank of specialist. A month later, he was separated from the Army, according to officials with Fort Hoods III Corps. Online records did not show where he will serve his prison term.

On the night Cheatham died, police arrived at the Days Inn on Central Texas Expressway at about 10:39 p.m., and found Cheatham unconscious and not breathing, according to the court documents. Lifesaving measures were taken, but she was pronounced dead after about an hour.

An autopsy revealed she died of strangulation, according to court documents. Texas Rangers and Killeen Police Department linked Grafton to the crime through DNA found on Cheatham.

Police called in Grafton for an interview on Oct. 20, 2020, after using phone records to identify him as a possible suspect, according to an affidavit for the soldiers arrest. During the interview, police collected his DNA, which was later used to link him to evidence found at the crime scene.

Grafton spoke to his sergeant after the interview with police and denied his involvement in Cheathams death, according to the court document. The next night, he was hospitalized for an apparent near overdose on over-the-counter pain relievers and alcohol.

While in the hospital, Grafton called and spoke a second time with the sergeant and this time told him that he killed Cheatham. The sergeant then provided a written statement to police about Graftons confession, according to the court document.

This story originally appeared on Stars and Stripes.
The age of Russian superweapons is upon us -- at least that's what President Vladimir Putin wants us to believe.

And they are cause for concern because the United States' traditional early warning systems might not be able to see those weapons coming.

Hypersonic weapons such as Russia's 3M22 Zircon fly so fast and low -- at speeds of up to Mach 6 and at a low atmospheric-ballistic trajectory -- that they can penetrate traditional anti-missile defense systems.

The missile flies with an advanced fuel that the Russians say gives it a range of up to 1,000 kilometers. And it's so fast that the air pressure in front of the weapon forms a plasma cloud as it moves, absorbing radio waves and making it practically invisible to active radar systems.

U.S. Aegis missile interceptor systems require 8-10 seconds of reaction time to intercept incoming attacks. In those 8-10 seconds, the Russian Zircon missiles will already have traveled 20 kilometers, and the interceptor missiles do not fly fast enough to catch up.

Crew members and program officials prepare the X-51A WaveRider for a "captive carry" flight under an Air Force Flight Test Center B-52H Stratofortress Dec. 9, 2009 at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. The captive carry mission is part of preparations being made prior to the X-51's first powered hypersonic flight in early 2010. (U.S. Air Force/Mike Cassidy)

According to Popular Mechanics, even if a U.S. ship were to detect a Zircon missile from 100 miles away, it would have only one minute to do something about it.

In order to intercept a Russian Zircon missile, the U.S. would either need to intercept it at launch or fly an object into its path.

Russia's shift to hypersonic weapons is likely a means of contending with American superiority in size, technology and sheer number of aircraft carriers. The U.S. Navy intends to maintain a force of 12 nuclear-powered aircraft carriers.

By contrast, Russia has one -- and it deploys with a tugboat in case its engine breaks down.

While at sea, any of Russia's 15 Buyan-class corvettes will be able to carry up to 25 Zircon hypersonic missiles. It would take fewer than a half-dozen of those missiles to sink even the most advanced American aircraft carrier, such as the USS Gerald R. Ford.

Some say that innovations like the Zircon are moving the development of military technology away from aircraft carrier-based systems, calling for the U.S. Navy to reconsider the role of the carrier entirely.

-- Blake Stilwell can be reached at blake.stilwell@military.com.

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The Marlins are said to be looking to boost their lineup this winter after finishing 29th in runs scored in 2021. Theyve begun the process by signing Avisail Garcia, but Garcia doesnt so much fill a void as add to an arsenal of right-handed power bats. Among the players whose playing time is made complicated by the addition of Garcia is the oft-injured Garrett Cooper.

Cooper recently posted video of himself on Twitter taking batting practice for the first time in four months. Cooper spent the final 77 days of the regular season on the injured list because of an elbow sprain. A back strain landed him on the injured list for 17 days prior to that. The Marlins maintain two years of team control over Cooper, who turns 31 on Christmas.

The Marlins missed his bat in the lineup, as the 30-year-old slashed a robust .284/.380/.465 in 250 plate appearances when he was healthy. That kind of production is exactly what the Marlins need, especially at the minor cost of $3MM, his projected arbitration salary for 2022.

Cooper is one of many options the Marlins have for first base, the outfield corners, and designated hitter, should there be one in the National League. Cooper has slashed .279/.355/.451 in 842 plate appearances over four years with the Marlins, providing production 19 percent better than average  but struggling to stay healthy.

Finding regular playing time shouldnt be a problem, but Cooper doesnt run particularly well, and because hes right-handed, he doesnt necessarily platoon all that well with Brian Anderson, Jesus Aguilar, or Garcia. He could, however, serve as the short-side platoon partner for Jesus Sanchez in left field, should the Marlins decide to give the lefty regular run opposite Garcia.

The job isnt Sanchezs yet, however, as there are still a number of free agent options on the market, including Kyle Schwarber, whom the Marlins explored a deal with before the lockout. The Marlins have also talked to the Diamondbacks about acquiring Ketel Marte, though that would require quite the prospect haul.

Cooper could ultimately be used as trade bait given his duplicative skill set in Miami. His age and injury history would limit any potential return, but if hes healthy now, he could absolutely be of interest to someone in need of a right-handed bat. Coopers versatility, two years of control, and productivity at the plate make him a relatively valuable resource for a contender on a tight budget.

Still, for now it would have to be considered counterproductive for the Marlins to move one of their more potent bats unless they can fill a hole elsewhere in the lineup with part of the return. If not, there are still plenty of at-bats to go around in Miami, so long as Cooper can stay healthy.
The White Sox have signed lefty Brandon Finnegan to a minor league contract.

Chicago will look to unlock Finnegan, who hasnt appeared in the Majors since 2018. And yet, Finnegan is still just 28 years old. Remember, he debuted with the Royals at the tender age of 21, working out of the bullpen for the Royals as they won the pennant in 2014. He made seven appearances out of the pen during that playoff run.

Finnegan was shipped off the Cincinnati as part of the package for Johnny Cueto the next season, however. He was converted into a full-time starter for the 2016 season, making 31 starts and tossing 172 innings with a 3.98 ERA/5.19 FIP, good for 2.1 rWAR. He made just nine total starts over the next two years, however, and hasnt returned to the Majors since. From 2014 to 2018, he posted an overall 4.11 ERA/5.12 FIP over 260 2/3 innings with the Royals and Reds.

This past season, Finnegan converted back into a reliever, spending the entire season with the Reds Triple-A affiliate in Louisville. Finnegan logged 55 1/3 innings with a 5.53 ERA, never getting a call-up to return to Cincy.
Nunya Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in the Volta region has donated reading materials to Keta Evangelical Presbyterian (EP) basic school in the Keta Municipality on Thursday December 9.

The items donated were reading books for primary one to Junior High School. Books untitled "kulexme, Amedro etlia,Nunyam,Blewu kple Azizawo,Ga le dzee dzim,Akpakpaxe kple Afmizi" among others were donated.

The books were Ewe novels to boost reading, writing and proficiency in the Ewe language.

Mr Christian Zogli, the chairman of the NGO told ModernGhana news that the gesture was to strengthen and improve reading, writing and speaking of the Ewe language.

According to him, there was a bigger droped in Ewe speaking even among the real Voltarians who were supposed to promote the language.

"Our main aim is to promote the speaking of Ee language, since it is our mother language and we must be proud of it," he added.

Mr Zogli stated that the novels donated aside helping the students read and speak correct proficiently will help in the promotion and marketing of the language.

Mr William Kodzo, the headmaster of the Keta-Dzelukope basic school who received the items on behalf of the teachers and students thanked the NGO for the kind gesture.

He promised they will use the books judiciously to improve and promote reading, writing and speaking of the Ewe language.

Mr Sekorme Ksi Kwawu, a parent who was at the gathering in interaction with ModernGhana news thanked the group for their support in helping push forward the language.

He urged the teachers and students to take good care of the books for others to also benefit.

He expressed worried about how most Voltarians stick to other peoples language whilst refusing to be proud of theirs.

Mr Setor further urged and appealed to all Ewe speaking natives to promote the language through speaking.

"Ee is a international language which is been speak abroad, and we must be proud of it," he stated.

There were poetry recitals, story telling, Ew novels reading among others by students of the school to show how important and precious the language is to them.

Parents, teacher, students and many more others witnessed the occasion.
Veteran Kenyan politician Raila Odinga announced Friday he would make his fifth bid for the presidency in next year's election, ending months of suspense following a surprise truce with his former foe, President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The announcement at a Nairobi stadium packed with political bigwigs and thousands of supporters followed speculation that the 76-year-old -- who was the face of Kenya's opposition for decades -- had struck a power-sharing deal with Kenyatta to secure his backing for the top job.

"I do hereby accept to present myself as a presidential candidate for the presidential elections of the 9th of August 2022," he declared to loud cheers, adding that he was committed to building a "democratic and progressive Kenya in our lifetime".

A mainstay of Kenyan politics, the former prime minister -- fondly referred to as "Baba" ("daddy" in Kiswahili) -- remains hugely popular despite losing four shots at the presidency in 1997, 2007, 2013 and 2017.

But his fiery anti-establishment image took a knock in March 2018 when he stunned the country by clasping hands with Kenyatta just months after deadly post-election clashes.

The truce, known universally as "the handshake", sparked speculation the two men had made a pact that would see Odinga succeed Kenyatta, a two-term president who cannot run a third time.

The two leaders also sought to expand the executive through proposed constitutional changes that would have potentially allowed Kenyatta to stay in power as a prime minister.

But despite Kenya's top court ruling against the proposed amendments in August, the unexpected alliance has persevered with Odinga attending official government functions with Kenyatta.

'Tough balance'

Observers say Odinga now faces a threat to the brand he has spent decades cultivating, battling for democracy and spending eight years behind bars under the autocratic regime of Daniel arap Moi.

"He has some convincing to do, to a group that has always seen him as the opponent, and to those that support him, that he still has their interests first," political analyst Nerima Wako-Ojiwa told AFP.

"It will be a tough balance, and one of the two is bound to receive the short end of the stick."

He will face a tough fight against his new and much younger rival, Kenya's Deputy President William Ruto, who was previously promised Kenyatta's backing for the top job in exchange for his support.

Ruto, 54, has positioned himself as a leader looking to upend the status quo and stand up for the "hustlers" trying to make ends meet in a country ruled by "dynasties".

The Kenyatta and Odinga families have dominated Kenyan politics since independence in 1963.

In an interview with AFP in September, Odinga said he was confident of his ability to win over voters.

"I have a track record which Kenyans understand very well," he said.

"They know that given an opportunity as the head of government, I can introduce a lot of changes."
France is to open the judicial Algerian war archives 15 years earlier than planned in an effort to rebuild relations between Paris and its former colony, which have broken down in recent months.

Making the announcement in an interview with BFM TV Friday, Culture Minister Roselyne Bachelot said ties between the countries could only be reconstructed "around the truth.

The archives in question pertain to judicial gendarmerie and police investigations in connection with the Algerian War of Independence.

The news comes two days after Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian visited Algiers in the hopes of defusing the escalation in tensions.

On 13 September, 2018, Macron acknowledged the French army had been responsible for the 1957 disappearance of the mathematician and communist activist Maurice Audin, in Algiers, and promised his family would have access to the archives.

In March, Macron continued his policy of small steps by announcing that it would now be easier and faster for researchers to access classified archives that dated back more than 50 years.

Stora report

The decision was made following the publication of the Stora report on the memory of colonisation and the Algerian war, which recommended that the Algerians and French open up and share their colonial archives.

Algeria and its former colonial power have had  and continue to have  an historically fraught relationship. The 60th anniversary of the 1961 Paris massacre was commemorated on 17 October this year.

On that night six decades ago, French police  led by Marshal Maurice Papon, a well-known Nazi collaborator  cracked down on a peaceful demonstration in Paris by 25,000 pro-National Liberation Front Algerians who were protesting a curfew that had only been imposed on Algerians.

France is only now starting to acknowledge the grim truth of what unfolded on that day, although it has stopped short of apologising or repenting for its actions.

Earlier in October, Algeria had recalled its ambassador to Paris and forbade French military aircraft from flying over its territory following comments made by Macron to the French newspaper Le Monde, in which he accused Algeria's political-military system of rewriting history and stirring up hatred towards France.

(With Wires)
Mr Alan Kyerematen, the Minister of Trade and Industry, has described the death of Togbega Gabusu VI, former Paramount Chief of the Gbi Traditional Area, Hohoe, as a loss to Ghana.

He said the contributions of the late traditional ruler went beyond the Traditional Area.

Mr Kyerematen, who paid a courtesy call on the chiefs and people of the area to mourn with them during the burial rites for the chief, said Togbega had a good relationship with former President Agyekum Kufuor and President Akufo-Addo, while he was at the Forestry Commission.

He said Hohoe had always been his second home and had a very fond relationship with Togbega, who discussed his vision for the Traditional Area with him (Kyerematen) to uplift development and bring prosperity to the people.

Mr Kyerematen said he was ready to work with Mr John Peter Amewu, the Minister of Railway Development and

Member of Parliament of Hohoe, to make sure Togbega's dream was fulfilled.

He said he would get the Council a new bus to replace the malfunctioning one he earlier donated to it.

Mr Kyerematen presented a cow, bottled water, alcoholic beverages and GHC20,000 to the Traditional Council.

Togbe Keh XII, the Divisional Chief of Gbi Wegbe, on behalf of the Council, expressed gratitude to the Minister for his kind gesture and said the people wished him well in his endeavours.

Mr Kyerematen was accompanied by Mr Amewu, Nana Ohene Ntow, a former General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr Kenwuud Nuworsu, a former NPP Volta Regional Chairman, Mr Nobel Yao Awumey, Hohoe Municipal Chief Executive, and Mr Anthony Kondobrey, the Hohoe NPP Constituency Chairman, among other dignitaries.

GNA
10.12.2021 LISTEN

One person has been confirmed died after a shooting incident in the Tatale Sanguli district in the Northern Region during an enskinment of a sub-chief.

Six other persons were wounded after the shooting incident, some of whom were rushed to the Tamale Teaching Hospital for treatment.

Speaking to Citi News, the Kuyore Traditional Chief, Nambu Jakobiki IV, said the police are present in the area and investigations have begun into the incident.

Recounting the incident, he said, we had an arrangement to enskin a sub-chief for the Bichachabi clan. But prior to this programme, there were concerns raised by the Yagpuli community that they would not agree to me enskining the chief for Bichachabi community.

Because of the contentions, the Yagpuli community was excluded from the enskinment process.

When they were escorting the newly enskinned chief to his house, then the Yagpuli community led by their chief ambushed their newly enskinned chief and the entourage that was escorting him to his house.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has banned the display of paraphernalia and all activities that will constitute campaigning ahead of its parliamentary and presidential annual delegates conference.

In s statement signed by Director of Communications Yaw Buaben Asamoa, the NPP says the decision was taken at a meeting held on Thursday, December 9, 2021, by the National Steering Committee of the Party, acting under Article 10 (10) (1) of the Constitution of the Party.

Prior to and during the Conference on 18th to 20th December 2021, no billboards and or signboards, banners or any kind of outdoor signage with the images and or names of individual members, with or without the consent of the individual, shall be acceptable.

This applies to the area within the Greater Kumasi Metropolis. All such displays, if put up already, should be removed, the NPP statement dated December 10 has said.

The statement adds, no t-shirts, flyers, brochures, and or souvenirs, branded and or embossed with the portraits and names of individuals, shall be allowed within the precincts of the Conference, including but not limited to places of accommodation for delegates.

The NPP warns that any person, with or without their consent, whose image is flaunted on any advocacy material and who does not take active steps to desist from any public displays of aspiration for a position within the precincts of Greater Kumasi, runs a higher risk of disqualification in the event nominations are declared opened.

Meanwhile, the NPP has called on delegates to get vaccinated before this years Annual Delegates Conference.

Below is the statement issued by the NPP today:

Below is the full statement

10th December, 2021

Press Release

NPP Bans All Activities Associated with Internal Party Contests, Parliamentary and Presidential Primaries.

Institutes a Vaccination Policy at its 2021 National Annual Delegates Conference

At a meeting held on Thursday 9th December 2021, the National Steering Committee of the Party, acting under Article 10 (10) (1) of the Constitution of the Party and in furtherance of the Code of Conduct issued under Article 18 to regulate and guide the activities of members prior to the opening of nominations, has banned the display of paraphernalia and advocacy for individual aspirants at the upcoming National Annual Delegates Conference.

Prior to and during the Conference on 18th to 20th December 2021, no billboards and or sign boards, banners or any kind of outdoor signage with the images and or names of individual members, with or without the consent of the individual, shall be acceptable. This applies to the area within the Greater Kumasi Metropolis. All such displays, if put up already, should be removed.

Furthermore, no t-shirts, flyers, brochures, and or souvenirs, branded and or embossed with the portraits and names of individuals, shall be allowed within the precincts of the Conference, including but not limited to places of accommodation for delegates. Any person, with or without their consent, whose image is flaunted on any advocacy material and who does not take active steps to desist from any public displays of aspiration for position within the precincts of Greater Kumasi, runs a higher risk of disqualification in the event nominations are declared opened.

The 2021 National Annual Delegates Conference is a time of renewal for the Party. Though we cherish the Party tradition of democratic competition, we believe well-meaning aspirants will appreciate the need for such measures, which are necessary to enable a clear focus on the aims of the Conference. The true spirit behind the Conference is to enhance Party unity around the singular effort of working closely with Ghanaians as we recover from Covid-19 and rebuild our economy in new ways to feed into a future of shared growth. The Party will also be focused on dealing with constitutional amendments proposed by members.

The Conference represents the end of a five-month long, but fruitful process. Starting in August 2021 under strict Covid-19 protocols, 275 Constituency Annual Delegates Conferences and 16 Regional Annual Delegates Conferences have been held, bringing together nearly 300,000 people, a feat unequalled in this era of Covid-19.

In response to enhanced protocols due to the fourth wave of Covid-19, attendees to the National Conference, are advised to take jabs of vaccine immediately, wherever they may find themselves. The Party is humbly requesting the Ghana Health Service to publish a list of places where shots of vaccine can be received in order for Party members to take jabs before the Conference date. There will also be medical personnel at the Conference venue to support compliance with the Protocols. All must carry their vaccination cards with them.

Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year

Signed

Yaw Buaben Asamoa

(Director of Communications)
There are no students in the playground of the high school in the Bomaka district of Buea -- just the odd goat grazing on overgrown grass.

Buea is the capital of Cameroon's Southwest Region -- one of two regions gripped by violence after anglophones launched a campaign to break away from the country's French-speaking majority.

In Bomaka, almost all the schools have been closed since 2016. It has just one junior school that remains open, but whose rollcall has slumped from around 600 to just 69 today.

"The crisis has killed the schools," said Isaac Bissong, its headmaster. "Many pupils have left this neighbourhood to study elsewhere because they are afraid."

In one classroom, only eight students were present when AFP visited. The silence in the once-bustling corridors was heavy.

Unlike other schools in the country, the green, red and yellow flag of Cameroon was nowhere to be seen -- "that could get us into trouble," said Bissong.

Map of Cameroon locating English-speaking regions and their capitals, Bamenda and Buea.. By Valentina BRESCHI (AFP)

The school is located less than three kilometres (two miles) from Muea, one of the separatists' strongholds and the scene of many clashes.

Bissong provides whatever security he can for the school, although he is not armed.

He sits on a chair at the school entrance, on the lookout for potential trouble.

Deaths and threats

Anglophone separatists in the Southwest and neighbouring Northwest Region regularly attack schools that they accuse of teaching in French.

Teachers and other civil servants have been killed after being accused of "collaborating" with the central government in Yaounde.

Paul Biya is the veteran president of largely French-speaking Cameroon. By Ludovic MARIN (AFP)

The predominantly French-speaking country is ruled with an iron fist by President Paul Biya, 88, who has been in power for 39 years.

Years-long grievances among the anglophone minority brewed for years, overflowing into a declaration of independence on October 1, 2017.

Armed separatists launched attacks on the security forces, triggering a violent crackdown.

The spiral of bloodshed has claimed more than 3,500 lives and forced around 700,000 people to flee their homes, according to monitors.

NGOs say that killings of civilians and abuses have been committed by both sides.

According to UNICEF, in 2019, some 850,000 children were not in school in the English-speaking regions.

In October 2020, a dozen men stormed the Mother Francisca International Bilingual Academy in Kumba, in the Southwest Region, opening fire on pupils.

They killed seven children aged between nine and 12. A dozen others were shot or macheted.

On November 24 this year, four students and a teacher were killed by gunmen in the Southwest.

'Children are dying'

Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) Secretary General, Jan Egeland: 'Children are dying, and teachers too'. By Hoshang Hashimi (AFP)

"Children are dying, and teachers too, for providing an education that these armed people do not want, believing it is not good for their region," Jan Egeland, secretary general of the Norwegian Refugee Council, told AFP during a visit to Buea.

"There's a generation of children who are on the verge of becoming illiterate because they have not been to school."

In the streets of downtown Buea, armed soldiers were on patrol.

Blaise Chamango, a parent, said she was constantly worried for the children's safety.

"Before leaving them at school in the morning, I pray".

"When we send our children to school, we can receive threats," said another parent, Manu Dao. "I am sad because their future is at stake."

Many families have fled.

In the Southwest's coastal area of Souza, one school is hosting 596 displaced English-speaking children this year, out of a total of 1,087 pupils.

The pupils are sometimes crammed 90 to a class.

"Many of them are in a state of shock," said school official Joseph Mencheng.

"Many have seen people killed, their parents in some cases. Sometimes, in the middle of a lesson, they bring up some horror they have experienced."

Stephanie, aged 12, is in a class with children years younger than her.

"I left my village because there was a war and I couldn't go to school for three years," she explained.

Nine-year-old Dipanda is talking with three classmates in another crowded classroom.

She comes from a small village in the Northwest Region. She says she is delighted to be back in school after classes were stopped "because of the war."
India and Russia have concluded 28 different deals, including one for the manufacture of 600,000 Russian assault rifles for the Indian Army. New Delhi also signed an agreement on how to respond to cyberattacks on banks.

The accords were made on the margins of a summit between India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin during the week and aim to bolster military and trade ties as the countries' leaders met for the first in-person talks since 2019.

Both countries also held their first 2+2 ministerial talks involving defence and foreign ministers, and held a strategic dialogue to discuss reinforcing ties.

Putin's whirlwind six-hour visit to India happened in the midst of increasingly tense relations between Russia and the United States, also a key Indian ally, which has expressed reservations about the growing military cooperation between Moscow and New Delhi.

Deliveries in progress

India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla said during the week that Russia has already started delivering its long-range S-400 surface-to-air missile defense systems to India on the back of a deal the two countries signed in 2018.

That arms deal, worth US$5 billion, has been a major annoyance in India-US ties with the latter threatening sanctions under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), which is aimed at reining in Russia.

India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla said: S-400 is a legacy contract going back to 2018. Supplies have begun and will continue to happen. We follow an independent foreign policy and decisions are not taken in light of others.

Addressing the controversy around that deal, Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov, said in his press briefing after the conclusion of the 2+2 dialogue: S-400 does not just have symbolic meaning. It has important practical meaning for Indian defence capability. The situation is basically underway. The deal is being implemented.

Strengthening defence pact

A joint statement published after the talks said Russia and India had "reiterated their intention to strengthen defence cooperation, including in the joint development of production of military equipment."

Both sides are looking forward to the continued increase in the trade and investment trajectory," said Shringla.

Despite the growing proximity, differences persisted in areas like the concept of Indo-Pacific. Lavrov told reporters that under the aegis of the Indo-Pacific, the US and others were creating exclusive blocs including the trilateral Australia-UK-US pact announced in September.

Putin's visit to an extent arrested the drift in the relationship between the two nations, said Harsh Pant, head of the strategic studies program at New Delhi-based think tank Observer Research Foundation.

I think this visit seems to be a recognition from the top of the two countries that despite the divergences, they do see great value in keeping each other a priority country.

The two countries have a target of $30 billion in trade and $50 billion in investment by 2025.

India confirmed that issues such as Chinese incursions in Ladakh and the situation in Ukraine did come up during the conversations between India and Russia.

The evolving situation in Afghanistan was also discussed, especially the security situation and its implications for the region, relating to terrorism, radicalisation and drug trafficking.
France's Pacific territory of New Caledonia goes to the polls this Sunday for a third and final referendum on independence with observers saying China has its eye on bringing the archpelago into its sphere of influence.

The French overseas territory, some 2,000km east of Australia was allowed three independence referendums when the Noumea Agreement was ratified in 1998 aimed at easing tensions with the indigenous Kanak population.

Having rejected secession from their former colonial masters in 2018 and then again in 2020, the territory's 185,000 voters will be asked one last time: "Do you want New Caledonia to accede to full sovereignty and become independent?"

Sunday's vote comes against the backdrop of increasingly strained ties between Paris and its allies in the region.

France regards itself as a major Indo-Pacific power thanks to overseas territories like New Caledonia.

Australia infuriated France in September by ditching a submarine contract in favour of a security pact with Britain and the United States.

Behind the recent spat looms China's growing role in the region, with experts suspecting that an independent New Caledonia could be more amenable to Beijing's advances, which are partly motivated by an interest in the territory's mining industry.

China is already the biggest single client for New Caledonia's metal exports, especially for nickel.

China waiting in the wings

Some observers say that if the French safeguard disappears China would move quickly to establish itself permanently in New Caledonia.

Other nations in the Melanesia region - including Fiji, Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea - have already become "Chinese satellites."

Pro-independence campaigners are boycotting Sunday's vote, saying they want it postponed to September because "a fair campaign" is not possible while coronavirus infection numbers are high.

The French government has rejected the demand, saying the virus spread had slowed down with the infection rate down to a relatively modest 80 to 100 cases per 100,000 people.

The pro-independence movement has still threatened non-recognition of the referendum outcome, and vowed to appeal to the United Nations to get it cancelled.

Independence groups claim poll is "declaration of war"

Meanwhile, the pro-French camp has called on its supporters not to be complacent and cast their ballots. This, amid fears that the pro-independenc boycott of the polls may prompt people to stay at home since victory may look like a foregone conclusion.

In June, the various political parties agreed with the French government that Sunday's referendum, whatever its outcome, should lead to "a period of stability and convergence" and be followed by a new referendum by June 2023 which would decide on the "project" that New Caledonia's people want to pursue.

But hopes for a smooth transition were jolted when the main indigenous pro-independence movement, the FLNKS, deemed the government's insistence on going ahead with the referendum "a declaration of war".

Observers fear that renewed tensions could even spark a return of the kind of violence last seen 30 years ago, before the feuding parties reached successive deals to ensure the island group's peaceful transition.
The Majority and Minority in Parliament have locked horns in the closed door negotiations of the controversial 1.74% e-levy.

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Bongo Constituency in the Upper East Region, Mr. Edward Bawa has disclosed that negotiations between the Majority and Minority in Parliament on the Electronic Transaction Levy (E-Levy) has yielded nothing.

The two groups in parliament since last week have been in talks to reach a consensus.

However, with both sides not backing down on their stance, it has now come to light that negotiations on the E-Levy are not going anywhere.

Speaking in an interview on TV3 on Saturday, December 11, 2021, Bongo MP Edward Bawa said, "negotiations [on the introduction of the E-Levy] have collapsed.

Reacting to that claim on the same platform, Economic Policy Analyst at the Office of the Vice President Dr. Kabiru Mahama said it is not true.

According to him, the government holds a different view and it is unfortunate the lawmaker will make such a statement.

From the governments view, negotiations havent collapsed. It is quite unfortunate to state that consultations have collapsed, Dr. Kabiru Mahama shared.

As a result of the latest development, it is quite likely that there will be no consensus on the approved budget by the close of next week before Parliament goes on recess.

The E-Levy being introduced by the government will charge Ghanaians a 1.75% tax on all financial transactions done electronically when approved.

The Minority while rejecting the levy, has given the indication that it could accept a reduction to a 1% charge, Haruna Iddrisu said publicly.

But a statement released by the Minority Caucus signed by Mubarak Muntaka, Asawase MP said their side still stands on the removal of the proposed e-levy from the 2022 budget.
Benin opposition leader Reckya Madougou has been sentenced to 20 years in jail for terrorism by a special court in the capital Porto-Novo, following a brief trial that her lawyers condemned as a "political attack".

After more than 20 hours of hearings, Madougou was found guilty of "complicity in terrorist acts" by the Economic Crime and Terrorism Court, which on Tuesday sentenced another key opposition figure to 10 years.

Critics say the court, set up in 2016, has been used by President Patrice Talon's regime to crack down on the opposition and pushed Benin into authoritarianism.

Speaking before her prison sentence was announced, Madougou said: "This court has deliberately decided to penalise an innocent person."

"I have never been and I will never be a terrorist," the 47-year-old former justice minister added.

Madougou was one of several opposition leaders banned from running in an election in April in which Talon won a second term with 86 percent of the vote.

She was arrested in the economic capital Cotonou in March -- just weeks before the election -- accused of financing an operation to assassinate political figures to prevent the vote, in an alleged bid to "destabilise" the country.

"Tried at 6am, without witnesses, without documents, without evidence, Recky Madougou was sentenced to 20 years in prison by three accomplices of those in power," her France-based lawyer Antoine Vey tweeted after the sentencing.

"Her crime: to have embodied a democratic alternative to the regime of Patrice Talon."

Political attack

Vey had told the trial on Friday that "this procedure is nothing but a political attack".

"Even before her arrest, everything was orchestrated," Vey said a day after arriving from Paris.

He asked for the trial to be cancelled, before leaving the court and never returning -- Madougou's Benin-based lawyers stayed for the remainder.

On the stand at the trial, Madougou said that she had "no illusions" about its outcome.

"I offer myself to the democracy of my country, if my sacrifice can give your court back its independence," she said.

Judge flees the country over political pressure

Less than a week before the April election, a judge from the special court fled Benin denouncing political pressure to make rulings, in particular the case of Madougou's arrest.

Government officials dismiss claims of political interference and say Benin's judiciary is independent.

Benin has long been praised for its thriving multi-party democracy in a troubled region.

But critics say the state's democracy has been steadily eroded under Talon, a 63-year-old cotton magnate first elected in 2016.
President Akufo-Addo has said, as part of his fight against corruption, his government, through the Attorney General, is prosecuting some high-profile persons for various offences including fraud, economic crime, procurement breaches and money laundering.

Speaking at the National Anti-Corruption Conference on Friday, 10 December 2021, President Akufo-Addo said the Office of the Attorney General and the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), in addition to the countless cases being prosecuted around the country, have successfully prosecuted a number of high-profile cases, including a case of stealing in the Republic vs. Eugene Baffoe-Bonnie & Others.

Many other high-profile prosecutions involving corruption, economic crime, fraud, procurement breaches and money laundering, like the Republic vs. Alhaji Collins Dauda & 4 Others in the Saglemi Scandal; Republic vs. Ernest Thompson & Others; Republic vs. Dr Kwabena Duffuor & Others; Republic vs. Stephen Opuni & Others, are ongoing. It is worthy to note that these cases have, as their sole object, the principle of holding public officers to account, and involve sums in excess of $850 million and GH2 billion, he added.

The President also said the Attorney General, on behalf of the government, is currently leading the effort to enact a law on the conduct of public officers.

He said, inasmuch as public officials are required to declare their assets upon taking office as a tool of fighting corruption, I am, however, of the candid opinion that existing legislation on corruption, relating to the conduct of public officers in Ghana, appears to be inadequate to deal extensively with public office accountability.

According to the president, the need to lay down a set of far-reaching and a more fit for purpose set of regulations for the conduct of public officers, which will give effect to the provisions of Chapter 24 of the Constitution on conduct of public officers, is, in my view, now self-evident.

To this end, he revealed that the Attorney General, over the past four months, has undertaken various stakeholder consultations with a number of public sector organisations, civil society and other interest groups to this end.

When passed into law, President Akufo-Addo indicated that the Conduct of Public Officers Act will follow the example of legislation in other jurisdictions like the United States Ethics in Government Act of 1978, Public Officers Ethics Act of Kenya, and the U.K. Constitutional and Governance Act of 2010, in addressing issues regarding financial portfolios held by public officers before assuming public office, links to family business, improper enrichment, care of public property, professional practices, property, investments/shareholdings and other assets, self-dealing, partiality in the performance of duties, use of public or confidential information to further private interest, amongst others.

The Bill provides a gamut of stringent administrative measures and sanctions to deal with violations of the law, ranging from a bar against holding public office for limited and indefinite periods to penal measures. The Bill also seeks to strengthen the role of CHRAJ in the investigation of allegations of contravention of or non-compliance with the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, including conflict of interest, non-declaration of assets, and illicit enrichment, the President added.

Updating the Conference about some of the important contributions of the Office of Attorney General in the detection and prosecution of high-profile corruption cases, as well as in the protection of the public purse, the President acknowledged that the states tight purse is very much affected by the award of judgment debts, in various unconscionable transactions.

The recent example of a financial house claiming payment of interest of some GH1.3 billion after 11 years, from a transaction involving a meagre GH268,000 in 2008, even after the state had already paid some GH79 million, comes to mind.

Through the effort of the Attorney General, the Supreme Court declared further payment as unlawful, saving the State some two hundred and thirty million dollars (US$230 million), he said.

He also told the gathering about how, on 31 July 2021, the Attorney General succeeded in setting aside a judgement debt in excess of US$15.3 million imposed by the High Court, Kumasi, in an action arising out of the activities of the erstwhile Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining about two years ago.

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The board and management of the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) have appealed to the Government to start works on phase III of the hospital's expansion project that is aimed at making the facility able to accommodate the increasing number of patients that come to it daily.

Board Chairman of the Hospital Dr. Mahmoud H. Nassir-Deen who made the appeals said despite the successful completion of phases one and two of the project, the hospital is still faced with infrastructural challenges hence the need for the phase III project to be completed.

The board chairman noted that due to the delayed in starting work on the phase three project, pediatric service provision is scattered across different areas of the hospital.

He argued that the project when completed, would make service delivery especially paediatrics' more efficient and timelier.

Dr. Nassir-Deen made the appeals when he delivered his welcome address at the commissioning of an oncology center at the hospital on Wednesday, December 8, 2021.

"Phase I and II of the Hospital's expansion and upgrading project were complete ld by the GoG. Phase III of the expansion and upgrading works, which includes the construction of a pediatric block, a Psychiatric Department, and a Centralized Storage Facility has however not yet commenced the need for a stand-alone pediatric block is imperative now more than ever for the Hospital. This will make the provision of pediatric service more efficient and seamless. You Excellency, we crave your indulgence to use your influence to get phase III of the upgrading works executed as a matter of urgency" the board chairman said.

The center which establishment cost over GHS 600,000 has 12 recliners,10 infusion pumps, patient beds, procedure beds, suctioning machines, air conditioners, drug reconstitution and Anterooms, and other facilities to help the TTH provide the needed services for cancer patients.

It is to benefit cancer patients from the Northern, North East, and Savannah regions. The facility is being jointly sponsored by Products Ghana Ltd and the world Child Cancer

The board chair who couldn't hide his joy over the establishment of the center explained that the TTH's oncology Center was established in 2012 with just five nurses and two pharmacists but has now grown to four oncology special nurses and other staff such as surgeons, general nurses, and pharmacists who provide service to patients.

"The oncology unit in TTH was set up in 2012 with five nurses and two pharmacists. Currently, the unit comprises four (4) oncology specialist nurses who work in collaboration with other staff including surgeons, general nurses, and pharmacists to provide oncology services" he stated

While enumerating the benefits of the Center to the hospital, Dr. Nassir-Deen thanked the Roche Ghana Products Limited and the world Child Cancer (WCC) for their support to them over the years and called on them to further support the hospital with a radiotherapy unit so that they can fully provide best oncology service to the public.

On his part, the Director of Pharmacy at the Tamale Teaching Hospital, Dr. Hamidu Abdulai in a submission said the oncology Center was established after realizing the need to create an adult chemotherapy suite to cater to the increasing number of patients who visit the facility.

He revealed that efforts to obtain space for oncology services were unsuccessful on many occasions until he met with Roche Ghana.

He further noted that before the expansion of the center, his office was offered s a last resort for setting up the chemotherapy suite to help the hospital in rendering cancer care services to patients.

"The Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) Oncology Center was birthed from the need for space to establish an Adult Chemotherapy Suite in the hospital, an offer made by Dr. Philip Anderson the Country Manager of Roche Products Ghana Ltd in the company of his Pharmacist, Mr. Maxwell Fordjour late last year. Every effort to obtain more space for oncology services had been unsuccessful until I meet with the Roche representatives. For my passion for quality health care services and love for patients, I offered my office as a last resort space to be used for setting up the chemotherapy suite" he said

He indicated that the Centre would create awareness, screening, and treatment of breast cancer, and other cancer-related diseases, adding that it will also serve patients with other cancers, and help ensure early diagnosis to prevent avoidable deaths and complications.

"We now have the opportunity to prepare, transport, and administer oncology medicines within the same facility under desirable condition, maximizing therapeutic outcomes and safety whilst minimizing the risk of staff, patients, and the environment, Dr. Hamid said

Dr. Philip Anderson, the Country Manager of Roche Ghana, in his remarks, said the Tamale Teaching Hospital's Cancer Centre was one of three facilities Roche had established within Ghana to provide cancer treatment.

He also said the company had adopted a holistic approach to healthcare delivery and thus engaged in a partnership with the ministry of health and other partners to help provide accessible total care to cancer patients.

Access to quality health care for cancer patients most especially in this part of the country was a major concern to Roche, hence our partnership with the government to improve access for better healthcare to cancer patients, he stressed.

Dr . Anderson also revealed that health personnel at the Tamale Teaching Hospital had undergone training in cancer surveillance and diagnostics ahead of the launch of the facility to put them in a better position to be able to manage Cancer cases well.

The Roche country manger pledged more support If the company to health care delivery in Ghana, but also urged the management of the TTH to take good care of the center to enable it last longer and also to serve its purpose.

The First Lady, Madam Rebeca Akuffo Addo, whose speech was read on her behalf, said the cancer was becoming a public health emergency in the county, with more women in their 20s and 30s being diagnosed with the disease.

She noted that Cancer pushed many families into poverty and cut short the lives of many vibrant young women in the country.

The First lady also indicated that lack of disease awareness, finances, limited skills, and deficient health professionals are some of the significant gaps affecting quality health care delivery in the country.

While expressing worry over these challenges, Madame Rebecca lauded the inclusion of the Cancercare and Family Planning services in, and to the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) as she believed it will help reduce the burden on patients.

Mayor of Tamale Sule Salifu, in his statements, called on the management of TTH, to institute a good client relationship system within the facility to ensure patients have first-class service delivery at the hospital.

Madame Anne-Marie Affrainie Godwill, the Sub-Saharan Africa Coordinator for the World Child Cancer (WCC) in her submissions, said the mission of the WCC regarding child health was to ensure early diagnosis and detection and possible treatment. She also said their vision is to see to it that every child has access to cancer care regardless of their families and financial backgrounds.

She also said the organization partners with health care facilities to establish centers where cancer-related issues can be handled by professionals.

Madame Anne-Marie also said WCC provides training for health care professionals to enable them to offer health care needs to children suffering from cancers.

"World Child Cancer to improve access to diagnose and treatment, aside from that the vision of the organization is to ensure that every child has access to cancer care regardless of the financial background," she said
The newly created Central East Regional Police Command says it has reduced criminal activities in Kasoa and adjoining communities by 50 per cent.

Mr Kwadwo Otchere Boapeah, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP), the Commander of the region, in an interview with Ghana News Agency (GNA), said the Command since its creation in August this year had embarked on several swoops, which had yielded tremendous successes.

Kasoa for some time now has gained notoriety due to the activities of land guards, armed robbery and other related crimes. We swooped on drinking bars, pubs and households, where intelligence gathered revealed criminal activities ongoing," Mr Boapeh said.

He said a large number of suspects had been arrested, screened and those who were found culpable put before the court.

The swoops, coupled with other drastic measures, according to DCOP Boapeah, had drastically reduced the crime rate in the region and the public was gaining confidence in the Police.

I can say with confidence that we have reduced criminal activities by 50 per cent and this will continue unabated," he assured.

The Central East Regional Police Command was carved out of the Central Regional Police Headquarters this year with two divisions  the Kasoa Police Divisional Command and the Millennium City Police Divisional Command.

The region is the first to be created in 55 years and it falls within efforts by the Ghana Police Service to enhance its operations by combating crime in Kasoa in particular, as the city kept sprawling with the attendant high crime rate.

This means that Ghana now has 18 police regions  the Greater Accra and Central Regions have two each with the rest of the 14 political regions having one each.

With 683 police personnel, the Central East Police Command has a total of 10 police district commands and 21 police stations.

GNA
11.12.2021 LISTEN

January 2021 marked a historic event for African economic development the launching of free trading under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The agreement promotes socio-economic growth and development in Africa through liberalised trade processes and structures. So far, the 54 African countries have signed the agreement, resulting in immense potential for the growth of trade between African countries. In fact, it has been hailed as perhaps the most ambitious free trade project since the creation of the World Trade Organization itself by Martyn Davies, the managing director of Emerging Markets at Deloitte Africa.

The question is, are African countries harnessing this potential offered by the AfCFTA?

According to the African Development Bank (AfDB), intra-Africa exports amount to only 16.6% of total trade.

Lwazi Mboyi, the Acting CEO of the Southern African Cross-Border Road Transport Agency (C-BRTA), says there is a need for strategic partnerships between regional and corridor-based institutions, trade and transport stakeholders (such as the Cross-Border Road Transport Regulators Forum - a regional forum of regulatory authorities) and related bodies. This would leverage collaborative efforts towards resolving the bottlenecks affecting cross-border transport and regional trade.

It is imperative that we decisively deal with operational constraints and Non-Tariff Barriers which negatively affect the performance of the cross-border transport system and in the corridors linking the COMESA-EAC-SADC tripartite and beyond, said Mr. Mboyi. He added: As we do this, we must aim to ensure that cross-border road transport operations are underpinned by firstly, a harmonised regulatory environment and secondly; a predictable operating environment..

The reality is that its not just policies and procedural shortcomings that have resulted in limited cross-border trade volumes in Africa. We have to look deeper into why intra-African trade has been slow to gain traction, leading to Africas ongoing heavy reliance on foreign imports.

The unfortunate truth is that African countries dont always view their counterparts on the continent in a favourable light. This is due various reasons such as historical conflicts between countries or regions, as well as poor political and trade relationships. There are also negative perceptions about doing business in Africa, including lack of basic infrastructure for trade, not living up to global quality standards, having weak governance structures and simply not being a viable choice for successful business operations.

While some of these views do hold some merit (especially in terms of past trade environments), a lot has changed over the last decade. Many African countries have continually, and consistently enhanced and improved their systems and processes relating to trade and economic development.

Sadly, negative perceptions have not always shifted in line with these positive changes and advancements despite data and projections showing huge potential for such countries, and the continent as a whole. This lack of recognition of socio-economic growth indicators negatively impacts intra-African trade.

Stimulating trade

To stimulate intra-African trade, we need to understand the current limitations and opportunities on the continent. There is need to change the narrative about Africa. The narrative needs to be future-forward and reflective of where the continent is headed.

For transformation to truly happen in Africa, we need the buy-in and support of all stakeholders, not just government and policymakers.

Private sector needs to be open to the conversation of doing more and more business on the continent and explore local partnerships to an exponentially larger extent.

However, for this to work, stakeholders and decision-makers need to be committed to tangibly improving trade and development in Africa in terms of raising the bar when it comes to excellence, service delivery, infrastructure, ethical business practice, policies and other related factors.

According to a 2021 white paper released by the World Economic Forum (in collaboration with Deloitte), the current insufficient and inert interlinkages between African economies have exacerbated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the continents supply chains.

The report states that the continent can do little to counter the global forces inclining towards deglobalization, but it can itself embrace a self-supportive regionalism through enhanced intra-African trade, not to mention promoting Africa as an enhanced destination for investment from multinationals.

Communication is key

In order to successfully boost intra-African economic trade, we need to put in a lot of work to improve trade, development and business systems that promote trade across the continent.

Most importantly, we also have to communicate effectively in order to get the message across and really change the narrative. To achieve this, we need more open channels of communication and dialogue regarding connecting African businesses and organisations to each other. Platforms such as webinars, round-table discussions, cross-border trade shows such as the upcoming 2021 Intra-African Trade Fair in Durban, South Africa this November, and networking events are effective ways to stimulate interaction that leads to collaboration.

In fact, we all as players within the African economic eco-systems need to be ambassadors when it comes to brand building for the continent. Such an approach will benefit businesses, countries, and Africa as a whole  and this bigger picture vision is what will move the continent forward in a very intentional and tangible manner.

This communication process should be a productive cycle - make positive changes, communicate about these changes, this then leads to more positive shifts in perceptions, which comes back again to more positive changes.

The bottom line is that, as Africans, we need to take more responsibility for how we see each other, and how others see us. Let us all rise to the challenge, using the AfCFTA as a springboard to stimulate business relations with our African counterparts. Africas time is now, so lets make it happen  together.

Ms. Matsena is the founder and CEO of 1Africa Consulting, a South African-based strategic communications and business solutions agency.

For more information on COVID-19, visit www.un.org/coronavirus

Africa Renewal
The Congressional investigation into the January 6, 2021 riot at the United States Capitol is generating lots of fanfare. And understandably so. The riot was a disturbing low point in American history. Recent headlines highlight Steve Bannons indictment for refusing to cooperate with investigators; former Department of Justice lawyer Jeffrey Clarks plans to plead the fifth amendment during his upcoming testimony; and former Trump Chief of Staff Mark Meadows refusal to sit for an interview.

But the pursuit of additional information about January 6 shouldnt detract from or obscure what we already know. This is not a situationlike the Mueller investigationwhere there is some ambiguous smoke and we need an investigation to determine whether there is fire.

When it comes to the events surrounding January 6, we are already choking on smoke as the fire blazes before us.

Indeed, what we already know constitutes an unprecedented offense to American democracy. We already know, for example, that before the election Donald Trump spent months undermining the elections integrity. On May 26, 2020, for example, Trump tweeted that [t]here is NO WAY (ZERO!) that Mail-In Ballots will be anything less than substantially fraudulent. Mail boxes will be robbed, ballots will be forged & even illegally printed out & fraudulently signed. On August 24 he asserted that [t]he only way they can take this election away from us is if this is a rigged election.

And so on.

We already know, moreover, that in the two months after the electionbefore January 6Trump doubled down on his baseless claims: He only won in the eyes of the FAKE NEWS MEDIA, Trump tweeted about Joe Biden. I concede NOTHING! We have a long way to go. This was a RIGGED ELECTION!

We already know that, during this time, Trump didnt just tell lies. He tried to coerce the Georgia Secretary of State to commit election fraud. He and Jeffrey Clark tried to capture the Department of Justice after Attorney General William Barrwho flatly rejected Trumps claims of election fraudleft office. He initiated baseless litigation in numerous courts. He pressured Vice President Mike Pence to overturn the results. And, of course, he helped to plan and organize the January 6 rally itself.

We already know that on January 6 Trump held the infamous rally and directed his supporters to the Capitol. He again publicly pressured Pence to overturn the election results. And he openly supported the rioterswhile they roamed the Capitol hallways looking for Pencein a Twitter video.

And, finally, we already know that Trump is carrying on with his open assault on Americas electoral system. Trumps baseless accusations of election fraud continue.

The January 6 Committee should, of course, continue on with its important investigative work. And there are undoubtedly critical facts that have yet to emerge.

But while the Committee wrestles with the nuances of Bannons and Meadow's assertions of executive privilege and Clarks pleading the fifth, its essential for Americans not to focus disproportionately on these skirmishes. We must see clearly whats already right in front of our faces. We already know that the sitting president of the United States spent months feverishly trying to stage a coup from the Oval Office. And, no matter what we learn from here, how we respond to this affront to American democracy will fundamentally shape our nation going forward.

William Cooper's writings have appeared in The Wall Street Journal, San Francisco Chronicle, New York Daily News, Chicago Sun-Times, USA Today, and Huffington Post.
Turkey's highly publicised arrest of alleged Iranian agents is the latest sign of growing tensions between the two neighbors, as Turkey expands its influence in the Caucasus region at Iran's expense.

In October, Turkish security forces claimed to have arrested several Iranian agents who Ankara says were attempting to kidnap an Iranian dissident in the city of Van close to the Iranian border. Video of the arrests was widely distributed to the media, causing embarassment for Tehran.

The incident comes as Iran and Turkey are in a mounting power struggle in the Caucasus. Turkish and Israeli military hardware were vital to Azerbaijan's forces' ouster of the Armenian army last year from the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh enclave - a conflict that redrew the balance of power in the region at Iran's expense.

"Now the Israeli-Azerbaijani ties are closer ... there is a new geopolitical reality in the south Caucasus in which Iran's role has been downsized," said Galip Dalay of the London-based Chatham House,

"In contrast, the Turkish role has increased, and Russia has asserted its primacy; all of them are the factors that very much make Iran unhappy," added Dalay.

Pressure on Azerbaijan

Iran is now pushing back along with stepping up diplomatic efforts. Iran's foreign minister held talks with his Armenian counterpart In October. While the same month, Tehran flexed its military muscles carrying out army exercises, for the first time in decades, on the Azeri border.

"Now, Iran is putting pressure on Azerbaijan," said Ozgur Unluhisarcikli, Director of the German Marshall Fund office in Ankara.

"Diplomatic ties between Iran, Armenia, and Russia regarding the Caucasus are getting closer. Iran is organizing, is holding military exercises right next to its border with Azerbaijan. So, it can be said that there is tension in the region that will be durable in the long run," added Unluhisarcikli.

Iran's hardball tactics

However, Iran's hardball tactics may have backfired, only strengthening Turkey's hand in the region. In a show of support, the Turkish military held joint exercises with Azeri forces close to the Iranian border after Tehran's show of force, underscoring some analysts say how important Ankara is to Baku.

"Definitely, definitely Turkey became much more important for Azerbaijan for the Azeris perception of its own security after the Iranian drills on its border," claims Zaur Gasimov, an expert on the Caucasus at Germany's Bonn University.

"Definitely, Turkey is among the benefices of the situation after the Iranian military drills," added Gasimov. "So I would say the cooperation between Ankara and Baku became much more essential at least for Baku."

Turkey's deepening military ties with Iran's eastern neighbor Pakistan also adds to Tehran's unease, says Gasimov, by stoking sectarian tensions. Turkey and Pakistan are Sunni Muslim countries and Iran is Shia.

"Tehran observes the deepening of the cooperation in security and military between Pakistan and Turkey, as well as between Turkey and Azerbaijan and Pakistan, with concern, because the perception of the dynamics of regional politics in the greater Middle East takes place in Iran within the framework of sectarianism and the Shia perception," Gasimov said.

"So in Iran's world view, the cooperation between Pakistan and Turkey is the cooperation between two Sunni societies. So this perceive this as a threat, this is a very important issue for the Iranian clergy,"

But Iran's crisis-ridden economy depends on trade with Turkey, which analysts say, allows Ankara to take a robust stance against Tehran.
Residents of New Bortianor in Accra are excited over the installation of a mobile transformer by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to resolve their nearly one-year erratic power supply issue.

The area, around the West Hills Mall enclave, has in the last eight months experienced unreliable supply of electricity, resulting in outages and poor voltage trips.

This has blighted households and industries in the sprawling Bortianor community and its environs.

Reverend Dr Wiredu Antwi, Chairman, Landlord and Residents Association, West Hills, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that the installation of the mobile transformer had come at an opportune time because they had endured constant outages in a long while.

According to him, in a week, the area experienced not less than four power outages which often extended more than 24 hours.

He said the residents' association reached out to the Accra East Regional Manager and expressed their frustrations which resulted in a meeting convened at the behest of the company for the resolution of the problem.

Dr Antwi said they were given assurances from engineers, indicating that the cause of the intermittent outages had been identified and a remedy found.

"Indeed, they have been able to deliver on their promise by providing a mobile transformer until a permanent solution is found, and we are excited about that, " he said, and lauded the Company for the swift response in their plight.

Mr Emmanuel Ankrah, Regional Engineer, Accra East Regional Officer, ECG, briefing the GNA on the project, said the area had witnessed massive growth in terms of load and infrastructure and as a result, the company's power allocation was unable to meet their increasing energy demands.

"So, what we have done is to establish a new station - primary substation with a mobile transformer which can boost the supply in this enclave temporarily," he said.

The mobile transformer being installed is about 20 Mega Volt Ampere (MVA) and when commissioned, in a week, will enhance electricity supply in the area and resolve the challenges residents face.

The cost of the transformer is more than GHS350 million funded by the Electricity Company of Ghana.

He said when the transformer was fully installed, problems like the frequent power cuts, poor voltages, unreliable power supply would be a thing of the past as it would give residents some respite.

The Regional Engineer said the mobile transformer would be stationed in the area as the ECG looked for a permanent site for a substation, saying "it has come to stay until a new permanent station is eventually built."

He said the company had identified areas with similar challenges, and it planned to establish primary substations, adding that the New Bortianor area was one of those areas to have their electricity supply challenges resolved.

He mentioned Ablekuma and Korle-Bu as areas that had benefited from similar projects to boost electricity supply for its customers.

GNA
A Congolese-Ugandan military offensive against the deadliest militia in eastern DR Congo has captured 34 rebels, freed hostages and destroyed camps, the two armies said on Saturday.

Uganda and the DRC launched artillery and air strikes on November 30 against the Allied Democratic Forces, a group blamed for attacks in the Ugandan capital and regular massacres in eastern DR Congo, with Ugandan troops then entering Congolese territory.

A joint army statement on Saturday said the operations captured 34 ADF rebels, released 31 Congolese hostages and destroyed four enemy camps in "preliminary results", noting no army deaths.

"Since the launch of operations against the ADF terrorists and their local auxiliary forces, the situation remains calm on the ground," the statement added.

Map showing the approximate zone of ADF activity and areas targeted by strikes on November 30. By ClAa PACULIER (AFP)

The announcement came as the International Committee of the Red Cross on Saturday said two of its workers abducted in eastern DRC last month had been freed.

Armed men from an unidentified group kidnapped the Red Cross engineers on November 30 near the Virunga National Park, but the circumstances surrounding their liberation are unclear.

"We are relieved about the return of our colleagues and we are delighted they can rejoin their families. It's the end of their ordeal," Rachel Bernhard, head of the Red Cross delegation in the DRC, told AFP.

"This kidnapping and any attack against humanitarian staff can endanger activities aimed at helping communities who are already severely affected by the conflict."

6,000 dead

The Islamic State group has claimed the ADF, which has operated in the conflict-wracked eastern DRC since the mid-1990s, as an affiliate. Numerous other armed groups are also based in the region.

The DR Congo's Catholic Church says the ADF has killed around 6,000 civilians since 2013.

Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi placed the eastern provinces of North Kivu and Ituri under a "state of siege" in May to intensify the battle against the rebels, with soldiers replacing civil servants in key positions.

The Congolese and Ugandan armies said they were carrying out road construction and rehabilitation works to secure the movement of soldiers and displaced civilians.

Uganda has accused the ADF or a local group affiliated with it of carrying out or planning a string of attacks this year.

On November 16, four people were killed and 33 wounded in twin suicide bombings in Kampala. Police blamed the blast on a "domestic terror group" that it said was linked to the ADF.

Since April 2019, some ADF attacks in eastern DR Congo have been claimed by IS, which describes the group as its Islamic State Central Africa Province offshoot.

In March, the United States placed the ADF on its list of "terrorist" organisations linked to IS.
The First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Joseph Osei-Owusu aka Joe Wise has rejected the motion filed by the Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu, against his ruling reversing the rejection of the 2022 budget on December 1, 2021.

This was contained in a letter issued on Friday, December 10, 2021, and signed by the Clerk of Parliament, Cyril K.O. Nsiah.

According to the said letter, the First Deputy Speaker rejected the motion under Order 12(2) of the Standing Orders of Parliament.

Please refer to your communication dated 7th December 2021 on the motion relating to a ruling of the Hon. First Deputy Speaker on Wednesday, 1st December 2021.

The Hon. First Deputy Speaker, pursuant to Order 13(2) of the Standing Orders of Parliament, has directed that I inform you that your motion is not admitted.

Background

The Minority Leader, filed the motion to challenge the First Deputy Speaker's ruling rejecting his earlier motion seeking to reverse the approval of the 2022 budget.

According to the Minority Leader, the December 1 ruling contravenes the Rules, Conventions and Practices of the House and was actuated by bias.

Parliament on December 1, 2021, approved the 2022 Budget Statement and Economic Policy of government in the absence of Minority MPs.

Following a motion by the Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, and a vote by the House, the First Deputy Speaker, Joseph Osei-Owusu, ruled that the earlier decision by the House to reject the budget was in error and in violation of Article 104 (1), and caused it to be expunged from the records.

Parliament subsequently approved the budget without the Minority, a decision the Minority Leader wanted to reverse with his earlier motion.

citinewsroom
The Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII) has questioned President Akufo-Addos claims that his administration has protected the public purse and made significant strides in the fight against corruption.

Speaking on Eyewitness News, Mary Adda, Programmes Officer at the GII, said there were still no significant positive outcomes in the anti-corruption fight.

She was responding to comments made by President Akufo-Addo at a national conference on corruption and human rights in Accra where the President said he had fought corruption better than his predecessors.

As an example, Mary Adda said repetitive infractions cited in the Auditor Generals Report over the course of the Akufo-Addo administration make it difficult for anyone to accept wholly and totally what the president has indicated.

She also noted challenges with single-source procurement during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the Sputnik V procurement scandal, where the government botched the purchase of 3.4 million doses of Russia's Sputnik-V vaccines at inflated prices.

Mrs. Adda also questioned the lack of evidence of purported outcomes in the fight against corruption.

Where exactly is that data that we can have access to and this is a question that Civil Society has asked before, she said.

Also, on Eyewitness News, the New Patriotic Party Communications Director, Yaw Buaben Asamoa, back the remarks of the President.

He cited the setting up of the Special Prosecutor's office as evidence of strides made under the Akufo-Addo administration.

Though the Special Prosecutor's office has faced some growing pains, notably the scandal that enveloped the resignation of the first Special Prosecutor, Martin Amidu, Mr. Buaben said this was merely part of the process of fighting corruption.

In the anti-corruption fight, everybody will be blamed left, right and centre, but it is not an event. It is a process.

Mr. Asamoa also said Ghanaians should be demanding more from institutions like the Economic and Organised Crime Office and the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice as far as fighting graft is concerned.

You cannot expect the president of the republic to be the micromanager of anti-corruption efforts, he said.

citinewsroom
11.12.2021 LISTEN

Send it by MOMO! said my uncle.

I had by then not heard of Momo! That an illiterate septuagenarian knew of it forced me to find out about it pronto. I realised, then, that I lived in a completely different world from that of the relatives Id left behind in the rural areas.

I soon found out that the popularity of MOMO was its accessibility. Anyone can install it on his or mobile phone. You just make sure your credit on the phone can accommodate any sum you want to send someone else on his/her mobile phone, or the phone of someone whom the recipient knows and trusts. And voila!  its there within a second!

Systems of MOMO across Africa have transformed the lives of millions of people. No longer can the affluent decline to send money to their impoverished rural folk with the excuse that the money would be misappropriated by unscrupulous intermediaries.

That last consideration is extremely important because I have personal experience of it. The fury with which I heard from my mother, at one time, that the money I had sent to her through her own half-brother had NOT reached her, could have climbed up to the top of Mount Everest! My mother sending me a message full of pathos, requesting me to: Send me money to buy food! Yes, the guy had used my money to buy uniforms fit for the new high office, to which he had been elected, in some religious cult to which he belonged! And I was sitting comfortably somewhere fully satisfied that my mother was well catered for! The experience taught me never to take the outside trappings of religiosity seriously.

Now, systems like MOMO do not please economists of institutions like the IMF. Thats because these institutions want countries under their command to adopt efficient tax systems, so that they can obtain revenue to (in the first stance) repay their debts to international organisations and other institutions and/or countries. To them, an efficient tax system is one which taxes as high a proportion of a countrys population as possible.

They distrust the so-called informal sector of business enormously, because it is difficult to impose direct taxation on the practitioners of business in the sector.

What they forget, though, is that apart from the ideological satisfaction of knowing that the tax net has been cast very wide in a country, all members of the community pay indirect taxes when they purchase goods and services. They indirectly pay duty on imports (for example) through their prices (which reflect the duty paid by the importers.) They also pay sales tax (again reflected in the prices of goods and some services) as well as Value Added tax.

It is, of course, politically unwise to oblige a person who can only send a loved relative 100 cedis to pay 1.75 cedis before he can send the money. To the tax officer in the Ministry of Finance, 1.75 may mean nothing. But to someone who counts his/her money before he/she can travel even a mile or two on some urgent business, being deprived of that sum may mean being unable to undertake the journey. And he/she will blame the government that deprived him/her of the privilege of undertaking the journey. And the more people stop sending money to their relatives because they don't want the government to filch part of it, the less money will leave the urban areas for the rural areas. And that state of affairs always triggers social unrest.

The most relevant example of taxing the poor and reaping unforeseen consequences can be taken from the end of Margaret Thatchers rule in the United Kingdom. Thatcher was at first quite popular with the electorate because she pretended to be a careful housewife who practised economy at home, and did not overspend her income.

But soon, right-wing economic advisers seized on her personal instincts to persuade her to cut taxes for the rich and extend higher taxation to people with lower incomes. The high point of this doctrine was reached when Thatchers government introduced community charge (known popularly as the poll tax) which obliged every adult in a household to pay a tax every year. Students and many members of the under-privileged were hit hardest by the poll tax, which was extremely efficient because no taxable person who lived in a residence of any sort, could escape it. (Owners if properties were obliged by law to submit the names of all their residents to their local council each year.)

The imposition of the poll tax in Britain in 1989 brought such riots Britain had not been seen in recent times. Even members of Thatchers own backbench MPs, as well as some Tory grandees including Michael Hesseltine, regarded it as the handiwork of a mad old woman and began to organise strongly for her removal as Prime Minister. She duly departed from the scene  tearfully  one year after the poll tax was introduced  (1990).

Yes, taxes are unpopular. But some taxes are more unpopular than others. I place Ghanas proposed E-Levy among the more unpopular taxes. If I were the President, I would order the Finance Minister to drop it altogether. Look at the strain under which the leadership of the Majority in Parliament has had to operate in since the budget was presented to Parliament. All compromises with the Minority seem to have evaporated. The position of the First Deputy Speaker has been compromised. Is it all worth it? I wonder.

By Cameron Duodu
President Nana Akufo-Addo says prudent management of the Ghanaian economy has made it possible for government to meet the development demands of Ghanaians.

He says allegations of wanton dissipation of public funds are untrue and no one can prove such claims against his government.

Speaking at an anti-corruption conference in Accra, Nana Akufo-Addo said his government has made significant investment in all aspects of the economy than all other presidents in the fourth republic.

My government has spent a lot of money on education, health, infrastructure particularly roads, agriculture, industry, security services and the anti-corruption institutions than by any other government in the fourth republic if not in the entire history of Ghana. Furthermore, after all these expenditures, my government was still able to find some GHS25 billion to pay for the refund of depositors monies arising from the financial sector crisis. These expenditures indicate clearly what taxpayers monies and the revenues of government has been used for by the Akufo-Addo government, he said.

He added that, it is difficult to sustain any serious argument about the wanton dissipation of public funds in my time as president.

The Akufo-Addo administration has come under fire for what many say is poor management of the economy leading to economic hardship.

But President Akufo-Addo insists that such claims are baseless.

citinewsroom
Ghana's IGP has warned troublemakers in the Krobo areas of the Eastern Region that he will make sure they are put where they belong.

That part of the country has been plunged into darkness for the past few days following the relocation of the Somanya office of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to Juapong in the Volta Region over security concerns.

Even though ECG explained, through a press statement that the blackout was a result of sabotage by some unscrupulous persons, a youth group called the Coalition of Krobo Youth, held a press conference recently at which it said the outage was an intentionally planned punitive measure.

ECG relocated its office with the reason that its workers felt threatened by the unfriendly activities of a separate youth group called United Krobo Foundation.

There has been no love lost between the townsfolk and the state power distributor over the past few years in relation to hefty electricity bills issued to the locals.

A few years ago, this sparked an anti-ECG demonstration that led to the death of a teenager.

In recent weeks, however, the two youth groups have been trading words over ECGs presence in the area.

While the United Krobo Foundation held a demonstration at which its members insisted ECG leave the area, the Coalition of Krobo Youth disagreed.

As part of efforts to defuse the rising tension in the area, the Inspector-General of Police, Dr George Akuffo Dampare, and his lieutenants visited Odumase Krobo and had talks with the paramount chiefs of Yilo and Manya Krobo traditional areas, Nene Oklepeme Nuer Annobaa Sasraku II and Nene Sakite II, respectively; and later met the two youth groups on Friday, 10 December 2021.

We came to talk about the security of the situation that we find ourselves in and assess the security issue that has been occasioned by the situation you find yourselves and that is what constitutionally, my colleagues and I are responsible for. That situation has made the security demands in this environment more than expected. So, we brought in more police officers to keep the peace and protect you and your properties, he told the youth.

He added: We have gone beyond that and looking at what has actually caused the situation that you are experiencing now. Weve invited the stakeholders involved, weve engaged your kings, we have engaged your elders, weve engaged the youth at the other side, we are engaging you now, you brought about the people who are in the centre of it; we have engaged them closed-door all because of your interest just to find a solution to it so that we can also de-escalate in terms of deployment and yet, some of you are the same people who came to burn our police station.

You are the same people who destroyed, you are the same people who pelted out people with stones and because we are over-patriotic, as if we are wood, you touch us and we are still working; we love this country, we love our job because we know that God will bless us and bless our children and the generation after us  so if you touch us and we dont complain it doesnt mean that we are fools. Because it is better to show maturity at this level that is why at times, your child can hurt you and you still love the child. That is why at times, your master can hurt you and you still serve the master, he noted.

Because of our humanity, you stand here and sometimes you show some level of arrogance without realising how useless life is; how sorrowful we are as human beings. And if you want to test it, let me give you a very simple example: how many of you have visited a mortuary before? How many of you have gone into where human beings who are dead are kept and stood there and eat before? How many of you have seen a human being dissected with the brains and everything and with the body opened like you are dissecting, maybe a goat for your Christmas party? How many? How many of you know the number of people who are going to be buried tomorrow? And yet, we behave as if we have arrived and you take the laws into your own hands and go on a spree of destroying left right centre, the IGP pointed out.

He said: Im saying this based on intelligence weve picked over the week as to what you intend doing to compound the situation that youve found yourselves and that moved me into this town to tell you that, yea, it is very easy to destroy than to build and when you destroy and you are the future, come and tell me when Im dead and gone and Ill be in heaven and I know Ill be a security chief also in heaven and Ill be by the gate of Christ and I will decide who enters and does not and youll come and meet me there.

So, if you have a mindset of destruction, stop it because youll be destroying your own future, he warned.

He urged them: If you see somebody who has a mindset of destruction and you dont stop it, whatever he destroys will come to affect you yourself. But if you choose not to stop it, if you choose not to encourage those people who have a mindset to destroy, we will come for them and we will come for them in a manner and a way that nobody will appreciate but God will.

So, anybody who wants to mess up, be ready for us. After messing up, you can probably run and hide a little while but this time around, you cannot hide forever. Every day that you are hiding, you are afraid because you know well be coming and at times, even when I see that you are hiding, Ill knock at the door and say Ill come tomorrow. I wont pick you now because youll move to another place and Ill follow you.

So, let us start being responsible from today so that youll grow up to be responsible people that will be able to turn things around in this country. And you say you want light; maybe if you dont get it today, youll get it tomorrow. So, be responsible.

And when  whichever time you get the light  you have issues and people want to use you, people want to take advantage of you in order to do their own things that will profit them and you allow yourself, you wont have light again, he warned the youth.

He observed: This issue of light in my new adopted home of Odumase and Somanya has been too long. With its security implication, with the challenges that we have gone through, in terms of policing over the years, we, myself and my team want to stop this and stop it in a manner that will maintain the peace and security of this area so that you continue to live to your full potential. So, please, help us to police you in a way that will help you to live in peace to accomplish your God-given destiny. Dont destroy your lives because of peer pressure. Dont destroy your lives because of self-interested people who want to take advantage of you. Have your own mind to think.

He urged the youth to be of good behaviour but had a stern warning to the recalcitrant once.

We want you to go home and peaceful. We want you to go home and be law-abiding. We want you to go home and start thinking that the best way to live a decent life and have a good future is to live in peace with one another help the law-enforcement agencies to take away bad people from your midst for them to be put where they belong and those who will make noise beyond what we can contain, want to fight us with weapons, for them to be sent to the other side where some people will be sent to tomorrow [Saturday] 

He said even in your death, well not let you have peace. That is our message to bad people.

classfmonline.com
Some fisher folks in communities along the coastal stretch of the Central Region have identified injection phobia as a key factor affecting COVID-19 vaccine uptake in their communities.

They said: "Everyone has something to be afraid of, but one common phobia of many fishermen in the Central Region is injection taking".

Various vaccination exercises have elicited serious reactions among many fishers with severe panic attacks, dizziness, insomnia, elevated heartbeat among others.

The fishermen expressed these concerns at a focused group discussion on "knowledge, attitude and practices towards COVID-19 uptake" at Saltpond in the Mfantseman Municipality on Tuesday.

It was put together by the Mfantseman Municipal office of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), to solicit the views of key stakeholders on COVID-19, jab uptake, and encourage people to go for the injection.

The participants were taken through basic information on COVID-19, history, benefits of vaccination, and currently approved vaccines for COVID-19 treatment in Ghana and COVID-19 vaccination myths.

Underscoring the essence of the COVID-19 jab, Nana Egya Afful, Chief Fishermen for Kormantse No2, identified anxiety and fear borne out of vaccine reactions of persons who have taken the jab, as hampering vaccination among many fishers.

Others are the misinformation and misconceptions about the COVID-19 vaccine underpinned by religious, social, and racial beliefs.

Madam Agnes Moore, Vice President of Mankessim Market Traders Association said many fishers refused to buy from traders who wore nose masks claiming such traders rather had COVID-19.

The fishers, she said often berate them saying, "remove the mask, there is no COVID-19 here, because it cannot stand the salinity of the sea water".

Mr Isaac Kwame Quansah, Assemblyman for Upper-Kormantse Electoral Area described the misconceptions and miscommunications as 'unfortunate'.

He advocated for a collective sustained sensitisation in all fishing communities by relevant state agencies in collaboration with traditional and religious leaders and assembly members.

Ms Justina Abban, a Nurse with the Ghana Health Service reassured of their readiness to intensify campaigns in all coastal communities to change the narrative about COVID-19 and the jabs.

She urged members of the public to disregard negative conspiracy theories about the COVID-19 vaccines.

In her remarks, Madam Judith Adomako-Ofosua, the Mfantseman Municipal Director of NCCE, said it was necessary to sensitize the public on the need to get vaccinated, and clear any myths about the vaccine in the media, especially on the various social media platforms.

She advised the public to avoid overdependence on social media for information about the COVID-19 vaccines as some of such platforms were saturated with false information.

Madam Adomako- Fosua assured of the Commission's mandate to sensitize members of the public on the COVID-19 vaccine, and to demystify the misconceptions and negative theories about the vaccine among some members of the public.

Even though COVID-19 could affect anyone, women and children were the most vulnerable and urged them to be the first to go for the vaccine.

GNA
Kofi is a respectable, married man with two children. He also describes himself, however, as a man having sex with a man (MSM). No one in his community suspects that he has been exposed to HIV, but he tested positive and has been going to the clinic for his antiretroviral drugs on a regular basis.

The antiretrovirals, when administered diligently, have been shown to be highly effective in suppressing the virus in people living with HIV and in preventing the transmission of HIV.

Kofi believes he will get to a point when he is unable to pass on the virus to another person through sexual intercourse.

Kofi, however, is not happy about his living condition. Thus, apart from being disciplined with his antiretroviral drugs, he has joined a counselling and rehabilitation programme that focuses on educating members about safer sexual lifestyles.

Within the counselling and rehabilitation programme they also have access to information on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as well as products like condoms, to encourage Kofi and others like him to adopt safer sexual practices lifestyles.

Mr Daniel Wilson Ampofo (not his real name) shares this anecdote to highlight his fears about the Proper Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values ( Anti-LGBTQ+) Bill, which is before Parliament.

The Private Member's Bill funded by some Members of Parliament seeks to make it illegal to be gay or to advocate for gay rights in Ghana.

The Bill further criminalises the promotion and funding of LGBTQ+ activities as well as public displays of affection, cross-dressing and more.

Campaigning for LGBTQ+ persons on social media or online platforms is also prohibited under the Bill.

It, however, seeks to provide for protection of and support for children, persons who are victims or accused of LBBTTQQIAAP+ and related activities and other persons and related matters, but people advocating the rights of these sexual minorities will also be penalised.

The LGBTQ+ Bill and Ghanas Public Health Situation

Mr Ampofo expresses grave concerns about the public health implications should the Bill be passed in its present form.

The Bill at present seems to criminalise any person who associates with a person who identifies as a homosexual or any of the classifications that falls below Ghanas acceptable sexual values.

Thus, for instance a counsellor who works with a person who identifies as homosexual risks being tagged as a criminal. Professional counsellors, therapists and rehabilitation professionals may, therefore, be discouraged to work with this vulnerable group of persons. Thus, the proposed law could prevent giving sexual advice to vulnerable people.

In this context, it appears you cannot be seen to be sympathetic or empathetic towards a person who identifies as a homosexual.

Our public health campaigns will take a nosedive should this Bill be passed by Parliament and so many people are going to be affected in the negative by it, Mr Ampofo says.

Mr Ampofo, who has done some research on the LGBTQ+ community, describes as unfortunate the partisan conversations many Ghanaians are having around the Bill, saying: We are not looking at the possible negative effects it will have on the general public should we push such a bill.

Acts such as men having sex with men, lesbianism  among others is already going on in the Ghanaian community and some of these people are continuously being engaged by health workers to adopt safer sexual lifestyles, they are educated on STIs, among others.

Mr Ampofo says some of these vulnerable and minority groups will be forced to abandon seeking health interventions, for fear of being stigmatised and criminalised.

However, they are unlikely to completely abandon their lifestyles, and therefore there is higher risk of spreading sexually transmitted infections  with wider public health implications.

People are going to go underground to engage in unsafe sexual practices; all efforts put in by organisations such as the Global Fund will go to waste, people will not be able to own up to their health issues and seek help, he adds.

Mr Ampofo notes that when vulnerable groups, such as men who have sex with men are identified as living with a sexually transmitted infection and given medical treatment, it helps the whole population, not just them.

Already, there are some of such persons on medication to control, for instance, their viral load, should they be living with HIV.

Sadly, with how the conversations are going, our public health situation will worsen, it is going to exacerbate, Mr Ampofo adds.

Health Sector Risk

Mr Ampofo is warning that Ghanas health sector risks deteriorating since the anti-LGBTQ+ bill will scare health workers who offer services to the community.

The Bill does not guarantee the safety of health workers, or allied health professionals such as counsellors, therapists among others because their acts of offering the health service is criminalised, he states.

"The donor community may also withdraw funding to the health sector because clearly our conversations as Ghanaians around the subject are not friendly and infringes on our human rights laws," Mr Ampofo states.

He debunks the assumption that it is men who have sex with men who spread HIV infections in Ghana, saying 72 per cent of HIV infections are through heterosexual sexual intercourse.

Conversion Therapy

On the proposed conversion therapy in Ghanas the proposed anti-LGBTQ+ bill, Mr Ampofo asks whether Ghanaians have considered the cost implications of this and asks who would bear the costs of such therapy  the individual or the Ghana Health Service?

He says the conversion therapy is a discredited procedure intended to change a persons sexual orientation.

Conversion therapy is used as an umbrella term to describe interventions of a wide-ranging nature, all of which have in common the belief that a persons sexual orientation or gender identity can and should be changed.

Such practices aim (or claim to aim) at changing people from gay, lesbian or bisexual to heterosexual and from transgender or gender diverse to cisgender.

A report to the UN corroborates that the conversion therapy may amount to torture.

A UN Independent Expert on sexual orientation and gender identity, Victor Madrigal-Borloz, presenting his latest report to the Human Rights Council, thus encouraged States to work together to institute a global ban on practices of conversion therapy.

The expert says that these practices are inherently discriminatory, that they are cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, and that depending on the severity or physical or mental pain and suffering inflicted to the victim, they may amount to torture.

According to Mr Ampofo, he wonders why Ghanaians are encouraging the LGBTQ+ conversation about conversion.

As far as I remember no person within the LGBTQ community has come out to say that his or her acts should be legalised, no one has said so. This is just propaganda by some people, he emphasises, urging Ghanaians to be tolerant.

When you do not like something, it does not mean it should be criminalised. Yes, people consider homosexuality a sin, but so is lying, adultery, fornication and gossip, shouldnt all these sins be criminalised?

Mr Ampofo says he is also concerned about the potential economic implications.

Investors who understand the need for human rights to be respected may be forced to withdraw from Ghana, which will result in a high unemployment rate, he adds.

Ghanas HIV/AIDS situation

The Ghana AIDS Commission has cautioned that Ghanas fight against AIDS will suffer if the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill is passed in its current form.

Mr Kyeremeh Atuahene, the Director-General of the AIDS Commission, says when the Bill is passed in its current state the law will force donors to withdraw critical funding for the management of HIV.

He expressed his fear when he took his turn at a public hearing of the Eighteen-Member Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee of Parliament.

He points out that Ghanas HIV/AIDS programme is largely funded by donors, and their withdrawal would jeopardise the response to the disease.

Donor funding for Ghanas response covers HIV and TB services for people targeted by the proposed legislation, including men who have sex with men and transgender people.

Inclusion and Criminalisation

Professor Abena Takyiwaa Manuh, a former Director of the Institute of African Studies at the University of Ghana, also says the Bill has no evidence to justify its necessity.

The proponents of the anti-LGBTQ+ bill have cited a Ghana AIDS Commission report that says that there is 18.1 per cent HIV/AIDS prevalence among gay communities, but Prof. Manuh notes they fail to recognise that the larger percentage of Ghanaians living with HIV/AIDS belong to the heterosexual community.

The Group of 18 renowned lawyers and academics also debunk claims that homosexuality constitutes a public health threat and so it should be criminalised.

In opposing the legislation, they explain that criminalisation has been an ineffective and counter-productive tool in controlling the spread of sexually transmitted infections.

Being inclusive reduces stigma and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community, as it allows its members to access appropriate medical care, education, and support that will, in turn, promote the health and wellbeing of the wider population, the Group asserts.

However, Mr Moses Foh-Amoaning, Executive Secretary of the National Coalition for Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values, states that there is no threat to public health

He asks: "What is public health when we encourage people to use condoms and lubricants to engage in such abominable acts?"

The purpose of the Ghana Anti-LGBTQ Bill, he emphasises, is to guide people away from "that behaviour".

There will be no threat to public health campaigns in Ghana should the bill be passed, he declares.

It is obvious that each side of the debate is concerned about some perceived threats the position of the other will pose to the society, and is convinced that theirs is the path to thread.

What is important is to follow the counsel President Nana Akufo-Addo to have a civil debate and tolerance as Parliament works to take a vote on the Bill.

In the end, the decision should not make any Ghanaian less of a citizen and thus unsafe - be he/she a gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender.
Mr Kwame Jantuah, Chairman of the Oil and Gas Sector of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), says the proposed e-levy can collapse businesses in the private sector of the economy.

He said though the levy, if managed well could enhance socio-economic development, it could also cripple the engine of growth of the economy [the private sector] if the concerns raised by the Minority and some financial technology (fintech) companies were not addressed.

Mr Jantuah said the levy could cause many Ghanaians to abandon mobile money transactions and save in banks.

He said unfortunately, most of the banks prefered to do business with Government, not the private sector

Whether they put e-levy on it [mobile money (MoMo) transactions, inward remittances and ATM withdrawals] or they don't, government wins.

"So, if people put their money back to the banks, government goes to the banks for loans because the banks know that it is guaranteed that government will pay. What does that do to the private sector as the engine of growth? It collapses because these same banks don't give private sector the money, he said in a discussion on a local radio station in Accra on Saturday.

He said the Government needed money in the form of taxes to fund development projects and urged it to explore other areas of raising revenue apart from the e-levy.

Mr Jantuah, also a former Vice Chairman of the Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC), noted that over time, the trust of Ghanaians in government's judicious use of taxes had waned and said there was the need for the Government to, convince Ghanaians that the levy will be used judiciously and the right way round it is for us to have a national dialogue.

Mr Edward Bawa, the Member of Parliament for Bongo, said Government was putting more burden on Ghanaians through the introduction of additional taxes.

He said the Sanitation and Pollution Levy (SPL) of 10 pesewas on the price per litre of petrol/diesel under the Energy Sector Levies Act (ESLA) and the Energy Sector Recovery Levy of 20 pesewas per litre on petrol/diesel under the ESLA, had brought hardship on the tax payer.

These taxes, were introduced in the 2021 budget as part of measures to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy and to shore up revenue.

Meanwhile, Dr Kabiru Mahama, an Economic Policy Analyst at the Office of the Vice President, admitted that, governments need to be more transparent and forthcoming to explain to citizens how much they spent.

The Government is still of the view that we need to raise our tax revenue. The Government will continue to engage the Minority, and every stakeholder and the public and in the coming days, the Ministry of Finance will lead that process and come to a consensus as to the amount that should be reasonable for Ghanaians to be able to bear the burden with us as we develop and continue to transform this country.

GNA
The President of Abibinsroma Foundation, says the developed world whose actions have plunged the world into a climatic dilemma have failed to offer leadership to end the near apocalyptic mess.

Mr. Kenneth Amoateng observed that the just ended COP26 meeting in Glasgow, Scotland failed to get the needed commitment from the advanced nations in setting up a concrete roadmap in ending dependence on fossil fuel which was a major contributor to climate change.

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), he called for the need to help alleviate the suffering of communities which are mostly affected by of climate change.

According to him, The outcome of COP26 has not reflected the urgency and solutions that were needed to address the lifeline of millions of people living in a permanent state of crisis, losing their lives, livelihoods and homes as a result of climate impacts caused by rich polluting countries and corporations.

Communities are experiencing droughts and flooding which is causing loss of livelihoods and destroying farmlands and homes. This makes loss and damage an issue for us. Mr. Amoateng observed.

He insisted that communities needed to build adaptive capacity to the changing climatic conditions they were exposed to, observing that adaptation was key issue for all.

Mr. Amoateng also said climate actions needed funding support for poorer nations to be able to build resilient communities and reduce emissions from the energy and transport sectors which were the major emitters in Ghana.

Re-echoing the frustrations of the underdeveloped world, Mr. Amonang said, We came to this COP with the hope that world leaders will respond to the needs of vulnerable peoples and communities of the world.

The signs are clear. We are now in the era of Climate Impacts. Loss and Damage caused by climate change is happening already. Climate change is destroying lives and communities now, yet you political leaders failed to respond to the plight of such communities, he informed.

Mr. Amoateng told of this extreme disappointment regarding the attitude of the developed world regarding the subject of climate change and also the lack of will on the part of the developing countries in the face of pressure which makes them not to act in the interests of their citizens.

In that regard, he said incremental progress was not good enough, rather, What we need is concrete commitments to fight the climate emergency. This includes a rapid and equitable phase outnot phase downof all fossil fuels projects through a just energy transition and revisions of national climate targets in line with the 1.5 temperature goal.

We will continue fighting for climate justice. We will do this at home and at the African COP27. That COP, held in a climate vulnerable region, will have to be one that delivers for the vulnerable. He affirmed.

GNA
The establishment of a national airline as announced in the 2022 budget will stimulate the hospitality sector for greater gains.

John Addo Kufuor, Chairman, Hospitality, Travel and Tourism Sector Committee, United Kingdom-Ghana Chamber of Commerce, he said.

"It will help promote tourism in Ghana and stimulate further revival in the hospitality sector."

The Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, in the 2022 budget statement, said "it is expected that the negotiation will be finalised, and the airline established in 2022."

He further stated that government would as part of a policy, establish an airport/airstrip in each of the sixteen regions to boost tourism and trade.

Mr Addo Kufuor, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, said the initiative would transform the sector.

He said the sector had had a significant growth, positioning Ghana as economic partner for the UK and vice versa, and that the growth had seen a vast improvement in hospitality facilities, infrastructure and capacity building.

That, ranged from maintaining brands standards to improving best social, ethical and environmental standards in the industry, he said.

The UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce was established in 2016 to promote trade between Ghana and the UK through networking, advocacy and trade services.

One of the key aims is to see Ghana become a significant economic partner for the UK as an export market, import source, investment destination and vice versa.

Adjoba Kyiamah, Executive Director, UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce, described the chamber as a self - sustaining platform for members to market their business, network and provide support to achieve commercial objectives.

She noted that COVID-19 presented both opportunities and challenges to members, but they responded with innovation and creativity; by providing innovative ideas and resources to members.

GNA
Police Superintendent Steven Tenkorang, the Bono Regional Commander of the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) is asking owners of seized motorbikes to provide covering documents for their release.

He said the command had seized more than 100 motorbikes this year, during an operation exercise conducted in the Sunyani Municipality.

Most of them were unregistered, while others were those whose riders did not have riders' licenses and crash helmets that were seized.

P/Supt Tenkorang said the command had given some grace period and warned that if the owners failed to come for the machines, the police would have no other option than to auction the bikes.

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Sunyani, P/Supt Tenkorang said many of the bikes had been in the possession of the command for close to a year because the riders had failed to come for them.

Some of the riders ran away and left their bikes when we started the special operation exercise in the Sunyani Municipality and they have failed to come for them because they fear prosecution, he added.

The command does not have enough space to keep the motorbikes and we are making the necessary arrangements with relevant state institutions to auction the machines, he said, adding some of the offenders had already been prosecuted and fined.

We suspect some of the motorbikes are stolen machines. We have already asked the owners to provide covering documents on the bikes, but many of them had failed to report to the police, the commander said Tenkorang stated.

GNA
Three Teacher Unions have asked the Ghana Education Service (GES) to deliver laptops to all teachers whose 30 per cent contributions have been deducted by close of Friday, December 31, 2021.

The Unions also appealed to government to absorb the interest charges on the 30 per cent contribution that had accrued on the Ghana Education Service Occupational Pension Scheme (GESOPS) pre-financing.

The Teacher Unions are: Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and Coalition of Concerned Teachers, Ghana (CCT-GH).

Ms Phillapa Larsen, the National President of Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), was addressing a joint press conference to highlight issues on Government's One Teacher One Laptop Project.

She said on February 11, this year, a Laptop Computer Pre-financing Agreement was entered between the GES acting on behalf of the Ministry of Education and the GESOPS.

She noted that per the pre-financing agreement, the cost per teacher was GHS549.44 as a result of the 18.16 per cent interests rate on the initial cost of GHS465.00.

"The price further reduced to GHS509.44 due to the intervention of the Unions and Minister of Education, who indicated the 18.16 per cent cannot be charged on the entire 30 per cent (GHS 465) portion of the Teachers.

" Thereafter, the GES, in a letter to the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, stated that the 30 per cent of the cost of the laptop worked up to GHC509.00. The presumption was that this statement by GES was on behalf of the Ministry of Education," she added.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in his 2021 State of the Nation address, acknowledged that the teacher was the centre of every reform in education.

He then, announced that the Government was facilitating the acquisition of 280,000 laptops for teachers.

Ms Larsen said prior to Government announcement, GNAT had already advocated for One-Teacher-One- Laptop in 2020 launch of its research work on the "Impact Assessment of COVID-19 on the Education Sector in Ghana: The Perspectives of GNAT.

That advocacy, she said, was laid before the National Council of GNAT at its general meeting at Kumasi, and was adopted and subsequently included in the Communique, which asked government to expedite action on One Teacher, One Laptop project, to enhance efficient delivered very in the classroom.

She said NAGRAT and CCT-GH had also engaged their Councils on the project.

GNA
Jesus Alodina Abolunga, Focal person on HIV and AIDS at the Birim Central Municipal Assembly, has called on the public to remain conscious of the prevalence during this Yuletide.

He said as of 2020, the total number of people who had tested positive of the virus in the Municipality were 1,152 comprising 293 males, 776 females, and 83 children.

Mr Abolunga who made the call in an interview with the Ghana News Agency said both the young and old were at risk but the Municipality has targeted the youth from 15-45 years, educating them on preventive measures.

He said 87 per cent of the 1,152 persons were on medication and advised them not to go to herbalists for treatment but focus on antiretroviral therapy (ART) treatment.

Getting infected by the disease does not mean you are going to die, you will live long provided you are on medication," he added.

Mr Abolunga, who is also the Monitoring and Evaluation officer, explained that sensitisation and education were being done on radio and in churches and other organizations.

He advised the public to desist from reckless sexual behaviour and unprotected sex.

He also called for a stop to stigmatising AIDS patients, saying, A stigmatised person can feel fear or shame which can lead to anxiety or depression.

The call is seen as timely, as Ghanaians are looking forward to having time off work to celebrate Christmas but the impact of it can be profound and not always positive.

Christmas is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed primarily on December 25.

The negative effects range from family conflicts, alcohol misuse to heightened loneliness, reckless sexual behaviour, and domestic violence.

However, the positive impact of Christmas is that it motivates many people to donate or pack presents for underprivileged children and families, issues are settled during this period, and there is a family reunion.

GNA
A new entrant into the carbon management arena has received a significant vote of confidence.

Elysian Carbon Management of San Antonio this week announced an initial capital commitment of $350 million from EnCap Flatrock Midstream to develop integrated carbon capture and storage solutions

Elysian is focused on development projects for carbon management, said Bret Logue, chief executive officer while in Midland to attend the CO2 Conference in downtown Midland.

This funding will help us fund operations and the development of projects themselves, he continued. The company will be able to work on the design, engineering, contracting, permitting and even construction of projects.

The Elysian team is mostly focused on deciding where to place projects that will capture carbon dioxide emissions from existing emitters and transporting it to and storing it at Elysian facilities.

Were focused on industrial emissions broadly  refineries, ethanol plants, cement plants, power plants, all are good candidates for capturing emissions, he said, adding that natural gas processing plants are also another good source of emissions, whether its the CO2 removed during the processing of natural gas or emissions from the plants.

Carbon management is the overall look at a companys emissions profile and developing strategies to keep those emissions from entering the atmosphere, whether through updating equipment or adding emissions capture equipment, he explained.

Many corporate initiatives along these lines predate the current administration, but the Biden administration is taking steps to boost those efforts, Logue said. Updates to the 45Q tax credit in the Build Back Better plan passed by the House and under consideration by the Senate could expand such opportunities and make it easier to reach the administrations targets. He said there are still opportunities available under current 45Q values.

Some captured emissions could be utilized in products, and there are industrywide opportunities to trade emissions reductions so we have the most efficient solutions. Companies can meet their goals in partnership with other companies. Not all carbon reduction costs are the same, and we need to optimize them so we find the lowest cost method.

As Elysian develops its first projects, Logue said the company is definitely looking at the Permian Basin. The regions 40-year history of CO2 injection and utilization in enhanced oil recovery is an attraction, as the knowledge of the areas geology for storage of CO2.

Were also looking more broadly around the country for storage opportunities, Logue said.

The goal, with the funding commitment from EnCap Flatrock Midstream is to reduce carbon emissions by at least 10 million metric tons per year, he said.

Theres been a lot of accelerated interest in this space in the last year, said Logue. We think it will grow even more.
Tuesdays community meeting about Young Women Leadership Academys possible move to the Washington STEM Academy was not for the faint of heart.

There was opposition to the move ready to make their respective points, even if for some it required them to get personal doing it. A lot of frustration was released because this potential move of the all-girls school into southeast Midland has been seen by some as one where one side will win and the other will lose.

However, does winning and losing have to be the case? Is there a scenario where neither side loses but even more importantly a community gains? Let me be more clear, is there a scenario where Young Womens Leadership Academy moves and the southeast portion of Midland and the neighborhoods around Washington STEM win?

I think there might be.

First of all, let me say what has been most disappointing about the debate concerning a YWLA move and the defense of a campus in the southeast Midland neighborhood. There have been many reasons for and against offered. However, what must be answered is will the final outcome  whatever that may be -- improve academic outcomes? I probably come across as a broken record, but after our students health and security, our districts main responsibility is improving academic outcomes. When your district ranks in the bottom quartile of the largest districts in the state that is a reality we need to continually address.

Second, I wrote in this space last week that I believed YWLA shouldnt move. I still believe that, but I can be convinced if one shows me of a chance of improved academic outcomes. Here is such a scenario.

Our education process should create long-term opportunities for academic success. Lets build an education system that is best for Midland now and for 30 years down the road. Those possibilities should challenge us to look at ourselves and not be comfortable or complacent but to say, Is that the best we can do? When someone asks me, is a straight move of YWLA to southeast Midland in the building that currently houses Washington STEM the best we can do? What if I say no?

What if I say there should be a second component to this move? What if district leaders state that in addition to the YWLA girls moving across town to a permanent campus, that the students at Washington are not going anywhere. Given that YWLA operates with a STEM-based curriculum, would it be possible for the Washington STEM to operate as a potential feeder into YWLA, at least on the girls side of the equation?

Such a scenario creates three wins and potentially no losses. First, those at that meeting can feel confident they were listened to and were heard. That is a win for the community  people being listened to and heard. Second, we give YWLA a permanent home. All indications are YWLA is going to be a success. Letting them put down some roots feels like a win. Third, rather than disband the lagging Washington STEM elementary program it keeps it in place and calls attention to it. It allows MISD to make an emphatic statement that we are going to keep and improve this STEM rather than allow it to plod along and fail. It allows us to say we are going to do the tough work of keeping it, helping it succeed, and making it the real school of choice it was designed to be.

The beauty of this scenario is we have time before YWLA grows to the point before we have to make a decision because of capacity. Still during that time, the Washington STEM students will not have to look far to see potential role models.

There are other questions to be answered. It starts with what to do about the boys? I dont know what to do. But with a mindset of we are going to work together to find solutions, I believe we will.

One thing I like about the scenario laid out is it provides residents in southeast Midland the opportunity for TWO high quality K-12 experiences  IDEA Travis and Washington/ YWLA. Pretty cool.

What I also like about the opportunity is it would make southeast Midland, including Carver Center and IDEA Travis, the epicenter of some of the most dynamic educational opportunities in Midland.

And in each case, educational outcomes hopefully will have improved and will become a model for other areas in Midland. People from all over the city will want their children educated in southeast Midland, because YWLA, Carver Center, IDEA Travis, and Washington STEM may very well rank as not only the best around Midland but the best in the region and maybe one day across the state.

Let me also say that there were Midlanders who were right to be frustrated. Indeed, they deserved to ask questions and be critical. Sadly, their anger and disappointment were directed at the wrong people. But, lets not dwell on that. While Dr. Ramsey and her team did not get us here, they are the ones challenged to move us forward. I think they will succeed.

The problems Ramseys team uncovers on a daily adds to an already lengthy list of places where the district must improve. What I have provided, I believe, wont make many problems go away, but is worth considering when it comes to the Washington STEM/YWLA problem. More importantly, it provides the framework for all of us to say lets quit beating each up over the problems and start working together on solutions.

Let that become our mantra lets work together on solutions to improve academic outcomes.
Each season, the celebration of Christmas has religious leaders and conservatives publicly complaining about the commercialization of the holiday and the growing lack of Christian sentiment.

Many people seem to believe that there was once a way to celebrate the birth of Christ in a more spiritual way. Such perceptions about Christmas celebrations have, however, little basis in history.

As a scholar of transnational and global history, I have studied the emergence of Christmas celebrations in German towns around 1800 and the global spread of this holiday ritual.

While Europeans participated in church services and religious ceremonies to celebrate the birth of Jesus for centuries, they did not commemorate it as we do today. Christmas trees and gift-giving on Dec. 24 in Germany did not spread to other European Christian cultures until the end of the 18th century and did not come to North America until the 1830s.

Charles Haswell, an engineer and chronicler of everyday life in New York City, wrote in his "Reminiscences of an Octoganarian" that in the 1830s German families living in Brooklyn dressed up Christmas trees with lights and ornaments. Haswell was so curious about this custom that he went to Brooklyn in a stormy and wet night just to see these Christmas trees through the windows of private homes.

The first Christmas trees

Only in the late 1790s did the new custom of putting up a Christmas tree decorated with wax candles and ornaments and exchanging gifts emerge in Germany.

This new holiday practice was completely outside and independent of Christian religious practices. The idea of putting wax candles on an evergreen was inspired by the pagan tradition of celebrating the winter solstice with bonfires on Dec. 21. These bonfires on the darkest day of the year were intended to recall the sun and show her the way home.

The lit Christmas tree was essentially a domesticated version of these bonfires.

The English poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge gave the first description of a decorated Christmas tree in a German household when he reported in 1799 about having seen such a tree in a private home in Ratzeburg in northwestern Germany. In 1816, German poet E.T.A. Hoffmann published his famous story "Nutcracker and Mouse King." This story contains the first literary record of a Christmas tree decorated with apples, sweets and lights.

From the onset, all family members, including children, were expected to participate in the gift-giving. Gifts were not brought by a mystical figure, but openly exchanged among family members  symbolizing the new middle-class culture of egalitarianism.

From Germany to America

American visitors to Germany in the first half of the 19th century realized the potential of this celebration for nation building.

In 1835, Harvard professor George Ticknor was the first American to observe and participate in this type of Christmas celebration and to praise its usefulness for creating a national culture. That year, Ticknor and his 12-year-old daughter, Anna, joined the family of Count von Ungern-Sternberg in Dresden for a memorable Christmas celebration.

Other American visitors to Germany  such as Charles Loring Brace, who witnessed a Christmas celebration in Berlin nearly 20 years later  considered it a specific German festival with the potential to pull people together.

For both Ticknor and Brace, this holiday tradition provided the emotional glue that could bring families and members of a nation together. In 1843, Ticknor invited several prominent friends to join him in a Christmas celebration with a Christmas tree and gift-giving in his Boston home.

Ticknor's holiday party was not the first Christmas celebration in the United States that featured a Christmas tree.

German-American families had brought the custom with them and put up Christmas trees before. However, it was Ticknor's social influence that secured the spread and social acceptance of the alien custom to put up a Christmas tree and to exchange gifts in American society.

Santa Claus joins

For most of the 19th century, the celebration of Christmas with Christmas trees and gift-giving remained a marginal phenomenon in American society. Most Americans remained skeptical about this new custom. Some felt that they had to choose between older English customs such as hanging stockings for presents on the fireplace and the Christmas tree as proper space for the placing of gifts.

It was also hard to find the necessary ingredients for this German custom. Christmas tree farms had first to be created. And ornaments needed to be produced.

The most significant steps toward integrating Christmas into popular American culture came in the context of the American Civil War. In January 1863, Harper's Weekly published on its front page an image of Santa Claus visiting the Union Army in 1862. This image, which was produced by the German-American cartoonist Thomas Nast, represents the first printed image of Santa Claus.

In the following years, the jolly old man with a big belly and long white beard became more an more known, often seen with a sledge drawn by reindeer.

Declaring Christmas a federal holiday and putting up the first Christmas tree in the White House marked the final steps in making Christmas an American holiday.

On June 28, 1870, Congress passed the law that turned Christmas Day, New Year's Day, Independence Day and Thanksgiving Day into holidays for federal employees. And in December 1889, President Benjamin Harrison began the tradition of setting up a Christmas tree at the White House.

Christmas had finally become an American holiday tradition.
Santa Claus Visit: 8-11 a.m., American Legion, 534 Superior St., Chapin. Donations accepted. | Meet, take pictures, and have breakfast with Santa. Dine in or carryout. Proceeds benefit Chapin Volunteer Fire Department.

Christmas on the River: 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Naples Boat Club, 103 Montgomery St., Meredosia. Prices vary. | Bake sale, chili and vegetable soup, sale items include Carriger Woodworking, hand-made crochet items, ornaments, coasters, jewelry and more.

Breakfast with Santa: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Elks Lodge, 231 W. Morgan St. | Donuts, coffee, milk and orange juice with Santa.

Voices and Votes: Democracy in America: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Jacksonville Area Museum, 301 E. State St. | The Smithsonian Museum on Main Streets exhibit runs through Dec. 22. For more information, go to jacksonvilleareamuseum.org or Facebook page.

Illinois Freedom Project: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Old School Museum, 110 E. Cherry St., Winchester. | Traveling exhibit continues through Dec. 18. For group/student visits, call 217-742-8090.

Jacksonville Main Street Christkindlmarket: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Central Park, Downtown Jacksonville. | Vendors, food trucks, local shopping, Santa, face painting, music, and more. For more information, including schedule of events, visit jacksonvillemainstreet.com.

Holly Jolly Christmas: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Amvets Post 100, 210 E. Court St. | Holiday craft show.

Holiday Open House: 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Spa 314 and Juniper by Hannah Pate, 314 E. State St. | Free treats, mimosa bar, hot chocolate, and more. Gift certificates for spa services and retail items available.

Brown Bag Lunches: Noon, Congregational Church UCC, 520 W. College Ave. Free | For those who are hungry.

Local Author Event: 1 p.m., Jacksonville Public Library, 201 W. College Ave. Free | Eli Goodman, M.D., the author of The Adventures of Abe: The $5 Bill, The White Horse and more, will be discussing his books at this in-person public event. For more information, call 217-243-5435 or go to jaxpl.org.

Christmas Open House: 1-4 p.m., Villa DeWolf, 876 W. State St. Donation of $10 per person | Scotty DeWolf will lead tours and share history and stories from the 1800s. Musical performance by Tim Chipman. Light refreshments.

Springfield Ballet Company  The Nutcracker: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., UIS Performing Arts Center, 1 University Plaza, Springfield. | For more information, go to uispac.com.

Live Nativity Drive-Through: 4-6 p.m., Island Grove United Methodist Church, 16128 Old Jacksonville Road, New Berlin.

Visit with Santa: 5:30 p.m., Home of Keith and Jennifer McNeece, 636 S. Church St. Free | Come visit Santa and enjoy the Christmas light display. Santa will have stuffed animals for younger children and everyone gets a candy cane. Santa will also visit on Dec. 18.

John Morgan: 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., Casey's Pub & Hall, 2200 Meadowbrook Road, Springfield. | Presented by Donnie B's Comedy Club. Full bar and restaurant menu before the show.

Sunday

Voices and Votes: Democracy in America: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Jacksonville Area Museum, 301 E. State St. | The Smithsonian Museum on Main Streets exhibit runs through Dec. 22. For more information, go to jacksonvilleareamuseum.org or Facebook page.

Illinois Freedom Project: 1-4 p.m., Old School Museum, 110 E. Cherry St., Winchester. | Traveling exhibit through Dec. 18. For group/student visits, call 217-742-8090.

Christmas Open House: 1-4 p.m., Villa DeWolf, 876 W. State St. Donation of $10 a person | Scotty DeWolf will lead tours and share history and stories from the 1800s. Musical performance by Wild Columbine. Light refreshments.

Tim Hart: 2 p.m., Ridge View Winery, 529 200 North Ave., Mount Sterling. | Live music.

Springfield Ballet Company  The Nutcracker: 2 p.m., UIS Performing Arts Center, 1 University Plaza, Springfield. | For more information, go to uispac.com.

Monday

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.

Blood Drive: 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Jacksonville Community Center, 1309 S. Main St. | To donate, contact ImpactLife Springfield 800-747-5401 or go to bloodcenter.org and use code 61209 to locate the drive.

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.

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.

Craft Class for Adults: 6:30 p.m., Jacksonville Public Library, 201 W. College Ave. Free | Make holiday cards and snowmen for hot chocolate. Call 217-243-5435 to register or stop in to sign up.

Tuesday

Cancellation: Jacksonville Christian Women will not meet this month because of the increase in COVID-19 numbers. The next meeting tentatively is scheduled for Jan. 18.

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.

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.

Movie Night for Adults: 6:30 p.m., Jacksonville Public Library, 201 W. College Ave. Free | Film screening of "News of the World." Masks required. For more information, call 217-243-5435 or go to jaxpl.org.

Wednesday

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.

Voices and Votes: Democracy in America: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Jacksonville Area Museum, 301 E. State St. | The Smithsonian Museum on Main Streets exhibit runs through Dec. 22. For more information, go to jacksonvilleareamuseum.org or Facebook page.

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.

Commodity Food Distribution: 1:15 p.m., Salvation Army, 331 W. Douglas Ave. Free | For income-eligible residents of Morgan County. Bring proof of residence and a box for food.

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.

Poetry Workshop: 7 p.m., Jacksonville Public Library, 201 W. College Ave. Free | Masks and social distancing required. Third Wednesday of each month.

The Prophecy Show The Music of Trans-Siberian Orchestra: 7:30 p.m., UIS Performing Arts Center, 1 University Plaza, Springfield. | A tribute show of holiday rock music. For more information, go to uispac.com.

Thursday

Walking for Wellness: 7 a.m.-1 p.m., Jacksonville High School Bowl, 215 S. Church St. Free | Indoor walking program open each day that 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.

JACIL Holiday Open House: 1:30-3:30 p.m., Jacksonville Area Center for Independent Living, 15 Permac Road. Free | Activities include games, door prizes, photos with the Grinch, crafts and refreshments. Unvaccinated are asked to wear mask. Advance registration required by Dec. 13. Call 217-245-8371.

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.

Blood Drive: 3:30-6:30 p.m., Nimrod Funk Building, 401 N. Walnut St., Winchester. | To donate, register online at bloodcenter.org with code 60056, call ImpactLife 800-747-5401, or email hello@impactlife.org.

Santa Visit: 5-6:30 p.m., HSHS Medical Group Multispecialty Care, 1745 W. Walnut St. | Meet Santa and receive a goody bag with everything needed to make candy cane reindeer food. Masks required. For more information, call 217-243-6454.

Crime Stoppers: 6 p.m., Beardstown City Hall, 105 W. Third St. | Anyone with questions, comments, or concerns about the Crime Stoppers program can attend.

Friday

Walking for Wellness: 7 a.m.-1 p.m., Jacksonville High School Bowl, 215 S. Church St. Free | Indoor walking program open each day that 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.

Illinois Freedom Project: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Old School Museum, 110 E. Cherry St., Winchester. | Traveling exhibit through Dec. 18. For group/student visits, call 217-742-8090.

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.

Produce and Bakery Giveaway: 12:30-1 p.m., Salvation Army, 331 W. Douglas Ave. Free.
Infrastructure is a hot topic these days as Congress considers ways to make multi-trillion dollar investments in areas of disrepair or to fund new projects.

Notwithstanding what anyone thinks of these efforts, a critical infrastructure component has been excluded from the discussion: Telephone poles.

These poles, along with rights-of-way, are essential to bringing high-speed broadband to unserved Americans and offering new choices. Yet current federal, state, and local policies are not enough to prod greater access to poles and rights-of-way by providers building broadband in unserved communities. Having been involved in these issues for over 25 years, I believe this needs fundamental attention so all Americans truly can participate in todays digital society.

You may be asking how exactly can poles  those ugly, boring, burnt trees covered in wires  be so important? The answer is the wires carried on these poles connect consumers to various services, like power, telephone, cable, and broadband. Any provider seeking to bring communications services to an area via aerial installations versus burying the wires (if even possible) must get approval, pay to get the pole ready, including replacing poles, and then pay the pole owner the requisite rent. Therein lies a major problem. Essentially, certain pole owners can act as pirates guarding a port, deciding who, if anyone, gets to use their poles and what booty to extract in return. To put it in perspective, some owners have sought to get others to pay for new poles and imposed rates that are five or ten times above average.

For rights-of-way, these critical passageways can be vital to completing broadband network builds. If a provider needs to access a certain area in order to reach consumers, then it may need access to local rights-of-way owned or managed by a myriad of entities who often demand kings ransom for access or delay approvals. Alternatively, the broadband company can try inefficient build-arounds, but that may be impossible or too expensive.

Free marketers may argue this is just natural supply and demand at work. But poles and rights-of-way are very far removed from a free market. In most communities, there is only one such provider given monopoly territory rights, bestowed favorable tax treatment, governed by strict rate regulation, and provided legacy ownership of key pole locations and rights-of-way: the local power company. This is especially true in more rural and less populated areas where the practices of some municipally owned electric utilities and electric cooperatives are blatant barriers to broadband deployment. Perversely, some claim they need to overcharge broadband providers to keep power rates low  a view likely not appreciated by citizens without broadband access.

Many of the same problematic companies on poles and rights-of-way are seeking to enter the broadband marketplace, asserting that existing broadband companies have failed to build sufficiently. Cue Alanis Morissette to sing Ironic. By seeking outrageous payments or just denying use of their poles or rights-of-way, these companies justify their broadband business ambitions.

There are simple fixes that would drastically improve the situation. Top of the list should be requiring all pole and rights-of-way managers, notwithstanding structure or size, to comply with federal law on the subject, which helps govern rates, replacement, and approval processes. Right now, many of those entities fall outside of these requirements. In the interim, individual states need to step to the plate, as Florida and others are looking to do, to enact strong state laws, comparable to the federal system. In addition, local governments should demand that their electric power companies make poles and rights-of-way available to broadband providers in a cost-efficient and timely manner.

With new federal broadband money on the horizon, addressing pole replacement and access issues is needed to ensure taxpayer funds are used effectively. Moreover, lets clarify that such funding can cover pole costs, minimizing any impact on electric and broadband consumers. In the end, all policymakers need to be engaged so local pole and rights-of-way managers do the right thing.

Almost everyone agrees that expanding and improving private sector broadband networks should be a priority.

Making that happen, however, requires fixing pole attachment and right-of-way processes so that broadband providers actually can bring service to our neighbors missing out.
Griggsville-Perry school district is suggesting a sports cooperative with the Meredosia-Chambersburg district in high school track.

The Griggsville district has a junior high track program but does not have one for the high school, according to Meredosia-Chambersburg schools Superintendent Thad Walker.

A co-op would allow interested high school students in both districts to participate in the sport.

In other business, Meredosia students will not have to take final exams.

Junior high and high school Principal Jeff Abell said many students are out sick or as a result of COVID-19 contact-tracing. The district wants the students who are missing class to have a chance to catch up educationally during winter break.

The days reserved for final exams will be used to allow students who have missed school to make up work, Abell said.

New cafeteria tables also have been purchased for the high school. The old tables have been put behind the school and will be scrapped if no one claims them.

Walker set aside some of the old tables that remain in good shape and hopes to donate them to a church or other organization, he said.

Leg-sled weight equipment has arrived at the high school, but the school now needs to buy 1,000 pounds of weights at a cost of $800 so the equipment can be used.

Two speakers will address teachers Jan. 3. A mentor with Illinois Empower will discuss students' emotional and behavior maturity as it relates to the pandemic, and Curtis Simons will discuss the social and emotional health of adults.

Officials in November discussed concerns about a rise in behavioral issues in the district's schools and the topic was revisited this month, with Walker telling board members that it's an issue being seen in many districts.

Walker believes the problem is a side effect of the lack of a structured educational environment during the pandemic, he said, noting that a seventh-grade student could have the behavioral mentality of a fifth-grader because that is when the student last was in a structured school setting.
Most adolescents and young adults who developed a rare heart problem after being vaccinated for COVID-19 recovered soon afterward, according to a new study.

Researchers used data from 26 pediatric medical centers across the United States and Canada to examine cases of suspected myocarditis  a swelling of the heart muscle  in people younger than 21.

Of the 139 people evaluated, most were hospitalized for two or three days. Less than a fifth were admitted to intensive care. None died.

"These data suggest that most cases of suspected COVID-19 vaccine-related myocarditis in people younger than 21 are mild and resolve quickly," the study's lead author, Dr. Dongngan T. Truong, said. She is an associate professor of pediatrics in the division of cardiology at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City.

Myocarditis is a rare but serious condition that can weaken the heart and affect its electrical system. In June, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices reported a likely link between mRNA COVID-19 vaccinations and myocarditis, particularly in people 39 and younger.

The highest rates have been reported among adolescent and young adult males, said Dr. Jane W. Newburger, associate chair of academic affairs in the department of cardiology at Boston Children's Hospital. In the past, myocarditis has been associated with some other vaccines, most notably the one for smallpox, said Newburger, senior author of the new study and Commonwealth Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School.

Patients examined in the new study developed suspected myocarditis within one month of receiving a COVID-19 vaccination. They ranged in age from 12 to 20 years old. Two-thirds were white, and 9 out of 10 were male.

Nearly every case followed an mRNA vaccine, and 91.4% occurred after the second vaccine dose. Symptoms  most frequently chest pain, but occasionally fever and shortness of breath  appeared, on average, two days after the vaccine was administered.

In the patients who received a cardiac MRI, more than three-fourths had evidence of inflammation of or injury to the heart muscle. In nearly 19%, a measure of the heart's squeezing power called left ventricular function, was initially affected, but heart function returned to normal in all who came back for follow-up. No patients needed mechanical support for circulation.

Truong, who is also a pediatric cardiologist at Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital, said more studies hopefully will help to better understand how this rare complication develops and its risk factors.

The study design did not allow scientists to estimate how often people who received a vaccine developed myocarditis. Experts have repeatedly said the risk of harm from catching COVID-19 is much higher than the risk from a vaccine.

"Overwhelmingly, data continue to indicate that the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination  91% effective at preventing complications of severe COVID-19 infection including hospitalization and death  far exceed the very rare risks of adverse events, including myocarditis," said Dr. Donald Lloyd-Jones, a cardiologist, epidemiologist and chair of preventive medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago. He was not involved in the study.

"This study supports what we have been seeing  people identified and treated early and appropriately for COVID-19 vaccine-related myocarditis typically experience mild cases and short recovery times," Lloyd-Jones said in the release. He also is president of the AHA.

Researchers said health care professionals should be aware of the possibility of myocarditis in patients who report chest pain after they have received a COVID-19 vaccine, especially in boys and young men in the first week after the second vaccination.

Truong said studies are planned to determine long-term outcomes for people who had myocarditis after COVID-19 vaccination.

"It is important for health care professionals and the public to have information about early signs, symptoms and the time course of recovery of myocarditis, particularly as these vaccines become more widely available to children," she said.
Bah! Humbug! Italy bishop tells children Santa doesnt exist View Photo

ROME (AP)  A Roman Catholic diocese in Sicily publicly apologized to outraged parents after its bishop told a group of children that Santa Claus doesnt exist.

In a Facebook post and subsequent comments Friday, the diocese of Noto insisted that Bishop Antonio Stagliano didnt mean to dash the dreams of the youngsters two weeks before Christmas.

The diocesan communications director, the Rev. Alessandro Paolino, said Stagliano was trying to underline the true meaning of Christmas and the story of St. Nicholas, a bishop who gave gifts to the poor and was persecuted by a Roman emperor.

Italian news reports quoted Stagliano as saying during a recent religious festival that Santa doesnt exist and that his red costume was created by the Coca-Cola company for publicity.

First of all, on behalf of the bishop, I express my sorrow for this declaration which has created disappointment in the little ones, and want to specify that Monsignor Staglianos intentions were quite different, Paolino wrote on the diocesan Facebook page.

We certainly must not demolish the imagination of children, but draw good examples from it that are positive for life, he continued. So Santa Claus is an effective image to convey the importance of giving, generosity, sharing. But when this image loses its meaning, you see Santa Claus aka consumerism, the desire to own, buy, buy and buy again, then you have to revalue it by giving it a new meaning.

But, if the public comments section of the Noto page were any indication, the Sicilian parents werent having any of it.

While several welcomed the bishops attempt to focus on the Catholic meaning of Christmas, others faulted Stagliano for interfering with family traditions and celebrations, and crushing the spirits of children whose early years were disrupted by the pandemic.

You are the demonstration that, when it comes to families, children and family education, you dont understand a thing, a commenter, identified as Mary Avola, wrote.
KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  Ukraines president said Friday that more opportunities for talks with Russia may arise thanks to the U.S. diplomatic effort to help de-escalate tensions after Moscow massed troops near Ukraines border, stoking fears of a possible invasion.

U.S. President Joe Biden spoke with both Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin this week, as the United States moved to take a more direct role in diplomacy between Kyiv and Moscow.

The U.S. president proposed joining the Europeans in negotiations not just to settle the conflict in eastern Ukraine but to address Putins larger strategic objections to NATO expanding its membership eastwards.

In an interview aired Friday by the Ukrainian TV channel 1+1, Zelenskyy said that, thanks to the U.S., one more platform for talks with Russia may appear, in addition to the so-called Normandy format that involves France and Germany.

The two European countries in 2015 brokered a peace agreement that helped end large-scale hostilities in Ukraines east, where Ukrainian forces have been fighting with Russia-backed separatists since 2014. But efforts to reach a political settlement of the conflict that has since killed more than 14,000 people have failed, and sporadic skirmishes have continued along the tense line of contact.

Zelenskyy said Friday that, with the support of the U.S. and Ukraines European allies, he doesnt rule out direct talks between him and Putin  something he has proposed to the Russian leader several times to no avail.

I see the support for this path from both our European partners and the U.S., Zelenskyy said.

Tensions between Moscow, Kyiv and its Western allies have worsened in recent weeks over the invasion fears.

Russian officials have repeatedly denied plans to attack Ukraine, and in turn blamed Kyiv for its own allegedly aggressive designs. Putin has urged the West to provide guarantees that would preclude NATO from expanding to Ukraine or deploying troops and weapons there.

Zelenskyy said Friday that the message he got from Biden during Thursdays call was the Russia assured the U.S. and the whole world that it doesnt intend to continue the escalation against the territory of our independent state.
Jeremy Joe Michael View Photo

Groveland, CA  The sexual assault took place at a residence in the Groveland area and drugs were involved.

Tuolumne County Sheriffs spokesperson Nicco Sandelin tells Clarke Broadcasting that deputies responded Wednesday (Dec. 8) night to a report of sexual abuse at a home. Initial statements were taken by deputies from the victim and other witnesses on the scene.

The case was then turned over to sheriffs detectives, who interviewed the alleged suspect, 44-year-old Jeremy Joe Michael of Coulterville. He and the victim knew each other, according to Sandelin, who added that based on information and evidence collected, Michael was subsequently taken into custody without incident for felony sex crimes/forcible rape.

The arrest report detailed that the victim had been drugged prior to the sexual assault. Limited details are being released regarding the rape, as Sandelin noted, Due to protecting the identity of the victim, no further information will be released at this time.
Dangerous Winter Storm To Produce Heavy Snow In The Mountains

Snow On Road View Photo

A strong winter storm will bring very heavy snow to the mountains of northern California.

Snow will first arrive to northwestern Shasta County this afternoon, spreading southeast into the southern Cascades and northern Sierra Nevada tonight into Sunday morning.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the western slope of the Northern Sierra Nevada above 3,500 feet, from 10 PM tonight until 10 PM Tuesday. Additionally, a Winter Storm Watch has been issued for the Central Sierra Nevada (including Yosemite National Park) from late Sunday night through late Tuesday night.

Expect tremendous snow accumulations in the mountains, with yardsticks required for snow measurement.

The total snow accumulations above the 5,000 foot elevation will range from one to eight feet. The higher you go, the more the snow.

The snow levels will gradually lower over time through late Monday and Tuesday. In fact, the snow levels could drop to as low as 2,000 feet by late Tuesday afternoon or evening.

Strong winds may gust up to sixty-five mph. This will further reduce visibilities during this event with white-out conditions.

Damage to trees and power lines is probable.

Travel will be very difficult to impossible. Expect travel delays.

A Winter Storm Warning means there will be snow covered roads and limited visibilities. Travel is not recommended while the warning is in effect. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.
Rod Robert Trujillo missing person SPD posting View Photos

Sonora, CA  Sonora Police want people to take a good look at the 31-year-old man in the image box photo.

He is Rod Robert Trujillo of Sonora. His family reported him missing to the police. Trujillo was last seen in the Twain Harte area on October 10th leaving a home heading eastbound, according to police. The address of the house was not provided.

Police describe Trujillo as a white male (other missing person flyers from his family detail that he is Native American Indian) with black hair and brown eyes. He is 58 tall and 140 lbs. Police did not have information regarding what he was last seen wearing.

Anyone recognizing him or who may know of his whereabouts is asked to contact the police at 209-532-8143.
US hostage envoy visited Venezuela to meet jailed Americans View Photo

MIAMI (AP)  A senior U.S. diplomat quietly traveled to Venezuela this week and met with imprisoned Americans as part of an ongoing effort to secure release of men the Biden administration believes are being held as bargaining chips by a top U.S. adversary, The Associated Press has learned.

Roger Carstens, the special presidential envoy for hostage affairs and the governments top hostage negotiator, arrived in Caracas on a chartered flight Tuesday evening and returned home Friday in a previously unreported visit.

Its not clear who in the heavily sanctioned socialist administration of President Nicolas Maduro he met.

But It was the first known face-to-face outreach by a top U.S. official since the Trump administration shuttered the American Embassy in Caracas in March 2019 after recognizing opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuelas legitimate leader. Ever since, relations between the two countries have grown steadily more hostile, with the U.S. government imposing strict oil sanctions on the country and targeting top officials with criminal indictments, something Maduro has likened to a soft coup.

It was a good thing to see the guys, to show them that their government cares. It was also positive to report back to their families that I had seen them, Carstens told the AP, adding that he was grateful to Maduros aides for inviting him down for what he described as a wellness check.

The timing of the visit is likely to raise eyebrows, coming on the heels of gubernatorial elections considered deeply undemocratic by the Biden administration after numerous opposition candidates were barred from running.

Fearful of the voice and vote of Venezuelans, the regime grossly skewed the process to determine the result of this election long before any ballots had been cast, the State Department said after the Nov. 21 vote.

The Maduro government, which in the past hasnt hesitated to publicize peacemaking missions by prominent American interlocutors, has kept mum about the surprise visit. Carstens confirmed the visit late Friday afternoon.

During his visit, he was permitted to check on a group of six American oil executives held in Caracas infamous El Helicoide prison, a one-time modernist shopping mall converted into a facility housing the governments top opponents.

One person familiar with the visit described Carstens jailhouse meeting with the six executives from Houston-based Citgo, which lasted about 90 minutes, as highly emotional. Carstens told the prisoners he had discussed their case with Maduro government officials while in Caracas but declined to say whom.

The person and several others with knowledge of the meeting spoke on condition of anonymity to AP because they were not authorized to discuss Carstens travels.

Tomeu Vadell, Jose Luis Zambrano, Alirio Zambrano, Jorge Toledo, Gustavo Cardenas and Jose Pereira were hauled away in 2017 by masked security agents who stormed into a Caracas conference room. The men had been lured to Venezuela just before Thanksgiving of that year to attend a meeting at the headquarters of the companys parent, state-run oil giant PDVSA.

The six were convicted of embezzlement last year in a trial marred by delays and irregularities. They were sentenced to between 8 and 13 years in prison for a never-executed proposal to refinance billions of dollars in the oil companys bonds. Maduro at the time accused them of treason. They all pleaded not guilty and the U.S. considers them to be wrongfully detained.

After having been granted house arrest, they were swiftly thrown back in jail Oct. 16, 2021, the same day that a close ally of Maduro was extradited by the African nation of Cape Verde to the U.S. to face money laundering charges.

While at El Helicoide prison, Carstens also met with Luke Denman and Airan Berry  two former Green Berets arrested in connection with a failed raid aimed at toppling Maduro that was staged from Colombia. He also conducted a wellness check with former U.S. Marine Matthew Heath, who is being held at a separate facility on unrelated allegations.

The visit came just weeks after family members of the Americans jailed in Venezuela, and other relatives of hostages and detainees, complained in a letter to the Biden administration that they felt the releases of their loved ones werent being sufficiently prioritized.

John Pereira, the son of Jose Pereira, who weeks ago was rushed to a private clinic for emergency treatment for a cardiac condition, told the AP at the time that our feeling is that they can do more.

President Joe Biden has so far been less public on the issue of hostage affairs than his predecessor, Donald Trump, who scored several high-profile releases around the world over four years, giving officials great leeway to pursue negotiations.

Trump also invited hostages and detainees who were freed under his watch to appear alongside him in a video aired during the Republican National Convention. That includes Joshua Holt, a Utah man who spent two years in a Caracas jail after traveling to Venezuela to marry a fellow Mormon he met online.

Though no Americans were freed during the current visit, any future releases would represent a significant win for Carstens, a retired U.S. Army Special Forces officer who was a rare holdover from the Trump administration. Last month, journalist Danny Fenster was freed after nearly six months in jail in military-ruled Myanmar.

His release was negotiated by former U.S. diplomat Bill Richardson, who has also traveled to Caracas in the past to push for the Americans release.

Richardson called Carstens visit to Caracas a significant development.

Speaking directly with those who are holding Americans is important, he said in a statement to The AP. It does not guarantee success, but I commend Roger Carstens for taking that first step, the families of our detainees for pushing for these efforts and the Maduro government for allowing this humanitarian gesture to take place.

At least 61 Americans are known to be wrongfully detained or held hostage abroad, according to the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation, named for James W. Foley, a freelance journalist killed at the hands of the Islamic State group in Syria.

____

AP Writer Regina Garcia Cano in Caracas, Venezuela and Matthew Lee in Liverpool, England contributed to this report. Tucker reported from Washington.

By JOSHUA GOODMAN and ERIC TUCKER

Associated Press
SAN FRANCISCO (AP)  A major storm is headed toward Northern California, promising to drop up to 10 feet (3 meters) of snow on Sierra Nevada mountain peaks and much-needed rain throughout the region.

Rain was expected this weekend in the Bay Area, with snowfall in the Sierras starting Sunday before getting heavier between Monday and Tuesday, according to forecasters. There could even be a dusting of snow on Bay Area mountaintops.

If you live in the Sierra, today is the final day to prepare for a multi-day winter storm that will likely be remembered for years to come, the National Weather Service warned in a forecast issued Saturday.

Another storm system predicted to hit California midweek could deliver almost continuous snow, said Scott McGuire, a meteorologist with the weather services Reno office, which monitors an area straddling the Nevada state line. Downed trees and white-out conditions could endanger motorists; meanwhile the Sierra Avalanche Center warned heavy snow and strong winds on top of a weak snowpack could cause large and destructive avalanches.

If you are traveling through the Sierra, either get ahead of the storm before snowfall begins or wait until its over to get up there. It will be increasingly treacherous, he said.

About about 85 miles (137 kilometers) southeast of Seattle, a winter storm warning was in place until Sunday morning in an area where a Saturday avalanche killed a 60-year-old man. Five others were rescued.

A low-pressure system from the Pacific Northwest was on track to hit coastal areas north of San Francisco Saturday night and drop light rain. The heaviest rainfall was expected to come Sunday night into Monday morning as the storm spreads to the east and south, said Sarah McCorkle, a meteorologist with the weather services Bay Area office.

Rainfall totals across the north could range between 2-6 inches (5-15 centimeters), and the greatest amount was expected in the Santa Cruz and Santa Lucia mountain ranges, where winds could exceed 50 miles per hour (80 kilometers per hour). The rain could cause minor flooding and rockslides, particularly in areas where wildfires have burned recently, according to the forecast.

Pacific Gas & Electric said the storm may cause power outages in the Bay Area. The utility said in a news release that its workers were clearing vegetation away from power lines to reduce the chance of outages.

The amount of rain is typical for this time of year, McCorkle said, even though the last couple of years have been unusually dry. The storm should help relieve dry conditions, but wont mark an end to the drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

The megadrought fueled by climate change has enveloped much of the West. As California heads into what traditionally is its wettest time of the year, 80% of the state is classified as in extreme or exceptional drought, the two worst categories.
The Texas Workforce Commission issued a letter to Texas employers earlier this week reminding them about the states COVID-19 vaccine mandate laws.

Executive Order GA-40, which was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott, states that employers cannot impose a vaccine mandate on employees who qualify for an exemption for religious, personal or medical reasons.
SEATTLE (AP)  Two artists are facing federal charges that they faked Native American heritage to sell works at downtown Seattle galleries.

Lewis Anthony Rath, 52, of Maple Falls, and Jerry Chris Van Dyke, 67, also known as Jerry Witten, of Seattle, have been charged separately with violating the Indian Arts and Crafts Act, which prohibits misrepresentation in marketing American Indian or Alaska Native arts and crafts.

The U.S. Attorneys Office said Rath falsely claimed to be a member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, and Van Dyke falsely claimed membership in the Nez Perce Tribe. The goods included masks, totem poles and pendants sold in 2019 at Ravens Nest Treasure in Pike Place Market and at Ye Olde Curiosity Shop on the waterfront.

By flooding the market with counterfeit Native American art and craftwork, these crimes cheat the consumer, undermine the economic livelihood of Native American artists, and impair Indian culture," Edward Grace, assistant director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement, said in a news release.

Rath and Van Dyke were due to appear in U.S. District Court on Friday afternoon. Their attorneys, federal public defenders Gregory Geist and Vanessa Pai-Thompson, said in an email Friday they did not have any immediate comment on the charges.

Authorities said the investigation began when the Indian Arts and Crafts Board, an Interior Department agency that promotes Native art, received complaints that the two were fraudulently holding themselves out as enrolled tribal members.

Rath is charged with four counts of misrepresentation of Indian-produced goods, which is punishable by up to five years in prison. Van Dyke faces two counts of the same crime.

Rath also faces one misdemeanor count of unlawfully possessing golden eagle parts, and one of unlawfully possessing migratory bird parts.

According to charging documents, an employee of Ye Olde Curiosity Shop, which has been in business for more than a century, told investigators that she wrote an artist biography of Rath based on information he provided about his tribal affiliation.

Matthew Steinbrueck, the owner of Raven's Nest Treasure, told investigators that the artists told him they were tribal members and that he believed them, according to the documents. He said he did not knowingly sell counterfeit Indian products.

I've been doing this on good faith for many years  for more than 30 years, Steinbrueck told The Associated Press on Friday. Our whole mission is to represent authentic Native art. We've had more than 100 authentic Native artists. I've always just taken their word for it.

He said his family had a long appreciation for American Indian culture, dating to when his great-grandfather adopted a tribal member. Steinbrueck's father, Victor Steinbrueck, an architect credited with helping preserve Pike Place Market and Seattle's historic Pioneer Square neighborhood, brought him up to revere Native culture, he said.

Van Dyke told investigators that it was Steinbrueck's idea to represent his work as Native American.

Steinbrueck denied that, saying Van Dyke appeared to be trying to lessen his own culpability. He called Van Dyke a fabulous carver who made art in the style of his wife's Alaska Native tribe, including pendants carved from fossilized mammoth or walrus ivory.

Neither Ye Olde Curiosity Shop nor Raven's Nest has been charged in the case.

Gabriel Galanda, an Indigenous rights attorney in Seattle who belongs to the Round Valley Tribes of Northern California, said that if shops offer products as Native-produced, they should be verifying the heritage of the creators, such as by examining tribal enrollment cards or federal certificates of Indian blood.

There has to be some diligence done by these galleries, Galanda said.
Wayland Baptist University is considered a minority-serving school.

Chloe Barham and Devin Davis said their research shows the university serves about an even number of students who identify as white and Hispanic.

Seventy years ago when Wayland Baptist College, as it was known, accepted its first students of color, there was a larger population of students who identified as Asian, Barham and Davis said.

They would know. Theyve spent the last semester doing extensive research about the universitys path to integration to showcase their findings in a new exhibit at the Llano Estacado Museum on the WBU campus.

The exhibit officially opened with a special reception last week. Davis, a junior history major, and Barham, a senior humanities major, were both present and gave The Herald a guided tour of their findings.

The results of their research is displayed across a wing of the museum. It includes artifacts, collections of old newspaper clippings and old letters sent to the university president  James Marshall  after the decision was made to admit students of color.

Marshall, said Davis and Barham, played a key role in pushing for integration of the university. He was a pioneer, said Davis.

Information panels set up for museum visitors detail how he earned that title.

The exhibit will be on display at the Llano Estacado Museum on the WBU campus for the next year.

Visitors will find stories of the first students of color to be admitted, to be recognized in traditional university celebrations and learn about some of the struggles they initially faced on an officially integrated campus in a community that resisted those views.

The project actually began during the pandemic, said Museum Director Melissa Gonzalez, who teaches the practicum, which allows students to basically act as a museum curator. A now-former practicum student, Ethan Beyers, began the research in 2020 with plans to create an exhibit to showcase the findings for the museum. But the COVID-19 pandemic shook up those plans and he was unable to see the project to fruition.

When Davis and Barham signed up for the class, they were presented with several options and ultimately chose to add on to his findings and create this exhibit.

We based a lot of our research on his research, said Barham said. He helped a lot so kudos to him.

But it wasnt just Beyers who helped them along. Barham credits a community of WBU folks with helping the practicum students fill research gaps and find artifacts to help share their story.

As they walked through the exhibit sharing details of their research, Barham and Davis each noted their passion in making sure their story came through.

This is a labor of love, said Barham, who noted the pair spent long hours bringing it all together in what they hope is an engaging way for museum visitors. Were really proud of it.

Those interested can visit the museum Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Dec. 3

A theft was reported on Dec. 3 at the 200 block of Austin St.

Another theft was reported at the 820 block of Borger St.

A theft was reported at a business at the 1000 block of N. I-27 on Dec. 3.

A crash was reported at the 1600 block of N. I-27 on the west frontage road on Dec. 3. The incident report notes a vehicle was traveling south on the west frontage road and failed to yield when another vehicle pulled out of the parking lot of 4000 block of W. 15th Street. The vehicles collided. No injuries were reported.

A crash was reported at the 3500 block of Olton Road on Dec. 3. Vehicle damage was reported.

A crash resulting in vehicle damage was reported at the 1000 block of N. I-27 on Dec. 3.

A crash resulting in vehicle damage was reported at the 3100 block of Olton Road.

Dec. 4

An assault was reported at the 800 block of Denver St. on Dec. 4. Police arrested a 40-year-old man and charged him with criminal mischief and assault.

Theft was reported at the 2400 block of Dimmitt Road on Dec. 4. An unknown person took an eight-pack of beer from CEFCO without paying for it.

A 41-year-old man was arrested during a traffic stop at the 1400 block of W. 5th St. The man was arrested at the location for outstanding warrants for speeding and failure to appear/bail jumping.

Criminal mischief was reported at the 600 block of W. 22nd St. on Dec. 4. A suspect also entered the property without the owners consent.

A 24-year-old man was arrested on Dec. 4 at the 1700 block of W. 5th Street during a traffic stop. The individual was charged with an active warrant for theft.

Dec. 5

An unknown person took a 12-pack of beer from a store at the 2400 block of Dimmitt Road on Dec. 5.

Criminal mischief was reported at the 2400 block of W. 19th St. on Dec. 5. Damage was reported.

Police arrested a 36-year-old man at the 4000 block of W. 13th St. during a traffic stop on Dec. 5. The individual was charged with an active warrant for harassment.

A hit-and-run was reported at the 1700 block of W. 5th St. on Dec. 5.

Dec. 6

Theft from a building was reported at the 1300 block of Holiday St. on Dec. 6. A known man took items totaling $5,100 from another. The man accepted payment for a job with no intent to complete it.

A stolen vehicle was reported on Dec. 6 at the 3500 block of W. 25th St.

A crash resulting in vehicle damage was reported at the 2600 block of W. 5th St.

Extortion was reported at the 600 block of N. Columbia on Dec. 6. An incident report notes someone threatened to release intimate photos of another if they did not receive payment.

Officers were called to the 120 block of SE 7th Street on Dec. 6 in reference to someone shooting at a house causing damage.

A crash resulting in injury was reported at the 1000 block of N. I-27 west frontage road on Dec. 6. Injured parties were treated by EMS at the scene.

An assault was reported at the 1500 block of Yonkers St. on Dec. 6. A 20-year-old man was charged with assault causing bodily injury after assaulting a woman.

Dec. 7

Police were called to the 800 block of Amarillo St. on Dec. 7 in reference to someone violating a court order. A 31-year-old man was arrested and charged with resisting arrest, search or transportation and with violating a protective order.

Police were called out to the 600 block of Denver in reference to an assault and a theft.

A burglary was reported at the 700 block of W. 5th St. on Dec. 7.

Public intoxication was reported at the 800 block of W. 8th St. on Dec. 7. A 32-year-old woman was arrested. She was charged with public intoxication.

Officers responded to the 1200 block of Houston on Dec. 7 in reference to graffiti. Responding law enforcement found school property had been vandalized with a marker resulting in a loss of $1,500.

A 29-year-old woman was arrested on Dec. 7 at the 1500 block of N. I-27 for an out-of-county misdemeanor warrant.

Dec. 8

An assault was reported at the 300 block of NE Alpine St. on Dec. 8. A personal intentionally assaulted another but no arrests were indicated.

Police arrested an 18-year-old man at the 2200 block of Joliet St. on Dec. 8 for an active warrant for criminal mischief.

Theft was reported at the 4000 block of Olton Road on Dec. 8.

Two people were arrested during a traffic stop at the 500 block of W. 13th St. on Dec. 8. A 27-year-old woman was arrested for active warrants and 36-year-old Alberto Joel Barrientos was found to be in possession of a controlled substance, which he was charged with. Possession of a controlled substance is a felony.

Criminal mischief was reported at the 3400 block of Olton Road on Dec. 8. Damaged property was discovered.

An assault was reported at the 1200 block of Houston St. on Dec. 8. Officers were dispatched to JJAEP in reference to an assault involving three students.

Police stopped a vehicle at the 900 block of Denver St. on Dec. 8 for expired registration. Upon making contact with the driver, officers smelled marijuana. The individual was issued a citation for possession of marijuana.

Officers responded to the 500 block of Joliet St. on Dec. 8 when a juvenile was found to be in possession of a tobacco product.

Two women were found to be in possession of a backpack containing a green leafy substance at the 4200 block of Dimmitt Road on Dec. 8. The substance was tested and was found to be marijuana. No arrests were indicated.
It took first-time screen actor Josh Andres Rivera some time to process what his agent was telling him when she called to share some good news a couple of years ago. She told Rivera that he had landed a role in Academy Award-winning filmmaker Steven Spielbergs remake of West Side Story.

I didnt believe it at first, Rivera told MySA during a recent interview. My agent told me I booked the part, and I threw my phone to the other side of the room. Then, I picked it back up and called her a liar. It was really surreal.

Riveras agent, however, was telling the truth. He was cast as Chino, a member of the Sharks, a Puerto Rican street gang from 1950s Manhattan that has an ongoing feud with a rival gang known as the Jets. Chino is friends with Sharks leader Bernardo (David Alvarez) and initially is the one who courts Bernardos sister Maria (Rachel Zegler) before her attention is taken by Jets member Tony (Ansel Elgort) at a dance.

Charley Gallay/Getty Images for 20th Century Studios

A theater kid at heart, Rivera, whose parents are from Puerto Rico, had worked on major projects before like the Broadway hit Hamilton, but West Side Story would be the first feature film of his career. He admits it was a little scary knowing how massive the project was that he was about to undertake. Luckily, he wasnt the only actor cast straight from the theater world. He felt veterans like Spielberg and Academy Award-nominated screenwriter Tony Kushner (Lincoln) cultivated a welcoming environment for all the movie newbies.

For a lot of us, it was our first time doing something this huge, Rivera said. I think it made it that much easier to build up the camaraderie, so we could believe in and support each other. Steven and his team were top-notch.

Like in the original stage musical and the 1961 Academy Award-winning film, Chino plays a pivotal role in the West Side Story narrative. Rivera says his version of Chino is a different incarnation of what has been seen before. He didnt feel pressure to rehash the same character from the play or first movie.

Hes definitely shown in a different light in this adaptation, Rivera explained. I did some research on the character because I wanted to be familiar with the energy and the message, but for me, I wanted to come at it with a fresh perspective.

Ramona Rosales

Starring in West Side Story also gave Rivera a fresh perspective about filmmaking in general. Imagine standing on a movie set with professionals who are the best at what they do  from Spielberg and Kushner to Academy Award winners like cinematographer Janusz Kaminski (Saving Private Ryan) and set designer Adam Stockhausen (The Grand Budapest Hotel).

The number of masters who came together to collaborate on this film was incredible, Rivera said. It was extremely immersive. So much care went into this spectacle. I have a lot of admiration for everyone who came together to do the work that they did.

Riveras colleagues, were sure, are saying the same thing about him.

West Side Story is currently playing at theaters.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Bob Dole was honored Friday at Washington National Cathedral and the World War II monument he helped create as top leaders from both parties saluted the longtime Kansas senators ability to practice bare-knuckle politics without compromising his civility.

Displaying a bipartisanship rare in modern government, politicians in office and out came together to pay homage to Doles hard-scrabble rise from wounded war veteran to Senate stalwart to three-time, unsuccessful presidential candidate.

He could be partisan, and that was fine, said President Joe Biden. Americans have been partisan since Jefferson and Hamilton squared off in George Washingtons Cabinet. But like them, Bob Dole was a patriot.

Joining Biden at the funeral service were members of Congress, Cabinet officials, three Republican former vice presidents and Bill Clinton, who beat Dole to win reelection as president in 1996.

Theres something that connects that past and present, war time and peace, then and now, said Biden, who touched Doles casket before addressing the service and mentioned their 50 years of friendship. The courage, the grit, the goodness and the grace of 2nd Lt. Bob Dole, who became Congressman Dole, Senator Dole, statesman, husband, father, friend, colleague and  a word thats often overused, but not here  a genuine hero.

Dole, who died Sunday at age 98, was severely wounded during World War II, served nearly 36 years in Congress and was GOP Senate leader for more than a decade. Besides his sharp, often sarcastic tongue, among Doles best-known attributes were his pragmatism and self-deprecating wit  representing the sense of compromise of a bygone era.

While calling him a giant of our time and of all time, Biden said Dole was worried at the end of his life about American democracy being threatened by bitter political battles and had noted that infighting from both parties grows more unacceptable day by day.

Still, Democrats and Republicans coming together to praise Doles ability to put country and public service over ideology was the overriding theme.

Biden offered vivid, visceral details during his eulogy, speaking about Dole being born a child of the Dust Bowl, volunteering as a young man for military service and how he came back to painful years recovering from his wounds.

God, what courage Bob Dole had, the president said.

Former Republican Kansas Sen. Pat Roberts said Dole used humor as a political tool, delivering deadpan punchlines which helped let the air out of the partisan balloons. Doles daughter, Robin, read a letter her father wrote to his staff in which he said I believe in the future of the United States of America.

After the funeral service, Doles casket traveled to the World War II Memorial on the National Mall, which opened in 2004 and which Roberts said would not have existed with Dole spending years spearheading the legislation that erected it.

Bob Dole understood that it was just not enough recognition that this Greatest Generation deserved," Roberts said. It was reflection and renewal, and it was for the Greatest Generation to inspire the next generation.

He also recalled Dole often spending Saturday mornings at the memorial, greeting veterans visiting as part of trips he helped organize. Dole was a longtime advocate for the Honor Flight Network, which arranges for veterans to travel to Washington to see memorials dedicated to their service.

Former Democratic Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle said Dole once told him he thought about being buried at the World War II memorial. Daschle also said Doles sense of duty extended beyond veterans, including when he left the presidential campaign trail to attend the 1996 graduation party of a girl paralyzed in a car crash.

Addressing the crowd at the memorial, actor Tom Hanks asked, How many structures in this city exist but for the efforts of one man?

It was Bob Dole who willed this memorial into place, said Hanks, who starred in the World War II drama Saving Private Ryan.

Dole suffered paralyzing, near-fatal wounds during World War II. Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, recalled how, after Dole was hit amid fighting in the Italian mountains in 1945, he was dragged behind a wall by a fellow soldier and lay there, facing up in the dirt. Not knowing if he would live or die. Unable to move as the battle raged around him. And he lay there for 10 consecutive hours before medics were able to reach him."

He served the army. He served the state of Kansas. He served his political party. But, above all, he served his country and he served his fellow Americans, Milley said. Bob Dole always, always put his country first.

The service ended with Milley escorting Dole's wife, former North Carolina Sen. Elizabeth Dole, as she and Robin touched a wreath in his honor, then bowed their heads in prayer as taps was played.

Doles body is also traveling to Kansas, where weekend events include a public viewing in his hometown of Russell. He will eventually be interred at Arlington National Cemetery.

Fridays services followed Dole lying in state on Thursday under the dome of the U.S. Capitol he so loved. Dole served as a Kansas state legislator before running for Congress in 1960, joining the House for eight years then going on to win the Senate seat.

Dole was early in his career seen as a GOP hatchet man. He was a mentee of Richard Nixon and chairman of the Republican National Committee during the Watergate era. During his Senate career, though, Dole grew to see the value of reaching across the aisle and secured his more lasting achievements.

Those included the Americans with Disabilities Act that to this day ensures a level of accessibility as a civil right. Dole also fought to protect Social Security benefits for elderly Americans and supported civil rights  even if such actions weren't always politically popular with everyone.

Over the opposition of many in his party and some in mine, he managed a bill to create a federal holiday in the name of Martin Luther King, Jr., Biden said. Bob Dole did that.
Update 4 p.m. Saturday:

A freeze warning will be in effect tonight, according to a press release from the National Weather Service. As of publication, the warning, primarily for the I-35 corridor and the Hill Country, will be in effect from 1 a.m. to 8 a.m. Bexar County is not expected to see the worst of the weather tonight, though areas such as Helotes, Fair Oaks Ranch, and Stone Oak may experience freezing conditions.

Aside from drivers on the road, weather experts say the temperatures  expected to reach as low as 29  could impact plant life, either causing damage or killing off more sensitive plants.

While NWS says the temperature should not be an issue for pipes or sprinkler systems, more concerned residents can choose to wrap or cover exposed pipes.

Original story:

While San Antonio is enjoying the cold front that arrived early Saturday after a few days of 70 degree temperatures in mid-December, other parts of Texas may not be so lucky. The National Weather Service issued a situation report Saturday morning indicating that the change in the forecast may cause weather-related fires in the areas nearby.

San Antonio will get to take in the high winds from the north on Saturday morning and early afternoon, according to the latest update from NWS. Winds are expected to reach between 35 and 40 miles per hour. The rush of cold air will mean San Antonians can feel in the holiday spirit while hitting up holiday events this weekend. That is, until the Alamo City sees freezing temperatures, which are expected by Sunday morning. So if you go out, be sure to bundle up.

Though local residents will be able to enjoy the charm that comes with a cold front during the holiday season, areas northwest and west of San Antonio are facing an elevated fire danger. Dry air paired with the winds has caused near critical fire weather conditions throughout the western portion of the Hill Country, Edwards Plateau, and Rio Grande Plains. The fact that these areas have received little rain recently doesn't help in terms of the threat, NWS reports.

National Weather Service

In its situation report, NWS indicated that freeze warnings are likely to be issued for portions of South Central Texas later Saturday.
A federal judge this week temporarily blocked President Joe Biden's administration from enforcing a COVID-19 vaccine requirement for employees of federal contractors, effectively freezing mandates for contractors, certain health care workers and employees of large companies nationwide including Texas.

Gov. Greg Abbott's executive order GA-40, which he issued in October, is now fully in effect following the ruling. The order prohibits employers from imposing the vaccine on an employee who qualifies for an exemption for religious, personal or medical reasons. The governor's mandate conflicted with Biden's order mandating that employees working on or in connection with a federal contract must be fully vaccinated by Jan. 18.

U.S. District Court Judge R. Stan Baker Tuesday issued a stay to bar enforcement of the mandate nationwide, stating that the Biden administration may have overstepped its authority in requiring the COVID-19 shots.

Abbott celebrated the ruling Tuesday, tweeting "Now ALL of the Biden Administration vaccine mandates have been halted. Now, under my order, vaccine mandates are not allowed in Texas." In addition, Abbott on Wednesday created a hotline for Texas employees to report vaccine mandates, saying "While I encourage Texans to get the vaccine, it will always be voluntary, and never enforced, in Texas, and we are committed to ensuring Texans' livelihoods are not jeopardized by federal overreach."

Randall Erben, a University of Texas law professor states that under the order, vaccine policies are still allowed, but employers can't "compel" individual employees to receive the jab. Erben says Senate Bill 968, which Abbott signed in June, is also now currently in effect in the state. That order prohibits businesses from requiring customers to provide any documentation of their COVID-19 vaccination to be served.

"So if an employee or customer brought suit against a business saying 'they're making me get a vaccination in order to work here or be served here, I think they'd probably win under the executive order," Erben said. "Under the law today, you could probably prevent somebody from requiring to be vaccinated."

The question that remains is whether the order will get largely ignored since many businesses have already required employees to get vaccinated and with less than a month left to comply, not much time is left to implement changes."They have to start implementing a program and that's the problem with this starting and stopping... it takes time," Erben says. "They may proceed on the assumption that this is going to be enforceable but I don't know and that's the problem with it. Every week something changes."

Erben also pointed to some entities, like school districts, ignoring Abbott and continuing with mask mandates. Whether the order will actually be enforced is also an issue, which Erben says can only be done through a district attorney. Those who violate the executive order can only be fined $1,000 but can't be jailedwhich Abbott did away with after a Dallas salon owner was jailed for violating executive orders shutting down businesses.

"Without the district attorney, the governor or the attorney general can't bring prosecution and can't enforce that order," Erben says, adding cities with Democratic DA's are likely to be supportive of mask and vaccine mandates. "You've got to see where you work, what state you are in... it depends on that and how long these temporary injunctions are issued for."

Until a DA receives a blanket order from the Supreme Court, they will only be able to sue entities violating the order that they actually know about, which Erben likened to a game of "Whack-A-Mole." Such a ruling may not come until next June, he says, adding that a definitive order from the court in the near future is unlikely.

In that instance, Erben says the Supreme Court would have precedent to rely on since it previously ruled in 1905 in Jacobson v. Massachusetts that jurisdictions can require vaccinations, even over objections, and authorized fines for people who did not get them. In Zucht v. King in 1922, the court also allowed state laws requiring children to be vaccinated before attending public schools. Subsequently in 2002, the federal district court declined to find exemptions for mandatory vaccination laws for "sincerely held religious beliefs."

"This is not a new debate," Erben says. "This is just because of the political polarization of the time and it's turned into one that's pretty contentious. This whole thing underscores how difficult this pandemic is from a public policy perspective."

Erben says that anything done to promote public health will get criticized by the right, while anything done to promote the opening of businesses will be criticized by the left. "It's a very difficult public policy conundrum for governors, mayor, counties judges and presidents."
Dear patient readers,

We have been using Googles Feedburner well past July, when Google warned it would be deprecated. The service was apparently sometimes sending out what is supposed to be a 7AM missive later even as early as March but more of you have been writing about tardy delivery in recent weeks.

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The inner lives of cats: what our feline friends really think about hugs, happiness and humans Guardian (furzy). My cat Blake could count to four. He got four vitamins every evening before dinner. If I was at the end of a bottle and gave him only two, or one rolled away from the others, hed poke around with some urgency for the missing vitamins. When hed had four, he stopped searching.

Darwin in a lab: Coral evolution tweaked for global warming Star Tribune (Chuck L)

To See Proteins Change in Quadrillionths of a Second, Use AI Wired (Robert M)

What Happens in Our Cells After Exercise? Neuroscience News (David L)

Cannabis clinics set to mushroom Bangkok Post (furzy)

Tell us a Story Dublin Review of Books (Anthony L)

The Appeal of Artists Who Won Fame After Death Wall Street Journal (Anthony L)

#COVID-19

Face Masks Help Jurors Tell Lies From Truth ScienceBlog

Science/Medicine

UK

I think we may need to recalibrate our idea of typical case numbers as Omicron takes off. Heres what UK cases could look like *in the next week or two alone* if Omicron continues to double every 3 days (some actually estimate faster growth) Story: https://t.co/mdY7GFiNsD pic.twitter.com/GbXpEFkR6n  John Burn-Murdoch (@jburnmurdoch) December 10, 2021 From https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1040064/9_December-2021-risk-assessment-for-SARS_Omicron_VOC-21NOV-01_B.1.1.529.pdf: So, the UKHSA project ONE MILLION infections PER DAY based on reasonable assumption of a doubling time of Omicron of 2.5 days Not One Million by the end of the year: ONE MILLION INFECTIONS

PER DAY

BY CHRISTMAS The Government has not responded to thishttps://t.co/bpApPHFvMl pic.twitter.com/AgBtrp6wdT  Dr Duncan Robertson (@Dr_D_Robertson) December 10, 2021

US

COP26/Climate Change

China?

The Reconquest: In 2022 elections, an Algerian Islamophobe wants to purge France from the Muslim peril The Cradle (Micael T)

What is the European Union For? The Saker (Micael T)

A balance sheet of Angela Merkels 16 years of rule in Berlin WSWS

New Cold War

Coffee crisis in Central America fuels record exodus north Reuters (Glenn F)

Death of Doing Business Report greatly exaggerated as World Bank announces rebranding plans CADTM (Micael T)

Big Brother is Watching You Watch

Assange

Julian Assange is one of the longest-serving political prisoners in the western world. Every level of the case against him has been shot through with corruption and the abuse of process. People justify it by reciting memes to demonstrate their allegiance. This is dystopia. https://t.co/3FDCp9vuWr  Edward Snowden (@Snowden) December 10, 2021 Julian Assange should not be extradited for revealing uncomfortable truths. https://t.co/PHKpuf8SF1  Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) December 10, 2021

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Abortion

How Nursing Homes Worst Offenses Are Hidden From the Public New York Times (Kevin C)

Our Famously Free Press

Killing Bad Guys Dublin Review of Books (Anthony L)

Moral Panic

Woke Watch

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Tesla Update Allows Video Games While Driving, and the Feds Arent Happy The Drive (Paul R)

Hot November inflation report was probably the best the White House could have hoped for at this point CNBC

Guillotine Watch

Class Warfare

Antidote du jour. Timotheus: From a friends travel photos:

And a bonus (Li):

See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here.
(Natural News) Ugur Sahin, the CEO of BioNTech (Pfizers vaccine partner), has announced plans to start selling a three-dose injection regimen specifically for the Omicron (Moronic) variant of the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19).

This new three-injection series is in addition to the two-dose regimen already available from Pfizer-BioNTech as the regular vaccine, as well as the subsequent booster shot. This means that at least six shots will now be pushed to cure Chinese Germs.

It is very clear our vaccine for the Omicron variant should be a three-dose vaccine, Sahin stated, citing the data coming from the Omicron variant as proof to back his claims.

BioNTech has set a target date of March for the initial rollout of the shots, with another Moronic-specific booster shot to come six months after that (for a total of seven shots?).

Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTechs competitor, says it is also developing an Omicron-specific shot at warp speed to participate in the profit-fest that will ensue from all of these additional injections.

For recent mRNA compliant individuals, this could mean some 6 mRNA shots over the course of a years time, warns The Burning Platform about the sheer number of shots BioNTech and Pfizer have planned for peoples bodies over the next year.

WHO amplifies Moronic fears to boost Big Pharma profits

Various government entities and international health groups, including the World Health Organization (WHO), are already on board with the plan. The WHO actually seems thrilled about the idea of endless injections going into peoples arms for the rest of time.

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WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom recently delivered a speech in which he fearmongered about the Moronic variant, suggesting it will have a major impact on the course of the pandemic.

Even though only fully vaccinated people are contracting it, not to mention the fact that it is just the common cold, the Moronic variant is rapidly shaping up to be the next catalyst that drives another stake into the heart of freedom and liberty.

Keep in mind that prior to the plandemic, neither Moderna nor BioNTech had successfully produced a single commercially available product. Then, with the arrival of the Fauci Flu, suddenly they were both at the forefront of the pharmaceutical cartels, raking in billions of dollars of ill-gotten profits.

On his Substack, Jordan Schachtel posted data showing that the more people get vaccinated, the more disease spreads. This runs contrary to the promises and claims made by people like Joe Biden, Tony Fauci and Rochelle Walensky, all of whom promised that the plandemic would be cured once most people got injected.

Well, most people are supposedly now injected and the disease is running wild like never before. How can this be unless the shots themselves are fraudulent and are actually causing disease and death?

Talk about injecting a dead horse, wrote one commenter at The Burning Platform. What happens when the revenue doesnt pan out because everyone is dead?

Wow, and all this for a bad flu with a high survival rate, and vaccines that absolutely DO NOT WORK.

Another responded that it is not about the money, at least not in the way many people think.

After a third to half of the world is killed off, the financial system will collapse and even gold and silver will have little or no value, another person suggested.

Its about the die-off, or more apropos the kill-off, of large swaths of humanity in a measured fashion. And the sterilization of most of whomever is left in a diabolical plan to create a build back better dystopian world.

There will never be an end to the number of Fauci Flu shots that are pushed on the public. To keep up with the latest, visit Vaccines.news.

Sources for this article include:

TheBurningPlatform.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) On Thursday, U.S. drug regulators granted authorization for children as young as 16 to start getting booster shots of the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19).

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), children need boosters just as much as adults do because the effectiveness of the first several rounds of injection wane over time.

Since we first authorized the vaccine, new evidence indicates that vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19 is waning after the second dose of the vaccine for all adults, announced Dr. Peter Marks, a top FDA official, in a statement.

A single booster dose of the vaccine for those vaccinated at least six months prior will help provide continued protection against COVID-19 in this and older age groups, he added.

The ruling prompted immediate ire from health experts who warned that injecting children with these deadly chemicals will substantially increase their risk of heart inflammation.

One of them, amazingly, is Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center and a professor of pediatrics at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia.

Offit has never encountered a vaccine he did not want injected into childrens bodies  including 10,000 at once, which he infamously stated would be perfectly safe. However, booster shots in children are just not jiving for him.

I understand that the third dose will boost their level of neutralizing antibiotics, Offit is quoted as saying, emphasizing the fact that 16- and 17-year-olds have the highest risk of myocarditis.

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But if the goal of this vaccine is protection against serious illness  which is a reasonable goal and its the goal for every other vaccine  two doses already do that. So why do we need a third dose? Wheres the evidence that a third dose will protect children to a greater extent against serious illness?

Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla cheers FDA decision, which will enrich his bank account tremendously

The answer, of course, is that there is no evidence. Even U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Rochelle Walensky admitted to this.

Dr. Mike Saag partially agrees with Offit that there is no specific data for the 16- and 17-year-old age group needing to get booster jabbed for the Chinese Flu, let alone any evidence to suggest that doing so is safe. But he still supports it, strangely.

I think that all individuals, regardless of age, will ultimately receive booster shots 6 months after completion of the initial 2-dose vaccination, Saag is quoted as saying. The biology and epidemiologic data support this. What remains unknown is how long protective immunity will last after receiving the third shot.

Amazingly, the FDA relied on data from just 200 people to authorize booster shots for teenagers. However, the FDA refuses to release that data to the public, just like it refuses to release the data supposedly backing Pfizers Comirnaty injection.

Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla, meanwhile, could not be happier about the FDAs decision to mass inject teenagers with his companys mRNA (messenger RNA) poisons.

While new variants, including Omicron, emerge across the globe, we believe that the best way to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and any future variants is getting all eligible people fully vaccinated with the first two dose series and a booster dose as recommended, he is quoted as saying.

Mind you, the FDA authorized these boosters without any input from its vaccine advisory panel. That same panel was never convened to authorize the injections for 18-year-olds, either.

The FDA claims that there was no need to solicit any advice from that committee because the decision was already made. The CDC, meanwhile, has remained mostly silent on this latest development.

The latest news about Chinese Virus injections can be found at ChemicalViolence.com.

Sources for this article include:

TheEpochTimes.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) Dr. Vladimir Zelenko called on God-conscious Americans to stand up against government tyranny amid the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. He also had strong words toward individuals wishing to play god by pushing COVID-19 vaccines worldwide.

Zelenko first gained prominence by developing an early treatment protocol for COVID-19 using hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and zinc sulfate. He explained how he chanced upon this protocol during a March 2021 interview with psychiatrist Dr. Peter Breggin.

I was praying to God in March [2020], asking for some help because I had thousands of sick patients dying. These people I have taken care of for 20 years, and I had nothing to offer them, he told Breggin.

I was praying for some guidance, and then the next thing I know  a letter is sent to me in my email [about] how zinc ionophores and zinc work in inhibiting RNA viruses theoretically. That was a big illumination for me, and it really affected the world because I pushed that stuff globally.

According to Zelenko, human history is marked by a struggle between people trying to live a God-conscious or God-centered life and people who have always attempted to be god-like and [wanting] to have global control of the rest of humanity. Were made in Gods image, our lives have sanctity just because they are  not because of any other reason, he said.

On the other hand, those seeking to control humanity and play god can only do so by enslaving [humanity] psychologically. Zelenko mentioned that the COVID-19 pandemic itself is an extremely well-orchestrated, brilliantly executed [and] exceptionally evil attempt to put the population under control. What we are living through is probably the biggest psy-op in the history of humanity, he told Breggin.

However, Zelenko pointed out that there is still hope. Dont live in fear, dont live in isolation [and] dont take the poison death shot. Take preventive therapy for COVID, take early treatment if necessary. But more importantly, live with God-consciousness. Improve yourself as an individual, and when enough individuals improve themselves  society as a whole improves and we move away from paganism, idolatry and child sacrifice toward a world of truth, love and the revelation of God, he advised.

[We] need to coalesce like-minded people and form our own societies. We need to work in unity and in civil disobedience, hopefully in a nonviolent way.

Zelenko denounces entities promoting the COVID vaccine

In a subsequent interview with InfoWars founder Alex Jones, Zelenko touched on the Food and Drug Administrations (FDA) release of documents to justify its full approval of Pfizers COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. According to a LifeSiteNews report, the FDAs release of the 91-page stash on Nov. 19 was a response to a Freedom of Information Act request filed by attorney Aaron Siri.

The documents revealed that the regulator was aware of about 150,000 serious adverse events and more than 1,200 deaths connected to the Pfizer vaccine in the first three months after its emergency approval. The FDA granted an emergency use authorization for the mRNA vaccine in December 2020. (Related: First batch of FOIA documents released by FDA about Pfizers covid vaccines shows 1,223 DEATHS already reported in early February 2021.)

The U.S. government has assaulted and battered the American people with [its] murderous policies, proof being that the FDA knew about the side effects way before they deployed this vaccine. The pioneer of the HCQ-zinc protocol lamented that the American people have been raped by [their] own government, Zelenko told Jones.

What were looking at is millions and millions of adverse effects and hundreds of thousands of deaths. Thats nothing compared to the long-term effects that people are going to experience. Were seeing huge spikes in cancer and auto-immune diseases. How do you think thats going to affect future reproduction and population numbers?

Zelenko mentioned Microsoft founder Bill Gates as among those individuals who wish to be god-like and control all of humanity. The doctor slammed Gates for supposedly predicting a smallpox epidemic and setting up the next health crisis. (Related: The SMALLPOX BIOWAR  globalists prepare perfect scheme to cover up vaccine deaths and cancel mid-term elections by unleashing a new, deadly epidemic.)

According to a Yahoo News report, Gates urged governments to be prepared for the next pandemic by holding germ games. He said: What if a bioterrorist brought smallpox to 10 airports? How would the world respond to that. Theres naturally-caused epidemics and bioterrorism-caused epidemics that could even be way worse than what we experienced today.

Hes not a prophet, hes a criminal, Zelenko said of Gates. He warned that Gates is only the tip of the spear as most of the 150 richest people in the world have a stake in the psy-op against humanity.

They own all sectors from all perspectives. Whoever runs and owns that entity is the one thats able to orchestrate this  because they can manipulate the media, industry, politics [and] academia.

Resist.news has more about experts urging Americans to stand up against government tyranny.

Sources include:

LifeSiteNews.com 1

LifeSiteNews.com 2

News.Yahoo.com
(Natural News) As my readers know, Ive been proving for well over a year that the SARS-CoV-2 virus doesnt exist.

(Article by Jon Rappoport republished from Blog.NoMoreFakeNews.com)

Therefore, any test for it would be absurd.

However, I frequently put on my hazmat suit and enter the crazy world where all the experts claim the virus is real. I make these forays to show that, even within their fantasy bubble, and by their own standards, the pros are fatally contradicting themselves and lying constantly.

Thats what Im doing in this article. Ive got my hazmat suit on and Im exploring the crazy landscape. Ive published this piece several times, but I want to make sure people understand how the test has been used to manufacture the false appearance of a pandemic.

OK, here we go. Smoking gun. Jackpot.

Right from the horses mouth. Right from the man were told is the number-one COVID expert in the nation. What Fauci says is golden truth.

Well, how about THIS?

July 16, 2020, podcast, This Week in Virology: Tony Fauci makes a point of saying the PCR COVID test is useless and misleading when the test is run at 35 cycles or higher. A positive result, indicating infection, cannot be accepted or believed.

Here, in techno-speak, is an excerpt from Faucis key quote (starting at the 4m01s mark through to the 5m45s mark (Fauci begins his first answer to the first question at the 4m20s mark and begins his second answer to the second question at the 5m26s mark)):

If you get [perform the test at] a cycle threshold of 35 or morethe chances of it being replication-competent [aka accurate] are minisculeyou almost never can culture virus [detect a true positive result] from a 37 threshold cycleeven 36

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Each cycle of the test is a quantum leap in amplification and magnification of the test specimen taken from the patient.

Too many cycles, and the test will turn up all sorts of irrelevant material that will be wrongly interpreted as relevant.

Thats called a false positive.

What Fauci failed to say on the video is: the FDA, which authorizes the test for public use, recommends the test should be run up to 40 cycles. Not 35.

Therefore, all labs in the US following the FDA guideline are knowingly or unknowingly participating in fraud. Fraud on a monstrous level, because

Millions of Americans are being told they are infected with the virus on the basis of a false positive result, and

The total number of COVID cases in Americawhich is based on the testis a gross falsity.

The lockdowns and other restraining measures are based on these fraudulent case numbers.

Let me back up and run that by you again. Fauci says the test is useless when its run at 35 cycles or higher. The FDA says run the test up to 40 cycles, in order to determine whether the virus is there. This is the crime in a nutshell.

Hello, America, youve been tricked, lied to, conned, and taken for a devastating ride. On the basis of fake science, the country was locked down.

If anyone in the Congress has a few brain cells operating, pull Fauci into a televised hearing and, in ten minutes, make mincemeat out of the fake science that has driven this whole foul, stench-ridden assault on the global economy and its 8 billion citizens.

All right, here are two chunks of evidence for what Ive written above. First, we have a CDC quote on the FDA website, in a document titled: CDC 2019-Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Real-Time RT-PCR Diagnostic Panel For Emergency Use Only, See page 35 (pdf page 36). This document is marked, Effective: 07/21/2021. That means, even though the virus is being referred to by its older name, the document is still relevant as of July 2021. For Emergency Use Only refers to the fact that the FDA has certified the PCR test under a traditional category called Emergency Use Authorization.

FDA: a specimen is considered positive for 2019-nCoV [virus] if all 2019-nCoV marker (N1, N2) cycle threshold growth curves cross the threshold line within 40.00 cycles ([less than] 40.00 Ct).

Naturally, testing labs reading this guideline would conclude, Well, to see if the virus is there in a patient, we should run the test all the way to 40 cycles. Thats the official advice.

Then we have a New York Times article (August 29/updated September 17, 2020) headlined: Your coronavirus test is positive. Maybe it shouldnt be. Here are money quotes:

Most tests set the limit at 40 [cycles]. A few at 37.

Set-the-limit would mean, Were going to look all the way to 40 cycles, to see if the virus is there.

The Times: This number of amplification cycles needed to find the virus, called the cycle threshold, is never included in the results sent to doctors and coronavirus patients.

Boom. Thats the capper, the grand finale. Labs dont or wont reveal their collusion in this crime.

Get the picture?

I hope so.

If a lawyer wont go to court with all this, or if a judge wont pay attention and see the light, they should be stripped of their jobs and sent to the Arctic to sell snow.

2021 CODA: Recently, Florida, a state which has remained far more open and free from COVID restrictions and mandates than most other states, is reporting very low COVID case numbers. Why?

Because as of December 3, 2020, the state of Florida started doing something unheard of. It demanded that labs report the number of cycles (cycle threshold) for every test they run.

Here is the relevant wording in a release from the Florida governor, Ron DeSantis, and the state Department of Health:

Cycle threshold (CT) values and their reference ranges, as applicable, must be reported by laboratories to FDOH via electronic laboratory reporting or by fax immediately.

If your laboratory is not currently reporting CT values and their reference ranges, the lab should begin reporting this information to FDOH within seven days of the date of this memorandum.

We can assume there is only one reason for this order. The Florida governor and the Department of Health are aware that tests run at 35 cycles or higher are useless and misleading, creating a mountain of false-positives, and they want to stop this crime.

And with the Governors recent appointment of a new state Surgeon General, who is well aware of certain aspects of the COVID fraud, the requirement for labs to start telling the truth is taking hold.

Hence, lower case numbers.

Read more at: Blog.NoMoreFakeNews.com
(Natural News) Top infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci said Wednesday, December 8, that the definition of fully vaccinated is going to change to include only those who received at least three shots of the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines.

He also said that U.S. health officials are now discussing the prospect of rolling out a fourth COVID-19 shot for Americans, as the omicron variant has arrived in the country. So far, there have been 71 detections in 21 states, with New York leading at 21 cases reported.

However, COVID cases, hospitalizations and deaths are still on the rise despite high vaccination numbers, especially in the northeast, where vaccination rates are the highest.

Fauci said that the change in the definition of fully vaccinated is unlikely to happen in the next week, but he sees it happening at some point in the future, and it is a matter of when, not if.

I dont see that changing tomorrow or next week, but certainly if you want to talk about what optimal protection is, I dont think anybody would argue that optimal protection is going to be with a third shot, Fauci said. For me, as a public health person, I just say get your third shot  forget about what the definition is. I just want to see people be optimally protected.

Fauci also noted that some health officials are already investigating the potential need for a fourth dose of COVID vaccines after people receive their boosters.

His statements came on the same day Pfizer announced that people need a booster shot to keep the same level of protection against the omicron variant. Those who have received only two doses are now at risk of breakthrough infections, the pharmaceutical company said.

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Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla also said that a fourth dose may be necessary and may even be needed faster than Faucis timeline suggests. I think we will need the fourth dose. With omicron, we need to wait and see because we have very little information. We may need it faster, he said.

The omicron variant, which was discovered last month by South African health officials, quickly spread around the world and has now been sequenced 2,324 times in 61 countries.

Governments taking drastic actions

Officials around the world are now putting up measures to prevent the spread of omicron, although news reports say that it causes milder symptoms compared to other variants.

In the U.K., Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced work from home orders, enhanced contact tracing efforts and required the use of vaccine passports for attending events. There were 568 cases of the omicron variant detected in the U.K., although Johnson said that the real figure is likely higher.

In Denmark, new measures were announced to combat the spread of the variant. The Danish government told the population to work and attend school from home and reduced the hours that bars are allowed to stay open.

In South Africa, hospitalizations are still on the rise. The nation recorded nearly 20,000 new cases on Wednesday, bringing the seven-day average up to 13,400. However, it is not clear how many of these cases are due to the omicron variant. Not many of the hospitalized patients require intensive care, a positive sign that the omicron may be on the milder side. (Related: South African health workers: Symptoms associated with omicron are very mild.)

Pfizer also recently released its first official batch of data on how its COVID-19 vaccine reacts to the omicron variant and said that the two-dose vaccine has diminished capability to prevent infection from omicron. Separate data pending peer-review also found that the Pfizer vaccine recipients had 40 times fewer antibodies effective against the omicron variant than they did with other strains.

Read news related to the coronavirus pandemic at Pandemic.news.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

USNews.com
(Natural News) A male driver in his twenties was killed and a young female passenger wounded when gunmen pulled alongside them and opened fire on a New York City street, according to reports.

(Article by Dan Lyman republished from NewsWars.com)

The shocking ambush unfolded at around 10:15 p.m. on Sunday night in the Bronx.

The NYPD has released chilling footage of the shooting.

https://twitter.com/NYPDnews/status/1468762328594194433

A black BMW sedan can be seen pulling up next to a white BMW SUV at an intersection packed with parked cars.

Three suspects then discharge handguns into the SUV, with one shooter exiting the passenger side of the sedan, another standing through the sunroof, and a third shooting from a drivers side window.

Sergio Jimenez was struck in the head and the teen, who was in the passenger seat, was struck in the hand and back, cops said, the New York Post reports.

Jimenez was rushed by EMS to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

The woman got out of the Beemer to flag down a good Samaritan, who brought her to the same hospital, authorities told the paper.

The suspects fled the scene and had not been located as of the latest updates available at the time of this writing.

Read more at: NewsWars.com
(Natural News) Nobody can truthfully claim that Pfizers Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine has been proven by a clinical trial to save lives. Still, people are being pressured to receive the vaccine under threat of court-martial, loss of employment, denial of medical treatment and exclusion from normal life.

On Nov. 8, the Food and Drug Administration published a report updating the clinical trial results of Pfizers mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine. The trial included around 44,000 people over the age of 16, equally divided into two groups. One group received the vaccine and the other a placebo.

Page 23 of the report showed that over the course of the trial, there were a total of 38 deaths among participants: 21 in the vaccinated group and 17 in the placebo group. Because the number of deaths in the vaccinated group was not significantly less than the placebo group (but is, in fact, more than the placebo group), the vaccine failed to prove itself by the standard of all-cause mortality.

All-cause mortality standard

All-cause mortality is the number of deaths due to any cause in both the control and treated groups of a clinical trial. This is the most reliable clinical endpoint for the evaluation of a medical treatment that is supposed to reduce mortality because it is objective and properly accounts for unanticipated effects, which may offset the anticipated benefits of a treatment.

The National Academy of Sciences published a volume that explained the evaluative advantage of all-cause mortality with many lessons from the annals of medical history. A contributor to the volume, renowned anesthetist John P. Bunker, said: When dealing with mortality as an endpoint of treatment, all-cause mortality is ignored at the peril of the investigators and the public.

Mother Nature's micronutrient secret: Organic Broccoli Sprout Capsules now available, delivering 280mg of high-density nutrition, including the extraordinary "sulforaphane" and "glucosinolate" nutrients found only in cruciferous healing foods. Every lot laboratory tested. See availability here.

The burden of proving statistical significance is on the vaccine, not the placebo. The primary hypothesis of the clinical trial was that the vaccine would save lives, and for the hypothesis to be upheld, the death rate in the vaccinated group had to be significantly less than that of the placebo group  which did not happen in this case.

There is currently no scientific basis for retaining the hypothesis that the administration of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine could save lives.

However, there are reasons besides vaccination why the COVID death rate may be higher in one society than another, including population-age distributions, vaccinations and even access to therapeutics. The most obvious problem, however, is the reinforcing bias of the clinician, who knows whether or not the patient has been COVID-vaccinated. Among multiple comorbidities, the clinician might be more likely to attribute the death to COVID if he or she knows that the patient is not vaccinated.

If this happens, then the clinicians in populations with a higher vaccination rate would be less likely to attribute the deaths to COVID than the clinicians in populations with lower vaccination rates.

Pfizers COVID-19 vaccine is still experimental

Because Pfizers COVID-19 vaccine doesnt have a successful trial for all-cause mortality, it still remains experimental. (Related: Critics blasts FDA for full approval of Pfizer vaccine.)

None of the trials were designed to detect a reduction in any serious outcomes such as hospitalizations and deaths. While the vaccines are hailed to be the solution to the pandemic, clinical trials could not and did not prove that they can save lives. None of the vaccines studied were supported by concrete evidence to be able to interrupt the transmission of the virus.

Part of the reason for the lack of convincing results may be the numbers, because most people with symptomatic COVID-19 infections only experience mild symptoms, even for trials involving 30,000 or more patients.

Hospitalizations and deaths from covid-19 are simply too uncommon in the population being studied for an effective vaccine to demonstrate statistically significant differences in a trial of 30,000 people. The same is true regarding whether it can save lives or prevent transmission. The trials are not designed to find out, said Peter Doshi, associate editor at the global healthcare knowledge publication, BMJ.

Read more news related to the coronavirus pandemic at Pandemic.news.

Sources include:

LifeSiteNews.com

FDA.gov

BMJ.com
(Natural News) Melissa Red Pill celebrated a victory against President Joe Bidens Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine mandate during the Dec. 8 episode of her program Freedom Force Battalion on Brighteon.TV.

A federal court recently prohibited the Biden administration from enforcing its COVID-19 vaccine mandate for federal contractors. (Related: HUGE: Federal judge blocks Bidens nationwide covid vaccine mandate for employees of federal contractors.)

This mandate came in the form of an executive order signed in early September. It forced all federal contractors to ensure that their employees are fully vaccinated.

Companies that take government contracts but do not abide by this order will have their contracts revoked, and the contractor will no longer have the opportunity to receive future lucrative deals with the government.

The injunction is nationwide. Love it, said Red Pill. She added that she has received a lot of questions from people wondering whether federal judges are good guys or part of the Deep State Cabal. Well, this one said Nope. Nope. Reject to Biden. He cannot mandate this vaccine  or whatever you wanna call it. Bioweapon. He cant mandate the bioweapon.

Red Pill noted that what needs to be blocked next are mainstream media outlets that still promote the experimental and dangerous COVID-19 vaccines.

They truly are the enemy of the people. You can block the vaccine mandate all day long. But if people still willingly go over and get the jab, then what good is it? I guess the best thing is that people are leaving them in droves, said Red Pill.

Because I really cant believe what they say anymore. I just pray that people wont believe them all. We just need to continue to pray for people that they will see through this and not do this.

Red Pill shared the latest data coming in from OpenVAERS, a project that publicizes the data that the Centers for Vaccine Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration are trying to keep hidden regarding the number of people experiencing adverse reactions and the number of deaths due to the COVID-19 vaccine.

According to the websites latest data from Nov. 26, the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System has received nearly a million reports regarding vaccines. These include 19,532 deaths and nearly 100,000 hospitalizations.

Data from the website also reports that the COVID-19 vaccines have caused nearly 10,000 heart attacks, have left over 31,000 people permanently disabled and have caused 3,148 miscarriages.

Senate passes Republican bill rejecting COVID-19 vaccine mandate

The campaign to prevent the Biden administration from passing COVID-19 vaccine mandates has also scored a victory in the Democrat-controlled Senate. On Wednesday, a Republican-backed measure to overturn the vaccine-or-test mandate for private businesses passed, with two Democrats joining the Republican caucus in backing the initiative.

Bidens vaccine mandate for private corporations requires all businesses with 100 or more employees to either ensure that their employees are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or that they undergo weekly testing for the coronavirus. Businesses that do not comply face steep fines.

Republican senators brought the repeal to the floor of the Senate as an amendment to the Congressional Review Act. The measure was not subject to the Senate rule that requires 60 votes for legislation to pass without getting filibustered.

Senators who brought up the repeal said their offices have received multiple calls from small businesses with 100 or more workers that are concerned about having to fire employees who are opposed to regular testing or forced vaccinations.

Its got Main Street America scared, said Republican Sen. Mike Braun of Indiana, who led the initiative to pass the repeal in the Senate.

When the measure came to a vote, moderate Democratic Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Jon Tester of Montana joined the 50 Republicans in the Senate in voting for the bill.

Republicans lauded Manchin and Tester for supporting the measure, and they claimed that the repeals bipartisan support sends a clear message that a majority of Americans are concerned about the mandates potential impact on workers, businesses and the economy.

In explaining his vote, Manchin said in a statement that he has always supported mandating vaccinations for federal employees and members of the armed forces because maintaining essential services and military readiness the federal government provides is a matter of national importance.

However, I do not support any government vaccine mandate for private businesses. It is not the place of the federal government to tell private business owners how to protect their employees from COVID-19 and operate their businesses, said Manchin.

The proposal to repeal the vaccine mandate on private businesses will face steep hurdles to pass in the Democrat-controlled House of Representatives. It is unlikely Speaker Nancy Pelosi will allow the measure to be taken up at all. Biden has also threatened to veto the bill if it cleared Congress.

Red Pill has a lot more to talk about regarding the COVID-19 vaccines and the mandates. Watch the full Dec. 8 episode of Freedom Force Battalion with Melissa Red Pill here:

Freedom Force Battalion, hosted by Melissa Red Pill, airs every Wednesday from 11-12 p.m. on Brighteon.TV.

Learn more about the campaign to end all COVID-19 vaccine mandates in the United States by reading the latest articles at VaccinesWars.com.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

OpenVAERS.com

Reuters.com

FoxNews.com
(Natural News) As the Supreme Court determines whether to preserve the Court-created right to abortion under Roe v. Wade, those on the feminist Left have gone into full-blown panic mode. Womens rights, they insist, will implode without granting women the ability to abort their children; only that ability can equalize the natural inequalities of biology, by which women are saddled with the burden of childbearing and child rearing.

(Article by Ben Shapiro republished from Newsbusters.org)

This war with biology is central to the Lefts definition of autonomy itself. In the pages of The New York Times, Democratic activist Elizabeth Spiers made this perfectly clear in arguing that abortion ought to be considered the moral alternative to adoption. When I awoke, she writes, my son would wake up shortly after and Id feel him turning and stretching, or less pleasantly, jamming his precious little foot into what felt like my cervix. This is one of the paradoxes of pregnancy: something alien is usurping your body and sapping you of nutrition and energy, but youre programmed to gleefully enable it and you become desperately protective of it. Its a kind of biological brainwashing.

Biological brainwashing.

The same people who maintain that your biology dictates that you can be a man in a womans body and that this represents not gender dysphoria  truly, a form of biological brainwashing  but an objective reality to which all of society should conform also argue that biology creates morally unjust connections between mother and child. As Spiers says, biological brainwashing  occurs during pregnancy; mothers cannot simply choose not to bond with a child shes gestating solely on the basis that she is not ready to be a mother or believes that she is unable to provide for the child. This means that women should consider killing the child rather than putting it up for adoption.

The language of biological brainwashing doesnt stop with the bond between mother and child. This week, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., the spectacularly dull Instagram star, characterized opposition to abortion as the legalization of forced birth. In her view, biology itself is an imposition on women (the Left conveniently drops its Orwellian birthing people lingo when abortion is at stake); ending a pregnancy by killing an unborn child is a restoration of the natural order.

Precisely the opposite is true, of course. A predictable result of sex  in fact, the evolutionary biological purpose of sex  is procreation. The process by which conception results in birth is continuous and natural. Interfering in that process by forced killing of an unborn human life is definitionally unnatural.

But so is the entire Leftist worldview by which true autonomy represents an opposition between spirit and flesh. According to the Left, any check on our ambitions  even a check provided by the reality of biology  must be overcome in order to establish true equality of opportunity. Women are different than men in biology; therefore, biology must be opposed.

The results of this madness are obvious: men and women alienated from themselves, angry at the realities of life, willing to forgo perhaps the greatest joy of existence  the perpetuation of the human species through the birth of children. But other civilizations are not so suicidal. While we amuse ourselves to death, solipsistically focused on our own subjective sense of autonomy, other civilizations recognize, at the very least, that biology is an inescapable reality. Those civilizations that best conform to the beauty of that reality will thrive. Those that do not will destroy themselves.

Read more at: Newsbusters.org
(Natural News) Since the outbreak of the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, several articles have discussed the potential of vitamin D to reduce the risk and severity of the disease.

A team of researchers from Hospital del Mar in Barcelona, Spain, closely monitored a total of 930 coronavirus disease patients  551 of whom were randomly assigned to receive vitamin D along with a standard COVID-19 treatment. Results showed that if vitamin D is given early enough, the risk of death is cut by as much as 60 percent.

Currently, 142 studies are substantiating the near-perfect link between higher vitamin D levels and better outcomes in COVID patients.

The many roles of vitamin D

Vitamin D is a nutrient the human body needs for building and maintaining healthy bones and teeth. Like vitamins A, E and K, it is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps in calcium absorption, growth and bone mineralization.

It is also known for its biologic activities which affect many organ systems because vitamin D receptors are present everywhere in the body, such as in the skin, skeletal muscles, adipose tissues, endocrine pancreas, immune cells and blood vessels.

Vitamin D stimulates innate immunity and modulates adaptive immunity through the immunomodulatory action that it exerts. Vitamin D also helps decrease the production of inflammatory cytokines  signaling molecules that are produced by immune cells that promote inflammation. (Related: Vitamin D offers significant protection from covid-19, but states wont dare impose Vitamin D mandates.)

New research suggests that vitamin D may help prevent cancer, depression, diabetes and heart disease. In addition, vitamin D helps reduce the likelihood of developing the flu, according to a 2010 research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, studies have shown that vitamin D supplementation is beneficial for lowering the risk of acquiring acute viral infection and may improve outcomes in sepsis patients and critically ill patients.

Previous studies centered on the 1918 influenza pandemic have highlighted vitamin Ds role in reducing lethal pneumonia and case fatality rates. Recent clinical trials have also reported that vitamin D supplementation can reduce the incidence of acute respiratory infection and the severity of respiratory tract diseases in adults and children.

Supplementation with vitamin D during the COVID-19 pandemic

Several studies have reported that the severity of COVID-19 symptoms depends on comorbidities. The development and course of coagulopathies, as well as pulmonary, cardiological and metabolic diseases, may also be affected by vitamin D levels.

The growing evidence connecting COVID-19 infectivity and severity to vitamin D status suggests a potential benefit of vitamin D supplementation for primary prevention or as an adjunctive treatment for COVID-19. Reviews also suggest that improving vitamin D status in the general population could considerably reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection.

Sunlight exposure, preferably early in the morning, is the best way to acquire vitamin D. According to experts, vitamin D produced by the human body from stimulation by the suns ultraviolet rays may circulate for twice as long as vitamin D obtained from food or supplements. However, the amount of vitamin D the body can produce depends on many factors like skin tone and age, geographical location and season and sunscreen and clothing, to name a few.

Because of this, vitamin D supplementation is considered a more efficient way of ensuring adequate intake, particularly for individuals likely to be vitamin D-deficient, such as older patients and those suffering from obesity and hypertension. Vitamin D supplements vary in dosage, so it is ideal to have your vitamin D levels tested first and to consult a natural health practitioner before taking supplements to ensure the most appropriate dose for you.

Follow VitaminD.news for more news related to vitamin D.

Sources include:

PubMed.NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov

GlobalResearch.ca

Healthline.com
Oregon's Humongous fungus spans over 3 square miles. It's very big and nasty, possessing long, black tendrils that usually sucks the life out of trees.

Earth's Largest Living Organism

There's a 3 1/2-square mile specimen in eastern Oregon that weighs 35,000 tons and could possibly be the biggest living thing on Earth, according to researchers at the University of Utah. It caused $1.5 million worth of damage to Georgia's peach trees in only two years.

Armillaria ostoyae - the scientific name of the fungus - infects and kills 600 different species of woody plants and it is very difficult to kill this fungus, according to Deseret News.

Dr. Debora Lyn Porter, the primary author of the study and a PhD student in the university's mechanical engineering school, stated that once the fungus gets started, it is extremely hard to root it out. Farmer's tendrils are being cut down, yet they keep returning.

It is hoped that the findings of the Utah study, published in the most recent issue of the Journal of Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials, would bring some comfort to farmers and forestry authorities.

Mechanics of Humongous Fungus

The research focused on the rhizomorphs, tendrils, and their biomechanical structure.

The tendrils of rhizomorphs are protected from chemicals and mechanical pressures by an exterior melanized coating. Steven Naleway, the mechanical engineering assistant professor who conducted the study, stated that the outer layer is quite robust.

According to Naleway, the layer is like a hard plastic. It's quite durable. According to nature, it's a lot stronger than you'd expect.

In the 1980s, scientists in Bloomington, Minnesota, researched a fungus that was almost as large as the Mall of America in Michigan. Insects' tendrils coat the bark of the tree, preventing it from absorbing water and nutrients.

According to Porter, one of the most fascinating aspects of this study was its focus on the fungus's mechanics and possible methods of combating it.

Also Read: The Potential of Mycology or Fungi Megascience in Advancing Our Knowledge and Technology

Importance of the Study

"If we could understand how it is better controlled, it would be a huge, huge help for agricultural industries where they are such a huge blight." Porter said.

In woods, the fungus may be seen as part of the "cycle of life," but in agriculture, it is not.

A farmer may lose a whole vineyard, Porter warned. If the plants aren't tough enough, She continued, then they'll die.

That's what makes it so hard to kill, she added, taking on the attributes of science fiction movies that can't be penetrated.

According to this new study, farmers and others may have a much-needed weapon in the fight against the fungus if the correct "biocontrols" are used. Chemical characteristics, like calcium, are crucial to its breakdown. One of its distant relatives can be found in Utah, although its effects are still being studied.

"There is a lot of future work that needs to be looked at," Porter said. "What is the strength of the shield? What is the shield made out of? What chemical protection does it offer?"

Related Article: Outbreak of Untreatable, Drug-Resistant Superbug Fungus Unnerves Experts in 2 US Cities

For more news, updates about fungi and similar topics don't forget to follow Nature World News!
According to information published by the United States Department of Defense on December 10, 2021, the U.S. State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Greece of four MEKO Hydra-Class Frigates Modernization and related equipment for an estimated cost of $2.5 billion.

Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link

Hellenic Navy Hydra-class frigate Salamis F-455 (Picture source Wikipedia via Eugenio Castillo Pert)

The Government of Greece has requested to buy equipment and services to repair, update, and enhance their four existing Hellenic Navy (HN) MEKO Class frigates. The MEKO 200 is a frigate design by the German shipyard Blohm+Voss as part of the MEKO family of warships. Currently Hellenic Navy has a total of four MEKO-200HN Hydra-class frigates. The program was authorized in 1988 and partially paid for with FMS aid and previsioned for the commission of six vessels. The first ship was built in Germany and commissioned in 1992.



On April 25, 2018 the Greek defense minister Panos Kammenos announced that the modernization of the four vessels is in progress but without presenting any further details about the program.



These upgrades will include the following: eight (8) Close in Weapon Systems (CIWS) Phalanx BLK 1B Baseline 2 upgrade kits; four (4) MK 45, 5 54 caliber gun overhauls; four (4) MK 49 Guided Missile Launcher Systems; four (4) COMBATSS-21 Combat Management Systems; and, four (4) AN/SQS-56 Sonar overhauls. Also included is the repair and/or upgrade of existing systems; ordnance; testing; training; systems integration; follow-on technical support; acquisition, upgrades, and overhaul of Narwhal 20A Gun System; Sylena MK 2 Decoy Launching System with CANTO torpedo countermeasure; Radar/Fire Control TRS-4D; Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) Mode 5; NIXIE SLQ-25 Surface Ship Torpedo Defense System; Helicopter Handling System (Repairs); Defense Advance GPS Receiver (DAGR); Gun Computer System (GCS); Low Frequency Active Towed Sonar (LFATS); Compact Low Frequency Active Passive Variable Depth Sonar-2 (CAPTAS-2); Infrared Search & Track System (IRST); Elta Electronic Warfare (EW), with C-ESM, R-ESM, and ECM capability; Naval Laser- Warning System (NLWS); 7 meter Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB); SQQ-89 ASW System; Fire Control Radar System; Improved Point Detection System-Lifecycle Replacement (IPDS-LR); Enhanced Maritime Biological Detection (EMBD), as well as significant Hull, Mechanical and Electrical upgrades, replacements, and repairs; support and test equipment; spare and repair parts; communications equipment, including Link 16 communications equipment; Battlefield Information Collection and Exploitation System (BICES); AN/SRQ-4 Tactical Common Datalink (TCDL); Global Command and Control System-Joint (GCCS-J); Air Defense Systems Integrator (ADSI); cryptographic equipment including SY-150, SY-117G, and KYV-5M; software delivery and support; publications and technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, systems integration, technical, and logistics support services; test and trials support; studies and surveys; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated total cost is $2.5 billion.



The proposed sale will improve Greeces capability to meet current and future threats by providing an effective combatant deterrent capability to protect maritime interests and infrastructure in support of its strategic location on NATOs southern flank. This acquisition, which will be awarded to the winner of an international competition for the Hellenic Navy (HN) MEKO Class Frigate Upgrade, will enhance stability and maritime security in the Eastern Mediterranean region and contribute to security and strategic objectives of NATO and the United States. Greece contributes to NATO operations in Kosovo, as well as to counterterrorism and counter-piracy maritime efforts. Greece will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.



The four Hydra-class frigates of the Hellenic Navy are based on the MEKO 200HN design built by the Gerrman company Blohm and Voss. The first ship was built in Germany while the other three were constructed at the Hellenic Shipyards at Scaramanga. HS Spetsai (F453) was commissioned in October 1996, HS Psara (F454) in April 1998 and HS Salamis (F455) in December 1998.



The Hydra-class frigate has a length of 117.5 m, a beam of 14.8 m, a draught of 6.0 m, and a fully-loaded displacement of 4,000 tons. The ship is powered by a Combined diesel or gas (CODOG) propulsion system including two MTU diesel engines, model 20V956TB82 with a power output of 3,830kW, a General Electric gas turbine, model LM2500-30 with a power output of 22,300kW, a reduction gearbox with clutch coupling and an SSS clutch driving an Escher Wyss controllable pitch propeller. She can reach a top speed of 31 knots (57 km/h) with a maximum cruising range of 4,100 nautical miles (7,600 km) at 18 knots (33 km/h).



The Hydra-class frigate is armed with one Mk 45 Mod 2A 5" naval gun, two Mk15 Phalanx 20 mm CIWS (Close-In Weapon Systems), two Mk141 22 launchers for HARPOON anti-ship missiles, Mk 48 Mod 2 vertical launcher for 16 RIM-162 ESSM Medium-range surface-to-air missile, and two Mk32 Mod 5 2324mm T/T for Mk46 torpedoes.
The weight reduction comes from weight optimization in the handling system of the VDS, AAC explained. A higher grade steel was used for the LCS VDS handling system (compared to the one used for the FREMM's VDS handling system). In addition, Navy Recognition learned that the length of the tether connecting the VDS to the ship is shorter on the LCS (again, compared to a FREMM frigate). The reeling system is therefore probably more compact and lighter. Three companies are competing to provide VDS for the US Navy LCS: L-3, Raytheon, and AAC. Navy Recognition understands that the US Navy should select up to two of the contractors imminently to deliver a production test article (a single unit). Following an evaluation by the US Navy, full production would follow. The US Navy has a need for 10 VDS systems for the LCS and up to 20 for the LCS Frigate. AAC's VDS transmitter was selected by the US Navy to meet ASW Escort Mission requirement for the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS).

In addition, a video on the AAC stand featured an Arleigh Burke-class (DDG 51) Flight III fitted with a VDS (CAPTAS-4). AAC representatives explained that AAC has proposed that the U.S. Navy consider equipping the future destroyers with a VDS as part of the Distributed Lethality concept. The concept of "Distributed Lethality" was introduced (and is being advocated) by Vice Admiral Thomas Rowden, the Commander of the U.S. Navy's surface forces. It can be summarized by fitting more weapons on more vessels in order to "deceive the enemy, target the enemy, and destroy the enemy".



Talking to Navy Recognition, Jim Gray, AAC VP of Business Development said AAC is pleased to have been selected to perform a design study of the VDS for LCS. AAC believes our VDS offering will add significant capability to the fleet by enhancing LCS and potentially other ships.



Navy Recognition believes a DDG 51 fitted with a CAPTAS-4 VDS, in addition to the MH-60R "Romeo" (and its FLASH/ALFS dipping sonar) deploying from the destroyer, would make a very potent anti-submarine warfare platform. Royal Navy (UK) and Marine Nationale (France) frigate captains have repeatedly praised the CAPTAS-4 / FLASH sonar combo, saying on many occasions it is the best and most potent ASW solution available today.



FLASH sonars and CAPTAS-4 body are made in Brest in France. The ceramic rings from the CAPTAS-4 are made in Australia. In case of a US Navy contract, the handling system would be made in the United States.
Champaign, IL (61820)

Today

Windy. Snow flurries and a few snow showers throughout the day. High 23F. Winds W at 25 to 35 mph. Chance of snow 30%. Winds could occasionally gust over 50 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy skies. Low near 10F. Winds WNW at 15 to 25 mph.
In an early benefit assessment, the German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) investigated whether nivolumab has an added benefit over watchful waiting in the adjuvant treatment of adults with carcinoma of the esophagus or the gastroesophageal junction and pathological residual disease after prior neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT).

Those affected develop less recurrences than under the appropriate comparator therapy. Three negative effects in other outcomes do not completely outweigh this positive effect. At the same time, the data presented are incomplete: The effect on overall survival cannot be assessed. Overall, there remains an indication of a minor added benefit of nivolumab versus the appropriate comparator therapy.

Approved for the first time for the adjuvant treatment of esophageal cancer

Nivolumab is a monoclonal antibody that binds to a receptor on the T-cells and stimulates the immune system by suppressing an inhibitory effect. The drug is approved for the treatment of various cancers, including melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, urothelial carcinoma, non-small cell lung carcinoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma and esophageal carcinoma.

Now, for the first time, nivolumab has also been approved for the adjuvant treatment of adults with carcinoma of the esophagus or gastroesophageal junction who have pathological residual disease after prior CRT. This made another early benefit assessment necessary.

Study compares nivolumab with placebo

The manufacturer's dossier is based on an ongoing, double-blind randomized controlled trial on adults with stage II or III carcinoma of the esophagus or gastroesophageal junction at initial diagnosis that compared nivolumab with placebo - a sufficient approximation to the appropriate comparator therapy "watchful waiting" as defined by the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA). The primary outcome was disease-free survival. The dossier contains results of a first data cut-off for the outcomes on health status, health-related quality of life and side effects, as well as results of a second data cut-off for disease-free survival and the recurrence rate.

No data on overall survival

Data on overall survival are lacking although they are particularly significant in the present oncological indication. According to the manufacturer, the data were still too "immature" at the first data cut-off. "However, that is no reason not to present these data" says Thomas Kaiser, Head of IQWiG's Drug Assessment Department. "And it does not explain why he does not provide any data on overall survival for the second data cut-off either. This approach is not appropriate".

However, since currently nothing suggests that nivolumab performs worse in overall survival than watchful waiting, an added benefit can in principle be derived from the data on the other outcomes of the study. However, the extent of this added benefit is downgraded due to the uncertainty on overall survival.

Advantage in recurrences, disadvantages in side effects

In several outcomes from the categories "morbidity", "health-related quality of life" and "side effects", there are not hints of advantages or disadvantages of nivolumab versus the appropriate comparator therapy.

For the outcome "recurrence" (operationalized as recurrence rate and disease-free survival), however, there is a clear advantage of nivolumab compared to placebo. This results in an indication of a considerable added benefit. This is contrasted with three negative effects in outcomes from the side effects category: "treatment discontinuation due to side effects", "infections and infestations" and "blood and lymphatic system disorders". However, these negative effects do not completely challenge the positive effect for the outcome "recurrence".

In the overall consideration, this results in an indication of a minor added benefit of nivolumab versus the ACT "watchful waiting" for adult patients with carcinoma of the esophagus or gastroesophageal junction with pathological residual disease after prior neoadjuvant CRT.

GBA decides on the extent of added benefit

The dossier assessment is part of the early benefit assessment according to the Act on the Reform of the Market for Medicinal Products (AMNOG) supervised by the G-BA. After publication of the dossier assessment, the G-BA conducts a commenting procedure and makes a final decision on the extent of the added benefit.
Medical University of South Carolina researchers describe the development of a school-based wellness initiative for combating childhood obesity by the MUSC Boeing Center for Children's Wellness (BCCW) in the November issue of the Journal of School Health. Launched in 2007, the program is now available in 200 schools in 20 school districts across South Carolina, thanks to its flexible implementation model. Schools select from a menu of intervention options to tailor a wellness approach that is right for them.

It was South Carolina's ranking in 2005 as eighth worst in the nation for childhood obesity that brought the urgency of the problem into focus and galvanized action around the issue." Janice Key, M.D., BCCW director, lead author of the article

According to Key, it became clear early on that schools were the setting where obesity could best be addressed.

"Children are there for a large part of each day, and so they eat there, and they have an opportunity for exercise while they're in school," said Key. "It's particularly important for anything to do with healthy lifestyles to include schools."

For those reasons, the state mandated school health advisory councils to oversee wellness policy and initiatives at the school district level. However, most of those initiatives were never implemented by schools.

The problem was not a lack of evidence-based strategies to reduce obesity and improve wellness. Over the years, many strategies had been tested in small studies and recommended by public health authorities. The challenge was getting schools to implement them.

"Unfortunately, the recommendations would be published and sit on a shelf somewhere and never be implemented," said Key. "There was a disconnect between all of these proven things and what was being done out in the real world."

To address that disconnect, the BCCW shifted its focus in 2011 from direct provision of wellness interventions to an implementation strategy that encouraged schools to take more ownership.

The BCCW team consulted with Cathy Melvin, Ph.D., an implementation scientist who is now director of the Community Engagement Core, which supports the Community-Engaged Scholars Program (CES-P) at the South Carolina Clinical & Translational Research (SCTR) Institute. As an implementation scientist, she studies ways to get evidence-based strategies into the real world. Key and Melvin have spent the ensuing decade perfecting the implementation model for the program.

"Dr. Key and I agreed to use the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance) model as the guiding framework for measuring the implementation of BCCW program," said Melvin, who is senior author of the article. "RE-AIM allows us to focus on understanding how to prompt "real world" change at both the individual and organizational levels in our state's schools."

All of the participating schools now have their own wellness committees, most of which include a health care professional. Key and her team found that including health professionals leads to schools implementing 25% more wellness initiatives. These committees take ownership of wellness initiatives, choosing those best suited for their schools from a menu of evidence-based options on a school wellness checklist. These can include changes to policy, such as choosing an exercise-based instead of food-based reward; changes to systems, such as having health professionals on the school wellness committee; and changes to the environment, such as removing vending machines selling sugary drinks. In addition to students, teachers and staff are also invited to participate in the wellness initiatives.

"The staff and the teachers are all excited about it and getting healthier," said Key. "I love the fact that it's truly a culture change."

Schools are awarded points based on the number, impact and difficulty of the interventions they institute. They compete with other schools to see which can get the most points. Winners are awarded funds that can be used for a future wellness intervention of their choice.

Also important to achieving buy-in from school administrators was identifying metrics of success that would be meaningful for them. To find out which measures would resonate with them, in 2013, Key partnered with Robert Stevens, Ph.D., then of the Charleston County School District, on a research study funded by SCTR's CES-P.

Key credits this collaboration with Stevens as being crucial to the success of the program. Stevens continues to work with SCTR as a member of both the CES-P review team and the SCTR Translational Research Community Advisory Board.

Recent research shows that school administrators are interested not only in health but also in educational outcomes, such as graduation rates. According to the program's 2020 impact statement, obesity among fifth-graders in Charleston County schools has decreased by 38% since 2008. Educational outcomes have also improved: Attendance is higher, and suspension and expulsion are lower in schools that have participated longer. For every four years of participation, attendance rates increased by a half percent. That translates to an additional 33 student days for a school with a student body of 200. For every 50 points a school achieved on the school wellness checklist, graduation rates increased by 1.5%. That would translate to an additional 10 students graduating from a high school with a graduating class of 300.

What story does this data tell?

For Key, that's easy. "A healthy kid is a better learner," she said.

Key thinks that the model the BCCW has developed over the years is easy to implement and would like to see it expand to more schools across the state.

"Greater funding would allow us to go to all districts and have an even greater impact," said Key.
Sepsis claims the lives of nearly 270,000 people in the U.S. each year. The unpredictable medical condition can progress rapidly, leading to a swift drop in blood pressure, tissue damage, multiple organ failure, and death.

Prompt interventions by medical professionals save lives, but some sepsis treatments can also contribute to a patient's deterioration, so choosing the optimal therapy can be a difficult task. For instance, in the early hours of severe sepsis, administering too much fluid intravenously can increase a patient's risk of death.

To help clinicians avoid remedies that may potentially contribute to a patient's death, researchers at MIT and elsewhere have developed a machine-learning model that could be used to identify treatments that pose a higher risk than other options. Their model can also warn doctors when a septic patient is approaching a medical dead end -; the point when the patient will most likely die no matter what treatment is used -; so that they can intervene before it is too late.

When applied to a dataset of sepsis patients in a hospital intensive care unit, the researchers' model indicated that about 12 percent of treatments given to patients who died were detrimental. The study also reveals that about 3 percent of patients who did not survive entered a medical dead end up to 48 hours before they died.

We see that our model is almost eight hours ahead of a doctor's recognition of a patient's deterioration. This is powerful because in these really sensitive situations, every minute counts, and being aware of how the patient is evolving, and the risk of administering certain treatment at any given time, is really important." Taylor Killian, graduate student, Healthy ML group, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL)

Joining Killian on the paper are his advisor, Assistant Professor Marzyeh Ghassemi, head of the Healthy ML group and senior author; lead author Mehdi Fatemi, a senior researcher at Microsoft Research; and Jayakumar Subramanian, a senior research scientist at Adobe India. The research is being presented at this week's Conference on Neural Information Processing Systems.

A dearth of data

This research project was spurred by a 2019 paper Fatemi wrote that explored the use of reinforcement learning in situations where it is too dangerous to explore arbitrary actions, which makes it difficult to generate enough data to effectively train algorithms. These situations, where more data cannot be proactively collected, are known as "offline" settings.

In reinforcement learning, the algorithm is trained through trial and error and learns to take actions that maximize its accumulation of reward. But in a health care setting, it is nearly impossible to generate enough data for these models to learn the optimal treatment, since it isn't ethical to experiment with possible treatment strategies.

So, the researchers flipped reinforcement learning on its head. They used the limited data from a hospital ICU to train a reinforcement learning model to identify treatments to avoid, with the goal of keeping a patient from entering a medical dead end.

Learning what to avoid is a more statistically efficient approach that requires fewer data, Killian explains.

"When we think of dead ends in driving a car, we might think that is the end of the road, but you could probably classify every foot along that road toward the dead end as a dead end. As soon as you turn away from another route, you are in a dead end. So, that is the way we define a medical dead end: Once you've gone on a path where whatever decision you make, the patient will progress toward death," Killian says.

"One core idea here is to decrease the probability of selecting each treatment in proportion to its chance of forcing the patient to enter a medical dead-end -; a property that is called treatment security. This is a hard problem to solve as the data do not directly give us such an insight. Our theoretical results allowed us to recast this core idea as a reinforcement learning problem," Fatemi says.

To develop their approach, called Dead-end Discovery (DeD), they created two copies of a neural network. The first neural network focuses only on negative outcomes -; when a patient died -; and the second network only focuses on positive outcomes -; when a patient survived. Using two neural networks separately enabled the researchers to detect a risky treatment in one and then confirm it using the other.

They fed each neural network patient health statistics and a proposed treatment. The networks output an estimated value of that treatment and also evaluate the probability the patient will enter a medical dead end. The researchers compared those estimates to set thresholds to see if the situation raises any flags.

A yellow flag means that a patient is entering an area of concern while a red flag identifies a situation where it is very likely the patient will not recover.

Treatment matters

The researchers tested their model using a dataset of patients presumed to be septic from the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center intensive care unit. This dataset contains about 19,300 admissions with observations drawn from a 72-hour period centered around when the patients first manifest symptoms of sepsis. Their results confirmed that some patients in the dataset encountered medical dead ends.

The researchers also found that 20 to 40 percent of patients who did not survive raised at least one yellow flag prior to their death, and many raised that flag at least 48 hours before they died. The results also showed that, when comparing the trends of patients who survived versus patients who died, once a patient raises their first flag, there is a very sharp deviation in the value of administered treatments. The window of time around the first flag is a critical point when making treatment decisions.

"This helped us confirm that treatment matters and the treatment deviates in terms of how patients survive and how patients do not. We found that upward of 11 percent of suboptimal treatments could have potentially been avoided because there were better alternatives available to doctors at those times. This is a pretty substantial number, when you consider the worldwide volume of patients who have been septic in the hospital at any given time," Killian says.

Ghassemi is also quick to point out that the model is intended to assist doctors, not replace them.

"Human clinicians are who we want making decisions about care, and advice about what treatment to avoid isn't going to change that," she says. "We can recognize risks and add relevant guardrails based on the outcomes of 19,000 patient treatments -; that's equivalent to a single caregiver seeing more than 50 septic patient outcomes every day for an entire year."

Moving forward, the researchers also want to estimate causal relationships between treatment decisions and the evolution of patient health. They plan to continue enhancing the model so it can create uncertainty estimates around treatment values that would help doctors make more informed decisions. Another way to provide further validation of the model would be to apply it to data from other hospitals, which they hope to do in the future.

This research was supported in part by Microsoft Research, a Canadian Institute for Advanced Research Azrieli Global Scholar Chair, a Canada Research Council Chair, and a Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada Discovery Grant.
From his humble start as a University of Miami student to the pinnacle of his public relations career, John K. Schulte was a steadfast supporter of his alma mater.

After witnessing the medical expertise and compassionate care delivered to dear friends and family during their illnesses, Schulte and his wife, Judy, focused their philanthropic support on the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine. While the couple gave generously during their lifetime, they arranged to have much of their estate given to Sylvester in support of research and education after their passing. John passed away in 2018 and Judy in 2016.

Their legacy will now live on in perpetuity through their bequest to Sylvester, including the John K. and Judy H. Schulte Senior Endowed Chair in Cancer Research, which was recently presented to Erin Kobetz, vice provost for research and scholarship, professor, and Sylvesters associate director for population sciences and cancer disparity.

The Schultes endowment will allow Kobetz to continue her research, which has already dramatically reduced cancer disparities in Miamis underserved communities and led to Sylvester being named the first World Health Organization (WHO) collaborating Center for Cervical Cancer Elimination.

An important part of the legacy of the Schultes is the enabling of our very best to do their very best, said Stephen D. Nimer, director of the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. This endowed chair reflects a steadfast belief in the potential, the talents, and the accomplishments of Dr. Kobetz.

Nimer, the Oscar de la Renta Endowed Chair in Cancer Research and professor of medicine, biochemistry, and molecular biology at the Miller School, credited Kobetz for making lifesaving inroads in educating and screening women for cervical cancer in Miamis Little Haiti, as well as in reducing the burden of cancer for first responders through her work as founding director of Sylvesters Firefighter Cancer Initiative.

Kobetzs numerous accomplishments were touted throughout the endowed chair presentation, which took place at the Coral Gables Country Club on Dec. 1 and was attended by family, friends, colleagues, and University dignitaries, both virtually and in person. The celebration also recognized the enormous generosity of the Schultes.

Its extraordinary philanthropic leaders like John and Judy Schulte, whose dedication has led us to the highest echelons of excellence in our pursuit of a winning strategy against cancer, and that pursuit can only be fueled by visionary research like that of Dr. Kobetz, said President Julio Frenk.

Calling an endowed chair the highest academic honor that a university can bestow on a faculty member, Dr. Henri R. Ford, dean and chief academic officer of the Miller School, spoke of the enormous potential it provides. Endowed chairs allow exemplary scholars, such as Dr. Kobetz, to continue their groundbreaking research in perpetuity and allowing them to discover new treatments and cures to fight cancer and other illnesses.

Kobetz has lofty plans for the endowment. I intend to use the Schultes investment to catalyze important, locally relevant research that focuses on South Floridas unique, multicultural diversity and cancer burdens, she said.

I can also see some of the funds from this chair being used to help accelerate targets that the World Health Organization has nominated for a cervical cancer-free tomorrow including vaccination, screening, and treatment, added Kobetz, who is also professor of medicine and public health sciences at the Miller School and professor of marine biology and ecology at the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science.

Roy E. Weiss, chief medical officer, ambulatory services for UHealth and chair of the Department of Medicine at the Miller School, had the privilege of introducing Kobetz and presenting her with a medallion recognizing her as the inaugural recipient of the Schulte endowed chair.

We are lucky to have her expertise at the table driving innovative collaborations and focusing on the bench to bedside research that is the foundation of Sylvesters promise to the communities we serve, said Weiss, who is also the Rabbi Morris I. Esformes Endowed Chair in Medicine and Endocrinology, and Kathleen and Stanley Glaser Distinguished Chair. This chair is a generous and well-deserved commitment to Dr. Kobetzs single-minded dedication to finding the cures and giving our patients new hope.

President Julio Frenk, Provost Jeffrey L. Duerk, Dr. W. Jarrard Goodwin, Miller School Dean Henri R. Ford, Dr. Stephen D. Nimer, and Dr. Roy E. Weiss, celebrate the chair appointment for Erin Kobetz.

In addition to serving as a beacon of hope for cancer patients, Jeffrey Duerk, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost, said this endowed chair will usher in a new era in cancer breakthroughs for the only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in South Florida.

This sustained research support into new and innovative treatments signals a significant milestone in Sylvesters tireless work to save lives and find the cures to cancer. We are truly indebted to the Schulte family, Duerk said.

Dr. W. Jarrard Jerry Goodwin, emeritus professor of otolaryngology at the Miller School, former director of Sylvester, and longtime friend of the Schultes, said the couple would be proud to see their assets go to support Sylvester research.

John and Judy loved the Miller School of Medicine and they especially loved Sylvester. They wanted all of Miamiall of South Florida reallyto know about Sylvester. They would be thrilled to see where it is today, said Goodwin. He also shared that the Schultes would be honored to know their endowment is going to support Kobetzs research. John knew of Erins work and was very interested in it because he had represented the Tourism Board of Haiti, he said.

Goodwin was a catalyst to Kobetzs research and work within the Little Haiti community as he recruited Kobetz to Sylvester to develop a program to address cancer disparities in South Florida. Through a mapping exercise, she discovered a pocket of cervical cancer cases in a predominantly Haitian area.

Haitian women globally have an increased rate of developing and dying from cervical cancer due to a lack of infrastructure to support womens health and cancer prevention, explained Kobetz. This chair will allow me to continue collaborating with the WHO and other partners to make progress on articulated targets to eradicate cervical cancer.

We would not be here tonight without the generosity of John and Judy Schulte, who were stalwart champions of Sylvester and our mission, said Kobetz. Im honored to be able to carry forth their legacy by doing important research to move the dial to advance health equity for South Florida and beyond.
(Newser)  A finding in California supports the fear that the omicron coronavirus variant was spreading even before it was globally recognized. The state Department of Public Health said a mutation found in a wastewater sample on Nov. 25, a day before the World Health Organization announced omicron's existence, indicated the strain could have been in California by then, the Los Angeles Times reports. That was one day after the WHO learned of the variant from South African scientists.

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A group of scientists at Stanford told the state it spotted the mutation in wastewater in Merced and Sacramento counties. The mutation is not proof positive of omicron but suggestive of it. So far, 14 cases have been reported throughout California, with the latest coming Friday in Santa Clara County. Houston and Boulder, Colorado, reported similar wastewater findings this week, per Fox News. "I was a little disappointed," Houston's chief medical officer said, adding that the discovery indicates community spread in the city. (Read more omicron variant stories.)
(Newser)  A Michigan man who was convicted of killing his wife by spiking her cereal with heroin was sentenced Friday to life in prison. Genesee Circuit Court Judge David J. Newblatt handed down the sentence for Jason Harris of Davison in the 2014 death of Christina Davis, MLive.com reports. A jury convicted Jason Harris in November of first-degree murder, solicitation of murder, and delivery of a controlled substance causing death, reports the AP. "I agree completely with their verdict, Newblatt said. "You are guilty. You did this. You are a murderer. You are a liar. I want to make that very clear. The jury saw through your lies and I see through your lies."

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A medical examiner had classified Christina Harris death in 2014 as an accidental overdose. But investigators subsequently alleged that it was a murder scheme hatched by Jason Harris at their Davison home in Genesee County. Family members insisted that Christina didnt use drugs. Indeed, a sample of frozen breast milkshe had given birth eight months priorshowed no evidence of it. Jason Harris was charged in 2019, five years after his wifes death.

He received $120,000 in life insurance benefits. Nine days after his wife's death, Jason Harris bought a plane ticket in order to meet up with a Rhode Island woman he had been texting, reports Fox 2 Detroit. Two weeks after Christinas death, a woman moved into the home (it's not clear if it was the same woman). MLive adds that Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton had said Jason Harris' own siblings told investigators he'd previously spoken "about getting rid of Christina Harris." (Read more murder stories.)
(Newser)  Prosecutors rested their case against Ghislaine Maxwell on Friday much earlier than expectedit took 10 days instead of the expected four weeks, notes the BBC. Her defense team is expected to take no more than a few days after they begin their presentation next week. The big question is whether the 59-year-old Maxwell, accused of grooming underage girls for Jeffrey Epstein, will take the stand in her own defense. The New York Times digs into the pros and cons, noting that Epstein's suicide changes the calculation. Shes trying to separate herself from Epstein, says attorney Mark D. Richards, who recently got Kyle Rittenhouse acquitted. At least now, you can blame it on a dead guy. Rittenhouse testified on his own behalf in that trial.

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In Friday's testimony, prosecutors presented their fourth and final witness. Unlike the first three, Annie Farmer, now 42, did not take the stand under a pseudonym, notes the AP. Farmer told the court that Maxwell once gave her a nude massage, touching her breasts, when Farmer was only 16. Prior to that, Maxwell had shown Farmer how to massage Epstein's feet, and she said Epstein once got into bed with her, saying he wanted to cuddle, and pressed his body against hers. Farmer explained that she first came into the Epstein-Maxwell orbit because her older sister worked for Epstein as a fine-arts painter, per the Guardian.

She recalled how she accepted an invitation to visit Epstein at his Manhattan mansion in 1996 and recounts how he took her and her sister to the movies and caressed her hand, foot, and leg during the movie. After that, she said she reluctantly accepted an invitation to visit his New Mexico ranch and did so only because she felt comfortable that Maxwell would be there, too. That's where Maxwell massaged her, Farmer told the court. She told me to get undressed, Farmer said. She pulled the sheet down and exposed my breasts, and started rubbing on my chest and on my upper breast. She added: I just wanted so badly to get off the table. (Read more Ghislaine Maxwell stories.)
(Newser)  Tornadoes were reported in five states on Friday, and the toll in Kentucky appears to be catastrophic. There, Gov. Andy Beshear tells WLKY that at least 50 people are dead. The other states reporting storms were Arkansas, Illinois, Missouri, and Tennessee, per CNN.



"We believe our death toll from this event will exceed 50 Kentuckians, probably end up closer to 70 to 100 lost lives," Beshear said early Saturday. He called the storms "the most severe tornado event in Kentucky's history."

More than 100 people were in a candle factory in Mayfield, located in Graves County. "We believe we'll lose at least dozens of those individuals," said the governor.

The AP reports three dead in Tennessee (in Lake and Obion counties) and one at an Arkansas nursing home in Monette. At least one person was killed when buildings collapsed near the towns of Defiance and New Melle in Missouri. The towns are near a National Weather Service office, which had to be evacuated.

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In Edwardsville, Illinois, the wall of an Amazon warehouse collapsed, and at least one person was airlifted to a hospital.

A tornado appears to have cut a 240-mile swath, and the Washington Post reports that would rank as the longest tornado track ever in the US if it remained on the ground without interruption.

(Read more tornadoes stories.)
(Newser)  Pope Francis on Saturday drew attention to a problem that the Vatican has long sought to play down: the abuses of power by mother superiors against nuns who, because of their vows of obedience, have little recourse but to obey. During an audience with members of the Vatican's congregation for religious orders, Francis cited a new investigative expose of the problem written by a reporter for the Holy See's media, Salvatore Cernuzio, the AP reports. Francis noted that the book, Veil of Silence: Abuse, Violence, Frustrations in Female Religious Life, doesn't detail "striking" cases of violence and abuse "but rather the everyday abuses that harm the strength of the vocation."

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The book, published in Italy last month, covers 11 cases of current or former religious sisters who suffered abuses at the hands of their superiors. Most were psychological and spiritual abuses and often resulted in the women leaving or being thrown out of their communities and questioning their faith in God and the church. Some ended up on the streets, others found refuge in a home for abused women. The book follows an article on the same topic by the Vatican-approved Jesuit journal La Civilta Cattolica in 2020 and earlier reports in the Vaticans women's magazine about the sexual abuse of nuns by priests and exploitation of them by the male church hierarchy for free domestic labor.

The new book contains a devastating essay by one of the highest-ranking women at the Vatican, Sister Natalie Becquart, who said the church must look at the sometimes toxic reality of life in religious orders, tend to victims and prevent future abuses. Francis has tried to crack down on the power of religious and lay superiors as well as the proliferation of new religious movements, some of which have seen horrific abuses by their charismatic founders. The pope told members of the Vatican congregation Saturday that there is always the threat that founders of religious orders or movements will assume too much power and exercise it improperly. The risk, he warned, is that they claim to be the only ones who can interpret the particular spirit of the movement "as if they were above the church."

(Read more Pope Francis stories.)
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Retired Sgt. 1st Class Richard Doc Strous, who served 26 years and deployed three times with the National Guard, poses for a photo in Afghanistans Panjshir province during his deployment with the Vermont National Guards 86th Infantry Combat Team (Mountain) in 2010. Earlier this year, Strous was awarded the Silver Star, one of the militarys highest valor for his heroic actions as a medic with the 75th Ranger Battalion in Somalia during the Battle of Mogadishu in 1993. (Courtesy)
U.S. soldiers participate in an Arctic deployment of Stryker armored vehicles, as part of an Army Alaska-led Joint Force Land Component Command. The training exercise was conducted under the authority of U.S. Northern Command at Ft. Greely.
Alaska Rodell led the Alaska Permanent Fund through record growth, its value increasing by more than 60% since 2015. She was ousted from her position this week.
DANBURY  Brookfield leaders are encouraging masks for all who enter in town buildings after one official tested positive for COVID-19 this week.

Brookfield Selectman Harry Shaker, who attended Mondays Board of Selectmen meeting tested positive this week for COVID. The selectmen were unmasked at the meeting, and First Selectman Tara Carr is now quarantining after the meeting, but tested negative Friday, she said. Shaker could not be reached for comment, Friday.

Selectman Steve Dunn also tested negative Friday.

Brookfields new guidance comes as positive COVID cases have spiked recently throughout the Danbury area.

Local officials have been predicting, for weeks, that their towns had yet to see their peak. Now, as almost every municipality in the greater Danbury area hits the red zone on the states color-coded map showing the worst and highest COVID-19 viral data, their predictions are coming true. And as cases rise, some leaders are thinking about renewed mitigation strategies.

The entire state is a sea of red, with just one municipality, Washington, in the orange zone, and only six areas in northern Connecticut in the gray zone.

Washingtons case rate has stayed below 15 but just barely. Danbury has a case rate of 15.2, which is also one of the lowest in the area. However, this means Danbury jumped from the yellow zone to the red zone in just one reporting period. The area seemed to be evading the worst of the rise in cases throughout Connecticut at the end of November, but that has changed.

The areas descent into the red zone comes the same week the state hit a positivity rate of 8 percent  the highest positivity rate since Jan. 11 when cases spiked  and found its second omicron variant case. The state positivity rate dropped back down to 6.48 by Thursday, but not without some municipalities taking note.

Those numbers are climbing statewide, Danbury Mayor Dean Esposito said. Its not something that's just focused on Danbury. As always, were going to stay in front of it.

Looking around the area

Once again, New Milford has one of the highest case rates in the Danbury area, standing at 34.9 cases per 100,000 residents. The town reported 53 cases the first week of reporting and 78 the second. The town is closely followed by Brookfield, who reported 33.7 cases per 100,000 residents, and Sherman at 33.5.

New Milfords Candlewood Valley Health and Rehabilitation, which reported five COVID-related deaths between Nov. 10 and Nov. 23, has added another four deaths to its toll, per new state data released Thursday. Of the seven COVID-related nursing home deaths tallied over two weeks across the state, four were local to the New Milford nursing home.

The nursing home reported that it has not had a positive COVID test at their facility since Dec. 1.

School districts in New Milford and neighboring Brookfield have also decided to pause Screen and Stay protocol as cases spike. The rule allowed students who dont have COVID-19 symptoms to attend school, despite viral exposure. Danbury is not changing the protocol at this time.

Danbury is looking to increase availability for COVID testing due to rising cases. Tests are available at the Pat Waldron Building, but the city is looking for a location that could accommodate more patients, Esposito said.

He is encouraging - but not requiring - COVID vaccinations and masks indoors.

We know some people still get sick with the vaccine, but in my mind the vaccine is going to prevent death, Esposito said. In the big picture I would encourage everyone to get the vaccine (dose) one, two and three like I did.

One way the city was encouraging vaccines was with a holiday-themed clinic for children on Saturday, with crafts, goodie bags, police, firefighters and possibly Santa Claus.

I was very impressed by the creativity of the (health) department for the kids and getting the Christmas theme in there to get the kids, Esposito said.

In Ridgefield, 15 new cases of unvaccinated individuals who were eligible to get the vaccine were logged between Friday and Sunday of last week. The towns case rate is now 25.5 cases per 100,000 residents, with 41 total cases the first week of reporting and 48 the second.

On Friday, First Selectman Rudy Marconi reported more bad news. From Tuesday to Wednesday of this week, there were more than 20 positive cases in a 24 hour period, which Marconi called frustrating. The majority of cases remain in the adult unvaccinated demographic.

The towns case rate was 33.8 as of Wednesday evening. While local government is holding off on any kind of decisions on mandates at this point, Marconi said its very frustrating and very concerning that unvaccinated people continue to refuse the shot.

If we were to see a similar or a continuation of what we saw as of Dec 8, its going to force us to have those discussions that we dont want to have, Marconi said.

They will be the reason we have to implement, and said of unvaccinated residents, and you dont want to do it during the holiday season.

Additional reporting by Julia Perkins.
HARTFORD  A city police detective managed to avoid a woman who charged at him with a knife this week, the chief said Friday.

Just after 10 p.m. Tuesday, a Hartford police detective was standing on the sidewalk in the 40 block of Taylor Drive with a West Hartford detective and a Connecticut State Police detective.

The trio are members of the Regional Auto Theft Task Force, which focuses on investigating vehicle thefts, making arrests and recovering stolen cars. As they were waiting for a tow truck to remove a recovered stolen vehicle from the scene following an arrest that night, a woman ran at the detectives, a knife in hand, according to Hartford Police Chief Jason Thody.

The woman was not involved in the earlier arrest or the case, Thody said during a press conference Friday outside Hartford police headquarters. The names of the detectives have not yet been released.

The woman, later identified as 40-year-old Sheila Calderon, walked up behind the three detectives before starting to sprint once she was within about 50 feet of them, Thody said. Calderon then extended her arm, targeting the Hartford police detective specifically, Thody said.

Thody said Calderon was trying to stab the Hartford detective, who was able to restrain the woman and prevent being stabbed.

The chief said he was awestruck at how quickly the detective was able to get out of the way to avoid the blade. Nearby surveillance footage captured the incident, showing the officer step back slightly as soon as he notices Calderon, guide her past him and bring her down to the ground in seconds. The two other detectives stepped in to help with the arrest.

He said the detective reacted in milliseconds to thwart the attack with minimal force.

In that instance, you do what you have to do to survive, Thody said. You are literally fighting for your life.

Thody said investigators are still trying to determine why she targeted the detective. He said the detective was uninjured other than some minor scrapes on his knees and legs from taking Calderon into custody. Thody said Calderon bit one of the detectives shoes during the arrest. A knife was seized from the scene.

Calderon, who Thody said lived near where the incident occurred, was charged with criminal attempt at murder, criminal attempt at first-degree assault and criminal attempt at assault on a police officer.

Thody said Calderon was taken to the hospital for evaluation, adding that it was believed she was under the influence of drugs at the time of the attempted attack. He said she has a criminal record.

The chief said his department is taking steps to add technology and potential additional training for officers to ensure their safety while on the job.
DANBURY  The initial findings from a study looking to create a faster train from the Hat City to New York City has invigorated local leaders who see the project as an economic boon for their communities.

Were just excited obviously about the possibility, not only about increasing options in terms of public transit, but what that can do from an economic standpoint for the city of Danbury and the surrounding communities, said Sharon Calitro, city planner.

The project would bring environmental benefits, improve quality of life for commuters and has great economic implications for a lot of sub-micro economies along the rail line, said Vincent Tamagna, transportation manager for Putnam County, N.Y.

Theres just so much at stake here, he said.

The consultant firm studying the reopening of the Maybrook line, also known as the Beacon line, have laid out various options to connect Danbury to the train station at Southeast, N.Y., allowing riders to take the Harlem line into New York City. This would require the Beacon and Harlem lines to be connected.

Mayor Dean Esposito said he was impressed with plans so far.

Theyre right on track as far as moving the project forward, he said.

What this means for Danbury

With this project, the city envisions creating a transportation hub by the train station. This would mean moving the bus stop by Kennedy Park closer to the train station.

That promotes our downtown in a way that it hasnt been since, I dont know, the turn of the century for producing all kinds of different things, said Roger Palanzo, the mayors chief of staff who until recently served as the citys economic development director.

Business and property owners are thrilled with the idea, he said.

Regional opportunities are immense, Palanzo said.

The study recommends the old Union Station in Danbury be reopened, in addition to the station on Patriot Drive, for the new line. Esposito agrees with that option because it would provide the best way to connect riders to the train station in Southeast, N.Y.

I like it because its pretty much a direct route, he said. The others, a lot of enhancements had to be made....It was going to be more expensive, and you know what that means  more money and more time.

Palanzo said the use of the historic station wouldnt affect the Danbury Railway Museum, which operates out of there. The proposed platform would be a separate structure from the museum itself, he said.

Jose Alves, director of the Danbury Railway Museum, declined to comment because he hadnt seen the presentation, but said the study organizers hadnt contacted the museum volunteers.

Calitro noted the stations historic value.

I know the rail museum is there and thats great, but itd be great to have more activity on a regular basis, she said.

She said there were no surprises in the findings. The study took note of neighborhoods and environmentally sensitive areas where a rail line couldnt go through.

They did their due diligence in terms of evaluating alternative routes to see how a connection could be made, Calitro said.

The study suggests a potential station in the Danbury Fair and Western Connecticut State University areas. That excites Albert Salame, the developer behind Westconn Park, a proposed lifestyle center with housing, commercial space and an assisted living facility on more than 30 acres off Mill Plain Road.

He said Mill Plain Road is a good spot for the line because of its proximity to his development and the university.

That's basically where the beds are and where the people are and those are the people that are going to ride the train, Salame said.

Other benefits

The various alternatives would cut down the person miles driven significantly, from 15,340 fewer miles in one option to 31,700 fewer miles in one idea, according to the study. Thats really, really incredible, Tamagna said.

With the line, fewer cars would be on Interstate-84, reducing congestion and reliance on fossil fuels, he said.

Thats a lot of single-occupancy vehicles off the roadways, Calitro said. That has benefits beyond traffic.

Its air quality, she added. Its quality of life, time

The study proposed a few options for the type of rail service that would run on the line.

Tamagna said he wants whatever is quickest and whatever provides convenience.

Every minute is valuable, he said. We have moms and dads who have children at home. They want to spend that quality of time with them.

Calitro noted riders would have more options to get back to Danbury.

Next steps

Theres no set date for when the line may open.

It's more than several years, Tamagna said. Its a project that would take time to build.

The next part of the study is expected to be complete within the first six months of the new year, he said. Another presentation will ideally be held in person in February or March, he said.

We need to look closer at the potential ridership and the environmental and community impacts, which is part of the next stage, Tamagna said.

Social justice and safety issues must also be considered in the next stage, he said.

Researchers are seeking input from the public. Comments may be emailked to SE2D@AKRF.com.

Everybody right now is sharing their ideas for challenges and opportunities, Tamagna said. Thats what were really looking for.

Theres interest and involvement across multiple entities and states in the project, said Tamagna, adding hes gotten calls as far as Massachusetts. Officials have said they hope the project can get a piece of the $1.2 trillion infrastructure package the president signed in November.

Now is the time to make this investment, Tamagna said.
Professor Agmon is a globally recognized researcher in the field of Decentralized Finance (DeFi) and has authored several research papers on the role of blockchain technology and innovative protocols in the world of finance.

Currently, Professor Agmon is a Professor of Finance (Emeritus) at the Faculty of Management at Tel Aviv University and Visiting Professor of Finance at the University of Gothenburg ( Sweden ). He graduated with a Ph.D. in Finance from the University of Chicago and has held visiting appointments at MIT , and the University of Southern California .

and Visiting Professor of Finance at the University of ( ). He graduated with a Ph.D. in Finance from the and has held visiting appointments at , and the . Professor Agmon has served as a director on the Boards of several companies both in the financial and industrial sectors in Israel , including one of the country's largest insurers and has provided financial consulting services to leading companies in Israel , the U.S. and the EU.

VANCOUVER, BC, Dec. 9, 2021 /CNW/ - Wellfield Technologies Inc. (the "Company" or "Wellfield"), is pleased to announce that it has named Tamir Agmon, a renowned professor, researcher and global financial consultant, as the second member of the Company's advisory board. This follows the appointment of Global Payments and Fintech Leader William Keliehor, as announced on December 3, 2021.

Management Commentary

Levy Cohen, CEO of Wellfield commented, "One of the most common ways that technology companies fail is by focusing only on developing great underlying technology without building a path to real-world application and adoption. Tamir's deep experience and ongoing research on the evolving decentralized financial market and trading protocols, as well as his expertise in the venture capital world, have been critical in focusing our team on developing practical solutions  based on great tech  that are necessary to unlock the power of DeFi. As we look forward to launching our Seamless protocols in 2022 and beyond, Tamir's continued expertise will help ensure that Wellfield delivers strong, value adding blockchain solutions for financial industry participants."

Tamir Agmon

Tamir Agmon is one of the founding partners of Seamless Logic Software, and is actively engaged in research regarding decentralized trading and the decentralized financial market. Currently, his research is focused on the applications of financial economics in the DeFi ecosystem. His recent research (to be published soon) considers the conceptual basis of Bitcoin in a portfolio of growth capital securities with different risk profiles. Professor Agmon is one of the leaders of an EU research project under The Marie Skodowska-Curie Actions (the EU's reference programme for doctoral education and postdoctoral training), called "TRUST  Digital Turn in Europe Strengthening Relational Reliance through Technology", a multi-country project that launched in 2021 and is set to continue for four years.

Professor Agmon is a Professor of Finance (Emeritus) at the Collier School of Management, Tel Aviv University, Israel, and Visiting Professor of Finance at the University of Gothenburg (Sweden), where in 2020 he was designated Honorary Doctor of Economics. He graduated with a Ph.D. in Finance from the University of Chicago and has held visiting appointments at MIT, and the University of Southern California.

Professor Agmon has had a long career in financial consulting in Israel, the U.S., and Europe. He was the founder and the Managing Director of Clali & Associates, an investment banking company (jointly with Edmond de Rothschild and Investec Group). He has also served as a director on the Boards of a number of companies both in the financial and industrial sectors in Israel, including one of the country's largest insurers.

Professor Agmon has been published in leading professional journals in finance and economics such as the Journal of Finance, the Journal of Business, the Journal of International Business Studies, The European Economic Review and International Journal of Technoentrepreneurship. His most recent paper was published at the European International Journal of Management in 2021. Professor Agmon has also published a number of books. His most recent book is titled, Venture Capital and the Inventive Process, (with Stefan Sjogren), published in 2016.

Professor Agmon has been deeply involved in the Israeli venture capital industry since its inception, serving both research and consultative functions.

Seamless co-founders Tamir Agmon and Levy Cohen, have published several papers together including:

The New Distributed Digital Technology, World Trade. and MNEs: Another Step in the Inventive Process , forthcoming in European International Journal of Management.

, forthcoming in European International Journal of Management. The Economic Framework and Applications of Blockchain (Distributed Ledger) Technology, forthcoming in the book Legal Technology Transformation in Practice, Andrea Caligiuti, ed. The University of Macerata, Italy .

forthcoming in the book Legal Technology Transformation in Practice, Andrea Caligiuti, ed. The University of Macerata, . Barter Trade and Reallocation System and the New Blockchain (Distributed Ledger) Technology, SSRN, November, 2018.

While with Seamless, Professor Agmon also published:

Employing Decentralized Trading Protocols (P2P) to Optimize Assets Allocation, SSRN, September 2020 .

About Wellfield Technologies

Wellfield is focused on unlocking the power of decentralized finance (DeFi) by building open and accessible decentralized protocols and also blockchain based consumer products. Seamless - the Company's protocol layer brand - focuses on solutions that enhance and optimize liquidity in the Ethereum ecosystem, make Bitcoin compatible with DeFi, and enable decentralized cross blockchain exchange. MoneyClip - Wellfield's application layer brand - is powered by DeFi to enhance everyday financial products and make money work for the way people live.

Cautionary Notice

A listing application prepared in accordance with the policies of the TSXV (the "Listing Application") is available on the Company's SEDAR profile, available at www.sedar.com, and contains additional information regarding Wellfield. The contents of this press release are expressly qualified by the disclosures and contents of the Listing Application and readers are encouraged to review the Listing Application. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the Listing Application, any information released or received with respect to the Wellfield may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of Wellfield should be considered highly speculative.

The TSXV has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities in the United States. Wellfield's securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

Cautionary Notice on Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information" ("forward-looking information") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking information and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that discusses predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding the Company's success in launching the protocols and other technologies and utilities discussed herein. In disclosing the forward-looking information contained in this press release, the Company has made certain assumptions. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, it can give no assurance that the expectations of any forward-looking information will prove to be correct. Known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include, but are not limited to: compliance with extensive government regulations; domestic and foreign laws and regulations adversely affecting the Company's business and results of operations; the impact of COVID-19; the decentralized finance industry generally, in Canada and abroad; and general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive and readers are encouraged to review the Listing Application accessible on the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information to reflect actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, changes in factors affecting such forward-looking information or otherwise.

SOURCE Wellfield Technologies

For further information: Wellfield Technologies Inc., Levy Cohen, CEO, [email protected]
After a series of hearings that lasted several months, a London based independent tribunal has ruled that China committed genocide against Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in Xinjiang province. The Uyghur Tribunal declared the verdict after a panel of Britain-based lawyers and rights experts examined human rights violations in the Xinjiang region. Hearings were held in June, September, and November 2021, during which the Tribunals expert panel reviewed hundreds of witness statements and heard live evidence from more than 30 witnesses about their experiences of Chinas oppressive policies, as well as from expert witnesses.

The tribunal is satisfied that the PRC (Peoples Republic of China) has affected a deliberate, systematic and concerted policy with the object of so-called optimizing the population in Xinjiang by the means of a long-term reduction of Uyghur and other ethnic minority populations to be achieved through limiting and reducing Uyghur births, Geoffrey Nice, who chaired the tribunal, said on Thursday. He added that the tribunal was satisfied that very senior officials in the PRC and CCP (Chinese Communist Party) bear primary responsibility for acts in Xinjiang.

The Tribunal is satisfied that the PRC has embarked on a deliberate policy of separating children from their families into state care for the purpose of eradicating their Uyghur cultural identity and connections, it added. In a statement, the berlin-based World Uyghur Congress (WUC) welcomed the final judgement of the Tribunal, which announced today that the Chinese communist governments atrocity crimes against the Uyghurs and other Turkic peoples in East Turkistan amount to genocide and crimes against humanity.

This is a historic day for the Uyghur people, WUC President, Dolkun Isa said. The verdict recognizing the Uyghur genocide by an independent body, which also provided the only venue for Uyghur and other survivors to speak and provide firsthand evidence to a quasi-judicial body, is a crucial step towards wider recognition by the international community.

Earlier this year, the US became the first country in the world to declare the Chinese actions in Xinjiang as genocide. In February, both the Canadian and Dutch parliaments adopted motions recognising the Uyghur crisis as genocide.

The latter became the first parliament in Europe to do so. In April, the United Kingdom also declared Chinas ongoing crackdown in Xinjiang a genocide.
STAMFORD  Connecticuts second-largest city keeps growing  and its business community highlights the expansion.

The largest of the corporate newcomers, tobacco giant Philip Morris International, plans to open by next summer its new headquarters at 677 Washington Blvd. Its neighbors will include a fellow Fortune 500 firm: Charter Communications, the provider of Spectrum-branded services, which opened this year its own new headquarters, next to the downtown Metro-North Railroad station.

After nearly four years of construction, Charters glass-sheathed complex at 400 Washington Blvd., represents one of the largest office properties ever built in Connecticut. For a number of elected officials, Charter offers an exemplar for PMI and other new corporate arrivals  while its expansion since its arrival in Stamford nearly a decade ago also shows that major companies can thrive in a state with longstanding economic headwinds.

Being in Stamford is a big deal for us, Paul Marchand, Charters chief human resources officer, said in a recent interview at the new headquarters. We were here in a space that we thought was good, but not necessarily great. We think this is a great space. Its been a big plus in attracting and retaining talent.

Opening a new headquarters

Charters new base includes Building 1, which opened in March. It covers about 532,000 square feet across 14 floors. Under construction are an adjacent Building 2 encompassing about 288,000 square feet across nine floors and a three-story connecting structure totaling around 94,000 square feet.

The property has been developed by Stamford-based Building and Land Technology, which is also the developer of the mixed-use Harbor Point complex that has transformed the citys South End in the past decade.

Were thrilled to partner with Charter Communications as they look to expand and build their next generation workplace, BLT Co-President Ted Ferrarone said in a statement. Part of a rapidly growing trend of businesses strategically choosing Stamfords Harbor Point, Charter will have access to talent, world-class amenities and an array of transportation options. As Charter builds on their commitment to the Stamford community, Building and Land Technology is pleased to have built a world-class campus in a park-like setting with access to a vibrant live-work-and-play lifestyle in a thriving community.

Most of Charters approximately 1,600 Stamford employees are working in the new building, whose upper floors offer sweeping vistas of Stamford, Long Island Sound and the Manhattan skyline. While social distancing signs posted throughout the offices attest to the COVID-19 pandemics impact, each floor of Building 1 bustles with employees during peak working hours.

Charters high-office occupancy reflects its government designation as an essential-services provider, a classification that has allowed it to keep its offices open throughout the pandemic.

Charters new home Here are some things to know about Charter Communications' new headquarters, at 400 Washington Blvd., which is one of the largest office complexes ever built in Connecticut. The headquarters' Building 1, which opened in March, covers about 532,000 square feet across 14 floors Building 2, which is scheduled to open to the first group of employees in early 2022, covers about 288,000 square feet across nine floors An under-construction "connector" structure, covering about 94,000 square feet across three floors, will join Building 1 and Building 2 Building 1 will include a two-story food hall Health care center, scheduled to open next June in Building 1 180-seat auditorium in Building 2, scheduled to be open by next August Fitness center in Building 2, scheduled to open next April Outdoor amphitheater, scheduled to be completed around next September Source: Charter Communications See More Collapse

During the first wave of the pandemic, the companys insistence on maintaining an office presence sparked numerous employee complaints about potential exposure to COVID-19 in its then-headquarters building, at 400 Atlantic St., which is a few blocks from 400 Washington. In response, Charter made several changes that included offering additional paid time off and more options for working remotely.

Employees health and safety is a top priority in the new headquarters, executives said. They cited, for instance, an approximately 2,000-square-foot health center that is scheduled to open next June on the first floor of Building 1.

Its been part of our strategy for the ongoing support of our companys benefits and compensation and plans to have some on-site health support, Marchand said.

A number of employees are still working across five floors at 400 Atlantic. They will move to Building 2, which is scheduled to open to the first group of employees in early 2022.

Charter acquired 400 Atlantic last year for $100 million, and it has put the 15-floor property up for sale.

Its exciting to see Charters recent growth in Stamford, said Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons, who was sworn in Dec. 1, after serving as a state representative for nearly seven years. Not only have they brought in hundreds of jobs, but their investment in our community is evident through their philanthropic efforts with local nonprofits and social service organizations. This is a model that other companies looking to come to Stamford can and should follow and is an important factor to myself and my colleagues as we seek to attract new businesses to Stamford.

Growing in Stamford  and nationwide

The new headquarters reflects the precipitous growth in recent years of the No. 64 firm on this years Fortune 500 list. Supported by a workforce of about 96,000, Charter delivers its cable, internet and phone services through the Spectrum brand across 41 states, including Connecticut.

After moving its headquarters to Stamford from St. Louis, Mo., Charter started in 2012 with a sublease across two floors at 400 Atlantic. In the following years, it expanded to reach a peak occupancy of nine full floors and parts of two other levels.

In October 2017, Charter announced plans to move to 400 Washington, which at that point consisted of only a parking garage. The announcement followed a massive expansion in the companys reach that resulted from its acquisition in 2016 of Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks.

Boosted by the pandemic-sparked spike in demand for home internet service, Charter has continued to grow significantly in recent years. It recorded about $38 billion in revenues in the first nine months of 2021  up 8 percent from the same period in 2020. In the third quarter of this year, it served about 30 million residential customers and around 2 million small- and medium-sized business customers, up 10 percent from the total in the same period in 2019.

Only Bloomfield health insurer Cigna, which ranked No. 13 on this years Fortune list, recorded higher revenues last year among publicly traded companies headquartered in Connecticut.

With their number of jobs, Charters presence is hugely significant, said Chris DiPentima, CEO and president of the Connecticut Business & Industry Association, whose member companies include Charter. And it continues to send a positive message that Connecticut is actually a good place to do business and grow your business, as Charter is doing.

Major state investment in company

Public officials have enthusiastically supported Charters growth in the state, highlighted in the state subsidies awarded in the past decade in exchange for it meeting targets for creating and retaining jobs.

The company was recruited to the state with the support of the First Five Plus corporate-incentives program launched in 2011 by the administration of then-Gov. Dannel P. Malloy. The company qualified for loans of $10 million and $6.5 million, up to $10 million in tax credits and a $2 million grant.

For the $6.5 million loan, the entire principal balance was forgiven in 2015. For the $10 million loan, $7 million of the principal balance was forgiven this year  and the remaining $3 million could be forgiven if the company meets certain job goals. So far, it has earned $1 million of the tax credits.

In addition, Charter could receive up to $8 million in non-First Five Plus tax credits.

During Malloys time as governor, First Five Plus attracted criticism from some legislators and business leaders for apparent favoritism toward large companies and not setting stringent benchmarks. The funds allocated to Charter, however, have elicited few complaints.

I am glad to see that Charter Communications has used the state investment made by Gov. Malloy to help their company grow and make a positive impact on the job market and community, said state Sen. Henri Martin, R-Bristol, the ranking senator on the state legislatures Commerce Committee. While this was a positive outcome, it is not always the case in these scenarios. We need to be mindful of the risks and the real return on the investment when we use state dollars as bargaining tools. Beyond incentive programs, Connecticut needs to do a lot of introspection to improve our business climate.

Simmons, a former chairwoman of the Commerce Committee, said she supported Charters incentives. She noted, however, her backing for the implementation of more rigorous earn-as-you-grow terms for First Five Plus companies.

Compared with Malloy, successor Gov. Ned Lamont has deployed subsidies on a much smaller scale. Philip Morris International is not receiving any state funds to support its headquarters relocation. Firms that have qualified this year for state funds  such as manufacturer and technology-services provider ITT, financial-technology firm iCapital Network and the cryptocurrency and blockchain-focused Digital Currency Group  are each receiving only a few million dollars at the most.

Headwinds for states economy

Charters growth underscores the resilience of the states corporate sector. There are 14 Fortune 500 companies headquartered in the state  as many as there were in 2012.

Stamford has grown to the second-most populous city in Connecticut with 135,000 residents, and leads state municipalities in Fortune 500 representation. Three of the firms on this years Fortune list are headquartered in the city: Charter, Synchrony and United Rentals.

The expansion of large companies such as Charter and the arrival of Philip Morris International, Digital Currency Group, iCapital Network and ITT  which cumulatively plan to create several hundred local positions in the next few years  raises hopes that the state can finally forge sustained jobs growth.

By January 2020, the state had recovered only 83 percent of the positions lost in the 2008-2010 recession. During March and April 2020, the state shed about 292,000 jobs as a result of pandemic-sparked shutdowns. But after 10 consecutive months of job gains, Connecticut has regained 73 percent of the positions lost during the first wave of the pandemic.

We still have a labor issue, in Fairfield County and the rest of Connecticut, that we need to address in order to truly unlock our economic potential, DiPentima said. So we have some headwinds, but we probably have more tailwinds than weve had in a while.

pschott@stamfordadvocate.com; twitter: @paulschott
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP)  President Joe Biden is returning to South Carolina, the state that played a pivotal role in his march to the Democratic presidential nomination and the White House, as the featured speaker at the graduation ceremonies this coming week at a historically Black university.

Biden on Friday will attend the December commencement at South Carolina State University, according to announcements Saturday by the White House and the school.

The Orangeburg school is the alma mater of U.S. House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, the top-ranking Black member of Congress. On Saturday, Clyburn tweeted that he would walk across the commencement stage with graduates to get the diploma that he did not have the chance to receive in 1961. The school said it did not hold December ceremonies at that time, so Clyburn got his credential by mail.

The university said Clyburn was to be the keynote speaker, but he invited Biden to give the address.

The trip will reunite Biden with Clyburn in the state credited with turning around Biden's flagging presidential bid in 2020. On the cusp of South Carolina's key first-in-the-South primary, Clyburn gave his public backing to Biden, a longtime friend and political ally whose campaign had struggled through lessthan-stellar performance in earlier-voting states.

Biden won South Carolina by nearly 30 percentage points, subsequently bested chief rival Bernie Sanders on Super Tuesday and claimed the nomination before defeating Republican incumbent Donald Trump in the general election.

Biden has not been back to the state since his primary win in February 2020, although other prominent administration figures have been in South Carolina during the first year of his presidency. First lady Jill Biden made two trips to the state in October, visiting Brookland Baptist Church in West Columbia, and then the Medical University of South Carolina.

Vice President Kamala Harris kicked off a nationwide vaccine campaign in Greenville this summer. Labor Secretary Marty Walsh visited union workers at the Port of Charleston in November.

Republicans potentially eyeing their party's nomination for 2024 have made appearances in recent months. They include former Vice President Mike Pence, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley.

___

Meg Kinnard can be reached at http://twitter.com/MegKinnardAP.
SHREVEPORT (AP)  Residents of a northwest Louisiana parish will have to spay or neuter their pet dogs and cats, starting next summer.

The Caddo Parish Commission voted 10-1 for the two-year ordinance Thursday night, and it will take effect July 1, news outlets reported.
ROCKLAND, Maine (AP)  A man convicted of killing a 12-year-old girl more than three decades ago is asking a court to allow advanced DNA testing on the victim's clothes.

The Portland Press Herald reports that Dennis Dechaine attended a Superior Court hearing virtually on Friday at the Knox County Courthouse in Rockland. Dechaine is serving a life sentence for the murder and sexual assault of Sarah Cherry, who was abducted while babysitting in Bowdoin. Her body was found two days after she disappeared in July 1988.

In 2015, the state supreme court denied Dechaine's request for a new trial, concluding that new DNA evidence wouldnt have changed the outcome of the original trial. The Maine Supreme Judicial Court unanimously affirmed a Superior Court justices conclusion that DNA evidence recovered from the victims fingernail was not sufficient to warrant a new trial for Dechaine, who was convicted of murder, sexual assault and kidnapping.

Dechaines lawyer said then that they'd appeal again and that this case is not going to go away.

At the hearing on Friday, the defense asked the judge to allow a testing technology that was not available three decades ago to be used on Cherrys garments found at the murder scene, such as her T-shirt, scarf, handkerchief and bra.

Prosecutors argued against the motion, saying that a request for additional testing must be done within two years of when the technology is commonly known and available and it has been longer than that. The assistant attorney general also said the evidence has been contaminated and that the effort sought by the defense would be like searching for a needle in a haystack, a contaminated needle.

Evidence in the case included a rope used to bind her that matched rope from Dechaines truck and barn.
MADISON, Wis. (AP)  A judge on Friday delayed until at least next month any action in a lawsuit that seeks to force the mayors of Madison and Green Bay to face jail or sit for depositions with the attorney hired by Republicans to investigate the 2020 election.

Waukesha County Circuit Judge Ralph Ramirez set the next hearing in the case after a Dane County judge hears arguments in a separate case filed by Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul.

A ruling in that case would likely affect the lawsuit targeting the mayors, leading the judge on Friday to delay any action until after that Dec. 23 hearing. Attorneys for the mayors and Michael Gableman, the lead investigator, did not object to the delay.

Kaul argues that the subpoenas issued to state elections officials as overly broad, unenforceable and illegal because the attorney hired by Republicans wants to conduct the interviews in private, not before a legislative committee in an open hearing.

Gableman was hired by Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and has a budget of nearly $680,000 in taxpayer money.

Democrats decry the investigation as a sham given that some of those hired by Gableman worked in the administration of former President Donald Trump or have supported conspiracy theories about the 2020 election.

Vos and Republicans defend the probe, saying they are trying to address issues raised by voters and others about procedures in place, and private grant money awarded to heavily Democratic cities, during the election.

Gableman and his attorney asked a judge last week to consider jailing the Madison and Green Bay mayors if they did not sit for depositions related to the probe. Attorneys for Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway and Green Bay Mayor Erich Genrich said Gableman's claims are without merit.

Genrich's attorney Jeffrey Mandell said he planned to pursue legal sanctions against Gableman. Rhodes-Conway's attorney Michael Haas said Gableman's threat to jail the mayor for noncompliance was unprofessional, an abuse of process, and a bad-faith effort to publicly harass local officials with no legal basis.

At Friday's hearing, the mayors' attorneys again strongly objected to Gableman's claims that the mayors failed to appear as ordered.

Attorneys for both mayors said their offices had been in touch with Gableman in October and the understanding was that Gableman was not seeking interviews immediately with Genrich or Rhodes-Conway. Both mayors said Gableman had not provided any exact date for them to sit for a deposition.

Kevin Scott, Gableman's attorney, argued that the mayors failed to appear.

I did not dream up our understanding," Haas said in explaining why Rhodes-Conway did not appear. "That was based on conversations with the special counsels office.

Rhodes-Conway has repeatedly said she would provide testimony publicly, but not behind closed doors as Gableman wants.

Mandell argued that Gableman filed the wrong kind of lawsuit and in the wrong court. Ramirez told Gableman's attorney to be prepared to explain his reasoning at the next hearing on Jan. 21.

The hearing in Kaul's lawsuit attempting to block the subpoenas issued to the elections commission is set for Dec. 23 in Dane County. The Gableman lawsuit is in Waukesha County because that's where his office is located.

Gableman's investigation is focusing largely on $8.8 million in grants given to the state's five largest cities, including Madison and Green Bay, to help run the 2020 presidential election. The money came from the Mark Zuckerberg-funded Center for Tech and Civic Life and was part of $350 million it gave to communities in 49 states. More than 200 communities in Wisconsin received funding, but the vast majority went to Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Racine and Kenosha.

Gableman wants to interview the mayors to discuss how that funding was used.

Multiple courts and the state elections commission have repeatedly determined that the grants were legal, but Republicans argue it was unfair because so much money went to cities with large Democratic populations.

President Joe Biden beat Trump by nearly 21,000 votes in Wisconsin, an outcome that has withstood recounts and lawsuits. False claims of widespread fraud have not been proven, with just five people out of more than 3 million who cast ballots in 2020 charged with election fraud.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP)  A former member of Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt's cabinet has filed a claim for $60 million damages with the state attorney generals office, alleging he was wrongly charged with bribery.

Former Secretary of Digital Transformation and Administration David Ostrowe filed the tort claim Thursday. He alleges he was wrongly charged by a multi-county grand jury during the term of former state Attorney General Mike Hunter.

Hunter resigned in May, citing personal matters, and dropped the charges against Ostrowe, saying his office faced a potential conflict of interest because Stitt, who appointed Ostrowe, would appoint the new attorney general.

The charge alleged Ostrowe attempted to bribe two members of the three-person Oklahoma Tax Commission by threatening that state appropriations to the agency would be withheld if they did not waive interest and tax penalties levied against a company owned by former state Sen. Jason Smalley.

Ostrowe, a businessman who was appointed to the unpaid post in 2019 and resigned in September, denied wrongdoing and said in his claim that he has lost $60 million in business opportunities because of the charge.

A former spokesman for Hunter previously said Ostrowe's case was referred to Hunter by state officials and undertaken the same as all cases taken before a grand jury.

Rachel Roberts, spokesperson for current Attorney General John O'Connor, said it is the attorney general's job to investigate allegations of crimes.

Concerns regarding Ostrowes conduct were referred to our office and investigated in accordance with our duties, Roberts said in a statement. "We have nothing further to add at this time.

Bob Nance, an attorney for Hunter deferred to the statement from O'Connor's office and declined further comment.

The tort claim alleges Hunter sought to bolster a planned 2022 challenge to Stitt in the Republican gubernatorial primary.

The former attorney general weaponized his office for personal gain and to protect corrupt state officials, Ostrowe said in a statement.

Hunter never announced he was entering the race for governor, but filed paperwork for reelection as attorney general. He has since withdrawn as a candidate.

The attorney general's office has 90 days to respond to the claim, which said Ostrowe will file a lawsuit if the claim is denied.
SOMERVILLE, N.J. (AP)  An 8-year-old girl was killed and a 9-year-old girl was critically injured in an early morning house fire in New Jersey, authorities said.

Fire crews were called to the Somerville home shortly after 2 a.m. Friday and found the structure engulfed in flames, the Somerset County prosecutors office and local police said. Emergency crews found two adults and a child outside with injuries from escaping the blaze and were told that a second child was still inside, officials said.
NEW DELHI (AP)  Tens of thousands of jubilant Indian farmers on Saturday cleared protest sites on the capitals outskirts and began returning home, marking an end to their yearlong demonstrations against agricultural reforms that were repealed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government in a rare retreat.

Farmers dismantled their makeshift accommodations at multiple protest sites and started to vacate long stretches of highways ringing New Delhi where they have camped since November last year. Hundreds of them waved green and white flags and danced to celebrate their victory as they rode tractors, jeeps and cars.

Farmers have saved the democracy. It was a fight for justice, said farmer Nagendra Singh.

After a year of insisting that the new measures would benefit farmers, Modi made a surprise announcement to withdraw them last month. A bill to repeal the laws was officially passed in Parliament on Nov. 30. But the farmers did not immediately vacate the protest sites and said they would continue to demonstrate until the government agreed to other demands, including guaranteed prices for key crops and the withdrawal of criminal cases against protesters.

On Thursday, the government set up a committee to consider those demands.

Modis government had insisted that the laws were necessary reforms to modernize Indian farming and would lead to a deregulated market with more private-sector control of agriculture.

The farmers said the laws would drastically shrink their incomes and leave them at the mercy of big corporations. In protest, they pressed for the complete repeal of the laws.

They also demanded the government guarantee prices for certain essential crops such as wheat and rice. Currently, an overwhelming majority of farmers sell only to government-sanctioned marketplaces at fixed prices.

Farmers form one of Indias most influential voting blocs and Modis decision to scrap the laws came ahead of elections early next year in key states like Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, both significant agricultural producers and where his Bharatiya Janata Party is eager to shore up its support.

Political analysts say the upcoming elections are a major reason behind the surprise move, but that its too early to say whether it will work.

Modi apologized to farmers but only after resorting to dictatorship. We were called terrorists. He bowed to protests because of the upcoming elections, said Jaigran, another farmer who uses just one name.

Initially, Modis government had tried to discredit the protestors  mostly Sikh farmers  by dismissing their concerns as motivated by religious nationalism. Some leaders in Modis party called them Khalistanis, a reference to a movement for an independent Sikh homeland in India.

Such allegations backfired, further angering the farmers and their supporters.

The protests drew international support and were the biggest challenge Modis government faced since coming to power in 2014.

They were largely peaceful but violence erupted on Jan. 26 when thousands of farmers briefly took over New Delhis historic Red Fort in a deeply symbolic move. At least one farmer died and a number of protesters and police were injured.

Farmers leaders say more than 500 protesters have died due to suicide, cold weather and COVID-19 since November last year and they insist the government should pay 500,000 rupees ($6,750) in compensation per family. But the government says it has no figures on the number of deaths during the movement.

The leaders said they will review next month the steps taken by the government and decide their future course of action.
TUPELO, Miss. (AP)  A north Mississippi school district has opened a new career and technical center offering instruction in culinary arts, advanced manufacturing and other trades.

Students and staff held a ribbon cutting on Thursday for the $8 million Lee County Career & Technical Education Center in Tupelo. The facility has been open for classes since mid-November after a year and a half of construction.
Jason DeCrow/AP

MIDDLETOWN, Conn. (AP)  Connecticut State Police are pulling over law-breaking drivers at less than half the rate they were at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, according to new data.

Troopers pulled over about 76,000 motorists in 2020, compared with about 157,000 in 2019, according to statistics compiled by the Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy at the University of Connecticut and reported Saturday by the Hartford Courant.
TORRINGTON  The Torrington Parks and Recreation Departments Annual Outdoor Holiday Decorating Contest will be held Dec. 14.

This event is sponsored by the Torrington Parks & Recreation Department in Cooperation with the Torrington Lions Club.

Displays should be lit from 6-9 p.m. The decorating contest will consist of the following categories; Commercial Christmas Display, Residential Decorated Doorway, Residential Nativity, and Residential Christmas Display. To participate, homeowners must fill out an entry form and submit it to the Torrington Parks and Recreation Department. Contact Torrington Parks and Recreation at 860-489-2274 for more information.

Winter hayrides December 18 in Winsted

WINSTED  Residents are invited to take a Winter Hayride on Main Street, courtesy of Northwest Community Bank.

Come to the corner of Main and Elm Streets and catch a winter hayride from 12-2 p.m. and meet the Winsted Branch Manager as she gives out mittens, hot chocolate, and coloring books.

Friends of Main Street Winsted will also be announcing the winner of the Main Street is Your Christmas Store gift basket worth more than $500. The contest ends Dec. 15. Visit www.fomswinsted.org for more details.

Paul Ramunni presents accordion history, stories ,music

HARWINTON  Accordion History, Stories, and Holiday Music, presented by Paul Ramunni of New England Accordion Connection & Museum, will be held at 2 p.m. Dec. 12 at the Harwinton Congregational Church, 2 Litchfield Road, Harwinton.

A display of holiday items from the Harwinton Historical Society collection will also be shown.

The program is free. The New England Accordion Connection & Museum is located in Canaan; learn more about the museum on Facebook.

Ramunni will be displaying accordions from his vast collection, which totals more than 400. Autographed copies of the presenters hard-cover book, Accordion Stories from the Heart, an illustrated collection of accordions from around the world and their stories inspired by the extraordinary people who played them, will be available for purchase, at a discounted price of $30, regularly $39.99. Cash or checks accepted. Additional titles by the presenter and HHS published books will also be available.

Stuff a Miata toy drive is Saturday

TORRINGTON  The Nutmeg Miata Club will host a Stuff A Miata toy drive, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 11 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church Parking Lot, 837 Charles Street Torrington . All proceeds will benefit Friendly Hands Food Bank in Torrington, which has more than 500 children signed up to receive gifts this year.

The public is encouraged to stop by and fill the many Miata cars on display with gifts for children in need. A drive-thru style will be done so people can pull up and donate toys for children. The most popular toys requested this year are scooters, bikes and comforters for kids.

For more information, call Friendly Hands at 860-482-3338.

Free KidsPlay tickets available

WINSTED  The Department of Social Services has free tickets for Kids Play Children's Museum in Torrington. They can be used from Jan. 3 to July 2022.

For information call the office at 860-853-6601.

DAR holding Wreaths Across America Ceremony

WINSTED  Brooks-Green Woods Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution will sponsor a Wreaths Across America Ceremony at noon Dec. 18 at Forest View Cemetery, Rowley Street, Winsted.

This annual event is coordinated with wreath laying ceremonies held simultaneously in Arlington National Cemetery, all 50 states and around the world to remember our fallen veterans, honor those serving and to teach children about the value of freedom. Special guests will be CTDAR State Regent Christy Hendrie, Winsted Mayor Todd Arcelaschi and Representative Jay Case.

Any woman 18 years of age or older who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution or prove descent from someone who provided assistance in achieving America's independence is eligible to join. For more information, visit www.ctdar.org/

ECAD ceremony celebrates three graduates

WINSTED  The public is invited to attend a special ceremony on Dec. 15 at Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities, when three children with special needs graduate with a service dog who will assist them in very specific ways to lead lives with more independence.

ECAD is located at 149 Newfield Road in Winsted. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served. Admission is free. For more info, www.ecad1.org

Senior center receives year-end grant

TORRINGTON  The Sullivan Senior Center, which provides assisted medical transportation to Torringtons most vulnerable population, recently received $1,500 from the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation and through the Draper Foundation Fund, the Marion Wm. and Alice Edwards Fund, the Nolan Selby Fund, the Women and Girls Fund and in Partnership with the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation and Northwest Corner Gives.

During the holidays, the assisted medical transportation program continues to provide lifesaving rides to dialysis to those elderly who do not have the means or ability to drive due to age related or illness issues.

This grant will allow us to continue to provide these critical rides during this difficult time in Torrington, Harwinton and parts of Litchfield, according to the senior center.
Posters of Mallam Saliu Mustapha, an ally of President Muhammadu Buhari, who is contesting for the post of National Chairman of the ruling A...





Posters of Mallam Saliu Mustapha, an ally of President Muhammadu Buhari, who is contesting for the post of National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have surfaced in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.





Recall that Mustapha is a former Deputy National Chairman of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC).





Mustapha, who is from Kwara state is one of the political associates that have been supporting Buhari since 2011 when he contented on the platform of CPC.





Our correspondent gathered that CPC, Alliance for Democracy (AD) All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) are the political parties that metamorphosed to APC ahead of 2015 general elections.





It was gathered that both AD and ANPP blocks have produced national chairmen of the party. They are Chief Bisi Akande, Chief John Oyegun and Adams Oshiomole.





It was, however, gathered that posters of Saliu Mustapha, who is from the CPC block have flooded some parts of Ibadan.





The posters were seen by our correspondent who went round Ibadan on Friday and Saturday morning.





The posters were seen in areas such as Bodija, Customs junction, Bodija-Secretariat Road, Oke Ado, Liberty junction and APC state Secretariat.





Our correspondent gathered that APC convention has been fixed to hold in February next year.





It was gathered that politicians from the CPC block have been clamoring to produce the national chairman of the party.





They said that it is now their turn because, those from the APC and ANPP blocks had produced the national chairmen of the party.





It was gathered that other politicians from CPC block among whom are former Governor of Nasarawa state, Tanko Al-Makura had also indicated interest to succeed Mai Mala Buni.





Buni, who is the chairman of the caretaker committee of APC is the current governor of Yobe State.
A group of Northern Youths under the umbrella of Concerned Northern Nigerian Groups (CNNG), on Friday, protested against the incessant threa...





A group of Northern Youths under the umbrella of Concerned Northern Nigerian Groups (CNNG), on Friday, protested against the incessant threats of insecurity resulting in the loss of lives and properties in the region.





The protesters demanded an immediate end to the killings and destruction of properties going on in the region.





They also condemned the gruesome killing of over 40 innocent bus passengers at Gidan Bawa village in Sokoto State by terrorists.





One of the leaders of the group, Zainab Ahmed, while briefing newsmen noted that the northern part of Nigeria was bleeding owing to the incessant killings of innocent souls that go about looking for their means of livelihood in the region.





We are here to call on the Nigerian government that the North is bleeding and enough is enough. We are tired of burying our women, children, and men. Our crops are being razed by bandits, the spokesperson explained.





She added that they are here to tell the government to secure their lives, saying that they bury hundreds of people on a daily basis yet there is no action, not even sorry from their leaders.





According to her, they are protesting because they are angry, as children of Baba Buhari, they feel that he has neglected them.





She called on their followers to vote for Buhari in 2019 for the next level and this next level is killing them, stressing that they are dying as it is not what they voted for.
Jorginho held his nerve to score a stoppage-time penalty as Chelsea snatched a dramatic 3-2 win against Leeds on Saturday.

Jorginho held his nerve to score a stoppage-time penalty as Chelsea snatched a dramatic 3-2 win against Leeds on Saturday.

Thomas Tuchels side bounced back from their two-game winless run but not before surviving a major scare at Stamford Bridge.





Leeds went ahead through Raphinhas first half penalty and Chelsea drew level thanks to Mason Mounts strike.





Jorginho, playing through the pain of a recurring back problem, netted the first of his two penalties after the interval, only for Leeds teenager Joe Gelhardt to equalise with seven minutes left.





Deep into stoppage-time, Italy midfielder Jorginho struck again from the spot after Mateusz Klichs challenge on Antonio Rudiger.





It was a vital victory for Chelsea after their top-flight defeat at West Ham and midweek draw against Zenit Saint-Petersburg in the Champions League.





With leaders Manchester City and second placed Liverpool both winning on Saturday, Chelsea remain in third place, two points adrift of first place.





Having won only three of their previous seven games in all competitions, Tuchel will be pleased with the way Chelsea ground out a hard-fought success after surrendering pole position last weekend.





But once again, there were concerns for the Blues boss as Chelsea laboured for long periods and conceded twice, taking the amount of goals shipped by their previously rock-solid defence to eight in three games.





Tuchel had demanded his players stopped sitting on leads following their failure to hold onto the advantage against West Ham and Zenit, but they did not heed his warning.

With NGolo Kante, Mateo Kovacic and Trevoh Chalobah all sidelined, Tuchel was fortunate that Jorginho was willing to play through the pain barrier.





The Blues were behind in the 28th minute when Marcos Alonso upended Daniel James and Raphinha made no mistake with his penalty.





They equalised three minutes before half-time when Alonso robbed Stuart Dallas, who had failed to control Illan Mesliers pass, before sending a low ball to the near post.





Mount peeled off the defensive cover and swept into the net to level the clash, with the out-of-sync hosts mightily relieved to be on terms at the interval.





Chelsea were more measured after the break, eventually taking the lead with a 58th minute penalty.





Raphinha scythed through Rudiger and the spot-kick was duly awarded after a VAR review, with Jorginho slotting into the top corner.





Just when Chelsea thought they could celebrate, substitute Gelhardt fired his maiden Leeds goal with his first touch in the 83rd minute.





But Tuchels team refused to roll over and Jorginho finally secured the victory in the final seconds.





Klich fouled Rudiger and Jorginho did the rest from 12 yards to leave Tuchel relieved.





AFP




The Indian Ocean island nation of Mauritius has recorded its first two infections of the Covid-19 Omicron variant, both linked to people r...

The Indian Ocean island nation of Mauritius has recorded its first two infections of the Covid-19 Omicron variant, both linked to people returned from South Africa, with a dozen more contact cases feared.





Health Minister Kailesh Jagutpal told a press conference on Friday the pair were asymptomatic and had tested negative the day before.





They have already gone home, he said.





He added that contract tracing for the two people had been carried out, revealing 12 positive cases with a missing S gene  a tell-tale sign of Omicron.





Health authorities were currently analysing the samples to determine if they are in fact Omicron.





One of the two Omicron cases was detected in a man who flew home to the island from South Africa on November 27. South Africa first identified the variant just two days before on November 25.





The second case was recorded in a woman in the islands south whose husband had returned from South Africa on November 18.





Mauritius fully opened its doors to international visitors at the start of October, hoping to rebuild its vital tourism industry after long months of isolation because of the pandemic.





But it was forced to reimpose restrictions last month as Delta variant cases surged.





According to latest figures reported to the World Health Organization, Mauritius has had 62,652 Covid cases and 680 deaths.





More than 900,000 people have been fully vaccinated, representing 73.5 per cent of the population, government figures show.
The primary goal of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the 2023 Presidential election is to install a new government, national publicit...

The primary goal of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the 2023 Presidential election is to install a new government, national publicity secretary of the party, Debo Ologunagba has said.

Ologunagba, a former member of the House of Representatives, in his official statement as spokesperson of the PDP, reiterated the readiness of the party to send the All Progressives Congress, APC packing in the next election cycle.

The statement read: The goal of the new leadership of the party under the national chairman, Dr Iyorchia Ayu is to install a PDP government in 2023 and ensure that our country becomes more united, improved security of lives and property, improve the economy by implementing well thought out policies and programs, pay special attention to infrastructure especially electricity and rail transport.

That said, the publicity scribe slammed the ruling party, blaming it for the legion of challenges facing the country today.

Under the APC, Nigerians continue to experience insecurity ravaging the country, unprecedented unemployment, an economy in shambles, almost collapsing, the Naira falling daily, industries are packing up daily, education standards falling, the health sector in comatose, infrastructure decay and stagnation and scaring disunity and suspicion pervades the country by nepotism and tribalism.

I wish to congratulate Nigerians for the beginning of a new dawn and the start of a process signalling the exit of the most clueless, most uninformed and most embarrassing regime since independence.

The National Working Committee of the PDP appreciates the unprecedented courage displayed by Nigerians in the last six years of the corrupt, inept, inhumane and wicked APC government. The NWC urge Nigerians to be steadfast and vote for the PDP in the 2023 election to rescue and rebuild our country Nigeria, he added.




Watertown, NY (13601)

Today

Cloudy with occasional rain showers. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Temps nearly steady in the mid to upper 30s. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Rain and snow this evening. Periods of light snow overnight. Low 26F. Winds WSW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of precip 70%. Snowfall around one inch.
Four massive metal cranes arrived at the Port of New Orleans on Friday, adding to the facility's capacity to offload containers from arriving ships as part of a broader modernization and expansion plan.

State and local officials were on site at the port's Napoleon Avenue container terminal to welcome the arrival of the M/V Shanghai Zhen Hua 23 as it carried the hulking blue-painted cranes up the Mississippi River to the terminal, completing a trip of 15,600 nautical miles from China where the cranes were built.

The new 250-foot-tall gantry cranes will allow the port to offload larger ships more efficiently than the mix of cranes it currently has on site, officials said. Its smaller cranes will then focus on working with smaller ships and barges that bring containers farther up the river.

The $112 million project, which includes upgrades to the wharf and rail lines, was paid for with port reserves and state transportation funding.

+2 Cassidy treads carefully as he weighs in on Port Nola's expansion plans U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy weighed in on the Port of New Orleans' controversial expansion plans on Thursday, voicing concern for the issues raised

The New Orleans port is a major U.S. importer of bulk cargo but has long trailed other ports in the race to expand facilities for the shipping containers at the center of the global supply chain.

In recent years, backups and geographic constraints at the much larger container ports on the U.S. east and west coasts have helped New Orleans and other Gulf Coast ports expand faster than the national average. But New Orleans still trails the growth of nearby competitors such as Mobile, which have ramped up their container-shipping operations more quickly.

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"This investment makes Port NOLA more competitive," said Brandy Christian, the port's president and CEO.

Once it installs its new cranes, the port will have nine cranes for containerized shipping and will be capable of handling the equivalent of 1 million 20-foot containers per year.

That capacity is nearly double its current container traffic and slightly higher than recent forecasts for future business. In 2020, the port handled the equivalent of about 570,000 20-foot containers. The port's 2018 master plan said under the most optimistic scenario, the port would be serving around 865,000 20-foot containers by 2030.

The expansion of the Napoleon Avenue terminal comes as port officials are working to build a new container facility in Violet in St. Bernard Parish.

+4 Port Nola CEO says port expansion at 'critical juncture' in push for St. Bernard container terminal New Orleans port officials said Wednesday that there isnt any time to waste in moving forward on a planned expansion of container terminals t

The port purchased the land for the $1.5 billion project last year, but community members and local officials have come out against the project, arguing that it will create too much truck traffic and slice apart the parish.

The port has pledged to hold more community meetings to discuss the Violet terminal's impact.
Louisiana's fascination with moviemaking and the state's history with the industry will be showcased again next month at a daylong expo and an affiliated contest for creative teens who envision and design new movie posters.

Entries in the "Create Your Own Movie" poster competition must be submitted by Dec. 31. The winners will be announced on Jan. 3 and the top entries displayed, with cash awards, on Jan. 8 during the Art of the Film: Louisiana Film Industry Expo in the Slidell Municipal Auditorium.

High School students can either envision a new, original movie and design a poster to illustrate it, or design a poster that encapsulates a sequel to an existing film production.

The posters can be created in any medium, but they must all be submitted digitally via email to Poster@NorthshoreCEC.org. by the deadline.

The filmmaking industry is said by its proponents to be thriving in Louisiana, and the expo is designed to cater to that growth. In addition to the focus on movie posters  with both an exhibition of existing collections and the unveiling of winning student posters  the no-cost, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. expo will also spotlight industry career options and opportunities.

For many, original movie posters illustrating generations of classic films carry a lifetime of memories and have become highly collectible, with the rarest and most sought-after examples selling for hundreds of thousands of dollars. In conjunction with the expo, attendees will be able to visit the Slidell Cultural Center in City Hall to view Fifty Shades of Louisiana: A Filmmakers Paradise movie poster exhibition, presented by Hollywood on the Bayou, Movie Poster Archives Inc. and the city.

The expo's panel of speakers will include movie memorabilia specialists Ed and Sue Poole, owners of Hollywood on the Bayou, and Linda Thurman, executive director of Movie Poster Archives Inc. Other speakers include composer-songwriter and vocalist Greg Barnhill; Reid Wick, project manager of the Recording Academy/Grammys; and composer, producer and conductor Jay Weigel.

Additional information about the student poster competition and the expo are available at NorthshoreCEC.org.

CHRISTMAS THEATER

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HO HO WHAT!: "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever," a musical comedy, is being performed on stage at the Slidell Little Theatre through Dec. 19. Based on the book by Jahanna Beecham and Malcolm Helgartner, it is the story of the worst family of children in the history of the world, and what it took to see the world through their eyes. Tickets for the show at 2024 Nellie Drive  $28 for adults and $22 for children and seniors  are on sale at www.slidelllittletheatre.org.

SAVE THESE DATES

YIKES! Playmakers Theater will open the new year with a play based on Agatha Christie's first novel, "The Mysterious Affair at Styles," from Jan. 22-Feb. 6. The story begins when an injured Hastings is sent home from World War I to recover at his friend's beautiful Styles Court property. But when a woman there turns up down, Hercule Poirot is called in to investigate. Tickets go on sale Jan. 8.

OH MY! The Slidell Little Theatre will present "Blue" Jan 14-23, a play by Charles Randolph-Wright. Meet the Clark family, the epitome of Southern success with a rebellious son being groomed to become the next great jazz legend. But watch what happens when he brings home a girl not up to the standards of his iron-willed mother.

YOWZER! The hilarious, terrifying and surreal world of child beauty pageants comes to life in the "Pageant Play" Jan. 7-22 at the Cutting Edge Theater. Pinky Corningfield will do anything to make sure her darling little Chevrolet wins the crown. Glitz, glamour, kidnapping and very small false teeth rule the stage. Avoid online fees by calling (985) 649-3727 or texting (985) 285-6666 for tickets.

FOOLS! The St. John Fools of Misrule Feast of Fools and Grand March is now set for Jan. 8 in downtown Covington. For more information or to join, see www.foolsofmisrule.com or contact Mark Verret a/k/a Calico Jack at verretm@bellsouth.net or 504.615.9655

ROYALTY: The Slidell Newcomers Club will host its 43rd annual Mardi Gras Bal Masque, "A Royal Evening for Royal Ladies," on Jan. 29 at the Slidell Auditorium. The doors open at 6 p.m., with catering by NOLA Southern Grill and music by Witness. For ticket info, call ball captain Lou Denley at (985)707-1144.
A man was fatally beaten in Little Woods, and four people were shot in overnight violence across New Orleans, the Police Department said Saturday.

The killing, in the 7000 block of Bullard Avenue, made for the city's 202nd homicide of the year, eclipsing the 2020 total. Police said paramedics were called Friday at 11:19 p.m. to check on a man who had been hit in the face. They took him to a hospital, where he was declared dead.

Investigators suspect a man had approached the victim, struck him and fled. The Police Department did not release more details but said anyone with information may call homicide detective Walter Matthew Riffle at (504) 658-5300 or Crimestoppers Inc. at (504) 822-1111 (877) 903-7867.

In other violence logged in preliminary police reports:
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VALPARAISO  Attorney Kenneth Allen greeted shoppers as they redeemed the $30,000 in Meijer gift cards he purchased for families in Hammond, Portage and South Haven.

Toya Wheaton, of Portage, said the gift card was especially welcome. She is going through a divorce, and her children had to leave their home in a hurry, without any of their toys, she said.

It means a lot to me and the kids, she said, for them to get toys for Christmas this year.

Allen heard many heartbreaking stories and saw tears at the cash registers at Meijer in Valparaiso on Friday as he greeted the shoppers he was able to help.

Im doing what God put me on the planet to do, is to help people, he said.

Meijer helped by giving the shoppers a 10% discount.

There were no restrictions on the items they purchased. Some used the gift cards for toys, others for food or clothing. It runs the gamut, Allen said.
Pfizer booster shots are now available for teens 16 and older in Indiana, health officials said.

On Friday the Indiana Department of Health announced the news, stating that booster shots are available starting the day of.

The booster doses were approved Thursday for 16 and 17 year olds by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in a measure to counter waning immunity among the already vaccinated. To be eligible, the teens must have received a Pfizer vaccine second dose at least six months ago.

The Pfizer vaccine is the only vaccine that is authorized to use for people younger than 18 years old.

The Pfizer booster shot has been available for eligible Hoosiers in older age ranges since late September.

Booster doses are recommended for those 18 years or older who were given a single Johnson & Johnson vaccine shot more than two months ago.

CDC recommendations now allow for those 18 or older to receive a different brand of booster shot than the one they were initially vaccinated with. Individuals can choose which booster dose they receive.
"We cannot begin to express how profoundly we are grieving," the family said in a statement. "Mary Felton was a loving and doting mother, grandmother, sister and aunt to many. She cared so deeply about her community."

Felton reported she was raped

Felton was at the Gary Police Department from about 1:45 to 4 p.m. Wednesday to talk to a detective about allegations Shearer broke into her house in the city's Glen Park section Monday, pointed a gun at her when she arrived home and raped her, according to court records.

Felton told police she was leaving the Ameristar Casino in East Chicago on Monday afternoon when she encountered Shearer.

He became angry when she said she didn't want to speak to him, told her not to call police and left, records state.

When Felton arrived home, she noticed a pillow out of place just before Shearer emerged from inside her home and pointed a gun at her, documents say.

Felton alleged Shearer told her, "If you breathe the police again, I'm gonna kill you. Don't act a fool and report anything."
In fact, several members seemed to signal they're likely to simply adopt the map crafted by the county's GOP and Democratic leaders at the commission's final meeting Dec. 17 in Indianapolis.

The election commission did not take time to consider an alternative, horizontal commissioners map consisting of a lakefront district, a roughly Interstate 80/94 to U.S. 30 district, and a southern district that was provided by Christopher Harris, of Hammond, a member of the nonpartisan Indiana Citizens Redistricting Commission, because Harris was not in attendance due to a funeral.

Concerning the County Council, Wieser and Dernulc presented similar redistricting proposals with four districts roughly north of Ridge Road, two districts in the middle of the county, and one district in the south.

The two middle districts  which have seen the highest population growth in the county over the past decade  are where the maps diverged the most.

The Republican plan creates a District 4 containing nearly all of St. John Township and the northwest corner of Center Township, and a District 6 with Ross Township, Winfield Township, and the northeast corner of St. John Township.
CEDAR LAKE  A school system in south Lake County has returned to mandatory masks after officials saw a formidable spike in quarantines and positive COVID-19 cases while it was mask-optional.

Starting on Monday, the Hanover Community School Corporation will require everyone to wear masks inside of all school buildings, officials said Thursday.

Students who are asymptomatic may return to school Monday as long as they abide by the mask mandate, the announcement stated.

Hanover Community Schools Superintendent Mary Tracy-MacAulay said the schools were mask-mandatory in September at the start of the school year in order to facilitate in-person learning. Officials attempted to go mask-optional on Dec. 1 but decided to return to mask-mandatory starting Dec. 13.

The choice was made as the school saw a jump in quarantined or coronavirus-positive students and staff while masks were optional.

"Once we went to mask optional our numbers jumped immediately because of quarantining," Tracy-MacAulay said. "We had less than 1% of our student and staff population quarantined or positive. Upon returning to mask-optional, our numbers spiked. This past week we were up to 4.38% across the district."
Judge James B. Linn, who is presiding on the case, has the option of sentencing the defendant to just probation or a shorter period of prison time. He agreed on Thursday to release Mr. Smollett while he awaits sentencing.

What I could see happening is probation with a ton of community service hours, said Michael OMeara, a criminal defense lawyer who has also worked as a prosecutor, and just to sting him a bit, maybe some jail time.

The judge will certainly consider Mr. Smolletts prior criminal infraction, though it was 14 years ago and relatively minor. He was convicted in California of misdemeanor driving under the influence, making false statements to the police and driving without a license. (Mr. Smollett pleaded no contest.)

In this instance, it was Mr. Smollett who reported a crime, an attack by two assailants who he said beat him up, yelled racist and homophobic slurs at him, placed a rope around his neck and poured bleach on his clothing in an early morning assault on a frigid day in 2019. But two brothers told the police that Mr. Smollett had directed them to carry out the attack, and he was ultimately charged by a grand jury with lying to the police, a hoax that prosecutors argued had been orchestrated for publicity.

Understand the Jussie Smollett Trial Card 1 of 5 A staged hate crime? In 2019, Jussie Smollett, an actor from the show Empire, told police he was the victim of a racist and homophobic attack in downtown Chicago. The police concluded that Mr. Smollett had paid two acquaintances to stage the assault. Others involved. Two brothers, Abimbola Osundairo and Olabinjo Osundairo, told the police that Smollett, who is black and gay, had paid them $3,500 to orchestrate the attack, directing them to shout racist and homophobic epithets at him and place a noose over his neck. The evidence. A text message between Smollett and Abimsola Osundairo sent four days before the attack has become a key piece of evidence. In it, Smollett discussed needing help and meeting on the low. Security camera footage shows Mr. Smolletts black Mercedes pulling up in an alley behind one of the brothers homes that afternoon. Charges dropped. A month after the attack, the Cook County States Attorneys Office dropped all charges against Mr. Smollett. The office had agreed to a plan where Mr. Smollett would do community service and forfeit the $10,000 bond paid for his release, in exchange for the office dropping the charges, with no admission of guilt. The case is revived. Later, a judge ordered that a special prosecutor review how the Cook County States Attorneys Office handled the case. On Feb. 11, 2020, the special prosecutor, Dan K. Webb, announced that a grand jury had revived the case with a new indictment, and he criticized the earlier decision to drop the case.









In addition to his sentencing, Mr. Smollett will soon have to contend with a lawsuit against him by the City of Chicago. In 2019, Chicago officials, upset at the amount of police work that was spent on the case, sued Mr. Smollett to recoup more than $130,000 in costs, but it was put on hold until the resolution of the criminal case.

The city intends to continue to pursue its lawsuit to hold Smollett accountable for his unlawful actions, lawyers for the City of Chicago said in a statement on Friday, and to demand that he compensate the city for costs incurred by the Chicago Police Department which took his false claims of harm seriously.
The request for information seemed mundane enough  the kind of thing bank regulators put out occasionally in the course of their duties.

Its intent, though, was anything but.

On Thursday, two board members of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation announced a notice seeking public comment on the subject of bank mergers. The notice wasnt actually on the F.D.I.C.s own website. Soon afterward, the F.D.I.C. issued a statement that it had not approved any such request.

The standoff was a small sign of a bigger rift brewing at the F.D.I.C., which has a hand in overseeing all U.S. banks but focuses closely on the smallest ones. The chairwoman of the F.D.I.C., Jelena McWilliams, is a Republican and a Trump appointee  one of the few remaining in an alphabet soup of federal bank regulators that includes the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.

The others on the F.D.I.C. board  including Martin J. Gruenberg, a longtime member of the F.D.I.C. board and Rohit Chopra, the newly confirmed director of the consumer bureau  are Democrats. And by posting a notice on Thursday without Ms. McWilliamss approval, they took a step to assert their power over the organization she leads.
And a close contact of an Omicron case is roughly twice as likely as a close contact of someone infected with Delta to catch the virus.

Neil Ferguson, an epidemiologist at Imperial College London, said that Omicrons ability to evade the bodys immune defenses accounted for most of its advantage over previous variants. But modeling work by his research team also suggested that Omicron was simply more contagious than Delta, by roughly 25 to 50 percent.

I think that theres a significant amount of immune escape, Dr. Ferguson said, referring to the viruss ability to dodge the bodys defenses. But its also more intrinsically transmissible than Delta.

He and other scientists have cautioned that evidence was still coming in, and that better surveillance in places where the Omicron wave is most advanced could affect their findings.

The World Health Organization said this week that some evidence had emerged that Omicron was causing milder illness than Delta, but that it was too early to be certain. Still, scientists have warned that if the variant keeps spreading as quickly as it is in England, where cases are doubling every 2.5 days, health systems around the world may be deluged with patients.

Even if Omicron causes severe illness at only half the rate of the Delta variant, Dr. Ferguson said, his computer modeling suggested that 5,000 people could be admitted to hospitals daily in Britain at the peak of its Omicron wave  a figure higher than any seen at any other point in the pandemic.

Scientists said that widespread vaccination in countries like Britain and the United States would keep as many people from dying as have in earlier waves. But the experts also warned that patients with Covid and with other illnesses would suffer if hospitals became too full.
Testifying at Ghislaine Maxwells sex-trafficking trial on Friday, a woman said that while on a trip to Jeffrey Epsteins New Mexico ranch in 1996 when she was 16, Ms. Maxwell directed her to undress and lie down on her stomach for a back massage.

Then, the woman said, Ms. Maxwell asked her to roll over.

She pulled the sheet down and exposed my breasts and started rubbing on my chest and on my upper breasts, the woman, Annie Farmer, 42, testified. She said she was surprised and wanted badly to get off of the table.

Ms. Farmers testimony about the encounter came on the 10th day of the trial in Federal District Court in Manhattan. Not long after she finished testifying, prosecutors said they were resting their case.

Ms. Maxwell has been charged with recruiting and grooming girls for illegal sex acts with Mr. Epstein. She faces up to 70 years in prison if she is convicted of all six counts against her. She has denied the charges, and her lawyers indicated that they planned to present a defense when the trial resumes on Thursday. They have not said whether their client will testify.
This is a heartbreaking loss at the end of a very difficult year, Vincent N. Schiraldi, the citys jails commissioner, said in a statement on Friday.

His death comes just days after a federal monitor appointed to oversee reforms at the troubled jail complex wrote in his latest report that the Department of Correction was trapped in a state of disrepair with no sign of major improvement, calling it a system that is rife with violence and disorder.

Mr. Boatwrights mother, Lashawn Boatwright, said that her son had the mind of an 11-year-old, but that he had been in good physical health when he entered Rikers.

During a phone conversation this week, Ms. Boatwright recounted, her son spoke cryptically about his experience at the jail. He said that he thought one correction officer disliked him and that a detainee had given him a warning. The next day, Mr. Boatwright told his mother he had hit his head.

I said, Malcolm, did somebody hit you? He brushed it off, she said, adding that he said that he had had a seizure, though he had no history of them. He declined to give his mother additional details, noting that he did not trust the people around him.
With a raised eyebrow and the kind of smile that makes his fans swoon, the actor Murray Bartlett tipped his head back and slurped a freshly shucked oyster.

This was on a gleaming morning just before Thanksgiving at Marlow & Sons, the restaurant that Mr. Bartlett, 50, frequented when he lived in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn. A star of the HBO dramedies The White Lotus and Looking, and the Netflix revival of Tales of the City, he moved to Provincetown, Mass., two years ago. But he still stops in whenever he can.

Im a groupie, really, he said.

Marlow & Sons is where he first learned to eat oysters. I learned from the best place, he said. And the week before, just as Marlow & Sons reopened for dinner, its chef, Ryoko Yoshida, had offered to teach him how to shuck them.

Ms. Yoshida had also lent him a book, Mark Kurlanskys The Big Oyster: History on the Half Shell, to fill him on the bivalves cultural history. He hadnt read it yet. But that morning, dressed in the grays and browns of a forest in winter, he was eager to get to work.
WASHINGTON  The House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol is scrutinizing a 38-page PowerPoint document filled with extreme plans to overturn the 2020 election that Mark Meadows, the last chief of staff to President Donald J. Trump, has turned over to the panel.

The document recommended that Mr. Trump declare a national emergency to delay the certification of the election results and included a claim that China and Venezuela had obtained control over the voting infrastructure in a majority of states.

A lawyer for Mr. Meadows, George J. Terwilliger III, said on Friday that Mr. Meadows provided the document to the committee because he merely received it by email in his inbox and did nothing with it.

We produced the document because it wasnt privileged, Mr. Terwilliger said.

Phil Waldron, a retired Army colonel and an influential voice in the movement to challenge the election, said on Friday from a bar he owns outside Austin, Texas, that he had circulated the document  titled Election Fraud, Foreign Interference & Options for 6 JAN  among Mr. Trumps allies and on Capitol Hill before the attack. Mr. Waldron said that he did not personally send the document to Mr. Meadows, but that it was possible someone on his team had passed it along to the former chief of staff.
WASHINGTON  Long-running differences over how to deal with Irans nuclear program have erupted into new tensions between the Biden administration and Israel, with two senior Israeli officials leaving Washington this week concerned that the Americans commitment to restoring the 2015 nuclear deal will lead to a flawed agreement allowing Tehran to speed ahead with its nuclear enrichment program.

The strains were evident all week, as the Biden administration sought to bring the alliance with Israel into a united front about how to deal with Iran over the next year.

In an effort to close the gap, American officials let out word this week that two months ago, Mr. Biden asked his national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, to review the Pentagons revised plan to take military action if the diplomatic effort collapsed. Administration officials also outlined new efforts to tighten, rather than loosen, sanctions on Iran.

Mr. Bidens focus on military options and sanctions was an effort to signal to Tehran that the United States was running out of patience with Iranian foot-dragging in the nuclear negotiations in Vienna, administration officials said. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken said last week that the new Iranian government does not seem to be serious about doing whats necessary to return to compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal.
The Republican Party in the second-largest county in the Texas Panhandle is planning to conduct its own election during the state primary in March, breaking away from a nonpartisan county election board in a highly unusual move.

The G.O.P. in Potter County, which includes Amarillo, plans to use ballots that will be marked and counted by hand, rather than employ the electronic systems that the county has relied on for decades. Election experts said the changes would confuse voters and create more potential for fraud.

Under Texas law, county parties are allowed to run their own primary elections, but the vast majority have contracted with local boards of election for decades. The decision, which was reported by Votebeat, an election news website, comes as Republicans nationally have continued to push baseless claims of fraud in the 2020 election and sow doubts about the reliability of election machinery.

Daniel L. Rogers, the chairman of the Potter County Republicans, said that he made the decision this week because a lot of voters have concerns with the electronic counters and dont feel comfortable with them. He did not cite evidence of any problems arising under the current system, and studies have shown that hand counting leads to more inaccuracies. He argued that paper ballots would be more secure.
A self-professed member of the Proud Boys from Texas who traveled to Portland, Ore., to confront protesters there last year was sentenced on Friday to 10 years in prison for shooting a man in the eye with a paintball gun, spraying people in the face with bear mace and aiming a loaded handgun at a crowd, prosecutors said.

The Texas man, Alan Swinney, 51, was a white nationalist vigilante cowboy, who went to Portland to engage in political violence during protests there in the summer of 2020, prosecutors said.

In social media posts, he made threats against the left and antifa, prosecutors said, and he tried to recruit people to form a militia to fight in what he believed was a civil war.

Mr. Swinney, who appeared at several demonstrations in the Northwest, became a known entity in Portland, as he instigated and committed violent acts under the banner of free speech and pro-police sentiments, prosecutors said.
Image Lining up to get a Covid-19 vaccine shot in London last week. Credit... Daniel Leal/Agence France-Presse  Getty Images

The first real-world study of how vaccines hold up against the Omicron variant showed a significant drop in protection against symptomatic cases caused by the new and fast-spreading form of the coronavirus.

But the study, published by British government scientists on Friday, also indicated that third vaccine doses provided considerable defense against Omicron.

Government scientists on Friday also offered the most complete look yet at how quickly Omicron was spreading in Englands highly vaccinated population, warning that the variant could overtake Delta by mid-December and, without any precautionary measures, cause Covid-19 cases to soar.

Those warnings were reinforced by a computer modeling study of England released on Saturday suggesting that even in populations with high levels of immunity, Omicron could significantly disrupt life and overwhelm hospitals. Scientists cautioned that those projections could change as they learned more about the severity of Omicron infections.

The vaccine study published Friday indicated reduced levels of protection. Four months after people received a second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, the shots were roughly 35 percent effective in preventing symptomatic infections caused by Omicron, a significant drop-off from their performance against the Delta variant, the scientists found.

A third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, though, lifted the figure to roughly 75 percent.

Two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine appeared to offer virtually no protection against symptomatic infection caused by Omicron several months after vaccination. But for those recipients, an additional Pfizer-BioNTech dose paid big dividends, boosting effectiveness against the variant to 71 percent.

Still, the studys authors said they expected that the vaccines would remain a bulwark against hospitalizations and deaths, if not infections, caused by Omicron. And the researchers cautioned that even in a country tracking the variant as closely as Britain is, it was too early to know precisely how well the vaccines would perform.

That study was released alongside new findings about how easily Omicron is managing to spread. Someone infected with the Omicron variant, for example, is roughly three times as likely as a person infected by the Delta variant to pass the virus to other members of his or her household, Britains Health Security Agency reported.

And a close contact of an Omicron case is roughly twice as likely as a close contact of someone infected with Delta to catch the virus.

Neil Ferguson, an epidemiologist at Imperial College London, said that Omicrons ability to evade the bodys immune defenses accounted for most of its advantage over previous variants. But modeling work by his research team also suggested that Omicron was simply more contagious than Delta, by roughly 25 to 50 percent.

I think that theres a significant amount of immune escape, Dr. Ferguson said, referring to the viruss ability to dodge the bodys defenses. But its also more intrinsically transmissible than Delta.

He and other scientists have cautioned that evidence was still coming in, and that better surveillance in places where the Omicron wave is most advanced could affect their findings.

The World Health Organization said this week that some evidence had emerged that Omicron was causing milder illness than Delta, but that it was too early to be certain. Still, scientists have warned that if the variant keeps spreading as quickly as it is in England, where cases are doubling every 2.5 days, health systems around the world may be deluged with patients.

Even if Omicron causes severe illness at only half the rate of the Delta variant, Dr. Ferguson said, his computer modeling suggested that 5,000 people could be admitted to hospitals daily in Britain at the peak of its Omicron wave  a figure higher than any seen at any other point in the pandemic.

Scientists said that widespread vaccination in countries like Britain and the United States would keep as many people from dying as have in earlier waves. But the experts also warned that patients with Covid and with other illnesses would suffer if hospitals became too full.

It only requires a small drop in protection against severe disease for those very large numbers of infections to translate into levels of hospitalization we cant cope with, Dr. Ferguson said.

It will take several weeks to understand how the current surge in Omicron infections may translate into people needing hospital care. Im concerned that by the time we know about severity, Dr. Ferguson said, it may be too late to act.

The potential for a surge in hospitalizations was thrown into sharp relief by the modeling study released on Saturday, created by a separate group of experts at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. For now, those scientists assumed that Omicron would cause disease just as severe as Delta does in unvaccinated people, but also that mounting levels of immunity from vaccinations and previous infections would temper the Omicron wave, as has happened in South Africa.

In the scenario that some outside experts said was most likely  in which Omicron evaded peoples immune defenses to a large degree, but booster doses also proved highly effective  the scientists said that England could be hit hard. Through April, they predicted roughly 300,000 hospitalizations and 47,000 deaths.

That could place a bigger daily burden on English hospitals at the peak of the Omicron wave than was seen at any time earlier in the pandemic.

Crucially, the scientists said that reintroducing certain restrictions could save thousands of lives and spare tens of thousands of people hospital stays.

Outside experts emphasized that Omicron remained poorly understood, that people may be able to fight off severe infections more effectively than the models predicted, and that the arrival of new antiviral pills in the coming months could soften the blow of infections.

Still, scientists urged governments to speed up inoculation campaigns, share doses with less-vaccinated nations and consider measures like more self-testing, if not new restrictions.

The coronavirus has not finished with us, said Michael Head, a senior research fellow in global health at the University of Southampton in England.

A tactic of turning the lights off and pretending we are not in is a failed policy.
Its not a trick question, Mr. Poe blustered. You know, you make $100 million a year, you ought to be able to answer that question.

It wasnt entirely a confused question: Google maps and other services are available on iPhones, and location tracking by Google services is a serious concern for privacy advocates. But on social media and in some media reports, Mr. Poe was ridiculed for his apparent confusion over Apple and Google technologies.

The fumbles were bipartisan, with Representative Steve Cohen, Democrat of Tennessee, describing Google as an apparatus and suggesting Mr. Pichai create an online school for users to understand the search engine where they can be assigned a Google representative. But not like the phone customer service at Comcast, he added, where you get put on hold for 30 minutes and find somebody who you cant understand.

Another example of boomer Luddite lawmakers stumbling their way around technology, viewers quipped.

The belly flops from the hearing room dais helped take the spotlight off the companys market dominance and data collection. Since then, criticisms toward tech giants have only intensified. But despite bipartisan agreement that tech companies have run roughshod and deserve more oversight, none of the bills discussed in those hearings four years ago have been passed.

Turns out, holding a hearing that humbles the most powerful business executives in the world is much easier than legislating. Very bright lines of partisan disagreements appear when writing rules that restrict how much data can be collected by platforms, whether consumers can sue sites for defamation, and whether regulators can slow the march of dominance of Amazon, Apple, Google and Facebook.

Hyperpartisanship is the most powerful force supporting the status quo, and the big tech platforms work hard to fan the flames, said David Chavern, the president of the News Media Alliance, a media lobbying group that has pushed for stronger antitrust laws aimed at tech platforms.

Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, has said it supports regulations. All six cryptocurrency executives who testified recently also said they also support some government oversight of their businesses.
At this stage of the litigation, it is impossible to know whether the nations courts will ultimately agree to expand the definition of public nuisance to include opioid addiction, or whether they will turn their thumbs down, allowing the companies to walk away. There is a decent chance the question will have to be resolved by the Supreme Court, which, given the makeup of the court, would not bode well for the plaintiffs.

For aficionados of high-stakes litigation, this legal 3-D chess can be pretty exciting. But how should others think about these kinds of lawsuits? Plaintiffs lawyers say that they step in to redress wrongs because, far too often, the government wont  and because there is no other way to get compensation to victims. But critics contend that using class action suits is far from an ideal way to obtain justice. For one thing, they say, the potential multimillion-dollar fee is too often the main motivation for the lawyers. For another, the results are often uneven; one victim may reap millions from a court victory, while another gets nothing when a different court comes to a different conclusion. Sometimes companies that have done bad things get off the hook. Other times, companies pay tens of millions of dollars in damages even though the evidence of wrongdoing is exceedingly thin.

Class-action suits are not useful instruments for redistributing income, said Ted Marmor, a retired professor of public policy at Yale who has served as an expert witness for both plaintiffs and defendants. A lot of times, these are regulatory failures more than corporate failures.

Some examples: Few would dispute that BPs $20 billion settlement with the Justice Department for its role in the Deepwater Horizon oil spill was warranted. But what about the 2007 Vioxx case, in which Merck paid close to $5 billion to settle lawsuits alleging that the pain medication Vioxx, a so-called Cox-2 inhibitor, had caused heart attacks in tens of thousands of users? Yet Pfizer, which marketed a Cox-2 inhibitor called Celebrex, continued to sell the drug, though the Food and Drug Administration had the company include a warning label that the drug may cause an increased risk of heart failure. (Years later, a clinical trial concluded that Celebrex was no riskier than either ibuprofen or naproxen.)

Then, there are the tobacco lawsuits of the mid-1990s. In those cases, plaintiffs lawyers hired by the states sued the big tobacco companies for having hidden the dangers of smoking and for contributing to health problems the states had to pay for. In 1998, the tobacco companies settled for an astonishing sum of money  at least $246 billion over 25 years. The result? The money, which was supposed to be used for anti-tobacco programs, is instead being used by most states to fill unrelated budget gaps. Meanwhile, the tobacco companies still make a product that kills some 480,000 Americans each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And the plaintiffs lawyers who brought the case on behalf of the states got exceptionally rich; in Mississippi, Richard Scruggss firm alone was awarded $340 million as a fee.

Critics of the opioid litigation say it exemplifies all the problems that come with using lawsuits to fix big social issues. First, the reliance on a novel legal theory means there is no guarantee that plaintiffs will get a penny, much less millions. Second, even if the companies wind up paying billions, they will remain relatively unscathed. And opioids will continue to be legally prescribed drugs. On the other hand, if the plaintiffs lose, all this time and effort and money will have been for naught.

There is no question that bad actions had to take place to create the opioid crisis. Manufacturers like Purdue Pharma had to play down the addictive property of OxyContin. Distributors like Cardinal Health and McKesson had to flood communities with pills. Pharmacies had to sell the medication to addicts. But the government also played an important role by approving opioids and then looking the other way as they were being overprescribed and abused.
We decided as a leadership team, what was magical about these dates? Ms. Anas said. It was extremely liberating saying, Were going to see how this nets out and were not solving for a date.

She is unsettled by the possibility that they will still be working from home in March, two years since they first packed up their desks. But with coronavirus infections spiking, Ms. Anas is relieved that the company doesnt have to weigh the merits of an early 2022 return, leaving workers to wait worriedly for updates.

If we had kicked the can to January, theyd be fixated on that, she said. We keep focused on the work. This is just a distraction.

For many organizational leaders, addressing the anxieties of their work force has been the only constant in the R.T.O. process.

With the spread of Delta, Jessica Saranich, who runs U.S. operations at the productivity software company Monday.com, got a flurry of notes from colleagues: Will we really go back to the office in August? Last month brought the news of Omicron, with a fresh set of questions: What does this mean for the January off-site gathering, with its promise of free food, partying and a Miami D.J.? Ms. Saranichs team has delayed its return to office date three times, which has left some employees pleading for more permanence in the companys policies.

Sometimes our team will say please just make a decision, pick something, make us come back to the office or make us be remote, Ms. Saranich said. But its not something that we want to rush. To be able to lean into the discomfort and say we dont know is a great gift that we can give to our team.

Still, plenty of organizations aiming for an early 2022 return havent budged.

Express Employment Professionals, a staffing provider in Oklahoma City, aims to bring half of its 300 workers back to their newly remodeled headquarters on Jan. 15. The company had originally reopened its office in July in a phased re-entry plan, which was temporarily scaled back in September. Keith McFall, chief operating officer, feels that clear R.T.O. dates serve as a force of stability for workers navigating months of tumult.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which millions of Americans rely on for up-to-date information on vaccination rates in their communities, recently acknowledged that its data might overestimate the number of people who have received first doses while underestimating the number who have received booster shots.

The acknowledgment was easy to miss, tucked into footnotes at the bottom of the vaccination tracking page on the C.D.C. website. It said that, in light of the possible error, the agency would cap its estimates of vaccination rates at 95 percent. Previously, it had capped its estimates at 99.9 percent and, for example, showed a 99.9 percent national vaccination rate for people 65 and older, which experts said was clearly inaccurate.

The C.D.C.s data on vaccination rates are still considered to be reliable, especially with regard to the number of fully vaccinated Americans, experts say.
Id like to get it but I work Monday to Saturday, and I dont know if they vaccinate on Sunday, said Bernadette Kawango, who supports a large extended family with her wages from an auto-parts store in a low-income neighborhood on the edge of Lusaka, the capital. She has heard many rumors: that people who receive the vaccine will die in two years; that the vaccine is part of a plot by Europeans to kill Africans and take their land; that Bill Gates is on a campaign to reduce the world population.

Such stories make her roll her eyes. But Covid is not at the top of her list of health care worries. Its cholera season, and people have malaria, and there is H.I.V. and TB, she said. She does not know anyone who has been diagnosed with Covid.

All these challenges create two major problems. First, the pace of vaccination is far too slow to prevent unnecessary deaths in a fourth wave, which is already beginning in southern Africa, or to prevent the emergence of new variants such as Omicron, which was first identified in Botswana and reported to the world by South Africa late last month. The vaccines now in stock  many of them donations close to their expiration dates when they arrive  may not be used before they must be destroyed.

Second, the push to vaccinate against Covid is drawing resources from health systems that can hardly spare them, which could lead to disastrous consequences for the fight against other devastating health problems.

At the Ngwerere health clinic, the usual bustle and screeching at the mother-and-child health area, where babies are monitored for signs of malnutrition and given childhood immunizations, was absent because everyone on that staff had been repurposed as Covid vaccinators.
Dr. Margaret Giannini, a pioneer in treating developmental and physical disabilities, died on Nov. 22 at her home in San Diego. She was 100.

Her son Louis J. Salerno confirmed the death.

Dr. Giannini, an internationally recognized expert in the care of people with disabilities, was the catalyst behind what is now the Westchester Institute for Human Development in Valhalla, N.Y., north of New York City, one of the worlds largest facilities for people with developmental disabilities.

A pediatric oncologist at New York Medical College, she was summoned one day in 1950 to the office of the chairman of her department, Dr. Lawrence B. Slobody. He introduced her to several parents whose children had a range of disabilities; they had not been able to find a doctor in New York City willing to provide them with general medical care.

Recognizing the obvious need, Dr. Giannini decided almost on the spot to start a clinic that would focus exclusively on such children. That year, she founded the Mental Retardation Institute in East Harlem, which she said was the first of its kind in the country. She worked out of a basement because others in the building did not want children with visible problems coming through the lobby.
A Brooklyn court plans to arraign the son of a former Panamanian president on money-laundering charges on Saturday, the result of an extradition case that according to prosecutors featured a stealth getaway to the Bahamas, fake diplomatic credentials and a private jet idling on a tarmac in Guatemala.

The defendant, Ricardo Alberto Martinelli Linares, was captured in Guatemala last year with his brother and indicted in February. He was extradited to the United States on Friday and will face charges in U.S. District Court in Brooklyn, prosecutors say.

The cases against Mr. Martinelli Linares and his brother are linked to the U.S. governments larger investigation into Odebrecht, a Brazilian construction conglomerate that prosecutors say paid nearly $800 million in bribes to officials and political parties in several countries. In 2016, Odebrecht and its affiliated petrochemical firm, Braskem, pleaded guilty to federal bribery charges in the Eastern District court and agreed to pay at least $3.5 billion in penalties.

The other Martinelli brother, Luis Enrique Martinelli Linares, 39, was extradited to the United States last month and pleaded guilty at the Eastern District court last week to laundering $28 million as part of the Odebrecht scheme. He could serve up to 20 years in prison.
That exhaustion has characterized so much of the past two years, as parents, teachers, frontline workers and small business owners wade through what can feel like an unending morass. Is it safe to celebrate the holidays? Will schools shut down again? When will young children finally be eligible for vaccines? And why are we still having to ask ourselves these questions?

Its too soon to say how long the current surge will last, or how it might be shaped by the Omicron variant. But even amid that uncertainty, we should push for a more pragmatic path from our decision makers that will help us protect ourselves and live more normal lives, even as the virus continues to evolve.

Make coronavirus testing as fast, easy and inexpensive as possible. Ubiquitous testing could help schools stay open and make gatherings of every kind safer. With more than 1,000 people still dying of Covid-19 every day in the United States, its past time to make this basic tool as readily available as it is in other countries like South Korea or Britain. President Bidens latest plan  which would require people with private health insurance to submit a claim for reimbursement and people without insurance or private coverage to hunt down free tests at community health centers  does not do nearly enough to achieve that goal. Instead, the administration should do what other countries have done, and what the United States did so successfully with vaccines: Work directly with companies to get more tests approved and on the market quickly, use advanced purchasing agreements to ensure a steady supply of those tests and create federal subsidies for clinics and pharmacies to provide them free or very cheap to consumers who want them.

Aim to make the 2021-2022 school year the last dominated by Covid. The Biden administration should have enough testing free and available  and push to have a critical mass of students vaccinated  by September.

Quarantine and isolation policies will also need an upgrade. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still advises people to isolate for 10 days after experiencing symptoms or testing positive, regardless of their vaccination status. Many schools still require anyone whos been in contact with an infected person to quarantine for several days, at least. As breakthrough infections become more common, even among those who have received their boosters, it makes sense to allow workers and students to avoid confinement, or test their way out of it much more quickly.
The Great Resignation  the phenomenon of Americans leaving their jobs at record rates this year  reached a fever pitch in August, with 4.3 million Americans, or nearly 3 percent of the work force, calling it quits. Economic forecasters do not expect the situation to improve substantially anytime soon; some predict continued labor shortages in the coming months, worsening supply chain delays.

Why are so many people quitting? In part it may be that they dont need the money  a consequence of federal stimulus checks, the suspension of student loan payments and months of reduced spending. In part it may be that people are concerned about workplace safety in a country whose population is still less than 60 percent vaccinated.

But it also may be that the Great Resignation is a kind of spontaneous, informal labor strike  a collective demand by workers for substantial raises and other gains after decades of wage stagnancy and suppression. If so, history suggests that the Great Resignation could be the beginning of a meaningful transformation of working conditions in this country.

Consider the situation in France in the first decades of the 20th century. The country experienced labor deficits during World War I because of increased industrial production and a decreased labor supply (a result of mobilizing troops). When the war ended, the influenza pandemic of 1918 further decreased the supply. The labor shortage persisted after the pandemic started to wane in 1920, largely because of the huge wartime and pandemic death tolls and a continually low birthrate.
To the Editor:

I was just out of college when Roe v. Wade was decided. It enabled me, in my 20s, to terminate an unplanned pregnancy though I was on the pill at the time. I was not ready for a child and had grave misgivings about my skills at that age to be a parent. I have never regretted my decision. I was able to go on to graduate school and become a licensed clinical social worker.

A large part of the issue regarding abortion is not even being discussed  the welfare and care of children unwanted and unloved. Do people naively believe that once a child is born it will be loved? Why do we not talk about the life of a child born to a mother who does not want the child but wont put it up for adoption?

The stories I could relate of children burned and physically and sexually abused would stun people. And thats not even to mention the fact that the world needs fewer people, not more, given the scarcities that climate change will introduce.

JoAnn Ruppert

Santa Fe, N.M.

To the Editor:

Re The Supreme Court Gaslights Its Way to the End of Roe (Opinion, Dec. 4):

In response to Linda Greenhouses excellent article regarding the oral arguments for the Mississippi abortion case, I would add: Why is there so little discussion of the physical toll pregnancy exacts on women?
The science is nuanced. Even before the pandemic, scientists had studied the utility of travel bans after the emergence of a new respiratory virus. Most of the pre-Covid-19 pandemic research was conducted on potential influenza pandemics. Seasonal and pandemic influenza virus can be devastating, but it is less infectious than SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19.

To assess the infectiousness of a virus, epidemiologists use a unit of measure they call the basic reproduction number, or R0. It is derived from the average number of individuals a single infected person is statistically likely to infect in an otherwise uninfected and unimmunized population. The virus that caused the 1918 influenza pandemic had an R0 of 1.8, and the R0 for seasonal influenza ranges from 0.9 to 2.1, whereas the original strain of SARS-CoV-2 had an R0 of 2 to 3; the Delta variant has an estimated R0 of 6. While we dont yet know the R0 for Omicron, it is likely to be substantially higher than influenzas.

A 2014 review of scientific evidence conducted by a group of British researchers from Public Health England and the University of Nottingham concluded that travel bans can work but only for stalling the arrival of a pandemic influenza virus into a country. To effectively delay virus importation, a ban must shut down almost all travel into a country, the study found. But according to the researchers, even these drastic restrictions may have limited utility if the virus involved is moderately to highly infectious  which is the case with SARS-CoV-2 and its variants.

During the current pandemic, it is true that countries such as New Zealand and Australia have used travel bans to reduce importation of SARS-CoV-2. But their bans have been near-total, early, and paired with effective contact tracing and quarantine systems. Similarly, many small island nations such as the Polynesian country of Tuvalu  population approximately 12,000  have kept the coronavirus out after severely restricting travel.

So, yes: Travel bans can work under limited conditions. But the Omicron-related southern Africa travel ban imposed by the United States is too selective, focuses on many countries where the variant hasnt been documented and excludes many more where the variant has been detected.
One of the most troubling aspects of last months fatal shooting at Oxford High School in Michigan is that the tragic incident took place even though teachers and school counselors reportedly saw warning signs.

Fifteen-year-old Ethan Crumbley has been charged with murder, assault and terrorism in connection with the shooting. According to reports, the day before the shooting, the school contacted his parents after a teacher saw Crumbley looking at pictures of bullets on his phone during class. His mothers response? LOL Im not mad at you, she allegedly texted, You have to learn not to get caught. Apparently, the morning of the shooting, Crumbley was observed drawing disturbing and violent images, which he claimed were for a video game he was designing. He was taken out of class, and after a meeting with school officials, his parents were told they had to look for counseling for him within 48 hours. The school tried to get his parents to take him home, but they wouldnt and Crumbley was sent back to class. The unthinkable happened, and now four teenagers are dead, and several others are hurt.

Reporting in The Washington Post and The Times suggests that experts dont agree about whether the school should have known that there was a credible threat to other students. Oxfords superintendent said that Crumbleys demeanor, his parents responses to specific probing questions and his lack of prior infractions led school authorities to believe that Crumbley wasnt dangerous.

The parents of two sisters who survived the shooting filed a federal lawsuit this week against the school district, including the superintendent, principal, dean of students, two guidance counselors and two teachers, Dana Goldstein, a Times education reporter, writes. The lawsuit claims the school had reckless disregard for student safety, stating that Crumbley posted countdowns and threats of bodily harm on social media.
This becomes especially important as case counts become more complicated. A case of Covid-19 doesnt mean what it used to if you are vaccinated. Most breakthrough infections, which will grow as the number of vaccinated people increases, so far remain mild. Although antibodies wane over time and their effectiveness may be affected by variants, T cells and B cells generated from vaccines should continue to offer protection against severe illness. Right now, in areas of high vaccination, an increase in cases does not necessarily signal a comparable increase in hospitalizations or deaths.

Many countries put more weight on hospitalizations than case counts when it comes to making decisions about restrictions like lockdowns. Singapore, one of the most vaccinated countries in the world, started focusing its daily Covid reports on hospitalizations rather than cases in September. Its Health Ministry reported recently that, over the previous 28 days, of the 41,632 people infected, 98.7 percent had mild or no symptoms. The country has had very strict Covid policies and is only beginning to loosen them.

Many areas in the United States still have a way to go on vaccinations. So far all variants can cause serious disease in unvaccinated people, and there are areas of the United States that are experiencing surges in hospitalizations. But in counties and states with high vaccination rates, policymakers should stop considering bumps in case numbers alone as the criteria for restrictions, although they should continue to monitor data on reported infections tallied by health departments.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention relies on case counts per 100,000 individuals, not hospitalization data, for its recommendations on mask wearing, including for children, regardless of vaccination levels. Some college campuses and school districts are still moving classes online when vaccinated healthy students test positive or closing their dining halls and canceling events.

Some places are making the shift to hospitalization-based guidance. Marin County, Calif., dropped mask mandates in early November when the countys Covid-19 hospitalizations were at a sustained low. The countys cases have gone up and down in the past two weeks, though Omicron could change that. But Dr. Matt Willis, the countys health officer, said that the decision to bring back masks will no longer rely on case counts. Instead, after Omicron was identified in the Bay Area, he reiterated that the county (which has vaccinated 89 percent of eligible people) plans to use hospitalization numbers to consider whether to impose restrictions such as mask mandates.
The Stones fashion influence on Mr. Johns is undeniable. I remember Brian Jones taking me to a store in Carnaby Street once, and we bought stuff, he said. I remember Mick gave me a fabulous shirt.

The coolest thing I think I wore in the film was the crocodile Levi jacket, which in fact had been given to me by Keith Richards, he added. We were in Paris, and Keith had this jacket made for him in France, and it had been delivered to the hotel. He took it out of the packaging, put it on and said, Here you have it, I dont want it. I have no idea what happened to it. Maybe I gave it away.

Nor can he remember where he got the goatskin coat that viewers are obsessed with, although he does remember how it smelled after a rainstorm.

I distinctly remember queuing for an airplane wearing that coat, and the people in front and behind me moved away from me because it actually stank, Mr. Johns said. And of course in those days, if you had long hair you were suspect anyway.

Fans rightly laud Mr. Johnss looks in the film as the epitome of 60s British rocker cool, and the costume-like whimsy he (and various Beatles at various times) display in Get Back has all the color and exuberance of the peak-psychedelia moment.
Picture the ideal holiday spread: There are rich foods, festive place settings, twinkling candles. Maybe it includes multiple gravy boats and not one but two sweet potato side dishes. You might find a collection of celebratory beverages, wine and beer of various types, but there is one staple that is nonnegotiable for many households: a bottle of crisp, sparkling Martinellis cider.

Most hosts will tell you its for the kids table. But its also, decidedly, for the dads.

More of an apple juice guy than a beer dude, the Martinellis dad  an American archetype, Id like to posit  embraces tradition and simple luxuries. He (though the Martinellis dad need not be a he or even a dad) loves the crinkle of foil and the dark green of the glass. He likes to swing by the grocery store to pick up a bottle before a party.

And he is part of a distinct cohort that is responsible for the brands skyrocketing sales this time of year. According to the company, 70 to 75 percent of 25.4-ounce Martinellis sparkling cider bottles sold each year are purchased between Halloween and New Years Eve.

For this particular consumer, if it comes down to Veuve Clicquot or Martinellis, theres no contest. Pass the kid champagne, please.
At least six people were killed at an Amazon warehouse in Illinois after a direct hit from a tornado caused a major portion of the building to collapse on Friday night, officials said.

Forty-five people were confirmed to have made it out the building, James Whiteford, the fire chief in Edwardsville, Ill., said at a news conference on Saturday. The authorities said they did not know how many people were inside the warehouse when the storm hit, so they did not know how many more people they were looking for.

Edwardsville sits about 25 miles east of St. Louis, and the Amazon building is in a distribution hub on the west side of town. When the tornado swept through around 8:35 p.m., it caused the walls of the building to fall inward and the roof to collapse, Chief Whiteford said, adding that the walls were about 40 feet tall and made of 11-inch-thick concrete.
Hawaii health officials have instructed residents living at an Oahu military base to avoid drinking their tap water after high concentrations of diesel fuel were discovered in at least one well, contaminating a system used by tens of thousands of people and several day care centers and schools.

State health officials announced on Friday that testing of a well overseen by the Navy had detected gasoline- and diesel-range hydrocarbons at levels up to 350 times what the state considers safe for drinking water.

That well, known as the Red Hill shaft, is one of three wells that are run by the Navy, which began receiving complaints last month from residents of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam who said their water tasted and smelled like gas.

Since then, the Navy has shut down two of its wells, relocated more than 3,000 families to hotels across the island, and distributed bottled water to families and officials.
This belief has informed a wave of mobilization at both grass-roots and elite levels in the party with an eye to future elections. In races for state and county-level offices with direct oversight of elections, Republican candidates coming out of the Stop the Steal movement are running competitive campaigns, in which they enjoy a first-mover advantage in electoral contests that few partisans from either party thought much about before last November.

And legislation that state lawmakers have passed or tried to pass this year in a number of states would assert more control over election systems and results by partisan offices that Republicans already decisively control.

This is a five-alarm fire, said Jocelyn Benson, the Democratic secretary of state in Michigan, who presided over her states Trump-contested election in 2020 and may face a Trump-backed challenger next year. If people in general, leaders and citizens, arent taking this as the most important issue of our time and acting accordingly, then we may not be able to ensure democracy prevails again in 24.

In some areas, new political battlefields are opening up where none existed before.

Until this year, races for administrative positions like judge of elections were noncompetitive to the point of being more or less volunteer opportunities. Candidates ran unopposed, or sometimes not at all: The seat that Mr. Lindemuth ran for had been technically unoccupied before his election, filled by appointment by the County Board of Elections.

Theres a lot of apathy here, said Lisa Sargen Heilner, a former Republican committeewoman in Mount Joy Township, who resigned her post shortly after local Republicans endorsed Mr. Lindemuth and his wife, Danielle, in a concurrent school board election in which they both won seats. I just kind of wanted to disassociate myself from them, Mrs. Heilner said.
In one letter, Mr. Oliver recounted the scene he had witnessed from a porch across the street from the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, which was bombed on Sept. 15, 1963. Four young girls were killed in the bombing.

Women seeing the covered bodies being brought from the church cried and screamed without restraint, he wrote. I could not bring my mind to believe what my eyes saw. It still seems like a tale from some distant land where people know nothing about freedom and democracy.

The savage, brutal, murderous and ungodly bombing, he continued, has revealed to the whole world the evil of racism. Those few terrifying moments of the blast said what we have been trying to say to the nation for years, that there exists in Alabama the most unconscionable disregard for man and God on the part of some. If white supremacy consists in the wanton and brutal destruction of worshipers of God in the very house of worship, then I must confess that the church bombers are the most supreme murderers and cowards the world has ever seen.

The litany of violence publicized by Mr. Oliver helped prompt an article by the reporter Harrison E. Salisbury in The New York Times that concluded, Every channel of communication, every medium of mutual interest, every reasoned approach, every inch of middle ground has been fragmented by the emotional dynamite of racism, enforced by the whip, the razor, the gun, the bomb, the torch, the club, the knife, the mob, the police and many branches of the states apparatus.

Mr. Connor and other city officials sued The Times and Mr. Salisbury for libel. The commissioner was awarded $40,000 in damages in late 1964, but the verdict was reversed by a federal appeals court, which said that Mr. Salisbury and The Times had exhibited a high standard of reporting practices.
BRACKETTVILLE, Texas  Magdaleno Ruiz Jimenez huddled under a waxing moon in the rough brush of a Texas ranch. His journey to the small border community of Brackettville had been long, about 1,300 miles from his home in Mexico. But now a drone was buzzing overhead.

A lone officer, Sgt. Ryan Glenn, emerged from the darkness. He had a flashlight and a screen with coordinates for where Mr. Jimenez and six other men could be found on the cold caliche, blobs of heat visible to an infrared camera on the overhead drone. More officers soon arrived.

I spent everything to get here, Mr. Jimenez said after the officers wrested him and the other men from the brush.

The men assumed they had been detained by immigration officers for illegally crossing into the United States. They were wrong. Instead, they were arrested on charges of trespassing on a vast private ranch by highway patrol officers from the Texas state police.
DUBLIN  Micheal O Mainnin always wondered whether his grandfather had been telling the truth.

When Mr. O Mainnin was growing up on the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry, Ireland, there was no radio or television to pass the time, he said, so people would tell stories. His grandfather had many, but he told one more than others.

In the mid-1920s, an American visited Dingle to study birds and collect specimens. Sometimes Mr. O Mainnins grandfather would bring the man  his name was Benjamin Gault, though the locals called him Kaerty  in his fishing boat to the nearby Blasket Islands. Kaerty always had a hand-cranked camera with him. One day, as he was filming Mr. O Mainnins grandfather and his friends, the grandfather stuck a pipe in his dogs mouth as a joke.

It was a very far-out story, Mr. O Mainnin, 55, a farmer and fisherman in Dingle, said. You would never think that it was true.

Long after Mr. O Mainnins grandfather, also named Micheal O Mainnin, died in 1981, the family wondered whether any of the film shot by the visiting American still existed.
GOVERNMENT policy is addressing the symptoms of problems not the causes of problems.

Thats according to Social Justice Ireland which has attacked the administration for failing to tackle the causes of poverty and inequality.

Social Justice Ireland claims that Government policy has led to a situation where we have 700,000 people on waiting lists for healthcare, over 500,000 homes without broadband, over 11,000 people homeless, close to 110,000 households in need of social housing and a quarter of a million children living in poverty.

This is both unacceptable and unnecessary at a time when resources are available to make a real impact on addressing the causes of these problems, the left leaning group states.

Social Justice Ireland made similar pronouncements during the Celtic Tiger era but these were ignored by politicians, commentators, the media and indeed most of the general public.

They were one of the few voices going against the grain at the time and as such their latest latest warnings deserve to be listened to carefully if we, as a country and a society, do not repeat the mistakes of just over a decade ago.

There is much merit in the proposal that the Government should dramatically increase the construction of social and low cost homes.

A further issue highlighted by the grouping is the increasing waiting lists for treatment in Irelands hospitals and care centres.

There are over 700,000 people on healthcare waiting lists.

The Social Justice Ireland report points out:  Ireland has a hospital bed occupancy rate of almost 95 per cent, almost 20 percentage points above the OECD average. Such high occupancy rates are associated with an increased risk of healthcare-associated infections (e.g.MRSA) increased mortality and no capacity within the hospital system to cope with unforeseen events.

The body also highlights Irelands lack of broadband and claims the lack of movement in respect of the National Broadband Plan is impacting on existing businesses, delaying rural development and putting rural communities at a disadvantage at a time of increased digitalisation of basic services.

In its final analysis Social Justice Ireland says the mistaken belief that economic growth will trickle down to benefit everyone in a fair and just manner has led to successive Governments implementing policies that give priority to economic growth over all other areas.

Certainly Social Justice Irelands pronouncements as we enter the pre-Christmas shopping frenzy provide much food for thought.

Few can argue with its conclusion that more than economic growth is required if we are to have a society which addresses the basic needs and promotes the basic rights of its population.
An Offaly hairdresser was rubbing shoulders with some of TV's biggest stars last week as he styled two of the cast members of the hugely popular Netflix reality show Selling Sunset.

Glen Cullen, owner of the Industry hair salon in Edenderry, travelled to Dublin late last week to style stars Mary Fitzgerald and her husband Romain Bonnet as they took in a whistle-stop tour of the capital exploring Mary's Irish roots.

Glen, who has previously worked in Beverly Hills in Los Angeles where some of the show is set, got the call thanks to a mutual connection.

"I was contacted by a mutual connection to Mary and Romain to look after them both for press calls while visiting Ireland," Glen told the Offaly Express at the weekend.

"It was a job I was certainly not going to refuse," he added.

Explaining his connection to the bright lights of LA, Glen said: "I had the opportunity a few years back to work at Andy Le Compte Salon, Madonna's personal hairdresser, in Beverly Hills alongside other celebrity hairstylists and that opportunity has opened a few doors for me, this being one of those I guess."

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mary Fitzgerald (@themaryfitzgerald)

The glamorous TV couple enjoyed attractions like the Guinness Storehouse during their visit with Irish fans flocking to Instagram to follow their visit. Glen says they were "lovely people to work with," describing them as "very accommodating and down to earth."

He continued: "We got on like we had known each other a long time so that made my job easier. They were both loving Dublin a lot and seemed sad that the trip was just a quick one to Dublin.

"Romain was very excited to check out the Guinness Storehouse and spend their last evening exploring Dublin a little. It was a great opportunity to get to work with such big stars of the moment seeing as Selling Sunset is one of the top shows on Netflix right now.

"Hearing our clients at Industry excited and interested and talking about it since, was certainly nice to see anyways," Glen concluded.

Selling Sunset is indeed one of the hottest shows on the planet right now with Irish fans recently enjoying season four on Netflix. It remains one of the top trending shows in Ireland on the streaming service.
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Labor MP Julian Hill has sharply criticised the Biden administration over the prosecution of Julian Assange and demanded the Morrison government stand up to the UK and the US.
Julian Assange has been portrayed as a journalist, a whistleblower and as a traitor by the US government. The fact is that neither..

Sydney Morning Herald 14 Dec 2021
As the Christmas trees go up, the anguish spikes for anyone affected by adoption. Calls seeking help rise at this time of year, say the Benevolent Societys counsellors.
Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade says officials have raised issues of due legal process and access to proper medical care for Julian Assange with officials in the UK and the US.
UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss has said Moscow faces "severe consequences" if it attacks Ukraine. Germany's new Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock was among those meeting in Liverpool to discuss the crisis.
Sky News 13 Dec 2021

The Prime Minister has warned Vladimir Putin that there would be "significant consequences" if Russia invades Ukraine.
The move coincides with Human Rights Day and a two-day summit on democracy led by US President Joe Biden. Canada and the UK also joined the US in sanctioning Myanmar.
UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said Moscow would face "severe consequences" if it attacked Ukraine. G7 foreign ministers are convening in Liverpool to discuss the crisis, along with other matters such as Afghanistan.
SeattlePI.com 18 Dec 2021

MOSCOW (AP)  Russia may take unspecified new measures to ensure its security if the U.S. and its allies continue to take..
Germany's doctors' association chief said Germans will likely need a fourth booster vaccine by fall of next year, to maintain protection from COVID-19.
Gloucester Citizen 20 Dec 2021

"I fear that the police officers understanding on the ground was flawed. This was mainly due to the briefing by a senior..
The Group of Seven richest democracies have sought to dissuade Russia from invading Ukraine, putting on a united front to warn of dire consequences for any incursion.
Orlando FL (UPI) Dec 10, 2021



Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin rocket company plans to launch six people, its largest crew yet, including the daughter of late astronaut Alan Shepard and ABC News anchor Michael Strahan, into space Saturday from Texas. Blue Origin plans liftoff of the New Shepard rocket on its NS-19 mission at 8:45 a.m. CST from its Corn Ranch spaceport 160 miles east of El Paso. Launch personnel postponed a laun
Washington (AFP) Dec 11, 2021



At least 50 people are dead after four tornadoes tore through the southeastern US state of Kentucky, its governor told reporters early Saturday, as several storms ravaged swathes of the country. A number of counties in Kentucky were left devastated with the strongest tornado tearing through 200 miles of the state, Governor Andy Beshear said. On the same night a storm ripped through a ma
Russia would face severe consequences if it invaded Ukraine, the Foreign Secretary has warned ahead of a meeting of G7 foreign ministers in Liverpool.
The UK and US have expressed deep concern that Russia has amassed tens of thousands of troops at the Ukraine border, as the allies warned of consequences if there is an invasion.
Officers are responding to an incident in Kensington but it is not terror-related, police say.

BBC News 11 Dec 2021
Newsy 12 Dec 2021

Watch VideoA monstrous tornado, carving a track that could rival the longest on record, ripped across the middle of the U.S. in a..
As the Omicron variant sweeps through South Africa, Dr Unben Pillay is seeing dozens of sick patients a day. Yet he hasn't had to send anyone to the hospital.That's one of the reasons why he, along with other doctors and medical...
BooJoy Winter Shoes Canada Reviews: This BooJoy Review will assist you with finding out with regards to the genuineness of the Boojoy Boots, the most famous winter boots in 2021. =>(50% OFF) Click Here to Get BooJoy Winter Shoes in Canada >> https://24x7deals.xyz/boojoy-winter-shoes-ca BooJoy Winter Shoes Review: Why do you Need Them? Do you want winter boots? If indeed, look at this survey blog, as today we will be enlightening you concerning 
On Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officially confirmed the first presence of the Omicron COVID-19 variant in Michigan (Kent County). Dr. Lydia Watson, senior vice president and chief medical officer of MyMichigan Health, says its only a matter of time before the variant arrives in Midland.

The case in Kent County was identified on Dec. 3. The testing sample was sent to the state lab to undergo genomic testing to determine the presence of the Omicron variant. Dr. Watson received word Friday that the CDC confirmed the case to be Omicron. The CDC will investigate whether the patient obtained the virus while traveling or through community spread. Dr. Watson said that if the person was traveling, the incident could be isolated but if the virus was contracted through community spread, the Omicron variant could reach Midland in a matter of days.
File

With winter weather looming, the City of Midland asks residents to please leave the snow plowing to the experts.

Residents are discouraged from plowing snow on a public street for a number of reasons. City Department of Public Services (DPS) crews have the experience, equipment, safety features, and proper insurance coverage needed to safely and effectively plow the Citys streets.
TEMPE, Ariz. (AP)  Arizona State University police have arrested a man they say is responsible for damaging Islamic literature and a copy of the Quran at the campus library.

Police are investigating a motive for damage at the Hayden Library's interfaith room on Wednesday. Before the arrest, the Council on American-Islamic Relations called it a hate crime and the ASU Muslim Students Association posted photos of burned and torn pages with Arabic writing and damage to a wall.

The association said in a statement the room is largely used by Muslim students gathering for prayer and is a well-known place for students to find a few moments (of) peace and reflection on campus."

Officers on Thursday arrested a 38-year-old homeless man after a witness saw him tear up several magazines and books and reported it to library staff, according to court records and a statement from ASU police. Officers connected him to the earlier damage of Islamic materials through surveillance footage.

Authorities determined the suspect had outstanding felony and misdemeanor warrants and had a trespass warning to stay away from the ASU campus through 2022. He was arrested on the warrants and drug possession charges for a glass pipe and methamphetamine they say he was carrying, according to court records.

There is no room or tolerance at ASU for this type of damaging behavior, ASU Police Chief Michael Thompson said in a statement.

Sasha Uddin, director of education for the ASU Muslim Students Association, said members of the group were heartened by the response from administrators and campus police. She said police took the incident seriously and made a quick arrest, pledged to handle the damaged Quran  which was taken as evidence  respectfully and said they would continue discussions about the safety of Muslims on campus.

I cannot stop hate crime from happening or any sort of backlash from happening, but knowing the faculty and the ASU police will do whats necessary for me to get any justice thats needed makes me feel pretty safe, Uddin said.

With the suspect identified, Uddin said it's not clear yet whether it should be labeled a hate crime. But she said the association wants to move forward with solidarity and with forgiveness and she hopes it demonstrates Islam's commitment to forgiveness and not escalating tensions.

Azza Abuseif, executive director of the Arizona office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, said the university and law enforcement must ensure a safe learning environment for students of all faiths. She urged law-enforcement to treat it as a hate crime.

I have a hard time believing it wasnt targeted toward the Muslim community because it is the holy book, Abuseif said. It's not just some random book that you found and burned. I do think it was intentional.

Arizona law does not have a hate crime category for investigations, but authorities can consider prejudicial motivations as an aggravating factor, said Adam Wolfe, a spokesman for ASU police.

"At this stage, we still dont know the motives behind this incident," Wolfe said in an email.

He said educational aids were heavily damaged including books, magazines and a Quran, along with library infrastructure.

___

This story has been corrected to fix the name of the Council on American-Islamic Relations.
Midland County had 67 new COVID-19 cases and two new deaths reported from Dec. 9-10.

COVID-19 numbers reported from Dec. 9-10

Midland County: 67 cases and two deaths were added; pandemic total is 11,637 cases, 1,052 probable cases, 155 deaths and 14 probable deaths.

Bay County: 116 cases and five deaths were added; pandemic total stands at 16,720 cases, 1,465 probable cases, 428 deaths and 21 probable deaths.

Gladwin County: 18 cases and two deaths were added; pandemic total stands at 3,257 cases, 629 probable cases, 83 deaths and four probable deaths.

Isabella County: 40 cases and two deaths were added; pandemic total stands at 9,060 cases, 1,703 probable cases, 139 deaths and 10 probable deaths.

Saginaw County: 265 cases and one death were added; pandemic total stands at 31,092 cases, 2,526 probable cases, 707 deaths and 28 probable deaths.

The state added 11,783 cases and 235 deaths from Dec. 9-10. Overall, Michigan is at 1,380,324 cases and 25,080 deaths.

Recovered

According to the Midland County Health Department website, which was updated Dec. 6, 10,184 Midland County individuals have recovered from COVID. The state reported that as of Dec. 3, a total of 1,126,184 persons statewide have recovered.

Testing

Midland Countys seven-day rolling positivity rate for Dec. 2-8 was listed at 16.6% and Gladwin Countys was listed at 18.7%. Our 12-county region was listed at 20.7% and Michigan was at 18.3%.

MyMichigan Health statistics

As of Dec. 9, MyMichigan Medical Center in Midland was listed as having an 94% bed occupancy, with 60 COVID patients and 16 in the ICU. MyMichigan Medical Center in Gladwin was listed as having a 79% bed occupancy with six 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.

As of Dec. 9, MyMichigan Heath reported a total of 146 patients hospitalized due to COVID, 24 of which were vaccinated, 122 unvaccinated. There are also 34 patients across the system in the ICU, two of which is vaccinated, 32 are unvaccinated. Of the 16 patients on ventilators, one is vaccinated and 15 are unvaccinated.

Schools

As of Dec. 10, Midland Public Schools reported 279 staff/students were close contacts to an individual who was confirmed COVID-19 positive, and 57 staff/students tested positive for the virus.

MPS schools with one or more positive cases on Dec. 10 were Dow High (7), Midland High (5), Jefferson Middle (9), Northeast Middle (7), Adams Elementary (1), Central Park Elementary (11), Chestnut Hill Elementary (4), Plymouth Elementary (2), Siebert Elementary (5) and Woodcrest Elementary (6).

Bullock Creek School District reported on Dec. 9 that three staff members and 15 students were current positive cases. There were also 99 students and one staff member in quarantine.

Bullock Creek schools with one or more confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Dec. 9 include Bullock Creek Elementary (3), Pine River Elementary (2), Bullock Creek Middle (2) and Bullock Creek High School (10).

Midland County vaccinations

To date, more than 6.1 million Michiganders ages 5 and up have gotten at least their first dose of one of the three safe, effective COVID-19 vaccines. In the last 30 days of complete data (Oct. 21  Nov. 19), 97,310 (71%) of 137,472 cases, 1,134 (72%) of 1,584 hospitalized cases, and 588 (76%) of 772 deaths were among individuals not fully vaccinated. Many Michiganders are still in need of the extra protection provided by booster doses, including residents of long-term care facilities where outbreaks can spread quickly and extra protection is strongly recommended.

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 December. Clinics by appointment will be available 10 a.m. to 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 who needs a first or second dose; those who need their second dose must bring their vaccination card.

Following FDA approval, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is urging all eligible Michiganders to get a Johnson & Johnson, Moderna or Pfizer booster vaccine if they have received their primary COVID-19 vaccines.

Following CDC approval, MDHHS is urging all eligible Michiganders 16 and up to get the Pfizer booster vaccine if they have received their two primary COVID-19 vaccines. Currently, Pfizer is the only authorized vaccine for under age 18.

Eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose. Some people may prefer the vaccine type they originally received and others may prefer to get a different type of booster vaccine. CDCs recommendations now allow for this type of mix and match dosing for booster shots. Consult your healthcare provider if there is a question which vaccine is appropriate for you.

Michiganders should bring their COVID-19 vaccine card or immunization record with them when getting their booster dose, which is available at any vaccine provider. Downloadable immunization records are accessible free at the Michigan Immunization Portal. To obtain their record, Michiganders must create a MILogin account at Michigan.gov/MiImmsportal and upload a valid government issued photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID or passport. If you do not have records in the portal, contact your healthcare provider or local health department.

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.
MSU Extension of Midland County and cooperating parent educators sponsor the Parents Corner. Send submissions to Midland County MSU Extension Educator, Lisa Treiber, 220 W. Ellsworth St., Midland, MI 48640

Families in Nature: Homestead Holiday Traditions. Enjoy a quiet afternoon at Chippewa Nature Center on Dec. 11, 2-3 p.m., exploring the Homestead Farm and experience holiday customs from the 1870s. Gather with staff around the outside fire pit and learn how the tradition of holiday cards started. At the end of the program, you will be able to create your own holiday greeting card. Meet at the Homestead farm. This program is designed for all ages (under 18w/adult). For more information, visit www.chippewanaturecenter.org

Nature Preschool Enrolling for 2022-23 School Year. Nature Preschool at Chippewa Nature Center, located at 400 S. Badour Rd in Midland has begun its registration for the 2022-23 school year. Classes are held entirely outdoors, except in the event that Michigan weather prevents from providing a safe learning environment. Nature Preschool is open to children who will be 3 or 4 years old by September 1 for two, three or four half-day sessions per week September through May. Interested families should submit their class preferences online through the 2022-23 Nature Preschool Placement Request form free of charge at www.chippewanaturecenter.org/nature-preschool. Registration information packets are available online, by calling 989-631-0830 or at CNC, and applications are being accepted now. Questions should be directed to Nature Preschool Director Madison Powell at 989-631-0830 or mpowell@chippewanaturecenter.org.

Investigating Food with Science. Each week, youth will explore the aspects of cooking is an experiment and baking is a science A kid-friendly recipe or experiment demonstration will be presented for youth to try at home with parents assistance. The following week, youth can share their experiences or pictures. All sessions will be presented via Zoom. The Dec. 13 topic will be What is in Your Water? To register, visit https://events.anr.msu.edu/IFWS_Winter/ Any questions should be directed to Kellie Jordan jorda136@msu.edu.

Nature Play. Its time to play outdoors! Whether were making pies in the mud kitchen, pretending to be animals, lounging in hammocks, or creating nature art, this hour of play is sure to engage everyone. Caregivers must remain with children during this program and are encouraged to actively play alongside the children in their care. This program will be facilitated by a Chippewa Nature Center staff member on Dec. 14, 10 to 11 a.m. The program is designed for ages 2-10, (under 18 w/adult). Please meet in The Woods Nature Play Area near Arbury Trail. For more information, visit www.chippewanaturecenter.org.

Tips to Build and Protect Your Credit. MSU Extension is hosting an online workshop on Dec. 15 from 3 to 4 p.m. There is a lot of consumer confusion around credit, and yet credit affects so many aspects of daily life. This webinar will address credit myths, explain the importance of credit reports, demystify credit scores and provide strategies to build and protect your credit. There is no charge to attend. Pre-registration is required. To register, visit https://www.canr.msu.edu/mimoneyhealth/ click on the link online classes and you will then see this course as well as other options that might be of interest to you.

Forest Night Hike. December is the darkest month of the year, but that doesnt mean you cant enjoy the outdoors. Join an Interpretive Naturalist at Chippewa Nature Center, Dec. 15, 5:30 to 7 p.m., to learn about ecology and how plants and animals adapt to the harsher conditions. Wear comfortable shoes, bring a flashlight and dress for the weather. This program is designed for ages 9 and older (under 18w/adult). For more information, visit www.chippewanaturecenter.org.

Story Hour. Come spend an hour learning about nature at Chippewa Nature Center, on Dec. 16, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. to noon. The hour will include a story, crafts, and other age-appropriate activities. For more information, visit www.chippewanaturecenter.org.

Christmas Bird Count. Learn about the Audubon Christmas Bird Count and participate in the nations longest-running community science bird project. Chippewa Nature Centers Interpretive Naturalist Michelle Fournier will provide a brief overview of the count; most of the time will be spent walking the trails to identify and count the birds observed. The count takes place Saturday, Dec. 18, 8 to 10 a.m., participants may bring their own binoculars or borrow a pair. This program is designed for ages 12 and older (under 18w/adult). For more information, visit www.chippewanaturecenter.org.

Celebrating the Winter Solstice. The Winter Solstice marks the shortest day of the year. Families can drop in anytime at Chippewa Nature Center between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Dec. 18 to celebrate the first day of winter along the paved Arbury Trail to participate in a variety of winter-related, self-guided activities. This event is designed for all ages (under 18w/adult). For more information, visit www.chippewanaturecenter.org.

Full Moon Stroll. Chippewa Nature Center will be hosting a full moon stroll from 5 to 6:30 Dec. 18. Join an Interpretive Naturalist for a hike to enjoy Decembers full moon. Learn how the tradition of naming moons began and what makes each month special. Please wear dark colors and bring a flashlight. This program is designed for ages 9 and older (under 18w/adult). For more information, visit www.chippewanaturecenter.org.

Chronic Disease PATH (Personal Action Toward Health) Series. Chronic Disease PATH is a 6-week, self-management online workshop, offered by MSU Extension, designed for people living with chronic conditions. Family members, friends, and caregivers are encouraged to attend the workshop. This free workshop takes place Tuesdays, Jan. 11 to Feb. 15, 1 to 3 p.m. online via Zoom at no charge. Participants will learn to work with health care providers, manage symptoms (such as pain, fatigue, difficult emotions, sleep problems and depression), make lifestyle changes (such as healthy eating and physical activity) and set goals and accomplish them. Benefits of participating include sharing with others who understand, taking ownership of your condition, knowing you are not alone and having your voice heard. To register, visit: https://events.anr.msu.edu/CDPATHJan11/ For more information, email Naomi at hysonaom@msu.edu
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Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The Libyan High National Electoral Commission (HNEC) announced on Saturday that it will adopt a some judicial and legal procedures before announcing the final list of candidates for the presidential election and the start of the campaign
New York, US (PANA) - In the wake of the 25 October military takeover in Sudan, discussions on the way forward are underway but restoring trust will be a challenge, the top UN official in the country, Volker Perthes, told the Security Council on Friday
Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) - Asylum-seekers and other migrants continue to be forcefully expelled from Libya, raising concerns at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
Photo: (Photo : Public Domain Pictures/Pixabay)

The birth of a newborn should be a cause for celebration but for a family in Connecticut; it's a time for mourning as well after a mom had to go through a C-section so that her dying husband could see and touch their son for the first and last time.

JB Parke, who has been battling cancer, was able to hold his son, who was only a few hours old, close to his chest before he breathed his last breath. In a touching post on Facebook, Haley Parke shared that they had to induce the birth specifically for this moment.

She revealed that her husband was admitted to the hospital on November 28 for cancer complications, and the doctors informed her that JB had days to live. However, Haley was due to give birth three weeks away. They decided that having a C-section was the right decision so JB could still see his son before he crossed over the afterlife. This was his dying wish.

Read Also: James Van Der Beek Shares His Trick for Calming Down a Crying Newborn

A Risk and A Hope

After consulting with the doctors, the team at the ICU prepared for the high-risk delivery. They then induced Haley as soon as she was ready. On the morning of December 2, while Haley was in labor, JB's condition started to decline. Haley's doctors then worked quickly to deliver their baby via C-section.

"In a matter of literally one minute, I was in the OR, and in just a short 20 minutes later, our son was born," Haley detailed. She said that their son was carefully handed to her for a quick kiss, and then he was given to another team of doctors to take him up two floors to JB's hospital room. Haley was wheeled to the room a few minutes later.

As soon as the baby was on JB's chest, the doctors saw an instant improvement in his vitals, which meant that he could acknowledge his son. However, because of the gravity of cancer's impact on JB, he passed on with his son on his chest and his wife's hand on his.

Haley recalled that there were no dry eyes at that ICU as they witnessed the joys of a newborn's birth and the sadness of a loss. The mother said that she trusts God, that this was "part of His plan," and that she was glad to fulfill her husband's dying wish to see his baby. Haley named their baby John Beeson 'JB' Parke to honor her husband.

An Act of Love

The medical team hailed Haley for her selfless act because she agreed to have the baby induced and undergo a C-section despite the risks. However, Haley said that it was an act of love, and now she has an angel watching over her and her son.

Moved by her touching story, the Parke's extended family set up a GoFundMe page for Haley and little JB, as well as the baby's older brother, Brighton, 18 months old. The fundraiser has received nearly $70,000 in donation as of press time.

Related Article: Mom Gives Birth to a Healthy 14-Pound Baby Boy After 19 Miscarriages
Photo: (Photo : profivideos/Pixabay)

A mother has ignited a debate among parents on TikTok after sharing a video saying that she brings all of her five kids to birthday parties even if only one has been invited.

Jeena Wilder, 32, created the TikTok video to share her parenting point of view and stated that if someone invites her child to parties, they get the whole family. She's then seen in the video parading her five kids, ranging from nine years old to four months old, along with her husband.

But with over 700,000 views on TikTok and nearly a million on Twitter, where the video was reshared, Wilder's parenting stance has drawn parents to react and share their thoughts about party etiquette.

Read Also: Mom Pleads Guilty to Stealing Daughter's Identity, so She Could Attend College and Date Younger Men

Respecting the Invitation

One TikTok user said she would never bring all her children because she has to respect the invitation and the family's decision to have just one child. Another chimed in and said that the party's host might be on a strict budget or capacity, and the Wilder family would be ruining those plans.

Another user also pointed out that every child deserves to have "individual experiences without their siblings" and bond with their own friends. Others told Wilder that she has lousy party etiquette.

However, Wilder's video also had some viewers agreeing with her and even extending an invite along since they think they are such a fun family. One commenter said that it's "the more the merrier" at his parties, so he would welcome the Wilder bunch.

The mom said that her stance is not up for debate in the comments. She also explained that they don't "just show up" because she always RSVPs party invitations and then nicely asks the host if they can all come.

In an interview with Buzzfeed, Wilder explained that she doesn't want to drop off one child to the party to go solo. She also cannot go with the child because she has four other kids to look after at home. With her husband busy at work, especially during the summer season, Wilder said that her solution to this dilemma is to tag along to the party with everyone in the family.

"I always ask beforehand if I can bring siblings to the party," she told Buzzfeed, adding that she "always pay for the ones that weren't invited if the party is at an event place." She also insisted that they give wonderful gifts.

Wilder further explained that she never pressures another parent to her requests as this isn't about entitlement, but it's about her young children's safety. Wilder said that once her kids are older, then she would be comfortable leaving them alone in someone else's house to enjoy the party.

Raising a Diverse Family

This isn't the first time the mom has gone viral because the social media star from California has an interesting, diverse family. Her middle child, a girl, is white, but Wilder said these differences in appearance and skin color don't change how they treat or love each other. In an interview with People, the mom said they openly discussed the adoption of her daughter.

Wilder admitted that her family's social media popularity had attracted all kinds of comments and criticisms. However, she believes that the best way to deal with the annoyances is to block them off.

Related Article: Boy With Autism Receives Thousands of Birthday Wishes After Father's Tweet Asking for Greetings Goes Viral
Ghana's biggest suppliers of quality construction and finishing materials H&M Timber and Hardware Limited have opened a new showroom on the Spintex Road in Accra.



The one stop trading company deals in products and services such as Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF), marine plywood, construction tools and finishes, furniture manufacturing - office desk and filing cabinet, TV unit, bed, wardrobe, kitchen, MDF cutting/edging and others.



Managing Director of the H&M Group, Charles Hanna said most



products and materials in the showroom are made in Ghana emphasizing that the move was inspired by government's One District One Factory (1D1F) Initiative.



He said We listened to the customer demands in this growing economy of Ghana and we decided that we had the capacity to establish a one stop place where customers can walk in with their concept for a personal or work space and walk out with the knowledge that their dream idea will be executed. Now we have the state of the art factory and a stunning showroom.



Deputy Minister for Works and Housing Mr. Abdulai Abanga, in his address stated

governments commitment to supporting construction and manufacturing industries considering the key role they play in the nations development.



He commended management and staff of H & M Limited for their positive impact in the manufacturing industry over the years saying, There is no doubt that the Ghanaian construction and manufacturing industry as in many economies holds the key to the nation.



They contribute to the national socio-economic development by providing significant employment opportunities to non-skilled and skilled workers, he added.



He noted that government is committed to providing the requisite support



for the sector, to thrive and achieve its full potential to help grow the countrys national economy.



The Deputy Minister also made mention that the government has established the Real Estate Agency to help regulate real estate agency practice and commercial transactions which would include the sale, rental, and leasing of real estate and related fixed assets.



He lauded the company for creating more job opportunities for young professionals and non-professionals in the building industry.



H&M long term goal is to become the biggest supplier in Ghana for quality construction and finishing materials by introducing more products and services and opening many retail outlets in Accra and across all the 16 regions in the country.

Source: Kofi Aduonum









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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Dr Freda Prempeh, the Member of Parliament of Tano North constituency in the Ahafo Region has cautioned contractors executing various government projects in the area against shoddy works.



During inspection visits to some project sites in the constituency, Dr Prempeh also the Minister of State in charge of Works and Housing asked the contractors to speed up and complete the projects within schedule to benefit the constituents.



Contractors have abandoned work on several projects including educational facilities such as classroom blocks, dormitories, hostels, and some major roads in the area.



The Ghana News Agency (GNA) gathered that most of the contractors executing the projects had not been on site for months because of lack of funds to continue the projects.



But, Dr Prempeh asked the contractors to resume work, and assured to follow-up and facilitated payment processes.



Some of the abandoned projects, the MP inspected included separate boys and girls dormitories, administration, and masonry blocks at the Yamfo Vocational Institute.



Dr Prempeh also inspected the progress of work on the construction of the Community Health-based Planning Services (CHPS) compound at Rubi and a Kindergarten block at Tano-Ano.



She, however, lauded the progress of work on the extension of electricity to Rubi, Beposo, Koope, Asuade, Agona, Tano-Ano, and Atudrobesa, which would open up the farming communities, and better the living conditions of the rural folks.



Dr Prempeh said every community in the constituency had in one way or other benefited from development projects including health and educational facilities as well as potable drinking water and durbars grounds.



She assured the people the government would do everything possible to ensure that works on abandoned development projects in the area were resumed and completed.



The MP later told the GNA she had lobbied for the construction of more than 150 boreholes, many durbar grounds, markets, Astro-turf pitch, as well as CHPS compounds and classroom blocks spread across the local communities in the constituency.

Source: GNA









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

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The Minister for Energy and MP for Manhyia South, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, also known as NAPO, has strongly refuted claims of ethnic bias in relation to his recent comments on radio regarding the Keta Sea Defence Wall Project.



It will be recalled that in the afternoon of 2nd December 2021, the Minister granted an interview to Asempa FMs Ekosii Sen? radio programme.



In particular, in discussing the Keta Sea Defence Wall project, the Minister berated the NDC for abandoning the people of Keta for eight years during their administration, noting that the project never found expression in any of the then governments eight budgets. He was emphatic in stating that  I support the Finance Minister finding space within the coffers to fund the Keta Sea Defence Project. I support that 100%.



However, what the Minister said he found objectionable was the opposition NDC insisting that unless the government found a budget line for the project because it is in their stronghold, they would not approve of the budget, describing this as holding a gun to governments head, in which case he would, as a Kumasi MP, also lead Kumasi residents in a demonstration to press for their needs arising out of flooding situations if the hostage-taking were to yield fruit.



According to sources close to the Minister, this simple, logical argument by the Minister on political hostage-taking that has deliberately been given an unfortunate ethnic twist through a selective airing of the tape by elements in the NDC to imply that he was against the Keta Sea Defence project and would lead a demonstration against it should it be included in the budget.



It must be placed on record that over the years, the Minister has worked with individuals and teams both in Parliament and Cabinet from diverse ethnic backgrounds, and never has this been an issue in those relationships.



According to the source, is sad and unfortunate that Dr Prempehs political opponents, in a desperate attempt to deflect their partys failure to decisively deal with the Keta Sea Defence project, find it expedient to project him in a negative ethnic light to generate ill-feeling towards him, the NPP and the government.



The source concluded that Dr Prempeh remains focused on his mandate as a Minister and Member of Parliament and continues to believe in social justice as a core value in projecting the interests of all Ghanaians.

Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/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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Veteran Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga has ended months of speculation and announced that he will run for president in next August's elections.



The 76-year-old is a popular politician despite having lost presidential races on four previous occasions - 1997, 2007, 2013 and 2017.



The most recent poll saw him run against President Uhuru Kenyatta. But the two men have since moved closer following their famous 2018 "handshake" aimed at ending divisions which have proved so deadly.



"I do hereby accept to present myself as a presidential candidate for the presidential elections of the 9th of August 2022," the AFP news agency quotes him as telling cheering supporters at a Nairobi stadium.



Mr Odinga's main rival for the top job is likely to be the current Deputy President, William Ruto. The current president will be constitutionally barred from running as he will have served two terms.



Mr Ruto has presented himself as being on the side of the "hustlers" against the "dynasties".



Hustlers refer to those - especially young people - who struggle to make ends meet in an economy that is said to be no longer working for them.



The word dynasties, on the other hand, is a moniker to describe wealthy families, like the Kenyattas and Odingas, who are seen to have dominated politics - and the economy - since independence from the UK in 1963.

Source: BBC









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Residents collect water from the Sylvia Grinnell River near Iqaluit on Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021. Residents in the Nunavut capital can drink tap water again after 60 days under a do-not-consume notice. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Emma Tranter
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On December 8, Bouthaina Shaaban, political and media adviser to Syrias president, Bashar al-Assad, said that China, Russia, Iran and India are changing the world from a unipolar system dominated by the United States to a multipolar system, where power is distributed.

Shaabans comments came via video during the South-South Human Rights Forum, a conference organized by China. The forum, first held in Beijing in 2017, touts the idea that each state should choose a human rights development path that suits its specific conditions.

This year, the forum coincided with the December 9-10 Summit for Democracy organized by the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden to promote democratic norms, with a focus of confronting authoritarianism, fighting corruption and promoting human rights.

More than over 100 countries were invited to the summit, but China, Russia, Nicaragua and most countries of the Middle East, except for Iraq and Israel, were left out.

Both conferences arrive against a backdrop of what Freedom House, the U.K. watchdog group, said is a worsening decline for democracy worldwide. And the countries largely responsible for that decline include China and Russia, where power is concentrated in autocratic leaders.

The ongoing decline has given rise to claims of democracys inherent inferiority, Freedom House said it its 2021 annual report.

Proponents of this idea include official Chinese and Russian commentators seeking to strengthen their international influence while escaping accountability for abuses, as well as antidemocratic actors within democratic states who see an opportunity to consolidate power.

They are both cheering the breakdown of democracy and exacerbating it, pitting themselves against the brave groups and individuals who have set out to reverse the damage.

Shaabans comments align with that Chinese-Russian narrative, which warps the definition of democracy. Iran is an Islamic dictatorship, while India, according to Freedom House, has become less free and democratic under Narendra Modi and his Hindu nationalist party.

Shaaban claimed that the U.S.-sponsored summit was comprised of countries hand-picked by Washington in accord with democratic standards set by the West. She further said that the uninvited countries might in fact be the most democratic countries in the world.

[In] Nicaragua, Daniel Ortega has just won a landslide victory in his elections. While the U.S. does not acknowledge Nicaragua as a democracy  74% of people voted for Daniel Ortega, Shaaban said.

But that is false. Syria is an autocracy, not a democracy, and the elections in Nicaragua fell far short of meeting the requirements for a truly democratic vote.

In fact, most countries called Nicaraguas presidential election, held in early November, a sham after President Ortega jailed opposition candidates and silenced the press, clearing a path to win a fourth consecutive term, alongside his vice president and wife, Rosario Murillo.

Nicaraguan authorities arrested dozens of critics and opposition leaders under guise of security concerns. Ortega claimed that the government has the right to defend the peace in the country against what he called terrorists. In June, Human Rights Watch accused the government of a a broader strategy to suppress dissent, instill fear, and restrict political participation:

The administration of President Daniel Ortega has launched a campaign of arbitrary detention and harassment of government critics, including human rights defenders, journalists, and members of the political opposition. At the same time, the government has used its majority in the National Assembly to enact far-reaching restrictions on civil and political rights and an electoral reform that in fact makes it easier to remove potential political rivals.

Facebook said it shut down a troll farm of nearly 1,000 fake accounts linked to Ortegas government that spread defamatory information about the opposition and praised the regime.

Urnas Abiertas, a Nicaraguan election observation group, said that, contrary to the claims made by media outlets close to Ortegas government that there was massive participation in the election, more than 80% of eligible voters did not show up at the polls.

Amnesty International warned that Ortegas re-election will spur a new cycle of human rights abuses.

The elections were marked by arbitrary arrests of activists and journalists, among other acts of harassment, coercion and political violence. Press freedom has also been in the governments crosshairs, and the media have denounced restrictions and obstacles that have made it impossible for them to carry out their work, Amnesty said.

The United Nations describes democracy as a system that provides an environment that respects human rights and fundamental freedoms, and in which the freely expressed will of people is exercised.

The Universal Declaration for Human Rights states that [t]he will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures.

Those principles were not upheld in Nicaraguas elections, nor in Syria.

Syrias own presidential election, held in May, handed President Assad a fourth seven-year-term, and was portrayed by Damascus and its allies as free. Assads re-election was his second during a decade in which civil war killed hundreds of thousands and displaced millions.

U.S. human rights groups and Western officials said the Syrian presidential election was a sham with no serious competition for Assad. Millions of refugees could not vote in the election, and many of the people who did participate in Syria did so under compulsion.

The U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Council (SDC) in northeastern Syria dismissed the elections because they did not meet U.N. protocols. It called on the Syrian government to release thousands of political detainees who have been held in underground prisons for years.

Following is what Freedom House had to say about China, Russia, Iran and India in its latest report on the status of democracy. All are categorized by Freedom House as not free except India, which slipped in status from free to partly free last year:

Chinas authoritarian regime has become increasingly repressive in recent years. The ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is tightening its control over the state bureaucracy, the media, online speech, religious groups, universities, businesses, and civil society associations, and it has undermined its own already modest rule-of-law reforms.

Power in Russias authoritarian political system is concentrated in the hands of President Vladimir Putin. With loyalist security forces, a subservient judiciary, a controlled media environment, and a legislature consisting of a ruling party and pliable opposition factions, the Kremlin is able to manipulate elections and suppress genuine dissent.

Ultimate power rests in the hands of the [Irans] supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and the unelected institutions under his control. These institutions, including the security forces and the judiciary, play a major role in the suppression of dissent and other restrictions on civil liberties.

While India is a multiparty democracy, the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has presided over discriminatory policies and increased violence affecting the Muslim population. The constitution guarantees civil liberties including freedom of expression and freedom of religion, but harassment of journalists, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and other government critics has increased significantly under Modi. Muslims, scheduled castes (Dalits), and scheduled tribes (Adivasis) remain economically and socially marginalized.

Finally, Freedom House scored Syria next to the bottom of its global freedom ranking, which measures political and civil liberties. Syria received a total of 1 point out of 100 possible. The groups bottom line on Syria:

Political rights and civil liberties in Syria are severely compromised by one of the worlds most repressive regimes and by other belligerent forces in an ongoing civil war. The regime prohibits genuine political opposition and harshly suppresses freedoms of speech and assembly. Corruption, enforced disappearances, military trials, and torture are rampant in government-controlled areas. Residents of contested regions or territory held by nonstate actors are subject to additional abuses, including intense and indiscriminate combat, sieges and interruptions of humanitarian aid, and mass displacement.

In June, President Bashar al-Assad dismissed the prime minister, who had held his post since 2016. The move came amid deteriorating economic conditions and just ahead of parliamentary elections in July, which were conducted only in regime-held areas and featured no meaningful competition.
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The hospitality group that acquired the iconic Charleston Place hotel this fall is now a partner in a major hotel project on the city's waterfront.

Beemok Hospitality Group, an affiliate of Beemok Capital, the family office of local businessman and philanthropist Ben Navarro, has acquired a stake in The Cooper, a 225-room hotel project under construction next to Waterfront Park, headed up by the developer Lowe.

Beemok purchased Dallas-based Dart Interests' stake in the hotel and is partnering with Lowe "to bring their aligned vision for The Cooper to life," Lowe said in a statement.

Financial terms of the acquisition weren't disclosed.

Lowe is pleased to partner with Beemok Hospitality on The Cooper hotel. We look forward to working with this dynamic Charleston-based group that shares our commitment to the city of Charleston and our deep appreciation of the region," Dan Battista, Lowes Southeast Region leader, said in a statement.

Located along Charleston Harbor, The Cooper will be a luxury hotel property with waterfront dining, a rooftop bar and lounge and its own pier and marina.

The development also includes an extension of the adjacent Waterfront Park.

Beemok will be working with Lowe on the development and management of The Cooper, which the group said will complement Charleston Place as its "coastal sister property."

The Cooper Hotel partnership with Lowe is consistent with Beemok Hospitality Groups strategy to invest in legacy properties that will make a positive impact on the community, ensuring Charleston continues to be an exceptional place to live, work and play, said Beemok Hospitality Group president Casey Lavin.

Lowe broke ground on The Cooper in early 2020 and was initially eyeing a 2022 opening.

Work at the Concord Street site was stopped for several months this year as Lowe dealt with what it described as a piling issue. Construction has since resumed at the waterfront site, which previously was the location of the State Ports Authority headquarters.

The Cooper is now expected to open in 2024.

Since becoming partners with Beemok, some "aesthetic improvements" have been made to the exterior design of the hotel, Lowe said.

Additional balconies, covered porches on the pool deck and more coverage to protect the rooftop bar from the elements were added. Charleston's Board of Architectural Review voted to approve the modifications at a Nov. 22 meeting.

Lowe will be working with city staff to "iron out the details of these changes" in the coming months, Battista said.

Charleston Place is Beemok's flagship asset. The sale of the property, which was for $350 million, according to county property records, was finalized in October. Navarro plans to "deploy significant investments" at the hotel, and Beemok said in the fall that renovations would begin in the next 18 months.

Touching King, Meeting and Market streets, Charleston Place is about half a mile from the future Cooper hotel site.

Los Angeles-based Lowe has had a significant stake in the Charleston region for a few decades. Since 1990, it has owned the Isle of Palms resort Wild Dunes. It opened a new lodging there, the Sweetgrass Inn, this past spring.
MOUNT PLEASANT  Clifford Wooldridge left the Marines in 2016 and moved to South Carolina last year to be with family, relax and reflect on his career in the military.

Despite just moving to town, the California native still gets recognized by veterans as he walks around Mount Pleasant. He has become a celebrity of sorts among military enthusiasts and service members alike. They like to ask him about the story of how he received the Navy Cross and why he was named the United Service Organization's "Marine of the Year."

Wooldridge doesn't like to talk about it much, but the tale has been well-documented.

It was 2010, and the young Marine with the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, ran into a hive of enemy gunfire. Cpl. Wooldridge began firing his M-249 SAW machine gun and had taken out four enemies when his ammunition ran out.

Left without a gun, he ended up in a struggle with a Taliban fighter who, during the fight, tried to pull the pin on a grenade attached to the Marine's body armor. The corporal managed to get the enemy's machine gun away from him and beat the man to death with it.

He later reportedly told his platoon commander, "I think I just killed a guy with my hands."

Wooldridge's story has become legend in the Marines. And, currently, an effort is underway to get the former Marine's Navy Cross, the nation's second-highest award for valor, upgraded to the Medal of Honor.

"It's very humbling, in a way, that people would think of me and read my story and think that way about me," Wooldridge told The Post and Courier.

Leading the effort is Maj. Gen. James Livingston, a retired Marine Corps officer who received the Medal of Honor for his bravery in Vietnam. The two met earlier this year when Wooldridge introduced himself at the gym. Right away, Livingston was impressed by the fellow Marine's story.

"I read his story and it's pretty impressive," Livingston said. "But it's a long-term process, and based on my experience, you have to commit yourself to it taking time."

Receiving a Medal of Honor is a long and arduous process that is highlighted by years of interviews, paperwork, screenings by numerous military boards and, ultimately, the White House.

The campaign to recognize Wooldridge with the Medal of Honor is one of several happening in the Lowcountry. And military experts, family members of veterans and South Carolina politicians say the process often takes years and diligence.

"I think it has to take that long," Livingston said. "I think that's necessary to preserve the integrity of the award."

Army Sgt. 1st Class Chris Celiz

The most recent effort in South Carolina is on its way to receiving a Medal of Honor. President Joe Biden is reportedly preparing to bestow the honor posthumously to Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Celiz, a 32-year-old Summerville native whose death at the hands of enemy gunfire in Afghanistan helped save his fellow soldiers.

Celiz was killed by small-arms fire on July 12, 2018, after he exposed himself to the enemy to protect a helicopter carrying out a medical evacuation. It took three years for the Summerville native's heroism to be recognized by the White House.

The military is upfront about the process being arduous.

"Because of the need for accuracy the recommendation process can take in excess of 18 months with intense scrutiny every step of the way," the Army states on their website.

After a thorough review and recommendation from the military branch that the service member was with during the action, the overarching Department of Defense also examines the case file.

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"All recommendations require thorough reports on the act itself, the battlefield and its setting; at least two sworn eyewitness statements; and any other compelling evidence that can be gathered," according to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.

By federal statute, recommendations for the medal must be submitted within three years of the act, and the medal must be presented within five years.

But what often happens is that submissions outside of this timeline are approved after an Act of Congress waives the time limit.

Next to Celiz, there are at least two other ongoing efforts to secure the Medal of Honor for deceased Lowcountry service members.

Army Capt. Hugh Reavis Nelson Jr.

A package of documents is currently being reviewed for Capt. Hugh Reavis Nelson Jr., a Vietnam-era helicopter pilot who used his body as a human shield to save a crew member from gunfire after a crash.

If approved, Nelson would be the first Medal of Honor for a graduate of The Citadel.

Ted Curtis, a 1964 Citadel graduate leading the effort for Nelson, said he's "cautiously optimistic" about the process. The Army board ruled this past summer that they would recommend the case forward.

Despite it taking several years for an answer, Curtis believes the vetting process is fair.

"If there's enough information for the board to rule on, they'll give you a fair shake," Curtis said.

Army Maj. Gerard M. Devlin

Then-U.S. Rep. Joe Cunningham asked the Secretary of the Army to review another case in 2020.

Army Maj. Gerard M. Devlin was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions during the battle of Blood River in Vietnam on Oct. 13-14, 1965.

Wounded by a mortar blast, Devlin dove into a river canal to save 1st Lt. Robert Walsh, who was weighed down by his pack and helmet. His comrade was drowning.

After pulling Walsh out of the river, he rallied the surviving men and set up a defensive position that drove the enemy forces to retreat. Devlin died in 2016 at the age of 83.

His son, Mike Devlin, has been bending the ears of politicians for several years, and knows that a packet about his father's life and legacy made it to then-President Donald Trump. He just hopes it will get the attention it deserves.

"My father was 17, he spent 20 years in the military and he did it the hard way," Mike Devlin said. He took his job seriously. A lot of people believe he deserves this.
Syndicated and guest columns represent the personal views of the writers, not necessarily those of the editorial staff. The editorial department operates entirely independently of the news department and is not involved in newsroom operations.
Early Monday afternoon, S.C. senators gathered in Columbia for the first time since June to redraw their election districts and sign off on House districts approved the previous week by the lower chamber.

At about the same time, 1,200 miles away, the U.S. Justice Department was filing a lawsuit alleging that the Texas legislatures new election districts violate the federal Voting Rights Act by discriminating against minority voters. Specifically, the Associated Press reports, the suit alleges that while most of the states added population over the past decade was black, Latino and Asian, lawmakers had systematically packed those minorities into a small number of districts in some areas and scattered them out in other cases, in both cases denying them the opportunity to elect lawmakers of their choice.

Meantime, in Washington, Associate U.S. Attorney General Vanita Gupta told reporters: Decade after decade, courts have found that Texas has enacted redistricting plans that deliberately dilute the voting strength of Latino and Black voters and that violate the Voting Rights Act.

I havent heard anyone raise anything near this level of objection to the S.C. Senates new election map. Even the complaints about the redrawn S.C. House districts are piddling by comparison.

So my point here isnt to suggest theres anything similar about the Texas and S.C. maps. Well, other than the fact that both sets were drawn by Republicans with a goal of ensuring that Republicans win more seats  a politicization of lawmaking that is practiced by both parties and that has always been perfectly legal and constitutional, if undemocratic. Rather, its to call attention to that lawsuit, and what it says about the panic that voting-rights advocates have been in since the U.S. Supreme Courts 2013 ruling in Shelby v. Holder.

In that landmark case, the high court said that South Carolina, eight other Southern states and a smattering of communities across the country no longer had to win preclearance from the Justice Department before they drew new election lines  or changed absentee voting requirements  or scheduled a special election to fill a seat after the incumbent died.

Liberals declared the Voting Rights Act dead as a result of the demise of this extraordinary Section 5 preclearance requirement. But as I explained at the time: The fact that you can leave your house without first convincing Washington officials that youre not going to knock off a liquor store doesnt mean you can knock off a liquor store. It means you have the same opportunity to break the law that everyone else does. And if you do break the law, youll be punished.

If our legislators do the sorts of things the Justice Department had been refusing to allow them to do before Shelby, I continued, the Justice Department can take our state to court, where we remain subject to the same ban on racially discriminatory voting laws that the other 41 states always have been subject to.

Which is what the Justice Department did on Monday in response to Texas efforts in the first generation of post-census district redrawing since the Shelby decision.

Of course, its harder for the Justice Department to prove to a court that a state is violating minority rights than it was for the department to simply declare a states not-yet-implemented actions in violation. But as the court explained, there really are problems with that sort of prior restraint. Moreover, violations can be proved, and courts can prevent suspect maps from taking effect, just like the Justice Department used to do. And its worth remembering that federal courts sometimes overrode the Justice Departments directives. In other words, maps that are clearly out of bounds can be stayed under the new regime, just like they were in the past.

The irony of all the angst over the Justice Departments diminished role in district-drawing is that the Republican hegemony that liberals see as the font of all electoral evil was delivered  at least in South Carolina  by the Justice Department itself.

It was the Justice Department that was so intent on forcing Southern states to draw as many black-majority districts as possible  the so-called black-max approach  which simultaneously turned the remaining election districts lily white. In states such as ours where race is a disturbingly close proxy for party, the result was that the majority of election districts thus became unwinnable by Democrats, turning the Legislature over to an ever-increasing GOP majority.

In Columbia this week, there was no drama and practically no debate over the district lines that might or might not add marginally to the GOPs heavy majorities in the Senate and the House. The Senate spent less than 35 minutes on the House and Senate districts over the course of three days.

And the Houses final passage of the legislation, completing its once-a-decade task mandated by the U.S. Constitution, turned out to be a minor footnote on the House GOP leaderships attempt to mollify anti-vaccine extremists whose power in the body and in the electorate are in some ways the inevitable byproduct of carving the state ever more precisely into perfectly partisan districts that are won and lost in primaries because the other party can never hope to compete in them.
COLUMBIA  President Joe Biden will make his first trip to South Carolina since winning the White House when he delivers S.C. State University's commencement address on Dec. 17.

While Biden is making his presidential debut in the state that helped him secure the 2020 Democratic nomination, first lady Jill Biden traveled to South Carolina twice in October and Vice President Kamala Harris stopped in Greenville to promote COVID-19 vaccinations in June.

House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, D-Columbia, was scheduled to speak during the graduation at his alma mater, but he invited Biden instead, S.C. State said.

Biden will share "what he is doing for them, for their families, and their community to ensure that they have access to Americas greatness, Clyburn said in a statement. It will be a tremendous honor to share the stage with President Biden at this institution that means so much to me as I mark 60 years since I earned the degree that set me on the path to where I am today.

Clyburn will march with graduates on Dec. 17. The school did not hold winter commencement ceremonies when the congressman graduated from then-S.C. State College in 1961. Clyburn received his degree in the mail.

Clyburn's endorsement of Biden just before South Carolina's 2020 Democratic primary was seen as a campaign game changer for the former senator and vice president known for often visiting the Palmetto State.

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Leaders of the state's only public four-year historically Black college said they were pleased to have the president come and speak. S.C. State's marching band performed during Biden's inaugural festivities in January.

Our students will no doubt remember his words for the rest of their lives," Interim S.C. State President Alexander Conyers said in a statement. "This is indeed a privilege for all here at S.C. State."

In October, Jill Biden visited West Columbia's Brookland Baptist Church for the 50th anniversary celebration of Pastor Charles B. Jackson Sr. and visited Charleston with stops at the Medical University of South Carolina and Joint Base Charleston.

This past spring, Harris spoke at the Phillis Wheatley Community Center in Greenville and visited Caine Halter YMCA branch for a pop-up vaccine clinic.
In August 2020 a reader drew my attention to a Peggy Noonan mash note in the form of her Wall Street Journal column The Rise of Kamala Harris. Subhead: The daughter of East Bay professors grew up to become an excellent performer of politics.

The column elicited thousands of critical comments. They almost made the column worth reading. They were certainly more perceptive or more realistic than Noonans column. I quoted four of them in High Noonan.

I also noted that Noonan hadnt yet turned on Harris based on her patent idiocy or her actual performance as vice president, but expressed confidence that we can look forward to the column in which Noonan turns on her without mention of her previous adulation.

Today Noonan delivers on my prediction in her Wall Street Journal column Kamala Harris Needs to Get Serious. Subhead: Her shaky standing is a danger to the country given the position she could be called on to fill.

A little over a year later, its come to this:

Expectations are low. Ms. Harris can use the time of her deadness to focus on why shes failing. Those who know her doubt she is capable of deep change, and a reset would have to deal not with surface matters but those more fundamental. Still, shed be staring into the abyss right now, and perhaps seeing this is her last chance to correct a bad impression.

Noonan now offers Harris her best advice, culminating in this recommendation:

She could lend what skills she has to the public presentation of the administrations stands. Mr. Biden isnt strong there; hes uneven in his attempts to explain and advance policy thinking. To do this Ms. Harris would have to decide to become seriousto inform and immerse herself, meet with party thinkers, study her briefing books. Her current strategy, to the extent it exists, appears to rely on her sense of her own personal charismadelighted laughter, attempts to connect personally, to convey zest. She should speak instead with sincerity and depth. She shouldnt confuse Happy Warrior with Hungry Operative. Ms. Harris has never seemed especially earnest. This would be a good time for earnestness.

Noonans August 2020 column on Harris was followed by her September 2020 column on Joe Biden. Biden was her preferred presidential candidate. She also fashioned that column in the form of advice to get him over the finish line. She was worried he might lose. A year later she turned on Biden in her September 2021 column The Afghan Fiasco Will Stick to Biden. Subhead: It hit at his reputational core. He no longer comes across as empathetic, much less serious.

Peggy Noonan is pathetic. Noonans popularity as a Journal columnist may justify the editors persistence in turning over the papers valuable editorial page real estate to her on a weekly basis, but I trust they are embarrassed by it.
Civil aviation authorities in the United Arab Emirates have advised Nigerias Air Peace to consider flying to any UAE airport that has additional slots for it, and not insist on taking three slots at the countrys Sharjah Airport, in a new move as the two countries attempt to work through a row over flight slots that has threatened relations between them.

Emirates, the Dubai-based carrier, on Friday announced an indefinite suspension of flights to Nigeria, saying its action was in response to a restriction by the Nigerian government limiting its flights to the country to just once a week.

The government had on Thursday limited the carriers daily flights to Abuja to a single run a week and denied approval for the airlines winter schedule. The director general of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Musa Nuhu, said the government took that step after authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) denied Nigerias only carrier to Dubai, Airpeace, the three frequencies it requested at UAEs Sharja Airport.

With the recently imposed directive limiting Emirates to operate one flight per week to Nigeria via Abuja, Emirates will be suspending its flights between Nigeria and Dubai from 13 December 2021, until the UAE and Nigerian authorities work on a solution to the ongoing issue, Emirates announced on its website.

In a December 10 letter to Nigerias aviation minister, Hadi Sirika, the UAEs General Civil Aviation Authority said Air Peaces demand was unreasonable.

Air Peace initially operated at Sharja Airport, shifted to Dubai Airport and then returned to Sharjah airport. It would be unreasonable for an airline to expect any airport to maintain their slots when they ceased operating at that airport, it said.

In this regard, we wish to kindly advise you that Sharjah Aiport is currently operating at 140% slot, but with goodwill and tremendous effort on their side, this airport was able to accomodate Air Peace with 1 of the 3 slots this airline requested.

The GCAA wishes to stress that the action being taken by the NCAA is obviously not in line with the spirit of the agreed air services arrangements between our two Nations. As we are both aware, the relations between our two brotherly countries are vintage, one hallmark being the recent visit of the President of Nigeria to the UAE, which certainly ignored the status of these positive relations.

Finally, we suggest that Air Peace should consider flying their two other flights to any UAE airport at which there are available slots. As expected, the GCAA will support Air Peace in this activity, if required.
Mustapha Alhassan has not resumed his bola (trash collection) work in Billiri, nine months after the death of his brother, Danlala.

On the eve of Friday, February 19, Mr Alhassan was attending to sick Danlala, in their room at the junkyard, when a mob surrounded their vicinity.

Mr Alhassan, who said he is still troubled by the incident, said everybody in the premises ran out, except the sick Danlala.

He was too weak to run, began Mr Alhassan while narrating his ordeal to PREMIUM TIMES in October. The protesters burnt the house down with Danlala still inside.

At first, we didnt know he was dead so we started searching for him, hinking he had also run out. But the search party found his body lying in the rubble of the bed in our room. It was burnt beyond recognition, he

said.

Christians and Muslims have co-existed peacefully for decades in Billiri, Billiri Local Government Area of Gombe State in North-east Nigeria.

But the relationship now rests on a knifes edge after a violent crisis early this year over the appointment of the new traditional ruler for the Tangale ethnic group.

Between February 17 and 20, scores of protesters from Billiri and neighbouring towns blocked the Gombe-Yola highway, accusing Governor Inuwa Yahaya of delaying the appointment of the Mai Tangale. They suspected the delay was because the governor wanted to appoint someone other than the man who they said got the highest number of votes from the kingmakers in the selection process.

The obstruction of traffic by the protesters left people travelling between Adamawa, Taraba, Benue and other parts of the country stranded on the highway.

But the street protests soon snowballed into a full-blown violent crisis.

Danlala, Mr Alhassans brother, was one of the seven persons killed and their house was among the over 475 structures destroyed, a committee set up by the governor in April after the mayhem, later found. The Committee of Assessment of Damages in the Billiri Crisis was asked to investigate the root causes of the violence and take account of human and material losses.

Adamu Dishi, the chairperson of the committee, while releasing the findings, on June 1, said 41 residential houses, 401 business premises and 33 worship centres were burnt and seven lives were lost to the crisis.

Many Nigerians were baffled by the eruption of the crisis in the agrarian community with President Muhammadu Buhari also issuing a statement to convey his great shock and deep concern.

Meanwhile, after the state government imposed a 24-hour curfew, among other measures, including flagging off a compensation plan for victims, calm was restored.

But because communal conflicts in some rural parts of Nigeria often feature a cycle of reprisal attacks, residents say there is still palpable tension in the area especially with a group discontented over the governors choice of the Mai Tangale.

Tangale land: The roots of Billiri

Billiri, one of the oldest settlements of the Tangales in Southern Gombe, is an ethnically plural community. While Christian groups form the majority, there are significant numbers of Muslim Hausas, Muslim Fulani and

traditionalists.

The town is one of the largest in Gombe State and arguably has one of the most educated populations, having produced several prominent people in the state.

The language of the dwellers is Tangale but they also speak Hausa, the common language in northern Nigeria.

According to the book, Teach Yourself the Tangale Language by Samuila Kure, Tangale people are believed to have migrated from Yemen through what is today called Borno State.

There are seven clans in Tangale, namely Banganje, Kalmai, Nathe, Tal, Tanglang, Tangaltong, and Todi. Billiri is one of the areas in Tangaltong. The area called Tangaltong includes Billiri, Bare and Kantali.

Communal crisis not new to Billiri

There has been a long-running communal dispute between the people of Billiri and neighbouring Kaltungo and Shongom. Many writers and oral traditions say the dispute was caused by land ownership. There is also a lingering legal battle over land ownership between the Tangale and Kulishin people in Shongom Local Government Area of Kaltungo Chiefdom.

But religion had never been a reason for conflict or an issue in the selection of a new Mai of Tangale, until this last one.

The violent attacks in the area were expressions of bottled resentment in the Mai of Tangale selection process, a PREMIUM TIMES reporter found as he travelled around Billiri and environs for several days in late October. The trigger for the violence was a perception that the governor of the state was biased, in support of a Christian aspirant.

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Our investigation included on-the-ground reporting in villages across the area, extensive review and analysis of reports of government panels, graphic pictures obtained from communities and security sources, and interviews with officials, victims, locals and leaders representing Christian, traditional and Islamic religions.

Compensation for victims

In late September, the state government identified 554 victims through the panel of inquiry that was set up. It then approved almost N600 million compensation for those victims.

The state Deputy Governor, Manassah Jatau, who flagged off the payment, said the compensation would be paid in two phases, with the first phase comprising 103 beneficiaries, while 451 victims would be compensated in the

second phase.

Mr Alhassan, Danlalas brother, said his family was among the beneficiaries of the first phase. They gave us N5 million for my late brother, he said.

Many other victims that spoke to our correspondent said they were compensated with up to 80 per cent of the value of their losses.

Yes they paid but in many instances, the government used old estimates and prices which are no longer obtainable, Amino Madara, the owner of one of the razed pharmacy shops in Biliri market, said.

The compensation plan also included the rebuilding of places of worship and other public places destroyed during the riots. Those that lost businesses, houses and means of livelihoods and loved ones were given monetary compensations, the authorities said.

Earlier, in February, about a week after the riots, Governor Yahaya called on leaders of both Christian and Muslim groups in an attempt to foster peace and restore permanent calm.

John Joseph, the chairman of the Billiri Local Government Area (LGA) chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), at the event, asked the Muslim community for forgiveness over the violence.

Additionally, some suspects have been arrested and are being prosecuted, Adamu Kupto, the state Commissioner for Internal Security and Ethical Orientation, told PREMIUM TIMES.

Latent Conflict remains

But despite these measures which have largely contributed to the restoration of peace in Billiri, many residents, especially Christians, still carry heavy hearts, saying the governor has altered the traditional process of the people in the choice he made in the selection of the Mai Tangale.

The traditional process involves the kingmakers voting to recommend a candidate to the governor for his approval.

Let me tell you, this governor is a very wicked governor, Akula Mai-Kano said, obviously still angry.

Mr Mai-Kano, who holds the title of Mabudin Tangale, accused the governor of orchestrating the crisis.

He is the one that has brought about this issue in the first place. Before now, Christians and Muslims have been living in peace and harmony. Before the chief died, he had an elder brother, Tafida, who also ruled but is a Muslim. The Christians fought to make sure that Tafida was made chief at that time. The governor was the one that brought the differences in religion, Mr Mai-Kano, a Christian, said.

They are saying the Christians are fighting because they want a Christian to rule but we Christians are saying that is not the case. We only want fairness. If a Muslim had won the election even with five votes, I assure you there wouldnt have been any problem.

He (the governor) has refused to allow the people to continue with their tradition, Mr Mai-Kano said.

Simmering tension

Billiri, a commercial town, is usually calm but busy. Businesses and transportation have long resumed as many of the shops and mosques are under reconstruction, our reporter observed during his visit.

But talking to residents and visiting specific areas, it did not take long to realise the calmness masks a simmering tension in the town.

A resident, Mustapha Ahmed, would subsequently confirm the observation.

Yes, calm has returned but not everyone has forgotten, especially with the way the government handled the selection of the Mai, he said.

Mr Ahmed, the third Liman of the Billiri mosque, subtly blamed the Christian community for the crisis:

I think our neighbours who we live together with are the ones who burnt down our houses, markets and mosques.

The riot started on a Tuesday night and by Wednesday morning, the protesters were burning tyres in the streets and nobody could go to the Kantoma market. All shops were closed, he recalled.

As the protests continued till Friday, our leaders advised us not to come out for Friday prayers, so we were all at home. Towards evening, around 5 p.m., the violent attacks started.

While we were at home we saw thick smoke and then the news came to us that the rioters had attacked and burnt the mosque and Kantoma market. Then everyone started running for his or her lives, he narrated.

The Islam cleric took this reporter on a tour of some of the sites of the crisis. Most of the destroyed properties were either under construction or already fixed. For instance, the shops at Kantoma Market were still under reconstruction. The mosque that was burnt in front of the palace of Galadiman Tangale was also under construction.

However, the home of a prominent member of the community and a former ambassador, Saidu Mohammed, remained in ruins when our reporter visited.

The main building and the mosque were vandalised and burnt down despite the fortified security. Many described the former ambassador as the biggest casualty of the mayhem.

There were no family members available in the house to speak about the incident as the reporter was told the former ambassador was out of the country, addressing health challenges.

Personally, I lost almost N10 million because they destroyed cars in the palace. Also windows, doors and some of my family clothing and wears, said Yusuf Galadima, the Galadima of Tangale Chiefdom, who shared how his palace was destroyed.

Accounts of the violence have mainly portrayed the Muslim community as victims. But PREMIUM TIMES findings revealed some Christians and foreigners who ply their trades in the community also suffered human and

material losses.

John Panguru, a Christian victim, said he lost properties worth over N23 million. He, however, said he lost those properties because his tenants were predominantly Hausa Muslims.

Yes, the crisis equally affected the Christians because more than 30 Christians lost their houses and shops. Both Christians and Muslims died. I think three deaths were recorded among the Christians, Mr Mai-Kano said.

Mr Mai-Kano could, however, not identify or take the reporter to the families of those he was referring to.

The Controversial Selection Process

Since the inception of the traditional stool of Tangale, there have been 15 Mais that have ruled the seven clans of the ethnic group, out of which 12 were traditionalists and two Muslims.

Despite being the larger population, the Christians have had only one Mai, which is the late Mai Abdu Buba Maisheru II who died early this year. He was also the Chairman of the Association of Northern Christian Traditional Rulers.

The departure from traditionalists as rulers started with the 13th Mai, Ilyasu Maiyamba (a Muslim), who ruled for 35 years (1951-1986) and then the 14th, Muhammadu Tafida Maiyamba (also a Muslim) who ruled for 11 years

(1986-1997) before late Maisherus reign (2001-2021). Mr Maisheru was a Christian.

While religion had never been a condition for selecting a Mai, Mr Mai-Kano said, tension started brewing since the selection of the late Mai.

He alleged Idris Maiyamba and not the late king Maisheru had won the first selection process. But that was annulled after some supposed candidates approached the courts, claiming they were marginalised, he said.

By the time the second election was conducted, Mr Maiyamba, the father of Musa Maiyamba who contested in this recent selection process, had reconverted to Islam, a move that left some kingmakers feeling offended as

it appears the candidates are now giving religious colouration to the seat.

They say before Maiyambas initial conversion to Christianity, he came from a royal Muslim family and his grandfather, Iliyasu was elected Mai by mostly Christian kingmakers who never took religion as a prerequisite.

Consequently, the kingmakers voted for Buba Maisheru II, a Christian, in the second election, Mr Mai-Kano narrated.

Upon Mai Maisherus death, the kingmakers, who are members of the Tangale Traditional Council, called on members of the royal family to indicate interest in contesting for the position.

According to Mr Mai-Kano, after the expression of interest from persons of royal blood who were deemed qualified, an election was conducted by the kingmakers. He stated that the kingmakers were nine with seven representing the seven clans of Tangale, including two other senior title holders.

Law of selection

Having taken notice of the divergencies in the selection process of traditional rulers in Gombe, the state assembly in 2020 passed the amended chieftaincy bill into law.

According to officials in the state, the late Maisheru was the person who led traditional rulers to the public hearing and contributed to making the law what it is today.

Part three of the Law, section 9 (a) stipulates that the functions of the Council of Traditional Kingmakers include: Upon the death, resignation, removal or deposition of an Emir or a Chief, to screen and decide on persons suitably qualified to be appointed as Emir or Chief in accordance with custom or tradition of the Emirate or Chiefdom.

But the succeeding section 9 (b) makes it even clearer, that this function shall only be to recommend to the Governor the names of three suitably qualified persons to be recommended as the Emir or Chief from which the

governor shall appoint the one he finds most suitable.

Upon receiving the three recommended nominees from the kingmakers, the law provides that The Governor MAY consult the State Council of Chiefs on the appointment of an Emir or a Chief.

After the kingmakers had recommended the names of three persons, the governor went into consultations on the suitability or otherwise on each of those three candidates. He came up with the name of one that he felt that is more suitable and appropriate person to be appointed as the next Chief or Mai Tangale, Zubairu Umar, the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, said.

This law is saying where an emir or a chief dies, the kingmakers are to sit down after the traditional mourning period is over to look at the candidates who have applied for the seat of the chief. They will now screen all the candidates, they will also present three names who are suitably and qualified princes to the governor for the appointment of one of them as the chief. That is the provision of the law. That has been the provision of the

law even in that of 2004, he added.

The kingmakers eventually selected Musa Maiyamba, a Christian and son of Idris who contested in the last election; Danladi Maiyamba, a Muslim, and Ahmadu Magaji, also a Muslim. The three names were, therefore, sent to the governor.

Executive delay

Tension started simmering after no word was heard from the governor three days after the nomination of the three princes. Rumours had already gone viral that Musa Maiyamba got the highest votes.

For many days after the election, no reason was given by the governor as regards why the state government refused to give Maiyamba his appointment letter. What we heard is that the governor doesnt like him and prefers a Muslim candidate, said Mr Panguru who holds the title of Garkuwan Tangale.

These allegations against Governor Yahaya reechoed in some other interviews, particularly among the Christians.

The National Christian Elders Forum, led by a former Minister of Defence, Theophilus Danjuma, and other elder statesmen, criticised the alleged planned imposition of a Mai by the governor.

But the state government pushed back, saying Mr Yahaya would not succumb to political and religious pressure in expressing his authority.

At a meeting with the states Council of Emirs and Chiefs, religious leaders and non-indigenous communities, Governor Yahaya attributed his delay in the announcement to proper consultations I had to make so as not to make mistake in the selection.

Im telling you in all honesty that I will not surrender my rights and privileges or power as a governor. As a governor, I have the sole authority to install, appoint, or depose any chief or emir in Gombe State. It is not my own making but it is God that made it possible for me with your support that whosoever becomes governor can do whatsoever.

If he feels he has no conscience and will allow anything to happen, fine and good. But for me, no way. I will do whatever it takes to give you protection, to ensure the spirit of the constitution is implemented to the letter, he had said after the consultative meeting in February.

False information

Mr Muhammed, the attorney-general, blamed the crisis on false information.

Well, it will be very unfair for anybody to say that genesis of the crisis was as a result of the delay in the announcement of the next Mai Tangale because, in the same Chiefdom, there was a time there was a delay for

years before the next Mai was appointed. So this is not a delay.

From our own understanding and from what I believe is the outcome of the judicial commission of inquiry was that there was an unfounded perception which was blown out of proportion by the social media, showing or alleging that the governor or the government was going to appoint somebody who some few people do not want to be appointed or who prefer somebody else. That, I believe, was the genesis of the crisis, Mr Muhammed said.

And incidentally after the kingmakers had recommended the names of three persons, the governor went into consultations on the suitability or otherwise of each of those three candidates and he came up with the name of one that he felt is more suitable and appropriate person to be appointed as the next Chief or Mai Tangale. Then some people under the cover of political thinking went into rampage and instigated some women to go and block a major highway and then they were supplying drugs to some people to go into mayhem which caused alot of damage and lives in Billiri, the attorney-general said.

Unfazed

Amid the protests, the state government on March 3 announced the appointment of Danladi Maiyamba as the new Mai Tangale when the situation was brought under control by security agents.

That was after the state government declared that it would not go ahead with the announcement of the new Mai Tangale unless the protesters clear off the road and allow peace in the area.

Thereafter, the Commissioner, Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ibrahim Jalo, presented an appointment letter to the new Mai Tangle in Poshiya, Billiri.

It took the state government almost three months to announce a new Mai after the death of Buba Maisheru. He died on January 11, the kingmakers sat February 18 to elect a new Mai, same day the crises started with a protest.

The state government imposed a curfew on the same day while the Governor visited the town the next day to meet with religius leaders. A new Mai Tangale was subsequently announced on March 3.

For now, peace has been restored in Biliri as the government tried to heal the wounds from the crisis and the people resumed their livelihoods.

Support for this story was provided by the Center for Democracy and Development (CDD) under its Strengthening the Delivery of Peace and Security (SDPS) project.
Eze Ajoku is the president of the Coalition for the Rights of Older Persons in Nigeria (COSROPIN). A former Nigerian senator, who represented Imo East Senatorial District in 2005, he also heads Darlez Care Orphanage Home and Coalition of Cregivers, Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Nigeria. In this interview, he outlines the survival challenges faced by older/senior citizens in Nigeria and efforts to turn the tide through advocacy and legislation.

Excerpts:

PT: Would you say our senior citizens have been fairly treated over the years?

Ajoku: First of all, who is an older citizen in Nigeria? Primarily, that is anyone who is 60 years and above. That is what the nation has accepted. That is why the government retires people at 60. They declare them at that time, senior citizen, older persons, not fit for work so you should go home. In terms of treatment, what happens when that person is sent home. Immediately a civil servant is retired, his (or her) health insurance is stopped. He has no more health coverage. If he has to go to the hospital if he is sick, he has to pay from his pocket. Secondly, that civil servant doesnt get any form of payment from the government till about one year and six months (after retiring). That is why those who retire either die or get into a worse medical condition because at that time, if they didnt steal while in office or were corrupt, they would be empty in terms of financial support. In that way, you will find out that our older persons are not well treated. There has been some improvement in the regularity of payment of pensions in the last few years but in some states, pensions are not even paid three or four years after you retire. When we are talking about older persons, we are not talking about those in the FCT but older Nigerians wherever they are located. Some of the things the older persons are denied is health coverage, social security and financial security. That is not a good way to treat older persons.

PT: Culturally, Nigerians respect older persons, at least ideally. What would you tie to this current negative trend, you outlined?

Ajoku: There is a failure in the system for people to recognise that one day they would also retire and that things are not right. For example, if I am in service now and I realise those who retired before me were not well treated, I will put in place measures to ensure they are better treated, then there will be policies in place to ensure that all these things are covered because it is the government that develops policies and work systems to ensure all are covered. That why those of us in NGOs put pressure on the government to put in place policies that will benefit all people. The failure of workers while they are still in service to put in place policies and procedures that will cater for them when they retire is the cause of all these. A civil servant who is not corrupt is going to face a hard time when he retires.

When I was a much younger person in Lagos, one of my mentors, a good example of a Christian believer in government, decent man who was not corrupt, not only did they take his insurance and all these things I am talking about, they moved him out of his house and allocated that house to another senior civil servant. If not that during the Obasanjo era they sold those houses to people (civil servants), if civil servants were still occupying government houses, the day they retire, they move out, another civil servant moves into the house. It is the institutional framework that denies them those benefits. If you look at government plan and initiatives, they do not in any way accommodate older persons. It is the work of NGOs like COSROPIN, that has given birth to the National Senior Citizens Centre where now there is an agency that should be looking after older persons. But that agency needs the cooperation of other agencies in order to make an impact.

PT: As a former senator, who is well-travelled, what are the best global practices of how other nations treat senior citizens?

Ajoku: In Nigeria, there is no social security structure that when you are working you pay. Our pension system does not provide us that social security. In developed climes, senior citizens are respected and they are well treated by their government. They are looked after. Most Nigerians who are in the U.S. are in care business. They establish homes and the government puts their older persons in those homes and pay for the older persons to be looked after. They are not like our old peoples homes. They are care homes. Once you are 60 years above, you have a discount on your medications, travel and I guess in accommodation, there must be some packages for older persons. Thats what happens in other climes and we are yet to get there (in Nigeria). All the care homes I know are still owned by individuals. The government has not set up anything to look after older persons. In this country, there are less than nine geriatricians (doctors for older persons). There are no geriatric wards so that if an older person goes to the hospital, there is a ward that he (or she) goes to and doctors there are specialised in treating diseases of older persons. When an older person goes to the hospital, he does not go with only one type of ailment, most are diabetic, hypertensive, they have arthritis: you find out that anytime he goes to the hospital, he is a combination of those things, including his eyes. We have made no arrangement or provision to look after our older citizens.

PT: What sort of legislative and institutional framework are you exploring to ensure the rights of older persons are defended in Nigeria?

Ajoku: When the Coalition of Societies for the Rights of Older Persons came on board, one of the things we identified first was that there was no legal framework on which to advocate the rights and privileges of older persons. That was why we set about putting together a bill. We started putting together that bill in 2016. Between 2016 and now, that bill has been passed by the Senate and is at the last stage of concurrence with the House of Representatives. What that bill seeks is to define some of the rights and privileges of these older persons. We have also together with the government developed a National Policy on Ageing that should also cater for the needs of older persons driving all relevant MDAs to work together to ensure that older persons are looked after. A lot of awareness has now been created. The activities of the humanitarian ministry are helping. They are not reaching out to all older people but in their social security they are capturing some older persons. Right now, the government is responding to some of these needs. I am on two ministerial committees. One of them is fashioning out health insurance for Nigerian older persons. We are going to present to the minister our report and thereafter we will present our recommendations. Funding such insurance should not be a problem against the backdrop of many organisations that are swimming in profits in Nigeria.

PT: Tell us more about COSROPIN and how it was birthed including its achievements so far.

Ajoku: The Coalition of Societies for the Rights of Older Persons was a recognition by some of us that NGOs, CSOs and retirement groups are not speaking with one voice for the government to hear them. During the 6th anniversary of Graceful Ageing Fellowship (GRAF), we felt there was a need to gather all those in ageing related businesses to come together and that is how we formed the coalition. The work of the coalition is to put pressure on government. We have held two national conferences on ageing. The government participated. We have been advocating through MDAs for better treatment of older persons and I am glad that government is responding. In 2016, when we started, we went for defence. We appreciate efforts of some senators in the past to come out with bills that would look after children and older persons. Eventually we wanted an older persons commission. But the bill, after it had gone through all the stages, ended up becoming the National Senior Citizens Centre bill that the president signed. There is a National Senior Citizens Centre. The board has been appointed. It is the only agency now to look after older persons. COSROPIN was the one who took that bill to the humanitarian ministry and prevailed on them. The minister assured us that she was going to ensure that the centre was actualised and also that the policy was implemented. COSROPIN is a member of the board. The coalition consists of senior civil servants, the army, navy, police, air force, Nigerian Union of Pensioners, everyone working in the ageing sector, etc We are expecting that the bill that will provide the legal framework for the rights and privileges of older persons to be entrenched will soon be passed.

PT: Are you taking up this challenge because you are an older citizen or are there aligned reasons for your passion?

Ajoku: I got into ageing by the special grace of God. When I was 62 years old, I had finished from the Senate. I was going through all those older persons diseases: diabetes, hypertension, etc and it was very bad at a time. The doctor said I needed a lifestyle change. He lectured me on the need to change my lifestyle: food, exercising, spirituality, etc. when I did all these things including taking my wife to him to find out what I should be eating, I found out that I was improving. I felt God was saying to me that what you have learnt that is making you to feel right, many of your mates dont know it. So teach your mates. I spoke to my pastor who called members of the church who were 50 years and above. And that was how Graceful Ageing Fellowship started. It was to be Graceful Ageing Forum but we went to CAC, they said Forum cannot be registered. So we just ditched the F and called it Fellowship. That was why I basically got into healthy ageing. It was from healthy ageing that God started helping me to reach out. I established Graceful ageing fellowship across this country. Port Harcourt, Owerri, Aba, Enugu, Jos, Makurdi, Minna, Lagos and moved to Ghana, Liberia and Cote D Voire. Managing them became too hard as I had to be in those locations. It was taking a toll on my health so we focused on Abuja. It was during our 6th anniversary that I felt look, government will hear our voices because most of the people I knew in ageing were just struggling and that was one of the things that has led to the emergence of COSROPIN

Also, my mother also is an older person. She is still alive and will be celebrating her 103 years on earth on the 26th of December. I am 74. Both me and my mother are in the class of older persons. My wife is over 60. We have looked at those that surround us in the rural areas and we see what they are going through. It is not a fight for myself anymore. It is a conviction. This country has given a lot of benefit to me. I was in the Senate, worked, I run a business. I have decided to spend my energy to get government that has the capacity to improve the lot of older personsCOSROPIN has become a voice for older person. I was returned as the president of COSROPIN this September for another three years because people feel I have the passion for older persons. It is humanitarian service for mewhat binds all of us together in the care for older persons.

PT: What are benefits of the centre when fully operational?

Ajoku: It is only agency of the government that is concerned about the issues of older persons. The centre will now liaise with all government agencies to ensure that policies are in place. The centre will be given money for programmes and that is why the NGOs are there. The government has never on its own succeeded in most businesses. The CSOs, NGOs are normally the extension of their work in the rural areas. The centre will be expected to work with NGOs. For instance, the Ministry of Women Affairs has the Women Development Centre. The Women Development Centre is working with the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS). They are the leg and the arm of the Women Development Centre. The NGOs like the coalition, which has right now about 82 members, should be the foot soldiers of the centre. If the centre is not using the coalition, then it is trying to recreate the wheels and wating national resources. The coalition is in every state and readily on the ground. The centre will be a policy making and programme development centre but the implementation of those programmes will need foot soldiers and that is where the coalition comes in. And that is why most African countries are making efforts to make coalitions on ageing.

PT: What nuggets do you have for younger persons?

Ajoku: They must understand that they will get older someday. The Igbos have a saying: if a young man wants to show his strength, and breaks the stools which old people sit on, when he gets old, he will not have the pleasure of the old peoples stool because its broken down. Do all you can to support your older parents because they laboured to support you even when they did not because they lacked. Respect and support older persons. Whenever you find yourself, put in place policies that would take care of yourself when you get old
Access to justice in Nigeria is still poor especially for women victims of violence, Osai Ojigho, country director of Amnesty International (AI), says in this interview with PREMIUM TIMES Chiamaka Okafor where she talks about AIs latest research, The Harrowing Journey, Access to Justice for Women and Girl Survivors of Rape.

The research covered about two years of study and found that rape was the most prevalent form of Sexual Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Nigeria, with about 11,200 rape cases recorded by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in 2020.

Amnesty International is a human rights organisation present in over 150 countries worldwide. It campaigns for a world where everyones right is important and should be protected.

PT: You have a new research focusing on Sexual Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria, please tell us about this research and its findings?

Ms Ojigho: Recently, Amnesty International Nigeria launched a report titled The Harrowing Journey, Access to Justice for Women and Girl Survivors of Rape.

This covered nearly two years of study by Amnesty and partners with regards to the shadow pandemic that arose following the COVID-19 lockdown. We discovered that quite a number of domestic and gender-based violence, in general, were raised but for sexual violence, particularly rape, was quite prevalent during this lockdown.

Furthermore, we also discovered that the laws that have been enacted to prevent and protect people from rape were underutilised and were not as effective as we thought.

The study covered both the legal framework as well as interviews with victims, survivors, and with human rights defenders, including government agencies like the National Agency for the Prevention of Trafficking of Persons (NAPTIP); the Nigerian police, particularly their gender desk officers, the Ministry of Women Affairs; National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) as well as the Federal Ministry of Justice.

The idea was to understand the journey of a complainant from the time the incident is reported until it gets to court.

Sadly, our research shows that many victims never even got that far as to getting their perpetrators investigated and punished. Several of the people who contributed their stories to us shared how disappointed they were with the polices handling of their cases.

There were issues of request for money to facilitate investigation and transport for the survivors or their families to clinics to carry out medical examinations. There were also issues of collusion, whereby victims were convinced or encouraged to settle with the perpetrators. Also, when perpetrators attack or threaten survivors, the police are rarely able to protect them.

Despite the fact that we have the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (VAPPA) which is applicable in FCT and other states that have domesticated it, the police were not using the act.

The NHRC in their annual report of cases of sexual and gender-based violence for the year 2020 reported 11,200 cases of rape; this is just from the NHRC and we know that rape as an offence is largely underreported. This shows that even with those who have the courage to report, convictions are still very low and it all boils down to their experience in seeking justice.

If the police in their line of questioning are not able to gain the trust of the survivors and their families, they are most likely not to continue with the process. Also, if cultural bias towards female victims continues to operate in the minds of the officers who are supposed to protect and provide service for them. Even in hospitals, there were stories of victims being uncomfortable during examinations, talked down on, victims being shamed for what happened to them.

If all of them continue to happen at every stage of the process, fewer victims will turn up and be committed to seeing it through.

Finally, the law provides for the security agents and the justice actors to facilitate protection and access for the victims. However, due to insufficient funds and lack of specialisation for many of those who are coming in contact with survivors of rape, they are not getting these services.

PT: What is Amnestys recommendation having found all these?

Ms Ojigho: A major recommendation Amnesty International is requesting is for resources to be allocated to the police, to the medical service providers in both public and private hospitals, specific training for officers in the Ministry of Justice who will prosecute these cases, and also for judges. Because without that awareness, gender-sensitive training, and a conviction that these cases can be successful, they are going to continue to discourage survivors from actually pursuing justice.

The other recommendation is around the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (VAPPA). Our governors declared a state of emergency against gender-based violence in June 2020. Over a year now, many states still have not passed or signed the VAPPA into law, which provides the framework for a more robust application on the issue of rape, including punishment, provision of protective services for victims and survivors; which will go a long way to reforming the Nigerian legal system.

Sadly, many women who were impacted as a result of their SGBV experience have lost their lives and in our report, we documented the stories of Uwa, Barakat, of the young 11-year old and also the story of Karen here in Abuja who died as a result of injuries resulting from rape.

The question is how many women still need to die? How many women and girls still need to experience this horrific act before the government put action to words to ensure that the menace of rape is erased from our society?

PT: In one word or in a few sentences, what is Amnesty Internationals assessment of justice in Nigeria?

Ms Ojigho: I will say that access to justice in Nigeria is still crawling, especially for women victims of violence. There are a lot of cultural taboos around womens bodily integrity which is already a barrier to accessing the services they need. You would have thought with Nigerian ratification of relevant international treaties like the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and the Maputo Protocol on the rights of women in Africa that we would have more gender-sensitive services for women. However, despite several years of ratification of these instruments, Nigeria is still slowly crawling to making substantive rights enjoyed by women and girls throughout the country.

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PT: So what specific actions are Amnesty International taking to make sure that there is improvement in access to justice for women in Nigeria?

Ms Ojigho: One thing we are doing is human rights education because for you to claim your rights, you need to know what they are and so we have deployed creative means to do this. So not only in written form like in our report, briefs, and newsletters but we are also using theatre, we are using film, we are using music.

A lot of the activities we incorporate now are targeting community-based level intervention. The other is moving from policy to action; our advocacy with policymakers like at the National Assembly, with the Ministry of Justice, is about finding concrete means to actualise this declaration that the Nigerian Governors Forum, for example, made and by the attorney general of the federation.

So, we provide examples of what has gone on in other countries and could be adaptable to the Nigerian context.

Finally, we also use the opportunity to document cases of rape that have been successfully prosecuted, by showing officers, particularly police officers, that it is possible.

Because one of the reasons they discourage survivors from coming forward is because of reasons like; I wont be able to get the evidence; it is going to take a long time; we are not going to be able to convict this person; your life will be miserable; everybody would know what happened to you.

And that is why I like the intervention championed by the European Union and other partners for special courts to be created by the government in order to tackle this issue of rape and SGBV in our society.

PT: Now that you have mentioned the special court law, is Amnesty International partnering or offering some form of support to SARCs alongside what the EU and the British Council is doing through the spotlight initiative? How is Amnesty International keying into the special SGBV court initiative?

Ms Ojigho: Amnesty International is doing more around campaigning as well as advocacy around this issue. Because we do not provide frontline services, our strength is in research  groundbreaking research which is then used by other groups in order to move policymakers to act.

We also are interested in how human rights defenders are engaging with these courts. So, a lot of training on evidence collection, on documentation of human rights violations, and support in raising awareness about these courts. And we will be joining other groups to support the establishment or the designation of specific courts in various jurisdictions across Nigeria to deal with only SGBV cases.

PT: So, if I get you clearly, Amnesty is supporting by a way of advocacy and training?

Ms Ojigho: Yes.

PT: So, generally, on human rights violations in Nigeria, some persons have said Amnesty International is partial in their advocacy. For example, during the #EndSARS protest, people did not see Amnesty International proactively come out to condemn the attacks on police officers. So they say they are partial because these are the police. So, what is Amnestys response to the feeling of partiality from members of the public?

Ms Ojigho: I would say that there are a lot more people who are aware of what we do now than ever before and they recognise that we always present the facts as it happens. That said, there seem to be attempts to kind of diminish the voices of those that are marginalised out of society.

Amnesty International consistently condemns any act of violence and violations, and criminal activity, which we denounce, but we continually invest our time and energy in raising the voices of those who are not close to power.

And so what the authorities need to be addressing is that all lives matter and if they have addressed the issue of those who have been impacted by the violations of their own agents, they will better be able to also address those who are violating the rights of their officers.

This has been our consistent call and I feel the issue that happened with the police officers and other security agents is very unfortunate. It is actually a reflection of the failure of the government to protect all of us and we all should be joining hands to condemn any sort of violence and any sort of deaths resulting from this because no ones life should ever be lost as a result of carrying out their duty or voicing their opinion.

PT: Okay, you agree with me that freedom of expression is one very sacrosanct human right that should not be tampered with or violated anywhere in the world and even in Nigeria. And then, of course, freedom of expression is mostly upheld by the freedom of the media, and of course, there is no democracy without the freedom of the press. So what is Amnesty International doing for press freedom in Nigeria?

Ms Ojigho: Press freedom is largely linked to the exercise of our freedom of expression because if the press is also gagged, who is going to carry our stories? Who is going to disseminate it? Who is going to be able to present it to the people who have the power to make change happen?

And to Amnesty International, a couple of years ago we launched a campaign called the Press for Freedom campaign, and this year we revamped it a little bit by calling it Talk Your Truth.

This was to ensure that we could get the voices of bloggers, activists also included in this push back against press freedom in Nigeria.

More specifically, we have done training for journalists across the country in different media because you need to be equipped to be able to do your work securely. So, around safety and security for journalists, also around building capacity or even accessing your right, one as a journalist but also as a human being who has the right to freedom of expression.

The other is monitoring cases of journalists that have been targeted by the authorities. So, this involved cases like Jones Abiri who forcibly disappeared for years and eventually was released.

Also, cases of those who have been labelled or demoralised, media houses that have been demolished or raided and gather all this information to also present at relevant international and regional human rights summits. So, for example, Amnesty International, in our report to the UN committee against torture, recently had shared the stories of journalists that were tortured and detained by security agents for covering stories that they consider problematic to the government.

When the international conference on the media was held, Amnesty also shared our briefing which was titled Endangered Voices. All of these, we believe go a long way in highlighting the dangerous environment and difficult circumstances that journalists and media practitioners undergo in Nigeria. But more importantly gives them the confidence that when they are attacked, there is a body like Amnesty International that is seeking recourse for them in the relevant courts and institutions across the world.

PT: Do you offer any form of legal support for journalists or what kind of tangible support do you offer to journalists in Nigeria?

Ms Ojigho: There are more specialised organisations dealing with journalists protection. And so, we meet them and we escalate these cases to those organisations. In a few cases, we have been able to also rally and develop what we call an urgent appeal for journalists at risk. For example like Jafar Jafar which involved ensuring that the police knew that Amnesty International and other organisations were watching out for him, to also be able to support him in carrying out his work.

There have been some journalists that have gotten their laptops smashed and some of their equipment of trade. If they qualify within a very limited pool of funds we have that is housed by sections outside of Nigeria, they can actually have this equipment replaced  if they qualify.

But largely, what we do is more strategic empowerment because if we get more people in networks and coalitions, it is a lot harder than isolating individual journalists to target and harm them. So, we try to build that solidarity even within the media community so that they could recognise that an injury to one is an injury to all and together we are stronger.

PT: So, what is the biggest impact you have recorded from your interventions for journalists and general human rights issues in Nigeria?

Ms Ojigho: Well, I will say that one big impact is the pushback against the NGO and the social media bill. And we know that there are several attempts to amend the press act and other laws. We have campaigned successfully about the use of the terrorism act and the Cybercrimes Act to target journalists.

The African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights actually wrote to the president on this particular issue  the use of the cybercrime act to target journalists and this led to a lot of conversations around self-regulation among bloggers and media practitioners.

But the most successful case we have had has been Jones Abiri whom everyone thought had been killed but was discovered; he was released; charges dropped, and even successfully sued the department of state services for his unlawful detention; and who is now going about, carrying out his daily activities. So, it is a poster child of what can happen when people come together to campaign and are consistent in ensuring that justice is served.

PT: Finally, what are Amnesty Internationals activities around the 16 days of activism?

Ms Ojigho: The 16 days of activism is celebrating 30 years globally this year. So, it is a significant time for us to reflect on the many cases that we have taken and also to celebrate the women human rights defenders who made this possible.

For 2021, Amnesty International is promoting the findings of our report, The Harrowing Journey Access justice for women and girls survivors of rape.

We are also promoting the stories of a group of women from northern Nigeria known as The Nifa Women who have been campaigning for justice since they were traumatised by the Boko Haram insurgency. Many of them also suffered rape while they were in the IDP camps and they are still waiting for justice for themselves and their families.

We will be promoting a few global cases this year. One is the experience of Afghan women who are now under a very brutal regime with regards to their rights.

And later on, in 16 days, well be looking at the cases of forced pregnancy of young girls in Paraguay who are made to carry these pregnancies, and yet the perpetrators of the rape are yet to be prosecuted and justice served to them.

Finally, we will be looking at cases of human rights defenders who despite the odds during the COVID-19 lockdown were able to achieve a lot for the community they served. And there really needs to be better attention focused on the provision of services for all survivors of SGBV in Nigeria.
Nigerias former vice-president Atiku Abubakar has said the same energy with which the country persuades Nigerians to vaccinate against infectious diseases such as polio and the coronavirus pandemic, should be deployed to ensure that parents enrol their children and wards in schools.

Mr Abubakar, who said his father was once jailed by local authorities for refusing to enroll him in school as a young boy, suggested that parents should be persuaded, even forced, to send their children to school so they, at least, acquire basic education.

He said such is the only way to cut down considerably the countrys growing figure of out-of-school children, which he put at more than 13 million.

The politician gave the advice in his lecture at the weekend during the convocation ceremonies of Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, where he spoke on the theme; Diversity, Education and Autonomy: Developing Nigeria in the Years Ahead.

He said; We persuade parents to vaccinate their children against infectious diseases because vaccination is a good thing. Why dont we do the same for education? Parents should be persuaded, even forced, to send their children to school so they, at least, acquire basic education. That basic education should be free and compulsory.

I believe that if there are severe consequences for parents who refuse to send their children to have free primary and secondary education, we would not have over 13 million out-of-school children in Nigeria. Certainly not. Our per capita income would not have stagnated for 40 years. Think about it, our per capita income is today what it was forty years ago.

What existing law says

In Nigeria, the Part 1, Item 2 of the Compulsory, Free Universal Basic Education Act, 2004 speaks on the right of a child to compulsory, free universal basic education, stipulating sanctions against defaulters.

The law says that; Every Government in Nigeria shall provide free, compulsory and universal basic education for every child of primary and junior secondary school age; tha every parent shall ensure that his child or ward attends and completes his  (a) primary school education; and (b) junior secondary school education, by endeavouring to send the child to primary and junior secondary schools. (3) The stakeholders in education in a local government area, shall ensure that every parent or person who has the care and custody of a child performs the duty imposed on him under section 2(2) of this Act.

And in stipulating punishment, the law noted that; A parent who contravenes section 2 (2) of this Act commits an offence and is liable- (a) on first conviction, to be reprimanded; (b) on second conviction, to a fine of N2,000 or imprisonment for a term of 1 month or to both; and (c) on subsequent conviction, to a fine of N5,000 or imprisonment for a term of 2 months or to both

Realities

However, since the law was enacted in 2004, it is not certain if any individual has been successfully tried and convicted in any part of the country, yet millions of children currently roam the streets.

Official statistics from the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) says about 10.5 million of the countrys children aged 5-14 years are not in school and that only 61 per cent of 6-11 year-olds regularly attend primary school and only 35.6 percent of children aged 36-59 months receive early childhood education.

In North-eastern region of the country, and particularly Borno, Yobe and Mr Atikus homestate of Adamawa, UNICEF says 2.8 million children are in need of education-in-emergencies support, noting that at least 802 schools remain closed and 497 classrooms are listed as destroyed, with another 1,392 damaged but repairable.

Atikus experience

Mr Abubakar has never hesitated to tell the story of how his father was jailed for allegedly deliberately refusing to send him to school because he was herding his cattle.

He repeated the story in his convocation lecture to drive home his points on why Nigeria must enforce what the law says about school enrollment towards addressing the socio-economic afflictions in the country.

He said; Permit me to start with a personal story. When I was a little boy my father, who was very poor, refused to send me to school. He did not hate or dislike education of any type. And it was not about school fees; in fact, we were even paid to go to school in those days. He just needed me to herd cattle. That was normal in those days, and is still so for many families, even today. For refusing to send me to school, he was sent to jail by the local authorities. Eventually, I did go to school. Unfortunately, my father did not live long enough to see where education would take me. He drowned while trying to cross a local river. He was probably under 40 years of age by the time he died. I was an only child and was raised by my maternal grandparents.

My investments in education

According to the former vice president, his experience informed his philanthropic interventions in the education sector, which he noted led to the establishment of basic, high schools and a university in his home state of Adamawa, and precisely in its capital city, Yola.

Mr Abubakar said he realised early in life the importance of education and how if made available to many more young people, will also give them so much and help the country progress just like other countries that take education seriously.

He said the quest for individual or common autonomy can quickly be achieved through education, noting that as it is for individuals so it is for nations of the world.

He said countries that value education usually invest in it and that the nations that treat education and innovation more seriously and invest massively in them are also the leading nations of the world.

These are the reasons why my philanthropy has focused the most on education. After so many years of giving scholarships to students from less well-to-do families and helping friends and communities build schools across the country, I began to build a school system in my hometown, Yola, that today incorporates all levels, from kindergarten to university, he said.

Mr Abubakar added that; The existence of the university proved so timely and because Yola was (and remains) safe, the university assisted immensely in feeding nearly 3000 IDPs during the height of the Boko Haram insurgency. And it has been helping the rescued Chibok girls complete their education. In fact, 57 of those girls registered for undergraduate studies at American University of Nigeria this Semester. University education will prepare them and other students, just like the fresh graduates sitting here today for a life of more meaningful contributions to society and of course, more personal fulfillment.

Advice to graduands

The guest lecturer thanked the founders of the university, and particularly the frontliner, Bode Ayorinde, a lawyer, saying their intervention in the university is a tool towards achieving enduring peace in the country.

He advised the graduands to seek to help the world solve problems through innovative skills and intellectual endowments.

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He said; Let your imagination run wild. Imagine where you would be in 10 or 20 years from now. Imagine where Nigeria would be. Would you be satisfied with it? If so, what role would you have played in getting it there? If not, what role would you play in helping to get it to where you would be satisfied with its progress? What would be Nigerias population then? How educated would that population be? What would be the place of crude oil in the worlds energy mix by then? What would that mean for Nigeria? Is there a role that you can play in positioning Nigeria for that trajectory? Or would you just be fighting the wars we fight today over the sharing of oil revenues? Would you rather be one of those who move Nigeria beyond oil and other fossil fuels not only to help the countrys economy thrive in a new post-oil world but to also reduce global warming and protect our eco-system?

Would you be the one who solves Nigerias perennial challenge of providing electricity? Could you be the one who transforms the Made-in-Aba brands into global icons? Would you be content with debating about which region or zone should produce the next President or governor or rather organise and work to ensure that the country has governance and accountability structures, rules and processes which would ensure that where the president or governor comes from becomes less important.
Nigerian billionaire and Executive Chairman of Geregu Power Plant Plc , Femi Otedola, has given N2 million to the Abdulwaheeds who gave birth to quadruplets after their fourth child.

This is happening barely two weeks after PREMIUM TIMES reported that the couple residing in Gwako, a suburb of Gwagwalada area of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory could barely feed their family of six before the birth of the quadruplets.

This was asides losing their home and the wifes provision store to a flood incident that occurred in mid-2020.

Hassan Zakari, the owner of El-Hussain Specialist hospital, Dakwa, Dei-Dei had decided to help the couple and house the mother till she delivered her children. The hospital is currently still taking care of them.

Premium Times learnt that a representative of Femi Otedola Foundation, Kanmi Otaru, visited the hospital upon the directive of his principal, Mr Otedola, to know more about the situation.

On Friday, Mr Otaru returned and presented a cheque of N2 million to the couple at the hospital.

A video sent by Mr Zakari, quoted Mr Otaru as saying: My Chairman, Mr Femi Otedola, has been magnanimous a lot. He said I should bring bank draft of N2 million expressly for the children, for the purpose of their upkeep and care.

Chairman wants this to go for the housing of these children. Thereafter, every other thing can come in place.

Reacting to the gesture, the father of the quadruplets in a telephone interview told PREMIUM TIMES he was shocked when he learnt about the initial visit of the Femi Otedola Foundation official.

I thank God for everything because I didnt expect this. God can do anything, he said.

The hospital Chairman, Mr Zakari also expressed delight that he was able to save the family even after they were initially rejected by a teaching hospital.

I didnt care about their tribe or religion and where they come from. The good thing about this is that, where the teaching hospital cannot help them, I came in and it was successful, he said.

He further promised to take care of the quadruplets till they are six months old.

While commending the Federation of Muslim Women of Nigeria, a body that had earlier helped the family, he called for more support from the public.
Seventy-eight Nigerians on scholarship to study various courses have arrived in Russia, the Nigerian Embassy in Moscow has said.

The students, who are part of the second batch of the 2020/2021 academic year scholarship under the Russia-Nigeria Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA), arrived Vnukovo International airport, on December 6, a statement issued by the Embassy said.

The thirty-two (32) scholars, accompanied by two (2) officials of the Federal Scholarship Board (FSB) were received by officials of Nigerian Embassy, Moscow.

The first set of forty-six (46) students had earlier arrived on November 22, 2021, accompanied by officials of the Federal Scholarships Board (FSB), Abuja.

The students are currently undergoing mandatory language courses at the various universities in Russia, the statement said.

It said that the scholars are to be trained in different areas of specialisation, such as general medicine, aeronautic engineering, chemical technology, nuclear physics and technology, mechatronics and robotics, nanotechnology and microsystems engineering.

The statement noted that Russia has continually maintained excellent bilateral relations with the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and it has since, during the Soviet era, extended several scholarship opportunities for the training of Nigerian professionals in different fields.

Every year, over eighty-five (85) Nigerian students are awarded scholarships to study in Russia.

The number keeps on increasing yearly. In 2021, over one hundred Nigerian scholarship students, currently studying virtually, are scheduled to arrive before the end of the year, it said.

(NAN)
Police in Imo have rescued abducted Eze Damian Nwaigwe, the traditional ruler of Mbutu in Aboh-Mbaise council area unhurt.

The Police spokesperson in Imo, CSP Michael Abattam, said in a statement issued in Owerri on Saturday that the traditional ruler had been reunited with his family.

He added that security had been beefed in the area.

Eze Nwaigwe was kidnapped from his residence on Thursday, a day after the traditional ruler of Atta autonomous community in Njaba council area, Eze Edwin Azike was kidnapped.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Eze Azike was, however, not as lucky as he was found dead at a market square in his area on Friday.

(NAN)
Founder, Brainbuiders Youth Development Initiative (BBYDI), Abideen Olasupo, has won the outstanding integrity award at the 5th Gani Fawehinmi Impact and Integrity Awards which was held in Lagos on Friday.

The award was instituted by Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) Resource Centre with the support of MacArrthur Foundation in honour of the late human rights activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Gani Fawehinmi.

Mr Olasupo was awarded for refunding the sum $2,397 that was mistakenly paid into his account by a foreign organisation he consulted for.

He was presented with the award by the human rights lawyer, Femi Falana.

Mr Olasupo, who emerged winner of the award category ahead of few other nominees, dedicated it to his parents.

He said; When I was young, my mum always checked my bag when I came back from school. I never knew why until I was in secondary school and challenged her, she said she wanted to ensure I didnt mistakenly pack anything not mine. My dad always tells me and my siblings not to ever take what doesnt belong to us, that we have a duty to always protect the name of our family.

Speaking on the money mistakenly paid to him, the young entrepreneur and climate justice advocate said when I got the over 2,397 USD erroneously paid to my account, I never thought twice to return it because it is not mine and I know mine will surely come.

Mr Olasupo, who is also a global goals youth panel member, has championed the translation of the Sustainable Development Goals into local languages. He recently represented Nigeria at the United Nations Corruption Summit held in May.

The award

According to HEDA Resource Centre, 271 nominations and entries were received out of which 21 persons were shortlisted in the four categories of the awards.

The organisation said there were six nominees for Outstanding Impact category; eight for Outstanding Integrity, four for Valuable Whistle-Blower, and three for Nigerians-In-Diaspora Integrity Ambassador.

Olanrewaju Suraju, Chairman of HEDA Resource Centre, noted that the overall objective of the award ceremony was to promote transparency.

While Mr Olasupo won the outstanding integrity award, the valuable whistle-blower award was won by Paul Lawani; the global town crier media award and the outstanding impact award was won by Muhammad Dzukogi, a former National Secretary of the Association of Nigerian Authors.

Other prominent personalities at the awards ceremony include Achike Chude, Nurudeen Ogbara and Kunle Adegoke, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN.
The Stadium Flyover in Surulere, Lagos reopens to traffic on Sunday, December 12.

The Lagos State Government announced this on Saturday after approving the completion of rehabilitation works on the facility.

Lateef Shomide, Director, Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation, Lagos State Ministry of Works told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that replacement of expansion joints on the flyover had been completed.

Mr Shomide said debris generated as a result of the rehabilitation was being cleared to effect the re-opening of the highway to traffic.

The Alaka-Stadium flyover closed to traffic will soon be opened.

We have closed it for about three weeks. By the grace of God all things being equal by Sunday we should be able to open the bridge for public use, he said.

NAN reports that the rehabilitation works was carried out on the Funsho Williams, Costain-bound carriageway. (NAN)
The National Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Iyorchia Ayu, has expressed optimism that the party would return to power in 2023.

Mr Ayu stated this in his address at the inauguration of the new National Working Committee (NWC) of the opposition party.

The new NWC members were elected at the partys National convention in October.

The PDP was in office for 16 years between 1999 and 2015 when it lost power to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Mr Ayu said PDP is back to rescue and rebuild Nigeria. 

He said the new NWC will be guided by consultation, team-work, internal democracy and national interest.

Mr Ayu stated this in his address at the inauguration of the NWC in Abuja on Friday, assuring that the new team would strengthen the partys internal democratic processes.

We shall endeavour to reach out to all party members, young and old, male and female.

This NWC will create alternate platforms within the party to actively engage the young people and our women.

They will be engaged, not only for mobilising and winning elections, but for advocacy, policy formulation and the design of a new development agenda for the party.

We shall return the party to vigorous discussions; pay serious attention to new thinking and the implementation of policies and programmes that will secure and improve the quality of life of all Nigerians, Mr Ayu said.

He said that the Peoples Democratic Institute (PDI) would be revived and strengthened to drive the process.

The national chairman said that before the next election cycle, the new NWC would present a PDP manifesto that would bring back hope to the people.

Mr Ayu, a former Senate President, urged Nigerians to keep their faith in one, united Nigeria.

He said that the PDP administration would change the narrative and unite the people.

We will deepen the content of our democracy. We will rebuild our collapsed economy. We will make Nigerians the focus of development, Mr Ayu said.

He called on all non-PDP members to join the party, saying our umbrella can accommodate all of us.

Mr Ayu also urged all PDP members who left to come back home; saying the partys doors were still open.

He appreciated all members of the PDP across Nigeria for their prayers, support and commitment in ensuring the emergence of the new NWC under his leadership.

The national chairman appreciated the outgoing NWC and other party leaders in ensuring a hitch-free National Convention.

Highlights of the occasion include the presentation of the Certificate of Return to all the new NWC members.

The outgoing National Secretary, Ibrahim Tsauri, also handed the PDP Registration Certificate over to the new National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu.

(NAN)

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The police in Yobe State have refuted a report that 20 officers were rescued by the military following their abduction by terrorists during an attack on November 30 in Gujba Local Government Area of the state.

The police spokesperson in the state, Abdulkarim Dungus, an assistant superintendent of police, said in a statement that nobody was killed or abducted during the attack by the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) on Buni-Yadi police division in Gujba LGA.

The terrorists attacked Buni-Yadi and set ablaze the police station and a primary school in the community. But the attack was reportedly repelled by security forces.

Mr Dungus said it is disheartening that the fake news of the abduction of officers was published in many media outlets without clarification from the police authorities.

Its even more worrisome that such a misleading story is alleged to have emanated from military sources, the official said.

Below is the full statement from the police

Re:  THE ALLEGED RESCUE OF TWENTY (20) P0LICE PERSONNEL BY OPERATION HADIN-KAI OF THE NIGERIA ARMY IN YOBE STATE

The attention of Yobe State Police Command has been drawn to a trending News making the rounds on both Social Media (especially, www.crimechannels.com) and the Mainstream Media Platforms (eg. Channels Television) to the effect that Twenty (20) Police personnel kidnapped by Boko-Haram/ISWAP Insurgents during an attack on Buni-Yadi Police Division in Gujba Local Govt. Area of the State, were rescued by Troops of the Nigerian Army (Operation Hadin Kai).

The news item was further replicated in many online publications, such as neptuneprime.com.ng, etc.

02. Its disheartening to note that this fake news/story has been published in many media outlets, without seeking clarification from the requisite Police Authorities.

Its even more worrisome that such a misleading story is alleged to have emanated from military sources.

However, in view of the sensitive nature of the issue, and the prevalent security situation in the State, its deemed imperative that such negative impressions must be erased from the minds of the public by setting the records straight. Its equally important that the actual facts and circumstances surrounding the incident must be brought to light, for the sake of the families of police personnel serving in Yobe State.

In this regard, therefore, the Command wishes to reiterate as follows:

The story or news item (on the alleged kidnapping of 20 police personnel in Buni-Yadi and their rescue by troops) is misleading, an utter fabrication and fake news, as no single police personnel was kidnapped from Buni-Yadi town on the day of the alleged incident, or at all;

On Tuesday 30th November 2021, suspected members of Boko-Haram/ISWAP insurgents had attacked the Buni-Yadi Police Station in Gujba Local Govt. Area of the State and burnt down the structures, but there was NEITHER any loss of life, NOR was any Police personnel kidnapped, or declared missing. All the conventional personnel of the Division, as well as the PMF personnel, had been accounted for after the incident;

The general public is, therefore, by this PRESS RELEASE from the Yobe State Police Command, enjoined to discountenance/disregard/ignore the said Kidnap & Rescue Claim as false, mischievous and fake!

It should be pointed out further that the said claim of rescue of the 20 personnel had failed to disclose their identities; their ranks; the formations they belong to; or which medical facility they were taken to for check-ups; or who were they handed over to; or when and where were they handed over, etc. The absence of all these vital information in the publication, means that the story is nothing but false, misleading and a misinformation!

03. While reiterating the commitment and dedication of Police personnel currently serving in or deployed to Yobe State, in sustaining the relative peace and security in the State, we call on the entire members of the public to continue to cooperate and support the command, as always.

Thank you and God bless you all!
The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Friday, dismissed a case challenging the federal governments directive to broadcast stations to delete the Twitter handles.

The suit was instituted by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) following the directive of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) stopping broadcast from using Twitter after the government announced on June 4, 2021, a ban on the use of the microblogging in Nigeria.

SERAP had sued the NBC, the Director-General of NBC, and the Minister of Information and Culture as first to third defendants, respectively, in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/496/21.

But in a judgement on Friday, the judge, Obiora Egwuatu, held that SERAPs suit was lacking in merit.

The judge, after dismissing the suit, awarded N100, 000 fine against SERAP.

Why suit was dismissed

In his verdict, the judge held that national security takes precedent over fundamental rights, adding, Twitter is not a registered company in Nigeria.

The judge said SERAPs fundamental rights as regards the Twitter ban had not been violated because the freedom of expression provided for under section 39 under the Nigerian constitution is not absolute.

He ruled that rights are limited by section 45(1) which deals with the issues of defence, public safety, public health and public morality.

The court also held that the media organisations that were banned from using Twitter did not raise any issue, therefore SERAP cannot cry more than the bereaved.

At variance with ECOWAS Court order

The decision is at variance with the interim order earlier issued by the ECOWAS Court of Justice which emphasised the impact of the ban on Twitter by the Nigerian government on citizens rights.

The order issued in a suit filed by SERAP and 176 others restrained the government of President Muhammadu Buhari and its agents from unlawfully imposing sanctions or doing anything whatsoever to harass, intimidate, arrest or prosecute Twitter and/or any other social media service provider(s), media houses, radio and television broadcast stations, the Plaintiffs and other Nigerians who are Twitter users, pending the hearing and determination of this suit.

The court said: The court has listened very well to the objection by Nigeria. The court has this to say. Any interference with Twitter is viewed as inference with human rights, and that will violate human rights. Therefore, this court has jurisdiction to hear the case. The court also hereby orders that the application be heard expeditiously. The Nigerian government must take immediate steps to implement the order.

Background

The suit was initiated as a result of the order by the NBC, asking all broadcast stations to immediately suspend patronage of Twitter, the microblogging site, after it was banned for violating Nigerian laws.

SERAP had sought an order of perpetual injunction restraining the federal government and the regulator from censoring, regulating, licensing and controlling the social media operations and contents by broadcast stations and activities of social media service providers in Nigeria.

It also sought and order setting aside the directive asking broadcast stations to stop using Twitter, as being unconstitutional, unlawful, inconsistent and incompatible with the Nigerian Constitution of 1999 [as amended], and the countrys obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

The group further said the court had an important role to play in the protection and preservation of the rule of law to ensure that persons and institutions operate within the defined ambit of constitutional and statutory limitations.

It argued that the directive amounted to a fundamental breach of the principle of legality, the rights to freedom of expression, access to information, and media freedom, and incompatible with the countrys international human rights obligations, among others.

Defence

In their preliminary objections, the NBC and its Director-General, urged the court to dismiss the suit; arguing that the directive did not in any way affect the plaintiff.

They said the action was taken in the interest of Nigerias national security, economy and unity.

The defendants told the court that apart from Twitter, there are other social media platforms like Facebook, through which the plaintiff could access information and interact.

Similarly, a lawyer to the Minister of Information, Nelson Orji, said the federal government operates within the ambit of the law and would not do anything to undermine it.

The Nigerian government had banned Twitter in Nigeria after the microblogging site deleted a controversial tweet by President Buhari considered as a threat of violence against an ethnic group.
Parents of fleeing students of Dowen College in Lagos as well as the school management could be held liable over the alleged assault and eventual demise of Sylvester Oromoni, the Vice-Chancellor of Kwara State University, KWASU, Muhammed Akanbi, has said.

Oromoni Junior was a 12-year-old Junior Secondary School 2 student of Dowen College at Lekki area of Lagos State.

Police in Lagos had on Tuesday, confirmed the arrest of three students of Dowen College, in connection with the controversial death of the 12-year-old student of the school.

The police spokesperson in the state, Adekunle Ajisebutu, who confirmed the development to PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday, however, did not disclose the identities of those students in custody.

PREMIUM TIMES had earlier reported that the bereaved family had insisted that the 12-year-old mentioned five senior students of the college in his last-minute narrative on how he was allegedly tortured over his refusal to join a secret cult.

The father, Sylvester Oromoni Snr, also said his son confided in him that he was handed a substance to drink.

There have been speculations that some parents of the suspected students had flown their children out of Nigeria to evade arrest and possible prosecution.

Why parents of fleeing students may be liable

In an interview with PREMIUM TIMES, Mr Akanbi, a professor of law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), said it might be difficult to prosecute parents for the sins of the children. But there is something called aiding and abetting.

That is, a person has committed an offence, and you helped that person to escape from justice, then our criminal books have something for such parents.

Those these are juveniles, but we still have provisions of the law that will bring them to justice, the Vice-Chancellor explained

So, if a parent has deliberately moved his or her child from the country to escape justice, that parent should be liable for the particular offence of allowing an offender to escape justice, he said.

Giving perspectives on the schools alleged abdication of responsible, Mr Akanbi admitted that is a bit technical, whether the school (Dowen College) is vicariously liable, querying if, The school put in place mechanisms that will checkmate bullying.

Internet fraud suspects arrested by EFCC expelled by varsity

As a way of instilling discipline in students, the Vice-Chancellor said some Internet fraudsters were amongst the 87 students the varsity recently expelled.

This is to ensure that the few bad eggs among the students do not contaminate the decent ones, Mr Akanbi explained.

He said the students expulsion followed investigation and the establishment of their guilt by the students disciplinary committee.

It would be recalled this newspaper reported how the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested five suspected internet fraudsters, including four students of the Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete in May this year.

The suspects, Oladosu Olakunmi Olamilekan, Olaoye Jamiu Olarewaju, Alimi Abiodun, Toheed Muritala and Afolabi Kamaldeen were nabbed at the Ilorin International Airport.

Worried by the spike in anti-social behaviour amongst undergraduates, the Vice-Chancellor recommended a policy that would compel all varsity students to reside on campus.

He appealed to the National Universities Commission (NUC), a regulatory body of both public and private varsities in Nigeria to drive the policy.

KWASU expels lecturer over sexual harassment

Speaking on staff discipline, the Vice-Chancellor said the university has zero tolerance for sexual harassment of students.

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The lecturer who disgraced himself; who engaged in the sex-for-marks issue is no longer a staff(er) of our university. He is facing prosecution in court, and we are cooperating with security agencies on this, Mr Akanbi disclosed.

Pelumi Adewale, was dismissed for sexually harassing Tosin Adegunsoye, a student of Department of Pure and Applied Sciences.

Mr Akanbi said the accused had ceased to be a staffer of the school, adding that He is a disgrace to our great institution and we wont condone such acts.

Mr Adewale was on September 11 arraigned before a magistrate court sitting in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital over accusation of sexual harassment.

He was arrested by the State Intelligence Bureau (SIB) over offences bordering on criminal intimidation, sexual harassment and examination malpractices.

The victim had petitioned the SIB that sometime in September, Mr Adewale had threatened to fail her if she refused to have sexual intercourse with him.

In view of the threat subsequently reported, the police instructed Miss Adegunsoye to play along with the lecturer in order to obtain raw evidence.

The lecturer lured the student to his apartment around 8:30 p.m., where he gave her a new question paper and KWASU answer script to rewrite her examination.

In exchange, he had solicited to have sexual intercourse with her till day break.

The suspect was, however, apprehended in the process by the detectives who were hiding at a secure location to monitor the development.
Civil servants, including pensioners, in Ebonyi State, Nigerias South-east, are to receive two bags of 5kg rice and N10,000 each as Christmas gifts from the state government, a senior government official has said.

The Secretary to the Ebonyi State Government (SSG), Kenneth Ugbala, who disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Abakaliki said the N10,000 cash would be paid into the salary account of the workers.

Mr Ugbala said the state governor, David Umahi, has approved the distribution of the cash and the bags of rice.

Local government workers, as well as students of higher institutions in the state, are to benefit from the governments largesse, according to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Mr Ugbala said the governors approval was in line with his usual magnanimity as the father of the state.

All civil servants and pensioners in Ebonyi are to receive two bags of 5kg rice and N10, 000 to be paid into their salary accounts.

All Local Government Area staff are to receive two bags of 5kg rice, tins of tomatoes, and N5, 000 to be paid into their salary accounts.

ALSO READ: Umahi presents 2022 budget to Ebonyi Assembly

All federal government-owned ministries, departments, and agencies in the state have been given Christmas palliatives through their leaders.

Staff and students of both federal and state-owned tertiary institutions have also been given Christmas palliatives through their leaders, the statement said.

The SSG thanked Mr Umahi for his generosity for the people.

(NAN)
Many people within the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State often claim that the governor hasnt done anything. I do not agree with them. Many within the PDP are often quick to regale us with tales of how Makinde has turned Oyo into an Eldorado, almost literally. I disagree with them vehemently, too The truth for me is hidden midway between claims of unparalleled performance and tales of complete failure

A story looms, not in Tunde Kelanis Jogbo, but in Ibadan. Its about a man who doesnt exude the dreadful aura of Oloolu, nor does he crave the sartorial elegance of the jacquard-wearing Jalaruru. He doesnt command the terrific stagecraft of Alapansanpa, nor the dancing theatrics of Ogbonkoko. He certainly cant pull the fire-twirling stunts of Danafojura, neither can he tumble through the extreme acrobatics of Sodo in Ita-Ege. Yet, like a skilled masquerade, he is scheming to dance his way back to the Government House in Agodi in 2023.

Now that is the story, but it is not the entire story.

In Ibadan, Governor Seyi Makinde faces the biggest political pressure of his life. Those who think they made him governor within his party are threatening fire and brimstone. Those who think he has failed within the opposition party are calling for his head. Those who think he has done excellently well within and outside his party are standing solidly behind him. All three groups are asking the governor to obey the same command: Run, run, run! But the force and direction of the command is a function of where each group stands: The first wants to run him out of town; the other wants to force him to run out of the government house; the last group wants him to run again for governor in 2023.

So the story is about running, but its also about something else.

When Alhaji Bisi Olopo-Eniyan and other aggrieved Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders passed a vote of no confidence on Makinde in September, they reeled out their grievances, and I was quite amused. They had little or nothing to say about education, or health, or the budget, or Oyos debt, or basic infrastructure. They focused on another form of infrastructure. And since they are politicians, it was no surprise the demands were stomach-related. I only felt at the time that it was important to separate the chaff from the wheat; to let Oyo people know the difference between public interest and personal feuds packaged as the demand for public good.

Since the PDP leaders went for the jugular, Makinde has trounced them several times in battles within the party. In the congress held in the state, the governor had all his disciples elected into executive positions. He went ahead to wreak more havoc at the regional and national levels, making a mess of the records of heavyweights like Oyinlola and Fayose, and effectively taking control of the party. But the Oyo PDP gladiators have vowed to deal with the governor at the 2023 polls. They say they owned the party structures; that they gave him the shoes with which he ran in 2019. They say they will remove the shoes from his leg. That way, they will make him shoe-less, a la Goodluck Jonathan, and he wont be able to dance to Agodi in 2023. In a sense, the PDP gladiators are local descendants of those Dr Reuben Abati described as shoe-givers during the Jonathan years.

As such, the story is about Makindes shoes and the art of dancing, but its also about something else. Its about Jogbo, the fictional town in Tunde Kelanis classic, Agogo Eewo, and how art mirrors life.

In Agogo Eewo, through the lens of the late sage, Adebayo Faleti, Kelani tells the didactic story of Areku, the dancing masquerade. An excellent dancer, Areku borrowed a pair of shoes from two shoe givers, set out to a party, danced to the delight of everyone, and became the star of the show. When the ovation became loud, the jealous shoe-givers decided to spite Areku. In the full glare of everyone, they forcefully took the borrowed shoe from the dancer. Defying the humiliating episode, Areku continued to dance bare-footed, although it was quite a painful dance. But the crowd of excited villagers who saw how the shoe-giving cabal attempted to humiliate Areku were to soon come forward to donate shoes to the dancer. In the end, by defying the cabal and dancing for the people, Areku took ownership of numerous new shoes donated by the villagers.

In August, I was at Mapo and saw how a mountain of filth, waste, and fecal materials welcomed visitors into the iconic hall. But I reckoned at the time that Mapo was a metaphor for the entire city, anyway. That month, I wrote on Facebook that Ibadan stinks. Soon, I ran into Lamidi Auxilliary and his Wulo Wubo gang, and I wrote about that murderous mob, the support it enjoys from the government, and how it threatens societal peace.

Kelani, ever the perceptive cinematographer, deployed this episode as a lesson-filled dream for the king of Jogbo, who was torn between two extremes: Dancing to the tune of a band of corrupt chiefs, or pandering to the desires of the ordinary people. As Arekus story showed, the ideal is to satisfy the public good because thats where the ultimate victory lies.

So, the story that looms is about Governor Makindes dilemma, and how he is performing, like Jogbos famed dancer-masquerade, Areku. But since perception is more potent than intention, especially in politics, thats not the entire story.

Many people within the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State often claim that the governor hasnt done anything. I do not agree with them. Many within the PDP are often quick to regale us with tales of how Makinde has turned Oyo into an Eldorado, almost literally. I disagree with them vehemently, too.

The truth for me is hidden midway between claims of unparalleled performance and tales of complete failure, and how dispassionate appraisals can help shape growth and development, irrespective of partisan inclinations.

In August, I was at Mapo and saw how a mountain of filth, waste, and fecal materials welcomed visitors into the iconic hall. But I reckoned at the time that Mapo was a metaphor for the entire city, anyway. That month, I wrote on Facebook that Ibadan stinks. Soon, I ran into Lamidi Auxilliary and his Wulo Wubo gang, and I wrote about that murderous mob, the support it enjoys from the government, and how it threatens societal peace. I later drove around Ibadan and it was as though the entire city had fallen into craters and potholes. There have also been concerns about pupils writing examinations on chalkboards, schools with roofs blown off, flood-ravaged neighbourhoods, and related issues.

The other day, some tweeps came to town with screenshots of how Oyos debt figures have reduced and how Makinde delivered on infrastructure without borrowing a penny. I wrote a piece to clear the air about Oyos Alternative Project Funding Approach (a PPP arrangement) and the disturbing state of the projects tied to it upon delivery, and some bejeweled dingbats took to name-calling. I also reached out to aides who were initially willing to speak up but quickly declined upon seeing the focus of my question.

So, the story is about rot, window dressing and uncertainty, but its also about something else.

The ultimate story that looms isnt even about 2023: its the story of Makinde and his date with posterity. Politicians lie, workers lie, party supporters lie. The ordinary people, if carried away by the frenzy of the moment, can lie to themselves. Of course, the media lies! Only posterity lies not.

Makinde brought a sort of simplicity that endears to that office. It could get worrisome whenever the results show up in citizens complacency but this simplicity fascinates, still. Like I wrote of Ajimobis commendable attempt to intellectualise that office in the wake of the departure of the Amala crowd, those who value optics would appreciate Makindes simplicity. Away from optics, he has handled the LAUTECH issue quite commendably thus far, responded swiftly to the plight of traders in Akesan market, been fair in the spread of projects across the state, done a half-hearted surgery on the states park management system etc. Last week, a friend who should know told me Ibadan is gradually wearing a cleaner look and that a few of the things we bellyached over are being addressed.

So the story is about deliverables, but its still not the whole story.

Im perhaps one of Governor Makindes loudest critics. And the conviction for me is simple: While I do not agree at all that the governor is a do-nothing mannequin, as the opposition often claims, I equally find the degree of propaganda and lies his people share in the name of PR quite galling. And because I have a stake in a space where there now seems to be very few or no independent entities dissecting issues dispassionately, I seek the truth in my own ways, warts and all.

The story that looms in Ibadan is about vanities like the 2023 elections and its narratives, but its also about bigger things, like what the future holds for Oyo, and for Makinde as its helmsman. Despite pretensions to transparency, Oyo hasnt been quite forthcoming with much of its (debt, APFA, finance etc) records, and so we may not even know where it stands as we speak. But even if we dont know, posterity does.

Today in Ibadan, there is a chaos of stories, all with variegated twists and turns. The politicians, the media, the workers, and the people are all saying different things, depending on individual allegiances. Their stories are important, but not as much as that of posterity. In this same Ibadan, Lam was considered a hero among pro-democracy activists; Ladoja was the darling of civil servants; Alao-Akala was the road construction wonk among revelers at Oyato joints; and Ajimobi was even labeled architect of modern Oyo State. Posterity has today pushed all of them to their rightful positions.

The ultimate story that looms isnt even about 2023: its the story of Makinde and his date with posterity. Politicians lie, workers lie, party supporters lie. The ordinary people, if carried away by the frenzy of the moment, can lie to themselves. Of course, the media lies! Only posterity lies not.

Let the governor do whatever he likes with politicians, media, civil servants, or even the ordinary people. But let him be truthful to posterity, because it doesnt lie.

Oladeinde Olawoyin tweets via @ola_deinde

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The destruction has happened. Now its time to build  to create the world we want. Now, please, with me, close your eyes. And imagine the world as it should be. A world of peace, trust and empathy, bringing out the best that we can be. Now lets go and make it happen. Lets hold the line. Together.

I stand before you, a representative of every journalist around the world who is forced to sacrifice so much to hold the line, to stay true to our values and mission: To bring you the truth and hold power to account.

I remember the brutal dismemberment of Jamal Khashoggi; the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia in Malta; my friend, Luz Mely Reyes, in Venezuela; Roman Protasevich in Belarus (whose plane was literally hijacked so he could be arrested); Jimmy Lai, who is languishing in a Hong Kong prison; Sonny Swe, who after getting out of more than seven years in jail started another news group and is now forced to flee Myanmar. And in my own country, 23 year old Frenchie Mae Cumpio is still in prison after nearly two years, and just 36 hours ago, there was news that my former colleague, Jess Malabanan, had been killed with a bullet to the head.

There are so many to thank for helping keep us safe and working. The #HoldTheLine Coalition of more than 80 global groups defending press freedom, and the human rights groups that help us shine the light. There are costs for you as well: In the Philippines, more lawyers have been killed  at least 63 compared to the 22 journalists murdered after President Rodrigo Duterte took office in 2016. Since then, Karapatan, a member of our #CourageON human rights coalition, has had 16 people killed, and Senator Leila de Lima  because she demanded accountability, is serving her fifth year in jail. Or ABS-CBN, our largest broadcaster, a news room I once led, lost its franchise to operate last year.

I helped create a startup, Rappler, turning 10 years old in January  our attempt to put together two sides of a coin that shows everything wrong with our world today: An absence of law and democratic vision for the 21st century. That coin represents our information ecosystem, which determines everything else about our world. Journalists, the old gatekeepers, are one side of the coin. The other is technology, with its god-like power that has allowed a virus of lies to infect each of us, pitting us against each other, bringing out our fears, anger and hate, and setting the stage for the rise of authoritarians and dictators around the world.

Our greatest need today is to transform that hate and violence, the toxic sludge thats coursing through our information ecosystem, prioritised by American internet companies that make more money by spreading that hate and triggering the worst in us well, that just means we have to work much harder. In order to be the good, we have to believe there is GOOD in the world.

I have been a journalist for more than 35 years: Ive worked in conflict zones and warzones in Asia, reported on hundreds of disasters  and while I have seen so much bad, I have also documented so much good, when people who have nothing offer you what they have. Part of how we at Rappler survived the last five years of government attacks is because of the kindness of strangers, and the reason they help  despite the danger  is because they want to, with little expectation of anything in return. This is the best of who we are, the part of our humanity that makes miracles happen. This is what we lose when we live in a world of fear and violence.

The last time a working journalist was given this award was in 1936, and Carl von Ossietzky never made it to Oslo because he languished in a Nazi concentration camp. So were hopefully a step ahead because were actually here!

By giving this to journalists today, the Nobel committee is signaling a similar historical moment, another existential point for democracy. Dmitry and I are lucky because we can speak to you now (yay, for court approvals)! But there are so many more journalists persecuted in the shadows with neither exposure nor support, and governments are doubling down with impunity. The accelerant is technology, at a time when creative destruction takes a new meaning.

We are standing on the rubble of the world that was, and we must have the foresight and courage to imagine what might happen if we dont act now, and instead, create the world as it should be  more compassionate, more equal, more sustainable.

To do that, please ask yourself the same question my team and I had to confront five years ago: What are you willing to sacrifice for the truth?

Ill tell you how I lived my way into the answer in three points: First, my context and how these attacks shaped me; second, by the problem we all face; and finally, finding the solution  because we must!

Social media is a deadly game for power and money, what Shoshana Zuboff calls surveillance capitalism, extracting our private lives for outsized corporate gain. Our personal experiences are sucked into a database, organised by AI, then sold to the highest bidder. Highly profitable micro-targeting operations are engineered to structurally undermine human will  a behaviour modification system in which we are Pavlovs dogs

In less than two years, the Philippines government filed 10 arrest warrants against me. Ive had to post bail 10 times just to do my job. Last year, I and a former colleague were convicted of cyber libel for a story we published eight years earlier, at a time the law we allegedly violated didnt even exist. All told, the charges I face could send me to jail for about 100 years.

But, the more I was attacked for my journalism, the more resolute I became. I had first-hand evidence of abuse of power. What was meant to intimidate me and Rappler only strengthened us.

At the core of journalism is a code of honour. And mine is layered on different worlds  from how I grew up, when I learnt what was right and wrong; from college, and the honour code I learnt there; and my time as a reporter, and the code of standards and ethics I learnt and helped write. Add to that the Filipino idea of utang na loob  or the debt from within  at its best, a system of paying it forward.

Truth and ethical honour intersected like an arrow into this moment where hate, lies, and divisiveness thrive. As only the 18th woman to receive this prize, I need to tell you how gendered disinformation is a new threat and is taking a significant toll on the mental health and physical safety of women, girls, trans, and LGBTQ+ people all over the world. Women journalists are at the epicentre of risk. This pandemic of misogyny and hatred needs to be tackled, now. Even there, we can find strength. After all, you dont really know who you really are until youre forced to fight for it.

Now let me pull out so were clear about the problem we all face and how we got here.

The attacks against us in Rappler began five years ago when we demanded an end to impunity on two fronts: Dutertes drug war and Mark Zuckerbergs Facebook. Today, it has only gotten worse  and Silicon Valleys sins came home to roost in the United States on January 6 with mob violence on Capitol Hill.

What happens on social media doesnt stay on social media.

Online violence is real world violence.

Social media is a deadly game for power and money, what Shoshana Zuboff calls surveillance capitalism, extracting our private lives for outsized corporate gain. Our personal experiences are sucked into a database, organised by AI, then sold to the highest bidder. Highly profitable micro-targeting operations are engineered to structurally undermine human will  a behaviour modification system in which we are Pavlovs dogs, experimented on in real time with disastrous consequences in countries like mine, Myanmar, India, Sri Lanka and so many more. These destructive corporations have siphoned money away from news groups and now pose a foundational threat to markets and elections.

Facebook is the worlds largest distributor of news, and yet studies have shown that lies laced with anger and hate spread faster and further than facts on social media.

These American companies controlling our global information ecosystem are biased against facts, biased against journalists. They are  by design  dividing us and radicalising us.

Without facts, you cant have truth. Without truth, you cant have trust. Without trust, we have no shared reality, no democracy, and it becomes impossible to deal with our worlds existential problems: climate, coronavirus, the battle for truth.

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When I was first arrested in 2019, the officer said, Maam, trabaho lang po, (Maam, Im only doing my job). Then he lowered his voice to almost a whisper as he read my Miranda rights. He was clearly uncomfortable, and I almost felt sorry for him. Except he was arresting me because Im a journalist!

This officer was a tool of power  and an example of how a good man can turn evil  and how great atrocities happen. Hannah Arendt wrote about the banality of evil when describing men who carried out the orders of Hitler, how career-oriented bureaucrats can act without conscience because they justify that theyre only following orders.

This is how a nation  and a world  loses its soul.

Democracy has become a woman-to-woman, man-to-man defence of our values. Were at a sliding door moment, where we can continue down the path were on and descend further into fascism, or we can each choose to fight for a better world.

You have to know what values you are fighting for, and you have to draw the lines early  but if you havent done so, do it now: where this side youre good, and this side, youre evil. Some governments may be lost causes, and if youre working in tech, Im talking to you.

How can you have election integrity if you dont have integrity of facts?

Thats the problem facing countries with elections next year: Among them, Brazil, Hungary, France, the United States, and my Philippines  where we are at a do-or-die moment with presidential elections on May 9. 35 years after the People Power revolt ousted Ferdinand Marcos and forced his family into exile, his son, Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. is the front runner  and he has built an extensive disinformation network on social media, which Rappler exposed in 2019. That is changing history in front of our eyes.

To show how disinformation is both a local and global problem, take the Chinese information operations taken down by Facebook in September 2020: It was creating fake accounts using AI generated photos for the U.S. elections, polishing the image of the Marcoses, campaigning for Dutertes daughter, and attacking me and Rappler.

So what are we going to do?

An invisible atomic bomb exploded in our information ecosystem, and the world must act as it did after Hiroshima. Like that time, we need to create new institutions, like the United Nations, and new codes stating our values, like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, to prevent humanity from doing its worse. Its an arms race in the information ecosystem. To stop that requires a multilateral approach that all of us must be part of. It begins with restoring facts.

We need information ecosystems that live and die by facts. We do this by shifting social priorities to rebuild journalism for the 21st century, while regulating and outlawing the surveillance economics that profit from hate and lies.

We need to help independent journalism survive, first by giving greater protection to journalists and standing up against States which target journalists. Then we need to address the collapse of the advertising model for journalism. This is part of the reason that I agreed to co-chair the International Fund for Public Interest Media, which is trying to raise new money from overseas development assistance funds. Right now, while journalism is under attack on all fronts, only 0.3 per cent of ODA is spent on journalism. If we nudge that to 1 per cent, we can raise $1 billion a year for news organisations. That will be crucial for the global south.

Journalists must embrace technology. Thats why, with the help of the Google News Initiative, Rappler rolled out a new platform two weeks ago designed to build communities of action. The north star is not profit alone, but facts, truth, and trust.

Now for legislation. Thanks to the EU for taking leadership with its Democracy Action Plan. For the U.S., reform or revoke section 230, the law that treats social media platforms like utilities. Its not a comprehensive solution, but it gets the ball rolling. Because these platforms put their thumbs on the scale of distribution. So while the public debate is focused downstream on content moderation, the real sleight of hand, happens further upstream, where algorithms of distribution have been programmed by humans with their coded bias. Their editorial agenda is profit driven, carried out by machines at scale. The impact is global, with cheap armies on social media tearing down democracy in at least 81 countries around the world. That impunity must stop.

Democracy has become a woman-to-woman, man-to-man defence of our values. Were at a sliding door moment, where we can continue down the path were on and descend further into fascism, or we can each choose to fight for a better world.

To do that, you have to ask yourself: What are YOU willing to sacrifice for the truth?

I didnt know if I was going to be here today. Every day, I live with the real threat of spending the rest of my life in jail just because Im a journalist. When I go home, I have no idea what the future holds, but its worth the risk.

The destruction has happened. Now its time to build  to create the world we want. Now, please, with me, close your eyes. And imagine the world as it should be. A world of peace, trust and empathy, bringing out the best that we can be. Now lets go and make it happen. Lets hold the line. Together.

Maria Ressa, a Filipino-American journalist, author, co-founder/CEO of Rappler awarded the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize jointly with Russian journalist, Dmitry Muratov.

The above is the text of her Nobel Prize Lecture delivered on December 10 in Oslo, Norway as she accepted the award.
The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on Friday inducted 50 women who successfully completed their training into its Female Special Squad in the Anambra Command.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the personnel were inducted at a special passing out parade held on Friday at the NSCDC Command Headquarters in Awka, the state capital.

Chimezie Obiyo, the commandant of the NSCDC, who spoke at the ceremony, said the injection of the personnel into the squad was part of efforts to promote the federal governments safe school initiative.

Mr Obiyo said members of the squad who have been highly trained would also protect national assets in and around Anambra.

He said the training of the squad was in line with the directive of the Commandant General of the Corps, Ahmed Audi, aimed at ensuring that schools around the country were safe.

Mr Obiyo expressed delight in the efforts made by the current Commandant General of the NSCDC aimed at boosting the capacity of the service to curtail insecurity and insurgency in Nigeria.

He charged members of the squad to discharge their duties with extra commitment and wisdom to surmount the arduous task ahead.

The six months of rigorous training was designed to prepare the members of the squad for a challenging but rewarding task ahead.

Congratulations for your resilience during the training, take advantage of the knowledge and skill acquired from the internal security module, to safeguard lives and properties wherever and whenever they were deployed.

Beware of your civic responsibility, resist the temptation to act unjustly to civilians, uphold the highest level of discipline and display professionalism while discharging your duties, Mr Obiyo said.

Also speaking, Felix Oke, an assistant commandant general in charge of Zone K, congratulated the inducted squad members for the successful completion of their training.

Mr Oke urged them to follow and respect the rules of engagement at all times and avoid accidental discharge while striving to maintain law and order.

(NAN)
TEDA TIANJIN, China, Dec. 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Asymchem, a leading contract development manufacturing organization (CDMO) serving the global pharmaceutical industry, is pleased to announce its debut on the Hong Kong Exchange (HKE) through a public offering of H shares.

The listing consists of 18,415,400 H shares, listed under the codename "6821", at an issue price of HK$ 388.00 (~49.77 USD) per share, raising net proceeds of approximately HK$ 6,850 million (~878 million USD).

The proceeds from the H-share offering will be used to further improve Asymchem's global operations by increasing capacities and diversifying capabilities for small molecule development and manufacturing. Additionally the funds will allow Asymchem to invest further in R&D, emerging services and maintaining the company's technical leadership.

"The H-share listing is important milestone in the evolution of Asymchem," stated Dr. Hong Hao, Chairman & CEO of Asymchem, "and speaks to our ongoing investment in innovative technologies. We would like to thank everyone for their long-term support and trust. We have worked tirelessly to become a technology-driven global leader among CDMOs and a partner of choice for the global pharmaceutical industry."

With this new listing, Asymchem will have achieved both A shares, as listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange (002821.SZ) and H shares as listed on the Hong Kong Exchange.

About Asymchem

Founded in 1999, Asymchem (stock code: 002821.SZ) is a leading global integrated Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) providing innovative drug R&D and manufacturing. Asymchem is supported by 7000 employees based in PR China, US, and EU. Our mission is to be an essential player in the global pharmaceutical supply chain supporting drug development with innovative technological solutions in small molecule drug development and production.

DISCLAIMER

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

This press release contains projections and other forward-looking statements regarding future events or our future financial performance. All statements other than present and historical facts and conditions contained in this release, including any statements regarding our future results of operations and financial positions, business strategy, plans and our objectives for future operations, are forward-looking statements. Actual results or developments may vary, depending on changes in the operating environment. Neither Asymchem nor its subsidiaries assume an obligation to update the forecasts, expectations or statements contained in this release.

SOURCE Asymchem
SPRINGVILLE, Ala., Dec. 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Big Oak Ranch is excited to announce the release of Planting Oaks  an initiative that resources and equips like-minded ministries as they establish Christian homes for abused, neglected and abandoned children. With over 3.5 million children in the United States needing intervention on their behalf, Big Oak Ranch is extending nearly 5 decades worth of experience, insight and resources to assist other ministries who share their same passion and mission for providing loving, traditional, long-term homes to children who've experienced the worst of life.

"As much as we would love for every abused, neglected and abandoned child to call Big Oak home, we realize the unrealistic nature of that. But, we also realize a path to strategic, sustainable, increased impact. There are so many people across the country wanting to help these children, but don't know where to begin, or they are facing what is often an overwhelming endeavor," said Erin Woods, Planting Oaks Director, Big Oak Ranch. "Through our experience, we want to help our Planting Oaks partners avoid mistakes, we want to guide them through the process of structuring and encourage them along the way."

Over the past three years, more than 70 pioneering individuals or established ministries have reached out to Big Oak Ranch, bringing Planting Oaks to life. Already, more than 1,000 children are served through 70 Planting Oaks partners across 27 states. Planting Oaks is offered at no cost and typically partners with individuals or groups working with young people in four major organizational categories:

Long-term residential care

Long-term placement for children out of human trafficking

Long-term foster care communities

Transitional living for those aging out of foster care

Some of the resources offered through Planting Oaks are monthly mentoring sessions, two-day onsite trainings, collaborative networking opportunities, documentation and resources that reflect Big Oak's policies and best practices, and much more.

For inquiries, you can visit BigOak.org/plantingoaks or email Erin Woods at [email protected].

About Big Oak Ranch

Founded in 1974, Big Oak Ranch exists to meet the needs of abused, neglected and abandoned children by giving them a solid, Christian home and a chance to realize and fulfill God's plan for their lives.

Big Oak Boys' Ranch sits on 474 acres of farmland just outside of Gadsden, Alabama. Big Oak Girls' Ranch sits on 325 acres in Springville, Alabama.

Through the mission of Big Oak, our children find a loving family, with a Christian couple who serve as mom & dad and six to eight siblings of different ages. Our children, who have suffered some of the worst that life has to offer, find a chance, a true home where they can experience love, safety and belonging. At Big Oak Ranch, our children get an exceptional K-12 education, along with spiritual, professional, and personal life preparation that sits alongside college or trade school. They find the guidance and examples they need to grow into godly men and women. And, we help them stay connected to each other and to the Big Oak family. The impact spans generations as our children learn how to create healthy, loving families of their own one day.

Learn more about our impact at BigOak.org/impact

CONTACT: Jessica Phillips, [email protected],

205.467.6226

SOURCE Big Oak Ranch
CLEVELAND, Dec. 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Saint-Gobain, a leading industrial conglomerate with significant operations in the building construction industry, recently announced that it would be acquiring GCP Applied Technologies, a key supplier of roofing underlayment, waterproofing and air barrier products, and cement and concrete admixtures. The transaction, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2022, will bolster Saint-Gobain's presence in a number of markets.

According to Freedonia Group industry analyst Matt Zielenski, "This transaction will enhance Saint-Gobain's position in ta number of segments of the building products market. By integrating GCP's roofing underlayment, waterproofing, and air barrier product lines with those of their CertainTeed subsidiary, Saint-Gobain will be able to complement CertainTeed's already extensive offerings of roofing, siding, and other exterior building products."

Additionally, noted Zielenski, the purchase allows Saint-Gobain to again its construction chemicals business, as GCP Applied Technologies is an important supplier of cement and concrete admixtures that enhance product performance while improving the efficiency of manufacturing processes. Following on the heels of Saint-Gobain's September 2021 acquisition of Chryso, a leading France-based supplier of cement and concrete admixtures, the GCP Applied Technologies acquisition will broaden Saint-Gobain's product offerings.

For more information on the outlook for roofing underlayment, waterproofing, and cement and concrete products industries, as well as the outlooks for other building materials, see the Construction & Building Products page on the Freedonia Group website:

About the Freedonia Group - The Freedonia Group, a division of MarketResearch.com, is the premier international industrial research company, providing our clients with product analyses, market forecasts, industry trends, and market share information. From one-person consulting firms to global conglomerates, our analysts provide companies with unbiased, reliable industry market research and analysis to help them make important business decisions. With over 100 studies published annually, we support over 90% of the industrial Fortune 500 companies. Find off-the-shelf studies at https://www.freedoniagroup.com/ or contact us for custom research: +1 440.842.2400.

Press Contact:

Corinne Gangloff

+1 440.842.2400

[email protected]

SOURCE The Freedonia Group
VANCOUVER, BC, Dec. 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - GoldMining Inc. (TSX: GOLD) (NYSE American: GLDG) ("GoldMining" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an equity distribution agreement (the "Distribution Agreement") with a syndicate of agents led by BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., and including BMO Capital Markets Corp., H.C. Wainwright & Co. LLC, Haywood Securities, Laurentian Bank Securities Inc. and Roth Capital Partners, LLC (collectively, the "Agents"), for an at-the-market equity program (the "ATM Program").

The Distribution Agreement will allow the Company to distribute up to US$50 million (or the equivalent in Canadian dollars) of common shares of the Company (the "Offered Shares") under the ATM Program. The Offered Shares will be issued by the Company to the public from time to time, through the Agents, at the Company's discretion. The Offered Shares sold under the ATM Program, if any, will be sold at the prevailing market price at the time of sale.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds of any such sales under the ATM Program to fund the exploration and development of its mineral properties, to fund future acquisitions as may be determined by the Company, and for working capital.

Under the Distribution Agreement, sales of Offered Shares will be made by the Agents through "at-the-market distributions" as defined in National Instrument 44-102  Shelf Distributions on the Toronto Stock Exchange, NYSE American LLC or any other trading market for the Offered Shares in Canada or the United States. The Company is not obligated to make any sales of Offered Shares under the Distribution Agreement. Unless earlier terminated by the Company or the Agents as permitted therein, the Distribution Agreement will terminate upon the earlier of: (a) the date that the aggregate gross sales proceeds of the Offered Shares sold under the ATM Program reaches the aggregate amount of US$50 million (or the equivalent in Canadian dollars); or (b) January 1, 2023.

The ATM Program will become effective upon the filing of a prospectus supplement to the Company's short form base shelf prospectus dated October 27, 2021 and U.S. registration statement on Form F-10 filed May 3, 2021, as amended on October 27, 2021. The prospectus supplement relating to the ATM Program will be filed shortly with the securities commissions in each of the provinces and territories of Canada and with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of the prospectus supplement, the Distribution Agreement and other relevant documents will be available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and EDGAR at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, the lead agent will send copies of such documents to investors upon request by contacting BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. by mail at Brampton Distribution Centre, 9195 Torbram Road, Brampton, Ontario, L6S 6H2, attn: The Data Group of Companies, by email at [email protected] or by telephone at 905-791-3151 ext. 4312.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities, nor will there be any sale of, the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About GoldMining Inc.

GoldMining Inc. is a public mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition and development of gold assets in the Americas. Through its disciplined acquisition strategy, GoldMining now controls a diversified portfolio of resource-stage gold and gold-copper projects in Canada, U.S.A., Brazil, Colombia, and Peru. The Company also owns 20 million shares of Gold Royalty Corp. (NYSE American: GROY).

Forward-looking Information

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements that reflect the current views and/or expectations, including those regarding the intended use of proceeds raised from the ATM Program and the future issuance of Offered Shares thereunder. Forward-looking statements are based on the then-current expectations, beliefs, assumptions, estimates and forecasts about the business and the markets in which GoldMining operates. Forward-looking information includes statements that address or discuss activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates may occur in the future. When used in this news release, words such as "estimates", "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "will", "believes", "intends" "should", "could", "may" and other similar terminology are intended to identify such forward-looking information. These statements involve significant uncertainties, known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors and, therefore, actual results, performance or achievements of the Company and its industry may be materially different from those implied by such forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including: risks that the Company may not sell any of the Offered Shares or may raise less than the maximum offering amount under the ATM Program; management has broad discretion in the use of proceeds from the ATM Program; delays to project plans caused by restrictions and other future impacts of COVID-19 or any other inability of the Company to meet expected timelines for planned project activities, including the timing of proposed project studies and programs; the inherent risks involved in the exploration and development of mineral properties, fluctuating metal prices, proposed studies may not confirm GoldMining's expectations for its projects, unanticipated costs and expenses, risks related to government and environmental regulation, social, permitting and licensing matters, and uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, including the availability of future borrowings under existing credit facilities. These risks, as well as others, including those set forth in GoldMinings Annual Information Form for the year ended November 30, 2020, and other filings with Canadian securities regulators and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, could cause actual results and events to vary significantly. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information, or the material factors or assumptions used to develop such forward-looking information, will prove to be accurate. The Company does not undertake any obligations to release publicly any revisions for updating any voluntary forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable securities law.

SOURCE GoldMining Inc.

Related Links

www.goldmining.com


WASHINGTON, Dec. 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --

Used An ATM Card And Were Assessed A Surcharge?

You Could Get Money From $67 Million Class Action Settlements

This class action alleges Defendants violated federal antitrust laws by adopting restraints that allegedly inflated the ATM surcharges paid by the Class. Defendants deny these allegations. The Court has not decided who is right.

JP Morgan, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America ("Settling Defendants") have agreed to Settlements resolving the claims.

Am I included?

You are a Settlement Class Member if, at any time between October 1, 2007 and November 12, 2021, you paid a surcharge to withdraw cash from a bank ATM in the United States. You are excluded from the Settlement Class if all of your surcharged ATM transactions were (a) reimbursed, or (b) conducted on cards issued by financial institutions located outside of the United States. A more detailed notice, including the exact Settlement Class definition and exceptions to Settlement Class membership, is available at www.ATMClassAction.com.

What does the Settlement provide?

The Settlements provide for the payment of $66,740,000 in cash to resolve the claims.

How can I get a payment?

To receive money from this Settlement, you must complete a Claim Form that asks you to state under oath that you were assessed ATM surcharges. You are not required to provide documentation with the Claim Form, but the Settlement Administrator reserves the right to request your bank statements or other documentation supporting your claim. Visit www.ATMClassAction.com/claims to fill out a Claim Form online or download one that can be mailed. To be eligible for payment, Claim Forms must be submitted electronically or postmarked no later than May 11, 2022.

What are my rights?

If you are a Settlement Class Member, even if you do nothing, you will be bound by the Court's decisions and judgments concerning the Settlements. If you want to keep your right to sue the Settling Defendants regarding ATM surcharges, you must exclude yourself from the Settlement Class in writing by March 11, 2022. If you stay in the Settlement Class, you may object to the Settlements in writing by March 11, 2022. The Settlement Agreements, along with details on how to exclude yourself or object, are available at www.ATMClassAction.com. The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia is scheduled to hold a hearing on May 17, 2022, at 3:00 p.m., at 333 Constitution Avenue N.W., Courtroom 18, Washington D.C. 20001, to consider whether to approve the Settlements. Class Lead Counsel will also request at the hearing, or at a later date, attorneys' fees of up to 33% of the Settlement Fund, plus reimbursement of costs and expenses, for investigating the facts, litigating the case, and negotiating the Settlements. You or your own lawyer may appear and speak at the hearing at your own expense, but you don't have to. The hearing may be conducted electronically or moved to a different date or time without additional notice, so it is a good idea to check www.ATMClassAction.com for additional information. Please do not contact the Court about this case.

If the case against the other Defendants is not dismissed, settled, or resolved by legal motion, plaintiffs will have to prove their claims against the other Defendants at trial. Trial dates have not yet been set. The Court has appointed the law firms of Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP; Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP; and Mehri & Skalet, PLLC as Class Lead Counsel to represent Settlement Class Members.

Source: Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP, Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP, and Mehri & Skalet, PLLC

SOURCE Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP, Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP, and Mehri & Skalet, PLLC
"We are excited to expand our partnership with Peninsula Clean Energy and the opportunity to continue to supply clean, renewable power to the customers of San Mateo County and Los Banos in Merced County while we complete our upgrade plans to the Gonzaga Ridge Wind facility." said Michael Rucker, CEO, and founder of Scout Clean Energy. "In addition, we will continue to generate royalty revenues for the California Department of Parks and Recreation to help fund the operations of the park."

"The Gonzaga Ridge project is an important tool in Peninsula Clean Energy's efforts to provide 24/7 renewable power, with the added bonus of being located near our new Los Banos service territory," Peninsula Clean Energy CEO Jan Pepper said. "It is also a great example of how state-of-the-art wind farms have become far more efficient and powerful in providing clean and affordable energy across our territories during both peak and non-peak hours."

"Not only is this the second big renewable development right in our backyard, but it also smartly taps into the tremendous wind power available at Pacheco Park particularly at night and in spring," Los Banos Mayor Tom Faria said. "This helps further diversify the natural, clean and affordable power that Merced County can increasingly produce directly for our residents."

Construction, which will begin in late 2023, will also utilize a labor agreement between contractors and national unions.

The project will replace the existing 162-turbine wind farm in Pacheco State Park, originally built nearly four decades ago, with a much-smaller fleet of far more powerful state-of-the-art turbines that are expected to be operational by around the end of October 2024.

While the existing 162 turbines produce up to 18.4 MW, Scout is planning a total GRWF capacity of 147.5 MW of wind energy and a 50-MW four-hour Battery Energy Storage System. The completed project upgrades would be one of the first repower projects on state land in California. Upon reaching commercial operations, GRWF will provide around 350,000 megawatt hours of carbon-free, renewable electricity to the California grid each year, enough to power around 44,000 homes.

"The increase in renewable energy generated from this overall project helps demonstrate the potential for more of these type projects in the future," explained Rucker. "With some of the aging infrastructure, especially in California, we hope this serves as an example for repowering projects across the country."

In 1992, 6,900-acres of former ranchland located along the south side of Pacheco Pass was bequeathed by the former owner, Paula Fatjo, to California Department of Parks and Recreation (CDPR). Prior to her death in 1992, Ms. Fatjo agreed to a 25-year lease to allow up to 200 wind turbines to be installed across the ridgelines in the eastern portion of the current park to harvest and transform wind funneled through the pass into electrical energy.

A key component of Ms. Fatjo's bequest is that all income which may accrue to CDPR from the wind project is to be used for the operations and development of the park and shall not be used in the State's general fund. The land, and the operating facility, were bequeathed to the State in 1997, with revenues from the facility supporting the operations of what became Pacheco State Park.

"The partnership with Scout Clean Energy to replace the existing outdated wind turbines enables visitors from all over the world to experience Pacheco State Park and learn about one of the last remaining Mexican land grants in California," said Danielle Gerhart, California State Parks Central Valley District Superintendent. "Our desire is to continue honoring the wishes of Ms. Fatjo by protecting this valuable resource while also encouraging visitors to enjoy such a beautiful place in the state."

Peninsula Clean Energy is a Community Choice Aggregator (CCA) serving customers in San Mateo County and will also begin service in April 2022 to Los Banos in Merced County. CCAs are locally controlled community organizations that enable local residents and businesses to choose how their energy is sourced.

GRWF will be located about 10 miles from the groundbreaking 200-MW Wright Solar Project, which in January 2020 became the largest renewable energy installation at the time ever built for a CCA to officially go online. Wright Solar was Peninsula Clean Energy's first project located in Merced County and California's Central Valley.

Gonzaga Ridge is being developed, owned, and operated by Scout Clean Energy. Scout is a portfolio company of Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners, a leading private equity infrastructure fund.

About Scout Clean Energy



Scout Clean Energy (www.scoutcleanenergy.com) is a renewable energy developer, owner-operator headquartered in Boulder, Colorado with over 1,200 MW of operating assets. Scout is actively developing a 5,000 MW portfolio of onshore wind, solar PV, and battery storage projects across 14 US states. Scout has expertise in all aspects of renewables project development, permitting, power marketing, finance, construction, 24/7 operations, and asset management. Scout is a portfolio company of Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners.

About Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners



Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners (www.quinbrook.com) is a specialist investment manager focused exclusively on lower carbon and renewable energy infrastructure investment and operational asset management in the US, UK, and Australia. Quinbrook is led and managed by a senior team of power industry professionals who have collectively invested over $8 billion of equity in energy infrastructure assets since the early 1990's, representing a total enterprise value of $28.7 billion or 19.5 GW of power supply capacity. Quinbrook's investment and asset management team has offices in Houston, London, Jersey, and the Gold Coast of Australia. Quinbrook has completed a diverse range of direct investments in both utility and distributed scale wind power, solar PV, peaking power and grid support, biomass, battery storage and 'micro-grid' installations in the US, UK, and Australia.

About Peninsula Clean Energy

Peninsula Clean Energy is a Community Choice Aggregation agency. It is the official electricity provider for San Mateo County and, beginning in 2022, for the City of Los Banos. Founded in 2016 with a mission to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the county, the agency serves 295,000 customers by providing more than 3,500 gigawatt hours annually of electricity that is 100 percent carbon-free or renewable and at lower cost than PG&E. As a community-led, not-for-profit agency, Peninsula Clean Energy makes significant investments in its communities to expand access to sustainable and affordable energy solutions. Peninsula Clean Energy is on track to deliver electricity that is 100 percent renewable by 2025. The agency has earned investment grade credit ratings from Moody's and Fitch. Follow us at PenCleanEnergy.com, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

CONTACT:

Chad Thompson

[email protected]

901.331.0779

SOURCE Scout Clean Energy
DUBLIN, Dec. 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --

The "Self-Healing Concrete Market: Global Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2021-2026" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global self-healing concrete market exhibited strong growth during 2015-2020. Looking forward, the publisher expects the market to grow at a CAGR of around 33% during 2021-2026. Keeping in mind the uncertainties of COVID-19, we are continuously tracking and evaluating the direct as well as the indirect influence of the pandemic on different end-use sectors. These insights are included in the report as a major market contributor.



Self-healing concrete refers to a synthetic building material capable of automatically healing the cracks and damages. It consists of a bacterium that produces limestone, which expands into a gel to fill the gaps upon coming in contact with water and air. The concrete seals the cracks to protect the steel framework from external impacts and minimizes the risks of corrosion. It is commonly available in autogenic and autonomic self-healing variants. The autogenous variants use moisture for the healing process, whereas the autonomous variants use capsules containing additional healing agents or bacteria spores. As a result, they find extensive applications in the construction of residential, commercial, industrial and civil infrastructure.



Significant growth in the construction industry across the globe is one of the key factors creating a positive outlook for the market. Furthermore, the increasing demand for environment-friendly, reliable and durable constructions, is providing a thrust to the market growth. In line with this, the widespread adoption of vascular-based healing technologies for the construction of modern buildings is also contributing to the market growth. They involve a series or network of tubes containing self-healing concrete, which are passed through the walls to reinforce the building.

Additionally, various product innovations, such as the development of capsule-based self-healing concrete, are acting as other growth-inducing factors. These capsules are highly convenient, permeable and cost-effective for large-scale applications. Other factors, including the implementation of favorable government policies, along with extensive infrastructural developments, especially in the developing economies, are anticipated to drive the market further.

Competitive Landscape:

The competitive landscape of the industry has also been examined along with the profiles of the key players being BASF SE, Basilisk, CEMEX S.A.B. de C.V., GCP Applied Technologies Inc., Hycrete Inc. (Broadview Technologies Inc.), Kryton International Inc., Oscrete (Christeyns UK Ltd.), Penetron, RPM International Inc., Sika AG and Xypex Chemical Corporation.



Key Questions Answered in This Report:

How has the global self-healing concrete market performed so far and how will it perform in the coming years?

What has been the impact of COVID-19 on the global self-healing concrete market?

What are the key regional markets?

What is the breakup of the market based on the form?

What is the breakup of the market based on the application?

What are the various stages in the value chain of the industry?

What are the key driving factors and challenges in the industry?

What is the structure of the global self-healing concrete market and who are the key players?

What is the degree of competition in the industry?

Key Topics Covered:



1 Preface



2 Scope and Methodology

3 Executive Summary



4 Introduction

4.1 Overview

4.2 Key Industry Trends



5 Global Self-Healing Concrete Market

5.1 Market Overview

5.2 Market Performance

5.3 Impact of COVID-19

5.4 Market Forecast



6 Market Breakup by Form

6.1 Intrinsic

6.1.1 Market Trends

6.1.2 Market Forecast

6.2 Capsule-Based

6.2.1 Market Trends

6.2.2 Market Forecast

6.3 Vascular

6.3.1 Market Trends

6.3.2 Market Forecast



7 Market Breakup by Application

7.1 Residential

7.1.1 Market Trends

7.1.2 Market Forecast

7.2 Industrial

7.2.1 Market Trends

7.2.2 Market Forecast

7.3 Commercial

7.3.1 Market Trends

7.3.2 Market Forecast



8 Market Breakup by Region

9 SWOT Analysis

9.1 Overview

9.2 Strengths

9.3 Weaknesses

9.4 Opportunities

9.5 Threats



10 Value Chain Analysis



11 Porters Five Forces Analysis

11.1 Overview

11.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers

11.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers

11.4 Degree of Competition

11.5 Threat of New Entrants

11.6 Threat of Substitutes



12 Price Analysis



13 Competitive Landscape

13.1 Market Structure

13.2 Key Players

13.3 Profiles of Key Players

13.3.1 BASF SE

13.3.1.1 Company Overview

13.3.1.2 Product Portfolio

13.3.1.3 Financials

13.3.1.4 SWOT Analysis

13.3.2 Basilisk

13.3.2.1 Company Overview

13.3.2.2 Product Portfolio

13.3.3 CEMEX S.A.B. de C.V.

13.3.3.1 Company Overview

13.3.3.2 Product Portfolio

13.3.3.3 Financials

13.3.3.4 SWOT Analysis

13.3.4 GCP Applied Technologies Inc.

13.3.4.1 Company Overview

13.3.4.2 Product Portfolio

13.3.4.3 Financials

13.3.5 Hycrete Inc. (Broadview Technologies Inc.)

13.3.5.1 Company Overview

13.3.5.2 Product Portfolio

13.3.5.3 SWOT Analysis

13.3.6 Kryton International Inc.

13.3.6.1 Company Overview

13.3.6.2 Product Portfolio

13.3.7 Oscrete (Christeyns UK Ltd.)

13.3.7.1 Company Overview

13.3.7.2 Product Portfolio

13.3.8 Penetron

13.3.8.1 Company Overview

13.3.8.2 Product Portfolio

13.3.9 RPM International Inc.

13.3.9.1 Company Overview

13.3.9.2 Product Portfolio

13.3.9.3 Financials

13.3.9.4 SWOT Analysis

13.3.10 Sika AG

13.3.10.1 Company Overview

13.3.10.2 Product Portfolio

13.3.10.3 Financials

13.3.11 Xypex Chemical Corporation

13.3.11.1 Company Overview

13.3.11.2 Product Portfolio

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/4q7bnw

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

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SOURCE Research and Markets

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HOUSTON, Dec. 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Zeta Energy LLC is pleased to announce that it will be moving into a new 12,000+ square foot facility in West Houston, Texas. This facility will be used for the advancement of Zeta Energy's material chemistry and process development for its proprietary lithium-sulfur battery technology. The facility is expected to be fully operational by Q2 2022, and will employ 40 employees including 25 dedicated researchers, battery engineers and development personnel.

As noted by Chief Executive Officer Charles Maslin, "Houston's petrochemical industry and the availability of experienced technical talent will accelerate our growth towards commercialization of our exciting lithium sulfur battery technology." Chief Operating Officer Tom Pilette, adds, "Houston is the ideal location for us to advance our core battery and materials technology. With this new facility we will be able to demonstrate the performance and cost characteristics of our proprietary technology and help accelerate electrification and the transition to green energy and beyond."

Zeta Energy develops and produces high density, long lasting, cobalt-free and nickel-free lithium-sulfur batteries. Zeta Energy anticipates that its batteries will cost less than $70 kWh at commercial scale.

About Zeta Energy

Zeta Energy is a US-based privately-held company focused on developing and commercializing high performance, safe, rechargeable batteries that are lower cost and sustainably manufactured. Zeta has filed more than thirty patents on its proprietary carbon nanotube anode and sulfur cathode technology. The Company may from time to time disclose public material events via its website at http://www.ZetaEnergy.com or its social media accounts at the following locations:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/zeta-energy-llc/about/

https://twitter.com/ZetaEnergy

SOURCE Zeta Energy
Bain and Co. Inc.- The company also offers marketing consulting solutions that help in transforming marketing with a practical, proven combination of analytics, customer-centric data insights and a test-and-learn approach, under the brand name of Bain and company.

The company also offers marketing consulting solutions that help in transforming marketing with a practical, proven combination of analytics, customer-centric data insights and a test-and-learn approach, under the brand name of Bain and company. BearingPoint Holding BV- The company offers marketing consulting solutions that generate sustainable growth by identifying the best marketing strategy by focusing on customer needs and innovating with new value propositions and personalize customer engagement through precision marketing enablers to maximize digital campaign ROI with the help and knowledge from digital marketing platform certified consultants, under the brand name of BearingPoint Holding.

The company offers marketing consulting solutions that generate sustainable growth by identifying the best marketing strategy by focusing on customer needs and innovating with new value propositions and personalize customer engagement through precision marketing enablers to maximize digital campaign ROI with the help and knowledge from digital marketing platform certified consultants, under the brand name of BearingPoint Holding. Boston Consulting Group Inc.- The company offers marketing consulting solutions by balancing go-to-market innovations with traditional sales-force lever and creating value propositions and experiences that resonate with customers, under the brand name of Boston Consulting.

Download Free sample Report for insights on the leading companies of the market

One of the key factors driving growth in the marketing consulting market is the rising need for improved customer digital experience. With the increase in market competition, marketing consulting firms are under constant pressure to deliver services as per the changing demand from clients and at affordable prices, which has encouraged organizations to improve the efficiency of their marketing campaigns and operations by providing information to the target audience. Marketing automation software analyzes organization-wide marketing data based on facts and offers statistical alerts for companies to make investment-related decisions for marketing. It has become essential for organizations to effectively manage the customers' digital experience to retain the existing customers and attract new ones. In addition, customers are doing thorough secondary research on domains on the latest technology updates and reviews before making any purchase decisions in the company. Thus, there is a need for marketing consulting firms to provide customers with a sophisticated digital experience.

Subscribe to our "Lite Plan" billed annually at USD 3000 that enables you to download 3 reports a year and view 3 reports every month.

The increased risks related to data security and privacy will be a major challenge for the marketing consulting market during the forecast period. Cloud-based marketing automation software is a convenient and cost-effective solution to manage marketing consulting. However, organizations will transfer their data or information to the cloud only if the services are secure and reliable. The adoption of cloud-based marketing automation software reduces the center's control over data, and marketing consulting firms become more dependent on cloud computing service providers. The risk of information leakage is also high, which could result in the misuse or manipulation of data. Therefore, increasing concerns related to data security are compelling many organizations to delay the adoption of cloud-based marketing automation software in marketing consulting firms. Marketing consulting firms are concerned about security and are introducing measures to prevent any security breach, as it significantly impacts their productivity and reputation.

Marketing Consulting Market: Segmentation Analysis

This market research report segments the marketing consulting market by Service (MMICS, SDCS, and others) and Geography (North America, Europe, APAC, MEA, and South America).

35% of the market's growth will originate from North America during the forecast period. The US and Canada are the key markets for marketing consulting in North America. Market growth in this region will be faster than the growth of the market in APAC, MEA, and South American regions. The emergence of digital consulting in the marketing consulting market and the rise of globalization will facilitate the marketing consulting market growth in North America over the forecast period.

Gain competitive intelligence about market players. Track key industry trends, opportunities, and threats. Inform your marketing, brand, strategy, and market development. Request a free sample report

Related Reports on Industrials Include:

Industrial Automation Services Market by Service, End-user, and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2021-2025

Automotive Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) Market by Type and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2020-2024

Some of the key topics covered in the report include:

Market Challenges

Market Drivers

Market Trends

Vendor Landscape

Vendors covered

Vendor classification

Market positioning of vendors

Competitive scenario

Marketing Consulting Market Scope Report Coverage Details Page number 120 Base year 2021 Forecast period 2022-2026 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 4.75% Market growth 2022-2026 $ 3.83 billion Market structure Fragmented YoY growth (%) 3.07 Regional analysis North America, Europe, APAC, MEA, and South America Performing market contribution North America at 35% Key consumer countries US, China, Germany, UK, and Canada Competitive landscape Leading companies, competitive strategies, consumer engagement scope Companies profiled Bain and Co. Inc., BearingPoint Holding BV, Boston Consulting Group Inc., Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Ltd., Elixirr International plc, Ernst & Young Global Ltd., KPMG International Cooperative, McKinsey and Co., Nielsen Holdings PLC, and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 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 Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions.

With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

Contacts

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media & Marketing Executive

US: +1 844 364 1100

UK: +44 203 893 3200

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.technavio.com/

SOURCE Technavio
SAN DIEGO, Dec. 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson Fistel, LLP is investigating potential claims on behalf of 3M Company (NYSE: MMM) against certain of its officers and directors.

On November 9, 2021, The Water Replenishment District of Southern California (WRD), which oversees drinking water supply in Los Angeles County, alleges in a complaint that 3M Company was aware certain of its products  ranging from firefighting foam to textiles and non-stick cookware  would pollute groundwater with perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS, but failed to warn against the risk. The WRD action seeks to hold 3M Company accountable by covering the cost of investigating and cleaning up wells that have been contaminated with the chemical compound.

If you are a current, long-term shareholder of 3M Company , you may have standing to hold 3M Company (and its shareholders) harmless from the alleged harm caused by the Company's officers and directors by making them personally responsible. You may also be able to assist in reforming the Company's corporate governance to prevent future wrongdoing.

[ Click here to join this action ]

If you are interested in learning more about the investigation, please contact lead analyst Jim Baker ( [email protected] ) at 619-814-4471. If emailing, please include a phone number.

There is no cost or obligation to you.

About Johnson Fistel, LLP:

Johnson Fistel, LLP is a nationally recognized shareholder rights law firm with offices in California, New York and Georgia. The firm represents individual and institutional investors in shareholder derivative and securities class action lawsuits. For more information about the firm and its attorneys, please visit http://www.johnsonfistel.com. Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

[ Click here to join this action ]

SOURCE Johnson Fistel, LLP

Related Links

http://www.johnsonfistel.com


GUANGZHOU, China, Dec. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- On December 10, the 2021 China Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fair (hereinafter referred to as CIEF) with the theme of "Empower the Dual Circulation & Boost the New Development" kicked off at Pazhou Canton Fair Complex. This three-day CIEF will be held from December 10 to December 12.

2021 CIEF is hosted by China Association for Science and Technology, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Chinese Academy of Engineering, the Central Committee of the Jiu San Society, the People's Government of Guangdong Province, and the People's Government of Guangzhou Municipality, and organized by the People's Government of Guangzhou Municipality and Asia Data Group. This CIEF features 15 exhibition areas and functional areas. More than 6,000 scientific and technological achievements that are urgently needed by businesses and can be easily commercialized will be displayed offline and online, with a focus on advanced technology and products in high-tech fields such as new infrastructure, intelligent vehicles, next-generation information technology, artificial intelligence, biomedicine and high-end equipment. 20 events such as the forum summit, auction of achievements, technology transfers, and project roadshows will be held simultaneously.

The online exhibition will be included at the 2021 CIEF, which is an event that "never ends", in order to promote the commercialization of scientific and technological achievements in a routine and targeted manner, and build a full-chain innovation ecosystem. Through the online platform, domestic and international exhibitors can conduct online exhibition, matchmaking of scientific and technological achievements, and roadshows. Based on 66 CIEF achievement commercialization bases and online exhibition platform, the 2021 CIEF will carry out 100 online and offline matchmaking activities before and after the fair to promote the integration of the innovation chain and the industrial chain.

Focus on key industries during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, and help the state and regions make new progress

The CIEF is an innovative, open, and hub-type national exhibition that is guided by the national widespread innovation and entrepreneurship strategy and that exhibits the achievements of innovation and entrepreneurship. The 2021 CIEF will help the state and regions make new progress and get off to a good starting during the "14th Five-Year Plan" period.

During the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, China will promote the integration of advanced manufacturing and modern service industries, prioritize the supporting and leading role of infrastructure, and build a modern industrial system for the coordinated development of the real economy, technological innovation, modern finance, and human resources. the 2021 CIEF follows the national development plan, with a focus on the key industries under the 14th Five-Year Plan. This CIEF features special exhibition areas to showcase China's achievements in new infrastructure, advanced equipment and cutting-edge technology, new-generation information technology, artificial intelligence, biomedicine, and intelligent vehicles.

At the 2021 CIEF, 33 scientific research institutes under the Chinese Academy of Sciences will showcase a total of 149 high-end scientific and technological achievements. Scientists from the Jiu San Society across the country will display xxx pieces of latest achievements in the fields of new energy, new materials, and so on. 37 academicians and their teams will display 92 projects.

The outline of the "14th Five-Year Plan" states that support will be given to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to build an international center for scientific and technological innovation. The 2021 CIEF features special exhibition areas to display the scientific and technological achievements made by innovation entities in "9+2" cities in the Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao region, including universities, enterprises, scientific research institutes, and new-type research and development institutions. It aims to boost the exchange and promotion of technological innovation and advanced scientific research achievements in the Greater Bay Area, and facilitate the commercialization of scientific and technological achievements and the growth of innovative enterprises.

At the CIEF, a series of activities related to key industries during the 14th Five-Year Plan period will be held, such as the High-end Equipment Manufacturing Innovation Forum and the Greater Bay Area Roundtable Summit for Achievement Commercialization Ecosystem Construction, in an effort to promote the upgrading of the manufacturing industry and build new pillars of the industrial system.

Serve the construction of innovation hub city for "Innovation China", and create a model for technological and economic integration

Guangzhou was selected as an innovation hub city for "Innovation China" on May 30 this year, the only city selected in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

"Innovation China" is a service brand created by China Association for Science and Technology to promote the integration of technology and economy. After having held the CIEF for six consecutive years, Guangzhou now has the advantages of the entire chain covering government, industry, universities, research institutes, and financing, and stands out from the many pilot cities for "Innovation China", becoming an innovation hub city for "Innovation China".

The 2021 CIEF will continue to serve Guangzhou as it becomes an innovation hub city for "Innovation China". At the event, the "Innovation Guangzhou" innovation achievements exhibition area will showcase scientific and technological achievements made by innovation entities in Guangzhou, such as Guangdong laboratories, national key laboratories, key high-tech enterprises, as well as national, provincial and municipal technological innovation and R&D platforms. It will better show Guangzhou's achievements in becoming "Innovation China" innovation hub city and in scientific and technological innovations in recent years.

At the 2021 CIEF, Guangzhou policies on the industrialization of scientific and technological achievements will be released in the form of promotional videos to help technological innovation enterprises and talents to learn about Guangzhou policies. At the CIEF, relevant persons responsible from the Guangzhou Municipal Party Committee's Talent Leadership Office, Guangzhou Municipal Science and Technology Bureau, Guangzhou Science and Technology Finance Group Co., Ltd., and Nansha District Science and Technology Bureau will be invited to give presentations on policies regarding innovation and entrepreneurship, introduction of talents, project commercialization, transactions of intellectual property rights, etc. for participating organizations and personnel, as well as offering face-to-face consulting services.

At the CIEF, the awarding ceremony of the National Offshore Innovation and Entrepreneurship Base for Overseas Talents will be held for Guangzhou Development Zone and Nansha District. The establishment of the National Offshore Innovation and Entrepreneurship Base for Overseas Talents in two districts of the same city is a sign that China Association for Science and Technology recognizes Guangzhou's work on talents and innovation and entrepreneurship. The Base will support Guangzhou Development Zone and Nansha District in attracting overseas talents and technology, as well as in the incubation of innovation and entrepreneurship projects, and commercialization of scientific and technological achievements.

Integrate resources and extend the service chain, address "last mile" issue in transactions of achievements

Following six years of development, the CIEF has a better "1+1+N" model for achievement commercialization (namely annual exhibition, one online CIEF platform and "N" regular achievement commercialization bases). The CIEF has set up 66 routine achievement commercialization bases in achievement commercialization institutions, incubators, and science and technology parks, and has established an achievement commercialization and transaction service network that covers the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and extends to the whole nation.

The CIEF will lead more than 50 banks, foundations, venture capital organizations, industry associations, incubators and other related organizations in the field of achievement commercialization and investment and financing to establish China CIEF Achievement Cand Investment and Financing Alliance. Through the CIEF and achievement commercialization bases, the alliance will hold roadshows for the matchmaking of projects and investors, build a communication bridge between investment and financing parties and innovation and entrepreneurship achievement projects, improve the service of the investment and financing industry and matchmaking efficiency, and address the "last mile" issue in the commercialization of scientific and technological achievements.

Centering on the central task of achievement trading, the 2021 CIEF will organize CIEF achievement and technology auctions, CIEF roadshows for outstanding projects, bank-enterprise matchmaking for inclusive finance, academician tour of enterprises, and other events to facilitate commercialization and transactions.

Empower the new development pattern of dual circulation, and integrate into global technological innovation

The theme of the 2021 CIEF is "enabling double circulation and boosting new development". The CIEF has been committed to accelerating the integration of government, industry, universities, research institutes, and financing, opening up the chain of technological innovation, facilitating localized knowledge production, flow, diffusion, application, and re-generation, and helping to build a domestic circulation for technological innovation.

The 2021 CIEF steps up efforts to attract innovation projects from countries with a developed technology industry, introducing global advanced innovation elements to China for double circulation. The CIEF also features the Belt and Road international exhibition area and Israel Day activities. About 300 projects will be displayed at an exhibition area of more than 1,100 square meters. At the same time, a total of 137 companies from more than 20 innovative countries such as Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, the United States, Russia, Israel, South Korea as well as the countries along the Belt and Road will participate in the events, with a focus on intelligent technology, consumer electronics, green and low-carbon, biomedicine and other industries.

The CIEF will also hold the Belt and Road Technology Transaction and Innovation Development Forum, International Intelligent Manufacturing Industry Cooperation Forum, International Online New Economy Industry Forum and other forums. Academicians, leaders of innovative technology businesses, and representatives of national scientific research institutions will participate in online and offline events, and contribute to the new development pattern with double circulation through technological innovation.

SOURCE Asia Data Group
WASHINGTON, Dec. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, five studies being presented during the 63rd American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition shed light on the persisting burden that COVID-19 has had on people with underlying blood disorders.

"We take care of the patients at the highest risk for COVID-19 illness and those who are among the least likely to respond to the vaccine; these and other studies underscore the dual vulnerability facing many of our patients," said press briefing moderator, Laura Michaelis, MD, of the Medical College of Wisconsin. "Hematologists have continued to play a unique role in contributing to the emerging science of COVID-19, especially given our expertise in clotting, and ASH has continued to provide leadership in an uncertain time with vetted resources and timely guidance for how best to manage our patients amid the pandemic."

Two studies analyze data from the ASH Research Collaborative (ASH RC) COVID-19 Registry for Hematology, which started in the early days of the pandemic to provide real-time observational data summaries to clinicians on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19, as well as researchers and providers around the world. In September 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) awarded the ASH RC funding to identify the overall burden of COVID-19, the effects of health disparities and outcomes, and the areas where future resources should be focused for treatment for people living with hematologic malignancies. Specifically, CDC funding, in part, supports additional data submissions to the ASH RC COVID-19 Registry, real-time public data summaries, and research activities. As the Registry dataset has grown, researchers have identified potential drivers of severe illness, hospitalization, and mortality. The data also suggest that aggressive supportive treatment of COVID-19 can improve outcomes for many patients and should be offered.

A third study conducted among individuals living with sickle cell disease (SCD), suggests COVID-19 infection can cause occlusive events, resulting in pain episodes, but these patients seem to respond to COVID-19 treatments and also were quick to adopt precautions and shift to virtual appointments as needed.

The final two studies look at antibody response following vaccination among people with various hematologic malignancies, helping give clues into which groups of patients may still be at high risk of COVID-19 after getting the vaccines.

"A number of studies have shown that people with blood cancers have less than optimal responses to vaccination, and there is a need to continue to push for mitigation strategies," said Dr. Michaelis.

This press briefing will take place on Saturday, December 11, at 12:30 p.m. Eastern time in press briefing room A315.

ASH RC COVID-19 Registry Reveals Potential Risk Factors for COVID-Related Deaths and Hospitalizations Among People with Blood Cancers

3040: Risks for Hospitalization and Death Among Patients with Blood Disorders from the ASH RC COVID-19 Registry for Hematology

Patients with blood cancers, particularly those with more advanced disease, are especially vulnerable to serious COVID-19 outcomes, including an elevated chance of severe illness and death from COVID-19, according to an analysis of more than 1,000 patients in the ASH RC COVID-19 Registry for Hematology. Based on the report, 17% of patients with blood cancers who developed COVID-19 died from COVID-related illness, a strikingly higher mortality rate than what was seen in the general population, according to researchers. Older age, male sex, poor cancer prognosis, and electing to defer intensive care when it was recommended were all independently associated with a heightened chance of dying.

"In our analysis, having a poor prognosis for underlying disease prior to COVID-19 and deciding to forgo ICU-level care for that disease were the most powerful predictors of mortality among patients with blood cancer and COVID-19and the two may very well be related," said Lisa K. Hicks, MD, MSc, of St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, Canada. "If someone is sick enough to require ICU-level care and their preference is not to receive this type of care, we would expect that decision to have a major impact on their survival."

According to the data, patients whose physician had estimated that they had less than six months to live due to their cancer before getting COVID-19 had six-fold higher odds of dying and these odds nearly doubled among people who decided to forgo more intensive care due to COVID-19. However, these groups represented a small proportion of the overall sample with only 7% estimated to have a pre-COVID-19 prognosis of under six months, and 9% deferring ICU care.

Of particular interest to the field was whether blood cancer treatment would affect COVID-19 mortality. Most patients included in the dataset (71%) received cancer treatment during the previous year; others were either in remission or had not yet needed treatment. In addition, receiving cancer treatment in the year prior to COVID-19 infection did not significantly increase the risk of death as some had feared; however, it was linked to an increased risk of hospitalization if infected by COVID-19. Older age, being male, having active cancer, and having other health conditions were also associated with an increased risk of hospitalization from COVID-19 among patients with blood cancers.

"In the early days of the pandemic, there was a lot of uncertainty about whether we should withhold or modify blood cancer treatments in regions with high levels of COVID-19," said Dr. Hicks. "The data are somewhat reassuring in that, while recent cancer treatment was linked to a higher risk of hospitalization among those with blood cancer and COVID-19, it wasn't independently associated with a statistically greater likelihood of dying. The type of blood cancer was also not associated with a higher risk of COVID-19 mortality. These findings suggest that patients who need treatment for their hematologic malignancy should likely proceed with that treatment."

Data were collected between April 1, 2020, and July 2, 2021, as part of the ASH RC's COVID-19 Registry for Hematology, which is a public-facing, volunteer registry reporting outcomes of COVID-19 infection in patients with underlying blood disorders. A total of 1,029 patients from around the globe were included in this analysis. Of these, 41% were female. The median age was 50-59 years of age, and patients ranged from five to more than 90 years of age; 27% had at least one co-existing condition such as heart disease, hypertension, respiratory disease, or diabetes. Researchers sought to identify factors associated with a higher likelihood of hospitalization and death from COVID-19.

Of people included in the analysis, 354 (34%) had acute leukemia or myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), 255 (25%) had lymphoma, 206 (20%) had plasma cell dyscrasia (myeloma/amyloid/POEMS), 116 (11%) had chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and 98 (10%) had myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN). Patients with MPN and plasma cell dyscrasia had less severe COVID-19 illness overall compared to patients with CLL, leukemia, MDS, or lymphoma, which Dr. Hicks said is not surprising as patients with MPN typically live with their disease for many years, are generally in better health, and may not require immunosuppressive treatment.

"The data from the ASH RC COVID-19 Registry has limitations and findings should generally be regarded as hypothesis generating," Dr. Hicks said. "Nonetheless, the data do suggest that patients with blood cancers are at substantial risk from COVID-19; this finding has implications for our patients, how we manage our clinics amid COVID-19 and the changing variants, and how vaccines, boosters, and antibody treatments are distributed."

In this analysis, 17% of those with blood cancers died of COVID-19; the mortality rate among those infected with SARS-CoV-2 in the general U.S. population has been reported to be between 1.6 and 6.2% at various times during the pandemic, Dr. Hicks added.

The ASH RC Registry is a public voluntary registry that continues to accrue cases and provide the information on a public dashboard to help keep the hematology community apprised on changing trends. Dr. Hicks said the team will also be looking at how the risks of hospitalization and death changed as vaccines and COVID-19 treatments became more widely available.

Lisa Hicks, MD, MSc, will present this study during a poster presentation on Saturday, December 11, at 5:30 p.m. Eastern time in Hall B5.

Patients with Acute Leukemias or Myelodysplastic Syndromes at High Risk for Severe COVID-19; Pre-COVID Prognosis and Deferring ICU Care Play a Defining Role in Outcomes

280: Clinical Predictors of Outcome in Adult Patients with Acute Leukemias and Myelodysplastic Syndrome and COVID-19 Infection: Report from the American Society of Hematology Research Collaborative (ASH RC) Data Hub

In separate analyses of 257 patients with acute leukemia or MDS who developed COVID-19 and are part of the ASH RC COVID-19 Registry for Hematology, both neutropenia (a type of low white blood cell count) and having active MDS or leukemia (versus being in remission) were found to strongly and independently predict severe COVID-19 illness. Once hospitalized, active disease by itself  whether someone was newly diagnosed or had relapsed  was not tied to a greater odds of dying from COVID-19, nor was receiving ongoing cancer treatment.

For this retrospective analysis, which included data from 135 patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), 82 with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and 40 with MDS who were diagnosed with COVID-19 from 2019 to present, researchers sought to identify characteristics that put patients at higher risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19. At the time of COVID-19 diagnosis, 46% were in remission and 44% had active disease. COVID-19 severity was defined as mild (no hospitalization required), moderate (hospitalization required), or severe (ICU admission required). After adjusting for several risk factors, active disease and neutropenia at the time of COVID-19 diagnosis were also associated with severe COVID-19 illness that necessitated ICU-level care.

Overall, one out of five (21%) patients died from COVID-19, which was higher than the mortality rate reported for the registry as a whole (17%) or what was seen in the general public during the same period of time, researchers reported. Mortality among hospitalized patients with COVID-related illness was 34%, and mortality among patients once admitted in the ICU was 68%. The two factors most strongly associated with a higher likelihood of dying among these patients were: 1) how long someone was perceived to live from the underlying MDS or leukemia before getting COVID-19, as defined as a physician's estimated prognosis of less than six months survival, and 2) whether or not they decided to go to the ICU if it was recommended. Older age, male sex, and neutropenia at diagnosis were also associated with COVID-19 mortality though less strongly.

"This is a particularly vulnerable population and we suspected they may do worse because they are immunocompromised and, as it is, the average survival for acute blood cancers if untreated is three to six months, so if COVID-19 comes together with that diagnosis, it's very concerning," said Pinkal Desai, MD, MPH, of Weill Cornell Medical College, New York. "Our data suggest these patients can survive COVID-19 and their underlying disease itself was not associated with worse mortality, which means that if these patients are given appropriate and aggressive treatment, we can help them recover. But if there are decisions that are made after they get to the hospital (for example, whether to go to the ICU) that clearly plays a role."

In fact, patients for whom ICU-level care was recommended and declined had five times higher odds of dying compared with patients who opted to go to the ICU.

"Patients who went to the ICU did better regardless of disease status," said Dr. Desai. "Just having acute leukemia or MDS puts these patients at high risk of severe COVID-19, and they need to be hospitalized and receive treatments, but decisions about the ICU should be individualized, a patient's prognosis should be discussed, and if a patient wants aggressive care for COVID-19 that should be offered."

Patients were more likely to forgo ICU care if they were older, male, smokers, or if they had active disease or an estimated pre-COVID-19 survival of less than six months. Forgoing ICU care was associated with a higher COVID-19 mortality in all patients.

"Our data show that these patients do survive COVID-19 after receiving care in the ICU and underscore that cancer treatments should not be withheld as inferior treatment would quickly put many of these patients into the category of a prognosis of less than six months," said Dr. Desai. "COVID-19 vaccination is also critically important."

The data are limited in that they were collected before COVID-19 vaccines were widely available; future data should inform about mortality rates among vaccinated patients.

Pinkal Desai, MD, MPH, will present this study during an oral presentation on Saturday, December 11 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern time in B312-B314.

Patient Vigilance and Virtual Visits Credited for Reducing Exposure, Illness, and Death Due to COVID-19 in Cohort with Sickle Cell Disease

3105: COVID-19 Infection and Outcomes at a Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center

The Georgia Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center at Grady Hospital in Atlanta  the nation's largest treatment center for adults living with sickle cell disease (SCD)  quickly switched to offering virtual visits for routine follow-up care of its more than 1,300 patients as the COVID-19 pandemic emerged. People living with SCD, an inherited disorder characterized by crescent- or sickle-shaped red blood cells, are immunocompromised and thus at high risk for COVID-19. The center established a database to track all COVID-19 cases among its patients.

The first report from that database  the largest single-center study to date on COVID-19 in people with SCD  now shows that between March 2020 and March 2021, just 55 (4%) of the center's 1,343 patients contracted COVID-19, of whom 16 (29%) were hospitalized and two ultimately died from complications of infection with the virus. Eleven patients (20%) required neither hospitalization nor emergency-room treatment for complications of either COVID-19 or SCD during the one-year follow-up period.

"Our findings show that when supported by virtual visits, most of our patients successfully reduced their exposure to and complications from COVID-19," said study author Fuad El Rassi, MD, of Emory University and director of research at the Grady Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center. "They understood the risks and followed recommendations to stay at home and avoid interacting with other people."

The 55 patients who contracted COVID-19 were aged 28 on average and 51% were female. Of those who visited an emergency room or were hospitalized during the year of follow-up, 27 (49%) sought care for a painful episode of SCD and 15 (27%) for complications of COVID-19. Among those who sought care for COVID-19 symptoms, 32 (58%) had pain as their primary symptom, followed by cough and fever (40%) and shortness of breath (31%); 25% had chest x-ray evidence of pneumonia. Sixteen patients received treatment, with nine receiving the antibody treatment remdesivir, eight receiving the steroid drug dexamethasone, and seven receiving red-blood-cell products to treat pain.

Twenty cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed between March and September of 2020. The two patient deaths from COVID-19 occurred in June and July of 2020. Among the 35 cases diagnosed between October 2020 and March 2021, no patients died and the number of hospitalizations decreased as better treatments for COVID-19 became available.

One of the patient deaths was due to a blood clot in the lungs, Dr. El Rassi said. "This unfortunately occurred before it became the standard of care to treat hospitalized COVID-19 patients with blood thinners," he said.

"Despite the second peak in COVID-19 cases in the winter of 2021, there were no reported deaths among our patients who developed the disease," Dr. El Rassi added. "This suggests that the patients' vigilance in staying home may have been crucial to reducing illness and death, and having the option for virtual visits was also key." Patients who needed blood tests or to obtain medication refills were sent to satellite centers.

Patient adherence to COVID-19 precautions was measured based on their responses to physician questions at intake and during virtual follow-up visits.

Dr. El Rassi and his colleagues plan to conduct further studies to evaluate the impact of the delta variant on diagnosis, illness, and death from COVID-19 among the sickle cell center's patients.

Fuad El Rassi, MD, will present this study in an oral presentation on Monday, December 13, at 6:00 p.m. Eastern time in Hall B5.

Some People with Blood Disorders May Continue to Face High Risk of COVID-19 After Vaccination

218: Antibody Response to Vaccination with BNT162b2, mRNA-1273, and ChADOx1 in Patients with Myeloid and Lymphoid Neoplasms

According to a new study, about 15% of people with blood cancers and other blood disorders had no vaccination-related antibodies after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. While researchers say it is encouraging that 85% of study participants did show an antibody response, the findings suggest that additional precautions may be warranted to prevent COVID-19 infection among people with blood disorders.

The study examined antibody levels after COVID-19 vaccination in people with blood cancers such as lymphoid and myeloid neoplasms, autoimmune disorders, and non-cancerous disorders of blood or immune cells. The results suggest that patients with lymphoma and those currently receiving treatment are the least likely to build antibodies in response to a COVID-19 vaccine.

"Some patients with hematologic diseases do not have an adequate antibody response and might, therefore, not have sufficient protection from vaccination," said Susanne Saussele, MD, of III. Medizinische Klinik, Medizinische Fakultat Mannheim, Universitat Heidelberg, Germany. "This study can help guide vaccination strategies for these patients. In addition, our study suggests that when it is possible to delay beginning treatment for their underlying disorder, it may be best to wait so that a patient can receive a vaccine or booster first."

People with blood disorders face a high risk of hospitalization and death if they become infected with COVID-19, especially if they are older or have received therapies that reduce B-cells, a type of immune cell. Since the majority of participants in the study did respond to COVID-19 vaccines, the results underscore the role of vaccination as an important strategy for preventing severe disease, researchers said. However, the findings also suggest vaccination should be complemented with other precautions. "We should recommend ongoing protective measures such as masks, social distancing, and screenings, as well as prioritizing vaccination for family members and caregivers to protect the patients," Dr. Saussele said.

For the study, the researchers recruited 373 patients treated for blood disorders at University hospital Mannheim in Germany and measured vaccine-related antibodies in their blood a median of 12 weeks after final vaccination. More than 90% of participants had blood cancer, while 9% had either autoimmune disease or a non-malignant blood disorder. Most patients had received the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine; 10% received the Moderna vaccine, 7% received the AstraZeneca vaccine, and 6% received one dose from each of the two vaccine types.

Overall, 85% of participants tested positive for vaccine-related antibodies and 15% tested negative. The rate of negative antibody results was highest among those with lymphoid neoplasms, a group of diseases that include lymphoma, myeloma, and lymphoid leukemia. Among these patients, 36% tested negative for vaccine-related antibodies. Patients with indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a slow-growing type of lymphoma, had the weakest response to vaccination overall.

Being on active therapy was associated with a reduced antibody response. Overall, 61% of study participants were on active therapy. Of those who tested negative for vaccine-related antibodies, most (71%) were on active therapy. Therapies correlated with a negative response were rituximab, ibrutinib/acalabrutinib, and ruxolitinib.

"Our study suggests that most people with blood malignancies  not only those who are currently under treatment  should monitor their antibody levels and work closely with their care team to determine how to continue to protect themselves from COVID-19," Dr. Saussele said. "Antibody measurements offer a hint of who has responded to the vaccine and can perhaps ease up on precautions a bit."

Dr. Saussele noted that the results are limited in that the study did not examine participants' T-cell response to vaccination, meaning that some patients' level of protection may have been underestimated. The researchers plan to continue to measure antibody levels for at least a year and to assess participants' rates of breakthrough infections and response to vaccine boosters.

Jil Rotterdam, MD, Medizinische Klinik, Medizinische Fakultat Mannheim, Universitat Heidelberg, will present this study in an oral presentation on Saturday, December 11, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern time in Hall B308-B309.

Strong Antibody Response Seen in Patients with AML and MDS After Second Dose of mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine

217: Responses to SARS-Cov-2 Vaccines in Patients with Myelodysplastic Syndrome and Acute Myeloid Leukemia

In one of the largest studies to date of the antibody response to vaccination against COVID-19 in people who had been treated for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), patients responded well to two doses of the Moderna mRNA vaccine and saw a particularly dramatic increase in levels of antibodies against the virus after receiving their second vaccine dose.

"We observed a strong antibody response to the vaccine in a group of patients at high risk for severe COVID-19, including among patients who were on active treatment for AML or MDS," said Jeffrey Lancet, MD, of the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute in Florida. "The fact that antibody levels increased so dramatically after the second vaccine dose suggests potential utility in additional dosing, even for patients who initially respond poorly to the vaccine."

Previous studies had shown that patients with other types of blood cancer  specifically, B-cell lymphomas or chronic lymphocytic leukemia  often have a poor antibody response to vaccination with one of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. Treatment of these cancers suppresses the ability of the immune system to produce white blood cells such as B cells and T cells to fight off infection.

"The treatment of myeloid cancers such as AML and MDS, including allogeneic transplantation, also suppresses white blood cells and leaves patients vulnerable to infection," said Dr. Lancet. "We conducted this study to find out whether patients with these cancers would also have a suppressed or absent immune response to COVID-19 vaccination."

The study involved 46 patients who either had previously or were currently undergoing treatment for AML or MDS. The patients' median age was 68 years; 59% were male and 96% were white. On average, they were about two years out from the diagnosis of their cancer. Fifteen patients (33%) were receiving treatment for their cancer at the time they were vaccinated. Thirty-two patients (70%) had undergone a transplant of blood-forming stem cells from a healthy donor as part of their cancer treatment. Forty patients (87%) were in remission when they were vaccinated. (Note that some patients are counted twice  e.g., if they had undergone a stem cell transplant and were in remission, they would be counted in both categories. For this reason, the percentages add up to more than 100%.)

All patients received a first dose of the Moderna mRNA vaccine (this vaccine type was being given at the clinic) in late January 2021 and a second dose four weeks later. The investigators collected blood specimens from each patient before each vaccine dose was administered and again at four weeks after the second dose. The primary aims of the study were to describe the immune response and assess the safety profile of the vaccine in a cohort of patients with AML or MDS.

Blood test results at 29 days after the first vaccine dose showed that 70% of patients had an antibody response; at 57 days  following the second dose  97% had an antibody response. Antibody levels were significantly higher after the second dose compared with after the first dose. Patients' antibody response was not significantly affected by age, gender, race, disease status (i.e., active or in remission), time from disease diagnosis to vaccination, number of treatments patients had undergone for their cancer, whether patients had received a stem cell transplant, or whether they were on active treatment at the time of vaccination.

The most common adverse events following vaccination were the typical ones reported after vaccination with a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine, such as fatigue, headache, arm swelling, and mild pain at the injection site.

"The study results should be confirmed in a larger group of patients," Dr. Lancet said. "However, based on these data, we feel comfortable advising patients with AML or MDS that they should get vaccinated against COVID-19. Due to their vulnerability to COVID-19, they stand to benefit from the vaccine more than most."

This is an observational study without an identified control, or comparator, group, Dr. Lancet cautioned. Another limitation is that because the participants were overwhelmingly white, it is not known whether patients of other races or ethnicities would show a similar antibody response. In addition, the actual protective effect of the vaccine and the T-cell responses to it in this patient population are not yet known; the researchers are currently gathering these data.

The investigators are now following the same cohort of patients to determine whether a third dose of the vaccine can achieve even higher antibody levels than were seen after the second dose.

Akriti Jain, MD, Moffitt Cancer Center, will present this study in an oral presentation on Saturday, December 11, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern time in Hall B308-B309.

ASH COVID-19 Resources: https://www.hematology.org/covid-19

Additional press briefings will take place throughout the meeting on immunotherapy, new insights into blood disorders, diversifying care in acute leukemia, and selected late-breaking abstracts. For the complete annual meeting program and abstracts, visit www.hematology.org/annual-meeting. Follow ASH and #ASH21 on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook for the most up-to-date information about the 2021 ASH Annual Meeting.

The American Society of Hematology (ASH) (www.hematology.org) is the world's largest professional society of hematologists dedicated to furthering the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders affecting the blood. For more than 60 years, the Society has led the development of hematology as a discipline by promoting research, patient care, education, training, and advocacy in hematology. ASH publishes Blood (www.bloodjournal.org), the most cited peer-reviewed publication in the field, and Blood Advances (www.bloodadvances.org), an online, peer-reviewed open-access journal.

SOURCE American Society of Hematology
ATLANTA, Dec. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson announced today new analyses illustrating responses that first-line treatment with DARZALEX (daratumumab)-based regimens may be able to achieve, including a potential survival benefit for DARZALEX in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone (Rd). Updated data from the randomized Phase 2 GRIFFIN study in transplant-eligible patients and real-world evidence in transplant-ineligible patients were presented at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) 2021 Annual Meeting. Data from the GRIFFIN study will also be featured in the Highlights of ASH program.

Updated Phase 2 GRIFFIN data of investigational DARZALEX quadruple regimen for newly diagnosed transplant-eligible patients

Updated results from the GRIFFIN study, now with a median follow-up of 38.6 months, were presented in an oral session (Abstract #79). The data show improved outcomes with the addition of DARZALEX to bortezomib (VELCADE), lenalidomide (Revlimid) and dexamethasone (VRd), followed by DARZALEX plus lenalidomide (R) maintenance therapy, in transplant-eligible patients. Key findings included:

The rate of stringent complete response (sCR) favored DARZALEX  -VRd compared to VRd alone (66 percent vs. 47.4 percent; p= 0.0096). 1

-VRd compared to VRd alone (66 percent vs. 47.4 percent; 0.0096). Minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity rates at a threshold of 10 -5 remained significantly higher in patients treated with DARZALEX  -VRd vs. VRd alone (64.4 percent vs. 30.1 percent; p< 0.0001). 1

remained significantly higher in patients treated with DARZALEX -VRd vs. VRd alone (64.4 percent vs. 30.1 percent; 0.0001). At 36 months, the progression-free survival (PFS) rate trended toward favoring DARZALEX  -VRd compared to VRd alone (88.9 percent vs. 81.2 percent).

-VRd compared to VRd alone (88.9 percent vs. 81.2 percent). At the median follow-up of 38.6 months, median progression-free survival (mPFS) had not been reached in either arm. 1

No new safety concerns were observed with longer-term follow up.1

"These updated findings from the GRIFFIN study are promising when adding daratumumab to VRd in the treatment of newly diagnosed, transplant-eligible multiple myeloma," said Jacob Laubach, M.D., M.P.P., Clinical Director of the Jerome Lipper Multiple Myeloma Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and GRIFFIN study investigator.

Additional analyses of DARZALEX-based regimens for the treatment of transplant-ineligible newly diagnosed multiple myeloma

Research shows that 50 percent of transplant-ineligible patients will not receive a second line of therapy.2 An oral presentation at ASH 2021 highlighted clinical sequencing scenarios in patients with newly diagnosed transplant-ineligible multiple myeloma, utilizing data from the Phase 3 MAIA trial, including attrition rates, and real-world evidence from the Flatiron Health electronic health record-derived de-identified database* (Abstract 118). Researchers explored survival outcomes based on clinical sequencing scenarios using DARZALEX first in combination with Rd, compared to when VELCADE was administered first in combination with Rd. Results from this analysis suggest a potential for a survival benefit when patients received DARZALEX in first-line treatment versus saving it for later. Future research is required to generate clinical data to confirm these results.

A second presentation of real-world evidence data provided additional insights on sequencing, based on results from a retrospective, observational cohort study evaluating patients from the Flatiron database who received first-line DARZALEX-Rd (Abstract #1979). The analysis indicated that the real-world patient population was similar to that of the MAIA study population, with an early trend of PFS similar to that observed in the MAIA trial.

A post-hoc analysis of the Phase 3 MAIA study, focusing on patients with renal impairment, was highlighted in a poster presentation (Abstract #1646). Research shows that approximately 20 to 50 percent of patients with multiple myeloma have baseline renal impairment that can impact their choice of treatment and efficacy. The exploratory analyses presented at ASH showed that PFS and overall survival (OS) benefits were observed in these patients who were treated with DARZALEX-Rd compared to Rd alone, regardless of the lenalidomide starting dose. OS data from the MAIA study were recently published in The Lancet Oncology.

"The clinical data presented at ASH support DARZALEX as a foundational therapy for patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma in transplant-ineligible populations," said Imran Khan, M.D., Ph.D., U.S. Vice President, Medical Affairs, Hematology, Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC. "Real-world evidence about efficacy, safety and adherence is becoming increasingly important for clinicians in optimizing treatment approaches for patients with multiple myeloma. We will continue to advance research that can provide important insights about DARZALEX as part of a standard of care regimen in the frontline setting."

About the GRIFFIN Study

The Phase 2 GRIFFIN (NCT02874742) study evaluated the investigational regimen of DARZALEX in combination with VRd and enrolled and treated more than 200 adults ages 18-70 years with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who were eligible for high-dose therapy/autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT).

In the safety run-in cohort, patients received 25 mg of lenalidomide orally on days 1-14; 1.3 mg/m2 of bortezomib subcutaneously on days 1, 4, 8 and 11; and 20 mg of dexamethasone on days 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16, every 21 days during the induction and consolidation phases (cycles 1-6). DARZALEX 16 mg/kg IV was given on days 1, 8 and 15 of cycles 1-4 and on day 1 of cycles 5-6.

During the maintenance phase (cycles 7-32), patients received 10 mg daily of lenalidomide (15 mg beginning at cycle 10 if tolerated) on days 1-21 every 28 days and DARZALEX 16 mg/kg IV every 56 days; this was amended to every 28 days based upon emerging clinical pharmacokinetic data demonstrating improved target saturation with every-4-week maintenance dosing. Maintenance therapy with lenalidomide may be continued beyond cycle 32 in both arms, per local standard of care.

In the subsequent randomized Phase 2 portion of the study, 207 patients were randomized and received treatment with VRd induction and consolidation, ASCT, and maintenance therapy with lenalidomide; or DARZALEX and VRd, ASCT, and maintenance therapy with DARZALEX and lenalidomide.

Janssen continues to invest in a clinical development program evaluating the potential of DARZALEX-containing quadruple regimens in improving clinical outcomes for patients.

About the MAIA Study

The randomized, open-label, multicenter Phase 3 MAIA study (NCT02252172) included 737 newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma ineligible for high-dose chemotherapy and ASCT, aged 45-90 years (median age of 73).1 Patients were randomized to receive either DARZALEX-Rd (D-Rd) or Rd alone in 28-day cycles. In the D-Rd arm, patients received DARZALEX 16 mg/kg IV weekly for cycles 1-2, every two weeks for cycles 3-6 and every 4 weeks for cycle 7 and thereafter.1 Patients in both treatment arms received 25 mg of lenalidomide on days 1-21 of each 28-day cycle, and dexamethasone at 40 mg once a week. Patients in both treatment arms continued until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.1

Earlier results from the MAIA study supported the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of DARZALEX in combination with Rd, marking the first approval of a CD-38 monoclonal antibody for patients with transplant-ineligible newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. These data were also published in The New England Journal of Medicine in 2019.

Modeling and Real-World Data Limitations

Modeling and real-world data have the potential to supplement randomized controlled trial data by providing additional information about how a medicine performs across all available Phase 2 and 3 clinical trials and in routine clinical practice. There are limitations, however, and these data cannot be used as stand-alone evidence to validate the efficacy or safety of a treatment.

*The Flatiron Health database is a longitudinal database comprising de-identified, patient-level structured and unstructured data curated via technology-enabled abstraction.

About DARZALEX

Janssen is committed to exploring the potential of DARZALEX (daratumumab) for patients with multiple myeloma across the spectrum of the disease. DARZALEX has been approved in eight indications, three of which are in the frontline setting, including newly diagnosed patients who are transplant eligible and ineligible.3

In August 2012, Janssen Biotech, Inc. and Genmab A/S entered a worldwide agreement, which granted Janssen an exclusive license to develop, manufacture and commercialize daratumumab. DARZALEX has become a backbone therapy in the treatment of multiple myeloma, having been used in the treatment of more than 227,000 patients worldwide and more than 68,000 patients in the U.S. alone since its U.S. FDA approval in 2015.4 DARZALEX is the first CD38-directed antibody approved globally to treat multiple myeloma.5

CD38 is a surface protein that is present in high numbers on multiple myeloma cells, regardless of the stage of disease.5 DARZALEX binds to CD38 and inhibits tumor cell growth causing myeloma cell death.4 DARZALEX may also have an effect on normal cells.4 Data across eight Phase 3 clinical trials, in both the frontline and relapsed settings, have shown that DARZALEX-based regimens resulted in significant improvement in PFS and/or OS.6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13

About Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma is an incurable blood cancer that affects a type of white blood cell called plasma cells, which are found in the bone marrow.2,3 When damaged, these plasma cells rapidly spread and replace normal cells with tumors in the bone marrow. In 2021, it is estimated that more than 34,000 people will be diagnosed and close to 12,500 will die from the disease in the U.S.2,4 While some patients with multiple myeloma have no symptoms, most patients are diagnosed due to symptoms, which can include bone fracture or pain, low red blood cell counts, tiredness, high calcium levels, kidney problems or infections.4

DARZALEX INDICATIONS

DARZALEX (daratumumab) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with multiple myeloma:

In combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone in newly diagnosed patients who are ineligible for autologous stem cell transplant and in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least one prior therapy

In combination with bortezomib, melphalan, and prednisone in newly diagnosed patients who are ineligible for autologous stem cell transplant

In combination with bortezomib, thalidomide, and dexamethasone in newly diagnosed patients who are eligible for autologous stem cell transplant

In combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone in patients who have received at least one prior therapy

In combination with carfilzomib and dexamethasone in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received one to three prior lines of therapy

In combination with pomalidomide and dexamethasone in patients who have received at least two prior therapies including lenalidomide and a proteasome inhibitor

In combination with carfilzomib and dexamethasone in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received one to three prior lines of therapy

As monotherapy in patients who have received at least three prior lines of therapy including a proteasome inhibitor (PI) and an immunomodulatory agent or who are double-refractory to a PI and an immunomodulatory agent

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

CONTRAINDICATIONS

DARZALEX is contraindicated in patients with a history of severe hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylactic reactions) to daratumumab or any of the components of the formulation.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Infusion-Related Reactions

DARZALEX can cause severe and/or serious infusion-related reactions including anaphylactic reactions. These reactions can be lifethreatening, and fatal outcomes have been reported. In clinical trials (monotherapy and combination: N=2066), infusion-related reactions occurred in 37% of patients with the Week 1 (16 mg/kg) infusion, 2% with the Week 2 infusion, and cumulatively 6% with subsequent infusions. Less than 1% of patients had a Grade 3/4 infusion-related reaction at Week 2 or subsequent infusions. The median time to onset was 1.5 hours (range: 0 to 73 hours). Nearly all reactions occurred during infusion or within 4 hours of completing DARZALEX. Severe reactions have occurred, including bronchospasm, hypoxia, dyspnea, hypertension, tachycardia, headache, laryngeal edema, and pulmonary edema. Signs and symptoms may include respiratory symptoms, such as nasal congestion, cough, throat irritation, as well as chills, vomiting, and nausea. Less common symptoms were wheezing, allergic rhinitis, pyrexia, chest discomfort, pruritus, and hypotension.

When DARZALEX dosing was interrupted in the setting of ASCT (CASSIOPEIA) for a median of 3.75 months (range: 2.4 to 6.9 months), upon re-initiation of DARZALEX, the incidence of infusion-related reactions was 11% for the first infusion following ASCT. Infusion-related reactions occurring at re-initiation of DARZALEX following ASCT were consistent in terms of symptoms and severity (Grade 3 or 4: <1%) with those reported in previous studies at Week 2 or subsequent infusions. In EQUULEUS, patients receiving combination treatment (n=97) were administered the first 16 mg/kg dose at Week 1 split over two days, i.e., 8 mg/kg on Day 1 and Day 2, respectively. The incidence of any grade infusion-related reactions was 42%, with 36% of patients experiencing infusion-related reactions on Day 1 of Week 1, 4% on Day 2 of Week 1, and 8% with subsequent infusions.

Pre-medicate patients with antihistamines, antipyretics, and corticosteroids. Frequently monitor patients during the entire infusion. Interrupt DARZALEX infusion for reactions of any severity and institute medical management as needed. Permanently discontinue DARZALEX therapy if an anaphylactic reaction or life-threatening (Grade 4) reaction occurs and institute appropriate emergency care. For patients with Grade 1, 2, or 3 reactions, reduce the infusion rate when re-starting the infusion.

To reduce the risk of delayed infusion-related reactions, administer oral corticosteroids to all patients following DARZALEX infusions. Patients with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may require additional post-infusion medications to manage respiratory complications. Consider prescribing short- and long-acting bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Interference With Serological Testing

Daratumumab binds to CD38 on red blood cells (RBCs) and results in a positive indirect antiglobulin test (indirect Coombs test). Daratumumab-mediated positive indirect antiglobulin test may persist for up to 6 months after the last daratumumab infusion. Daratumumab bound to RBCs masks detection of antibodies to minor antigens in the patient's serum. The determination of a patient's ABO and Rh blood type is not impacted. Notify blood transfusion centers of this interference with serological testing and inform blood banks that a patient has received DARZALEX. Type and screen patients prior to starting DARZALEX.

Neutropenia and Thrombocytopenia

DARZALEX may increase neutropenia and thrombocytopenia induced by background therapy. Monitor complete blood cell counts periodically during treatment according to manufacturer's prescribing information for background therapies. Monitor patients with neutropenia for signs of infection. Consider withholding DARZALEX until recovery of neutrophils or for recovery of platelets.

Interference With Determination of Complete Response

Daratumumab is a human immunoglobulin G (IgG) kappa monoclonal antibody that can be detected on both the serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) and immunofixation (IFE) assays used for the clinical monitoring of endogenous M-protein. This interference can impact the determination of complete response and of disease progression in some patients with IgG kappa myeloma protein.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Based on the mechanism of action, DARZALEX can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. DARZALEX may cause depletion of fetal immune cells and decreased bone density. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females with reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with DARZALEX and for 3 months after the last dose.

The combination of DARZALEX with lenalidomide, pomalidomide, or thalidomide is contraindicated in pregnant women because lenalidomide, pomalidomide, and thalidomide may cause birth defects and death of the unborn child. Refer to the lenalidomide, pomalidomide, or thalidomide prescribing information on use during pregnancy.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

The most frequently reported adverse reactions (incidence 20%) were: upper respiratory infection, neutropenia, infusionrelated reactions, thrombocytopenia, diarrhea, constipation, anemia, peripheral sensory neuropathy, fatigue, peripheral edema, nausea, cough, pyrexia, dyspnea, and asthenia. The most common hematologic laboratory abnormalities (40%) with DARZALEX are: neutropenia, lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and anemia.

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 www.janssen.com. Follow us at www.twitter.com/JanssenUS and www.twitter.com/JanssenGlobal. Janssen Research & Development, LLC and Janssen Biotech, Inc. are part of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson.

Jacob Laubach, M.D., M.P.P., has served as a consultant to Janssen; he has not been paid for any media work.

Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding DARZALEX. 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, Janssen Biotech, Inc., or 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.

1 Laubach J et al. Daratumumab (DARA) Plus Lenalidomide, Bortezomib, and Dexamethasone (RVd) in Patients (Pts) with Transplant-eligible Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma (NDMM): Updated Analysis of GRIFFIN After 24 Months of Maintenance. To be presented at 2021 American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting.

2 Fonseca R et al. First-Line Use of Daratumumab, Lenalidomide, and Dexamethasone Confers Survival Benefit Compared with Second-Line Use of Daratumumab-Based Regimens in Transplant-Ineligible Patients with Multiple Myeloma: Analysis of Different Clinical Scenarios. To be presented at 2021 American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting.

3 DARZALEX Prescribing Information, March 2021.

4 Data on File. Janssen Biotech, Inc.

5 Moreau P et al. Phase 3 randomized study of daratumumab (DARA) + bortezomib/thalidomide/dexamethasone (D-VTd) vs VTd in transplant-eligible (TE) newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM): CASSIOPEIA Part 1 results. Presented at Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), Chicago, IL, USA, 31 May  4 June 2019: abstract 8003.

6 Janssen Research & Development, LLC. A Study Comparing Daratumumab, Lenalidomide, and Dexamethasone With Lenalidomide and Dexamethasone in Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma. In: ClinicalTrials.gov [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US). 2000-[cited 2018 July 24]. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02076009?term=mmy3003&rank=1. Identifier: NCT02076009.

7 Janssen Research & Development, LLC. Addition of Daratumumab to Combination of Bortezomib and Dexamethasone in Participants With Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma. In: ClinicalTrials.gov [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US). 2000-[cited 2018 July 24]. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02136134?term=mmy3004&rank=1. Identifier: NCT02136134.

8 Janssen Research & Development, LLC. A Study to Evaluate Daratumumab in Transplant Eligible Participants With Previously Untreated Multiple Myeloma (Cassiopeia). In: ClinicalTrials.gov [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US). 2000-[cited 2018 July 24]. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02541383?term=mmy3006. Identifier: NCT02541383.

9 Janssen Research & Development, LLC. A Study of Combination of Daratumumab and Velcade (Bortezomib) Melphalan-Prednisone (DVMP) Compared to Velcade Melphalan-Prednisone (VMP) in Participants With Previously Untreated Multiple Myeloma In: ClinicalTrials.gov [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US). 2000-[cited 2018 July 24]. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02195479?term=mmy3007&rank=1 Identifier: NCT02195479.

10 Janssen Research & Development, LLC. Study Comparing Daratumumab, Lenalidomide, and Dexamethasone With Lenalidomide and Dexamethasone in Participants With Previously Untreated Multiple Myeloma. In: ClinicalTrials.gov [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US). 2000-[cited 2018 July 24]. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02252172?term=mmy3008&rank=1. Identifier: NCT02252172.

11 Janssen Research & Development, LLC. A Study of VELCADE (Bortezomib) Melphalan-Prednisone (VMP) Compared to Daratumumab in Combination With VMP (D-VMP), in Participants With Previously Untreated Multiple Myeloma Who Are Ineligible for High-Dose Therapy (Asia Pacific Region). In: ClinicalTrials.gov [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US). 2000-[cited 2018 July 24]. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03217812?term=MMY3011&rank=1. Identifier: NCT03217812.

12 European Myeloma Network. Compare Progression Free Survival Btw Daratumumab/Pomalidomide/ Dexamethasone vs Pomalidomide/Dexamethasone (EMN14). In: ClinicalTrials.gov [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US). 2000-[cited 2018 July 24] Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03180736?term=MMY3013&rank=2. Identifier: NCT03180736.

13 Amgen. Study of Carfilzomib, Daratumumab and Dexamethasone for Patients With Relapsed and/or Refractory Multiple Myeloma. (CANDOR). In: ClinicalTrials.gov [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US). 2000-[cited 2018 July 24] Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03158688?term=NCT03158688&rank=1. Identifier: NCT03158688.

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SOURCE The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson
WASHINGTON, Dec. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Four studies being presented during the 63rd American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition point to the transformative role immunotherapies are playing in the treatment of major blood cancers.

The studies represent a range of approaches that harness patients' own immune systems to seek and destroy cancer cells. "These studies highlight major areas of investigation that are ongoing in cancer care and treatment," said press briefing moderator Laurie Sehn, MD, of British Columbia Cancer Centre for Lymphoid Cancer and The University of British Columbia. "They will certainly garner a lot of interest and, in some cases, will likely transform practice."

Three of the studies focus on non-Hodgkin lymphomas, which affect white blood cells, and one focuses on multiple myeloma, which affects plasma cells. All four studies reflect strategies to use the immune system to fight cancer, although they operate through different mechanisms.

The first study, a phase III trial for treating multiple myeloma, bolsters the current three-drug standard of care with a fourth drug, a monoclonal antibody that is designed to directly fight cancer while also stimulating the immune system. The second study, a phase I/II trial for follicular lymphoma, demonstrates a different approach in which a drug, delivered intravenously, helps a patient's immune cells recognize and target lymphoma cells, boosting the natural immune response.

The final two studies are phase III trials involving chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies for large B-cell lymphoma. In this type of therapy, a patient's T cells are removed, modified, and then infused back into the body, where they find and destroy cancer cells. The studies demonstrate the promise of this approach as a second-line treatment, suggesting an opportunity to consider incorporating these treatments at an earlier stage than they are used currently.

The press briefing will take place on Saturday, December 11, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time in press briefing room A315.

Immune-Boosting Antibody Treatment Isatuximab Meets Primary Endpoint for Multiple Myeloma

463: Addition of Isatuximab to Lenalidomide, Bortezomib and Dexamethasone as Induction Therapy for Newly-Diagnosed, Transplant-Eligible Multiple Myeloma Patients: The Phase III GMMG-HD7 Trial

Patients receiving the anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody isatuximab in addition to the standard three-component induction therapy lenalidomide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone (RVd) for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma were significantly more likely to achieve minimal residual disease negativity (no evidence of cancer in the bone marrow) compared with those receiving RVd alone, according to results from the first primary endpoint of a phase III trial.

About half (50.1%) of study participants who received isatuximab-RVd versus 35.6% of those receiving RVd only achieved minimal residual disease negativity in the bone marrow after their induction treatment.

"This is the first phase III trial to successfully challenge a standard of care that is broadly used in the U.S. and Europe," said Prof. Hartmut Goldschmidt, MD, of the Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD) and National Center of Tumor Diseases Heidelberg (NCT) in Germany. "Our results support this treatment as a new standard of care in transplant-eligible patients with newly diagnosed myeloma."

Treatment for multiple myeloma, a cancer of the plasma cells that is most common in people over the age of 60, has advanced substantially in recent years, achieving a 10-year survival rate of up to 70%. By adding isatuximab to RVd, the researchers aimed to further increase survival rates and completely eradicate the cancer in the bone marrow for more patients. Isatuximab is approved in the U.S., Europe, and other countries for multiple myeloma patients who have already undergone previous rounds of treatment. This new trial assessed its use as part of the first-line treatment for newly diagnosed, transplant-eligible patients up to 70 years of age.

"Isatuximab acts in two ways  one is the direct effect of the antibody on myeloma cells, and the other is the immunostimulatory effect," said Dr. Goldschmidt. "The idea is that if the immune system is stimulated by isatuximab, treatment of myeloma will be more effective."

The trial enrolled 662 newly diagnosed patients at 67 medical centers throughout Germany. Half received induction therapy isatuximab plus RVd and half received RVd alone. The duration of induction therapy was 18 weeks for both treatment arms. In addition to meeting the trial's primary endpoint for minimal residual disease negativity in the bone marrow, those receiving isatuximab were significantly more likely to achieve a complete response or a very good partial response and less likely to show evidence of disease progression. The researchers also found no differences among subgroups, suggesting all patients benefit from the addition of isatuximab to RVd. There was no major difference between groups in terms of overall adverse events or serious adverse events. The most common adverse events in both groups were blood and lymphatic system disorders, infections, and nervous system disorders, with low white blood cell counts being more frequent in the isatuximab-RVd group.

The trial is continuing and will next assess the impact of isatuximab-RVd versus RVd induction therapy after autologous stem cell transplantation, as well as the drug's potential effects when used as part of the maintenance regimen with lenalidomide.

Hartmut Goldschmidt, Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD) and National Center of Tumor Diseases (NCT), will present this study during an oral presentation on Sunday, December 12, at 12:00 noon Eastern time in Hall A411-A412.

Bispecific Antibody Mosunetuzumab Brings Deep Remission for Follicular Lymphoma

127: Mosunetuzumab Monotherapy Is an Effective and Well-Tolerated Treatment Option for Patients with Relapsed/Refractory (R/R) Follicular Lymphoma (FL) Who Have Received 2 Prior Lines of Therapy: Pivotal Results from a Phase I/II Study

A phase I/II trial for the experimental drug mosunetuzumab met its primary endpoint, leading to deep, durable remissions for patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma. In the single-arm study, 80% of patients responded to the treatment and 60% experienced a complete response.

"This is a very efficacious, very safe drug, even for subgroups of patients who typically do not respond well to existing therapies," said L. Elizabeth Budde, MD, PhD, of City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center in California. "The results are a strong endorsement of the unique mechanism of action for this drug."

Mosunetuzumab is a type of bispecific antibody designed to recognize a target on the lymphoma cells and a target on the patient's own immune T cells and bring the two together. "It acts as a bridge to give a patient's T cells guidance to help them get in the proximity of the lymphoma cell, become active, and destroy the lymphoma cell," said Dr. Budde.

Unlike CAR T-cell therapy, which also uses T cells to fight cancer, mosunetuzumab can be infused directly into the bloodstream without requiring the removal and modification of patients' immune cells.

The trial enrolled 90 patients who had seen their follicular lymphoma return after two or more rounds of treatment with existing therapies. Patients were infused with mosunetuzumab and followed for a median of more than 18 months. More than 60% of those who responded to the treatment and 76% of those who achieved a complete response experienced no complications or cancer progression a year after treatment.

Similar to CAR T-cell treatment, the trial also saw cytokine release syndrome (CRS), which occurred in 44.4% of patients. All but two instances of CRS were low-grade, and all CRS events were manageable and reversible. CRS is an inflammatory response common in immune-modulating therapies. Overall, the therapy was well tolerated and the participants, including older patients, did not require hospitalization. Many participants were able to continue their normal daily routines throughout treatment, researchers said.

"The goal is not only to treat the lymphoma but to improve the quality of life for patients," said Dr. Budde. "By motivating our immune system to recognize lymphoma cells, this drug could give us an opportunity for chemotherapy-free treatment for follicular lymphoma."

L. Elizabeth Budde, City of Hope, will present this study during an oral presentation on Saturday, December 11, at 12:00 noon Eastern time in Thomas Murphy Ballroom 1-2.

TRANSFORM Study Reports CAR T-cell Therapy Liso-cel Significantly Improves Outcomes for Relapsed and Refractory Large B-cell Lymphoma

91: Lisocabtagene Maraleucel (liso-cel), a CD19-Directed Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T Cell Therapy, Versus Standard of Care (SOC) with Salvage Chemotherapy (CT) Followed By Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation (ASCT) As Second-Line (2L) Treatment in Patients (Pts) with Relapsed or Refractory (R/R) Large B-Cell Lymphoma (LBCL): Results from the Randomized Phase 3 Transform Study

An interim analysis of the TRANSFORM trial comparing CAR T-cell therapy lisocabtagene maraleucel (liso-cel) to standard of care found that liso-cel significantly improved event-free survival for patients with large B-cell lymphoma that persisted or returned within 12 months after treatment with first line chemotherapy. Standard of care for this patient group consists of salvage chemotherapy and, for responding patients, additional high intensity chemotherapy followed by stem cell transplantation. The trial met its primary endpoint in that the patients receiving CAR T-cell therapy survived for a median of 10.1 months without complications or cancer progression, a substantial improvement over the median of 2.3 months of event-free survival among those receiving standard of care.

"The current standard of care consisting of chemotherapy and transplant is not effective at curing most patients with high risk relapsed large B-cell lymphoma, representing a huge unmet need in our field," said Manali Kamdar, MD, of the University of Colorado Cancer Center. The FDA has currently approved liso-cel as a third-line treatment for lymphoma patients whose cancer doesn't respond to two prior lines of therapy. The TRANSFORM study was designed to assess its efficacy against standard of care as a second-line treatment, potentially making patients eligible for CAR T-cell therapy sooner and avoiding the need to go through stem cell transplantation.

"Despite a relatively short follow-up period of just over six months, the positive results of this study suggest that CAR T-cell therapy has the potential to become the new standard of care for patients who do not respond to initial chemotherapy or who relapse within 12 months," said Dr. Kamdar.

Researchers randomized 184 patients to receive liso-cel or standard of care. All participants had relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma and were eligible to receive a stem cell transplant. In addition to its demonstrated superiority in terms of the trial's primary endpoint of event-free survival, liso-cel was found to significantly extend the median length of survival without disease progression by nine months compared to standard of care. Liso-cel also increased the likelihood of achieving a complete response to treatment, which occurred in 66% of those receiving liso-cel and only 39% of those receiving standard of care. Of 92 patients randomized to receive standard of care, 50 patients ultimately crossed over to receive liso-cel.

The safety profile of liso-cel was comparable to the standard of care and some patients were able to receive liso-cel infusion in the outpatient clinic setting. CAR T-cell therapy can cause side effects such as CRS and neurological toxicity. Although roughly half of patients receiving liso-cel experienced CRS and 12% experienced neurological toxicity (with the most common neurological side effects being headaches, dizziness, tremors, and problems with speech), these CAR T-cell therapy related toxicities were low grade and reversible, with no grade 4 or 5 CRS or neurological events. There were no deaths attributable to liso-cel treatment.

"This is a breakthrough therapy which has shown superiority over standard of care in terms of efficacy with an extremely favorable safety profile. We are excited about the potential of this study to change the existing standard of care in these high-risk patients," said Dr. Kamdar.

The researchers will continue to follow patients to assess any differences in overall survival at the time of primary analysis.

Manali Kamdar, University of Colorado Cancer Center, will present this study during an oral presentation on Saturday, December 11, at 9:30 a.m. Eastern time in Hall A1.

ZUMA-7 Demonstrates Lasting Benefits of CAR-T Therapy Over Current Standard of Care for Large B-cell Lymphoma

2: Primary Analysis of ZUMA7: A Phase 3 Randomized Trial of Axicabtagene Ciloleucel (Axi-Cel) Versus StandardofCare Therapy in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Two-year data from the ZUMA-7 trial primary analysis show that the CAR T-cell therapy axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel) significantly improved event-free survival compared to standard of care for patients with aggressive large B-cell lymphoma, meeting the trial's primary endpoint. With a median of over two years of follow-up, patients receiving axi-cel survived without needing additional cancer treatment or experiencing cancer progression for a median of 8.3 months while those receiving standard of care had a median event-free survival of just two months. Overall, 41% of those receiving axi-cel and 16% of those receiving standard of care survived for two years without needing additional cancer treatment or experiencing cancer progression.

The standard of care second-line treatment for this patient group consists of additional chemotherapy; if the lymphoma responds to this additional chemotherapy, patients can then be eligible to undergo high dose chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Axi-cel is currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a third-line therapy for large B-cell lymphoma; the ZUMA-7 trial assessed its use as a second-line therapy.

"The results of ZUMA-7 herald a paradigm shift in how we treat large B-cell lymphoma," said Frederick L. Locke, MD, of Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa. "We found that by giving axi-cel in the second line setting, patients had longer event-free survival compared to the standard of care. This is remarkable and indicates that patients with lymphoma not responding to initial treatment or relapsing within 12 months should have the opportunity to get this therapy."

The trial enrolled 359 patients with early relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma who had previously undergone front-line chemotherapy and were intended to proceed to stem cell transplantation. Although the data for overall survival are not yet mature, those receiving axi-cel had a higher rate of event-free survival (as described above) and a higher rate of response to treatment, which occurred in 83% of patients receiving axi-cel and 50% of patients receiving standard of care.

The rates of adverse events were relatively similar between both study arms, with adverse events of grade 3 or higher occurring in 91% of patients receiving axi-cel and 83% of those receiving standard of care. The most common event in both groups was cytopenias, or low blood cell counts. Previous studies have found CAR T-cell therapy leads to two types of acute toxicities, which are usually transient: CRS and neurologic events. In this trial, 6% of patients receiving axi-cel experienced CRS of grade 3 or higher, and 21% experienced neurologic events of grade 3 or higher, with 12% experiencing changes in brain function (encephalopathy), which were temporary in most cases. Among those receiving standard of care, 27% experienced fever when their white blood cell counts were low due to chemotherapy, which is considered a serious event. "For both study arms, the rates and types of adverse events were consistent with expectations based on previous trials and real-world experience," Dr. Locke noted.

"By giving CAR T-cell therapy as an earlier line of treatment, we are able to reduce the amount of chemotherapy patients are exposed to and get them quickly to a definitive therapy that can eradicate lymphoma for many years, if not forever, without a stem cell transplant," said Dr. Locke.

The trial did not include cross-over between study arms but allowed progressing patients to receive any subsequent anti-cancer therapy including CAR T-cell therapy as a standard of care for third line or later treatment. Ultimately, 56% of those randomized to receive standard of care received CAR T-cell therapy after their cancer progressed.

Researchers will continue to follow patients for survival and analyze outcomes among subgroups of patients.

Frederick L. Locke, Moffitt Cancer Center, will present this study during a plenary presentation on Sunday, December 12, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern time in Hall B211-B212.

Additional press briefings will take place throughout the meeting on diversifying care in acute leukemia, new insights into blood disorders, COVID-19, and selected late-breaking abstracts. For the complete annual meeting program and abstracts, visit www.hematology.org/annual-meeting. Follow ASH and #ASH21 on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook for the most up-to-date information about the 2021 ASH Annual Meeting.

The American Society of Hematology (ASH) (www.hematology.org) is the world's largest professional society of hematologists dedicated to furthering the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders affecting the blood. For more than 60 years, the Society has led the development of hematology as a discipline by promoting research, patient care, education, training, and advocacy in hematology. ASH publishes Blood (www.bloodjournal.org), the most cited peer-reviewed publication in the field, and Blood Advances (www.bloodadvances.org), an online, peer-reviewed open-access journal.

SOURCE American Society of Hematology
EAST HANOVER, N.J., Dec. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Novartis today announced new 48-week data from the Phase III ASCEMBL trial of Scemblix (asciminib) demonstrating that the results observed in the primary analysis (24 weeks) vs. Bosulif* (bosutinib) were maintained in longer-term follow up for patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase (Ph+ CML-CP) previously treated with two or more tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs)1-4.

In this analysis, presented at the 63rd American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting & Exposition (ASH), the major molecular response (MMR) rate at 48 weeks was 29.3% for patients treated with Scemblix vs. 13.2% for patients in the Bosulif arm, which is consistent with a doubling of the efficacy at 24 weeks (25% vs. 13% [P=0.029])1-4. The proportion of patients treated with Scemblix who experienced adverse reactions leading to discontinuation was more than three times lower than those in the Bosulif arm (7.1% vs. 25%)1.

Scemblix is the first FDA-approved CML treatment that works by binding to the ABL myristoyl pocket2. This novel mechanism of action, also known in scientific literature as a STAMP inhibitor, can help address resistance to TKI therapy in patients with CML and overcome mutations at the defective BCR-ABL1 gene, which is associated with the over-production of leukemic cells2-4. Scemblix continues to be studied across multiple lines of treatment for CML-CP3-12.

"We often see that sequential use of TKI treatments can be associated with increased failure rates and greater concerns regarding potential treatment side effects as patients move to later lines. Scemblix offers an increasingly proven option for patients living with CML who have previously tried two or more TKIs, and takes a different approach to targeted inhibition to better manage CML," said Dr. Michael J. Mauro**, Hematologist and Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Program Leader at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK).

In this updated analysis, responses were also durable, with 60 out of 62 patients on Scemblix maintaining MMR at time of their last assessment1. Scemblix continued to deliver more favorable deep molecular responses (MRs) with MR4 and MR4.5 rates at 48 weeks of 10.8% and 7.6%, compared to 3.9% and 1.3% in patients treated with Bosulif, respectively1. Additionally, the cumulative proportion of patients achieving a level of BCR-ABL1IS 1% at 48 weeks  a predictor of better long-term outcomes in this heavily pretreated patient population  was higher in the Scemblix arm than in the Bosulif arm (50.8% vs 33.7%)1.

The most common reason for treatment discontinuation was lack of efficacy in 37 (23.6%) patients treated with Scemblix and 27 (35.5%) patients treated with Bosulif1. Median duration of exposure was 15.4 months (range, 0.037.3 months) for Scemblix and 6.8 months (range, 0.234.3 months) for Bosulif1. With a longer duration of exposure, the safety and tolerability profile remains consistent with the primary analysis of the ASCEMBL trial1-4. The most common (incidence  20%) adverse reactions reported in this analysis were thrombocytopenia (29.5%) and neutropenia (23.1%) in the Scemblix arm; and diarrhea (71.1%), nausea (46.1%), increased ALT (28.9%), vomiting (26.3%), rash (23.7%), increased AST (21.1%) and neutropenia (21.1%) in the Bosulif arm1.

"We are excited to see the continued benefit with Scemblix for this long-underserved patient population," said Jeff Legos, Executive Vice President, Global Head of Oncology & Hematology Development at Novartis. "These data are encouraging as we continue to challenge the current standard of care in CML by exploring if and how Scemblix can help more patients living with this disease."

Scemblix received FDA approval in October 2021 and is currently available for physicians to prescribe to appropriate patients in the US2. Scemblix is also being evaluated in studies across multiple treatment lines and indications for CML-CP, including the ASC4FIRST Phase III study for newly diagnosed adult patients, as well as in a Phase Ib/II dose assessment study in pediatric patients with Ph+ CML-CP. Trial-in-progress posters for both are being presented at ASH13-22.

To learn more about our long-standing commitment to transforming the lives of patients with CML with bold science, the latest information from Novartis and access to our ASH 2021 scientific presentations, visit the Novartis Oncology Congress Hub at https://www.hcp.novartis.com/virtual-congress/ash-2021/.

About Scemblix (asciminib)

Scemblix (asciminib) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with Ph+ CML-CP pre-treated with two or more TKIs, as well as adult patients with Ph+ CML-CP with the T315I mutation. The first indication is approved under the US FDA Accelerated Approval Program based on MMR rate at 24 weeks; continued approval for the first indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit from confirmatory evidence2.

Scemblix is the first FDA-approved CML treatment that binds to the ABL myristoyl pocket2. This novel mechanism of action, also known in scientific literature as a STAMP inhibitor, can help address resistance in patients with CML previously treated with two or more TKIs and overcome mutations at the defective BCR-ABL1 gene, which is associated with the over-production of leukemic cells3-12.

Novartis has initiated regulatory filings for Scemblix in multiple countries and regions across the globe.

Scemblix represents an important development for patients who experience resistance and/or intolerance to currently available TKI therapies, and it is being studied across multiple treatment lines for CML-CP3-20. Specifically, the ASC4FIRST Phase III study (NCT04971226) evaluates Scemblix as a first-line treatment and is in the recruitment phase14,21.

About Novartis Commitment to CML

Novartis has a long-standing scientific commitment to patients living with CML. For more than 20 years, our bold science has helped transform CML into a chronic disease for many patients. Despite these advancements, we're not standing still. We continue to research ways to target the disease, seeking to address the challenges with treatment resistance and/or intolerance that many patients face. Novartis also continues to reimagine CML care through its commitment to sustainable access for patients and collaboration with the global CML community.

Indication

SCEMBLIX (asciminib) tablets is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML) in chronic phase (CP), previously treated with 2 or more tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) medicines. The effectiveness of SCEMBLIX in these patients is based on a study that measured major molecular response (MMR) rates. No clinical information is available to show if these patients treated with SCEMBLIX live longer or if their symptoms improve. Ongoing studies exist to find out how SCEMBLIX works over a longer period of time.

SCEMBLIX is also approved for use in adults with Ph+ CML in CP with the T315I mutation.

It is not known if SCEMBLIX is safe and effective in children.

Important Safety Information

SCEMBLIX (asciminib) tablets may cause low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia), low white blood cell counts (neutropenia), and low red blood cell counts (anemia). Patients should tell their doctor right away if they have unexpected bleeding or easy bruising; blood in their urine or stools; fever; or any signs of an infection. SCEMBLIX may increase enzymes in the patient's blood called amylase and lipase, which may be a sign of inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Patients should tell their doctor right away if they have sudden stomach-area pain or discomfort, nausea, or vomiting. During treatment with SCEMBLIX, doctors may check their patients' blood pressure and treat any high blood pressure as needed. Patients should tell their doctor if they develop elevated blood pressure or symptoms of high blood pressure including confusion, headaches, dizziness, chest pain, or shortness of breath.

If a patient has an allergic reaction while on SCEMBLIX, they should stop taking SCEMBLIX and get medical help right away. Signs or symptoms of an allergic reaction include trouble breathing or swallowing; feeling dizzy or faint; swelling of the face, lips, or tongue; fever; skin rash or flushing; or a fast heartbeat. SCEMBLIX may cause heart and blood vessel problems, including heart attack; stroke; blood clots or blockage of patient's arteries; heart failure; and abnormal heartbeat which can be serious and may sometimes lead to death. These heart and blood vessel problems can happen in people with risk factors or a history of these problems and/or previously treated with multiple TKI medicines. Patients should tell their doctor right away if they get shortness of breath; chest pain or pressure; a feeling like their heart is beating too fast or they feel abnormal heartbeats; swelling in their ankles or feet; dizziness; weight gain; numbness or weakness on one side of their body; decreased vision or loss of vision; trouble talking; pain in their arms, legs, back, neck, or jaw; headache; or severe stomach-area pain.

Before taking SCEMBLIX, patients should tell their doctor about all of their medical conditions, including if they have a history of pancreatitis; a history of heart problems; or blood clots in their arteries and veins (types of blood vessels). SCEMBLIX can harm an unborn baby. Women should tell their doctor right away if they become pregnant or think they may be pregnant during treatment with SCEMBLIX. Women who are able to become pregnant should have a pregnancy test before they start SCEMBLIX and should use effective birth control during treatment and for 1 week after the last dose of SCEMBLIX. Women should not breastfeed during treatment and for 1 week after their last dose of SCEMBLIX.

Patients should tell their doctor about all the medicines they take, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. SCEMBLIX and other medicines may affect each other, causing side effects. The most common side effects of SCEMBLIX include nose, throat, or sinus (upper respiratory tract) infections; muscle, bone, or joint pain; rash; tiredness; nausea; and diarrhea. The most common blood test abnormalities include decreased blood counts of platelets, white blood cells, and red blood cells; and increased blood levels of triglycerides, creatine kinase, liver enzymes, or pancreas enzymes (amylase and lipase).

Please see full Prescribing Information for SCEMBLIX, available at https://www.novartis.us/sites/www.novartis.us/files/scemblix.pdf.

Disclaimer

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by words such as "potential," "can," "will," "plan," "may," "could," "would," "expect," "anticipate," "seek," "look forward," "believe," "committed," "investigational," "pipeline," "launch," or similar terms, or by express or implied discussions regarding potential marketing approvals, new indications or labeling for the investigational or approved products described in this press release, or regarding potential future revenues from such products. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations regarding future events, and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. There can be no guarantee that the investigational or approved products described in this press release will be submitted or approved for sale or for any additional indications or labeling in any market, or at any particular time. Nor can there be any guarantee that such products will be commercially successful in the future. In particular, our expectations regarding such products could be affected by, among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including clinical trial results and additional analysis of existing clinical data; regulatory actions or delays or government regulation generally; global trends toward health care cost containment, including government, payor and general public pricing and reimbursement pressures and requirements for increased pricing transparency; our ability to obtain or maintain proprietary intellectual property protection; the particular prescribing preferences of physicians and patients; general political, economic and business conditions, including the effects of and efforts to mitigate pandemic diseases such as COVID-19; safety, quality, data integrity or manufacturing issues; potential or actual data security and data privacy breaches, or disruptions of our information technology systems, and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG's current Form 20-F on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Novartis is providing the information in this press release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About Novartis

Located in East Hanover, NJ Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation  an affiliate of Novartis  is reimagining medicine to improve and extend people's lives. As a leading global medicines company, we use innovative science and digital technologies to create transformative treatments in areas of great medical need. In our quest to find new medicines, we consistently rank among the world's top companies investing in research and development. Novartis employs nearly 15,000 people in the United States. For more information, please visit https://www.novartis.us.

Novartis and Novartis US is on Twitter. Sign up to follow @Novartis at https://twitter.com/novartisnews and @NovartisUS at https://twitter.com/NovartisUS.

For Novartis multimedia content, please visit https://www.novartis.com/news/media-library.

For questions about the site or required registration, please contact [email protected].

* Bosulif is a registered trademark of Pfizer.

** Disclosure: Dr. Mauro has provided consulting services to Novartis.

References

Mauro, JM. Efficacy and Safety Results from ASCEMBL, a Multicenter, Open-Label, Phase 3 Study of Asciminib, a First-in-Class STAMP Inhibitor, Vs Bosutinib in Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in Chronic Phase after 2 Prior Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors: Update after 48 Weeks. Oral presentation at: ASH Annual Meeting; Dec. 11 , 2021 Scemblix [prescribing information]. East Hanover, NJ : Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp; 2021. Rea D, et al. A Phase 3, Open-Label, Randomized Study of Asciminib, a STAMP Inhibitor, vs Bosutinib in CML After 2 Prior TKIs. Blood. 2021. DOI: 10.1182/blood.2020009984. PMID: 34407542. Novartis Data on File, 2021. Cortes JE, et al. Asciminib, a First-in-Class STAMP Inhibitor, Provides Durable Molecular Response in Patients (pts) with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) Harboring the T315I Mutation: Primary Efficacy and Safety Results from a Phase 1 Trial. Oral presentation at: ASH Annual Meeting; Dec. 7 , 2020 Wylie AA, et al. The allosteric inhibitor ABL001 enables dual targeting of BCRABL1. Nature. 2017;543(7647):733-737. Schoepfer J, et al. Discovery of Asciminib (ABL001), an Allosteric Inhibitor of the Tyrosine Kinase Activity of BCR-ABL1. J Med Chem. 2018;61(18):8120-8135. Hughes TP, et al. Asciminib in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia after ABL Kinase Inhibitor Failure. N Engl J Med. 2019; 381(24):2315-2326. Hughes TP, et al. Expanded Phase 1 Study of ABL001, a Potent, Allosteric Inhibitor of BCR-ABL, Reveals Significant and Durable Responses in Patients with CML-Chronic Phase with Failure of Prior TKI Therapy. Poster presented at: ASH Annual Meeting & Exposition; Dec. 5 , 2016. Ottmann OG, et al. ABL001, a Potent, Allosteric Inhibitor of BCR-ABL, Exhibits Safety and Promising Single- Agent Activity in a Phase I Study of Patients with CML with Failure of Prior TKI Therapy. Blood. 2015;126(23):138. Mauro MJ, et al. Combination of Asciminib Plus Nilotinib (NIL) or Dasatinib (DAS) in Patients (PTS) with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): Results from a Phase 1 Study. Poster presented at: EHA Annual Meeting; June 15 , 2019. Cortes JE, et al. Combination Therapy Using Asciminib Plus Imatinib (IMA) in Patients (PTS) with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): Results from a Phase 1 Study. Poster presented at: EHA Annual Meeting; June 15 , 2019. ClinicalTrials.gov. 2017. Study of Efficacy of CML-CP Patients Treated with ABL001 Versus Bosutinib, Previously Treated With 2 or More TKIs. [online] Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03106779. ClinicalTrials.gov. 2021. A Study of Oral Asciminib Versus Other TKIs in Adult Patients With Newly Diagnosed Ph+ CML-CP. [online] Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04971226. ClinicalTrials.gov. 2020. Asciminib in Monotherapy for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in Chronic Phase (CML-CP) With and WithoutT315I Mutation (AIM4CML). [online] Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04666259. ClinicalTrials.gov. 2018. Study of Efficacy And Safety Of Asciminib In Combination With Imatinib In Patients With Chronic Myeloid Leukemia In Chronic Phase (CML-CP). [online] Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03578367. ClinicalTrials.gov. 2021. Study of Efficacy and Safety of CML-CP Patients Treated With Asciminib Versus Best Available Therapy, Previously Treated With 2 or More Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors. [online] Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04795427. ClinicalTrials.gov. 2014. A Phase I Study of Oral ABL001 in Patients With CML or Ph+ ALL. [online] Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02081378. ClinicalTrials.gov. 2021. Study to Determine the Dose and Safety of Asciminib in Pediatric Patients With Chronic Myeloid Leukemia [online] Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04925479 ClinicalTrials.gov. 2021 Asciminib Treatment Optimization in  3rd Line CML-CP. [online] Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04948333 Cortes, J. Trial in Progress: A Multicenter, Open Label, Randomized, Phase III Study of Asciminib (80 mg Once Daily) Vs Investigator-Selected TKI in Newly Diagnosed Adult Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in Chronic Phase. Poster presentation at: ASH Annual Meeting; Dec. 11 , 2021 Hijiya, N. Trial in Progress: A Multicenter, Open-Label, Phase Ib/II Study to Determine the Dose and Safety of Asciminib in Pediatric Patients with Philadelphia ChromosomePositive Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in Chronic Phase Treated with 1 Prior Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor. Poster presentation at: ASH Annual Meeting; Dec. 12 , 2021

Novartis Media Relations E-mail: [email protected]

Anja von Treskow Novartis External Communications +41 79 392 8697 (mobile) [email protected] Julie Masow Novartis US External Communications +1 862 579 8456 [email protected] Floriana Riccio Furnari Novartis Oncology Communications +1 862 778 1866 (direct) +1 862 210 5317 (mobile) [email protected]

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Table of Content

Executive Summary

Market Insights

Category Pricing Insights

Cost-saving Opportunities

Best Practices

Category Ecosystem

Category Management Strategy

Category Management Enablers

Suppliers Selection

Suppliers under Coverage

US Market Insights

Category scope

Appendix

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NEW YORK, Dec. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Juan Monteverde, founder and managing partner at Monteverde & Associates PC, a national securities firm rated Top 50 in the 2018-2020 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report and headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City, is investigating:

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Market Dynamics

The market is driven by factors such as the rising cases of periodontal diseases. Periodontal diseases like bleeding gums are one of the major factors affecting the adult and pediatric population. In addition, there have been several other oral diseases emerging in the aging population of both advanced and emerging economies. The rising incidence of oral diseases has contributed to the volumetric rise in the consumption of dental consumables, which impacts the market growth positively. In addition, other factors including the growing importance of medical esthetics and the rise in the adoption rate of CAD/CAM technology will influence the market growth positively during the forecast period.

The high cost of dental procedures will be a major challenge for the dental consumables market during the forecast period. actors such as the need for additional imaging, the brand of implants used, the complexity of the surgery, and the need for additional procedures further elevate the cost of surgery. Also, the cost of premium implants is high compared with locally manufactured ones, which makes it difficult for the general population to afford dental implants of reputed brands. Furthermore, factors such as limited reimbursement and lack of skilled dental surgeons will be other factors limiting the market growth during the forecast period.

View Report Outlook for More Dental Consumables Market Highlights

Competitive Analysis

Some of the companies covered in this report are 3Shape AS, AB Dental Devices Ltd., Adin Dental Implants Systems Ltd., Align Technology Inc., Danaher Corp., DENTSPLY SIRONA Inc., Ivoclar Vivadent AG, MIS Implants Technologies Ltd., Straumann Holding AG, and Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc., etc. The report includes the competitive analysis, a proprietary tool to analyze and evaluate the position of companies based on their industry position score and market performance score. The tool uses various factors for categorizing the players into four categories. Some of these factors considered for analysis are financial performance over the last 3 years, growth strategies, innovation score, new product launches, investments, growth in market share, etc.

The dental consumables market is fragmented and the vendors are deploying growth strategies such as forming strategic partnerships to compete in the market. Market vendors are focusing more on the growth prospects in the fast-growing segments while maintaining their positions in the slow-growing segments.

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Market Segmentation

By Product, the market is classified into dental implants, dental crowns and bridges, orthodontics, periodontics, and dental biomaterials. The increase in the popularity of nanotechnology-based implants has reduced the incidence of infection and accelerated healing, thereby fueling the adoption of dental implants.

By Geography, the market is classified as North America , Europe , Asia , and ROW. North America will have the largest share of the market and will continue to account for 49% of the overall market growth. The US is the key market for dental consumables in North America . Market growth in this region will be faster than the growth of the market in the European and ROW regions. The growth in medical tourism will facilitate the dental consumables market growth in North America over the forecast period.

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Dental Consumables Market Scope Report Coverage Details Page number 120 Base year 2020 Forecast period 2021-2025 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 6.22% Market growth 2021-2025 USD 4.99 billion Market structure Fragmented YoY growth (%) 5.40 Regional analysis North America, Europe, Asia, and ROW Performing market contribution North America at 39% Key consumer countries US, Germany, China, Japan, and France Competitive landscape Leading companies, competitive strategies, consumer engagement scope Companies profiled 3Shape AS, AB Dental Devices Ltd., Adin Dental Implants Systems Ltd., Align Technology Inc., Danaher Corp., DENTSPLY SIRONA Inc., Ivoclar Vivadent AG, MIS Implants Technologies Ltd., Straumann Holding AG, and Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc. 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.

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VALLEY COUNTY, Idaho, Dec. 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Valley County is notifying individuals of an issue related to its online portal. On April 6, 2021, Valley County became aware of a potential configuration issue relating to an online portal used for public record searches. The portal utilized a software licensed from a third-party vendor to house documents online, allowing county residents to search for copies of their recorded documents, including marriage licenses, death certificates, and other court records. Valley County discovered some of these documents were not properly redacted by the software and that personal information in these documents could have potentially been accessible to the public via the portal between January of 2020 and April of 2021. Though there is no evidence of attempted or actual misuse of this information, as a precautionary measure, the documents available on the online portal were taken down and then reviewed to determine what, if any, personal information may have been contained within the records. On August 11, 2021, this extensive review was complete, and Valley County has been working diligently to obtain the contact information of individuals since that time.

The investigation determined that the personal information accessible on the portal could include personal information such as date of birth, passport number, Social Security number, medical information, marriage certificate, death certificate, biometric data, and facial photographs. The types of personal information potentially accessible varies per individual.

Valley County takes this incident and the security of personal information in their care very seriously. Upon learning of this incident, Valley County moved quickly to investigate and respond to this incident, assess the security of the relevant portal, and notify potentially affected individuals. Their response included reviewing the contents of the information available on the online portal to determine whether it contained personal information and reviewing internal systems to identify contact information for purposes of providing notice to potentially affected individuals. As part of their ongoing commitment to the security of information, Valley County is also reviewing and enhancing existing policies and procedures to reduce the likelihood of a similar future event.

Valley County is mailing notice to those individuals whose information was potentially accessible on the portal at the time of this event. In that notice, Valley County is providing access to credit monitoring as well as guidance on how to protect against identity theft and fraud, should they feel it is necessary to do so. While Valley County is unaware of misuse of information, Valley County encourages those who may be impacted to remain vigilant against incidents of identity theft and fraud by reviewing account statements and monitoring free credit reports. Valley County also established a dedicated call center to assist those who may be impacted by this event. Those who may be impacted can also find additional information and links to consumer credit reporting agencies at http://www.co.valley.id.us/publicnotice/.

If you have any additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call the dedicated, toll-free number at (888) 994-0269 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. Monday  Friday CST and Saturday and Sunday between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. CST. You may also write to Valley County at 219 North Main St., Mailing P.O. Box 1350, Cascade, ID 83611.

SOURCE Valley County
Kiev, Dec 11 : A total of 442 more people have died from Covid-19 in Ukraine, bringing the country's death toll to 90,343, the Health Ministry has said on Friday.

Meanwhile the country has registered 11,327 new Covid-19 cases, Xinhua news agency quoted the ministry as saying.

So far, some 45.2 per cent of Ukrainian adults have received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccines, while 39.4 per cent have been fully vaccinated, it said.

Ukraine, which has a population of some 42 million people, has recorded more than 3.5 million Covid-19 cases during the pandemic.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
New Delhi, Dec 11 : Gorakhpur will be developed as a 'Special Education Zone' by the Union Ministry of Education and the study is 'underway' to make it the 'education hub' of eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said that with the creation of a 'Special Education Zone', the Gorakhpur's tradition of spiritual consciousness and knowledge will be carried forward in the coming days.

He said that in line with the needs of the 21st century, the new National Education Policy 2020 is an important initiative towards making the youth 'knowledgeable, virtuous and globalised'.

The new education policy will establish India among the leading countries of the world, he added.

The union minister was in Gorakhpur on Friday during which he attended the founder's week festival of Maharana Pratap Education Council along with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Pradhan asserted that whether it is AIIMS Gorakhpur or Gorakhpur Fertilizer Factory, all the promises made under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, were fulfilled.

Pradhan, who is also the BJP's state in-charge for the upcoming assembly elections, said that in Gorakhpur, the land of Lord Shiva and Buddha, 'Yugpurush' Mahant Digvijaynath had taken up the responsibility of the development and advancement of the society in the region by moving beyond the spiritual consciousness centuries ago, which later Mahant Avaidyanath and today Yogi Adityanath is taking forward.

The union minister, on the occasion, also paid tributes to late General Bipin Rawat, his wife and 11 others who died recently in a chopper crash.
Chandigarh, Dec 11 : Haryana Police have advised motorists to modify their journey on national highways on Saturday to avoid inconvenience owing to the return of farmers to various destinations in Punjab after ending their year-long agitation on the national capital borders.

However, they said elaborate arrangements have been made to ensure hassle-free movement of the traffic on the highways across the state.

A police spokesperson said district Superintendents of Police have been instructed to ensure appropriate traffic, security and law and order arrangements to ensure the smooth flow of traffic in all districts from Delhi to Ambala and Bahadurgarh towards Hisar and Jind.

It is expected that farmers from Kundli and Tikri borders will go back by passing through the districts of Sonipat, Panipat, Karnal, Kurukshetra, Ambala, Jhajjar, Rohtak, Jind, Hansi, Hisar, Fatehabad and Sirsa districts in large groups that will become a large motorcade.

Keeping this in view, adequate arrangements to ensure normal movement of traffic have been put in place by the police, said the spokesperson.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New Delhi, Dec 11 : Left red-faced by the gory episode in Nagaland wherein native Konyak tribesmen and poor mine workers were killed indiscriminately by the forces, the Centre is exploring certain knee-jerk actions politically.

The BJP could ask for replacement of state Home Minister Y. Patton, who is also the Deputy Chief Minister in the Neiphiu Rio-led government.

"It will also send a positive signal to the people of Mon district, who are grievously hurt following the killing of locals on December 4 and 5," a source explained.

Patton is the BJP legislature party leader and is known for his flamboyant political styles. A senior party legislator among Konyaks is being considered as of now, sources said.

Rio is heading the 'opposition-less' NDPP-BJP-NPF regime wherein all 60 MLAs are backing his government.

Outside the Assembly of course, there is Congress and other smaller parties like JD(U) and NPP of Conrad Sangma.

The Congress party has lost political steam in Nagaland over the years and it stayed away from contest in many constituencies in the 2018 polls for what was said to be fund crunch.

Despite its organisational weaknesses, the Congress has a support base in the state -- where it was in power for most years since 1963, when statehood was granted.

However, ever since the S.C. Jamir government was voted out in 2003, and the present Chief Minister Rio quit Congress, the grand old party has been left weak and often directionless.

If things go by set rules, Nagaland would go for next round of Assembly elections by February 2023 along with two other northeastern states, Meghalaya and Tripura.

Though the BJP made deep inroads and captured power in Tripura in 2018, its performance was dismal in Meghalaya.

The saffron party won 12 out of 20 seats it contested in Nagaland in alliance with the NDPP of Rio --who fielded candidates in the remaining 40 Assembly segments.

BJP's strike rate was better than NDPP, which won only 18 seats. But since then, the NDPP-BJP alliance has seen ups and downs.

Now, pressure is being mounted on Chief Minister Rio to do a minor reshuffle. The move is not opposed by Rio in principle, but he wants the BJP high command to take the call for replacement of Deputy Chief Minister Patton.

"With the peace process in advanced stage, we are in a season of consensus building," the Chief Minister Rio told a few party confidants.

So, NDPP sources suggest -- replacing or dropping Patton should be BJP central leadership's decision.

There is a demand that senior legislator from the recent violent-hit Mon district and existing Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Paiwang Konyak be given the job.

The BJP sources say, for state level politics, Rio is generally given freehand.

Konyaks share ethnicity with Hemi Nagas and other smaller native groups in Myanmar and hence there are possibilities now of a 'revenge reciprocation' to the December 4-5 massacre of Konyaks by the security forces.

At one time, rebel NSCN leader S.S. Khaplang was also a Hemi Naga and he had "admirers" in the Indian side of the border.

Sources in Delhi are, however, not happy that after the December 4 tragic incident, the violent protest was allowed on December 5 wherein the Assam Rifles camp was vandalised.

This 'protest' led to the death of one civilian and also an Assam Rifles personnel in Mon town.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah had told the Parliament that six out of eight persons travelling in the ill-fated pick-up vehicle were killed initially.

On the first day, total civilian casualties were 13. But the casualty figures later jumped to 15 Naga civilians and one security personnel.

"These reflect law and order failure on December 5 and this has left both Nagaland Chief Minister Rio and Deputy CM Patton embarrassed," a source maintained.

The Centre is also not happy that a government run by the BJP as a key component is making continuous attack on the central forces in insurgency-hit state.

Nagaland Governor Jagdish Mukhi could be submitting his report to the Home Ministry soon.

The central agencies have given inputs that Patton was camping in Mon district town since December 4 evening but yet the attack on Assam Rifles camp in Mon took place on December 5.

The Oting village where the December 4 firing took place is quite a distance from Mon.

Both Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are in the meantime keen for faster progress to the pending Naga peace talks despite major hurdles thrown by the NSCN (Isak-Muivah) faction vis-a-vis Flag and Constitution.

These two demands cannot be met by any Indian government worth its salt and especially the one led by Narendra Modi -- which took unprecedented and tough stand in Kashmir.

The alliance politics has only added further complexity to the Nagaland peace process and hence the Christmas gift could still be alluding the 'God-fearing' Nagas.

(Nirendra Dev is a New Delhi-based journalist. He is also the author of books, 'The Talking Guns: North East India' and 'Modi to Moditva: An Uncensored Truth'. The views expressed are personal)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Srinagar, Dec 11 : The Jammu and Kashmir delimitation commission has called a meeting with its associate members on December 20 in New Delhi to share the progress made in the delimitation of the 90 Assembly constituencies in the Union Territory.

The meeting has been called following an uproar by many politicians over the alleged uncertainty created by the Union Home Ministry's remark in Parliament regarding the deadline for the commission to submit its recommendations.

The commission is headed by Justice (Retired) Ranjana Prakash Desai and its term ends in March 2022 after which Assembly elections are to be held.

The five associate members of the commission are Minister of State for, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions Dr Jitendra Singh and Jammu MP Jugal Kishore Sharma, both from the BJP; as well as National Conference (NC) MPs Farooq Abdullah, Mohammad Akbar Lone and Hasnain Masoodi.

This is second meeting called by the commission after the first was held on February 18 which was attended only by the two BJP MPs, while the three NC members stayed away on the ground that the commission had been set up under Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, which the party had challenged in the Supreme Court.

Meanwhile, the two official members of the commission are Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra and state Election Commissioner, K.K. Sharma.

Sources have indicated that the commission may consider giving representation to Kashmiri Pandits in the Assembly since it will be difficult for the community under normal circumstances to send its representative to the Legislative Assambly.

Options under consideration are Sangha Model of Sikkim where a 'floating' constituency is reserved for Buddhist Monks or like nomination models seen in the Puducherry Assembly for Anglo Indians.

The Kashmiri Pandit community is spread over different parts of Jammu, New Delhi, Bengaluru and Maharashtra among others after their migration from the Valley in 1990s.

Under the existing provisions of the Constitution, only Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are entitled to 8 and 10 per cent reservation in the Assembly, respectively, which means seven seats will be reserved for SCs and nine for STs out of the 90 proposed after the delimitation process is completed.

In addition to the 90 seats proposed, 24 will continue to remain vacant as they fall in the Pakistan occupied part of Jammu and Kashmir.

The erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir Assembly had 87 seats out of which Kashmir division had 46, Jammu division 37 and Ladakh 4.
Bengaluru, Dec 11 : Karnataka Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, K.S. Eshwarappa has urged the Central government to initiate action against hate posts circulating on the social media on the deaths of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat and 12 others.

On Friday evening, Eshwarappa claimed that at a time when the whole world is condoling the deaths, few sick minds are celebrating the tragic incident, which is an insult to soldiers and a great leader who led the armed forces.

"This should not be taken lightly. The citizens of this country will never forgive the miscreants who are in celebration mode. It is the duty of the people of this country to condemn the acts," he added.

While lauding Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai for initiating action against the miscreants who are posting the hating messages, Eshwarappa also urged the Central government to initiate strict action against these elements.

Bommai earlier announced that he had instructed the Police Chief to take legal action against the persons who have tweeted derogatory, celebratory messages about the death of CDS General Rawat.

"Every Indian should strongly condemn this act of perverted minds against the man who led the armed forces to defend the country. This perversion cannot be tolerated. They should be punished. The culprits who posted such perverted, derogatory tweets would be traced and legal action would be taken.

"I visited Captain Varun Singh, the survivor in the helicopter crash, at the Command Hospital in Bengaluru. He is getting the best medical treatment by specialist doctors. I pray for his speedy recovery," Bommai added.
Mexico City, Dec 11 : The number of Central American migrants killed after a trailer truck overturned in Mexico's Chiapas state has increased to 55, Governor Rutilio Escandon has confirmed.

More than 150 undocumented migrants were crammed into the trailer when it overturned at around 3:30 p.m. on Thursday on the highway connecting the state capital Tuxtla Gutierrez and the town of Chiapa de Corzo, reports Xinhua news agency.

"After yesterday's accident, unfortunately one more person died today (bringing the deaths to 55)," the Governor tweeted on Friday, adding he was working with the federal government to attend to the injured and families of the deceased.

Mexico's national coordinator of Civil Protection, Laura Velazquez Alzua, who was at the scene of the accident, told reporters that of the 152 migrants on board, 73 were injured and 24 unharmed.

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has expressed "pain for these unfortunate, sad events", and reiterated the need to address the causes of mass migration to prevent further tragedies.

Foreign Affairs Minister Marcelo Ebrard, meanwhile, said his Ministry was in contact with the governments of Guatemala, Ecuador and other countries whose nationals were among the victims.

Authorities said that a mechanical failure caused the truck to hit a retaining wall on a curve before crashing into a pedestrian bridge, leading the cargo container to detach and overturn on the asphalt.
New York, Dec 11 : A former aerospace executive of Indian origin is facing anti-trust charges because he allegedly enforced a scheme under which managers were not to hire employees of each other' companies, according to US federal prosecutors.

B0y Arul Louis New York, Dec 11 (IANS) A former aerospace executive of Indian origin is facing anti-trust charges because he allegedly enforced a scheme under which managers were not to hire employees of each other' companies, according to US federal prosecutors.

Mahesh Patel, a former director of global engineering services at a major aerospace engineering company, enforced the agreement among suppliers to not recruit each other's employees leading to lower wages, according to the filings in a federal court in Connecticut made public on Thursday.

The Department of Justice said that according to court documents, "Patel and co-conspirators recognised the mutual financial benefit of this agreement - namely, reducing the rise in labour costs that would occur when aerospace workers were free to find new employment in a competitive environment".

Patel was arrested and produced before a federal court in Hartford via a video link.

He was released on a $100,000 bond and placed under travel restrictions.

The Department of Justice announcement about the case did not identify the company Patel worked for, but according to The Wall Street Journal, it was Pratt and Whitney, which supplies engines to Airbus that makes commercial planes and military aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin.

"No one should be illegally denied the opportunity to pursue better jobs, higher pay and greater benefits," said Peter Jongbloed an official in the Connecticut federal prosecutor's office.

Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter said that "thousands of workers have been victimised over a long period of time" by the alleged scheme under which corporate executives undermined the careers of their own workers "in order to reap undeserved profits and deprive our fellow citizens of opportunities to earn a competitive wage".

According to government filings, the alleged scheme ran for over ten years during which Patel confronted and scolded suppliers who cheated on the agreement and threatened to punish them by blocking valuable access to projects.

(Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in and followed @arulouis)
New Delhi, Dec 11 : The world is divided by borders leading to conflicts, but the call of the climate crisis demands that it works together, else destruction is inevitable. One such climate crisis is the changing face of the Himalayas.

Speaking at The Open Forum webinar on December 9 on the topic 'Melting of Himalayan Glacier: Is it a global crisis at tipping point?' Dr Martin A. Mills, Director, Scottish Centre for Himalayan Research informed that, "we have missed the boat on this one." The other speaker at the webinar Joydeep Gupta, South Asia Director of The Third Pole further said, "the Himalayas are warming faster than the global average." He is of the opinion that this process is "irreversible." Gupta added that "Once these glaciers have lost enough ice then all scientists tell us that we will start seeing water shortage... quarter of the world's population is dependent on these waters, so it matters," emphasised Gupta.

Consisting of largest concentration of frozen water on Earth after North and South Pole, The Himalayas are also known as The Third Pole.

The Himalayan glaciers have lost quarter of its ice in the last four decades. Rise in temperatures is melting glaciers and pollution is making it worse.

The Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau are a vital source of water to approximately 2 billion people apart from livelihood to millions living in the region. Flash floods in the Uttarakhand region of India in February 2021 to the increased flooding of the Brahmaputra, are extreme events that seem to be coming faster every year.

Not only India but the situation impacts people of Pakistan, China including Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan Afghanistan, Bangladesh and eventually the world.

Calling the situation with the Himalayas, "profoundly depressing," Dr Mills, who is informed by the report that his centre published in January 2021 that examined the works of 900 scientists over two years, believes that there is not much that can be done in our lifetimes or that of our children but if action is taken in time our great-grand children might reap the benefits.

Attempting to bring some hope along with need for urgent action the third panelist on the webinar Jennifer Tollmann, Senior Policy Advisor for Climate Diplomacy and Geopolitics, E3G said, "we might have passed the tipping point, but we don't want to add many other tipping points." Accepting the complications that geo-political positions and conflicts that the region brings, Jennifer suggested, "In the same way that we have an Arctic Council, we need a Himalayan council at National Security level where these countries have to deal with the fact that they have very different interest and all these interests are at risk with this tipping point being breached and how are they going to co-operate on that." It is of course easier said than done specially in a "region that is fraught with geo-political tensions between the likes of Pakistan-India and China.

A video question sent by Denche Palmo from Tibet Policy, raised the concern that when the human rights abuses in Tibetan, Xinjang and Hong-Kong is not acknowledged by China then, "How can climate activists from Tibet make their voice heard?" Tibet being a region that is gravely affected by this crisis.

Tollmann thus suggested that to handle the complex climate crisis of such a conflict-stricken region, national security advisors of the countries should get involved.

Climate diplomacy has a crucial role to play. Owning to such contentious situation, scientists are unable to acquire exact satellite images of the region. In the absence of such information planning mitigation and adaptation policies becomes a far bigger challenge than it should be.

Third Pole has half the world's population sitting at their doorsteps. To address the crisis of a region as a whole which is "undergoing a complete ecosystem shift," requires collective efforts.

Even if the faster melting of the Himalayan glaciers cannot be reversed, at least one can endeavour to stop making it worse.

The webinar was moderated by Lucy Siegel, an eminent broadcast journalist and author who specialises in environment and nature.
Bengaluru, Dec 11 : The ruling BJP in Karnataka has launched a scathing attack on opposition Congress over its stand opposing the proposed anti-conversion law which is to be tabled in the winter session starting Monday in Belagavi.

The BJP has taken to social media platforms and in a series of posts chided the Congress for sacrificing the larger interest of the community for political gains. "If anti-conversion law is enacted, one section of the society will be hurt. More than anything else, it may hurt your supreme leader (Sonia Gandhi). Political gains are important for you over the interests of Hindus," the party post read.

"There is a competition within the Congress over opposing the anti-conversion law. Few days ago, it was opposition leader Siddaramaiah, and now it is the turn of Karnataka Congress President D.K. Shivakumar. You are the one who was ready to install monolithic Jesus statue illegally in Kanakapura to please high command. There is no surprise in your opposition," the BJP's official twitter handle said.

Further attacking Congress, the BJP said, it can't expect more from Congress leaders who celebrated Tipu Jayanti (Tipu Sultan is a warrior king from Mysuru who fought against Britishers. BJP opposes Tipu Sultan by alleging mass conversions of Hindus to Islam religion).

The BJP is all set to introduce anti-conversion law in the state which is likely to create a furore in the winter session beginning from Monday (Dec 13). Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj K.S. Eshwarappa has already announced that BJP is bringing the law to stop forceful religious conversions in the state, come what may.
Baghdad, Dec 11 : The Iraqi Foreign Ministry said that it has evacuated 417 Iraqi migrants stranded in Belarus due to the ongoing crisis at the latter country's border with European nations.

"A ninth evacuation flight was operated for those who wanted to return voluntarily, with 417 Iraqi passengers on board," Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmed al-Sahaf said in a statement on Friday.

The number of evacuated migrants on the Belarusian-Polish border has reached over 3,550, many of whom are women and children, Xinhua news agency quoted the Ministry as saying.

In an earlier statement, Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi stressed the importance of taking all "necessary measures to preserve the security and safety of Iraqi citizens, and work to avoid any Iraqis becoming a victim of human trafficking networks".

Since August, thousands of migrants, most of whom are from Iraq, Syria and Yemen, have been stranded at the border between Belarus and its neighbours, seeking to enter the EU territory.

However, more migrants arrived at the Belarusian side of the border with Poland in November.

Numerous clashes have occurred on Belarus's borders with Poland, Latvia and Lithuania.
New Delhi, Dec 11 : Meta (formerly Facebook) is testing live chat support for people, including creators, who have been locked out of their accounts.

The test, currently available in the US, focuses on those who cannot access their accounts due to unusual activity or whose accounts have been suspended due to a violation of community standards.

"On the Facebook App specifically, we've started testing live chat help for some English-speaking users globally, including creators," the company said in a statement late on Friday.

This will be the first time Facebook has offered live help for people locked out of their accounts.

The company has also begun a small test to provide support through live chat for English-speaking creators in the US who do not already have an assigned relationship manager from Meta to help with questions they might have about Facebook or Instagram.

"Creators can access a dedicated creator support site when logged in through Facebook. There, they can chat live with a support agent for help on various issues ranging from status of a pay-out to questions about a new feature like Reels," the social networking site said.

Meta added that it is adding more controls to help people manage the conversation around their content like blocking a user and new accounts they create, and improving how they hide unwanted comments on their posts.

"With the hide action now available next to each comment, you can quickly hide comments with one click and easily view all hidden comments in a single place by changing the comment filter view on your posts," Meta announced.

For keyword blocking, you can now automatically hide comments with variations of words that use numbers, symbols or different spellings.

"We're also testing Moderation Assist, which -- similar to Admin Assist for Groups -- makes it easy to set criteria to automatically moderate comments on your posts, reducing how much time is spent on comment moderation," Meta said.

Meta is also piloting 'Safety School' -- a trust and safety-focused webinar for creators on Facebook and Instagram.

So far, the company has connected with creators in more than 27 countries around this, and will expand this programme and resources to more creators in the next year.
Mumbai, Dec 11 : Actors Ayushmann Khurrana and Vaani Kapoor's latest release 'Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui' has raked in Rs 3.75 crore on the first day of its release.

Trade analyst Taran Adarsh shared the figures on Twitter. He wrote: "#ChandigarhKareAashiqui - targeted at metro multiplexes - records better numbers in #Delhi, #NCR, #Chandigarh on Day 1a Other metros ordinary/lowa Mass circuits dulla Should catch speed at remaining metros for healthy opening weekend totala Fri a, 3.75 cr. #India biz." Directed by Abhishek Kapoor, 'Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui' is a romantic drama, where Ayushmann plays a bodybuilder and Vaani essays the role of a zumba teacher.

The story of the film revolves around Ayushmaan's character Manvinder Munjal 'Manu', a body builder from Chandigarh, who falls in love with a zumba teacher named Maanvi.

Things take a turn when he finds out that Maanvi is a transgender woman.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
December 11 : Shah Rukh Khan's son Aryan Khan, who was released on bail last month after 26 days in the jail, has to appear to Narcotics Control Bureaus office every Friday as a condition of his bail, besides surrendering his passport. Aryan was detained by the NCB on October 2 and arrested the following day in connection with the Mumbai cruise drugs raid. He was granted bail on October 28.

Now Aryan has moved Bombay High Court and filed a plea for modification of the bail condition. Aryan has filed the application through the law firm Desai Desai Carrimjee and Mulla. According to the law firm, Aryan, who has been attending the NCB office every Friday as ordered by the High Court, has now sought relief from this bail condition.

The law firm stated that whenever Aryan reaches the NCB office, there is always a huge crowd of media present at the office and he has to be accosted by policemen while going in and out of the office. The young boy has cited this as the reason to remove this bail condition.

After Aryans bail, the NCB had instituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the case further. In his plea, Aryan had pointed out that since SIT, which is investigating the case, constitutes officials from the Delhi office of NCB, he should not be made to go to NCB office in Mumbai. Aryans plea will be taken up by the Bombay High Court soon where NCB is expected to file a reply to the plea.

A single Bench of Justice Nitin Sambre had granted bail to Aryan and co-accused Arbaaz Merchant and Munmun Dhamecha on October 28. On November 20, Bombay High Court had released the detailed order for this. The November 20 order stated that there is no evidence of a conspiracy between Aryan, Arbaaz, and Munmun Dhamecha to commit drug-related offences. The Bombay High Cout also said that there was nothing objectionable found in their Whatsapp chats. During the bail hearings in October, the NCB had stated that conspiracy and incriminating evidence were found on the Whatsapp chats of the accused.

The Bench stated in the order, There is hardly any positive evidence on record to convince this court that all the accused persons with common intention agreed to commit unlawful act. There is no material evidence to connect all these three applicants with other co-accused on the issue of conspiracy.
New Delhi, Dec 11 : After farmers suspended their agitation against the three farm laws, they have started vacating Delhi borders where they have been stationed for more than a year. They have dismantled their settlements, removed tarpaulins, tied bales of clothes and now are in the process of returning home.

The farmers will take out victory march to celebrate their success of repeal of the farm laws.

At the spot, farmers can be seen removing bamboo sticks used for erecting and tying tarpaulins and loading them in tractors. They hugged each other and bade good bye.

The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) decided to suspend their agitation after the government repealed the contentious laws and assured them to fulfill their rest of the demands.

Some elderly farmers were seen cleaning the place where they had set up tents. The roads are also being cleared of things to make it look like what it was before the agitation.

Hundreds of tractors are queued up at Delhi borders to take the farmers back home.

Before leaving, the farmers at Singhu border offered prayers and organised langar as well.

The farmers have decided to leave in a phased manner to avoid traffic snarls.

In a day or two, all roads will be cleared, and within a few days, they will be put through for traffic.

On December 13, farmer leaders will visit the Golden temple at Amritsar to offer prayers.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Seoul/Washington, Dec 11 : The US has designated North Korea's new Defence Minister Ri Yong-gil and a number of other entities in Pyongyang, China and Russia for human rights violations.

The Department of Treasury also designated North Korea's Central Public Prosecutors Office, Yonhap News Agency reported on Saturday.

Ri was designated for his role as the former head of minister of social security, which, the Department said, uses the court system to "prosecute and punish persons for political wrongdoing in a legal process involving fundamentally unfair trials".

"These trials sometimes end in sentencing to the DPRK's notorious prison camps, run by the Ministry of State Security and the Ministry of Social Security," it said, while noting the death of Otto Warmbier, an American university student who died in 2017 after returning home following a year-long detention in North Korea.

DPRK or Democratic People's Republic of Korea is the official name of North Korea.

"The treatment and eventual death of Otto Warmbier, who would have turned 27 years old this year, were reprehensible. The DPRK must continue to be held to account for its abysmal human rights record," the Department said.

It also designated a number of individuals and organisations in China and Russia for violating UN Security Council resolutions that prohibit UN member states from employing or hosting North Korean workers.

The Department noted those illegally employing North Korean workers often contribute to the poor treatment of those workers that include "constant surveillance" and having a significant portion of their wages confiscated by the DPRK regime".

Those newly designated include the European Institute of Justice, a Russian university based in Moscow, and its provost, Dmitry Yurevich Soin, who, according to the Treasury Department, "sponsored hundreds of student visas for DPRK construction workers in Russia".

The Department also designated SEK Studio, a North Korean animation studio with workers in North Korea and China.

Lu Hezheng, a senior employee and former shareholder of Nings Cartoon Studio in China, worked with representatives of SEK Studio to facilitate wire transfers through Nings Cartoon Studio and other front companies in China, according to the Department.

It designated Lu and a range of companies affiliated with him, including Nings Cartoon Studio and Shanghai Hongman Cartoon and Animation Design Studio.
Geneva, Dec 11 : UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appointed Catherine Russell, an adviser to to US President Joe Biden, as Executive Director of Unicef, a UN spokesman said on Friday.

She replaces Henrietta Fore, to whom Guterres expressed his gratitude for her commitment and dedicated service to the UN agency, Xinhua news agency quoted Stephane Dujarric, the Secretary-General's chief spokesman, as saying.

"Russell brings to the role decades of experience in developing innovative policy that empowers underserved communities around the world," the spokesman said.

Russell currently serves as Director of the White House Office of Presidential Personnel. From 2013 to 2017, she served as ambassador-at-large for global women's issues in the Department of State.

The Secretary-General expressed his appreciation to Fore "for her inspiring leadership of Unicef and in particular, Unicef's critical role in the global response to Covid-19 and in reimagining education", Dujarric said.

"As a result of her leadership, Unicef is now an organization with a broader array of public and private sector partnerships and a bolder focus on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals." Russell will become the fourth woman to head the agency of 20,000 personnel, Unicef said in a statement.

"Catherine Russell will bring a wealth of expertise to Unicef's work, and I am delighted to hand over to someone with her knowledge, experience, and deep care for children and women," said Fore.

"I have no doubt that Unicef and the world's children will be in capable hands under her leadership." Unicef said Russell will assume her new functions early in the new year.
New Delhi/Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 11 : Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan on Saturday slammed the manner in which Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left government was running the higher education sector.

"The Chief Minister has nothing to do with Universities. While the school education in the state is fine, the higher education sector has gone to the dogs as even appointments are being made against the rules," said Khan while speaking to the media in Delhi.

"Since the chancellor's post is not Constitutional, I wrote to Vijayan to pass an Ordinance wherein the Chief Minister can take over as the chancellor," said Khan.

On Friday night, it was learnt that Khan wrote to Vijayan that if things in the state's higher education sector continues in this manner, he will step down from the post of Chancellor of the state varsities.

The Governor in his letter has cited the statements of eminent personalities like Bharat Ratna awardee C.N.R.Rao and historian K.N.Panikkar on why Kerala is lagging behind in the education sector.

Khan on Saturday said he was deeply pained, especially when the retiring Vice Chancellor of the Kannur University Gopinath Raveendran was given a four-year extension, last month.

"After signing the order I felt it was not right and then wrote to the Chief Minister asking him to pass an Ordinance so that he can take over as the Chancellor," said Khan.

Leader of Opposition V.D.Satheesan said finally even the Governor himself has become aware of the manner in which things are happening in Kerala.

"All the fundamental rules are being violated and the higher education sector is run by Vijayan as a feeder organisation of the CPI-M. We demand a judicial probe into all the recent appointments made in the education sector and all those including the Vice-chancellor at Kannur should quit their posts," said Satheesan.

The Congress and the BJP have been at loggerheads after a Vice Chancellor in the state was given an extension after attaining superannuation. It came at a time when a controversy broke out that rules were bent to appoint the wife of Vijayan's Secretary to a teaching post at Kannur University.

On Friday, as a follow up to his letter, emissaries tried their best to pacify Khan, when Chief Secretary V.P.Joy called on Khan and later State Finance Minister K.N.Balagopal also called on him, but Khan stood his ground. Reportedly, Vijayan, who is presiding over his party meetings at his home town in Kannur, is likely to speak to Khan later in the day.
New Delhi, Dec 11 : Its a journey that began 50 years ago and over the years, along with teaching Chemistry at Kottayams CMS College, Professor S. Sivadas has authored over 200 books for children in the areas of popular science, contemporary ecology, short stories, novels and other fictional tales with an emphasis on a scientific outlook.

"Motivational books for grown-ups as well as motivation in general is very important for children. In this way, I got the opportunity to write on various aspects of life and learning. This was a natural process for me and after these 50 years, when I think about the journey that I embarked on, I am very happy that I was able to do so much, and grateful that the circumstances were very favourable for me to be able to do this," Sivadas, the winner of the 2021 edition of the Big Little Book Awards (BLBA) instituted by the Tata Trusts, told IANS in an interview.

Noting that "many children don't like studying", Sivadas said he began to write about the art of learning, using stories, examples, and every possible type of literary format including riddles, jokes, cartoons.

"The result of this was a series of books on learning that enabled children to learn science, mathematics and other such subjects and books. These books have thus been very inspiring for school children and even for students at college," he added.

"In fact, I happened to get a letter from an MD student, who said that this was inspiring for her too. Even MD students found children's literature books inspiring. She understood what the enjoyment of learning is by reading this book," Sivadas elaborated.

Another area he concentrated on was the environment, falling back on his childhood experiences to explain and reveal the secrets of nature, "ultimately leading children to love nature - we call it environmental ethics".

"Learning is a continuous process and so naturally, I have to learn more and concentrate on certain subjects that are of relevance to children - for example, the art and science of learning, because learning is a laborious mechanical process.

"S. Sivadas exemplifies a rare commitment to both the art and craft of writing for children. This is evident in the sheer range of genres and subjects he has covered in his body of work spanning over the last 50 years. He stands tall as a pioneer of scientific knowledge in children's literature," the jury, which included Dr. M.M. Basheer, Paul Zacharia, Sherylene Rafeeque and Suneetha Balakrishnan, said.

The BLBA awards recognize and honour the significant contribution of authors - in a specific language each year - and illustrators - across the spectrum - to children's literature in India. Past editions have honoured authors in Bengali, Hindi, Marathi, Kannada, English, and this year, Malayalam.

The winner of the 2021 award for illustrators is Mumbai-based artist Deepa Balsavar, with the jury noting that her work represents "diversity, compassion and sensitivity without losing the playfulness and charm that appeal to children and adults effortlessly. Her eye for detail is remarkable, and the scope and scale astonishing. Her delicate balance between colour, image and expression is outstanding, and has been a hallmark of all her works." "I feel humbled, honoured and think I'll wake up to find that someone has made a mistake," Balsavar told IANS.

Tracing her journey through the world of illustrations, she said: "Although I loved drawing and painting all through my childhood, I never thought I would do it professionally. However, I did join art college, and then worked in an advertising agency before leaving to work in a school teaching crafts and an NGO where we developed lots of visual material as part of the educational kits we made. But I still didn't think I was going to grow up to be an illustrator.

"So I started writing and illustrating books but remained constantly in awe of all the fabulous artists in the children's books I saw. I still draw and write and discover new styles and experiment with material and wonder if I will grow up to become an illustrator," Balsavar added modestly, indicating that learning was a never-ending process." "Children's literature is an under-recognised sector, and we felt the need to celebrate and showcase the work of authors and illustrators who have made significant contribution to the Indian children's literature space," Amrita Patwardhan, Head of the Education Portfolio at Tata Trusts, told IANS

Through its Parag initiative, Tata Trusts has been working to promote reading among children by focusing on supporting development of quality children's literature across Indian languages by setting up libraries and building professional capacity of librarians, illustrators and more.

"We therefore established this award for recognising and honouring one author and one illustrator each year for their work in this direction. Given the linguistic diversity in the country, for the award category for the author, we work with a specific language each year because we would like to encourage reading for children in their mother tongue. We believe this is especially important during a child's formative years," Patwardhan added.

Expanding on the role that books play in the cognitive development of children and shaping their worldview in today's digital-first world, Patwardhan said that storytelling and listening/reading being at the heart of being human. "we thrive on stories oral, written and now digital".

"Books principally play a special role in children's development. For very young children, being read to by a caring adult helps form an intimate and positive bond with reading. Starting with picture books and then adding more genres, access and engagement with storybooks makes literacy learning meaningful for children. Systematic use of storybooks in schools and classrooms helps develop language skills as well as social, emotional, and thinking skills.

"Moreover, stories can serve as power tools, as 'mirrors' to understand our own lived experiences as well as 'windows' to a world that is different and far away from us. If we look at the journey of developed countries, digital has not replaced physical books. Digital can be one more gateway to reading but printed books that can be held and engaged with in multiple ways will continue to be important," Patwardhan added.

Detailing the development in the children's literature space over the past 20 years in India - the changes, progress, challenges, and the way forward, she said Russian children's literature as well as books developed by the National Book Trust and Children's Book Trust are what drove children's publishing in the last couple of decades post-independence.

"Since the late 90s there have been a few independent publishers who have done significant work on developing quality children's literature in English, Hindi and a very small number that has also worked towards multi-lingual publishing. This has made children's book collections more diverse, creative and contextual. However, a lot more work is needed in the regional language space.

"Given the limited demand, paying capacity and avenues for dissemination of books, we need to help create viable models in regional language publishing. Equally important is increasing penetration of school and community libraries so children are able to access books freely," Patwardhan maintained.

(Vishnu Makhijani can be reached at vishnu.makhijani)
Paris, Dec 11 : French President Emmanuel Macron met the new visiting German Chancellor Olaf Scholz here in a bid to strengthen relations between the two leading European nations.

This was Scholz's first foreign visit since taking the reins from his predecessor Angela Merkel on Wednesday.

In a press conference following the meeting on Friday, Macron said that during initial exchanges, there was "a solid convergence of views" and "a desire to make our two countries work together", reports Xinhua news agency.

The leaders discussed the future of the European Union (EU) with regards to immigration, new energies, border protection and relations with other states.

France on Thursday presented its agenda for the upcoming French presidency of the Council of the EU.

It plans to review the EU's budget policy and deficit rules, in order to promote post-Covid-19 economic recovery.

The German Chancellor said that "it is a question of maintaining this growth, which was engendered by the stimulus pact." "At the same time, we must work on the solidity of our finances," said Scholz.

The Chancellor's coalition of his Social Democratic Party (SPD), the Free Democratic Party (FDP) and the Greens unlike the previous German government, has indicated it could agree to a reform.

After Paris, Scholz arrived in Brussels later on Friday, where he met European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Charles Michel and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg.
London, Dec 11 : Two-shots of a Covid vaccine may not be enough against the Omicron variant, and a third dose or a booster shot is necessary to prevent the super mutant variant, according to a UK study.

The study, released by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), showed that a full two-dose vaccination course was less effective against symptomatic disease with Omicron than with the original strain of Covid-19 or the Delta variant.

On the other hand, a moderate to high vaccine effectiveness of 75 per cent is seen in the early period after a booster dose.

"Early estimates of vaccine effectiveness (VE) against symptomatic infection find a significantly lower VE for Omicron infection compared to Delta infection. Nevertheless, a moderate to high vaccine effectiveness of 70 to 75 per cent is seen in the early period after a booster dose," the agency said in a statement.

The study comes as another 448 cases of Omicron were confirmed in the UK, taking the number reported so far to 1,265. The total number of Covid cases recorded on Friday was 58,194 -- the highest figure since January 9, the BBC reported.

The report analysed data from 581 Omicron cases and thousands of Delta cases to calculate how effective the vaccines were against the new variant.

The analysis is based on limited data, but showed a dramatic drop in effectiveness for the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine and a significant drop off for two doses of Pfizer, the report said.

The 75 per cent protection against Covid symptoms after a booster is not as high as against previous variants.

There was not enough data to analyse the Moderna or Janssen vaccines, but there is no reason to think they would have different results.

But, "it will be a few weeks before effectiveness against severe disease with Omicron can be estimated, however based on this experience, this is likely to be substantially higher than the estimates against symptomatic disease", the agency said.

At the same time, the duration of restored protection after mRNA boosting is also not known at this juncture, it said.

"These early estimates should be treated with caution but they indicate that a few months after the second jab, there is a greater risk of catching the Omicron variant compared to Delta strain," Dr Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation at the UKHSA, was quoted as saying.

"We expect the vaccines to show higher protection against the serious complications of Covid-19, so if you haven't yet had your first two doses please book an appointment straight away," she added.

The real-world data backs up laboratory studies that showed a 40-fold reduction in the ability of antibodies from double-vaccinated people to take out the virus.

There is optimism that vaccines will still keep many people out of hospital even if more do get Covid. Data on severity could be published next week.

But, the UKHSA estimates that more than half of all cases in the country will be Omicron by mid-December and that if growth continues unabated there will be more than 100,000 cases a day by the end of the month.
Jaipur, Dec 11 : A nondescript school in the remote lanes of Rajasthan bubbles with creativity of students manifesting itself in the form of sensor-laden smart dust-bins, assembled drones, follow-up robots in airport among several innovative concepts-- all designed with the help of YouTube and local teachers.

Housed in a village of Nimbahera town in Chittorgarh district, the Government Higher Secondary School Marjeevi is led by principal Kavita Fadnavis who is national award winner and National ICT award winner too and has represented Rajasthan in US teacher exchange programme.

Despite being located inside the rural lanes stuck in the interiors, it has bagged the best school award twice at the state level. It has also had a UN team visiting to study its innovation trails and has been credited with many firsts such as of hosting virtual classroom sessions for the first time in 2010, conducting science fair for students right from grade 1 among several others.

Says principal, Kavita, "Under teachers exchange programme, we got a chance to speak of our teaching methods in the US. We taught how Indian students fare better using the techniques of Vedic maths. In fact, we made US students calculate without a calculator and pencil and pen. Initially the students there felt it was unbelievable but then they had all praise for Vedic maths," she says.

"However, what we learnt was how teachers take the responsibility of ensuring that students love them and their class looks beautiful," she adds.

Meanwhile, besides the innovation and creativity which makes this school different, there are spic and span labs, classrooms and premises.

According to Fadnavis, "Each teacher of this school contributes Rs 3,000 every month to keep their premises clean. While the government allocates Rs 5,000 each year for cleanliness, it is insufficient and hence comes the challenge to pool in money. Also, we have been paying for students' uniforms, school fee etc so that they don't get dropped out." Also, in the classrooms there are green boards painted by teachers all around four walls of the class under "Guru Mitra Yojana." This innovation has been done because students engaged in group studies should have their own individual boards. While one group studies a subject of their interest, the other can study something different simultaneously.

"When I joined this school in 2008, the result was 67.50 per cent which has now touched 100 per cent in 2021. Our students and teachers work beyond fixed times to give best results. We have national players and toppers coming up in this school now. Villagers have been donating looking at the wonderful results," she said.

Kids are learning using digital boards, sensor pens, tablets, QR codes among others. In fact, a QR code library has been installed outside the classrooms too where community students can come and study.

A geography teacher Kaluram loves innovation and he sits in Atal lab with students to bring out innovative models with help of YouTube which make him as well as students equally happy and satisfied.

"When I joined here, local students were disinterested to come due to many social issues. We started a door to door campaign at that time to bring in students from their houses, she says.

Meanwhile, te Principal, along with her team, is leading from the front motivating and encouraging students by taking many firsts. Using greedy cup technology and telescopes, the staff works with teachers to teach students the lessons of innovation.

In fact, plumbers and mechanics are never called for small tasks and the students jointly with teachers finish it off. QR code library brings a difference to the public.

There is a school parliament being run in the school with the help of students where a student PM listens to each and every demand of his ministers. Education minister updates him of all developments and challenges Tanu Anjana, class X, is an education minister who keeps herself updated on all challenges. She along with other students want to do away the "Ghoonghat" (veil) culture and are quite vocal about it. Like her, other students of the school are equally vocal about social issues and want to make a mark on the national level.

"We are the best and in future, we will be the trend setters," says Tanu with pride.
Amaravati, Dec 11 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Saturday announced Rs 50 lakh ex-gratia for the family of Lance Naik B. Sai Teja, who lost his life in the December 8 chopper crash.

Hailing from Chittoor district, Sai Teja was the Personal Security Officer (PSO) to Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen Bipin Rawat, who was also killed along with 11 others in the Mi-17V5 helicopter crash that took place in Katteri, near Coonoor, Tamil Nadu.

Hailing from Eguva Regada village in Kurabala Kota mandal of Chittoor district, Sai Teja (27) is survived by wife Shyamala, son Mokshagana, 4, and a daughter Darshini, 2.

Meanwhile, military authorities on Saturday identified the body of Sai Teja. Bodies of six deceased were identified and handed over to their families.

The soldier's body is likely to be brought to his native village later in the day from Coimbatore.

The last rites will be performed with military honours.

The family will decide on final rites after the body is brought home.

Belonging to the Kuruba community, Sai Teja joined the Army in 2012 as a sepoy. While serving in Bangalore Regiment, he was selected for para commando training. Last year, he was appointed as PSO to CDS.
Washington, Dec 11 : At least two people died and five others seriously injured after a tornado struck a nursing home in the US state of Arkansas, authorities said.

At least 20 people were trapped inside the nursing home on Friday after the tornado hit the small town of Monette, Xinhua news agency quoted Craighead County Judge Marvin Day as saying to the local media.

Other buildings in town also suffered damage.

Authorities in Monette issued a state of emergency and told residents to shelter in place, according to local media reports.

Tornado warnings were issued on Friday night for multiple counties across northeastern Arkansas, northwest Tennessee and southeast Missouri.
New Delhi, Dec 11 : Smartphone brand realme on Saturday announced that it has started early access roll out of realme UI 3.0 for the users of realme X7 Max 5G.

The company also said that it has rolled out realme UI 3.0 open beta for the users of realme GT following the realme UI 3.0 (Android 12) roadmap.

"realme UI 3.0 based on Android 12 brings unlimited customisation options to meet Gen Z's rich imagination and creativity," the company said in a statement.

"The early access programme aims to invite fans to experience the realme UI new features based on Android 12 for the first time," it added.

The company mentioned that the update also reaffirms realme's commitment to providing regular and timely updates to its devices.

"And continuing the trend realme X7 Max 5G is now fetching the December realme UI 3.0 early access and realme GT is fetching the December realme UI 3.0 open beta updates respectively," the company said.

The realme UI 3.0 early access and open beta are rolled out and the updates are going to be available for a limited set of users initially.
New Delhi, Dec 11 : The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has constituted a seven-member joint committee to study the impact of blasting in various stone quarry sites in Kerala with nonel detonation technology at distances of 50 m, 75 m, 100 m, 125 m, 150 m, 200 m and 250 m.

Nonel is a shock tube detonator designed to initiate explosions, generally for the purpose of demolition of buildings and for use in the blasting of rock in mines and quarries.

The study will include the impact caused by vibrations on different soil strata or earth profile in the area, and noise and air levels, building human and wildlife. The study may be completed within three months and report furnished within four months, NGT said in an order dated December 9.

Due to topography of the state, longer distance will obstruct the legitimate mining activities in violation of sustainable development principle. With the use of nonel detonation technology, 50 m distance is adequate and does not cause any adverse impact, the tribunal added.

The members of the joint committee comprising Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Indian Institute of Mines or IIT, Dhanbad, CSIR -- Central Institute of Mining & Fuel Research, Dhanbad, CSIR-Central Building Research Institute, Roorkee, IIT Roorkee, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehradun, and Directorate General of Mines Safety will be coordinated by the CPCB.

The committee may undertake visit to the relevant sites and except for such visits, conduct proceedings online if necessary. The committee will be at liberty to take assistance from any other expert or institution.

The NGT's order came while dealing with mining leasees undertaking quarry mining at various locations in Kerala which also involves blasting.
Sanaa, Dec 11 : Forces loyal to the Saudi-backed Yemeni government ambushed a group of fighters of the Houthi rebel militia in the country's oil-rich southern province of Shabwa, a military official said.

"The pro-government soldiers were deployed in the Usaylan district of Shabwa and set up a well-planned ambush for a group of Houthi soldiers passing in the area," the official told Xinhua news agency.

An intense armed confrontation erupted between the two sides following the ambush, leaving nearly 12 Houthi rebels killed and a number of others injured, he said.

Military vehicles belonging to the rebel group were completely damaged by the government forces in Usaylan's ambush, he added.

No information, however, was given about casualties among the soldiers of the government during the exchange of fire with the Houthi rebels in Shabwa.

The Iran-allied Houthi militia recently intensified their military operations against the government-controlled areas in different parts of the war-ravaged Arab country and succeeded in capturing key areas from the government forces.

Yemen has been locked into a civil war since the Houthi militia overran much of the country militarily and seized all northern provinces, including the capital Sanaa, in 2014.

Saudi Arabia has been leading the Arab military coalition that intervened in Yemen in 2015 to support the government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi after Houthis forced him into exile.
New Delhi, Dec 11 : Instagram has always been a place where individuals could express themselves while also being entertained. Reels, on the other hand, has seen an increase in the amount of young individuals showing their skills and building a strong community as a result of its launch. As part of the platform's marketing campaign this year, creators were honoured by emphasising their accomplishment across many media formats. Now, as part of the same initiative, '25 Under 25 Instagrammers of India' is another step.

The list is intended to highlight Instagram's most interesting and trailblazing artists, who are exploring and expressing themselves, telling their communities unique stories, and pushing others to do the same. A varied and accomplished panel of judges, as well as Instagram, decided on the final list. Sara Ali Khan, creators Kusha Kapila and Masoom Minawala, Nikhil Taneja, co-founder and CEO of the youth media company Yuvaa (@weareyuvaa), GV Prakash, popular music composer for Tamil and Telugu films, Aju Philip, co-founder of the influencer marketing agency @fabsquadmedia, and Manish Chopra, Director and Head of Partnerships, Facebook India, are among those honoured.

Manish Chopra shares more context, "Reels has transformed the way content is created and consumed on Instagram and given rise to a whole new wave of young creators. This list is our way of recognising and celebrating them. I'm glad and thankful to the jury for bringing their knowledge and experience to bear in selecting this diverse and inclusive list of 25 creators. We look forward to engaging with them, and many more like them, to further support and augment the creator ecosystem in India." Sara Ali Khan, also commented, "I'm constantly amazed and enthused by the creativity that people are showcasing on Instagram. With Reels especially, it's great to see new and young faces that are constantly breaking out with their transitions, trends, and challenges. I'm happy to have played a small part in selecting the creators who're part of this elite 25 Under 25 list. It was an absolute privilege to look at their accounts, and I'm taking inspiration from them for my upcoming reels too." (IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in)
Chennai, Dec 11 : Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) of actor-turned-politician Seeman is contemplating to field retired bureaucrats and judges in the upcoming urban local body elections. However, the party will field retired officers only if it is a direct election.

The NTK had done extremely well in the 2021 Assembly elections garnering 6.8 per cent of the total votes polled but in the recent rural local body elections, it got drubbed. The party does not want to make the same mistake as it has made in the rural local body elections and wants to field people outside of the party fold.

A senior NTK leader told IANS, "We found that in the local elections, individuals and their persona is more important than party leanings and we don't want to make the same mistake repeatedly and hence contemplating to field retired bureaucrats, judges, doctors, lawyers and journalists in the urban local body polls for Mayor posts." He, however, said that these were early stages and that the party has yet to take a final call on the same. Seeman and his party NTK has always been in the news for ultra Tamil positions and has got a good support among the rural youth of Tamil Nadu. It was a shock for the party to suffer a heavy loss in the rural local body elections.

The NTK is most likely to contest the urban local body polls on its own or rather will not be entering into any political alliance, a party leader added.

R. Padmanabhan, Director, Socio-Economic Development Foundation, a think-tank based out of Madurai, told IANS, "The NTK is a party which has gained appeal in rural Tamil Nadu with its ultra Tamil position and is trying to carve out a niche for itself by not aligning with any other party. In the days to come, the party seems to gain momentum and is being closely observed by both the mainstream Dravidian parties, DMK and the AIADMK, due to its rapid growth in rural pockets of the state."
Chennai, Dec 11 : The motion poster of comedian Vadivelu's most-awaited comeback film - 'Naai Sekar Returns' - has garnered a mammoth 1.8 million views on YouTube within 24 hours of its release.

The 'pooja' of the film, which is directed by Suraaj and produced by Lyca Productions, was held on Friday at a star hotel in the city.

The event, a low-key affair, lasted for around an hour and was attended by the cast including actor Vadivelu and music director of the film, Santhosh Narayanan.

Sources told IANS that the team was in talks with a couple of actresses to play the female lead in the film.

"The team is likely to start shooting from the last week of December. Places in Hyderabad and Chennai are being considered for shooting the film," a source said.

What was interesting about the motion poster was that it bore a stamp called 'Original', basically hinting that there could be other films with the same name but that this was the original.
New Delhi, Dec 11 : The fight against Covid is yet far from end. However, with such strong individuals protecting us, India will undoubtedly emerge victorious at the end of this battle. People have a conduit to express their gratitude and respect for the Corona Warriors' valiant sacrifices on behalf of the country, thanks to initiatives like 'Together We Fly', a massive art work by Zydus teamed with the Corona Quilt Project (CQP).

The pandemic has wreaked havoc on every industry on the planet. The status quo has been thrown into question, and we've had to remake it to match the post-Covid new normal. While the government, organisations and institutions throughout the world have worked together to combat this unanticipated threat, one group of people who has pushed all boundaries and played a critical part in reducing the problem is the healthcare community, dubbed the Corona Warriors. Zydus teamed with the CQP to launch a unique initiative, 'Together We Fly', which was inaugurated by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel, to honour their efforts and devotion to the people of India.

'Together We Fly', a massive artwork made up of 15,000 distinct expressions, spans over 262 feet in width and 85 feet in height. Individual pieces of art, poetry, calligraphy, photographs and handwritten notes are woven together as a quilt to reflect the spirit of the times from the start of the pandemic to the second wave, and bring together the thoughts, feelings and expressions of people from all over Gujarat and the country. The installation is a unique monument to all the Corona Warriors, including physicians, researchers, nurses, paramedics, the healthcare community as a whole, and law enforcement officers, who stood strong and unified India during the pandemic by their hope and positivity.

(IANSlife can be contacted at IANSlife@ians.in)
San Francisco, Dec 11 : The test result of a wastewater sample from California showed that the Omicron Covid-19 strain was present in the US state even before the World Health Organization (WHO) declared it the newest 'Variant of Concern', a media report said citing official sources.

The Omicron variant was detected in a sample of wastewater collected in Merced County on November 25, the California Department of Public Health said in a statement to The Los Angeles Times.

That's one day after South Africa reported the variant to the WHO, and a day before the agency labelled Omicron a "Variant of Concern", Xinhua news agency quoted The Los Angeles Times as saying The finding reinforces observations scientists have made in recent weeks that Omicron was rapidly spreading across the world even before global health officials were aware it existed, The Los Angeles Times said, adding that the variant was also detected in wastewater samples collected in Sacramento County.

Sampling wastewater for coronavirus-related particles is being used to track pandemic trends.

Groups of scientists in the state are monitoring wastewater for Covid samples, including experts affiliated with Stanford University, the University of California (UC) Berkeley, UC Davis, UC Merced, UC San Diego and the state Department of Public Health, according to the newspaper.

Last week, health authorities announced that the first US case of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus was detected in San Francisco.

The individual was a traveler who returned from South Africa on November 22.

The California Department of Public Health said that 13 confirmed cases associated with the Omicron variant have been reported to the state so far.

Till date, a total of 22 US states have identified cases of the Omicron Covid-19 variant, including some that indicate community transmission, according to the latest update by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
New Delhi, Dec 11 : Apical Reform Studio was the Indian representative at "The Design Miami" in Miami Beach earlier this month. It was the only Indian design studio to ever showcase their concepts based on this year's subject, 'Human Kind' at the 17th edition of the expo.

Over 35 gallery and Curio exhibits were on display, along with an intriguing lineup of partnerships and collaborations, throughout the event, which took place from December 1-5, 2021.

Apical Reform Studio collaborated with Gordana Zgonjanin and ZEEL Studio, a gallery specialising in emerging names in the art-design world. The star piece is the installation Emotional Rocks and Blurry Stars Kinetic Benches, which aimed to capture the essence of time by capturing the influence of intangible components of emotions on hard materials such as rocks.

"Emotions are strong feelings that all living entities experience that shape lives in the world. They are forces capable of impacting individual or collective lives and providing a sense of quality and meaning to existence as no other force can. The 'Emotional Rocks' art installation captures the tremendous power of emotions as powerful forces that can soften even the toughest," says Darshan Soni, Co-Founder and Director, as he brings this sculpture to life.

Amrish Patel, Co-Founder and Creative Director, said, "We are incredibly proud to be a part of Design Miami 2021 and have received an overwhelming response for our art installation. People are loving the concept, and the fact that it is a functional art created a more profound impact on the visitor. These pebble-like forms in the art installation are a representation of our evolved thoughts and perspective of life. It symbolises the extent to which adversity or bliss can affect our thoughts and perspectives." This annual worldwide design exhibition, hosted in Miami, Florida, become a global design occasion that showcased the paintings of the world's maximum influential collectors, gallerists, designers, curators, and critics to be able to sell layout lifestyle and commerce. Design Miami is a must-attend occasion for all people inquisitive about collecting, showing, discussing and generating collectible designs.

(IANSlife can be contacted at IANSlife@ians.in)
Bengaluru, Dec 11 : Mortal remains of Lance Naik B. Sai Teja, who died in a helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu along with Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, his wife and other officials on December 8, reached Yelahanka Air Base in Bengaluru on Saturday in a special aircraft to be handed over to his family.

After the officers of Indian Air Force (IAF) paid last respects to the mortal remains of the young soldier, it was taken to the Airforce Command Hospital in Old Airport Road.

According to sources, the body will be taken in a special ambulance to his home town Madanapalle in Andhra Pradesh on Sunday.

Sai Teja is survived by his wife Symala, two children -- son Mokshagna (5) and daughter Darshini (2) and his parents. He had joined the Army through a recruitment drive in Guntur in 2012.

He was appointed as the Personal Security Officer to Late CDS Gen Rawat.

Meanwhile, the mortal remains of six jawans have been flown to airports nearest to their native places.

Teja was one among the 13 occupants of the IAF helicopter. Few hours before the chopper crashed, he had made a video call to his wife from New Delhi.

He had told his wife that he was going to Tamil Nadu with CDS General Rawat and promised to call her again by evening.
Dharamsala, Dec 11 : Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Saturday received the mortal remains of para commando Lance Naik Vivek Kumar at the Gaggal airport near here, who died in helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu.

He was among 13 people who were killed in the crash, including Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Bipin Rawat and his wife Madhulika Rawat.

The Chief Minister paid rich tributes to Lance Naik Vivek Kumar, hailing from Jaisinghpur in Kangra district, by laying wreath on his body.

Later, the Chief Minister told the media that the state was committed for the welfare of the family of the martyr. He said the state gave Rs 5 lakh as immediate relief to the bereaved family. He also announced additional Rs 5 lakh to the family from his discretionary fund.

Lance Naik Vivek Kumar was born in 1993 and joined the Indian Army in 2012. He was the sole breadwinner of the family. He also consoled martyr's father Ramesh Chand.

Two days before his death, Lance Naik Vivek Kumar (28) called up his wife Priyanka to enquire about their six-month-old son.
Chennai, Dec 11 : The Tamil Nadu BJP is in a spot after the Pradesh Congress Committee (TNCC) president, K.S. Alagiri alleged that the BJP has received an amount of Rs 100 crore during the 2021 assembly elections from lottery king, Santiago Martin. The Congress has demanded "transparent and impartial probe" into it.

The Congress leader wondered as to how the BJP was going to help Martin as a token of gratitude for receiving such huge money. He also said that the BJP is taking money from all shady characters in Tamil Nadu.

The Congress leader said that people like Martin were providing huge money to the BJP to protect themselves from the long arm of the law. K.S. Alagiri said that there must be a transparent and impartial probe into the relationship between BJP and people like Martin.

The Congress leader wondered whether the BJP would help Martin overcome the Income Tax cases registered against him and said that the BJP as a political party has been thoroughly exposed over this.

Santiago Martin is a lottery king based out of Coimbatore with lottery business in northeastern states. He is believed to be worth more than Rs 30,000 crore asset base, and the ED had conducted several raids at his premises in Coimbatore and other parts of the country. Martin was a labour contractor in Myanmar and landed back to TN in 1988 and commenced his lottery business. He was jailed during the Karunandihi government under several charges. He was also close to the CPI-M government of Kerala and had donated liberally to the coffers of the party and there were allegations of the party leaders accepting Rs 2 crore as advertisement for its mouth piece 'Deshabhimani'.
New Delhi, Dec 11 : The tragic death of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat in a helicopter crash in the Coonoor area of Tamil Nadu is a big loss for people of Kashmir. They have lost a well wisher who wanted to pull denizens of Jammu and Kashmir out of the quagmire of uncertainty and Pakistan sponsored terrorism.

The "People's General" shared a very strong bond with Kashmiris as he had observed their sufferings closely. His death has created a void and people of Kashmir are in a shock. They have lost their friend, who spoke his heart out whenever he addressed them.

The former Army Chief, who served in North Kashmir thrice during crucial times, always asked the people to fight the Pakistan sponsored onslaught with will and determination. He served as a company commander in the Uri sector in Baramulla district first and then as the Army's 5 Sector's sector commander in Watlab, Sopore, and as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 19 Infantry Division (Dagger division).

As on date North Kashmir, where late General Rawat was posted, is almost militancy free as people have foiled the nefarious designs of the militants and their handlers. They are living in peace. They followed what their General taught them and today they are enjoying the dividends of peace.

During his different tenures in Kashmir, General Rawat had developed a strong bond with the people as he always used to remain accessible. Even after being elevated to the posts of Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Staff, General Rawat, remained in touch with the people of Kashmir. He used to answer their phone calls and direct his officers posted in the Valley to address their concerns.

His people friendly approach led to many officers following in his footsteps. He set an example about how to win the hearts and minds of the people. He taught his subordinates how to befriend a common man and be there for him whenever the need arises.

Kashmir has not forgotten the people friendly policies of General Rawat, it was evident on December 10, 2021 when a few Imams in frontier Kupwara district offered Fatheh for him, his wife and other Army officers who died in the copter crash. Fatheh are exclusive prayers offered by Muslims for the dead. It was perhaps for the first time that Imams of mosques offered the special prayers for a non-Muslim that too from the pulpit of the mosque.

The Imams offering Fatheh for a non-Muslim should serve as an eye opener for the hate mongers who preach radicalization and tell the militants that killing non-Muslims is no sin. Kashmiris by offering Fatheh, taking out candle light marches and attending the mourning ceremonies have driven home a point that they respected General Rawat from the core of their hearts and his tragic and sudden demise is a big loss for them.

Trend setter General Rawat was a trend setter. As a Vice-Chief of Army he emphasized on the need to make Pakistan understand that it cannot get away with everything. When 19 soldiers were killed in a terror attack in Uri sector in 2016, General Rawat as the Vice-Chief of the Army played an important role in devising a strategy to launch a counter attack to teach Pakistan a lesson. In September 2016, Indian Army carried out surgical strikes across the Line of Control in retaliation against the Uri terror strike. General Rawat was part of the planning and closely monitored the strike in Delhi. Three months later, he took over as the Army Chief.

Uri surgical strikes were the beginning of a new way to tackle terror as it was for the first time since 1990 that Indian armed forces crossed the LoC and destroyed the terrorist camps and launch pads in Pakistan occupied Kashmir.

He was Army Chief when India carried out airstrikes targeting a JeM terror training centre in Pakistan's Balakot in February 2019, days after over 40 paramilitary CRPF men were killed in a terror attack in South Kashmir's Pulwama district. The surgical strikes and Balakot air strikes proved to be a turning point in India's fight against terror. After these strikes Pakistan has not been able to carry out any major attack in Jammu and Kashmir. These actions instilled confidence among the people of J&K that defeating terrorists and terrorism is not a big deal.

General Rawat advocating "tit for tat" policy made Pakistan understand that if it indulges in any more "misadventures" it may have to pay a heavy price as Indian armed forces could cross over and hit it even harder.

"The surgical strikes post-Uri terror attack and the Balakot airstrikes have delivered a strong message to Pakistan that it no longer enjoys the impunity of pushing terrorists across the Line of Control under the nuclear bogey," General Rawat had said last year.

Straight forward, upright General General Rawat was a very straightforward and upright man. He never minced any words to call spade a spade. As an Army Chief he had made it clear to Pakistan that if it dares to send infiltrators into J&K it will have to take back the bodies. He ensured that soldiers deployed along the Line of Control and borders are equipped with the best possible weapons to kill the infiltrators as soon as they are spotted. His aggressive tactics helped in bringing down the infiltration to its lowest ebb.

As on date a robust anti-infiltration grid is in place along the LoC as most of the infiltration points have been blocked. Terrorists no more find it easy to walk into J&K after crossing the LoC.

Born leader General Rawat had firm belief that anything, including radicalization, could be countered. He wanted to address the root-cause of all the problems. In 2017, when stone pelting orchestrated by Pakistan sponsored radical elements at the encounter sites had become a routine in Kashmir, General Rawat issued a stern warning to stone pelters, following which the situation improved in the Valley.

In 2018, General Rawat warned youths against picking up guns, saying" "Azadi will not happen, you cannot fight the army." He always reiterated that the adversary was using Kashmiri youth as cannon fodder. He wanted troops to try their level best to avoid any civilian casualty and collateral damage.

Besides being a "People's General", CDS General Rawat was a true statesman and a born leader. People of Kashmir can never forget his contribution towards restoring peace in the Valley. He was soft with the innocent people but tough with the terrorists and their supporters. General Rawat wanted end of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir and prosperity of people. Kashmiris by coming out to mourn his death have shown it to the world that they value their well wishers and true friends.
Dharamsala, Dec 11 : Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, a total of 17,142 people have lost their employment in the private sector in Himachal Pradesh, the state Assembly was informed on Saturday.

"Since the outbreak of Covid-19, 17,142 persons have lost their employment working in different companies in Himachal Pradesh. The data of Himachali who lost their employment in companies situated outside the state is not available with the department," Industries Minister Bikram Singh said in a written reply to the question of Vikramaditya Singh.

He added the state government has provided employment to 17,033 people in the government sector and 4,311 in the private sector amidst the pandemic till October 31.
Hanoi, Dec 11 : The Vietnamese government has approved the resumption of regular commercial flights between Vietnam and international destinations which are highly safe from Covid-19 from January 1, 2022.

According to the latest notice by the government, the destinations included those in China, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Laos, Cambodia and the US, Xinhua news agency reported on Saturday.

The move is to restore international passenger transport, speed up economic and tourism recovery and enable overseas Vietnamese to return to their homeland for the upcoming Lunar New Year, Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh said in the government directive.

While the resumption of international flights is necessary, effective pandemic control must also be ensured, Minh said, urging relevant authorities and aviation businesses to work actively to realise the approved plan and make recommendations for adjustments in accordance with the actual situation.

The country closed its border and grounded all international flights in March last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, only allowing entry for Vietnamese repatriates, foreign experts and highly-skilled workers with certain quarantine requirements.
New Delhi, Dec 11 : Tikri and Ghazipur borders of Delhi on Saturday witnessed the end of a long protest as farmers who have been camping in the national capital for over a year started heading back homes in a busy manner celebrating their success of repeal of the farm laws.

Farmers were seen packing their bags and moving in tractors used in their fields -- which they have been using for commuting and protesting. They hugged each other and bade good bye. Some were seen distributing sweets and rejoicing with dancing steps. Their makeshift homes were dismantled almost 15 months after farmers' agitation began against the (now scrapped) farm laws and other issues.

The majority of the farmers will start returning to their villages in Punjab from the Singhu and Tikri borders, which they made their homes since November last year. Hundreds of tractors are queued up at Delhi borders to take the farmers back home.

While the farmers have started dismantling the tents, some have already left for their villages after the government on Thursday sent a letter promising to meet the demands.

Some elderly farmers were seen cleaning the place where they had set up tents. The roads are also being cleared of things to make it look like what it was before the agitation. It may take days to completely vacate the entire border area as the protesters are large in numbers. However, the trafffic slowly started to resume at Singhu border as hundreds of tractors carrying farmers left the site.

A farmer, Rohi Singh from Bhatinda told IANS that they were not totally satisfied with the way government treated the farmers, on one hand we say "Jai jawan, Jai kisan" on the other, the government is totally against the farmers. He also said that they feel sad for 700 farmers who lost their lives during the protest.

Barricades are still in place but once the protesters completely vacate, police said, they will take charge of the place. The entire area that changed due to the protests over a long period, is set to start regular activities and mixed reactions have been seen by the locals.

A shopkeeper named Yash Verma said, he has a shop of electrical appliances, but his customers have been facing hardships as the way to his shop was diverted due to the protest. He has been facing a forty per cent loss in sales as most of the areas or the routes were closed due to which the customers found troublesome to reach the shop, Verma said.

Akhilesh Kumar, a textile owner also lamented the problems he faced due to less customers after the protest began. He said, earlier, one could reach in 30 minutes to his shop from the main road but now it will take one hour and he also complained that he could not get the new collections as distributors found it difficult to reach his shop.

He added that some customers were scared about the situation and didn't find it safe enough to reach his shop. Two days back, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), an umbrella body of farmer unions that led the protest, had said that it has suspended the agitation after receiving positive assurances from the government on their demands, adding that the borders of Delhi will be cleared by Saturday. The SKM also said that it would hold a review meeting on January 15.

The agitation continued even after the three farm laws -- Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020; Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020; and Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill 2020 -- were repealed by the Parliament, as the farmers' stuck to their demands with legal backing for minimum support price (MSP) for all farmers being the prime demand.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Chennai, Dec 11 : Ace director Shankar is the latest to join the list of those showering praises on director Gnanavel's critically acclaimed film 'Jai Bhim', featuring actors Suriya, Lijo Mol Jose and Manikandan in the lead.

Almost a month after the film's release, the highly-rated Tamil director wrote on his Facebook page that 'Jai Bhim' had proved again that a powerful film could bring about enormous change.

Shankar, who has two ongoing projects -- one with Ram Charan and the other with Kamal Haasan, said, "A voice for the voiceless. What a hard-hitting emotional rollercoaster. Director TJ Gnanavel's detailing and realistic approach was nerve-racking and commendable.

"Beyond the film and acting, Suriya Sivakumar's compassion towards society is really laudable, yet he livens up each scene with his subtlety and impact. Manikandan, Lijomol and all other cast and crew excelled. It has been proven again, that a powerful film can bring an enormous change," the director said.

The critically acclaimed courtroom drama is inspired by true events that happened in Tamil Nadu in the 1990s and tells the moving story of an upright lawyer coming to the aid of poor people from the Irular community who have no means to stand up to the brutality of an inhuman police force that seeks to exploit their helplessness.
London, Dec 11 : After launching in China, smartphone brand OnePlus is likely to launch Buds Z2 TWS earphones in Europe on December 16.

The OnePlus Buds Z2 will be launched on Instagram at 2:30 PM CET. It will arrive in two of its colours -- black and white, GizmoChina reported on Friday.

The earphones is also slated to launch in more markets like India. A recent report said that the buds will be launched in India this December.

The Buds Z2 features a similar design to its predecessor model -- OnePlus Buds Z. It has an 11mm driver that supports Dolby Atmos audio. It has three mics for noise reduction. It also has support for 40dB active noise cancellation (ANC).

The TWS buds have Bluetooth v5.2 support and are IP55 water and sweat-resistant. It has a 38-hour long battery with a charging case which is said to be enough and more than what the competition is offering.

The Buds Z2 is priced at 399 Chinese yuans. However, it is expected to be priced similarly in Europe, the report said.
New Delhi/Moscow, Dec 11 : Russia is on the verge of throwing out TikTok, the short-video making app owned by China-based ByteDance Ltd. The Russian government has launched homemade TikTok, called Yappy to cash on Tiktok's popularity. Currently, there are 70 million monthly TikTok users in Russia. Russian government which enjoys friendly relations with China, appears to be going slow over the imminent move to throw out TikTok because of its foreign connection. Russia fears that foreign technological companies can ruin the mindset of its people.

Russia's leading media conglomerate recently launched a domestic rival to the hugely popular video-sharing app TikTok. Russian media called it Russia's campaign to reduce the influence of foreign websites and technology advances.Gazprom Media, a subsidiary of state-owned gas giant Gazprom, launched the service, named "Yappy", which can be downloaded from the Apple App Store and Google Play. Developed with the support of the Innopraktika foundation, an organization run by Katerina Tikhonova, one of President Vladimir Putin's alleged daughters, the Yappy app began beta testing in September, with early access given to 300 bloggers ahead. The service has a number of similar functions to TikTok and is based on sharing short vertical video clips of up to 60 seconds in length.

What prompted Russia to have home made TikTok alternative? Russia became upset with Chinese made app TikTok because of certain objectionable posts targetting children. These posts had reportedly incited children to attend unsanctioned street protests in support of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navlany.

TikTok came under fire alongside US tech giants for refusing to remove posts and ignoring Russian government request.

The Russian court had even fined TikTok 2.5 million rubles ($34,000) for failing to delete illegal content that incited minors to participate in unsanctioned protests in Moscow.

Tiktok - Most favoured video sharing app in Russia Undoubtedly, the Chinese video-sharing app TikTok was the most downloaded phone application in Russia and elsewhere in the world. But now, Russia's Gazprom-Media has got into the business to cash on the popularity of TikTok.

In late 2000, Russia had made public its decision to create a domestic alternative to TikTok.

Russia has since named TikTok as one of 13 international social media platforms that will be required to open an office on Russian soil by the end of 2021 - the latest law that critics say has been designed to squeeze the dominance of foreign tech companies and social media platforms in Russia. Be it Russia or Australia, TikTok has come under attack for adversely affecting health and children in particular.

Controversy surrounding TikTok's algorithm TikTok powerful algorithm is like nothing the world's seen before. Tiktok has been accused of sharing data with the Chinese government. A joint investigation by Australian Broadcasting Corporation's triple j's Hack and Four Corners have found the TikTok algorithm is exposing Australians to dangerous content while controlling which people and political movements get users' attention. The investigation has made startling revelations: For instance, TikTok claims that its mission is to "inspire creativity and bring joy" but it poses the risk of distorting the way much of a generation is seeing the world, and not always for the better. On sign up, TikTok starts collecting data about user's location, gender and age and, more contentiously, his/her facial data.

The more a user clicks on "like" videos, follows an account, or watches a TikTok video until it ends, the more the algorithm learns about user's interests.

It is very hard to break that cycle, and it's by design that user never really gets to the end of the content. The more any user keeps you scrolling, the more ads user tends to. That's what catapulted TikTok's Chinese parent company ByteDance to a value of more than $250 billion.

Researchers have alleged that TikTok promotes eating disorders. Researchers say there are many factors that contribute to eating disorders. Tiktok's algorithm looks for vulnerable people and then plays on that vulnerability. Swinburne University's Dr Suku Sukunesan has advised TikTok on how to make the app safer. He has embedded himself in the app's eating disorder communities.

"I was immediately given all this eating disorder content. After a couple of hours, TikTok suggested 30 different accounts to follow and they were all people living with eating disorder issues," he said. According to Dr. Sukunesan, these TikToks effectively teach people how to have an eating disorder, and the algorithm can lead them to more severe videos, such as ones that promote self-harming. "It's almost like a pit with no end and you find that these kids would ultimately harm themselves more," he said.

The company's policies maintained that TikTok bans "content depicting, promoting, normalising, or glorifying activities that could lead to suicide, self-harm, or eating disorders".

A user tried to report videos promoting eating disorders only to be told they don't breach any of TikTok's guidelines. TikTok's response to dealing with this problem is to ban pro-eating disorder hashtags so users can't search for those videos. If they do, a number for eating disorder support service The Butterfly Foundation pops up. "Our teams consult with NGOs and other partners to continuously update the list of keywords on which we intervene," a TikTok spokeswoman said.

Another TikTok user told Hack and Four Corners that when she reported a viral video of a man taking his own life it was also found not to breach the app's community guidelines. It takes less than 30 seconds to find harmful content on TikTok, and a few hours for the algorithm to dominate someone's feed with offensive videos, according to several researchers. Tech advocacy organisation Reset Australia ran experiments and discovered it takes about four hours for the algorithm to learn that a 13-year-old is interested in racist content, and about seven hours for sexist videos to swamp someone's feed. The longer those users watch that kind of content, the more frequently they appear.

While TikTok has been facing pressure to eradicate harmful videos, it's also been accused of using the algorithm to censor and suppress posts for the wrong reasons. In July, several Black influencers went on an indefinite strike, refusing to choreograph the viral dances TikTok relies on, and accusing the app of capitalising on their creativity without preferencing them in the algorithm.In March 2020, TikTok policy documents were leaked showing moderators were instructed to suppress posts by creators considered "ugly, poor, or disabled".

Last year, TikTok apologised for suppressing posts with the hashtags "Black Lives Matter" and "George Floyd" after thousands of creators took to the platform to protest about their videos being suppressed or accounts being banned. The Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) did the first academic investigation into censorship on TikTok and found the company actively used its algorithm to hide political speech it deems controversial.

The study - which was funded by the US State Department - found hashtags about the mass detention of Uyghurs, Hong Kong protests, LGBTQI and anti-Russian government videos were among those being suppressed.In a statement, TikTok denies that the company is involved in censorship.
New Delhi, Dec 11 : Pakistanis who say their relatives have been forcibly made to disappear at the hands of security forces are demanding the government provide information about their fate, Radio Mashaal reported.

Dozens of people joined a rally on Friday in Islamabad carrying placards bearing the names, pictures, and date on which their love ones went missing.

Rights activists say more than 8,000 people have been abducted by Pakistan's security agencies over the past two decades during operations against alleged militants, leaving hundreds of families with no knowledge of their whereabouts or whether they are still alive, the report said.

Activists also complain that those responsible for committing enforced disappearances are not being held accountable.

Pakistani authorities reject the allegations, saying many of the disappeared were either killed in operations against Islamist militants or crossed into Afghanistan to hide.

On November 8, the lower house of Pakistan's parliament passed a bill criminalizing enforced disappearance. But the amendment also foresees penalties of up to five years' imprisonment and 100,000 rupees ($563) in fines for anyone found guilty of filing a complaint with information "that proves to be false." The bill, which has been criticized by human rights defenders, needs to be approved by the Senate and signed by the president to become law.

"Relatives of victims of enforced disappearance are already often reluctant to report cases or exchange information with Government officials, either for fear of reprisals or lack of trust," a group of UN experts said in a statement.

"If passed, this law would undoubtedly lead to an increased underreporting of the crime, and foster impunity for the perpetrators," they added.

Last month, Amnesty International said cases of enforced disappearance had been documented in Pakistan since the mid-1980s, but the "abhorrent" practice has been "routinely used" by Pakistan's intelligence services over the past 20 years to target human rights defenders, political activists, students, and journalists, "with the fate of hundreds of victims still unknown", the report said.
New Delhi, Dec 11 : The CBI on Saturday said it has arrested a Central Goods and Services Tax (Vijaywada), Superintendent for allegedly demanding and accepting Rs 8,000 as bribe.

According to the investigation agency officials, one G. Nageswara Rao had lodged a compliant with them in this respect.

He had applied for registration of his shop with GST Department of Vijaywada. One official from GST office visited his shop and made him to talk to John Moses, Superintendent of GST, over phone.

"John Moses, superintendent, GST demanded a bribe of Rs 10,000 for giving registration certificate to his shop. The victim said that he was unable to pay the amount which made Moses angry and he asked the official not to help him," said an official.

Later, the amount was negotiated and it was decided that Rs 8,000 will be given to Moses. Meanwhile, the victim approached the CBI and lodged a complaint. The CBI after formed a team to catch the accused red handed.

"We laid a trap and caught the accused while demanding and accepting bribe of Rs 8,000 from the complainant. Later, we conducted searches at the office and residential premises of accused at Vijayawada which led to recovery of certain incriminating documents. The recovery will be used as an evidence," said a CBI official.

The arrested accused was produced before the Competent Court and remanded to 14 days Judicial Custody.
Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 11 : All roads from the Kerala border at Walayar along the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu since Saturday morning led to the house of Junior Warrant Officer A. Pradip at Trissur, who was on the ill-fated IAF Mi-17 helicopter that crashed on Wednesday near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu killing 13, including India's first Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat and others, of the 14 on board.

On Saturday morning, Pradip's last journey from Sulur, where he worked, began with numerous vehicles accompanying the vehicle carrying the body of the departed soldier.

Union Minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan and Trissur Lok Sabha member T.N. Prathapan accompanied the body and at the Kerala border, three Kerala Cabinet Ministers -- K. Radhakrishnan, K. Rajan and K. Krishnankutty, received the body.

From there, thousands of people waited at the roadside from Palakkad to Trissur to bid goodbye to Pradip.

Then the body was placed at the school at Puthoor in Trissur, for an hour where Pradip studied. His friends and the local residents came to that school, and bid him goodbye.

"He was a simple man with no air... never did he say that he used to move around with the high and mighty, as his job was such that and that was how he boarded the ill-fated flight with the CDS. He used to speak very little about his job, but was always at the front whenever he came for leave to be with his friends, family and the local populace," said one of his grieving classmates, who was spotted at the school.

From the school, the body was taken over by a group of 70 Air Force officials and the vehicle then moved to Pradip's house, located 3 km from the school.

Scenes were uncontrollable when the body reached his house, as his ailing father who is on breathing support was informed only a few hours before that his son has passed away.

"He took it bravely, while Pradip's mother was uncontrollable, so was his wife. A team of doctors was present at the house as no one knew how he (his father) would react to the death of his son," said a relative of Pradip.

The last rites were held at his home with full military honours. The Kerala government also gave him a full state funeral.

The pyre was set up behind his house.

Pradip's father was a casual labourer and after he joined the IAF in 2002, his father stopped working as Pradip did not want his father to toil hard.

Pradip was here for two weeks with his father who was hospitalised. And just 4 days before his last journey, he left for Sulur after his father was discharged from the hospital.

His mother was a member of the local workforce in the National Rural Employment Guarantee programme.

In 2002, Pradip joined the IAF as a weapons-fitter and then became an Air Crew which enabled him to travel across the length and breadth of the country.

When Kerala witnessed the worst floods in a century he opted to join the helicopter squad which was engaged in rescue works at various locations in the state and for this efforts he was commended by the President of India.
Patna, Dec 11 : Agitated over former MP and his maternal uncle Sadhu Yadav's remark against his brother Tejashwi Yadav's inter-caste marriage, Lalu Prasad's elder son Tej Pratap Yadav on Saturday said the former is a "kans mama".

Sadhu Yadav on Friday accused Tejashwi of demeaning the image of the Lalu family by marrying a girl from a different community.

"Tejashwi does not deserve to be called the Leader of Opposition of the Bihar Assembly," Sadhu Yadav said.

"He is being arbitrary in the family and party. He wants to rule us. We cannot allow him to do so. We will boycott him. We will teach him a lesson," said Sadhu Yadav, who was not invited for the marriage.

He said that Lalu Prasad's old aide Prem Gupta is a "corrupt" person. "In fact, all the invited persons who attended the wedding were corrupt," Sadhu Yadav said.

Tej Pratap alleged: "Sadhu Yadav was the murderer of Shilpi Jain and Gautam Singh. The double murder took place in July 1999 and Sadhu Yadav was asked to undergo a DNA test." "My father Lalu Prasad was defamed for 15 years due to Sadhu Yadav's criminal activities. Sadhu Yadav's value is not more than Rs 2. He has used the name of Lalu Prasad family to become a billionaire. He does not have the guts to stay in front of me. I am in Vrindavan right now. Wait for my return, I will teach him a lesson. People of Bihar will beat him with shoes," Tej Pratap said.

Tejashwi tied the nuptial knot with his long-time friend Rachen Godinho, who is a Christian, in Delhi on Thursday.
Jaipur, Dec 11 : The last rites of Squadron Leader Kuldeep Singh, who was killed along with 12 others, including India's first Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat in the tragic IAF Mi-17 helicopter crash on December 8 in Tamil Nadu, were performed by his wife on Saturday at his native village in Rajasthan's Jhunjhunu district.

Thousands of villagers at Ghardana made a beeline to pay tributes to the brave son of the soil who sacrificed his life while serving the nation. His wife Yashwini was seen holding tightly on to Kuldeep's picture when his body was brought to the village.

The fallen soldier's mother proudly saluted her son's picture placed in front of his body.

Kuldeep Singh's wife was all mum when her husband's body was brought. Soon after performing the last rites, she broke down and hugged her mother-in-law.

Tears kept rolling down her cheeks as she said: "I Love You Kuldeep.... Jai Hind!" Her family members were seen consoling her.

The Army officers gave a Guard of Honour to the departed Squadron Leader as people kept raising slogans right from the moment his body was brought to the village.

They also showered flowers upon Singh's body, and raised "Vande Matram" slogans.
New Delhi, Dec 11 : The Supreme Court on Saturday observed that the allotment of public properties must be transparent and the time has come to do away with allotment, particularly plots, on the basis of discretionary quota, as this inevitably leads to corruption, nepotism and favouritism.

A bench comprising Justices M.R. Shah and B.V. Nagarathna, said: "Allotment of public properties must be transparent and has to be fair and non-arbitrary. In such matters, public interest only has to be the prime guiding consideration".

The bench added that the allotment of plots in the discretionary quota cannot be at the whims of the person in power or the public servants who are dealing with the allotment of plots in the discretionary quota.

The bench said: "the day has come to do away with allotment of government largess on the basis of discretionary quota as this inevitably leads to corruption, nepotism and favouritism". The bench emphasized that public interest should be the prime guiding principle in allotment of public properties.

The bench said when a democratic government in exercise of its discretion selects the recipients for its largess, then discretion should be exercised objectively, rationally, intelligibly, fairly and in a non-arbitrary manner. "It should not be subjective and according to the private opinion and/or the whims and fancies of the persons in power and/or the public servants," it added.

Justice Shah, who authored the judgment on behalf of the bench, said even if guidelines are issued to be followed while allotment of the plots under the discretionary quota, it is found that many a time they are hardly followed or are manipulated to suit the particular circumstances.

"Therefore, the best thing is to do away with such discretionary quota and allotments of the public properties/plots must be through public auction by and large," said Justice Shah.

The top court allowed a petition filed by the Odisha government and cleared decks for prosecution of three officials, who secretly distributed prime lands at a commercial complex in Bhubaneswar at throw away price to their family members and relatives.

The top court set aside the high court judgment quashing the criminal proceedings, saying it embarked upon examining evidence as if it was conducting the mini-trial. The top court said: "Even in the case where the policy decision is taken to allot the plots to a particular class like the downtrodden class etc in that case also the guidelines must be strictly followed and the allotment must reflect the fair play and non arbitrariness and should have objective criteria/procedure." The top court made it clear that action needs to be taken against the officials, prima facie responsible for the illegality in the allotment of the plots to the relatives or family members.
New Delhi, Dec 11: Myths and platitudes abound in international relations discourses and in the conduct of relations between states. Scholars and leaders alike use or invoke them with gay abundance without going into the relevance of some of the concepts and ideas in the changed global and regional strategic environment.

One such concept is ASEAN Centrality, the principle assuming that the South-east Asian grouping of 10 countries should remain at the centre of regional cooperation. ASEAN's central position in evolutionary formation of regional institutionalised architectures such as ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM) Plus, East Asian Economic Group (EAEG), East Asian Economic Caucus (EAEC), ASEAN +3 and East Asia Summit (EAS), have to be accepted unquestioningly and credited for long years of peace and stability in Southeast and East Asia or what was known as the Asia-Pacific region. But with the increased US-China economic and strategic competition and military posturing currently underway, its relevance is questionable and perhaps ended.

US-China Strategic Understanding behind ASEAN centrality ASEAN's success in the past, despite being a less powerful entity, came essentially due to a conducive strategic environment, or what the leading thinker in ASEAN, Kishore Mahbubani, called 'strategic luck'. That luck has run out now, as the strategic environment has changed drastically and is no longer conducive for it to play a central role.

ASEAN centrality was essentially premised on convergence of strategic goals and interests between the United States and China, the two principal actors in the Asia-Pacific region, and the cooperation and patronage they provided in the evolution of the ASEAN-led institutions as the backbone of their preferred Asian security and economic architecture. As the basic or core interests of the two did not clash until China gave up the pretence of its peaceful rise and began to challenge the US-led global order and its hegemony in the region, both allowed the ASEAN to take the lead in shaping the regional architecture, from which grew the concept of its centrality. Both benefited from this arrangement to give an impression that the whole processes of integration and institution-building for securing economic prosperity and territorial integrity of the region was endogenous-driven with ASEAN at its Centre.

While ASEAN was formed in 1967 amidst turmoil in the region with US patronage for the primary objective of checkmating the advent of communism in the region, after Sino-American rapprochement and unification of Vietnam in the 1970s, it turned out to be containment of Soviet-backed Vietnamese Communism. ASEAN gave full support to the Sino-American goal. As a trade-off, it received massive investment from the US and its supporters like Japan to promote their economic development and modernization of their societies.

China under Deng Xiao Ping also took advantage of the situation and charted its course towards its emergence as the factory of the world. ASEAN emerged as economic tigers with resultant political stability in their member countries. The US was happy to bring about the collapse of the Soviet Union, and declare the victory of the West. The arrangement was working quite well for all three until the mid-1990s.

ASEAN and US taken for a ride by China ASEAN was the first one to realise its basic weaknesses in this triangular arrangement and the folly of trusting China, when the latter, as part of its salami-slicing tactics, occupied mischief Reef, an atoll in the Spratlys Island in the South China Sea, where the Philippines also laid its claim as per the norms of the UNCLOS. But ASEAN had no option as it was too weak militarily vis-A -vis China. It was content with issuing just a joint statement of foreign ministers expressing concern at the developments in SCS.

Beijing was already emboldened with its earlier occupation of Paracels in SCS from the Vietnamese in 1975 when both the USA and ASEAN had acquiesced because Hanoi was considered an enemy then. China in the meantime had already weakened ASEAN's resolve to protest against the former's salami-slicing by driving a wedge within the latter by dividing the countries into claimant and non-claimant states.

The US then was basking in the glory of their success in the Cold War and did not bother much what China was doing under its so-called peaceful rise. Washington, as yet, did not realise that Beijing was taking it for a ride. American, European and Japanese investments in massive scale enabled Beijing to keep the Western consumers hostage by supplying cheap luxury goods to them and buying time to strengthen its economic and military capabilities so that it could secure its core interests, and challenge the United States-led global order - economic, political and strategic, when convenient. ASEAN and its institutional mechanism, directly or indirectly, only helped Beijing to consolidate its position.

Now, with China's increasing assertiveness, bellicosity and wolf-war diplomatic behaviour and the response it generated from the West and other countries that are affected by it, ASEAN-led institutions are now found to be wanting, because the earlier US-China understanding has broken down completely. Even ASEAN itself, though not admitting it openly, have realised this to their dismay, forcing them practically reconciling to a Beijing-led regional order with minimum damage to their economic stakes and territorial integrity. Even that may be difficult to achieve under the existing US-China economic and strategic rivalry and the latter not making any amends to its aggressive and intimidating behaviour to those that stood up to it, including India, Australia, Japan and Australia.

Indian Stakes in ASEAN centrality New Delhi's stakes in ASEAN are quite high because of its geographical location between the two oceans - Indian and the Pacific- together with its control over strategic outlets and the choke points. This is manifested in our Act East Policy (AOP) and the Indo-Pacific strategy, both of which reaffirm our commitment to ASEAN's centrality. Together with our troubled relationship with China and a hostile Pakistan ready to work at Beijing's behest, we cannot afford to lose ASEAN. With India opting out of RCEP, its economic engagement with the region has suffered a setback, even while it brought certain urgency in having a fresh look at its FTA with ASEAN and bilateral FTAs with Japan and Australia.

Strategically, ASEAN is unwilling to join any grouping that Beijing perceives hostile to its interest. In such a situation New Delhi along with its other strategic partners like Washington, Canberra and Tokyo, who have a common goal to create a more open, inclusive and rule-based order, must try to lure ASEAN countries away from Beijing's economic stranglehold by offering an alternative in the form of quality infrastructure and supply chain resilience initiatives that they have undertaken in recent years to lessen their own dependence on China. At the same time, India must strive for strengthen the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), where Thailand and Myanmar are already members, by inviting Indonesia and Vietnam to widen and broaden its economic engagement with ASEAN and bring South and Southeast Asia close to each other.

(Baladas Ghoshal is a former Professor and Chair in South & Southeast Asian Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. Views expressed are personal and exclusive to India Narrative) (The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative
Amaravati, Dec 11 : The Andhra Pradesh government on Saturday handed over Rs 50 lakh ex-gratia to the family of Lance Naik B. Sai Teja, who lost his life in the December 8 IAF helicopter crash.

Hours after an announcement by Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, Panchayat Raj Minister Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy, and Excise Minister K. Narayana Swami visited Sai Teja's house in Chittoor district.

They conveyed their condolences to the family and handed over the cheque on behalf of the state government.

Ramachandra Reddy told reporters that they extended condolences to the family and assured all sorts of help on behalf of the state government. He said the family requested for a government job to the wife of Sai Teja and added that he would take the request to the notice of the chief minister and do the needful.

He said the chief minister directed them not to give publicity to the financial assistance being provided to the family of the soldiers as their sacrifices are priceless.

MLA Dwarakanath Reddy and district collector Harinarayana accompanied the ministers.

Hailing from Chittoor district, Sai Teja was serving as Personal Security Officer (PSO) to Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen Bipin Rawat.

Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat and 11 other personnel including Sai Teja died in the Mi-17V5 helicopter which crashed at Katteri, near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu.

Hailing from Eguva Regada village in Kurabala Kota mandal of Chittoor district, Sai Teja (27) is survived by wife Shyamala, son Mokshagana, 4, and a daughter Darshini, 2.

Meanwhile, military authorities on Saturday identified the body of Sai Teja. Bodies of the six deceased were identified and handed over to their families.

The soldier's body is likely to be brought to his native village later in the day from Coimbatore. The last rites will be performed with military honours. The family will decide on final rites after the body is brought home.

Belonging to the Kuruba community, Sai Teja joined the Indian Army in 2012 as a sepoy. While serving in Bangalore Regiment, he was selected for para commando training. Last year, he was appointed as PSO to CDS.
Srinagar, Dec 11 : People's Conference president Sajad Lone on Saturday paid an emotional tribute to the two police personnel -- Mohammad Sultan and Fayaz Ahmad, killed by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Bandipora district on Friday.

Taking to Twitter to express his anguish, Lone said that the decades long violence in Kashmir has left behind an army of orphans.

"Twenty years ago, a policeman from Bandipora was killed alongside my father. My father was killed too. Saw photos of orphaned daughter and son. 20 years. No change in savagery. Remember just because today's orphan doesn't belong to you doesn't mean tomorrow's orphan won't belong to you," he tweeted.

In another tweet, he expressed serious concern over the tendency to reduce death to a mere statistic in Kashmir.

"The other policeman killed is from Lalpora Lolab. Fayaz Ahmad Lone. I knew him personally. The biggest threat that we as people face is that death has become a statistic. A good statistic and a bad statistic depending which side of the ideological divide you are on," he said.
New Delhi, Dec 11 : General Bipin Rawat was an extraordinary military leader, and his death has created a void that cannot be filled, President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday.

The President was speaking on the occasion of review of the Passing Out Parade of the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun.

India's first Cheif of Defence Staff General Rawat, his wife and 11 other armed forces personnel were killed in an IAF chopper crash near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday.

The President said, "We gathered here today when the nation is yet to come out of the shock of the untimely demise of General Bipin Rawat, the Chief of Defence Staff. Uttarakhand was his home and he was trained at the Indian Military Academy.

"At the IMA, he was awarded the Sword of Honour for his exceptional skills. But for the tragedy, he would have been among us here today, looking at the passing-out parade with delight and pride for the cadets." The President said that General Rawat added to the glory of the IMA, which is an institution with an inspiring tradition. Before him, Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa, Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw and many other extraordinary warriors and strategists began their journey from here as young cadets and potential leaders.

Some of them laid down their lives for the safety and honour of the nation, the President said, as he expressed confidence that the gentlemen cadets, who would shortly embark on their journey of a life characterised by valour and wisdom, would carry forward the rich legacy of this academy.

Congratulating the cadets on the successful completion of their training at the IMA, the President said that their service and dedication as soldiers and leaders shall add to the strength of a peaceful, independent and democratic India.

He said, "We should recall the iconic status acquired by one of the many illustrious alumni of the academy, General Rawat, who with his hard work emerged as the role model of soldierly conduct for the future generation." The President was happy to see gentlemen cadets from friendly foreign countries of Afghanistan, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Turkmenistan and Vietnam at the parade.

He said, "We cherish the special bond between our nations, and it is a matter of great pride for India to have such fine officers and gentlemen from friendly foreign countries graduating today."
New Delhi, Dec 11 : In an attempt to send a positive message that people are with the union government's decision to repeal the three farm laws to end the farmers agitation, the BJP is using all its might to win the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation election, the first one in north India after the repeal of the three farm laws.

Knowing the importance of the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation polls which will influence the Punjab and Uttarakhand assembly elections, the BJP is fighting it like state polls and fielding union ministers and chief ministers for campaigning.

The election will be held on December 24 and counting of votes will take place on December 27.

The emergence of the AAP and delimitation of municipal wards is a major concern for the BJP. After delimitation, the number of wards in the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation area has increased to 35 from the previous 26. In the last corporation election five years ago, the BJP won 21 of the total 26 wards. The saffron party had contested 22 and its former ally Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) had contested four wards.

A BJP insider said that the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation election is the first one after the three farm laws were repealed by Parliament in the ongoing winter session and the results will reflect the public sentiment about the Centre's decision.

"Many within the party believe that the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation results will be seen as the people's verdict on the Centre's decision before the assembly polls in five states next year. The BJP won almost all the seats in the last election and this time we are trying to retain the same strength in the Corporation. Losing or a drastic decrease in seats will be seen as people being against the government's decision to repeal the farm laws," he said.

The saffron party believes that despite being an urban centre, the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation results will have an impact on the Punjab and Uttarakhand assembly polls to be held early next year.

Leaving no stone unturned, the saffron party is eyeing the migrants from Himachal Pradesh, Bihar and Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand to keep its position intact in the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation. The BJP is also eyeing people from South India.

To woo voters from Himachal Pradesh, union minister Anurag Thakur and chief minister Jairam Thakur will campaign for BJP candidates. Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and union minister Ajay Bhatt will seek votes for party candidates from people from Uttarakhand. Bhojpuri star turned parliamentarian Manoj Tiwari will also address about half a dozen rallies to woo Poorvanchali voters (people from Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand).

The saffron camp also feels that the AAP emerged stronger after inducting former Chandigarh Congress president Pradeep Chhabra. A BJP leader said that with Chhabra's organisational skills and understanding of the city, the AAP is now posing a challenge but the impact or damage can only be assessed after the result.
Lucknow, Dec 11 : With Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls nearing, BJP heavyweights are visiting the state and heaping praises on the state government.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also frequenting the state to inaugurate or lay foundation stones for various developmental schemes.

According to political analysts, the BJP is always in election mode.

Even Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has claimed that the BJP will win more than 300 seats in the 403-member UP Assembly that will go to the polls early next year.

BJP MP from Kaushambi, Vinod Sonkar, who is also the party's national secretary and a poll strategist, said that people of the state have seen all sorts of alliances -- 'Bua-Babua' (Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav), 'Do Babuon Ki Jodi' (Akhilesh Yadav and Rahul Gandhi) etc.

The people of the state have also seen and understood how anarchy and corruption prevailed in the state for 15 long years before the BJP returned to power in 2017, he said, adding that the party's rule, the state has developed.

On the SP-RLD combine, Sonkar said that RLD chief (Jayant Chaudhary) is the son of a person (late Ajit SIngh) who had time and again criticised the Samajwadi Party.

"How can people accept this mismatch," he asked.

BJP's poll strategists said that in 2014, 2017, 2019 polls, Jats in Western Uttar Pradesh were with the saffron party.

"The Jat community was miffed with the appeasement policies of the opposition parties, and the BJP helped it get rid of them," Sonkar said.

On opposition alliance, BJP's poll strategists said that how can those whose party symbols are not safe fight the BJP.

"In the previous polls, Om Prakash Rajbhar had bagged 7 per cent votes. All his MLAs were Scheduled Caste. How many OBC MLAs are there," Sonkar asked.

People have seen many big alliances, be it SP-BSP or SP-Congress, but they rejected them all and continued to support the BJP, he said.

People will no longer accept the opportunists and those who are doing caste-based politics, he said.

With polls nearing, polarisation has started with words like 'laal topi' (red cap) and 'abbajaan' (father).

When asked about the use of such words, the BJP leader said that the SP cannot fight the elections on the basis of law and order and development in the state, and that is why (Muhammad Ali) Jinnah is being invoked to divert the issues.

The BJP government in the state has set up 35 medical colleges, but during the SP's tenure, people had to stand at kiosks to charge their mobile for Rs 10. Today, the state government is supplying power for 14 to 20 hours.

"The SP and the BSP know that if they fight the polls on development issues, they won't be even able to open their accounts in the state," he said.

While BSP chief Mayawati is focusing on secure seats, Sonkar feels that those seats will also go to the saffron camp.

Sonkar said that Scheduled Caste people had trusted Mayawati, and made her the Chief Minister four times but can anyone list one work that she did for the said community? On the BSP accusing the BJP of taking credit for schemes introduced during Mayawati's tenure, Sonkar said it will be decided by the public.

"Not only the BSP, even the SP is saying the same thing, but people know everything," the BJP leader said.

"We are inaugurating the projects for which we have laid foundation stones. Our projects are neither delayed, nor lost or stuck," he added.
Lucknow, Dec 11 : The President of the Samajwadi Party's Backward Classes Cell, Rajpal Kashyap, has claimed that the BJP will face historic defeat when the 403-member Uttar Pradesh Assembly goes to the polls early next year.

The Samajwadi Party (SP) has sounded the poll bugle in Uttar Pradesh, projecting itself as the main rival to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Speaking to IANS about SP's poll strategy to defeat the BJP, Kashyap said that the party is fighting all 403 seats in the state to "gherao" the saffron party.

On the SP-RLD seat-sharing formula, Kashyap said that it will be decided by SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) chief Jayant Chaudhary, but the people of the state have already sounded the bugle for "parivartan" (change).

"To take on the BJP in Eastern UP, the SP has allied with Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) President Om Prakash Rajbhar. There are many other parties which have strong caste equations. To fight in Western UP, we have tied up with RLD," he said.

"We will fight the polls together with the RLD and form the next government in the state," the SP leader asserted.

On polarisation of voters, Kashyap said: "Red colour is the symbol of change. That is why the ruling party is afraid of it," indirectly referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent "lal topiwala" (red cap) jibe at Akhilesh Yadav.

"The SP will show them (the BJP) the exit door," he claimed.

On poll preparations, Kashyap said that SP has a full-proof plan ready, right from the booth to the sector level.

The SP leader said that the BJP has cheated every secion of the society, as the Backward Classes, Dalits, farmers etc. all are disappointed with the saffron camp.

Every section of the society is looking at SP with hope, he said.

"Akhilesh Yadav is holding 'Rath Yatras' in the state. I have also taken out a Rath Yatra, so did the party's state unit chief Naresh Uttam. Besides women's conventions are also being held. The BJP will face historic defeat at the hands of Samajwadi Party this time," Kashyap claimed.
New Delhi, Dec 11 : Believing that a perfect opposition unity exists only theoretically in Uttar Pradesh, the BJP is focusing its strategy on getting over 50 per cent votes in the 2022 Assembly polls to blunt any consolidation against them.

To further consolidate its Hindu votes, the saffron party has also planned to highlight the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya and redevelopment of the Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi in the run up to the Assembly polls.

To achieve the target of over 50 per cent vote share in its favour, the saffron party is working on two fronts, firstly strengthening organisation at the booth level and secondly banking on the development and welfare measures that have taken place in Uttar Pradesh in the last five years under the BJP government at the Centre and state.

In 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP got nearly 50 per cent votes and 64 seats out of 80. In the last Assembly polls in 2017, the BJP and its alliance partner won 324 seats out of 403 in Uttar Pradesh. The BJP got around 40 per cent of total votes polled in the last Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls.

"We are working on getting over 50 per cent of the vote this time also and it will be the key strategy in Uttar Pradesh. In the last 2019 Lok Sabha polls, despite facing the challenge from the biggest alliance of Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), we won 64 seats with our alliance partner Apna Dal, and also got 50 per cent vote share. Perfect opposition unity only exists theoretically in Uttar Pradesh and on paper," BJP Uttar Pradesh vice president Vijay Bahadur Pathak said.

To achieve the target to get over 50 per cent vote share, the BJP has launched "booth jeeto, chunav jeeto (wins booths, win elections". The BJP has constituted committees at over 1.53 lakh polling booths in Uttar Pradesh. The ruling party also completed the appointment of 'panna pramukh' at each page of the electoral roll. These workers at the booth level have started reaching out to the voters with works of Narendra Modi and Yogi Adityanath government.

In view of the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls, the BJP is also enrolling over 1.5 crore new members in the state. Currently the BJP has over 2.5 crore members in Uttar Pradesh.

"As per plan, the BJP workers are making a minimum 100 new members at over 1.53 lakh polling booths, where the party has a committee, in Uttar Pradesh. During the membership drive the party is targeting to enroll a minimum 1.5 crore members in the state," a party leader said.

On its core ideological agenda of Hindutva, the BJP has made a month-long celebration from December 13 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi will dedicate the massive redevelopment and beautification of the Kashi Vishwanath temple to the nation.

On the social engineering front, to woo all the communities ahead of next year's Assembly polls, the party has started holding a caste specific outreach programme for Other Backward Class (OBC) and Schedule Caste (SC). As per the strategy, programmes will focus on all the castes and sub castes of OBCs and SC.

Special focus will be on OBCs caste as they constitute over 50 per cent of total electorate of state. The non- Yadav OBCs have played an important role in the rise of the BJP in recent times. "OBCs are electorally important in Uttar Pradesh. This time we are also trying to win support of all OBC communities especially of non - Yadav," a party insider said.

Among SC communities, the BJP trying to make in roads of the BSP vote bank by projecting former Uttarakhand Governor and party national vice president Baby Rani Maurya as its Dalit face in the state against former Chief Minister Mayawati.

Both Maurya and Mayawati belong to the dominant Jatav community, which accounts for more than half of the Dalit community. Jatav consitutes 11 per cent of total 21 per cent of the Dalit population in Uttar Pradesh. Jatavs are still with Mayawati and any dent in Jatav vote bank will weaken Mayawati and strengthen the BJP.
New Delhi, Dec 11 : The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), which has been left with only four MLAs in Uttar Pradesh Assembly, has reiterated that it will go solo in the 2022 polls as it has an "alliance" with the state's population.

The BSP has lost 15 of its 19 MLAs to other parties.

BSP chief Mayawati has said that like 2007, the party will come to power with complete majority as it has formed an "alliance with the people of the state".

BSP national spokesperson Sudhindra Bhadoria told IANS: "The party has decided to go it alone. It will not stitch alliance with any other party." On forming an alliance with the Congress, Bhadoria said that talks were on, but whether the alliance will happen or not is yet to be seen.

Though the Congress has opened its door for the BSP, the latter does not want to enter into alliance with any big party, especially the SP.

In 1996, the BSP fought the polls in alliance with the Congress. But, for the 2022 polls, the BSP seems to be reluctant in having an alliance with the Congress, thereby 'proving that the previous alliance was a failure'.

Alliance politics in the state started in 1993 when the BSP and the SP challenged the BJP. The SP-BSP combine had won 176 seats, of which the SP had won 67.

But after the 1995 Guest House scandal, the SP-BSP relationship turned sour. After that the BSP continued to take support from the BJP and Congress and tried to strengthen the party.

In 1996, the BSP fought in alliance with the Congress and the former bagged 67 seats and its vote percentage increased to 27 per cent.

In 2017, it formed an alliance with the SP and the Congress, but did not get anything as the Modi wave swept the state.
Mumbai, Dec 11 : Notching a major investigation success, the Mumbai Police have traced a minor girl of Indian origin -- reported 'missing' from Sweden -- to her Instagram friend in Mumbai, officials said here on Saturday.

Following her rescue, with help from the Swedish Embassy in New Delhi, InterPol and other agencies, the Mumbai Police handed over the minor girl to her father and they flew down to Stockholm on Saturday.

Detailing the developments, Joint Police Commissioner (Crime) Milind Bharambe said that a missing complaint was lodged for the girl by her parents with the Skpepparbacken Police Station in Sweden on November 27.

Thereafter, an InterPol Yellow Notice was issued for the missing girl on December 4 which was monitored by the Mumbai Police.

After it came to light that the missing minor girl may be with her Instagram friend in Mumbai, a police team comprising officials Mangalsingh Chavan, Meera Deshmukh and others was formed.

With painstaking efforts they managed to track down the Instagram friend -- whose identity has not been disclosed -- and subjected him to sustained questioning.

He revealed the whereabouts of the girl -- she was staying at a downmarket locality of Subhash Nagar in the Cheetah Camp area of Chembur in north-east Mumbai.

However, it is not immediately clear how the minor girl managed to reach Mumbai from Sweden, her travel papers, whether she was kidnapped or lured and held captive in the city, how she came in touch with the so-called Instagram friend, etc.

The girl was taken into custody from the place, and after gentle questioning, she was sent to the Juvenile Home, Dongri, for caretaking, while crime branch and InterPol officer Yogesh Sabale relayed details of the rescue to the Swedish Embassy and InterPol, both in New Delhi.

The Swedish Embassy informed the happy tidings to the girl's father who immediately flew down to Mumbai on Friday (December 10) to take back his daughter who had been missing for a fortnight.

After completing all the local, national and international formalities, the father-daughter duo took a flight to Sweden earlier on Saturday, ending a massive ordeal for the family and the police.
New Delhi, Dec 11 : The Congress is banking on the big-ticket promises being made by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in the run-up to next year's Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, with the party General Secretary focusing on the women voters in the state.

On Wednesday, Priyanka Gandhi released a manifesto for women titled 'Shakti Vidhan', which it thinks could be a game-changer for the party in the elections to the 403-member UP Assembly.

Priyanka Gandhi has promised that if voted to power, the Congress will allot 40 per cent of the 20 lakh new jobs it aims to create in the state to women.

Also, businesses raising their female headcount to 50 per cent will be provided incentives, including tax exemptions.

The manifesto also promises 25 per cent reservation for women in the state police force, while each police station will have at least one woman officer and constable. A law will be made for the suspension of officers, if Section 4 of Atrocities Act is not followed within 10 days of receiving any complaint for offenses like rape.

Apart from these, every girl studying in 10+2 will get a smartphone, while girls enrolled in undergraduate programmes will get a Scooty.

As per the manifesto, women will travel free of cost in state-run buses, besides receiving three free gas cylinders every year.

These are among the many promises made in 'Shakti Vidhan'.

But the Congress has its task cut out in Uttar Pradesh, as the main fight here is between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Samajwadi Party (SP), with the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) also in the fray. The Congress had managed just seven seats in the last Assembly elections in 2017.

Unlike last time, there has been no concrete talk of Congress entering into any alliance yet. However, on Thursday, senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut met Priyanka Gandhi in the national capital and said that his party might form an alliance with the Congress for the next year's Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh and Goa.

Some may look at this possible alliance as Congress' attempt to gain credibility among the Hindutva voters.

Of late, Priyanka Gandhi herself has been frequently spotted visiting temples. She also chanted 'Durga Stuti' before beginning her speech at a rally in Varanasi recently.

In November, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had made a remark that if the BJP forms the government in the state, all opposition leaders would be seen rendering 'kar seva' outside temples.

Responding to that, Priyanka Gandhi said on Thursday, "Does Yogi ji know which temple I go to? I have been keeping a fast since the age of 14. I do not need certificates from anybody on my religion or faith." The Congress is trying to question SP chief Akhilesh Yadav over his role during the CAA-NRC agitation, with Priyanka Gandhi asking at a recent rally in Moradabad, "Where was the leader of the Samajwadi Party when the CAA agitation was going on?"

The party has also roped in Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel as the AICC senior observer for the upcoming Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, and is banking on his OBC credentials.

Congress leader and MLC Deepak Singh said, "Congress has three Chief Ministers -- Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi is from the Dalit community, while Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot and Baghel belong to the OBC. So it is the Congress, and not the BJP, which wants to empower the downtrodden." While the Congress is trying hard, political experts feel that it might have created a buzz that will show real results in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
New Delhi, Dec 11 : The third ABP News-CVoter Battle for the States Tracker predicts closely-fought victories for the BJP in Uttar Pradesh, Manipur, Goa and Uttarakhand, the four states which along with Punjab will go to the polls early next year.

The tracker suggests that Punjab is heading towards a hung Assembly with no party being able to cross the majority mark. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) remains in the leading position, followed by the incumbent Congress.

As per the opinion poll, in Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav remain the two leading candidates for the CM's post.

As per the latest figures, BJP is retaining the state with 212-224 out of 403 seats, followed by SP with 151-163 seats, with the Bahujan Samaj Party a distant third with 12-24 seats.

In terms of vote share, BJP is in pole position with 40.4 per cent votes, followed by SP at 33.6 per cent and the BSP at 13.2 per cent.

In Punjab, the repeal of farm laws and suspension of protests by the farmers promise to make an exciting finale to the elections. This month's Tracker puts AAP in the lead, maintaining its earlier position with 50-56 seats. The incumbent Congress is second with 39-45 seats, followed by SAD with 17-23 seats.

In terms of vote share, AAP is leading with 38.4 per cent votes, followed by Congress at 34.1 per cent and SAD at 20.4 per cent.

In Uttarakhand, BJP is consistently maintaining its lead position with 33-39 seats and is set to retain power in the state. The Congress is a close second with 29-35 seats, followed by AAP in a distant third with 1-3 seats.

In terms of vote share, BJP is leading the way with 39.8 per cent votes, followed by Congress at 35.7 per cent, and AAP 12.6 per cent.

In Goa, BJP continues to remain the most popular party as it is winning 17-21 seats. AAP and Congress are in a tight battle for the second spot with AAP winning 5-9 seats and Congress winning 4-8 seats. Other regional parties and new entrants in Goa politics are also going to be major factors, winning 6-10 seats.

In terms of vote share, BJP is leading with 30 per cent votes, followed by others at 25.9 per cent and AAP and Congress at 24.4 per cent and 19.7 per cent, respectively.

In Manipur, BJP is set to win a closely-fought contest against Congress. The saffron party is winning 29-33 seats, while Congress is winning 23-27 seats.

In terms of vote share, BJP will get 37.9 per cent votes, followed by Congress at 34.3 per cent.

The current projections are based on CVoter daily tracking poll conducted between November 13 and December 9, among 18+ adults, including likely voters.

As for the methodology and survey details, the survey reached out to a total of approximately 92,000+ persons across five states (UP, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Manipur and Goa). It was conducted through CATI (telephonic survey). The same is also expected to have a margin of error of A3 to A5 per cent and may not necessarily have factored in all the criteria.
New Delhi, Dec 11 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the whole country has been a witness to the hard work India's first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen Bipin Rawat was doing to make the country's forces self-reliant.

The Prime Minister said though the country is in sorrow, "even after suffering the pain, we neither stop our pace or progress. India will not stop".

"Gen Bipin Rawat, in the days to come, will see his India moving forward with new resolutions. The work of improving the security of the country's borders, work to strengthen border infrastructure will continue," he added.

He said the doctors are working hard to save the life of Group Captain Varun Singh "who is a son of Uttar Pradesh), a resident of Deoria. "I pray to God to save his life. The nation is with the family of Varun Singh today and with the families of the heroes we have lost," the PM said.

He said this while inaugurating the Saryu Nahar National Project in Balrampur, Uttar Pradesh.

Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat were among those present on the occasion.

The Prime Minister said proper utilisation of the water of the country's rivers, and adequate water reaching the farmers' fields, is one of the top priorities of the government. "The completion of the Saryu Canal National Project is proof that when the thinking is honest, the work is also solid".

The Prime Minister said: "We have done more work in the Saryu canal project than what was done in five decades in less than five years. This is a double-engine government. This is the speed of work of the double-engine government... our priority is to finish the project on time." "If it is government money, then why should I care? This thinking had become the biggest obstacle in the balanced and all-around development of the country. This thinking also kept the Saryu canal project hanging." Modi also listed long-pending projects like Baan Sagar Project, Arjun Sahayak irrigation project, AIIMS, and fertilizer plant at Gorakhpur that were completed by the double engine government of the BJP -- in the Centre, and in the state of Uttar Pradesh.

He also cited Ken Betwa Link project as an example of this government's commitment. The Rs 45,000 crore project was approved in the last Cabinet meeting.

The Prime Minister also said that as opposed to the earlier times when the mafia used to get protection, today, the mafia is being cleaned out and the difference is visible.

"Earlier, strongmen were promoted. Today, CM Adityanath's government is engaged in empowering the poor, downtrodden, backward and tribals. That's why the people of UP say -- the difference is visible. Earlier illegal occupation of land by the mafia was the norm while today, CM Yogi is running bulldozer over such encroachment."

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New Delhi, Dec 11 : The incumbent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is likely to retain power in next year's tight electoral contest in the hilly state of Uttarakhand, as per the third ABP News-CVoter Battle for the States Tracker.

The survey data suggests that BJP is benefitting from the division of anti-incumbency votes between Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the new entrant in the political fray in the state, as per the survey.

According to the survey data, the saffron party is expected to grab 39.8 per cent votes in the upcoming Assembly polls in the state. While the main opposition party - Congress - is likely to garner 35.7 per cent votes, new entrant AAP is expected to corner 12.6 per cent votes in the Assembly polls scheduled early next year.

The current projections are based on CVoter daily tracking poll conducted from November 13 to December 9, among 18+ adults, including likely voters.

As for the methodology and survey details, the survey reached out to a total of approximately 92,000+ across 5 states (UP, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Manipur and Goa) and was conducted through CATI (Telephonic survey). The same is also expected to have a margin of error of A3 to A5% and may not necessarily have factored in all criteria.

As for the methodology and survey details, the survey reached out to a total of approximately 92,000+ persons across five states (UP, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Manipur and Goa). It was conducted through CATI (telephonic survey). The same is also expected to have a margin of error of A3 to A5 per cent and may not necessarily have factored in all the criteria.

If we look at the region-wise findings of the opinion poll, the survey data suggests that while the BJP will outperform its political rivals in Kumaon and Garhwal regions, Congress is expected to have an edge over the saffron party in the Tarai region.

Interestingly, according to the survey data, Congress leader and former Chief Minister Harish Rawat is the most preferred candidate for the CM's post in the upcoming Assembly elections.

During the survey, while 33.5 per cent of the respondents said that Congress leader Harish Rawat is their preferred choice for the post of Chief Minister, 26.6 per cent of those surveyed said that they want sitting Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to return to the top job in state.

A total of 18 per cent of those interviewed said that Anil Singh Baluni of BJP is the best choice for the CM's post, and 8.9 per cent spoke in favour of Col. Ajay Kothiyal of AAP.

Notably, the survey findings suggest that Pushkar Singh Dhami has been successful in placating the electorate of the state since he took charge as the head of the state government in July this year.

During the survey, as many as 64.1 per cent of the respondents said that public anger against the Uttarakhand government caused during the tenure of Trivendra Singh Rawat has gone down by the work done by Pushkar Singh. However, 35.9 per cent of those who participated in the survey, said that the public anger continues to persist against the state government under the incumbent Chief Minister as well.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Kedarnath Yatra last month seems to have been successful in turning people's mood in favour of BJP, as per the findings of the latest round of Tracker.

During the survey, 57.5 per cent of the respondents said that people's mood has changed in favour of BJP after PM's visit to Kedarnath, while 35.9 per cent said that PM's visit made no change in voters' opinion about the saffron party.

The survey data further suggests that the decision of the Pushkar Singh Dhami government to dissolve the Devastahanam Board will help the BJP in the upcoming Assembly polls.

The priests of the Char Dham - Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri - have been opposed to the Board that was constituted during the chief ministership of Trivendra Singh Rawat to run the affairs of 51 temples in Uttarakhand, including the Char Dham.

The priests of Char Dham viewed the Board as encroachment upon their rights. During the survey, while 60.1 per cent of the respondents said that scrapping the Devasthanam Board will help the BJP in the upcoming Assembly polls, 39.1 per cent said the decision will not benefit the ruling party.

The Congress has declared to make Gairsain the permanent capital of Uttarakhand, hoping to benefit from announcement in the coming Assembly elections, but the survey findings suggest that the opposition party will not benefit much from the announcement.

During the survey, as many as 62.4 per cent of the respondents said that the Congress' announcment to make Gairsain the permanent capital of Uttarakhand will not benefit it in the upcoming Assembly polls, while 37.6 per cent said that it can help the opposition party.
New Delhi, Dec 11 : Council for Strategic Affairs, Indian Institute of Management Rohtak organised a two-day international conference on the topic "Radicalisation: Threats to the Architecture of Global Stability" on December 10 and 11 at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.

The conference witnessed the presence of speakers and delegates from over 25 countries. Farid Mamundzay, Ambassador of Afghanistan to India, Hasanul Haq Inu, Member of Parliament, Bangladesh, Abdusamat Khaydarov, former ambassador, Marvin G. Weinbaum, Director, Afghanistan and Pakistan Studies, Middle East Institute, Washington, Tahir Aslam Gora, Eminent Canadian Broadcaster, Editor & Publisher, Vijay Kant Karna, Former Ambassador of Nepal to Denmark, Vadim B. Kozyulin, Head, Centre of Global Studies and International Relations, The Institute of Contemporary Internal Studies, Diplomatic Academy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, and Nuzhat Choudhary, an eminent speaker on Bangladesh Genocide delivered their talks on day two of the conference.

Ambassador of Afghanistan to India, Farid Mamundzayin his keynote address pointed out that after the withdrawal of the US Troops from the Afghan soil, the Pakistan Army plundered away the arms and ammunitions left behind by the US Army. Hundreds of military vehicles with large quantity of arms and ammunition were taken away by Pakistan Army to Sialkot and other places in Punjab, Pakistan where they manufacture their own military equipment.

He also asserted that given the positive role that India has played in rebuilding Afghanistan in the last two decades, it should be made part of the Troika constituted on Afghanistan related issues and also suggested that India should be a part of the deliberations of any international body constituted for dealing with the issue of Afghanistan crises.

India's presence in the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member will also benefit Afghanistan. Thus, the presence of India in the UN Security Council must continue. He further stated that the International community must exert pressure on the interim Taliban Government to prevent flagrant human rights violations and improvement of the status of women.

Hasanul Haq Inu while comparing the foreign policies of India and Pakistan pointed out that while India has spent millions of dollars in building schools and other infrastructure in Afganistan, Pakistan on the other hand has butchered more than 3 million Bangladeshi nationals and molested more than 200 thousand women in the 1971 Bangladeshi genocide by the Pakistani Army. Further talking about the impact of political implications of radicalisation, Amriddin Sharipov asserted that given the positive role played by India in the rebuilding of Afghanistan over two decades, Tajikistan believes that India can play a constructive role in resolving the current Afganistan crisis.

Vijay Kant Karna, former Nepalese Diplomat said: "Pakistan's Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba have tried many time to attack India using Nepalese soils but we caught them and handed them over to Indian authorities." He further added: "Measures that could reduce radicalisation include adopting secular policies, eliminating religious, cultural or ethnic differences, equitable access to state resources, empowering the marginalised and minority communities etc. would go a long way in curtailing radicalisation." Nuzhat Choudhury highlighting on another issue that needs attention of the International community said that the radicalised groups operating in Afghanistan and beyond do not believe in the concept of Nation-States or international boundaries. Such challenge to the concept of Nation-State can cause instability in regions across the globe, as extremist ideologies do not respect national boundaries. In the end, she stressed that there is a need for the progressive Muslims to rise against Islamic radicalisation so that peace and calm can prevail in the Islamic world.

From the deliberations of the conference spanning over two days, Dheeraj Sharma in his closing remarks said, "It has become obvious that radicalisation has become a business for a few selected extremist groups, who are exploiting religion as a commodity for furthering their own propaganda. However, the groups that have promoted the business of radicalisation have not taken into account the negative externalities of promoting radicalization, because of which the entire community has to bear the brunt. As rational thinking members of society, we must create awareness regarding the negative externalities of radicalisation and conferences like these can contribute in this direction." Nuzhat Chaudhury from Bangladesh, an eminent speaker on genocide, said that Pakistan is focal point of terror in the world. She also said the CIA and ISI nexus was responsible for radicalization in Bangladesh.

Mahmood Marhoon from Afghanistan stated that in the conference where representatives of more than 20 countries participated have reached a consensus that radicalization and instability in Afghanistan is primarily due to Pakistan.

He further said: :In international politics, it is frequently observed that local grievances become international and these grievances are then exploited by opportunistic elements as it had happened in the case of Afganistan as well. However, if we introspect, then we would realise that local grievances become international because the people have low trust in their governments and government officials. Therefore, one of the best ways for the countries to reduce their vulnerability to radicalisation is through good governance and building trust in governmental officials." Council for Strategic Affairs at IIM Rohtak continues to present global platform for the discussion on temporal and critical issues. The proceedings of this conference will be brought out in the form of white paper on a way forward on radicalisation and to ensure peace and stability in South Asia, Central Asia, Middle East, and beyond.

IIM Rohtak has completed more than a decade in imparting excellence and management grit to the courtry's young aspiring young managers. It is amongst the country's top management institutes and an only IIM in Delhi NCR region. The institute is the first IIM to have a BBA+MBA degree program and BBA+LLB degree program.
Jaipur, Dec 11 : The Rajasthan police on Saturday arrested two persons for making objectionable remarks on the social media about India's first Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Bipin Rawat and others who were killed in an IAF helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu on December 8.

The arrested individuals have been identified as -- Manish Kumar Meena and Jeevan Lal.

Pratapgarh SP Amrita Duhan said Meena made objectionable remarks on Facebook on December 9 on those who were killed in the helicopter crash near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu. Jeevan Lal shared the post and broadcasted it to the general public.

As soon as the matter came to the notice, a team led by ASP Chiranjilal Meena was formed.

The police arrested both the individuals with the special cooperation of cyber cell against whom legal action was taken, a police officer said.

Meanwhile, Pratapgarh SP Duhan has appealed to the people to not post and share any such remarks and messages on the social media which create disharmony and resentment among the general public. Similar strict legal action will be taken against the persons who make such posts.
Imphal, Dec 11 : After firing by the security forces killed 14 civilians and injured 30 others in neighbouring Nagaland on December 4, the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Power) Act, 1958 is likely to be a top issue in the upcoming Assembly elections in Manipur scheduled early next year.

After the ruling BJP's two vital allies -- Naga People's Front (NPF) and National People's Party (NPP) -- the main opposition Congress in Manipur on Saturday demanded the withdrawal of AFSPA from the northeastern state.

The NPP and the NPF had recently reiterated their demand to repeal of the "draconian" law, as it did not "help in any way" to tame the insurgency in the northeastern region.

Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee's working president Keisham Meghachandra on Saturday urged Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh to press Prime Minister Narendra Modi to repeal AFSPA in the ongoing Winter Session of the Parliament.

"Manipur cabinet must adopt a resolution for the immediate removal of the AFSPA from the entire state," he told the media.

Meghachandra said the Congress government had earlier removed AFSPA from seven Assembly constituencies in Manipur.

"If Congress comes back to power in the 2022 elections, the first cabinet meeting would decide on the immediate and complete removal of AFSPA from the entire state of Manipur," the Congress leader said.

With not much time left for the Assembly polls, political parties are busy campaigning in Manipur, including the BJP, Congress, NPP and others.

BJP President J.P. Nadda has visited the northeastern state thrice since October, addressing many election rallies, while Home Minister Amit Shah visited the state once and virtually addressed a function with an eye on the elections.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, NPP President and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and many other politicians have also visited the poll-bound state to kick start the campaign for the vital elections.

Elections to the 60-seat Manipur Assembly are likely to be held in February-March next year, along with Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Goa.

The Election Commission has also initiated various exercises to hold the elections in the state.

The ruling BJP has been running the government since 2017 with the support of the NPP and the Naga People's Front (NPF), which has organisational base both in Manipur and Nagaland.

After 15 years, the Congress was ousted by the BJP-led alliance in 2017, despite emerging as the single largest party with 28 seats. But the saffron party, which had bagged 21 seats, stitched together a coalition government with the support of four NPP MLAs, four NPF members, the lone Trinamool Congress MLA and an Independent member.
London, Dec 11 : Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was dropped for Saturday's Premier League match with Southampton because of 'a disciplinary breach', manager Mikel Arteta said.

The 32-year old was a substitute in Monday's defeat by Everton. He was expected to play a part against Southampton but was not in the squad.

In a pre-match interview, Arteta said the decision to leave out the striker was "unfortunately due to a disciplinary breach." "I think we have been very consistent that we have certain non-negotiables in the team that we have set ourselves as a club, and he's not involved today," he added.

Asked if the club could impose a longer-term ban on Aubameyang, the manager said, "It starts today [Saturday]. It's not an easy situation, a situation we want, to have our club captain in that situation." Notably, it is not the first time Arteta has dropped Aubameyang for disciplinary reasons. In March, the Gabon international missed the win over rivals Tottenham for a "breach of pre-match protocol".

Aubameyang, who joined Arsenal from German side Borussia Dortmund in January 2018, has just four goals in 14 Premier League games this season, with the last coming in October against Aston Villa.
Bengaluru, Dec 11 : Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday sent out a tough message to the cyber criminals, saying time has come to wage a war on cyber crimes.

"Go after the cyber criminals, come what may there should be no compromise, we have zero tolerance for them and the time has come to wage a war on cyber crimes," he said.

He made the remarks while speaking after launching the 'Cyber Secure Karnataka' campaign.

The Chief Minister said the state has introduced the CIR number system. It is the first of its kind in the entire country, wherein an FIR would be registered and bank accounts of the victim and the offenders would be frozen following just a mobile phone communication. "Even the Prime Minister has appreciated it and it is being emulated by other states as well," he said.

Referring to use of Dark Web in narcotics supply, child trafficking and illegal arms supply, Bommai said: "All this come through cyber route. Our government started CEN (Cyber, Economic offences, Narcotics) police stations when I was the Home Minister." "Our government has declared a war against narcotics. However only police stations are not enough. We need technology, modern equipments and funds. I can provide you everything to enable you to go after this cyber criminals. Come what may there is no compromise, we have zero tolerance against drug trafficking," he said.

Quoting a saying, "crime leads the law", he stressed the need for Cyber laws to catch up with criminals to deal with them swiftly and effectively.

As the criminals have a wide network, we need to widen the Cyber Security Network, the Chief Minister said, suggesting the officials to seek the cooperation and suggestions from the Central government in this regard.

He called upon the youth to use their digital knowledge and gadgets as a weapon. "Use the technology for good cause with social responsibility to better their future."
Vijayawada, Dec 11 : Vijayawada police cracked the case of a major theft in Attica Gold Company shop in the city within two hours by arresting the accused and recovering the stolen cash of Rs 60 lakh and gold and silver jewellery.

Police arrested S. Jaya Chandrasekhar working as an executive in the same showroom and recovered the entire stolen property including 47 gram gold and 1.5 kg silver jewellery.

Vijayawada Police Commissioner Kanthi Rana told reporters that the police arrested the accused within two hours after receiving the complaint.

The police identified the accused on the basis of clues including fingerprints, CCTV footage and the way the lock was broken.

The police commissioner said the accused entered the shop by opening shutters with a duplicate key around 1.30 a.m. He covered CCTV camera with a piece of cloth, opened the locker and took away the valuables. He broke the lock to make it look like a theft committed by some outsider.

Chandrasekhar came to the shop for duty in the morning. He was present in the shop when the management of the company lodged a police complaint around 10.30 a.m.

A police team visited the scene of the offence and on the basis of clues gathered, they found that it was the handiwork of some insider. After questioning the employees and matching the finger prints, police identified and arrested the accused.

Police found during the investigations that the accused had been planning to commit theft for 45 days and was waiting for the right time when there will be huge amount of cash will be available The police commissioner said Chandrasekhar had made duplicate keys of shutter and locker and was waiting for appropriate time to commit the offence.
Gandhinagar, Dec 11 : BJP legislator from Gujarat's Unjha constituency in Mehsana district, Ashaben Patel is said to be in a critical condition following liver damage due to dengue, and the subsequent multiple organ failure.

She is undergoing treatment at the Zydus Hospital in Ahmedabad, and is on life support system.

According to Zydus Hospital sources, Patel was admitted to the hospital on Thursday evening with dengue. She gradually suffered multiple organ failure. Her heart and lungs are weak, and her liver and kidneys are not functioning.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel visited her on Saturday at Zydus Hospital and assured her family members of providing all the necessary help and support. The minister of state, Brijesh Merja also visited her at Zydus Hospital. He said: "Ashaben is in ICU, and unconscious." The state government has moved a team of doctors from the government-run U.N. Mehta hospital to the private Zydus Hospital in attempt to provide further medical assistance to the BJP leader.

Patel was diagnosed with dengue after having fever on December 7, after she returned from Delhi where she met several top BJP leaders.

Initially, she was treated at a local hospital in Unjha for two days, and was later shifted to Zydus Hospital in Ahmedabad on Friday.

Former Chief Minister Vijay Rupani who visited the private hospital, said "Ashaben's condition was worrying".
Itanagar, Dec 11 : The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) following a complaint by the Chakma Development Foundation of India (CDFI) has intervened against "racial profiling" of Chakmas and Hajongs in Arunachal Pradesh through an exclusive census of both the communities.

CDFI leader Subhas Chakma on Saturday said that in a letter to Arunachal Pradesh Chief Secretary, the PMO has directed the state government for appropriate action against the complaint, and inform it on the matter.

There are about 65,000 Chakma and Hajong people in the state out of which about 4,500 are migrants of 1964 to 1969, while the rest are the descendants and citizens by birth under the Citizenship Act of 1955.

Subhas Chakma said that the PMO has registered the complaint filed by the CDFI on December 2 against racial profiling of the Chakma and Hajong communities in Arunachal Pradesh through an exclusive census of both the communities from December 11 to 31 in clear violations of their right to life including the right to privacy and the right to equality.

The CDFI had termed the exclusive census of the Chakma and Hajong communities only in the state as an act of racial profiling because there is no census on the illegal immigrants from Myanmar and China, the illegal immigrants who had entered through Assam as well as thousands of people who had entered Arunachal Pradesh without inner line permit.

On the contrary, the Chakma and Hajong communities were settled by the Indian government during 1964 to 1969 to permanently settle them in the state and they do not require Inner Line Permits.

"The Government of India seeks solution to the Chakma-Hajong issues arising out of non-implementation of the Supreme Court judgments, denial of the Panchayati Raj, denial of most government schemes including food security and prohibition on employment including as general candidates. However, this attempt to find a solution to the Chakma Hajong issue in Arunachal Pradesh is not a license for committing more grave human rights violations," Subhas Chakma said.
Patna, Dec 12 : Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Renu Devi on Saturday sounded different in her opinion regarding the long standing demand of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on special status for the eastern state, saying the Central government has given the state "much more privileges including funds than that of a special status state".

Interacting with the media persons in Patna after her views were sought on the Niti Aayog report, and JD-U ministers' special status demand for Bihar, Renu Devi said: "All development work is taking place in Bihar is due to the financial help from the Central government. The construction of six to eight lane roads is taking place in Bihar under National Highway Authority of India (NHAI)... colleges and hospitals are being made due to funds given by central government, and it is more than the fund allocated to a special status state." It needs to be mentioned here that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and ministers of his government from the Janata Dal-United (JD-U), are dissatisfied over the latest reports of Niti Aayog.

As per the latest Niti Aayog report, 52 per cent people of Bihar are living below Poverty line. The state is also on the bottom in health, education and road infrastructure.

Bijendra Kumar Yadav, the energy and planning development minister in the Nitish Kumar government on Friday said that the way Niti Aayog evaluated the development of Bihar was unacceptable. In a nine page memorandum handed over to Rajiv Kumar, the vice president of Niti Aayog, Yadav said that report is based on the data of 2015. It is completely unacceptable method a premier Institute opted to evaluate Bihar.

"Bihar is a backward state. It needs special status to achieve national average of development... a special status is required. Justice with Bihar would be done only after it will get special status," Yadav said.

"The state has been gradually developing in every sector every year but the Niti Aayog has used old parameters to evaluate Bihar. The evaluation process of Niti Aayog was wrong. Hence, we have strong objection on it," Yadav said.

Earlier, Ashok Chaudhary, the building construction minister in the Nitish Kumar government had said: "Whatever Bihar has achieved on development front, are being done by its own resources in last 16 years. We need financial help of the Centre in future."
Bengaluru, Dec 12 : A video in which Class 10 students of a Karnataka school could be seen "harassing" an elderly teacher at the classroom by putting a dustbin on his head has gone viral on the social media.

The teacher, Prakash, who is left with one year's service before retirement is seen teaching Hindi, while a group of students in Nalluru Government High school in Chennagiri taluk of Davanagere district starts "teasing" him.

The students could be seen pushing the teacher, and giggling. One of the boy students puts dustbin on his head while he is writing on black board and the entire class "celebrates". After the shocking video of the incident went viral, local MLA Madal Virupakshappa and others visited the school and inquired about the incident.

Afterwards, the leaders of a student organisation called the students, and told them to respect the teachers. On being asked the reason behind their act, the students said others "pushed them" to do it.

The students were admonished and asked to touch the feet of the teacher and apologise. The teacher forgave them with a smile on his face, and asked them not to repeat such an act with any other teacher in future.
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Pisces: The Sun and Mars are impacting the tenth house of career during this week. Pisces' weekly horoscope shows the importance of a career and the relationship with your managers. See More
GiftCard Partners, Inc. has been named a National Winner for the Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in 2021 by the National Association for Business Resources (NABR). The competition identifies and honors organizations that display a commitment to excellence in their human resource practices and employee enrichment.

As a woman owned business, to be recognized for the 8th year in a row as one of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in the Nation is an absolute honor, states Deborah Merkin, CEO, GiftCard Partners. As an organization that has been hybrid since its inception in 2005, we have continued to evolve and adapt with our employees and customers as many other organizations have begun to embrace the remote work environment. Our team continues to thrive and grow, learning from one another daily. It is a privilege to be recognized on both the local level as a Bostons Best and Brightest Company to Work For and on the national level again this year.

For a complete list of the 2021 National Best and Brightest Companies to Work For winners, visit:

https://thebestandbrightest.com/events/2021-best-and-brightest-companies-to-work-for-in-the-nation/winners/

Contact:

Deborah Merkin

CEO, GiftCard Partners, Inc.

mailto:rewards@giftcardpartners.com [rewards@giftcardpartners.com __title__ null]

http://www.giftcardpartners.com

About GiftCard Partners

GiftCard Partners is a full-service gift card agency and certified woman owned business (WBENC) that works directly through strategic partnerships with leading national brands, offering personalized B2B and B2C sales and marketing services for merchants, retailers, and customers. Founded in 2005, our team of industry experts serve as an extension of the organizations we support, providing strategic consulting, new channel development, and implementation to sell and market gift cards through wider distribution channels, while strengthening brand awareness and increasing top-line revenue. We work on behalf of brands and companies within a variety of industries including healthcare, real estate, and hospitality.

In 2019 GiftCard Partners introduced the Engage2Reward Platform offering customers a choice of over 300 gift card brands to support a variety of gift card reward and incentive program goals, including employee engagement and recognition, sales and performance incentives, corporate health and wellness, workplace safety, and customer loyalty rewards.

http://www.giftcardpartners.com
Vacations Coin today announced the launch of the new Loyalty Rewards system that plans on disrupting the travel, leisure and hospitality sectors.

Vacations Coin is a digital currency that has been developed with everyday consumers in mind. The new affiliates programme has already seen brands coming on board looking to capitalise on the growing consumer interest in crypto.

Kentisbury Grange Hotel located in North Devon is the first UK company, operating in the hospitality sector, to become a partner in the Vacations Coin rewards programme.

We are very excited to be offering our customers the opportunity to be part of such an amazing Loyalty Rewards programme that actually creates a benefit for Kentisbury Grange as a business. Said Kentisbury Grange Hotel, General Manager, Wayne Moore.

Additional affiliate partners include Chex Air (Mexico) and Luxury Life (Dubai).

Vacations Coin (LVC) is a Crypto Currency with all the fundamentals in place, to become a strong, powerful market leader. The three pillars of any successful Crypto currency are scarcity, strong eco-system and large potential user community.

Vacations Coin has all these Fundamentals in place, to become a strong and stable digital coin with excellent growth potential.

Vacations Coin (LVC) VALUE



A maximum supply of only 50 million Vacations Coin (LVC) with 10 million Vacations Coin (LVC) already vested.

An eco-system with a market value of over $4.2 trillion a year.

A potential user community of over 3.8 billion people.

LOYALTY REWARDS PROGRAMME

One of the unique elements of the Vacations Coin Strategy, is the Loyalty Rewards Programme. 2 million Vacations Coin (LVC) are already available as Loyalty Rewards to the first coin holders and via our Affiliate Partners. The Loyalty Reward programme, creates a very unique value proposition for early Vacations Coin users/adopters and is a valuable tool for Affiliate Partners.

AFFILIATE PARTNERS

As Vacations Coin develops and grows the usability of the token will deliver more options for the user. As the Affiliate Partner Programme grows, we believe the value of the token will rise. Affiliate Partners will be provided with key marketing support and integrated payment and reservations systems, that will create seamless integration of the Vacations Coin (LVC) token into their businesses. This will encourage more mainstream adoption, within the travel, leisure and hospitality eco-systems in the coming months ahead.

Our Affiliate Partners have all agreed to accept Vacations Coin as a form of payment within their various businesses. Due to their belief in the token as a stable and valuable currency, with excellent growth potential.

HOW IT WORKS

There is currently a limited amount of Vacations Coin (LVC) available as Loyalty Rewards. Those looking to claim Loyalty Rewards, should first purchase the equivalent number of Vacations Coin (LVC) in order for them to be released. For example, if you are looking to claim 1,000 in FREE Loyalty Rewards then you would be required to invest the exact equivalent (1,000) from an approved exchange where Vacations Coin (LVC) is available to buy. On proof of investment, the equivalent value of Vacations Coin (LVC) will be released to you. Invest 1 and receive 1, you now have 2!
As season 1 of Operation Hidden Treasures prepares to air its final episode, JDog Brands is proud to announce theyve received a 2015 Indian Scout Motorcycle with a custom Grunt Style wrap from partner Grunt Style LLC for the JDog Auctions. The auction, which goes live December 10 at 10a.m. EST, has a starting bid of $10,000 and all proceeds from the auction will be donated to the Grunt Style Foundation and the JDog Foundation.

Each episode of Operation Hidden Treasures has been sponsored by the patriotic lifestyle retailer with the goal of creating awareness around the importance of Veteran support and community outreach. Each episode features an item that goes up for auction online. Once the bidding period is over, the proceeds from the auction are donated to the JDog Foundation, which helps prevent Veteran suicide and address PTS (Post Traumatic Stress).

Were proud of what we have been able to accomplish through Operation Hidden Treasures with the help of Grunt Style, said Jerry Flanagan, CEO of JDog Brands. Its so cool to watch the cameras follow our Veteran franchisees as they repurpose, recycle, and donate to Veterans in need. We are already working on season 2 and hope the show will elevate the JDog name even further so that it becomes a household name.

Grunt Style LLC is an apparel brand dedicated to delivering the highest quality, most patriotic apparel for those who love freedom, bacon and whiskey. The brand aims to establish pride in self, military and country.

ABOUT JDOG BRANDS

Headquartered in Berwyn, PA, JDog Brands was founded by Army Veteran Jerry Flanagan, JDogs CEO, and his wife, Tracy Flanagan, when they recognized the struggle many Veterans faced when acclimating back to civilian life. JDog Junk Hauling & Removal and JDog Carpet Cleaning & Floor Care create business ownership opportunities exclusively for Veterans and their families with more than 260 JDog franchises across the country. JDog Brands provide franchisees with comprehensive training and support for every step of their business ownership journey. For more information on franchise opportunities, visit jdogbrands.com.
If you would like to know more about the Core Community Organized Relief Effort lawsuit, please contact Attorney Jackland K. Hom today by calling (619) 255-9047.

The San Francisco employment law attorneys, at Zakay Law Group, APLC and JCL Law Firm, APC, filed a complaint alleging that Core Community Organized Relief Effort violated the California Labor Code. The Core Community Organized Relief Effort lawsuit, Case No. CGC-21-596527, is currently pending in the San Francisco County Superior Court of the State of California. A copy of the Complaint can be read here.

The lawsuit alleges Core Community Organized Relief Effort violated the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA), which gives rise to civil penalties as a result of Core Community Organized Relief Effort's conduct. PAGA authorizes aggrieved employees to file a lawsuit to recover civil penalties on behalf of themselves, other employees, and the State of California for Labor Code violations. PAGA allows aggrieved employees to step into the shoes of California state regulators to recover civil penalties, which means ordinary citizens are deputized as private attorneys general to enforce the Labor Code.

The complaint alleges Core Community Organized Relief Effort violated the California Labor Code by failing to: (1) pay overtime and minimum wages; (2) provide compliant meal and rest periods; (3) reimburse for business expenses; (4) provide accurate itemized wage statements; and (7) pay wages when due.

If you would like to know more about the Core Community Organized Relief Effort lawsuit, please contact Attorney Jackland K. Hom today by calling (619) 255-9047.

Zakay Law Group, APLC and JCL Law Firm, APC are labor and employment law firms with offices located in California that dedicate their practices to fighting for employees who have been wronged by their employers due to unfair employment practices. Contact one of their attorneys today if you need help with workplace issues regarding wage and hour, wrongful termination, retaliation, discrimination, and harassment.

-THIS IS AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT-
An estimated 5.5 million Americans are living with Alzheimers disease, the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States, and more than 15 million U.S. adults are serving as family caregivers for loved ones with Alzheimers disease or other dementias.

Mediaplanet is proud to announce the launch of its cross-platform campaign Fighting Alzheimers. This campaign delivers timely insight into the exciting developments in Alzheimers and dementia research, and aims to empower people living with dementia and the loved ones caring for them.

An estimated 5.5 million Americans are living with Alzheimers disease, the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States, and more than 15 million U.S. adults are serving as family caregivers for loved ones with Alzheimers disease or other dementias.

Cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Mehmet Oz, who hosts The Dr. Oz Show, is featured on the cover of the print version of Fighting Alzheimers. Dr. Oz is familiar with the nuances of caring for someone who has Alzheimers; he recently revealed his mothers diagnosis and shared how hes staying positive as his family navigates this new chapter of her life. Hearing this diagnosis more than a year ago meant the woman I know and love would start to disappear, Dr. Oz says in an exclusive interview for the campaign. Im happy to say we now have some great physicians on hand helping her, and she is on newer medications. At this point in time, the main emphasis is on keeping my mom physically healthy and happy.

A lifelong advocate for brain health, Dr. Oz stresses the importance of staying on top of the early warning signs of Alzheimers, even with no family history. So many of the behaviors we dismiss as aging, forgetfulness, or stress are early signs of Alzheimers disease and related dementias, he says. Now, all of us forget things or even get confused every once in a while, but when it starts to regularly disrupt your daily life, then it might be time to see a doctor.

The print component of Fighting Alzheimers is distributed within todays edition of USA TODAY in the Phoenix, Houston, Carolinas, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, Boston, Dallas, South Florida, Seattle, San Francisco, Pittsburgh/Cleveland, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, North Central Florida, Atlanta, Nashville, and Denver markets. The digital component is distributed nationally through a vast social media strategy, and across a network of top news sites and partner outlets. To explore the digital version of the campaign, visit futureofpersonalhealth.com/campaign/fighting-alzheimers/.

The campaign also features actor and host Wayne Brady, and Alzheimers Speaks founder Lori La Bay. Fighting Alzheimers was made possible thanks to Eisai, Alzheimers Family Center, Alzheimers Drug Discovery Foundation, Leslie Chang Evertson, American Brain Foundation, and many more.

About Mediaplanet

Mediaplanet specializes in the creation of content marketing campaigns covering a variety of industries. We tell meaningful stories that educate our audience and position our clients as solution providers. Our unique ability to pair the right leaders with the right readers, through the right platforms, has made Mediaplanet a global content marketing powerhouse. Our award-winning stories have won the hearts of countless readers while serving as a valuable platform for brands and their missions. Just call us storytellers with a purpose. Please visit http://www.mediaplanet.com for more on who we are and what we do.

Press Contact:

Jessica Berman

(646) 922-1401

Jessica.berman@mediaplanet.com


Company Owners, Brandon & Camrin Knudsen, in front of the new Ziggi's Headquarters Buidling in Mead, Colo. Northern Colorado has been our home base since we started this company back in 2004, and we are thrilled to bring the taste of Ziggis to our hometown at last.

Colorado-based Ziggis Coffee has announced the opening of its new headquarters in Mead, Colo. In addition to housing the corporate team and an on-site training facility, this location features a cafe and convenient drive-thru.

Situated on the corner of Third and Welker (241 Welker Ave.), this new location is owned by the companys founders, Brandon and Camrin Knudsen. We are excited to grow our footprint in the community that has witnessed and supported our growth over the last 17 years. Northern Colorado has been our home base since we started this company back in 2004, and we are thrilled to bring the taste of Ziggis to our hometown at last, said Brandon Knudsen.

In 2016, Ziggis Coffee launched its national franchise program and has since experienced immense growth. With 44 locations nationwide and over 100 additional units in development, the expansion into a new headquarters building was an exciting next step. This move will allow the Ziggis Corporate Team to expand their personnel as the Ziggis brand continues to thrive. The Ziggis Corporate Team provides training, operational and marketing support to franchise owners every step of the way to ensure continuity and success.

This new facility will allow our franchise owners to not only receive the best support possible, but also provide them with a unique training experience, continued Knudsen. They will now be able to learn how to fully operate a Ziggis location through our hands-on lab, test out their training at our on-site cafe and drive-thru and serve as a valuable resource for their staff.

The new cafe and drive-thru location offers a wide selection of handcrafted beverages from coffee classics to Red Bull Infusions, an assortment of delicious food options and a kidZone menu featuring kid-friendly items. With their robust menu, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The cafe and drive-thru is open Monday-Friday from 5:00am-7:00pm and Saturday-Sunday from 6:00am-7:00pm.

About Ziggis Coffee

Ziggis Coffee, recently ranked among the top half of companies on the 2021 Entrepreneur Magazine Franchise 500, is a leading specialty coffee shop and drive-thru franchise dedicated to serving only the finest roasted coffee, uniquely handcrafted drinks, and amazing, locally-made breakfast, lunch and snack options. Founded in 2004, the Colorado-based company is on a mission to elevate the standard of service within the coffee shop industry. From specializing in a variety of great-tasting menu items to providing fast and friendly service, the Ziggis Coffee brand is focused on creating a positive experience that is faster, more authentic, and convenient for the demand of consumers seeking higher-quality coffee and food options on the go. In addition to its distinctive menu and superior service, Ziggis Coffee is also committed to making a positive difference in the local communities it serves. With 44 locations nationwide and over 100 additional units in development, Ziggis Coffee is positioned to quickly grow its presence in a variety of communities across the U.S.

To learn more about Ziggis Coffee and its franchising opportunities, visit ziggiscoffee.com/franchise/ or follow Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Lan Samantha Chang, director of the prestigious University of Iowa Writers Workshop, is an avid knitter. I cant stop knittingI think it must be part of my creative process, just moving my hands, the 56-year-old says over Zoom from Berlin, where shes finishing a fellowship at the American Academy.

In fact, while working on her latest novel, The Family Chao (Norton, Feb. 2022), which took 12 years, Chang says she knitted at least a hundred small items. She adds, I also folded hours and hours of origami. I took lots of walks. I think better when Im not sitting still. These activities helped me to incubate the complete change in style, voice, and form that went into The Family Chao.

In the novel, Leo, the Chao family patriarch and owner of a decades-old Chinese restaurant in the mostly white community of Haven, Wis., is found dead, and his three sons are confronted with their varying roles in what turns out to be his murder. For Chang, it all began with the characters: a family in the Midwest with a troubled parental relationship... I dont know how to describe the father character in my booka larger-than-life sort of tyrannical patriarch who was somewhat funny.

At the same time, in the back of Changs mind was Dostoyevsky. A student shed taught at Harvard had inspired her to look at The Brothers Karamazov again. (Shed attempted to read it in high school and failed.) I was just blown away, she says. There are so many things about Dostoyevsky that go out of the box in terms of what people like to think of as crafted writing today. It was a huge pleasure to encounter characters who spent pages and pages on raving monologues, characters who used a lot of exclamation points, characters who were barely able to keep their anxiety or their shame or whatever issues they had under control, characters who were engaging in page after page of fights with each other. And then to add on top of that a patricide and a trial, and this kind of wonderful sort of upside-down feeling that the book takes you intoit just was such a work of audacity and brilliance.

Changs project became clear: to undertake an homage to The Brothers Karamazov, weaving in her own experiences as a second-generation Chinese American, as well as questions of what assimilation, and being an immigrant, truly mean after living in a place long enough to have ghosts there. Each of the three sons struggles to confront the truth about what happened to his father, and one of them becomes a public scapegoat; at the trial that ensues, they and other members of their tight-knit Chinese American community are faced with a new sense of how they are viewed by their white neighbors and, more broadly, by the country where they have lived for so long.

I do think that some of these characters sort of learn to understand themselves better within the context of the world they live in during the course of the novel, Chang says. And part of growing up for them is to see these things, accept them, and continue to live a life here in this country.

The Family Chao is Changs fourth book and third novel. Her first novel was 2004s Inheritance, in which two Chinese sisters whove promised never to leave each other are torn apart by the Japanese invasion of China during World War II. It was followed by 2010s All Is Forgotten, Nothing Is Lost, about two poets at a renowned writing school and the price of ambition.

Throughout her career, Chang says, shes juggled writing with teaching (and everything else), digging out time to go off and focus on a book, where I could spend a whole day just thinking about it. When discouraged, she adds, I would have to think, Come on, Sam, what would you tell one of your students at this moment? Either let it sit for a while and come back to it or keep going, or get to the end first and then see what you have.

With The Family Chao, she not only channeled Dostoyevsky but also tapped into certain internalized beliefs, surprising even herself: There were people, teachers, who have really strict ideas about what they think fiction should be like and what is good, and a lot of these rules dont really apply once you start to leave a certain realm of realism, she says. I had to be flexible with rules that I learned as a writer in order to finish this, and Im okay with it. Actually, I think it was so much fun that Im sort of loathe to go back to them.

Chang is the first woman, and the first Asian American, to hold the position of director of the Iowa Writers Workshop. All students now receive full tuition and a stipend, which had been one of her goals when she started at the program in 2006. Theres also far more diversity: Aesthetically, the work that people are doing is more diverse, and the people themselves are more culturally diverse and racially diverse, she says. Were trying to create a space where writing is at the heart of thingsnot peoples particular level of fame, writing career progress, et ceterabecause it all comes from the writing itself, the work. Were trying to give people a time in their lives where they dont have to think about these other things, ideally.

But teaching isnt the only thing that has kept Chang away from her writing of late. While the ideas for The Family Chao were gestating, she had a child. I have never been a very fast writer, so it was a challenge, she admits.

Here, perhaps, the teacher in Chang comes out, as she takes a moment to ponder her process, and the result. I think that finishing the book with my schedule being as it is, is probably the major accomplishment of my middle age, she says. Also, I enjoy the book. I like the book, you know? So that Im happy about.

Jen Doll is the author of the YA novel Unclaimed Baggage and the memoir Save the Date: The Occasional Mortifications of a Serial Wedding Guest.
There are wonderful stories in publishing, but the story of Douglas Stuart is pure magic. And with Young Mungo (Grove, Apr. 2022), the follow-up to his 2020 Booker Prizewinning debut novel, Shuggie Bain, more magic is all but guaranteed.

Young Mungo tells the tale of a gentle boy with, Stuart writes, a sweetness that unsettled other boys. Mungo is struggling to survive in working-class Glasgow. But he finds James, and the boys become friends and lovers while they navigate the sectarian tension of religion (Mungo is protestant, James is Catholic) and the hypermasculine environment of the economically depressed city. Mungos brother Hamish is a gang leader, and his mother, Mo-Maw, disappears on drunken benders and sends him off with two brutal local men on a fishing trip all for his own good, when all he wants is to find a place where he and James can be together.

The book is a literary wonder and a suspenseful page-turner. Stuarts language and observations are precise and visual. Describing one of the men taking Mungo out of the city, Stuart writes: He wore indigo denims and his belt was laced under the logo so as not to obscure the proud Armani badge. He was handsomeor he must have been close to it oncebut there was something already spoiled about him, like good butchers meat that had been left out.

And Stuarts powerful vernacular puts the reader inside the scene: Youre a nervous wee fella, int ye? Dont worry. If he gies us any lip, ahll fuckin stab him.

The thing about this second novel, Stuart tells me, is that he started writing it in 2016four years before Shuggie was published. Id been writing a long time, he says. In between drafts [Shuggie had 14], the manuscript goes into the corner of my desk and I let it sit. During one of these respites, I started Mungo.

Stuart grew up in Glasgow, poor, and, he says, queer and lonely, with an addicted mother who died when he was 16 years old. She was wonderful, vibrant, beautifulbut she was trapped, trying to get by as a single mother. And his whole life, he says, I was addressing the question of what it means to be masculine in order to survive. I wanted to write about men. Can a man be tender?

Stuart was fascinated by the question, always thinking about it. Masculinity asks us to perform it, to do things to be one of the guys, he explains. What about the boys who cant do it? If theres a gang dispute and youre gentle, to not participate is a kind of bravery. I wanted to write into that.

The first in his family to graduate high school, Stuart says he was able to be educated because hes the son of a socialist country and there was a lot of supportthough he still had student debt and worked four nights a week and weekends. He wanted to study English but teachers steered him toward a profession, so he studied textiles. There wasnt enough peace or time in my environment to read, he recalls. I read my first book when I was 17.

After graduating from the Royal College of Art in London, Stuart was offered a job in New York City. He came to the U.S. in 2000 and didnt think he would stay, but he fell in love with an American. They married four years ago, but the relationship goes back 20.

I was always writing, Stuart says, but in 2008 I was in a fever. I was senior director of design at Banana Republic, but I was unfulfilled. I started Shuggie and wrote in pieces. I didnt want to admit I was writing a book.

When he finished, he had 1,800 pages. I worked on it for 10 years without telling anyone, he says. In fashion you deal with people every day; everyone has an opinion. This was my private space.

Stuart got the manuscript down to 450 pages and started querying agents. The agent he wanted was Anna Stein at ICM Partners. She represented two of his favorite writersHanya Yanagihara and Garth Greenwelland while he started getting offers from other agents, he wisely (courageously?) held out.

Stein, meanwhile, heard about Stuart from Tina Pohlman, whod met him at a holiday party and agreed to read his work. Tina Pohlman told me I was the right agent for him, but I nearly messed it up, she says. She agreed to read the manuscript but said it would take her a few months. Then, she recalls, Pohlman got in touch to say, awkwardly, that she was becoming an agent and if Stein was passing on Stuart, she was interested in representing him. Stein read the Shuggie manuscript and became obsessedit took over my life.

May 31, 2018. Stuart was in Lisbon for his birthday. He went into the church of Sao Vincente and lit a candle. I always light a candle for the people who have died, he says. I asked them, What do I do? 

Outside the church, 20 minutes later, Stein called and asked to represent him. I was so delighted, he says. And I knew at that moment that I would stop working in fashion. I wanted to be present for the book.

Stein and Stuart worked together for about three months, and then she sent the manuscript out widely. I expected it would be a rocky road, Stuart says. I naively said yes when Anna asked me if I wanted to see the rejection letters. Well, Shuggie was soundly and quickly rejected. I saw 20 rejection letters, but when we did get the deal, Anna told me Shuggie was rejected 44 times on both sides of the Atlantic!

Stein says she was never daunted. My career is all about books no one wants to publish. If I fall in love with a book, I never worry about sending it out.

Grove deputy publisher Peter Blackstock also fell in love with Shuggie. You can reject all my edits and I will still want to publish it, he told Stuart, who answered that he would think about it. Stuart laughs about this now. Anna said to me, What are you going to think about? 

Blackstock says, Groves specialty is publishing things others cant see. Shuggie is the rare combo of an award-worthy book that is captivating and moving as well. Douglas has done it again with Young Mungo. This is an even stronger book. Blackstock considers it a version of Romeo and Juliet, an improbable love story with consequences if its found out. Mungo is a queerer book, he says, that explores this love story. Its so true to life.

Stein calls Young Mungo heartbreakinga thriller wrapped in a first love story, a tragedy with comic moments. I feel like Mungo is my own child, she says. Grove had the option for Young Mungo and finalized the deal for North American rights in January 2021. The book will publish with Picador in the U.K. in April 2022 and to date has been sold in 12 other territories.

Stuart mentions the pressure of success. My solution is to keep writingto keep my head down and keep cracking, he says.

I dont think he has to worry. Blackstock says hes optimistic about a future for Mungo and James. Id add Douglas Stuart into that mix.

This story has been updated for clarity.
1. An Organized Effort to Ban Books in Schools and Libraries

New headlines virtually every day tell the story: the nation is in the midst of an alarming, unprecedented spike in attempts to ban books from schools and libraries, and in particular books concerning race and the LGBTQ experience.

Deborah Caldwell-Stone, director of the American Library Associations Office for Information Freedom, told PW in September that book challenges have spiked dramatically nationwide since June. And while she was quick to point out that the rise in challenges to books on race and the LGBTQ experience have been a concern for years, she said the sudden surge in 2021 is especially troublesome.

We should always take any attempt to ban or remove books from libraries seriously, because its an attempt to censor ideas and to enforce an orthodoxy of what is thought about and talked about in our communities, Caldwell-Stone noted. But the volume of challenges we are seeing now appears to be the result of an organized movement by certain groups to impose their political views and make them the norm for education and for our society as a whole.

If theres any good news surrounding this concerning development, its that librarians and educatorsoften bolstered by support from their communitieshave had some early success in pushing back against many of recent efforts to ban books. For example, in Goddard, Kans., school officials rejected an attempt to pull a list of titles that had been circulating nationally on social media. In Virginia, the Spotsylvania County school board was forced to reverse its recent decision to remove a list of sexually explicit books from its schools after pushback from the community. And in York County, Pa., a student-led movement garnered national headlines for successfully blocking an attempt by a local high school principal to ban a list of articles, videos, and books mainly featuring Black and Latino representation.

The more sobering reality, however, is that the current wave of book banning is not just about books. Rather, observers said, the challenges are part of an organized, localized political strategy on the right, alongside calls to ban the teaching of so-called critical race theory, designed to sow conflict and activate conservative voters. What were seeing is the weaponization of parental control to advance a political agenda, explained John Chrastka, executive director of EveryLibrary, a political action group that works to support libraries at the local level.

While book bans are hardly new, librarians told PW that the emerging threat is unprecedented. Because its one thing to talk through a complaint with a concerned parent. There are well-established policies and procedures in place to deal with these kinds of book challenges. But it is something else entirely to face an organized, often intimidating political movement in which books are being used as a cudgel in a broader effort to win local elections.

2. Maryland, New York Pass Library E-book Laws; AAP Files Suit

In 2021, after a few years of gradual backsliding, the library community appeared to make progress in its long-standing efforts to secure equitable access to digital content in libraries. And the most notable of these efforts was the passage of bills in Maryland and New York that seek to ensure public libraries have access to the same e-books and digital audiobooks that are commercially available to consumers.

Maryland became the first state to enact such library e-book legislation, with its bill passing the Maryland General Assembly unanimously on March 10, and becoming law on June 1. The law is set to take effect in January 2022. New York then followed suit, passing its bill in June. At press time, however, the bill still has not yet been sent to governor Kathy Hochul for signature or veto, though state law requires the bill be presented by the end of the calendar year.

The bills come after a decade of tension in the library e-book market, and they emerged as a direct response to Macmillans controversial (and since abandoned) 2019 embargo on frontlist e-books in libraries, which led library advocates to take their concerns to state and federal legislators. For their part, the bills supporters insist the laws are narrowly limited in scope: they require that publishers that offer to license digital literary content to consumers must also offer licenses to public libraries on reasonable terms. As we have said so often before, it shouldnt take a credit card to be an informed resident, explained Michael Blackwell, a Maryland librarian and an organizer of the ReadersFirst Coalition.

But the Maryland and New York laws have not been without controversy. And on December 9, after months of saber-rattling, the Association of American Publishers filed suit in federal court in Maryland arguing that the law is preempted by the Copyright Act.

It is unambiguous that the U.S. Copyright Act governs the disposition of literary works in commerceand for that matter, all creative works of authorship, said AAP president Maria Pallante, in announcing the suit. We take this encroachment very seriously as the threat that it is to a viable, independent publishing industry in the United States and to a borderless copyright economy.

As 2021 draws to a close, similar bills are advancing in more state legislatures. A hearing on Massachusettss version of the law, for example, was held on November 19. But it remains to be seen whether the AAPs efforts to stop the laws will succeed.

Update: On December 29, New York Governor Kathy Hochul vetoed the state's library e-book law, citing concern that the bill is preempted by federal copyright law.

3. A Potential Watershed Moment for Library Funding

No question, the past two years have been challenging. But if theres a positive to be taken from to the Covid-19 pandemic, its that the important work of Americas public libraries has once again gained the attention of Congress. And as 2021 draws to a close, library supporters have a chance to change the future of federal library funding.

Already, library advocates have secured vital federal funding increases. On the heels of a $50 million funding boost in the 2020 CARES Act, in 2021 the IMLS received an additional $200 million to distribute via the American Rescue Plan Actthe largest single investment in the agencys 25-year history. In November, President Biden signed the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which includes billions to support broadband and to support digital inclusion projects across the nation, a huge opportunity for libraries of all kinds. And of course, a multi-trillion-dollar budget reconciliation bill is still hanging in the balance.

Another opportunity that emerged in 2021 is the Build Americas Libraries Act, which was introduced as a standalone bill to provide up to $5 billion to address the critical infrastructure needs of U.S. libraries. And while that bill appears to be stalling as the year winds to a close, ALA is urging librarians to remain engaged with their local representatives in the face of what has been an exhausting political process.

The amount of money were talking about in the Build Americas Librarys Act alone is about 25 times the amount that libraries get from IMLS every year, explained Gavin Baker, ALA deputy director for public policy and government relations, in a September PW article. Were talking about getting the equivalent of the next quarter century of federal library funding potentially in one fell swoop. With this funding, not only can we repair the damage of the pandemic, we will be able to make our buildings and our facilities stronger, safer, more efficient, more accessible, and more sustainable than they ever have been.

PW columnist Sari Feldman agrees. With billions in federal funding at stake to build, rebuild, and to reinvest in Americas libraries and library services, library supporters must see this moment for what it is: an opportunity to truly transform libraries and the future of federal library support, Feldman wrote in an August PW column. Just think of the difference we can make in peoples lives with todays powerful information technology, and with the kind of major government investments now on the table. We cannot let this opportunity pass us by.

4. DPLA Signs Amazon, Forms Palace Project with LYRASIS

At the end of 2020, the Digital Public Library of America (DPLA) confirmed that it was close to signing an agreement with Amazon Publishing to make its e-books and digital audiobookssome 10,000 titles in allavailable to libraries via the DPLAs digital platform. And though it would take another six months, in May 2021 the parties successfully sealed the deal.

The agreement marks Amazon Publishings first foray into the digital library market, after years of criticism for withholding its digital content. DPLA reps told PW that Amazon Publishing e-books are now being added to the catalog, with some titles currently available to libraries and more being added on an ongoing basis. Furthermore, in a recent update, DPLA said it is also making progress on a potential agreement for Audible titlesa potentially huge breakthrough for libraries.

Meanwhile, in yet another major development, DPLA and LYRASIS announced in June that they had joined forces (and had secured $5 million in additional funding from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation) to charter the Palace Projecta strategic initiative to develop and scale a robust suite of content, services, and tools for the delivery of e-books, audiobooks, and other digital media. The effort will be spearheaded by Michele Kimpton, who negotiated the Amazon deal in her prior role DPLA, and now serves as LYRASIS senior global director.

Palace Project executives say the effort will build on an existing collaboration between DPLA and LYRASIS using an open source code designed and developed by the New York Public Library. As part of the initiative, the DPLAs nascent digital marketplace for libraries, formerly the DPLA Exchange, has been rebranded under the Palace Project. So, too, has SimplyE, the free, open source user-facing library e-reader app developed by the NYPL, which will become the Palace app.

And thats not all: the DPLA/LYRASIS announcement came just days LYRASIS announced the acquisition of BiblioLabs, the innovative Charleston, S.C.based library technology firm and creator of the BiblioBoard e-book platformanother move clearly undertaken with an eye toward empowering libraries. LYRASIS sees Palace as an unprecedented opportunity for libraries to be digital leaders within their communities, said LYRASIS CEO Robert Miller in a June statement.

How these ambitious plans shake out in 2022 remains to be seen. But in a surging digital library market dominated by leading platform OverDrive, the moves represent a significant next step in the pursuit of a library-centered digital platform.

5. Washington, D.C., City Council Passes School Librarian Requirement, Considers Permanent Funding

In August, school librarians in Washington, D.C., scored an important victory. Faced with the prospect of yet another devastating round of budget cuts, school librarians and their supporters and allies mounted a vigorous advocacy campaign to show D.C. legislators exactly why school librarians are more vital than ever. And on August 11, the council responded by passing a budget that for the first time ensured that every D.C. public school would have at least one librarian.

It was a rare bit of good news for school librarians, who as a profession have faced a generation-long, nationwide trend of cuts. Furthermore, the victory highlighted the importance and urgency of bold advocacy measures. In an October PW column, John Chrastka, executive director of EveryLibrary, a political action committee dedicated to library issues at the local level, suggested that school librarians are fast approaching an inflection point, and urged library supporters to rethink how they support school libraries in their communities.

As schools across the country resume in-person learning, and with significant, once-in-a-lifetime federal funding hanging in the balance, the time has come for school librarians and their allies to abandon their traditional advocacy toolkit and to start treating the fight for their future like the political campaign it truly is, Chrastka wrote.

Meanwhile, all eyes are on D.C. once again as the city council considers the Students Right to Read Amendment of 2021, which would make dedicated funding for school librarian positions permanent. At a November 23 hearing, passionate testimony from D.C. school librarians like KC Boyd and Christopher Stewart (who spoke online from his library with some of his students behind him) emphasized the importance of the measure, as did, crucially, that of Jacqueline Pogue Lyons, president of the Washington Teachers Union. Lyons told D.C. lawmakers that access to a full-time certified librarian is a basic right in a high quality education.

In written testimony, ALA and AASL leaders said that passage of the measure would be an investment in D.C.s educational, economic, and civic future.

6. Advocacy Group Library Futures Launches, Spurs Inquiry into the Library E-book Market

After months of planning, advocacy group Library Futures officially launched in January 2021and the group appears to have already made an impact.

In September, U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden from Oregon and U.S. Rep. Anna Eshoo from California launched an inquiry into the library e-book market, submitting a list of questions to the CEOs of the Big Five publishers and, in a follow-up, to nine major library e-book distributors as well. And Library Futures appears to have played a key role in making it happen.

Representatives from Library Futures told PW that the Wyden/Eshoo inquiry began after Wyden, a well known library supporter, participated in a March 24 digital symposium titled Burying Information: Big Tech & Access to Information, hosted by advocacy group Public Knowledge, the Georgetown Initiative on Tech and Society, and Library Futures. Notably, the program focused significant attention on the scanning and lending of print library books under an untested legal theory known as controlled digital lending (CDL). And the panel also included Brewster Kahle, founder of the Internet Archive, which is currently being sued by four major publishers and the AAP over its CDL-based Open Library program.

In a recent interview, Harvard Universitys Kyle Courtney, an architect of the CDL framework who serves as chair of Library Futures, told PW that Wydens interest in the digital library market grew after participating in the program. [Wydens] staff was very interested in exploring these issues, so they put together an investigation team and went to work, Courtney said. And, I guess the results of that work is this inquiry.

Library Futures is currently made up of two wings, with Jennie Rose Halperin serving as the groups executive director. The Library Futures Institute is a 501(c)(3) advocacy group dedicated to a technology-positive future for libraries. The Library Futures Foundation, meanwhile, is a 501(c)(4) organization registered to lobby on policy issues important to libraries, such as copyright.

The launch of Library Futures certainly comes at an important moment for libraries, with demand for digital resources in libraries surging amid the continuing pandemic and with an array of legal and legislative issues hanging in the balance. And though it is unclear where the Wyden/Eshoo library e-book inquiry will go, library supporters say they it is helpful to have another perspective attracting the attention of lawmakers.

I am not a seasoned DC insider, Courtney told PW. Library Futures is driven by volunteerism, literally. Im just a person that cares. And I think these issues are issues that everyone can understand. You dont have to be a copyright expert to understand that a library should be able to own books and to lend them and preserve them.

7. The Freckle Report 2021 Raises Questions

For a second straight year, London-based library advocate and former Waterstones managing director Tim Coates published The Freckle Report, a study on the state of U.S., U.K., and Australian libraries, drawn from a proprietary survey on public reading habits as well as publicly available IMLS statistics. And as with the initial report, issued in 2020, librarians in the U.S. reacted strongly to Coatess prime takeaway: that U.S. libraries are in the midst of a long running and persistent decline in usage with no realistic actions in place to reverse the trend.

In the U.S. there has been a fall of 31% in public library building use over eight years, up to 2018, Coates wrote in the report, citing the most recent stats from the IMLS. He concludes that a continuous decline of this nature, which includes drops in the stats for both gate counts and physical circulation, suggests that library leadership is ignoring the figures it does have and not working hard enough to collect the figures it should have.

Among Coatess more contentious conclusions is his view that the decline reflected in library statistics is related to a reallocation of resources toward an array of community services, and away from what the public overwhelmingly still sees as the librarys most valuable service: print books. And while many librarians criticized the report, one major figure in the library community offered a more measured response: in an interview with PW in May, IMLS director R. Crosby Kemper acknowledged the trends cited by Coates in his report. And though Kemper noted his disagreement with a number of the reports conclusions, he said that Coates was at least asking the right questions.

A new report is in the works for 2022, with a third consumer survey, supported by the EveryLibrary Foundation, completed in October. Coates previewed the results during a November webinar, and praised libraries for doing an amazingly good job meeting the needs of readers during the pandemic.

8. Library of Congress Replaces Illegal Aliens Subject Headings

Last month, the Library of Congress announced that it will replace the catalog subject headings Aliens and Illegal aliens with the more accurateand non-offensiveterms Noncitizens and Illegal immigration. The decision was announced on November 12 at the regularly scheduled meeting of the LCs Policy and Standards Division, which maintains Library of Congress Subject Headings. But the move was years in the making.

In fact, LC first agreed to replace the subject headings back in 2016 after being petitioned by a range of advocacy groups, including librarians. But in an unprecedented action, a group of conservative lawmakers objected to the change, and went so far as to draft a provision attached to an appropriations bill requiring the library to retain the terminologymarking the first time in the librarys history, LC officials told reporters, that lawmakers had intervened in a routine cataloging matter.

In a statement, the ALA, which has long supported and vocally advocated for the change, praised the LCs decision. This update better reflects common terminology and respects library users and library workers from all backgrounds, said ALA president Patty Wong, who called the old terms dehumanizing.

LC subject headings are widely used in library catalogs and are routinely updated by the Policy and Standards Division of the library. New guidance is now being issued reflecting the changes, and librarians say the subject headings on existing LC bibliographic records are being updated as expeditiously as possible.

Of course, the move was not without a conservative backlash. In a lengthy letter to librarian of Congress Carla Hayden, Republican senators Ted Cruz of Texas and Mike Braun of Indiana called the decision a politically-motivated and Orwellian attempt to manipulate and control language.

9. Elsevier Strikes Historic Open Access Deal with the University of California

In March, Elsevier, the worlds largest scholarly publisher, and the University of California, one of the worlds largest research institutions, announced a groundbreaking open access agreement, ending a high-profile two-year standoff. The four-year deal, which took effect on April 1, was immediately hailed as a major milestone for the global open access movement.

The contentious negotiations first garnered international headlines when UC walked away from its subscription deal with Elsevier in February 2019, demanding that the publisher negotiate a transformative open access deal. No stranger to tough negotiations, Elsevier held its ground, cutting off UCs subscription access that July.

But despite the drama, there were signs along the way as to the eventual outcome. Over the course of its dispute with Elsevier, UC successfully negotiated transformative open access deals with eight other scholarly publishers, including with the worlds second leading academic publisher behind Elsevier, Springer Nature, in June 2020. And for its part, Elsevier struck a number of transformative open access agreements in Europe, including one with the Royal Danish Library.

In a statement announcing the UC deal, both parties acknowledged the groundbreaking nature of the agreement and sounded a conciliatory note after a bruising negotiation. Both sides showed flexibility to reach a truly tailored approach, said Elsevier CEO Kumsal Bayazit. Jeffrey MacKie-Mason, university librarian and economics professor at UC Berkeley and cochair of UCs publisher negotiation team, said the deal would not have happened without Elsevier and UC having worked together to find common ground.

As for what comes next, MacKie-Mason framed the Elsevier deal as a turning point for the future of scholarly publishing. Ultimately, were trying to make this a standard way of doing business, he told the UC Berkeley news service, so that all agreements are open access and all scholarly publishers will stop selling subscriptions.

10. Nancy Pearl Receives the National Book Foundations Literarian Award

The past year has clearly held no shortage of challenges for the library community. But in November, librarians had occasion to celebrate.

On November 17, during the 72nd National Book Awards ceremony, Nancy Pearl was honored with the 2021 National Book Foundation Literarian Award for Outstanding Service to the American Literary Community. It is an honor richly deserved.

In fact, for all Pearl has done to inspire readers and support publishers and authors over her four decades in librarianship, it is hard to imagine a more worthy recipient. And in honoring Pearl, the NBF also celebrated librarians across the nation for the essential, pivotal role they play in the reading enterprise.

Libraries are an empowering force in the United States, and are vital to our communities, said David Steinberger, chair of the board of directors of the NBF, in his statement announcing the award. And Nancy Pearls lifetime of service is a reinforcement that libraries are of the utmost importance for all.

In her remarks, Pearl thanked her own childhood librarian, Frances Whitehead, the childrens librarian at the Parkman Branch of the Cleveland Public Library, who took this miserably unhappy eight-year-old girl that I was and gave me the world through the books she recommended. And she graciously shared the award with her fellow librarians.

I am, I believe, the first librarian to win this award, and Im dedicating it to all of the librarians who do such essential work for their communities, Pearl said in her acceptance speech. One of the foundational principles of the public library is that it is a truly egalitarian institution, available free to everyone regardless of ethnicity, race, religion, age, or economic statusand as such, it is a democratizing and unifying force in our society, which is needed now more than ever before.

In November, PW columnist Sari Feldman praised Pearl for inspiring not only countless readers but also her fellow librarians.

Like many librarians, I knew about Nancy Pearl well before I ever got the chance to know her, she wrote. There were the standing room only Book Buzz events at Public Library Association conferences, her Book Lust title picks, her popular NPR show, and, of course, the now famous Archie McPhee librarian action figure she inspired. But getting to know Nancy changed me personally, as a librarian as well as a reader, and it set me off on a new professional trajectory.

Congratulations, Nancy. Thank you for all you do.
Publishers licensed movie tie-in programs have been significantly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, mirroring the fortunes of the film industry, according to about a dozen executives in the field who spoke with PW recently. Production hiatuses, shuttered theaters, changing distribution strategies, and other complications combined to create an uncertain landscape for the studios and the tie-in business, which is characterized by long development times, strict release dates, and short sales windows. And while the situation is improving somewhat, many of the challenges continue.

At the beginning of the pandemic, shifting theatrical release dates were the primary concern for publishers. Movies were delayed or went from theatrical release to streaming without much notice. Thats extremely challenging for us, said Valerie Garfield, publisher for licensed, novelty, and branded publishing at Simon & Schuster Childrens Publishing. It throws our carefully laid-out program up in the air. We take time to consider the number of titles, formats, and price points depending on the marketing, visibility, and timing of the film. If we cant pull it up as much as needed, or if we expected a flashier campaign but then its released quietly on streaming, we have to adjust our expectations. Sometimes the timelines dont match up and we cant make the new on-sale date.

Without advance notice of changes to release dates, retailers cannot promote new tie-in programs in stores, which is critical to publishers success. Retailers have also occasionally been caught with excess inventory due to delays. In some cases, we were able to pull back our buys when release schedules and/or distribution channels changed, while in others the ship had already sailed, said Stephanie Pinheiro, Barnes & Nobles category manager, childrens and YA books.

The same has also been true for publishers. For Minions 2: The Rise of Gru, originally set for July 2020 but now slated for July 2022, we had final books on the water when they first moved the date, said Rosanne McManus, v-p and publisher at Printers Row Publishing Groups Studio Fun imprint. At least theyll be ready on time, because theyve been sitting in the warehouse for over a year.

Insight Editions Art and Soul of Dune was released simultaneously with the premiere of that film, which was delayed from November 2020 to October 2021. The challenge is to keep it embargoed that long and make sure nothing is leaked, explained Raoul Goff, founder and publisher. He added that due to Covids ebbs and flows, Dune came out in Europe three weeks before the U.S. The embargo had to hold to the U.S. date.

Though delays are still happening, the situation is improving. Release dates are getting a little more defined as theaters open up, said John Russell, v-p global licensing at Phoenix International Publications PI Kids imprint. Thats good for us and good for the retailers.

If you have a date thats delayed, thats okay, Goff said. But when theres no date and you dont know when the book will come out, you cant sell it to retailers. Its the indefinite delays that can drive anyone crazy.

The rise of streaming

How will the move to streamingwhether films are released in streaming only, in theaters and streaming simultaneously, or in theaters only and then streaming lateraffect movie tie-in programs? With the rise in streaming content available, were finding new ways to reach audiences at home, said Nicole Sue, director of licensing at the Walt Disney Company. It has certainly allowed for a new way of thinking about how and when we reach our consumer.

Still, there are questions. If youre looking at a hybrid model with theatrical and streaming, does that extend the life of the film, even though the theatrical window is shorter? asked Phoenixs Russell. Its too soon to say for sure.

Early returns suggest that might be the case, however. We tend to see an overall longer life cycle for movie-based books that are released through streaming versus theatrically, as people tend to discover these properties on their own time, Pinheiro said. In the preschool and toddler space, weve had renewed success with simultaneous streaming releases. Raya and the Last Dragon and Luca brought strong sales as shoppers came to our childrens department to extend their childs excitement after seeing the film.

Chris Angelilli, v-p and editor-in-chief of licensed publishing at Random House Childrens Books, stressed that theatrical releases will always be part of the mix. Streaming is a major platform and is growing quickly, but it wont replace theatrical releases completely, he said. And honestly, the success of a property really depends on the film itself and has less to do with whether its streaming or theatrical.

Supply chain issues

Meanwhile, shipping delays, lack of printer capacity, and rising costs for paper and transportation can be particularly vexing in the movie tie-in space. Anything we have to source overseas, or with copious amounts of film art, can be difficult, Sue said.

The increased delivery time hurts holiday and movie tie-in titles, said McManus of Printers Row. Both need to be in the warehouse by a certain time due to strict on-shelf dates, she explained, adding that Printers Row doesnt have the option to print in the U.S.

In the past, when films changed and we had to pivot and were running a little late, we could make up the time with the printers, Angelilli said. But thats not possible now. Weve made all of our deadlines so far, but weve had some close calls.

After doing this for 20 years, you get to know how much to orderbut now theres more guesswork up front, said Ben Ferguson, CEO of Bendon Publishing. Weve been making commitments earlier than usual and building a bit more inventory by ordering as early as we could release the artwork.

One way publishers are limiting risk is to reduce the number of books they produce for a given film. Were a lot more conservative in terms of the number of titles we do, Russell said. PI Kids is also creating fewer direct tie-ins and more titles that are based on the franchise behind films such as Paw Patrol: The Movie and Jurassic World.

Insight Editions still publishes art of books and other direct tie-ins for films such as Dune, but it has moved more toward lifestyle, collector, and in-world formats that are less time-sensitive, such as Tobins Spirit Guide: Official Ghostbusters Edition and The Nightmare Before Christmas: The Official Cookbook & Entertaining Guide, one of the companys biggest titles this year. Were trying to find new ways to get readers engaged with the films they love, Goff said.

As booksellers, we almost always focus on the standard edition of a title around its media release rather than focusing solely on the media tie-in, said B&Ns Pinheiro. Weve found that our customers tend to gravitate towards trade editions since they typically have a bookshelf/evergreen feel and wont be outdated on bookshelves in a few years time.

Some publishers are limited in the cuts they can make to their direct movie tie-in programs, however. We usually present enough titles with a variety of price points to hit all the different retail locations, Garfield of S&S said. That wont change significantly. If the movie has a wide audience, retailers expect the publishing program to be pretty wide.

Being agile and collaborative are critical given todays environment. Its everybodys fault and its nobodys fault, said Paula Allen, founder of Screenland LA, an agency that pairs publishers with media companies. Its containers stuck at Long Beach, its manufacturing, its rising paper costs, its movies that have been delayed, its shorter release windows, its marketing budgets that have been cut. Everybody has to be flexible.

Cautious optimism

Despite the obstacles, publishers have reported strong sales for some tie-insat least according to new pandemic-era expectationsover the past two years. Weve had several successful programs, Angelilli said, citing Trolls World Tour and Space Jam: A New Legacy as examples. Were still very enthusiastically publishing against films, whether they are released theatrically or streaming. Its a good chunk of our business, and that will continue for a long time to come.

Sue said Disney Publishing Worldwide is seeing strong sales on Encanto tie-ins, as well as positive pickup on promotional opportunities for its spring films. Regardless of where consumers are experiencing new content, we believe fans will be diving deeper into the stories and buying books, she said.

But uncertainty remains. I thought by summer 2022 the scene would look much different, but Im beginning to see it might not, Garfield said. Well continue to zig if we have to zig and zag if we have to zag. Were still very much in it, but we have to change our expectations and are trying to anticipate what will happen.
NEW HAVEN  Pastor Brenda Adkins, the oldest of 10 children, remembers as a youth waking up on Christmas morning with no gifts under the tree, as her mother had reached the spending limit on Adkins nine siblings.

Adkins would act like it didnt bother her, as she didnt want her mother to feel badly, but she went to her room and cried.

As a teen, It made me feel like I was undeserving, she said.

In response to that  so that fewer children in poverty have to experience what she did  Adkins and her husband, John, have established, A Christmas to Remember, an effort to provide gift cards for youths 13 to 19 years old.

This is the fifth year of the program.

The couple is looking for donations of gift cards in $25-$35 denominations and will pass them out Dec. 20 to families of teens that have already been selected. The families also will receive brand-new coats for adults and children, and baby formula and diapers, if needed.

Adkins said families these days are making those tough choices like her mother used to have to make, between paying bills and buying gifts.

We just dont want any child to wake up and not have a gift for Christmas, Adkins said. Were trying to put a little smile on their faces and relieve the stress (for parents).

COVID has made the situation worse than usual, as many who lost jobs or work time because of child care issues may not be back on their feet yet, she said.

She said gift cards for stores that offer an array of choices, such as Walmart and Target, are ideal. Some teens may want to purchase food or even essential clothing such as socks, she said.

While there are many programs to put gifts for younger children under the tree, there are fewer that provide for teens.

Donations of cash or gift cards can be mailed to Adkins at 330 Munson St., New Haven, CT 06511. If anyone has questions or wants to make another arrangement, Adkins can be reached at 203-836-6832.

The Adkinses have the coats left over from their recent annual Day of Joy dinner and giveaway, as there were fewer served this year because of the pandemic. The Knights of Columbus donated hundreds of brand-new coats and with those left over, Adkins wants to bless families, as well as the teens through their parents, she said.

The disposable diapers and formula are available as a result of the Adkinses partnership with the Diaper Bank of Connecticut.

The giveaway will not be open to the public, as recipients already have been identified, she said.
MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP)  Several defense attorneys in Vermont are protesting the transferring of jury trials out of counties with courthouses that are closed due to the pandemic.

The Caledonian Record reports that the attorneys say the constitutional rights of defendants are being violated because they will not get a trial in their communities by a jury of their peers, and citizens and communities in four counties are being disenfranchised.
MUNCIE, Ind. (AP)  Work is underway on converting a former county jail and courts building in downtown Muncie into condominiums.

The overhaul comes after Delaware County officials moved jail and court operations into a closed middle school on the citys southwest side in February.
Vidyut Jammwal's birthday celebrations doubled this year as his fiance Nandita Mehtani accompanied him to Egypt, where the actor's shooting for Khuda Haafiz Chapter II  Agni Pariksha. The duo's Instagram is filled with glimpses from Jammwal's birthday celebrations at the pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, with the actor's similarly designed cake encapsulating the beautiful landscape.

Mehtani uploaded myriad stills from the day on her social media handle, where the duo can be seen strutting amid the pyramids while holding hands. Meanwhile, Vidyut Jammwal also made an earnest request to all his fans a.k.a JammwaLions to plant a sapling and share its picture/ video as a birthday gift.

Vidyut Jammwal clocks his birthday with fiance Nandita Mehtani

Taking to her Instagram handle, Nandita uploaded the pictures and wrote, "Happy birthday My Love..My Life.. Love you @mevidyutjammwal." She can be seen clad in a white high neck top with huge danglers on, while Vidyut looked dapper in an all-black hooded attire. The exquisite birthday cake was an ode to Egypt, with a caramel texture having "Happy Birthday Vidyut" written all over it. Take a look.

Vidyut too uploaded a video right before cutting his birthday cake. In a special tribute to all his fans, the actor said, "Jammwalions, I love you. It would be incomplete if I do not mention you, you're everything to me Happy Birthday Jammwalions, I love you." For the caption, he wrote, "Happy birthday to us.Thank you for all the plantsI watched all the videos and saw all the pictures ..

Love you."

Meanwhile, the couple announced their engagement in September. Sharing the news with a picture of the duo rappelling down a 150-meter-high wall, Nandita wrote," Couldnt keep him hanging any longersaid yes!!1-9-21,". While speaking to Bollywood Bubble earlier about his partner, Nandita, the Commando star said that it is 'amazing what has been happening with him in life, in every aspect.' He explained that he has accepted the fact that he wanted to just commit to somebody and that he is 'quite happy' about it.

On the work front, he will be seen alongside Shivaleeka Oberoi in the action thriller Khuda Haafiz Chapter II  Agni Pariksha. He was last seen in Sanak: Hope Under Siege alongside Rukmini Maitra, Neha Dhupia and Chandan Roy Sanyal in the lead roles.

(IMAGE: INSTAGRAM/ @NANDITAMAHTANI)
Hollywood star Jason Momoa has concluded filming for the sequel of superhero flick Aquaman and seemed extremely excited to share the news via social media. The actor posted a video and noted," Aw man, thats a wrap. Thats a wrap, Aquaman 2". He further piqued fans' curiosity by iterating that he has so much in store to share with them. "I wish I could tell you so much. What an epic day. I love you, he said.

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom comes as the thirteenth film in the DC Extended Universe, where Momoa plays the eponymous superhero/ Arthur Curry who is the half-Atlantean/half-human king, His character is blessed with a supersonic swimming speed and the ability to communicate with the aquatic life. The film is scheduled to be released sometime in December 2022.

Jason Momoa wraps up shooting for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom

Taking to his social media handles, Jason uploaded a video and quipped," So good to have been home to finish this, so many good surprises. Love you and its been a long time. Im taking a break. Aloha.". He also made an effort to raise money for the island of Hawaii and in a separate post, wrote, "Thats a wrap in Hawaii, he wrote. Youll have to wait to see Aquaman but you can check out my new bio-based Knoxville collaboration with @electric available now. Proceeds go to @sustainablecoastlineshawaii for the good of the islands and the people. Aloha J..

Earlier last month, the film's official account had notified that the film's director James Wan had moved the production from the United Kingdom to Hawaii. They filmed at Oahus Halona Beach Cove. According to People, the original cast members including Amber Heard, Nicole Kidman, Temuera Morrison, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Patrick Wilson and Dolph Lundgren will reprise their roles in the sequel. Indya Moore and Jani Zhao will be the new actors joining the ensemble cast in the forthcoming project.

James Wan is on board as the director, while DC Films, The Safran Company, and Atomic Monster Productions are bankrolling the project. Warner Bros. Pictures will be distributing the film.

(IMAGE: AP/ INSTAGRAM/ @AQUAMANMOVIE)
New Delhi, Dec 10 (PTI) A 35-year-old man, with travel history to Zimbabwe and South Africa, has tested positive for Omicron, becoming the second patient in Delhi of the new COVID-19 variant, sources said on Saturday.

He is admitted at the LNJP Hospital and only has weakness, they added.

He returned to India from Zimbabwe and had even travelled to South Africa, the sources said, adding that he is fully vaccinated.

The LNJP Hospital has been designated for treatment of patients infected with the new Omicron variant of the coronavirus.

On Sunday, a 37-year-old fully vaccinated man who arrived in Delhi from Tanzania, became the first patient of Omicron in the national capital.

The patient, a resident of Ranchi, had travelled from Tanzania to Doha and from there to Delhi on a Qatar Airways flight on December 2.

He stayed in Johannesburg, South Africa, for a week. The person has mild symptoms. PTI SLB ANB ANB

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
After Maharashtra, now Delhi has added a fresh case of COVID-19 variant Omicron with a 35-year-old man, having travel history to Zimbabwe and South Africa testing positive. According to the PTI report, the patient has been admitted to the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan (LNJP) Hospital and only has weakness. This is the second case of the new variant in the national capital and India's 33rd case. In the last 24 hours, Delhi recorded 41 fresh COVID-19 cases.

Delhi clocks second Omicron variant case:

Man with travel history to Zimbabwe, South Africa tests positive for Omicron in Delhi, second patient of new Covid variant in city: Sources  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 11, 2021

Additionally, the 35-year-old is fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus and returned to India from Zimbabwe. He also has a travel history to South Africa. Earlier on December 5, the national capital had detected its first Omicron case with a Tanzania returnee. Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain had addressed a press conference and informed that 17 patients who had flown in from 'at-risk' nations were admitted to LNJP hospital. During that time 12 patients' samples were sent for genome sequencing and one had tested positive.

Omicron cases in India

Yesterday, Maharashtra recorded seven new infections of the highly mutated Omicron variant. Out of seven, 3 are from Mumbai and 4 from Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation. After reporting zero Omicron cases in the last three days, India now has a tally of 33 cases with 17 in Maharashtra, nine in Rajasthan, three in Gujarat, two in Karnataka and two in Delhi. Meanwhile, a UK returnee tested COVID positive in Kolkata on Friday while her specimens are sent for genome sequencing to determine if she has contracted the new coronavirus variant Omicron.

Mumbai takes action against Omicron variant

Becoming the first city to have imposed actions amid fear over the new COVID-19 variant, Mumbai police on Friday announced section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) within Mumbai Commissionerate limits. The people have now been directed to avoid any public gathering in the city over the weekend. Section 144 of CrPC is to restrict gatherings or processions with more than five people in the region.

"It has been issued to prevent danger to human life from the new Omicron variant of COVID-19 as well as a threat to the law and order situation against the backdrop of violence that took place in Amravati, Malegaon and Nanded," the Deputy Commissioner of Police said.

Image: PTI
India has been re-elected to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council for the 2022-23 biennium following elections held at the IMO Assembly in London. Along with Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), India's election is part of a group of ten countries having "the greatest interest in international seaborne trade".

On Wednesday, at the conclusion of the 32nd Assembly for the IMO's 126th session, the newly elected Council will meet formally to elect its Chair and Vice-Chair for the upcoming biennium. "India has been re-elected to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council," the Indian High Commission in London announced on Twitter after the election on Friday.

"Indias delegation to IMO extends heartfelt thanks to all fellow member states, looks forward to working with all for the achievement of our common goals," it said.

The Council is IMO's executive body, and it is responsible for overseeing the organization's activity, reporting to the Assembly. Between Assembly sessions, the Council takes over the Assembly's activities, with the exception of providing recommendations to governments on maritime safety and pollution control. Under the Category of 10 States having the "most interest in providing international shipping services," China, Greece, Italy, Japan, Norway, Panama, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States were elected to the Council.

Meanwhile, 20 governments not elected under either of the two categories were elected to the Council to ensure that all major geographic areas of the world were represented as having "special interests in maritime transport or navigation." Bahamas, Belgium, Chile, Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kenya, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, the Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Thailand, Turkey, and Vanuatu are among the 20 countries on the list.

Between December 6 and 15, the 32nd Assembly of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is convening at the IMO headquarters in London. The Assembly, which is the IMO's highest governing body, is open to all 175 member states and three associate members. Intergovernmental organisations with whose cooperation agreements have been reached, as well as international non-governmental organisations with consultative status with the IMO, are welcome to participate.

The Assembly meets in ordinary sessions once every two years. It is in charge of approving the work programme, voting on the budget, and setting the Organization's financial arrangements. At these sessions, the Organization's 40-member council is also elected for the next two years.

(with inputs from PTI)

Image: PTI
New Delhi, Dec 11 (PTI) India on Saturday sent humanitarian assistance consisting of medical supplies to Afghanistan in sync with its commitment of extending help to the Afghan people in their times of difficulty.

The medical supplies were sent on a return flight that had brought 10 Indians and 94 Afghans to Delhi from Kabul on Friday.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the consignments will be handed over to the representatives of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Kabul.

"In view of the challenging humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, the government of India has dispatched humanitarian assistance consisting of medical supplies on the return flight today," the MEA said.

"These medicines will be handed over to the representatives of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Kabul and will be administered at the Indira Gandhi Children Hospital, Kabul," it said in a statement.

The MEA said the special flight from Kabul to Delhi, chartered by India, brought 10 Indians and 94 Afghans on Friday.

"The flight brought 10 Indians and 94 Afghans, including members of Afghan minority community. The minority community members carried with them two 'Swaroops of Guru Granth Sahib' and some ancient Hindu manuscripts," it said.

The people were brought under India's "Operation Devi Shakti" which was launched to evacuate Indians as well as Afghans from Afghanistan following the Taliban's takeover of Kabul on August 15.

"Under 'Operation Devi Shakti', a total of 669 people have now been evacuated from Afghanistan. This comprises 448 Indians and 206 Afghans, which includes members of the Afghan Hindu/Sikh minority community," the MEA said.

As many as 565 people including 438 Indians were evacuated from Afghanistan in August. PTI MPB CK

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Singapore, Dec 11 (PTI) Singapore has reported two travellers from the UK and a frontline worker at the Changi Airport as "preliminarily positive" for the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

The local "preliminarily positive" Omicron case is a 38-year-old man who works as a passenger service staff member at the departure gates at Changi Airport Terminal 3, the health ministry said late Friday night.

The two visitors had travelled to Singapore from the United Kingdom via the vaccinated travel lane (VTL) on December 8, it said.

All the three cases were fully vaccinated and asymptomatic, the Channel News Asia reported, quoting the health ministry.

The travellers from the UK are a 30-year-old woman and a 28-year-old man. The woman's pre-departure test in the UK on December 7 was negative for COVID-19 infection, but tested positive on-arrival during PCR test on December 9.

The man did not interact with the woman during the flight.

His pre-departure test in the UK on December 6 was negative for COVID-19 infection, but his on-arrival PCR test on December 9 was positive. The man was suspected to have been infected with the Omicron variant on December 10.

On Thursday, a 24-year-old woman, who works as a passenger service staff member at the Changi airport, and a 46-year-old woman, who returned to Singapore via VTL from Germany on December 6, were tested "preliminarily positive" for the Omicron variant of the coronavirus. Both of them were fully vaccinated.

All frontline airport workers are currently undergoing weekly routine testing, and all airport workers on routine testing will be required to do daily antigen rapid tests for the next seven days.

"Given its high transmissibility and spread to many parts of the world, we should expect to find more Omicron cases at our borders and also within our community," the health ministry said.

Singapore on Friday reported 454 new Covid cases -- 436 community infections, four recorded from dormitories for migrant workers and 14 imported cases. The island-state has so far recorded 272,433 COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic.

Four more people died due to the disease on Friday, taking the total death toll to 783.

Meanwhile, the health ministry in a press release on Friday said children in Singapore between the ages of five and 11 will be able to get vaccinated with paediatric doses of the Pfizer-BioNtech/Comirnaty Covid-19 vaccine before the end of the year.

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has approved the use of such doses for children, and vaccination can commence once Singapore receive deliveries of the vaccine doses, it said.

This will be the first Covid-19 vaccine HSA has granted approval for use in Singapore for this age group, the ministry said.

The ministry said it will extend the booster vaccination to people aged between 18 and 29 from December 14.

While the primary series of vaccinations provide excellent protection against severe disease, there is evidence of waning protection against infection over time albeit at a slower pace in younger persons, it said, adding that 96 per cent of the eligible population and 87 per cent of the total population have so far completed their full regimen or received two doses of Covid-19 vaccines. PTI GS SCY AKJ SCY SCY

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Indore, Dec 11 (PTI) Amid rising concerns over the Omicron variant of coronavirus, a 14-year-old girl and her eight-year-old brother have tested positive for COVID-19 after returning from Nigeria five days back, a health official said on Saturday.

Their samples are being sent for genome sequencing, he said.

The siblings, who were found infected, had gone to Nigeria with their mother to meet their father and returned to Indore on December 6 via Delhi, said Dr Amit Malakar, nodal officer for COVID-19 in the district.

Their father works in Nigeria, while they live with their mother in Indore, he said.

"Although the mother of the two children was not found infected with coronavirus, we have taken her sample for re-examination as a precaution," he said.

Malakar said that after the test reports, the infected siblings have been admitted to a hospital and their samples are being sent to Delhi's National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) for genome sequencing to know whether they are carrying the Omicron strain.

While South Africa remains the epicentre of the Omicron variant outbreak, these cases have been confirmed in at least eight other African countries - Botswana, Ghana, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, Uganda and Zimbabwe.

The central government, while expressing concern over the decline in usage of face masks in the country, had on Friday said that the all India tally of Omicron variant cases has gone up to 32. PTI HWP ADU NP NP

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China has been encroaching on the neighbouring territories including Bhutan since the 2017 standoff at Doklam, to gain strategic military advantage and fulfilling its regional expansionist agenda, ANI reported, citing a foreign policy report. Chinese president Xi Jinping has been vocal about expanding the territory on the new frontiers in South Asia, on occasions, admitting that Chinese military occupation will be along the borders as well as outside of it. Chinas focus, as per the report cited by ANI, has been to overtake the Tibetan borderlands and the border areas to marginalize India in the South-Asian region.

Several satellite images have depicted the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army encroaching the lands along the neighbouring countries border and starting the illegal construction activities for giving a combat upper hand to its troops. In many such satellite imageries, one can see the construction of new villages along the border with India, which the think tanks believe is Chinas attempt to strengthen its territorial claims, particularly around Arunachal Pradesh. It reflects China's similar tactics employed in the South China Sea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Tibet, said a geopolitical intelligence platform, the report cited by ANI read.

Beijing has 'boundary dispute's with majorly all its neighbours

Policy Research Group, the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) meanwhile reports that Beijing shares the largest international border with India, Nepal, and Bhutan, and Myanmar and has had boundary disputes with majorly all its neighbours. With India, China has had persistent land boundary assertion conflicts which, despite numerous talks, have not been settled yet. China displays similar belligerence with Bhutan, as well as on the smaller island nations in the South China sea.

Many independent foreign policy reports highlight that in TAR, new villages are routinely being built by China. Communist Party Secretary of the TAR, Wu Yingjie has visited a new village, called Gyalaphug which is under Bhutan across the international border, ANI reports. It further elaborates that one such village is approximately 232-square mile area asserted by China, which may have been constructed in the early1980s. It is internationally recognized as a portion of the Lhuntse district in northern Bhutan.

Beijing, since 1990, has made offers to give away the 495 square kilometres of captured land if Bhutan yields 269 square kilometres of its territory in the parts of Doklam, Charithang, Sinchulungpa, Dramana, and Shakhatoe, Sakteng, as per the report. Despite making lucrative offers of massive economic aid as a part of its debt trap strategy, Bhutan rejected the offers. India meanwhile recognizes Bhutans claim over Doklam that lies between China's Chumbi Valley to the north, Bhutan's Ha Valley to the east and India's Sikkim state's Nathang Valley to the west.

India responds aggressively to Chinese belligerence

India, unlike its other Asian neighbours, has responded aggressively to Chinese belligerence, one such example of it being the Galwan clash in June. China has ramped up the upgradation and the establishment of the Chinese military facilities, that involve the heliports and missile bases along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the aftermath of the 2017 standoff at Doklam. Several such bases for the Chinese troop are also constructed in the areas opposite Ladakh and the military infrastructure only raises suspicion about Chinas intentions. Meanwhile has also maintained a high level of troop preparedness to thwart any attempts of misadventure by the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army.

With ANI Inputs

Image: AP/PTI
The European Union has expressed concern about the deteriorating conditions of women in Afghanistan and asked the Taliban regime to allow females to work and educate themselves. On Friday, EU Special Representative for Afghanistan Tomas Niklasson said that women who were out of work and school were nothing but frozen assets. He reiterated the same in a tweet wherein he said that he was concerned about Afghanistan frozen assets- both financial and unemployed, uneducated females. Subsequently, he also urged the interim government to unfreeze it.

I am deeply concerned about #Afghanistan's frozen financial assets. But girls not going to school, women not being allowed to work, to provide services through NGOs, or to create and lead businesses providing jobs are another frozen asset. The interim government can unfreeze it.  Tomas Niklasson (@tomas_niklasson) December 10, 2021

Furthermore, he asserted that the EU was protective of female rights in the war-torn country and will continue to uphold the universality of human rights in Afghanistan. He also said that the 27 member bloc will continue to exercise vigilance against any attempt by the Taliban to undermine international commitments. It is imperative to note that soon after taking charge in August, the Taliban had vowed to respect female rights, however, their commitment has failed over time.

Notably, it comes just a day after the United Nations raised alarm about the Taliban's rapid reversal in their commitment to grant equal rights and opportunities to women. "Since 15 August 2021, there have been immediate and dramatic reversals on women's rights and fundamental freedom, particularly impacting their right to work, access to education, basic health and protection services, and participation of women and girls in the public sphere and decision-making mechanism," a UN women gender report stated.

Are Taliban's atrocities being repeated?

The Talibans previous regime marked the darkest time for Afghan women. During their rule, the Islamist group forbade women from getting any kind of education and blatantly denied their right to work. They also stopped women from travelling outside their homes without a male relative to accompany them. More gruesome acts included public executions. The Taliban chopped off the hands of thieves and stoned women accused of adultery. More recently, reports of the Taliban killing women for donning inappropriate clothes, or violating several Sharia laws have surfaced.

(Image: AP)
In an attempt to mitigate the Afghan migrant crisis, at least fifteen European Union (EU) countries have decided to give shelter to 40,000 additional Afghan nationals, as per a statement from the EU Commission on Thursday. Following a key meeting with interior ministers, the EU home affairs commissioner Ylva Johannson told a press conference, We all share the willingness to move away from irregular arrivals towards regular migration. She added, I think this is an impressive act of solidarity.

Reports suggest that the nations willing to resettle the Afghan refugees are: Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, and Sweden. As per the documents obtained by the European news agencies, Germany is planning to allow over 25,000 resettlement, while the Netherlands will accept some 3,159, and Spain and France 2,500, respectively. Johansson argued that an organised refugee intake from Kabul will allow Afghans migration in a controlled manner, and would also help prevent irregular arrivals and a situation of a crisis for the nations worldwide.

Today at #JHA @EUCouncilPress

I announced that 15 EU Member States have pledged to give protection to almost 40,000 Afghans. This, hand in hand with better measures to deal with irregular migration, is how we move forward on #MigrationEU.@EUHomeAffairs @EU2021SI @EP_Justice pic.twitter.com/ENrw0cmb3A  Ylva Johansson (@YlvaJohansson) December 9, 2021

28,000 Afghan evacuees already in EU states

Previously, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees had agreed to accept 42,500 Afghans stretched over the period of 5 years in at least 27 member countries of the bloc. The European Commission estimates that there are at least 85,000 Afghans that have either been displaced or fled their homes in the aftermath of the Talibans political siege or due to worsening economic conditions, and drought-like conditions within the conflict ravaged nation. EU states have already taken in 28,000 evacuees at the time of the US military drawdown from Kabul. A UN refugee agency (UNHCR) report revealed the arrival of 97,000 Afghans to the neighbouring countries, mostly Pakistan, Iran, and Uzbekistan since the political crisis unfolded and the living conditions degenerated under Taliban rule. At least 2.2 million Afghan migrants have been registered in Iran and Pakistan, who are now being reluctant about more intakes.

A UN report had earlier highlighted the worsening humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan as it warned that the Central Asian country was on the brink of a hunger catastrophe. United Nations agency Food and Agriculture Organisation's representative in Afghanistan, Richard Trenchard told NPR's Audie Cornish that nearly 19 million Afghans, approximately half of Afghanistans population, are now facing acute food insecurity, citing a UN report.
French President Emmanuel Macron, on Friday, held a phone conversation with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky wherein he pledged his support to Kyiv, a commitment that comes amidst the escalating threat of a possible Russian invasion. As the Putin administration continues to mobilise its troops along the Russia-Ukrainian border, several western countries including the US have vowed to support Ukraine and safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Earlier this week, American President Joe Biden warned that he would not refrain from imposing economic sanctions if Russian attempts to invade the ex-Soviet Proto state. The European Union has also threatened major repercussions to Moscow in case of an invasion.

During the phone call, both Macron and Zelelnsky agreed to relaunch talks in the four-way Normandy format. Launched in 2014, the talks involve participation from Russia, France, Ukraine and Germany (Normandy Format Group). The special talks aim at resolving the conflict in Ukraines contested Donbas region. On Friday, the French President asserted that he will speak to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in the coming days and that would speak with Zelensky again in Brussels on December 15.

Over 120,000 troops on border

Since the beginning of this year, the Russian Federation has mobilised troops near the Donbas region of Ukraine. This has escalated fears of a possible annexation of the erstwhile Soviet state by Russia. More recently, Ukrainian intelligence services have also predicted that a large scale escalation could take place as early as next month. According to the latest report by CNN, the number of Russian troops on the border have topped 120,000, including additional army, air force and naval personnel.

Last week, NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg cautioned the international community against Moscows unclear intentions. There is no certainty, no clarity about exactly what are the Russian intentions, and they may evolve and change, the NATO chief said. To back his stance, he highlighted the Russian invasion of Crimea in 2014 and said, Theyve done it before."

(With inputs from agencies)

(Image: AP)


As the month-long ceasefire came to an end, the terror outfit Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed to have attacked and critically injured two Pakistani policemen in the Chaddar area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Tank district on Saturday. Earlier the banned outfit had announced that it will not extend the deal negotiated with the Imran Khan-led Pakistan government giving a major setback to the country's Prime Minister. PM Khan had been taking several efforts to secure a peace agreement with the outfit waging war against the state for decades. This comes even after Pakistan has been supporting the Taliban in Afghanistan.

The ceasefire agreement ended on December 9 and it was expected for the terrorist group to intensify actions against Pakistan Government and security forces. Sources have also claimed that the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan leadership took the unilateral decision without any consultation with the country's administration, while the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan was aware of the decision announced by TTP.

Why did TTP decide to end the ceasefire?

The main reason behind TTP's aggression is said to be the Imran Khan government's inaction over 100 prisoners linked to the terror outfit.

TTP leadership was promised that over 100 prisoners linked to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan will be released at the very start of the ceasefire agreement, but it never happened, sources added.

A statement from TTP spokesman Mohammad Khurasani claimed that despite the agreement on the cease-fire which went into effect on November 9 and was meant to give time for peace talks between the two sides, government forces are continuing to carry out operations against the group.

It is not possible to carry on with the cease-fire in these circumstances, Khurasani said.

TTP's threat on Pakistan

The terror group has been behind numerous attacks on Pakistani security forces and civilians over the last 14 years. TTP was also behind a 2014 attack on an army-run school in the northwestern city of Peshawar that killed 154 people, mostly schoolchildren.

They are a separate group from the Taliban in Afghanistan, who took over that country in August. However, the two groups are close allies and TTP leaders and terrorists have over the years sought sanctuary across the border in Afghanistan.

(With inputs from agencies)

Image: AP/Representativeimage
Nicaraguas decision to sever diplomatic relations with Taiwan and favour China leaves Taipei with just 14 diplomatic allies. Nicaraguas decision to back Beijing followed a trend among Central American nations such as Panama and Costa Rica which have also switched to China in recent years. Now, there are mostly small countries in the Pacific, Caribbean, Latin America and Southern Africa that support Taiwan, the self-governing island democracy.

Taiwans last allies include Belize, eSwatini (formerly known as Swaziland), Guatemala, Haiti, the Holy See (the central administration of the Roman Catholic Church), Honduras, the Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Paraguay, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Tuvalu. But it is to mention that officials from a newly-elected government in Honduras had also pledged to sever the decades-long alliance with Taiwan and establish diplomatic ties with Beijing. However, for now, it continues to maintain ties with the self-governing island nation.

History behind China-Taiwan diplomatic rivalry

Taiwan is formally known as the Republic of China (ROC), whose government retreated to the island at the end of the Chinese civil war in 1949. The ROC government and the Chinese Communist Party worked briefly together during World War II against the Japanese invasion. However, later the two sides turned on each other.

While countries including North Korea and the Soviet Union moved to recognise Beijing, the US and its allies blacked Taiwan. But as support for China held steady, the self-governing island lost the backing of major states such as France and the UK. Taiwan previously also represented China at the UN but in 1971 it was expelled - in favour of the Peoples Republic of China based in Beijing. During that time, as the ROC government maintained that it represented China, it did not rejoin the international agency under a new name.

The biggest blow for Taiwan came in 1979 when the US moved its embassy to Beijing and ended a defence treaty with Taipei. Over the course of rivalry between China and Taiwan, some countries have changed sides multiple times. However, overall China got the upper hand. In 2008, Taiwans election of the China-friendly Ma Ying-jeou as president also brought about a diplomatic truce as Ma recognised the one-China principle. But this came to a crashing end with the election of popular independence-leaning Tsai Ing-wen, who refused to endorse the principle.

Since Tsais win in 2016, the tensions between China and Taiwan have only soared. China has been aggressively picking off Taiwans last remaining diplomatic allies as its global power and influence grew. Beijing has also worked to shut Taipei out of most international bodies. Even amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Taiwan has been deprived of its observer status at the World Health Assembly.

China, on the other hand, has used its influence and veiled threats to shut the island out of even small groupings. Notably, since Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen took office in 2016, Taipeis allies have dwindled from 21 to now only 14. While China demands Taiwan recognise the one-China principle, Taipei continues to see itself as a democratically-governed independent country, although it never formally declared independence from China.

(Image: AP)


Human rights activists in Bangladesh on World Human Rights Day protested against the blatant breach of human rights in China, Pakistan, and other countries. According to ANI, Bangladesh Social Activists Forum organized a "horse carts rally" to demonstrate against Chinas ethnic cleansing of minority community Uyghurs and abuses against the minorities in Pakistan's Balochistan.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted on December 10, 1948, by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Bangladeshs human rights activists marched in Dhaka in a "horse carts rally to spread awareness about human rights and outline the crimes against humanity committed by Pakistan and China.

According to ANI, the horse cart started from National Press Club to Dhaka University, Shahbagh, Karwan Bazar, Banglamator, Magbazar, Kakrail, Vijaynagar, and Paltan and passed in front of the DMP Commissioner's Office. Slogans were raised and pamphlets were distributed to raise awareness.

Another prominent human rights organization Bharat Bangladesh Sampreeti Sangsad (BBSS) Welfare Association organized a cycle rally attended by the countrys media workers, leaders of various organizations, students from schools, colleges, and universities. Mohsin Kazi, Joint Secretary General of Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists and Executive Editor of Daily Satyabani was the chief guest at the event.

Activists condemn China's oppression of Uyghurs; Pak Army's brutality

At the rally, participants raised voices against the abuse of the rights committed by China and Pakistan and spread awareness about World Human Rights Day. Bangladeshs activists condemned the state-sponsored oppression of Uyghurs in Beijings Xinjiang province and questioned Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khans inaction on human rights violations in Balochistan. The Bangladesh association also demanded the protection of the Baloch and Sindhi communities via the United Nations intervention.

In front of the Hadith Park in Khulnam, pro-human rights marchers from the Confidence Poverty Alleviation Welfare Organization (CPAWO) demanded the implementation of global human rights and safeguarding the vulnerable minority communities. Activists also condemned the recent mob lynching of the Sri Lankan national in Sialkot by the Pakistani hardliners alleging blasphemy.

The corpse of the Sri Lankan national was later set on fire, sparking shock worldwide. Another rights group Jongibad Pratiroadh Andolan Bangladesh (JPAB) protested against the Pakistan Armys brutality against the minorities in Balochistan as well as the persecution of Uyghur Muslims in China.
Thirteen Chinese military warplanes on Friday entered the Taiwan Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) in the southern part of the island as a part of Beijing's long series of pressure-building incursions on the self-ruled island. Taiwan scrambled to combat the air patrol, sending radio warnings and deploying air defence missile systems to track the Chinese fleet, ANI reported. The said infringement came after Nicaragua on Friday severed ties with Taiwan to establish diplomatic relations with China.

The 13 aircraft that entered Taiwan's ADIZ, included a sortie of two H-6 bombers and a Y-8 electronic warfare plane. The warcraft infringed deep into southeastern ADIZ, Focus Taiwan reported, citing Taiwan Defence Ministry. Among the other 10 aircraft were a Y-8 anti-submarine, a KJ-500 third-generation airborne early warning and control plane (AEW&C), six J-16, and two Chengdu J-10 fighter jets. There have been several such intrusions by Chinese planes into Taiwan ADIZ since September 17 last year, with most occurring in the southwest corner.

27 Chinese airplanes intrude Taiwan air defence zone

As of November 28, around 27 Chinese military aircraft entered Taiwan's buffer zone, the Associated Press reported, citing Taiwan Defence Ministry. The fleet included 18 fighter jets and five H-6 bombers and a Y-20 aerial refuelling aircraft. The incident recorded a spike in intrusions, with about 150 aircrafts entering Taiwan air space in a span of four days. The infringements, as reported by Taiwan Focus, are generally using slow-flying turboprop planes which the Chinese own.

Earlier in October, a total of 38 army planes of the People's Republic of China (PRC) entered Taiwan ADIZ in two separate sortie missions. As per Taiwan Defence Ministry, a fleet of 25 planes infringed the air space during the daytime with the rest 13 followed in the night.

Tensions between China and Taiwan

China, led by Communist President Xi Jinping, considers Taiwan as a breakaway province, which the former has pledged to take back, by force if necessary. However, Taipei sees itself as a democratically-governed independent country, although it never formally declared independence from China. Tensions between Beijing and Taipei have gained momentum since October 1 after the former flew over 100 fighter jets into Taiwan's Air Defence zone. This was followed by the latter's dependence on the US for informal military support. Meanwhile, self-ruled Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen has repeatedly expressed willingness to remain independent against the Chinese goal of 'reunification.' Additionally, Biden affirming US' support to Taiwan against Chinese aggression has further widened Taipei's rift with the mainland.

(With inputs from ANI/AP)

(Image: AP)
India on Friday organised a two-day seminar on Securing Cyberspace in the Contemporary Threat Environment for Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) countries. The event was organised with the help and support of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of SCO (RATS SCO), which is meant to assist the member states in fighting terrorism. According to an MEA press release, the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), Government of India in association with the Data Security Council of India (DSCI), organised the Practical Seminar from 7-8 December.

The India initiative is an effort to enhance the collaboration among RATS SCO member states in a bid to counter the misuse of the internet by terrorists, separatists and extremists. As per the press release, Fridays seminar addressed key areas like policies and strategies, cyber terrorism, ransomware, and digital forensics amongst others. It focused on the changing nature of online crime and criminal behaviour in order to understand threats, trends, issues, responses and ethical questions associated with, mainly terrorists using technology.

SCO states examine range of cyber challenges

Further, the press note said that the seminar examined issues related to the cyber-realm from an interdisciplinary and multi-dimensional perspective, offering a unique look at a range of challenges. The Member States even discussed in detail the technical challenges faced during the Digital Forensics examination. It is to mention that the representatives from the Executive Committee (EC) of RATS SCO and all eight SCO member countries - China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan - attended the seminar.

The Seminar provided Hands-on Practical experience to the participants to enhance the capabilities of respective Law Enforcement Agencies in securing cyberspace from Terrorism, Separatism and Extremism. An Exhibition by various Indian Digital Forensics Tools and Solution providers was also organized to showcase global products and tools, the press note read.

This seminar is the first event to be hosted by the nation after assuming the Chairmanship of RATS SCO in October. But this is the second time, India is hosting such a seminar. The first one was held in Hyderabad in August 2019.

(Image: AP/Pixabay)
On the occasion of International Mountain Day, veteran climber and UN Geneva worker Michel Baronian stated that magnificent and wonderful sites across the world must be respected. He stated that the mountain is similar to the ocean, a place of freedom where one can go anywhere they choose to, UN News reported on Saturday. According to Baronian, he has scaled Mont Blanc, Western Europe's highest mountain (4,807 m), more than 100 times. Baronian, a long-time mountaineer, also has the distinction of climbing peaks higher than 8,000 metres without requiring supplementary oxygen, including Nepal's Annapurna.

"I find a lot of peace and happiness when I am up there. The mountain is my Church. I go there to rediscover myself", he was quoted by the UN News as saying. He further went on to say that he dreams to scale Mount Everest one day. According to the UN report, mountain tourism accounts for 15 to 20% of world tourism. Switzerland has over 200 ski regions and is home to the Monte Rosa, Dom, and Matterhorn, which dominate the terrain above 4,000 metres.

As Switzerland and other mountain countries commemorate International Mountain Day on December 11 under the theme of sustainable mountain tourism, environmentalists and tourism boards are increasingly concerned about keeping the world's mountains clean. On his high-altitude excursions, Baronian has seen his fair share of garbage. He stated that because helicopters are unable to land above 6,000 metres, many high-altitude sites are difficult to reach for cleaning. He also proposed that climbers must be mandated to take a picture of their camps both before and after use, to substantiate that they cleaned up the region themselves. "Although this may seem idealistic, the matter must be highlighted and considered by the entire climbing community," he added.

About International Mountain Day

It is significant to mention here that every year on December 11, the world commemorates International Mountain Day. This day has been set aside to appreciate the magnificent beauty of the world's finest landscapes. Any mountain, from the snow-capped Himalayas to the lush green highlands, is distinct in its own way and home to a diverse range of animals and plants. As per the UN report, nearly 50% of the world's biodiversity hotspots are found in mountains, which are home to almost 15% of the world's population. They supply freshwater to 50% of the worldwide people on a daily basis.

Image: Twitter/@ingravidosRadio
Iran has said that it was probing the possibility of the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) cameras playing a part in an alleged attack on its nuclear facility in Karaj.

On Friday, the Islamic Republics ambassador to the United Kingdom, Mohsen Baharvand, addressed a press briefing wherein he said that some cameras at Iran's Karaj facility were damaged during a sabotage attack earlier this year. He added that a team of experts were currently investigating if those cameras played any role in assisting the attackers.

In June, a drone attacked the Iran Centrifuge Technology Company, or TESA, in the city of Karaj, northwest of capital, Tehran. While the Jewish regime blatantly denied any involvement in the attack, Tehran accused Israeli Secret Service, Mossad, of conducting the attack. At a later press conference, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi hinted at a possible Israeli involvement in the annihilation.

It should be mentioned here that earlier this year, the UN Nuclear Agency, IAEA, said that Mossad had obliterated some of their equipment at the Iranian Nuclear Facility.

'We've asked IAEA to wait': Ambassador Mohsen Baharvand

Bharvand said that Tehran had asked the IAEA to wait till the time it becomes clear if the cameras were involved or not. We just asked IAEA to wait for a time for that investigation to be over, Baharvand told reporters.

In November, IAEA director General Grossi had categorically dismissed the idea that the agencys camera played any kind of role in aiding a third party in conducting the attacks.

Notably, the development comes at a time the seventh round of talks on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), popularly dubbed the Iran Nuclear Deal, resume.

In 2015, P5+1 nations signed the JCPOA allowing Iran relief from an arms embargo on the condition that Tehran scale down its uranium enrichment programme. However, in 2018, then US President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from the deal. Joe Biden after assuming office as US President had vowed to revive the deal but clarified that it would happen only after Tehran comes into full compliance with the JCPOA's terms.

(Image: AP)
Burkina Fasos President Roch Marc Christian Kabore on Friday evening picked Lassina Zerbo as the nations Prime Minister. According to a decree signed by Kabore, Zerbo, who was executive secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO), is now the Prime Minister of Burkina Faso. Lassina Zerbo has replaced Christophe Joseph Marie Dabire who was dismissed earlier this week.

Zerbo has served as director of the CTBTOs International Data Centre. He became the PM of Burkina Faso after President Kabore sacked Christophe Joseph Marie Dabire amid weeks of anti-government protests in which demonstrators criticised his administrations inability to stem extremist attacks by al-Qaeda and the Islamic State across the West African nation. According to AP, Dabire was removed as a result of the Presidents commitment to setting up a tighter and more cohesive government.

Know more about Lassina Zerbo

Meanwhile, it is to mention that Lassina Zerbo is a geophysicist, who was instrumental in cementing the CTBTOs position as the worlds centre of excellence for nuclear test-ban verification, as well as in driving forward efforts towards the entry into force and universalisation of the CTBT. As the Director of the CTBTOs International Data Centre from 2004 to 2013, Zerbo was the focal point on CTBT issues related to the nuclear tests conducted by North Korea. He even led the CTBT Science and Technology conferences in 2011 and 2013 and managed the successful deployment of the CTBT virtual Data Exploitation Centre (vDEC).

As the Executive Secretary of the CTBTO, Zerbo initiated the establishment of the Group of Eminent Persons (GEM), comprising internationally recognized personalities and experts to promote the Treaty's entry into force and to reinvigorate global endeavours to achieve this goal. Later, he also announced the establishment of the CTBTO Youth Group. Zerbo is known for securing Chinas resumed technical cooperation with the CTBTO, leading to the certification of the first five International Monitoring System stations on Chinese territory.

Zerbo secured a commitment by Cuba to join the Treaty. This led to the establishment of the Technology Support and Training (TeST) Centre in Jordan as well. Zerbo has been awarded Arms Control Person of the Year by the Arms Control Association, USA. In 2015, he also became a Commander of the National Order of Burkina Faso for his work towards the preservation of peace and global security. Zerbo was awarded the Presidential Medal on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Republic of Kazakhstan. He also received Special Honorary Citizenship of the City of Hiroshima. More recently, he was awarded the Order of Merit of the Republic of Madagascar in recognition of his leadership, his action on capacity building, and his promotion of multilingualism.

(Image: Twitter/@KoukaBouba)
Kathmandu, Dec 11 (PTI) Six top Nepali Congress leaders, including incumbent president Sher Bahadur Deuba, filed nomination papers for the party's senior-most position on Saturday.

The Nepali Congress' 14th General Convention was inaugurated at the Bhrikuti Mandap in the capital on Friday, a highly anticipated four-day meet convened by the ruling party to elect the 134-member Central Working Committee and 13 office-bearers, including the party president.

Seventy-five year old Nepal Prime Minister Deuba's party presidency is being challenged by five other contestants, including Prakash Man Singh, son of the Supreme Commander of the 1990 People's Movement, Ganesh Man Singh.

Other candidates include former Deputy Prime Minister Bimalendra Nidhi and Parliamentarian Shekhar Koirala.

At closing time for filing nominations (5.00 PM), the number of applicants for the post of party president were six, sources said.

Six aspirants filed nomination papers for two vacant positions of vice presidents.

Sujata Koirala, daughter of former Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, filed nomination for the post from Man Singh's team. Party spokesperson Vishwo Prakash Sharma filed nomination papers for the post of general secretary, also from Man Singh's team.

A total of 4,743 Nepali Congress delegates will be casting their votes during the election scheduled on Monday.

To be elected president, a candidate must secure 50 per cent plus one vote. If the votes are split a second round will be held.

If no one gets 50 per cent plus one vote in the first and second rounds of voting, then the two candidates with highest votes will contest a round among themselves.

Observers are expecting Prime Minister Deuba to be re-elected as the party president. PTI SBP IND AKJ IND

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
The Russian Defence Ministry has informed that a US Navy reconnaissance aircraft P-8A was discovered approaching the Russian border. Russian fighter Su-30 escorted US reconnaissance aircraft P-8A over the Black Sea on Friday, 10 November, according to news agency Sputnik. The recent development that occurred on the Black Sea was confirmed by the Russian Defence Ministry's National Defence Control Centre (NDCC).

The NDCC claimed that they had detected a target that was approaching the Russian border over the neutral water of the Black Sea. It further stated that they were able to identify the air target and stop it from violating the Russian border. Moreover, Russian fighter Su-30 from the air defence forces was scrambled. The Russian fighter crew traced the air target as US Navy reconnaissance aircraft P-8A.

"To identify the air target and prevent it from breaching the Russian state border, a Su-30 fighter from the air defense forces of the Southern Military District was scrambled. The crew of the Russian fighter identified the air target as a US Navy reconnaissance aircraft P-8A and escorted it over the waters of the Black Sea," the NDCC said as per Sputnik.

US Navy reconnaissance aircraft P-8A.was escorted to the water of the Black Sea. The US military aircraft went back from the Russian state border while the Russian fighter returned to the airfield. The Russian authorities informed that the action was conducted according to international rules for the use of airspace.

Russia detected US Air Force reconnaissance aircraft

Earlier in November, the Russian Defence Ministry had alleged that reconnaissance and strike control aircraft of USAF E-8C was tracked in the water area of the Black Sea on November 9. According to the Russian Defence Ministry, the aircraft, which departed from the Ramstein airbase in Germany, was accompanied by radar means of anti-aircraft missile forces of Russian Aerospace Forces. The American aircraft E-8C flew from Ramstein airbase in Germany for 5 hours and 13 minutes. The Russian Defence Ministry further added that the armed forces of the country continue to monitor the situation in the Black Sea region. The US activity in the area causes destabilisation in the Black Sea region, it noted.
A recent report released by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has revealed that in spite of several repeated urges for significant action to decrease catastrophic fatalities during migration journeys throughout the world every year, the number of migrant deaths in 2021 has topped 4,470.

The latest addition to the number came after a truck crashed in Chiapas, Mexico, killing over 50 people. As per IOM's Missing Migrants Project, over 45,400 fatalities have been documented since 2014.

More than 45,000 people have lost their lives while migrating since 2014, almost 4,500 of them this year alone. @UNMigration urges countries to develop policies and practices to reduce the risks that many people on the move are forced to take. https://t.co/RWor1lW5AI  United Nations (@UN) December 10, 2021

Frank Laczko, the Director of IOMs Global Migration Data Analysis Centre (GMDAC), said, COVID-19 has meant an unprecedented decrease in human mobility, but the Missing Migrants Project still documents deaths almost every day.

This year's death toll has already surpassed the 4,236 deaths reported in 2020. Given the fact that fatalities are sometimes not reported for weeks or months, the ultimate toll in 2021 is likely to be significantly higher.

Migrant deaths worldwide

In 2021, the number of fatalities and disappearances on various migration routes throughout the world, particularly in Europe and the Americas, has grown. Nearly 54 migrants had lost their lives in the truck accident on Thursday, which has been considered to be the single worst occurrence for migrants in Mexico since the UN-affiliated International Organization for Migration began tracking deaths in 2014.

This year, since 2014, 651 migrants died trying to cross Mexico's border with the United States. This rise is particularly alarming because most of the data for this border area is not released and will not be published until the end of the year.

Further, this year, there were 1,121 deaths in the Americas- much greater than in previous years. In addition to this, another 2,720 deaths had been registered on migratory routes to and within Europe, further making 2021 the deadliest year since 2018.

Till now, this year, the Central Mediterranean passage has taken the lives of an estimated 1,315 people. Approximately, 937 individuals perished while crossing the Atlantic to reach the Canary Islands in Spain, which can be considered to be far more than any prior year, at least within a decade.

Migration-related mass disasters have become more common, as per IOM. Thus, the agency has called on governments to create policies and practices that would lessen migrant deaths worldwide.

(Image: AP)
The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) on Friday announced to distribute USD 3 million for the displaced people in Waziristan, Khost province in Afghanistan. A report by Khaama press revealed that the aid money would be used to provide food ingredients and fuel to displaced people in the winter season. A total of eight thousand families and more are expected to benefit from the aid, which would be provided in cash for the first time.

Meanwhile, local authorities said UNHCR aid amounting to USD 345 will be given to each family that has a Pakistani ID. Thousands of Pakistani citizens crossed the Durand Line to enter the Khost province of Afghanistan after the country's police launched rampart military operations. While the displaced families continue to reside west of the border, Islamabad has been making constant efforts to lure people back home. According to ANI, Pakistani authorities, in addition to the given aid, have offered extra cash to families which agree to return to Pakistan.

UN ensuring essential services in Khost

According to the UN Agency, "Some 76,000 Pakistani refugees are registered in Khost and verified in Paktika; while the total population is estimated to be approximately 100,000. With the emergency phase of displacement over, UNHCR is transitioning to a protection strategy built on targeted assistance to persons with specific needs and designed to build capacity, self-reliance and resilience, while coordinating with partners and advocating with donors to ensure continuity of essential services for the refugee population; including basic health care, WASH, and education among others."

While Pakistani refugees are battling adverse conditions, Afghanistan itself is shadowed by a gruelling migrant crisis. Several humanitarian organisations, in addition to UN, are expressing grave concerns over the deteriorating living conditions in the war-ravaged nation. According to Tolo News, thousands of people in Afghanistan still lack access to proper shelter in wintertime. Humanitarian groups have also raised caution that millions of children could die as the international community continues to maintain economic restrictions, citing the illegitimacy of the interim Taliban government.

(Representative Image: AP)

(With inputs from agencies)
Amid the ever-escalating tensions between Ukraine and Russia, the top diplomats of the Group of Seven (G7) pitched voices against Moscow aggression, reported AP. The diplomats who were gathered beside the River Mersey in Liver pool urged the countries to unite against Russia's intent to evade Ukraine. Calling Moscow aggression as "malign behaviour" against Kyiv, the host country, UK called for obstructing the intention of both Russia and China. British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, who welcomed US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the other G-7 counterparts at the Museum of Liverpool on Saturday, appealed to the nations to defend themselves against the soaring threats from "malicious" actors.

"We need to defend ourselves against the growing threats from hostile actors," AP quoted Truss as saying to the inter-governmental political forum that consists of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States.

"And we need to come together strongly to stand up to aggressors who are seeking to limit the bounds of freedom and democracy," added Trus.

 Met @SecBlinken in Liverpool for #G7 following the successful  Summit for Democracy. We discussed:



 Support for Ukraine in face of Russian aggression



 Importance of reliable and honest investment into developing countries



 Stopping Iran acquiring nuclear weapons pic.twitter.com/5Z29LLzPXb  Liz Truss (@trussliz) December 10, 2021

 Today I welcome our #G7 friends to the fantastic city of Liverpool. I will be calling for:



 A show of unity against aggressors, including Russia



 The defence and advancement of freedom and democracy 



 Closer economic, tech & security tieshttps://t.co/4d5g9s8u4w  Liz Truss (@trussliz) December 11, 2021

Why the uproar against Russia from UK and US

Notably, a statement from the British Foreign Secretary two days after POTUS Biden and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin held a video call on several issues, particularly Ukraine. According to US intelligence input, around 70,000 Russian troops are pressed near the Ukraine border by Putin and the forces have reportedly made all preparations to "invade Ukraine" next year. In response, the US on multiple occasions warned Russia to impose economic sanctions. "You can call that a threat. You can call that a fact. You can call that preparation. You can call it whatever you want to call it," said White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki during a presser earlier this week.

UK calls for better options than Kremlin's Nord Stream-2

Meanwhile, after meeting greeting G7 diplomats, Truss met Blinken on the sidelines of the most touted conference. As per the statement released by the UK, both the diplomats expressed deep concern over the Russian aggression, and said, "any incursion by Moscow would be a strategic mistake for which there would be serious consequences."

Further, Truss appealed to the participants to build a better option against Russia's most ambitious project-Nord Stream 2- that connects Moscow to Germany.

It is pertinent to mention here that UK does not depend on Russian Nord Pipeline and has emerged as one of the biggest critics of the project. However, experts familiar with the political and diplomatic development between Russia and UK asserts that Londons financial district and property market are major hubs for Russian money.

"There have been decisions made by the free world...in the short term to obtain cheap energy or cheap financing, and that has a long-term cost for freedom and democracy," Truss said. "And we cant make that mistake again," she added.

With inputs from AP

Image: AP
Isabel dos Santos, once Africas richest woman and the daughter of Angolas former President, has been placed under visa restriction by the United States because of her involvement in significant corruption. According to BBC, the US State Department on Thursday said that Dos Santos was subjected to restrictions because she used her position to engage in corruption by misappropriating public funds for her personal benefit. Now, the visa restrictions issued by the US will bar Dos Santos and her immediate family members from entering America.

According to the media outlet, Dos Santos was chair of the state oil company while her father Jose Eduardo dos Santos was the president of Angola. In 2013, Forbes had declared the 48-year-old the richest woman in Africa, with an estimated net worth of $3.5 billion. However, in 2020, she was dropped from the list, with Forbes estimating that $1.6 billion assets are frozen in Angola and Portugal.

On Thursday, Dos Santos was targeted alongside other individuals across Africa, Latin America and Eastern Europe as the US scaled up its efforts to target graft across the globe, including visa bans and financial sanctions. Among others who were sanctioned by the United States were two Angolan power-brokers who were close to the former president. As per the report, they were designated under so-called Global Magnitsky sanctions, which are used to target foreign officials implicated in alleged corruption or human rights abuses.

Who is Isabel dos Santos?

Meanwhile, coming back to Isabel dos Santos, previously, it was revealed that the 48-year-old had made her fortune through allegedly exploiting her own nation and corruption. BBC reported on leaked documents when said that Dos Santos got access to lucrative deals involving land, oil, diamonds and telecoms when her father was the president. The documents even showed how she and her husband were allowed to buy valuable state assets in a series of suspicious deals.

According to AP, Dos Santos heads a vast business empire, controlling companies in Angola and Portugal. She is fluent in Portuguese and English and describes herself as an engineer, entrepreneur, investor and a public figure. Dos Santos earlier had even said that she succeeded in amassing such wealth because of her education and her business acumen, and not because of her fathers connection.

(Image: AP)


On the 73rd anniversary of the UN adoption of the Human Rights declaration, the United States designated 12 officials, including 4 Chinese nationals, for their alleged involvement in gross human rights violations. The announcement was made by US Department of State Secretary Antony Blinken on December 10, as a part of the US' idea to promote accountability for human rights violations. The individuals were designated by the Department of State under Section 7031(c) for repression and mass human rights abuse. Notably, the designation comes after US formally announced a diplomatic boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics after Peng Shuai's case, who went missing for weeks after she accused a Chinese Communist Party (CCP) official of sexual assault.

The designated Chinese officials include Shohrat Zakir, Erken Yuniyaz, Hu Lianhe and Chen Mingguo, current and the former senior People's Republic of China (PRC) officials in Xinjiang, US State Department said in a statement. The officials were allegedly responsible for multiple breaches of human rights, including the arbitrary detention of Uyghurs, who are predominantly Muslim, and members of other ethnic and religious minority groups in Xinjiang, the statement added. Additionally, Shohrat Zakir and Erken Tuniyaz were also designated by the Department of the Treasury under the Global Magnitsky sanctions program in connection with serious human rights abuse.

On this #HumanRightsDay, we are designating 12 officials for their involvement in gross violations of human rights. As part of our commitment to put human rights at the center of U.S. foreign policy, we will continue to promote accountability for human rights violators.  Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) December 10, 2021

8 other individuals designated by the US

Apart from the 4 Chinese officials, the US also designated 8 others from Uganda, Belarus, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Mexico. Benazir Ahmed, who is the current Inspector General of the Bangladesh Police and former Director-General of Bangladeshs Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), has been added to the list and Miftah Uddin Ahmed, Lieutenant Colonel and former commanding officer of RAB Unit 7. The men are said to be involved in a gross violation of human rights, mainly in the May 2018 extrajudicial killing of Teknaf City Municipal Councillor Ekramul Haque in Teknaf, Coxs Bazar District, Bangladesh, the State Department mentioned.

From Sri Lanka, Chandana Hettiarachchi, a Sri Lankan naval intelligence officer and Sunil Ratnayake, a former Staff Sergeant in the Sri Lanka Army have also been designated for violating human rights. While Hettiarachchi is accused of flagrant denial of the right to liberty of at least eight Trincomalee 11 victims, from 2008 to 2009, Ratnayake was involved in the extrajudicial killings of at least eight Tamil villagers in December 2000.

Mario Plutarco Marin Torres, a former governor of Puebla, Mexico was held accountable for human rights violations in Mexico. The officials were involved in the arbitrary detention of journalist and human rights defender Lydia Cacho in December 2005. Lastly, Abel Kandiho, Major General and head of the Chieftancy of Military Intelligence within the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces was also designated for his involvement in a gross violation of human rights, namely torture.

On the other hand, the Department of Treasury office for Foreign Assets Control also imposed sanctions on 15 individuals, 10 entities for their roles in serious abuse of human rights across several countries.

"These designations underscore our support for human rights and commitment to promoting accountability for human rights abusers and violators the world over, " the State Department said in its statement.

(Image: @SecBlinken/Twitter)
A California man arrested for assaulting police among other charges during the January 6 Capitol coup incident has escaped to Belarus, US officials, informed The Hill. 49 years old, Evan Neumann, of Mill Valley, was charged with 14 counts in connection with the January 6 insurgency at the United States Capitol, including assaulting police officers.

The Capitol riot attempted to disrupt a joint session of the United States Congress that was confirming President Joe Biden's win against then-President Donald Trump in the November 3, 2020 election. The siege came after Trump called on supporters to march on the Capitol in a last-ditch attempt to reject the election results at a rally near the White House earlier that day.

Neumann was charged on March 23 for physical violence in a restricted facility or grounds, civil disorder, and attacking, resisting, or impeding certain police officials. However, he has not appeared in court yet. According to the press announcement, he escaped the United States on February 16 and is currently thought to be in Belarus. A warrant for his arrest has been issued.

Neumann was "verbally abusing law enforcement attempting to protect the building" for around 30 minutes on January 6, according to court filings. According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia, he then grabbed a metal barricade with his hand and shoved it into the line of officers. Neumann, then joined by others, burst through the barricades after beating the officers with the barricade and his fist, the release stated.

719 people charged in connection with the Capitol insurgency

According to the press release, Neumann assaulted one Capitol police officer and three Metropolitan Police Department officers throughout the day. Neumann stated in a November interview with the Belarus state media that he fled the US because he was frightened of being tortured in the American court system. He then informed Russian state media that he was interviewed at the airport by the FBI and then released. At least 719 people have been charged in connection with the Capitol insurgency, and only a small number of them have pled guilty so far.

(With inputs from agencies)

Image: AP
WASHINGTON (AP)  The U.S. government announced financial sanctions and other restrictions Friday on 15 people and 10 entities in China, Myanmar, North Korea and Bangladesh to coincide with International Human Rights Day.

The actions announced by the Treasury Department also included investment restrictions on a Chinese company connected to the mass government surveillance operations in China . The sanctions are intended to freeze the targeted people and entities out of the global financial system.

On International Human Rights Day, Treasury is using its tools to expose and hold accountable perpetrators of serious human rights abuse , Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo said in announcing the measures.

The measures include a ban on travel to the U.S. for two Chinese government officials who have been involved with the repression of Uyghurs and other minorities in the far western Xinjiang region of their country.

Shohrat Zakir, the chairman of the region from 2018-2021, and Erken Tuniyaz, who holds the position now and was previously vice chairman, presided over a repressive campaign of forced assimilation that has imprisoned more than 1 million people under brutal conditions and forced labor.

Treasury imposed investment restrictions on Chinese firm SenseTime Group Ltd., which is involved with the development of facial recognition programs that can determine a person's ethnicity and has been used as part of the surveillance campaign against Uyghurs and other predominantly Muslim minorities.

This latest batch of sanctions also includes actions on officials in Bangladesh who are involved with the country's anti-drug Rapid Action Battalion, a task force founded in 2004 that has been implicated in more than 600 disappearances and nearly 600 extrajudicial killings, with evidence suggesting they have targeted opposition party members, journalists and human rights activists, Treasury said.

The sanctions also include measures against officials and entities in Russia and North Korea who participate in the use of North Korean workers overseas, often in abusive conditions, to generate hard currency for the repressive government.

Actions against four officials in Myanmar and several entities are the latest in a series of U.S. sanctions since the military overthrew the democratically elected government on Feb. 1, followed by a violent crackdown on opposition in the months since.

The situation in Myanmar is among the issues Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to address next week when he meets with officials in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
The US has requested that Julian Assange be extradited to the United States so that he can face charges of espionage and computer misuse stemming from WikiLeaks' disclosure of thousands of classified military and diplomatic documents. Julian Assange, a journalist from Australia and founder of WikiLeaks has been a lightning rod for both criticism and admiration since WikiLeaks began posting confidential material more than a decade ago. Some regard him as a reckless secret-spiller who put the lives of informers and others who assisted the US in conflict zones in jeopardy. While others claim that Wikileaks exposed official wrongdoing that governments intended to keep hidden. The United States has asked UK authorities to extradite Assange so that he can face trial on 17 counts of espionage and one count of computer misconduct stemming from Wikileaks' publishing of thousands of secret military and diplomatic documents.

Assange, 50, is presently detained in London's high-security Belmarsh Prison. He was ordered to remain in detention until the result of the extradition proceedings by the High Court.

Sweden imposed Rape & Sexual Assault charges on Assange in 2010

Since his arrest in April 2019 for jumping bail during a separate court struggle, Assange has been held in custody. He had been holed up within Ecuador's embassy in London for seven years before that. In 2012, Assange took refuge in the embassy to avoid extradition to Sweden, where he was accused of rape and sexual assault. In 2010, a Swedish woman named in the press as Miss A claimed that Assange tampered with a condom while having sexual intercourse with her during a visit to Stockholm. During the same visit, another woman, Miss W, accused him of similar abuse. Because so much time had passed, Sweden terminated the sex offences investigations in November 2019.

Moreover, district Judge Vanessa Baraitser denied the US plea to extradite Assange in January, stating that the Australian citizen was likely to commit suicide if kept in the harsh conditions of a US prison, according to various media reports. Later, US authorities assured Assange that he would not be subjected to the stringent conditions that his lawyers claimed would jeopardise his physical and mental health. A UK appeals court on Friday overturned a previous court ruling that Julian Assange's mental state was too frail to sustain incarceration in America, paving the way for his extradition to the United States on spying allegations.

US assures to treat Assange humanely

As Assange sought his freedom, and a way to avoid the Americans, both points of view have been contested. The United States' guarantees about Assange's incarceration, acquired after the lower court ruling, were enough to ensure he would be treated humanely, the High Court of London found. Assange's lawyers have stated that they will file an appeal. The High Court ordered the lower court judge to forward the extradition request to Home Secretary Priti Patel, who would decide whether or not to extradite Assange to the United States for trial.

According to the court, if Assange is convicted, he will not be sent to the "supermax" penitentiary in Florence, Colorado, which is the country's highest-security prison. They also promised that he would not be subjected to special administrative measures, such as segregation from other inmates and the loss of rights like visits, writing, and telephone use. They also stated that he would be able to serve any prison sentence in Australia, where he was born.

Charges against Assange contain maximum prison penalty of 175 years

According to American authorities, Assange illegally assisted Chelsea Manning, a US Army intelligence analyst, in stealing sensitive diplomatic cables and military data, which WikiLeaks eventually published, endangering lives. The charges against Assange contain a maximum prison penalty of 175 years, however, US attorneys have told British courts that the longest sentence ever imposed for such a crime was five years and three months.

Assange's lawyers say that their client should not have been charged because he was functioning as a journalist, which is protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, which guarantees press freedom. They claim that the documents he released exposed US military misbehaviour in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Whereas, human rights activists claim that the US administration is attempting to silence its opponents. Despite the fact that the British High Court did not rule on the charges' merits, the extradition procedures have sparked a broader debate regarding Assange's predicament.

(With inputs from agencies)

Image: AP
The order comes as an American diplomat visits Cambodia for talks on bilateral and regional issues.

Prime Minister Hun Sen on Friday ordered his military to collect and destroy any U.S.-made arms found in Cambodia, lashing out at an arms embargo imposed by Washington as an American diplomat visited Phnom Penh for talks on bilateral and regional issues.

The U.S. imposed an embargo on arms sales to the Southeast Asian country on Wednesday, citing concerns about deepening Chinese military influence in the country.

China is backing the refurbishment of a naval base at Reap, near Cambodias port of Sihanoukville. The Wall Street Journal reported in 2019 that a secret treaty had been signed granting the Chinese Navy use of the base for 30 years. The Cambodian government called the report fake news.

Writing on his Facebook page on Friday, Hun Sen said that U.S.-made weapons and equipment must be collected to store in warehouses or destroyed.

Countries that have used U.S. weapons in the past have mostly lost wars, Hun Sen said, citing the examples of the U.S.-backed Cambodian government of President Lon Nol, which was overthrown in 1975 by the Khmer Rouge, and more recently of Afghanistan.

Hun Sen in his Facebook post also warned Cambodias younger generation not to use U.S.-made weapons if they want to protect their countrys independence.

Hun Sens comments came as U.S. diplomat Derek Chollet visited Cambodia for talks with government representatives, civil society groups and journalists on human rights, the political crisis in Myanmar, and Cambodias plans for its 2022 chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Human rights were a major focus of discussions, said Chollet, who is the State Department counselor.

Today, on Human Rights Day, I was honored to meet members of Cambodian civil society to hear their views on human rights, the environment, labor conditions, and press freedom, Chollet wrote on his Twitter account on Friday.

Promoting respect for human rights is central to U.S. foreign policy in Cambodia and around the world.

In a statement Friday, Phil Robertson, the deputy Asia director for New York-based Human Rights Watch, called for U.S. pressure on Hun Sen to end the rapidly expanding crackdown on his political opponents thats resulted in widespread arrests, mass show trials, and aggressive pursuit of recognized refugees overseas.

Writing before Chollets meetings, he said: The worsening onslaught on democratic norms, media freedom, and human rights in Cambodia cannot simply be ignored because Hun Sen enjoys the spotlight as ASEAN chair.

The announcement of an arms embargo by the Department of Commerce on Wednesday was the latest in a series of measures targeting the kingdoms growing ties to Beijing.

The move followed the imposition in November of sanctions against two senior Cambodian military officials Washington alleged had conspired to illicitly profit from the Ream refurbishment project.

Cambodias Supreme Court dissolved the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) in November 2017 over an alleged plot backed by the United States to topple the Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP) government of Hun Sen, who has ruled Cambodia for over 35 years.

The move to ban the CNRP was part of a wider crackdown by Hun Sen on the political opposition, NGOs, and the independent media. Scores of supporters of the group have since been incarcerated, awaiting a tortuous legal process made slower by COVID-19 restrictions.

Reported by RFAs Khmer Service. Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Richard Finney.
Co-winner Dmity Muratov calls for a minute of silence to honor fallen journalists around the world.

Nobel Peace Prize laureates Maria Ressa of the Philippines (left) and Dmitry Muratov of Russia wave to well-wishers from the balcony of the Grand Hotel in Oslo on Dec. 10, 2021 following the prize award ceremony.

Philippine journalist Maria Ressa took aim at American social media companies for allowing the toxic sludge of disinformation to spread online and impede the work of reporters worldwide, as she accepted the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo on Friday.

The crusading Philippine editor and CEO of the news website Rappler is one of two journalists to receive the rare honor of being named co-winners of the worlds most prestigious peace prize. When she set up the Rappler company almost 10 years ago, Ressa said she tried to put together two sides of a coin that she believes shows all that is wrong in todays world.

Journalists, the old gatekeepers, are one side of the coin, Ressa said during her acceptance speech at Oslo City Hall.

The other is technology, with its god-like power that has allowed a virus of lies to infect each of us, pitting us against each other, bringing out our fears, anger and hate, and setting the stage for the rise of authoritarians and dictators around the world.

According to Ressa, the need of the hour is to transform hate and violence.

[T]he toxic sludge thats coursing through our information ecosystem, prioritized by American internet companies that make more money by spreading that hate and triggering the worst in us well, that just means we have to work much harder.

Press freedom activists said Ressa had been targeted for Rapplers critical coverage of President Rodrigo Dutertes five-year war on illegal drugs, which has left thousands dead. Duterte has accused Ressa of spreading fake news.

In June last year, she and a former colleague were convicted of cyber libel. Ressa and her colleague face up to six years in prison  they are currently free on bail pending an appeal.

In less than 2 years, the Philippine government filed 10 arrest warrants against me. Ive had to post bail 10 times just to do my job, she said in her lecture.

Last year, I and a former colleague were convicted of cyber libel for a story we published 8 years earlier at a time the law we allegedly violated didnt even exist. All told, the charges I face could send me to jail for about 100 years.

Ressa also described social media as a deadly game for power and money.

[D]estructive corporations have siphoned money away from news groups and now pose a foundational threat to markets and elections, she said.

She cited a disinformation campaign waged by China last year that undermined her own news operation.

To show how disinformation is both a local and global problem, take the Chinese information operations taken down by Facebook in Sept 2020: it was creating fake accounts using AI generated photos for the U.S. elections, polishing the image of the Marcoses, campaigning for Dutertes daughter, and attacking me and Rappler, Ressa said.

Maria Ressa of the Philippines (left) is applauded by laureate Dmitry Muratov of Russia as she is presented with the Nobel Peace Prize diploma and medal during the award ceremony for the Nobel Peace prize in Oslo, Dec. 10, 2021. [AFP]

Progress without freedom

Meanwhile, Ressas co-winner, Russia newspaper editor Dmitri Muratov, said he believed the world had fallen out of love with democracy and is beginning to turn to dictatorship.

Weve got an illusion that progress can be achieved through technology and violence, not through human rights and freedoms, he said in his lecture after being presented the Nobel Peace Prize.

This is progress without freedom. It is as impossible as getting milk without having a cow. The dictatorships have secured access to violence. In our country (and not only) it is common to think that politicians who avoid bloodshed are weak. While threatening the world with war is the duty of true patriots.

In this scenario, he said, it is more important than ever for journalists to distinguish between facts and fiction.

The dictatorships have secured access to violence. But he warned this was a dangerous venture.

Over a hundred journalists, media outlets, human rights defenders and NGOs have recently been branded as foreign agents. In Russia, this means enemies of the people, he said.

Many of our colleagues have lost their jobs. Some have to leave the country. Some are deprived of the opportunity to live a normal life for an unknown period of time. Maybe forever.

Since its launch two decades ago, Muratovs newspaper, Novaya Gazeta, has repeatedly written about alleged corruption in the Russian government  and many link that to the killings of six of the papers reporters.

But this is their mission, he said, speaking of journalists who risk their lives.

As governments continually improve the past, journalists try to improve the future.

Muratov said his Nobel was for all true journalism.

This award is to my colleagues from Novaya Gazeta, who have lost their lives . This award is also to the colleagues who are alive, to the professional community who perform their professional duty, Muratov said.

He then called for a minute of silence to honor fallen journalists around the world.

Let us rise and honor my and Maria Ressas reporter colleagues, who have given their lives for this profession, with a minute of silence, and let us give our support to those who suffer persecution, he said.

I want journalists to die old.

Ressa to co-head new fund for shielding journalists

Earlier this week, United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken, praised the extraordinary work of journalists and media workers worldwide, including Ressa and Muratov.

And yet, as we all know, for too many journalists, doing this work means having to endure threats, harassment, attacks, he said, speaking at a panel ahead of U.S. President Joe Bidens Summit for Democracy held on Dec. 9-10.

The top U.S. diplomat also announced three new funding initiatives to protect reporters and support independent international journalism worldwide.

One of these initiatives, the International Fund for Public Interest Media, will be co-chaired by Ressa and New York Times CEO Mark Thompson, according to an Oct. 1 article in Rappler. The fund is part of a global push to support public interest media organizations worldwide.

Having co-chairs of the stature of Maria and Mark is a testament to the scope and ambition of the Fund, and a sign of the progress weve made, said Sheetal Vyas, the funds founding director.

The International Fund makes supporting independent media simple, effective and most likely to develop the long term strategies that can address the business model collapse.

Reported by BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service.
Shohrat Zakir (R), chairman of the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region, speaks next to his deputy, Erken Tuniyaz (L), at a news conference in Beijing, Dec. 9, 2019. Both men were sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury department on Dec. 10, 2021 for their role in repression in Xinjiang.

The United States marked International Human Rights Day Friday with the announcement of sanctions on dozens of people and entities tied to rights abuses in China, Myanmar, North Korea and Bangladesh, while blacklisting a Chinese artificial intelligence company.

The financial and visa sanctions came on the final day of President Joe Bidens virtual Summit for Democracy, where he unveiled policies to bolster democracy against threats around the world and appealed for solidarity among some 100 participants.

On International Human Rights Day, Treasury is using its tools to expose and hold accountable perpetrators of serious human rights abuse, Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo said in a statement.

Our actions today, particularly those in partnership with the United Kingdom and Canada, send a message that democracies around the world will act against those who abuse the power of the state to inflict suffering and repression, he added.

The sanctions on China slapped a U.S. visa ban on the current and previous chairmen of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China (XUAR), Erken Tuniyaz and Shohrat Zakir, and came a day after a tribunal in London found that Chinese policies in the region constituted genocide.

During their tenures, more than one million Uyghurs and members of other predominantly Muslim ethnic minority groups have been detained in Xinjiang, Treasury said in a statement.

Surveillance with facial recognition

Both Tuniyaz and Zakir, ethnic Uyghurs, presided over intrusive surveillance in Xinjiang using the Integrated Joint Operations Platform, an artificial intelligence system that tracks millions of Uyghurs through biometric records and digital surveillance. I a program that resulted in mass detentions, the statement said.

The mass detention of Uyghurs is part of an effort by PRC authorities to use detentions and data-driven surveillance to create a police state in the Xinjiang region, it added.

For its development of a facial recognition programs that can determine a targets ethnicity, with a particular focus on identifying ethnic Uyghurs, the Chinese artificial intelligence company SenseTime was added to a list of "Chinese military-industrial complex companies, and subject to a U.S. investment ban, said Treasury.

In a move also taken by Canada and the United Kingdom, the U.S. imposed financial sanctions on four regional ministers of the military junta that overthrew Myanmars elected government on Feb. 1. One is Myo Swe Win, who heads the juntas administration in the Bago region, where 82 people were killed in a single day in April, Treasury said.

Sanctions were also slapped on military entities for their role in military attacks on civilians, including the Directorate of Defense Industries, the Quartermaster General Office, and the Myanmar War Veterans Organization, the statement said.

The persons sanctioned today are associated with the military regimes ongoing attacks on democracy and brutal repression, Treasury said.

So far 1,325 civilians have been killed since the military takeover, with nearly 8,000 arrested, according the Bangkok-based NGO, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners.

Treasury also sanctioned North Koreas Central Public Prosecutors Office for using courts to prosecute and punish persons for political wrongdoing in a legal process involving fundamentally unfair trials that send people to the countrys horrific prison camps.

Sanctions were also imposed on North Koreas government-run animation studio, SEK Studio, for using front companies to evade sanctions and raise money for the country offering cheap animation work, and on the Russian university European Institute Justo for facilitating North Korean labor exports.

Much more is needed

Financial sanctions on the notorious Bangladeshi police unit Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and six of its current and former officers, saying they were responsible for serious human rights abuses.

The force, comprising members of the police, army, navy, air force, and border guards, is accused of more than 600 enforced disappearances in the past 12 years, a similar number of extrajudicial killings, and use of torture, the Treasury statement said.

The announcement of the sanctions came a day after the Uyghur Tribunal, an independent panel in London ruled that Chinese policies toward Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in the XUAR constituted genocide and that Chinese authorities committed seven out of 11 crimes against humanity recognized by the International Criminal Court.

"Those who are responsiblesuch as Chen Quanguo, Erkin Tuniyaz, and Shohrat Zakirfor these crimes should not miscalculate and think there are no consequences. They will be held to account for these atrocities," he told RFA. Chen is the Communist Party chief of Xinjiang and seen as the architect of repression in the region.

Uyghur advocacy groups hailed the U.S. decision on the heels of the tribunal ruling.

Todays U.S. sanctions prove that those who commit atrocities and are complicit with these crimes will eventually be brought to justice, said Dolkun Isa, president of the World Uyghur Congress.

Its clear those officials who aid and abet Xi Jinpings Uyghur genocide will be held responsible, he added.

Omer Kanat, executive director of the Uyghur Human Rights Project, called the addition of the two top Uyghur officials to the list of sanctioned XUAR officials a welcome but insufficient move.

Shohrat Zakir and Erken Tuniyaz are responsible for unspeakable brutality in the Uyghur homeland. They should be on every countrys sanctions list, he said in a statement.

But even with todays announcement, there are still only 10 PRC officials under U.S. sanctions for the atrocities. Much more is needed, added Kanat.

The sanctions were announced as Biden wound down a two-day online Summit for Democracy.

As this gathering has demonstrated, the democratic world is everywhere, Biden said in closing remarks from the White House.



Autocracies can never extinguish the ember of liberty that burns in the hearts of people around the world, in every portion of the world.

Speaking before the sanctions were unveiled, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin accused the U.S. of trying to weaponize democracy, by openly convening this so-called Summit for Democracy to incite division and confrontation for geopolitical gains."

Reported and translated by Alim Seytoff for RFAs Uyghur Service.
Illegal migration has become out in the open, even as the dangers remain extreme.

Migrants tell of having to walk for weeks on end as part of their journey from Vietnam to Europe. As illegals, they are easily exploited in the countries they travel through.

For Vietnams container people, the journey from their home country to the West must seem relatively routine when they first set out.

They leave home typically with the support of their families, who willingly send their most promising sons or daughters off in hopes they can earn enough to change the familys economic standing in Vietnam.

They meet with smugglers who, though often associated with organized crime syndicates, may at first seem like travel agents, offering tips and forged documents and promising help along the way.

Underwriting the expensive journey is a government that, like the families themselves, wants the extra money flowing back to the Vietnamese economy.

But in truth, the trek, which has been made by tens of thousands of Vietnamese in recent years, remains one of great risk, as seen most vividly in 2019 when 39 migrants were found freezing and gasping for air in the back of a refrigerated lorry in Essex, U.K. None of the victims survived.

This article is part two of a four-part RFA series examining the aftermath of that tragedy two years ago. Vietnamese smuggling networks bring about 18,000 people from Vietnam to Europe each year in what amounts to a $300 million business, according to a 2017 report by the United Nations Economic and Social Council.

One of the surprising aspects of RFAs investigation is how out in the open the illegal migration has become, even as the dangers remain extreme.

Women who make the journey are often sexually assaulted along the route. Migrants are stranded and detained by host countries for weeks at a time. Sources RFA has spoken with talk of having to walk for weeks on end as part of their journey. As illegals, the migrants are easily exploited in the countries they travel through.

Law enforcement agencies have reported increased prevalence of sexual exploitation online and use of technology to facilitate criminal conduct. There have also been delays in the criminal justice system, to the detriment of victims rights, the Group of Experts on Action Against Trafficking in Human Beings with the Council of Europe said in a report on trafficking in Europe in 2020.

And yet sources said neither the Essex tragedy nor the pandemic have slowed the flow of Vietnams container people, as the promise of greater money and freedom, particularly in the U.K., is too great to pass up, with powerful interests promoting the perilous journey.

The VIP route

One smuggler RFA spoke to on the condition of anonymity said he offers a short menu for clients to choose from. The VIP option costs about one billion VND, or about $45,000 USD. For that price, the migrants are taught before they leave Vietnam how to respond to airport officials and border crossing agents in a way that minimizes the risks of raising suspicion.

One smuggler told RFA that he offers a VIP option for about 1 billion VND, or about $45,000 USD, that includes teaching migrants how to respond to airport officials and border crossing agents to reduce raising suspicions. (Reuters)

Our service will provide everything for the migrant from A-Z, the smuggler says. We take them to the airport. We meet them on arrival and provide food and shelter until the contract ends.

Of course, there may be some exceptional circumstances. The traveler could be arrested during the journey. In that case, the contract would be considered unsuccessful, and the traveler bears the fallout.

The VIP service reserves slots for migrants in empty spots on containers shipped from Europe over the English Channel to the U.K., which is the hoped-for destination for most of the travelers due to its perceived economic opportunities and political freedoms. The benefit in these cases is that the drivers of the trucks the containers are attached to know who they are ferrying people.

A more dangerous if cheaper method is called the foot route. Its two-thirds the price of the VIP service, but carries greater risks as the migrants are placed furtively in containers without the drivers knowledge, potentially increasing the chances they could be trapped for long periods of time.

Easy access into Eastern Europe

The collapse of the Soviet Union marked the beginning of an influx of Vietnamese into former Soviet Bloc countries. Migrants today follow routes already established by Vietnamese who came to East Germany, Poland and Czechoslovakia as guest workers during the Communist era.

A cheaper - and more dangerous - way of getting into the United Kingdom, which is the hoped-for destination for most of the travelers, also carries greater risks because the migrants are placed in containers without the drivers knowledge. This increases the chances they could be trapped for long periods of time. (Reuters)

Migrants still have a relatively easy time reaching Eastern European countries as their governments by and large have relaxed policies in order to attract laborers from Vietnam. That leg of the journey is usually legal.

But the true destination is often the wealthier countries further west. Mac Viet Hong, a Vietnamese journalist living in Poland, said most migrants view Eastern Europe as way stations.

Poland is a hot spot because its the gateway for people to transit from Eastern Europe like Ukraine and Russia, she said. Some of the Vietnamese migrants stay if they have friends or family here, but most of them continue on to the West.

Mac Viet Hong said that she knew that some of the victims in the Essex case had traveled first through Poland.

Families who send off their children for better economic and social opportunities almost by definition dont have many resources on their own. The average monthly salary in Vietnam is just several hundred dollars a month.

The only way they can afford to pay smugglers is by going deeply in debt. This is where the government itself offers a helping hand, through high-interest loans from so-called poverty reduction, hunger eradication programs, says Tran Hoang Viet, a 25-year-veteran working alongside German police investigators against Vietnamese nationals and the crime syndicates they operate. Tran Hoang Viet is a pseudonym.

The governments involvement doesnt typically end there, according to Tran Hoang Viet, who lives in Germany.

The brokers usually work very closely with the Vietnamese government to produce the required documents, from A to Z. They take care of the passports too. They also pay local authorities to get transit papers, visas to get to Poland, or Moscow.

So, they have to have agencies or factories over there issuing invitations. Thats how these migrants get there.

Migrants have a relatively easy time reaching Eastern European countries since those governments mostly have relaxed policies in order to attract laborers from Vietnam. But most migrants view Eastern Europe as way stations. (Reuters)

The Department of Overseas Labor of Vietnams Ministry of Labor reported in September 2021 that 41,000 Vietnamese laborers were exported abroad so far this year, despite the Covid-19 pandemic. The numbers show steady increases of migrants traveling to Eastern European countries like Hungary, Bulgaria and Romania.

The first leg of the journey to these countries might be completely legal, Hungarian journalist Nguyen Hoang Linh said. Migrants register with a local company to come and work. Once in Hungary, the workers can travel legally to other parts of the European Union, but they cannot work.

And, of course, for the part of the trip from Germany or France to the U.K., which has left the EU, they have to find smugglers one way or another, Nguyen Hoang Linh said.

German police say smuggling rings bringing Vietnamese across Europe arent exclusively Vietnamese. The networks typically employ citizens of each respective country they pass through, versed in the local landscape.

Each part of the route, theyll have people from that country working for the smuggling organization. They know each other, they know who is mastermind. That means were not just dealing with Vietnamese criminal groups when someone is smuggled from Vietnam to Germany, but perpetrators of a mix of different nationalities, said Chief Detective Nicole Baumann from Germanys Federal Criminal Police Office.

The brokers usually work very closely with the Vietnamese government to produce the required documents, from A to Z. They take care of the passports too. They also pay local authorities to get transit papers, visas to get to Poland, or Moscow, says one Vietnamese man who works with German police investigators against crime syndicates operated by Vietnamese nationals.

Tran Hoang Viet says authorities in Eastern Europe often turn a blind eye to the trafficking, knowing that these migrant groups are just passing through.

Their destination is Western Europe, not Russia, or Ukraine, Slovakia, the Czech Republic or Poland.

Bouts in immigration detention

But if the traffickers often operate with impunity, the migrants still face legal trouble if they get caught. Nguyen Thi Hoa, a woman who made the journey as an illegal migrant from Vinh Phuc province in Vietnam to Poland in 2005, said she was arrested and put into detention three times. Like other sources who are quoted in this series, Nguyen Thi Hoa is a pseudonym.

I was detained the Czech Republic for one day and one night, then released. In Slovakia, I was detained for about a month, then released, she said. I dont know if the government in Slovakia decided to free me or if the smuggling network brought me out. I think the network did, because why would the Slovakian government release me on their own.

Migrants face legal trouble if caught, though the smugglers often are able to gain their release. In fact, one Vietnamese woman told RFA of being arrested and freed three times. This catch-and-release scheme allows local authorities to avoid costly deportation proceedings.

Tuyen Nguyen who has lived in Kiev, Ukraine, since the 1990s and has helped migrants left stranded in the country by traffickers says its in the smugglers interest to bail out the detained.

The networks smuggling Vietnamese people pay off the local law enforcement to release the migrants. Once freed, the smugglers pick them up, and they continue on their way. They dont get paid by the family back home until the migrant has successfully completed their journey so by all means, they have to bring them to Europe, then to the U.K. The local police arrest someone every few days, every few weeks. It continues like that, he said.

This catch and release scheme helped local authorities avoid costly deportation proceedings and resources, he said.

Nguyen Thi Hoa was arrested three times in three different countries, including in France before she crossed into the U.K., is among those considered to have achieved the dream. She reached England safe and sound in 2010, and she has since become a legal resident there.

The death of the Essex 39 serves as a tragic reminder that not everyone is so lucky.

Vietnamese community leaders across Europe say the incident slowed the flow of migrants to the West, but only temporarily.
An American who has fled to Belarus has been indicted on charges of assaulting police officers and other crimes related to the January 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.

Evan Neumann, 49, was indicted in Washington on December 10 on 14 criminal counts. The indictment expands on charges originally contained in a criminal complaint filed against Neumann in March.

The U.S. Attorneys Office in Washington said in a news release that by the time the initial complaint was filed, Neumann had already fled the United States and is currently believed to be in Belarus. The FBI is investigating the case and a warrant has been issued for his arrest, the news release said.

Neumann was interviewed last month by the state-controlled Belarus-1 television channel. He said he had followed the advice of his lawyer and fled to Europe.

He stayed in Switzerland and Italy for some time and then went to Ukraine for four months. In August, Neumann was detained by Belarusian border guards for illegally crossing from Ukraine.

According to Neumann, he decided to flee to Belarus and seek political asylum there after Ukraine's security services started expressing interest in him.

The U.S. doesnt have an extradition treaty with Belarus. The State Department last month declined to comment on the case citing privacy laws.

The riot at the Capitol attempted to interrupt a joint session of the U.S. Congress that was in the process of certifying President Joe Bidens victory over then-President Donald Trump in the November 3, 2020 election. The siege followed a rally near the White House earlier that day in which Trump called on his supporters to march on the Capitol in a last-gasp attempt to overturn the election results.

The indictment says that during the riot Neumann shoved a metal barricade into a line of officers and struck the officers with the barricade and with his fist. In his interview with Belarus-1, Neumann rejected the charges against him, calling them "political persecution."

Since the riot more than 700 people have been arrested for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including over 220 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement.

With reporting by Reuters and the Hill
SOFIA, Bulgaria -- Bulgarian Prime Minister designate Kiril Petkov presented the composition of his future government to the nation as he seeks to end eight months of political deadlock.

Petkov, 41, leader of the newly formed centrist party We Continue the Change (PP), reached an agreement a day earlier with three other left-wing and center-right groups to form a coalition government.

Petkovs party will hold 10 of the 21 ministerial positions, including prime minister and two deputy prime minister posts. The four-party coalition will control 134 seats in Bulgarias 240-seat parliament, which is set to vote on approving the new government on December 13.

Petkov, whose party came in first on an anti-graft platform, told media on December 11 that the future government will have "zero tolerance for corruption and said one of his first priorities will be to reform the Anti-Corruption Commission.

Other top priorities include controlling electricity prices and tackling COVID-19 by speeding up vaccination, he said.

Petkov officially received a mandate to form a new government earlier in the day from President Rumen Radev.

You and the coalition partners have a responsibility to reform the vicious power model inherited from 12 years of authoritarian rule, to tackle corruption and lawlessness, the inequalities and poverty they create, President Rumen Radev said, referring to the governance of Bulgaria's three-time prime minister, Boyko Borisov.

Petkov, the founder of a technology investment company, recalled Bulgaria's months of anti-corruption protests last year and said the country was ready for change.

"It is time, after 32 years, that Bulgarians saw power-holders who care for them; it is time young Bulgarians abroad saw Bulgaria as a promising place to return to, and our parents saw Bulgaria as a place where they can have a worthy pension and live their old age with dignity, he said.

The Balkan country of 7 million has one of the worlds fastest-shrinking populations, as well as the highest income inequality and the lowest COVID-19 vaccination rate in the 27-nation EU.

With reporting by the AP
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi says Tehran is serious in its nuclear talks with world powers in Vienna, the official IRNA news agency reported on December 11.

"We are serious in the negotiations and if the other side is also serious about the removal of the sanctions, we will achieve a good agreement. We are definitely after a good agreement," IRNA quoted Raisi as saying.

His comments come as talks on reviving the 2015 Iran nuclear deal resumed after a few days pause in Vienna earlier this week.

European diplomats urged Tehran to come back with realistic proposals after the Iranian delegation made numerous demands last week that other parties to the accord deemed unacceptable.

State Department spokesman Ned Price said this week that Washington hopes the current round of talks "proceeds differently.

The accord sealed in Vienna in 2015, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, was meant to curb Iran's nuclear program in return for loosened economic sanctions.

All the deal's remaining signatories -- Iran, Britain, France, Germany, Russia, and China -- are talking part in the talks in the Austrian capital.

The talks were put on hold in June after the election of the anti-Western hard-liner Raisi as president.

The United States has participated indirectly in the ongoing talks because it withdrew from the accord in 2018 under then-President Donald Trump. President Joe Biden has signaled that he wants to rejoin the deal.

Washington was planning to send a delegation led by Robert Malley, the special U.S. envoy for Iran, to Vienna over the weekend.

Following the U.S. decision to withdraw and reimpose sanctions against Iran, Tehran has ramped up its nuclear program again by enriching uranium beyond the thresholds allowed in the agreement. Iran has also restricted monitors from the UN nuclear watchdog from accessing its nuclear facilities.

The United States warned it would take "additional measures" to block Iran's ability to earn revenue if diplomacy over the country's nuclear program fails.

"Given the ongoing advances in Iran's nuclear program, [President Joe Biden] has asked his team to be prepared in the event that diplomacy fails and we must turn to other options," White House spokesperson Jen Psaki said on December 9.

With reporting by Reuters, AP, and AFP
Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers are meeting in the northern English city of Liverpool to seek a united front against Russian aggression toward Ukraine.

British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss is hosting the meeting with her G7 counterparts as the wealthy nations face growing tensions, not only with Russia, but also China and Iran.

We need to defend ourselves against the growing threats from hostile actors," Truss said as she opened the meeting of foreign ministers from the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan. And we need to come together strongly to stand up to aggressors who are seeking to limit the bounds of freedom and democracy.

Truss and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met late on December 10 and expressed deep concern about a buildup of Russian troops on Ukraines border, the British government said. The two politicians said any incursion by Russia would be a strategic mistake for which there would be serious consequences.

Blinken and new German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also met the same evening and agreed that a strong response was needed should Moscow escalate, the State Department said in a statement.

Ukraine is at the center of a crisis that triggered a flurry of diplomacy this week over a buildup of tens of thousands of Russian troops near Russias border with Ukraine and concerns that it may be a prelude to invasion.

Truss addressed the buildup in comments to reporters on December 10, saying a military move on Ukraine would be a strategic mistake, and echoed U.S. President Joe Biden in saying an invasion would be met with severe consequences for Moscow.

The situation led to a crisis call between Biden and President Vladimir Putin, who denied that Russia is planning to attack Ukraine and expressed Moscows demand for security guarantees against NATOs expansion to the former Soviet republic.

During the call, Biden told Putin that Moscow will face "severe economic sanctions" should Russian troops launch an attack against Ukraine. Biden also called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy about the situation and held a conference call with the leaders of nine NATO members on the alliances eastern flank.

Zelenskiy has pressed the United States for NATO membership to help defend itself against Russia. The Kremlin has called NATO membership for Ukraine a red line.

While Biden said in June that Ukraine is far from ready for membership in the alliance, his administration has repeatedly stated that Russia does not have veto power over the countrys geopolitical orientation.

Energy Dependency

Truss warned before the meeting that free democratic nations must wean themselves off Russian gas and Russian money to preserve their independence. The issue has again come to the fore in Europe this year amid record-high natural gas prices.

Truss said she wanted to work with other countries to make sure that free democratic nations are able to have an alternative to Russian gas supplies.

Russia supplies Europe with about 35 percent of its natural gas needs, giving it leverage over nations. Some Western officials have accused Russia of using its energy dominance in Europe as a weapon.

Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Ukraine-Russia Tensions? Test your knowledge! Begin

Russias market share could potentially increase in the coming years as European gas production declines, analysts have said. Russia has recently completed Nord Stream 2, a new natural gas pipeline that will double exports to Germany.

The pipeline, which has yet to launch, runs under the Baltic Sea, circumventing Ukraine and depriving the country of about $2 billion in transit fees.

Many European nations oppose the project, which is backed by the German government. Truss met on the sidelines of the G7 meeting with Baerbock, whose Green Party previously spoke out against Nord Stream 2.

The diplomats will also discuss Chinas increased military activity in the Indo-Pacific, efforts to vaccinate the world against the coronavirus, and negotiations in Vienna to try to revive the Iran nuclear deal.

Climate change, tensions in the western Balkans, Afghanistan and North Korea are also on the agenda.

The meeting of top diplomats from the United Kingdom., the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan is the final major event in Britains year as G7 president. Germany will take over the rotating G7 presidency next year.

With reporting by AP, Reuters, and AFP
Environmental protests took place across Serbia for the third Saturday in a row on December 11. Hundreds joined road blockades organized by the Environmental Uprising movement in Belgrade, Nis, and other cities. Their demand was for British-Australian company Rio Tinto to be prevented from mining lithium in western Serbia. Following previous protests with larger turnouts, the Serbian government withdrew a bill on the expropriation of private property and amended a bill on referendums. Critics suspected that the legislation would remove checks and balances for environmentally controversial projects.
BELGRADE -- Environmental activists took to the streets in Serbia for the third consecutive weekend to protest plans for the development of a large lithium mine despite winning some government concessions.

The demonstrators blocked traffic in several cities on December 11 to demand that global mining giant Rio Tinto halt its work at the mine in western Serbia.

The one and only request is to oust Rio Tinto from Serbia and adopt a law banning lithium exploitation, Aleksandar Jovanovic, the organizer of the protest and the head of Ecological Uprising movement, told RFE/RLs Balkan Service.

Fewer people took to the streets this weekend after the government gave in to some of the activists demands.

On December 8 the government announced it was withdrawing from parliament a bill on land expropriation critical for the development of mines, saying it would revisit it for possible changes with input from civic professionals and civil society.

Two days later, the parliament passed a law on referendums that included recommendations proposed by activists.

Development of the mine would be a boon for Serbia's economy. Lithium is used in the production of batteries and its demand is expected to surge over the next two decades as automakers shift to producing electric vehicles.

The production of lithium and batteries could generate billions of dollars in revenue for Serbia and create hundreds if not thousands of jobs. Rio Tinto has said it would strictly follow Serbian ecology laws.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, who backs the projects, called the protests "political." Vucic, an authoritarian leader, is up for reelection in April.

Protesters in Belgrade, the capital, blocked a highway for an hour on December 11. There was no visible police presence and no incidents were reported.

Demonstrations were also held in Nis, Subotica, Kragujevac and Uzice.

Environmental problems are becoming more urgent in the Balkans where lax regulations and corruption have led to high levels of air and water pollution, endangering the health of citizens.
The United States sent 30 Javelin anti-tank guided missile systems to Ukraine in October as part of its annual military aid to help the country deter Russian aggression, the Pentagon confirmed on December 11.



The shipment also included 180 Javelin missiles, the Pentagon said in an e-mail to RFE/RL.



The Javelins were delivered to Ukraine on Oct. 23. The United States has committed more than $450 million in security assistance to Ukraine in 2021, and this is part of our ongoing commitment to supporting Ukraines ability to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, Pentagon spokesman Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Anton T. Semelroth said in the e-mail.



The United States in September said it was sending Javelins to Ukraine as part of an additional $60 million military aid package. However, it did not at the time disclose the number of systems and rockets.



Javelins are lethal weapons that can pierce tank armor. The United States had previously sent Javelin systems to Ukraine to help it defend against possible Russian aggression.



Russia has amassed tens of thousands of combat-ready troops and machinery near its border with Ukraine for the second time this year, raising concerns that the Kremlin could be preparing for an invasion.

Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said last month during a visit to Washington that his nations military needs have shifted as Russian tactics have changed.



He said Ukraine needs U.S. air and naval defense systems now, adding that the nations ground forces were strong. Ukraine lost much of its navy when Russia seized the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea.



Reznikov said the United States agreed to send advisers to Ukraine to study what additional defense systems the country needed.
Russia has blocked off nearly 70 percent of the Sea of Azov around the illegally annexed Crimean Peninsula, the Ukrainian Navy has announced.

Currently, the Russians have issued navigation warnings on restrictions on navigation in certain areas, allegedly in connection with artillery fire in areas near Mariupol, Berdyansk and Henichesk," the Ukrainian Navy said in a statement issued on December 10.

The Russian side has so far neither confirmed nor denied the claims, which come amid heightened tensions and fears of a Russian invasion of Ukraine as it has massed tens of thousands of troops near the border with Ukraine and inside Crimea, which it seized from Ukraine in 2014, when it also began backing separatists in southeastern Ukraine, including militarily.

On December 9, Russias Federal Security Service said a Ukrainian vessel had headed toward the Kerch Strait without permission. Ukraine dismissed the Russian complaints as part of a Russian "information attack" on Kyiv.

The Sea of Azov is an internal sea with Russia to the east and Ukraine to the west. It is connected to the larger Black Sea by the Kerch Strait.

In November 2018, three Ukrainian military vessels were hijacked by the Russian border guard while trying to cross the strait. The 24 sailors were released only after months of negotiations.

U.S. intelligence assesses that Russia has at least 70,000 troops near Ukraine and could be planning a multifront offensive as early as next year involving up to 175,000 troops.

Russia denies it is planning to attack, claiming instead that Ukraine and NATO are provoking tensions. Moscow is demanding security guarantees against NATOs expansion to Ukraine or deploying alliance troops and weapons there. Ukraine is not a member of the alliance, but receives strong backing from members.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said on December 10 that Moscow is proposing a series of steps to reduce tensions, including holding military exercises at agreed limits from Russia-NATO borders and set safe distances between their opposing warships and planes, especially in the Baltic and Black Seas.

Earlier, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov warned the United States and its allies not to dismiss Russia's demands for legally binding security guarantees.

The European Union wants to stave off any possible invasion with the help of a concrete sanctions package, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on December 10.

"Aggression must have a price tag," von der Leyen said on the sidelines of a meeting in Brussels with Olaf Scholz, the new chancellor of Germany.

"Therefore, we will communicate these points in advance in an appropriate form ... to Russia," von der Leyen said, adding further details would not be made public.

She left open whether a ban on the operation of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which is to deliver natural gas from Russia to Germany via the Baltic Sea, could be part of the sanctions package.

"In general, it is important that energy should never be used as a means of exerting pressure and that the energy security of Europe and its neighbors must be guaranteed," the top EU official said.

Scholz said, "It's very clear that Germany, the European Union and many other countries would react if border violations occurred."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said that more opportunities for talks with Russia may arise thanks to the U.S. diplomatic effort to help de-escalate tensions.

U.S. President Joe Biden spoke with both Zelenskiy and Russian President Vladimir Putin this week, as the United States moved to take a more direct role in diplomacy between Kyiv and Moscow.

Biden proposed joining the Europeans in negotiations not just to settle the conflict in eastern Ukraine but to address Putins larger strategic objections to NATO expanding its membership eastwards.

In an interview aired December 10 by the Ukrainian TV channel 1+1, Zelenskiy said that, thanks to the U.S., one more platform for talks with Russia may appear, in addition to the so-called Normandy format that involves France and Germany.

The two European countries in 2015 brokered a peace agreement that helped end large-scale hostilities in Ukraine's east, where Ukrainian forces have been fighting Russia-backed separatists since 2014.

But efforts to reach a political settlement of the conflict that has since killed more than 13,200 people have failed, and sporadic skirmishes have continued along the tense line of contact.

Zelenskiy said that, with the support of the United States and Ukraine's European allies, he doesn't rule out direct talks between him and Putin  something he has proposed to the Russian leader several times to no avail.

I see the support for this path from both our European partners and the U.S., Zelenskiy said.

Zelenskiy said the message he got from Biden during their call on December 8 was that Russia assured the U.S. and the whole world that it doesn't intend to continue the escalation against the territory of our independent state.

With reporting by dpa, AP, Reuters, and AFP
WASHINGTON -- A top U.S. official is being dispatched to Ukraine and Russia next week amid an effort to ease tension between the two nations.

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Karen Donfried, who oversees European and Eurasian affairs, will visit Kyiv on December 13 and later travel to Moscow, the State Department said in a statement.

Donfried will meet with senior officials in both countries to discuss Russias military buildup and to reinforce the United States commitment to Ukraines sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, the statement said.

Donfrieds trip comes on the heels of a December 7 call between U.S. President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin to defuse the tension on Ukraines border.

The United States has said that Russia has as many as 100,000 combat-ready troops near its border with Ukraine and that it could be a prelude to an invasion, something Putin has denied.

The White House said on December 7 that the two leaders agreed their respective teams will hold follow-up meetings in an attempt to de-escalate the situation.

Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Ukraine-Russia Tensions? Test your knowledge! Begin

Analysts say the Russian buildup is driven by the Kremlin's frustration over stalled peace talks to end the fighting in two eastern Ukraine provinces between government forces and Russia-backed rebels.

During her meetings in Kyiv and Moscow, Donfried will emphasize that diplomatic progress can be made on ending the conflict in eastern Ukraine "through implementation of the Minsk agreements," the State Department said in the statement.

The Minsk agreements are truces signed in September 2014 and February 2015 that provide a framework, albeit a disputed one, for a peace deal.

The Kremlin interprets the agreements as giving broad autonomy for the two Russia-leaning provinces within Ukraine, something that analysts say would essentially deprive Ukraine of its chances to join NATO.

However, Ukraine disagrees with that interpretation and no progress has been made on its implementation in years.

In the meantime, Ukraine has been strengthening its ties with the West, including on defense cooperation, angering the Kremlin.

Russia this week said it wants NATO to stop its eastward expansion, something analysts say the United States will never publicly agree to, setting the stage for potentially tough talks for Donfried in Moscow.

Donfried will finish the week in Brussels, where she will consult with NATO allies and the European Union on December 15-16 on her efforts to pursue a diplomatic solution.
A proposed hotel, spa and condos that capitalize on Carlsbads 135-year-old mineral water wells got the go-ahead this week for construction on a small vacant lot near the historic business along Carlsbad Boulevard.

This is basically  a scaled-down replacement of a previous hotel that existed on this site, said Mike Howes, a longtime Carlsbad real estate and planning consultant, who presented details of the Beach Village Life project Tuesday to the City Council.

The original Carlsbad Hotel was a four-story, 85-room, mineral springs health resort completed in 1887. People came by train from across the country to visit the resort, known for its therapeutic waters, until a spectacular fire burned the wooden structure to the ground in 1896.

Also, across Carlsbad Boulevard from the privately owned wells, the existing Carlsbad By the Sea retirement home was built in 1930 as a health resort that originally piped in the mineral water for its guests. Today, the alkaline mineral water, discovered in 1882 by one of the citys founders, Capt. John Frazier, is bottled and sold in more than 900 stores across the region to enthusiastic consumers.

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All the rooms at our proposed facility will have three types of water, Howes said. Our regular Colorado River (tap water) that we drink when we have to  the good quality alkaline water that people come to buy, and well also have the highly mineralized water for bathing in.

The City Council approved the permits needed for the hotel project on a 4-1 vote with Councilwoman Cori Schumacher opposed. She called it a top quality project, but said she would prefer to see the low-income dwellings city requires in a percentage of all new residential development included in the project instead of provided at another location with fees paid by the developer.

One of the projects architects, Robert Richardson, said after the councils approval that its one of the most exciting Village developments hes worked on in his 40-year Carlsbad career.

Its a really classy project, Richardson said. Its all about history and improving health.

The quarter-acre site is a vacant lot on Christiansen Way just east of the Alt Karlsbad wells and spa. The wells were abandoned in the Great Depression of the 1930s, and then were lost until they were rediscovered in 1955 by real estate agents Kay and Chris Christiansen. The Christiansens built the Alt Karlsbad building on the property, which they used primarily as a real estate office. They sold the property to present owners Ludvik & Veronica Grigoras about 1991, who installed the 13-foot-tall bronze statue of John Frazier in 1994.

The Grigorases recently sold the eastern portion of the property to Laguna-based developer Beach Village Life 1 LLC. Also, earlier this year they finished drilling two new wells to meet the increasing demand for their product.

A neighbor of the site, mortgage broker John Prietto, supported the development plan at Tuesdays meeting, where he was the only public speaker on the item.

Its directly across the street from my front door, Prietto said, and initially he looked for reasons not to like the project. However, after talking with the developer and the city, he decided he was all for it.

Its an insulator between my complex, which is mostly residents  and the bars which are about 100 yards away with noise and music all hours of the night, he said. Its a nice transition between pure residential to straight commercial.

Plans call a single, four-story building with 17 hotel rooms, nine residential condominiums, a 1,200-square-foot spa and 300 square feet of retail space. The property would include 53 on-site parking spaces, most of which would be underground below the building.

Councilman Michael Schumacher, no relation to Cori Schumacher, called it a great project that fits perfectly into the neighborhood.

Originally known as Fraziers Station, Carlsbad was renamed in the 1800s after tests showed its popular mineral water was chemically similar to that of a famous spa in the Bohemian town of Karlsbad, now Karlovy Vary, in the Czech Republic.

Today, Karlovy Vary is one of Carlsbads two recognized sister cities, along with Futtsu, Japan.

philip.diehl@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @phildiehl


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The day before Thanksgiving, eight fluffy angora rabbits appeared in cardboard boxes on the doorstep of Marin Humanes Novato animal shelter. A few days later, San Francisco Animal Care and Control received a throng of 20 unwanted hamsters. In Vallejo, staff at Ratical Rodent Rescue suddenly became caretakers to 44 guinea pigs, all left in a box in the rescues parking lot.

The furry, squirmy pets  cute as they may be  have recently become a big problem for animal shelters across the Bay Area and California. Pocket pets, as the small animals are sometimes called, are being surrendered or dumped at shelters at rates never seen before, and its coinciding with adoptions sinking to their lowest level in years, leaving animal shelters over capacity, and their staff perplexed and overwhelmed.

This guinea pig and hamster thing is out of control, said Jenn Paz, director of Ratical Rodent Rescue. Were just getting slammed and slammed and slammed with more and more animals and we have to come up with the money, with the space, the staff.

While there were reports that pets acquired during the early days of the pandemic were being returned in high numbers after people began returning to workplaces, many shelters did not experience that, and the recent flurry of pocket pets specifically is without precedent, shelter managers said. One theory behind the surge is that families have lost interest in the animals since children returned to school in August for the first time since 2020.

Jessica Christian / The Chronicle

In the past few months, Pazs rescue has had nearly 100 guinea pigs dumped  not surrendered  at its door, and by the end of November her staff of three was taking care of more than 130 of the rodents. Normally, if we have 70 its a lot, she said.

Meanwhile, unlike dog and cat adoptions, small animal adoptions are down significantly, not having rebounded after a precipitous drop caused by the pandemic. San Francisco Animal Care and Control is on track to fall short of last years already shrunken small animal adoption total, and those adoptions are down 45% so far this year compared with 2019, according to data provided by the shelter.

Its a problem, said Virginia Donohue, executive director of San Francisco Animal Care and Control, which had 81 small animals in its shelter on Dec. 1  more than three times the normal amount. The shelters small-animals room is set up to hold only about 24 animals because they almost never have more than that, Donohue said. They have had to expand into other spaces usually reserved for kittens.

Jessica Christian / The Chronicle

On the small-animals side, its all out of whack, Donohue said. Weve never had so many, and theyre not leaving.

The pocket pets began arriving at shelters in wave after wave just a few months ago, around the start of the fall, Donohue and other shelter administrators said. Its not clear why people were suddenly dropping off the animals in such large numbers  people who drop off unwanted pets generally dont have to provide a specific reason for doing so  but shelter managers think it could be due to a mix of circumstances.

The uptick might be a result of kids having returned to in-person school last summer for the first time in more than a year. Some families may have decided that they did not have the time or interest to take care of the pets they had gotten for their children during the monotony of remote learning.

Jessica Christian / The Chronicle

People were just buying them and now theyre going back to school, theyre going back to swimming, back to camp, theyre moving, theyre traveling, theyre allergic, Paz said. Since the shelter-in-place, it seems everyone and their brother bought hamsters and guinea pigs for their kids, and now theyre like, OK, were done.

Another possibility is that people bought the animals from pet stores, which shelter administrators said are known for sometimes labeling the animals with the wrong sex, leading to uncontrolled and usually unintentional breeding once the pets are brought home in pairs.

Why adoptions are down for small animals has puzzled shelter managers and remains somewhat of a mystery. Perhaps people are buying more from pet stores and adopting less from shelters. Many people dont realize that shelters often have pocket pets available and in need of stable homes, Donohue said.

Jessica Christian / The Chronicle

Some shelters or rescues, including Ratical Rodent Rescue, have had to stop accepting surrenders. Still, people continue to reach out on social media or by phone, asking if they will take their animals. Some continue to dump their pets at shelters doorsteps.

Were turning people away every single day, Paz said. I dont even want to answer the phone; I just want to cry.

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.

Shelters that may have more resources are doing everything they can to avoid that. Marin Humane offers a pet safety net service that provides struggling pet owners with funds to pay for pet food, vet appointments and assistance with re-homing. Its all part of an effort to keep the animals out of shelters and in a loving home, said Lisa Bloch, Marin Humanes director of marketing and communications.

Jessica Christian / The Chronicle

Even the nicest shelter is not a home, and animals always do better in homes, she said.

Ratical Rodent Rescue has reached the point where Paz is now looking for land she can rent, or property that someone will donate, to convert it into a sanctuary space to house surplus guinea pigs.

San Francisco Animal Care and Control, Ratical Rodent Rescue and Marin Humane do not euthanize their animals due to a lack of space or time. They generally work with a network of other shelters to move adoptable animals around based on need, but lately that system has not been working as intended because so many shelters are at capacity, Bloch said.

Jessica Christian / The Chronicle

With just weeks to go before Christmas, shelters are working hard to get the word out about their surpluses. Through new marketing techniques, they hope to draw prospective pet owners  or their parents  to shelters rather than large pet stores chains. Hamsters and guinea pigs have been listed on sale or even for free. At San Francisco Animal Care and Control, a part-time employee is doing holiday-themed photo shoots with the animals and making TikToks starring some of the available pets, reminding viewers to separate males and females, adopt same-sex pairs and adopt, dont shop.

Now we really have to make sure that within the marketplace we remain competitive, Donohue said. We dont want to miss an opportunity for a new home.

Andy Picon is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: andy.picon@hearst.com Twitter: @andpicon
Fremont police have launched a suspicious death investigation after a body was found on Friday afternoon, authorities said.

Police officers responded shortly before 12:30 p.m. to a report of a body that was discovered on the 3800 block of Decoto Road in Fremont. Detectives also responded to the scene to investigate, police said.

Authorities said there are no concerns regarding community safety and said the suspicious death is under investigation.

Anyone with information about this incident should call the Fremont police non-emergency line at 510-790-6800 x 3.

Lauren Hernandez is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: lauren.hernandez@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ByLHernandez
Nearly 1,000 San Francisco high school students skipped classes Friday in the largest of several Bay Area walkouts this fall to urge adults to acknowledge and respond to the sexual harassment and assaults young people face on and off campuses.

The public demonstrations have spread, from one school to another, primarily in Oakland and San Francisco.

Students from several high schools converged on City Hall and the school district office Friday morning, carrying signs and chanting, No means no.

People have been pushing for change for so long and SFUSD isnt listening, said Lowell senior Aliyah Baruch, one of the organizers of the Friday protest. Its to the point where we need to miss our own education to tell SFUSD there needs to be change.

Such incidents include random groping of girls butts in the hallways and comments, including, Oh, you have a big ass. You have big boobs, she said. You feel like an object. It just feels terrible.

Benjamin Fanjoy/Special to The Chronicle

The abuse is verbal, its physical and it happens daily, said Galileo High senior Arizbeth Ponce.

There hasnt been a lot of change, she said. Were arent being heard as we wish we were.

District officials have acknowledged the issue and say they are working to respond to student demands and ensure those reporting incidents are supported.

The issue of sexual harassment and assault is not new, students said. It was happening before the pandemic, through distance learning online and has continued as students returned to in-person learning in August. The students from many of the districts high schools have organized using social media and online message groups to coordinate and support each others efforts

The walkouts have renewed a youth me too movement, spreading from one high school to another, offering students not only a sense of empowerment to address the ongoing crisis of sexual assault and harassment, but arguably giving teens a unifying purpose after months of isolation.

Benjamin Fanjoy/Special to The Chronicle

Its unclear whether there are more assaults and harassment, or simply increased awareness of incidents. According to the most recent national data available, there were 14,938 incidents of rape, attempted rape or sexual assaults reported in K-12 schools in the 2017-18 school year, up from 9,649 in 2015-16  a 55% increase. That jump coincided with awareness raised through the #MeToo movement.

Students at the Oakland School for the Arts were among the first to stage a walkout in October, followed by their counterparts at Oakland Technical High School, Berkeley High and several schools in San Francisco.

I think that students, adolescents have felt relatively abandoned, said Dr. Jeanne Noble, director of UCSF Emergency Department COVID-19 Response. Theres certainly a lot of pent-up fear, anxiety and anger. and that fuels the fire.

The adolescent perception is that nobody really went to bat for them during the pandemic, she said. Public high schools in San Francisco didnt reopen until August, meaning some teenagers were out of school for more than a year. Many suffered academically and emotionally during distance learning.

Yalonda M. James/The Chronicle

Emotions about the difficulty of online schooling combined with long-standing frustration over a culture of harassment and assault in and out of schools has created the perfect storm for the student-led movement happening now, Noble said.

Everything is coming to a head, she said. It does really feel like its their moment.

Some district and city officials attended the rally in support of the students, who called on administrators to create a safe reporting process, educate students about their rights and ensure that the survivor has no interaction with the assailant at school sites, even if the incident occurred off campus, among other actions.

For me, a lot of this is male toxicity and male privilege, said school board Vice President Faauuga Moliga, adding he has worked to educate students, including male athletes, about consent.

Yalonda M. James/The Chronicle

Supervisors Hillary Ronen and Myrna Melgar both spoke at the rally in support of the students demands.

It is absolutely unacceptable that 1 out of 2 women are sexually assaulted in their lifetime, Ronen told students. We stand behind you in this struggle.

Students marched to the district office and sat in the middle of the street, where they spent 10 minutes in silence to honor victims and protest inaction by school and district officials.

Lincoln High senior Ashley Chan is among the students working in recent weeks to raise awareness about the issue.

Being safe at school is a minimum, she said. Without action being taken, I cant be the person I want to be.

Benjamin Fanjoy/Special to The Chronicle

Superintendent Vince Matthews addressed the issue through a letter sent to families Thursday.

Sexual harassment has no place in our schools. SFUSD is committed to taking all appropriate steps to make sure we educate, prevent, and address any incidents of sexual harassment that occur in our schools, he said, adding that officials are proud of students for speaking up and are listening.

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.

He said the district will convene a sexual harassment student advisory group to continue addressing the issue in the coming months. In the meantime, our hope is to increase education and awareness about the reporting processes, and to be transparent about the limitations we may have given the scope of our oversight.

School officials in San Francisco and across the state and country say their hands have been tied in recent years in some sexual assault and harassment cases because of changes made during the Trump administration to Title IX regulations. The changes watered down student protections, preventing officials from investigating incidents that happen away from school.

That means any incident among students anywhere off campus does not fall under the districts jurisdiction.

Matthews said students should still feel safe reporting outside incidents at school, with staff expected to work with city and community groups to provide support.

Students said they dont always feel safe or supported after reporting incidents that happen in or out of school.

Lowell senior Reesa Tayag said she was sexually assaulted at a school dance on school property this year, with a fellow student grabbing her and touching her.

I thought I was safe at a school dance, she said. Me telling him to stop wasnt enough.

She reported the incident to school officials, but was told there wasnt much evidence. The boy involved was suspended for a month from attending a club to which they both belong, but was not removed from classes they have together.

Tayag said shes also subjected to catcalls and other verbal assaults when she wears her cheerleading uniform.

You have these athletes walking around school making rude comments like, Id like to hit that, she said. My uniform is not consent.

She added that her cheer team boycotted a game and protested instead, putting handprints on their arms and legs to illustrate what she said is the rape culture in sports.

Tayag said that at the bare minimum, teachers should be better educated on how to handle a student report and to be more aware of how pervasive it is.

I pretty much dont know a single girl on campus that hasnt been harassed sexually, Baruch of Lowell said. Ive been harassed on campus and off campus. It needs to change.

Jill Tucker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jtucker@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jilltucker
The city of Richmond filed a temporary restraining order to stop Mayor Tom Butt from disclosing communications it deemed confidential  but the mayor says the action is part of the departing city attorneys misuse of power to stop him from exercising his free speech rights.

A Contra Costa County Superior Court judge issued the temporary restraining order on Tuesday at the request of outside attorneys hired by the city asking the court to stop the mayor from making public communications that City Attorney Teresa Stricker said were confidential because of attorney-client privilege.

The order immediately enjoins the mayor from posting attorney-client communications on his website, tombutt.com. It cites two examples of posts he made that contain such content  on Nov. 5 and Nov. 16.

On those dates, Butt posted blogs to his popular E-Forum. The first post, on Nov. 5, contained advice from the city attorney to the City Council over federal litigation concerning a development at Point Molate. In second post, on Nov. 16, Butt published the findings of a two-year corruption investigation the city started against him  findings that concluded the complaints were without merit.

I think they were hoping I would go to jail or something like that, Butt told The Chronicle, referring to the corruption probe.

In a Dec. 7 court declaration, Stricker said that on Nov. 5, the mayor posted on his website a significant portion of a confidential written attorney-client communication that she emailed to all members of the council, including Butt, on Oct. 20. The email bore the heading confidential communication, which Butt removed when he posted it to his blog, Stricker said.

Within hours, Stricker said she sent a cease-and-desist demand to the mayor, but he did not remove the post.

Similarly, on Nov. 16, Stricker sent a confidential attorney-client memorandum to the mayor and council, summarizing the conclusions of the investigation of the mayor. It also had headings labeling the message as confidential attorney client communication and the words confidential communication at the beginning of the message, along with a confidential notation in the e-mail subject line, she said in the declaration.

In the declaration, Stricker wrote that the mayor again posted most of the communication on his website, removing the confidential headlines. Stricker wrote a cease-and-desist demand, but he did not remove the post. Days later, on Nov. 23, the council approved a resolution to censure the mayor.

Stricker said in the filing that the mayors disclosures were inflicting immediate irreparable harm on the city. The city attorney announced her resignation in November. She declined to comment for this story, and attorneys who filed the case could not be reached.

Butt called the restraining order, which was authorized by the City Council, part of an elaborate conspiracy to shut down criticism of City Council members and the city attorney by the mayor and deprive him of his First Amendment rights.

He said the court made a significant error, and that his attorney will be filing a motion Monday, arguing that the restraining order is an unprecedented attempt by a California charter city to sue itself.

The mayor is also considering his own lawsuit accusing the city of using court to intimidate him from exercising his right to free speech.

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.

For the past several months the mayor has sparred with the progressive majority of the City Council over several issues, including police funding, the Point Molate lawsuit, sideshow prevention and infrastructure. Recently, the mayor said, an extraordinary set of events have shaken the city of Richmond to its foundations, ranging from the city attorneys resignation, to the termination of the city manager in November, to the police chief being placed on administrative leave.

Currently, he said, the city has 100 full- and part-time positions vacant.

Within the past month, they have passed resolutions condemning me twice, Butt said. Theyve censured me. Theyve requested that the district attorney and the grand jury investigate me. They went out and got this temporary restraining order. ... Im not sure what else they can do. Maybe theyre going to hire a hit man.

He added: Its pretty much a clown car over here in Richmond.

Rachel Swan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: rswan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @rachelswan
Less than three weeks after omicron was identified and given a name, scientists already have the first evidence that the highly mutated coronavirus variant may be better than any of its predecessors at evading immunity from vaccines or previous infection.

Early laboratory studies from around the world show a potentially dramatic drop in the bodys frontline antibody response to the variant among people who are fully vaccinated or previously infected. That finding, translated to real-world experience, could mean people will be more likely to get breakthrough infections with omicron than with delta or other variants.

The first several dozen omicron cases reported in the United States have been mostly in people who were fully vaccinated, and several who also had boosters, according to a report published Friday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In the Bay Area, among a cluster of six confirmed omicron cases reported among Alameda County health care workers, all the patients were vaccinated and boosted.

The case reports and global studies all involve small samples so far, which makes it difficult to draw broad conclusions about how well the vaccines are holding up, health experts said. Much more data is needed from studies in labs and in communities.

Its especially challenging to say what these reports mean for the future of the pandemic in highly vaccinated places like the Bay Area.

Assuming the variant gets a foothold here  which is not a sure thing  it may cause only mild illness among a population that is not only largely vaccinated but boosted, too. The virus itself may have mutated in such a way as to make it less capable of causing severe disease, and the vaccines may further blunt its impact.

It is very hard to know for certain what things will look like in a highly vaccinated population, where we still have delta circulating, said Dr. Nicholas Moss, the Alameda County health officer. Omicron could be the variant that drives the next wave locally  I think thats a reasonable thing to prepare for. But we wont really know that until it happens.

And omicron or not, I think well be OK, he added. With vaccines and masks and other tools to confront the pandemic, were not going back to March of 2020.

As of Friday, 18 cases of omicron had been identified in California, according to the state Department of Public Health. Most cases have been reported in travelers, but there are signs of it spreading in the community in pockets across the state. Nationwide, at least 75 omicron cases have been reported across 25 states.

The omicron variant with its dozens of mutations drew global alarm almost immediately after the first cases were reported out of South Africa on Nov. 25. Especially worrisome were the 30-plus mutations found on the spike protein  the part of the virus used to infiltrate human cells, and which is the target of all the vaccines in use around the world.

With that many mutations, including several previously associated with immune evasion, it was almost certain that the variant would have some vaccine resistance, infectious disease experts said. And so far the experimental data says thats the case, said Dr. Joel Ernst, an infectious disease expert at UCSF.

Weve got a few peeks into omicron now, and I think we can make some educated guesses, Ernst said. The data are pretty clear that the omicron variant is neutralized less well by antibodies generated by vaccines or infection. But omicron does not fully escape from antibody neutralization.

In other words: The vaccines arent failing.

More importantly, there is so far no evidence that the vaccines are losing their ability to prevent severe illness, which would be cause for great concern. And most experts believe that even if the antibody response  the first line of defense against infection  takes a hit against omicron, the cellular response that stops it from spreading widely should remain largely intact.

Its not a scary, doomsday situation, said Nadia Roan, a UCSF immunologist and investigator at the Gladstone Institutes in San Francisco. Its not an all-or-none thing. From what we know about the immune system, I think well have more mild breakthrough infections (with omicron), but well do a good job preventing severe disease.

The early lab studies so far have found precipitous drops in the ability of antibodies to fend off omicron  as much as 40-fold decline in one study out of South Africa that looked at how antibodies from people who were vaccinated or previously infected fared against the variant compared with the original strain of virus.

Similar studies in other countries found less substantial declines; the variation could be a result of the specific vaccines studied, how long ago people were vaccinated or other variables. But all of them show a bigger drop-off than what was reported in other variants with immune resistance.

Preliminary data show that omicron has an increased capacity to evade immunization compared to delta, and even more pronounced than beta  and beta up to this point was thought to be the variant with the greatest amount of immune evasion, said Dr. Charles Chiu, who heads the UCSF-Abbott Viral Diagnostics and Discovery Center, and whose team identified the first omicron case in the U.S. on Dec. 1. The beta variant also is believed to have emerged in South Africa, but it never spread widely in the U.S.

Even a substantial drop in antibody response doesnt necessarily mean the vaccines effectiveness will take a big hit, experts said. Thats why studies outside the lab, which look at how the vaccines are holding up at preventing infection and serious illness from omicron, are so important.

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.

In particular, its possible that boosters will restore much of the antibody response. A British study published Friday by the U.K. Health Security Agency found that two doses of Pfizer were only about 40% effective at preventing illness from omicron, but a booster increased that to about 75%. Thats still lower than the roughly 90% effectiveness of two doses plus a booster against delta.

Bali Pulendran, a Stanford immunologist, compared the antibody response toward different variants to shopping at more or less expensive stores: $1,000 will go a lot further at a cheaper shop  in this analogy, the original coronavirus strain  but that doesnt mean its worthless at a more expensive place (omicron).

And people with boosters may have the equivalent of $10,000, in which case who cares if its an eightfold hit, you still have plenty to fight against omicron, Pulendran said.

The large vaccine manufacturers already are looking into updating their products to better match the omicron variant, if studies do show a large degree of immune evasion. Pfizer and Moderna, which make the two vaccines most widely used in the U.S., have said they could have updated shots ready by March.

Omicron raises other uncertainties in the pandemic beyond how well the vaccines will hold up. Most pressing are how transmissible it is  and early evidence suggests very, perhaps more so than the highly infectious delta variant  and whether it causes more or less serious disease.

Early reports suggest it may cause more mild illness, which could actually be a blessing if it also spreads easily, said Dr. Warner Greene, a senior investigator with the Gladstone Institutes. The variant could quickly, and safely, provide natural global immunity through infection, becoming more like a common cold. That kind of evolution has played out before with other viruses as they adapt to humans and become less virulent.

Then there wouldnt be any question of vaccine equity as it spreads around Africa and the rest of the world, Greene said. But my suspicion is thats almost too good to be true.

Even with many questions still looming about what role omicron will play in the next phase of the regional pandemic, Bay Area health experts rang a familiar chord about what the public should do in the meantime: Get boosted if they havent already, keep masks on indoors and stay vigilant about symptoms of COVID, especially before gathering with loved ones for the holidays.

In the long run, vaccines are still the best tool we have to prevent severe disease and protect health care systems, said Moss, the Alameda County health officer. From that perspective, omicron doesnt change our approach, our playbook, at least not yet. While we wait for more information, people should feel confident that these same tools are the right tools.

Erin Allday is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: eallday@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @erinallday
SPOKANE, Wash. (AP)  Wolf advocates are questioning why the state of Washington allowed a livestock owner to kill a juvenile wolf on Wednesday, despite the lack of any new livestock conflicts in the area since Nov. 15.

The Center for Biological Diversity said an adult male wolf from the same pack was already killed on Nov. 18 for preying on livestock.
Regarding Laws that dont mix  California needs its environmental act to blend with housing rules (Insight, Dec. 5): While the California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA, was enacted 51 years ago, the statute is updated every year to meet the changing needs of our state. It is one of our states greatest living laws, and as such is the most current and impactful statute used today by people in communities working to keep toxic waste, polluted water and poisoned air out of their neighborhoods.

CEQA is also one of the best tools we have to deal with climate change, as it requires a developer to disclose and mitigate for the climate impacts of their project. Importantly, multiple independent studies, including one released just last month, show that CEQA is not a major cause of the states housing crisis. In fact, CEQA helps communities advance the type of safe, affordable and healthy housing they need.

CEQA may be an easy punching bag for developers, but for Californias vulnerable communities, it is a lifeline to public health and environmental justice.

Antonio Diaz, San Francisco

Mask up for others

Over the course of a year during the pandemic, I have witnessed many people ignore the mask mandate, putting my life and my co-workers life in danger.

I work at a grocery store, and I was hired in the middle of the pandemic; during this time I have seen customers ignore the mask mandate and become angry at us (the employees) when we politely ask them to put a mask on.

There is an Instacart worker who comes into the store daily and has never worn a mask during this entire pandemic. She brags to us about how another local grocery store asked her to put a mask on and how she caused a scene and yelled at the workers.

These are examples of how some people just do not care about the health and safety of others.

Caroline Van Ruiten, Lodi, San Joaquin County

Archbishop is political

Regarding Nonbelievers see politics (Letters, Dec. 8): This bizarre letter argued that political stances arent actually political if they are also religious. Fighting for legislation or judicial decisions while claiming to be apolitical is inherently contradictory, even if you think politics is a dirty word.

To answer Mary from La Hondas rhetorical question, San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone is himself bringing politics into it by, proposing laws, criticizing politicians, raising millions to sponsor ballot measures that he helped draft, and with cringe-worthy YouTube videos and hashtags praying for members of Congress. Inserting yourself into the political process is, by definition, political.

The Catholic Church is not ruled by what appeals to the majority may be true, Mary, but democracies (presumably) are.

Yours and Cordileones interpretations of scripture should have no weight in law or on the Supreme Court.

Emily Walker, Oakland

Immigration news vital

Regarding Afghan couples escape highlights risks facing professional women (Front Page, Dec. 7): I want to complement The Chronicle on its commitment to increasing its coverage of immigration issues.

The Chronicle is fortunate to have a journalist of Deepa Fernandes caliber to bring these many different stories of people from many socioeconomic levels who have been forced to leave their countries. We need to know so keep up the good work.
The last Portals told the story of the halting, sometimes-comical birth of San Franciscos telephone industry. The citys first telephone was installed in 1876, when an experimental line was rigged up between Meiggs Wharf, off North Beach, and the Merchants Exchange Building in the Financial District. In 1880, the citys first two telephone companies merged, becoming the Pacific Bell Telephone Co. This first iteration of Pac Bell was not exactly a paragon of customer service: It employed teenage boys as switchboard operators, but it was forced to fire them because they were so rude to the customers. This would not be the last of the young industrys growing pains.

At first, the citys few telephones were simply connected by wires strung from boards nailed to roofs. But as the city grew denser, this chaotic system became impractical, and in 1880 the first telephone poles were erected. However, an only-in-San-Francisco problem arose, as detailed in a 1927 book published by Pacific Bell Telephone, An Historical Review of the San Francisco Exchange. Because most of the citys streets still consisted of basalt blocks set in sand, wind-blown sand would accumulate on the phone wires, which were made sticky by the citys omnipresent fog. The lines would cross and get stuck together, creating electrical interference that would only disappear at noon, after the sun had risen and evaporated the troublesome mixture. The problem was solved by wrapping the wires.

In 1883, the first long distance phone line was completed, linking San Francisco with San Jose. Soon lines were completed to Oakland, Hayward, Benicia, Niles Canyon, Sacramento, Santa Cruz and other points. But maintaining these long lines was challenging, not least because the only way repair teams could locate a break in the line was by testing it at a close distance with a small electric generator called a magneto connected to a bell: the closer to the break, the louder the bell rang. Whenever some defect developed in a toll line, a man was started by horse and buggy from San Francisco with orders to keep going until he found it, the Review writes. Later a regular system of patrols was inaugurated to maintain these rambling pathways of wire. A patrol consisted of a lineman and his helper. They made their rounds in a wagon carrying all essential materials, and reported their location daily to San Francisco by wire.

Men not only had to repair connections to the long lines but reset poles, install instruments and local switchboards, build branch lines, do general troubleshooting and map everything they did. There were three main patrols that started from San Francisco: one that covered the north, one that went to San Jose, and one that went to Stockton. This last patrol was the longest: It took four months to complete a round trip. These long-lines nomads patrolled the state for more than 20 years, retiring only in 1906.

By the 1890s, major technical advances in switchboards, transmitters and batteries had greatly improved telephone service. But according to the Review, despite this progress, the instrument was looked upon by the general public as more or less of a plaything. To grow their business, phone company executives embarked on two innovative campaigns. Their first move, in 1894, was to introduce four- and 10-party lines, which were much cheaper than a single line. This gambit succeeded, attracting 1,300 new subscribers in 1895 and 1,400 in 1896. But what really paid off was one of the odder and more creative marketing schemes in the annals of San Francisco business: the 1896 kitchen telephone plan.

Realizing that many people were reluctant to pay out an appreciable amount of money for what they regarded as a luxury and plaything  the company proposed to install for the small charge of fifty cents an instrument which was to be known as a kitchen telephone. It was to provide one way service only, and as the name indicates it was intended primarily for the use of the housewife in ordering supplies. The campaigns target housewife could use her kitchen telephone to call any line in the city. But the kitchen telephone had two serious drawbacks: It could not receive calls, and it was a party line shared with at least 20 others, meaning it was busy most of the time.

But the kitchen telephones shortcomings were part of Pacific Telephones master marketing plan. The company officials reasoned that once a customer possessed a kitchen telephone and had learned to appreciate the value of one-way service, she would begin to desire the greater convenience and satisfaction of two-way service, the Review writes. Then, After the subscriber had enjoyed a two-way line for a while, it was believed that she would again grow impatient at finding the line always busy when she wanted to use it, and would therefore prefer to invest a dollar or so more each month for the privileges of a ten-party line. After that the step would be short to a full two-way, single party line at the regular rates.

More from the Archive The Vault Home of the San Francisco Chronicle's archive and more than 150 years of journalism covering the Bay Area and beyond.

This early get-em-hooked campaign succeeded in a big way. Full-service phone customers increased from 7,810 on Jan. 1, 1897, to more than 11,000 a year later.

By 1905, 50,000 telephones were in use among San Franciscos population of 400,000. The 1906 catastrophe destroyed most of the phone companys buildings and lines, but it quickly rebuilt, restored service, and expanded exponentially. Timothy Pfluegers magnificent 1925 Pacific Telephone Building, built on the site of a company office destroyed by the fire and topped by eight great gray eagles, is a monument to a revolutionary industry that had overcome its fledgling days and was in full flight.

Gary Kamiya is the author of the best-selling book Cool Gray City of Love: 49 Views of San Francisco. His most recent book is Spirits of San Francisco: Voyages Through the Unknown City. All the material in Portals of the Past is original for The San Francisco Chronicle. To read earlier Portals of the Past, go to sfchronicle.com/portals.
Fern Canyon is one of my favorite wild places in California, and I am far from alone on this matter.

Ensconced in Redwood National and State Parks, located about 300 miles north of San Francisco, the narrow, dramatic canyon is famous for its 50-foot rock walls festooned in oversized ferns. From the top, tiny waterfalls trickle down through fuzzy mosses, and down below a creek rushes through the center over a multi-hued pebble floor.

The canyon has been designated a World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve, and gotten its share of publicity over the years. Too much. A quick search on Instagram for #ferncanyon turns up 27,000 posts, and its also been used as a backdrop in a number of films, including The Tree of Life, an art film featuring Brad Pitt and Sean Penn, and Steven Spielbergs The Lost World: Jurassic Park with Julianne Moore, Jeff Goldblum and Vince Vaughn.

After I visited the canyon for the first time in 2020 and learned it was a set in the dinosaur movie, I knew I wanted to watch it. Before I did though  and because I live about 45 minutes south of Redwood National and State Parks  I went back to the canyon three times first, each during a different season. Each was entirely different.

Ashley Harrell

In the wintertime, the creek runs super high. On the canyon floor, toppled trees poke in all directions like pick-up-sticks. In the spring, the vibrant green ferns are flourishing and in the summer  when the footbridges are installed to assist with crossing the creek  its the vacationers that proliferate. When autumn rolled around this year, the wild mushrooms had really begun to pop, and the Roosevelt elk (which sometimes wander through the canyon) were calming down after their yearly rut.

Every time I visited, I wondered anew about the canyons role in the Jurassic Park sequel. I had seen the first movie as a teenager and definitely enjoyed it. But when the second one came out, I seemed to remember being told it was not as good as the first, so I skipped it. Earlier this week, as I lay in bed after my COVID booster, I decided it was time for The Lost World.

And now having watched the two-hour-long, $73 million production, I can say that there are some ways Fern Canyon probably shouldnt be seen. Even Spielberg was apparently regretful that the movie didnt turn out better.

The sequel has all the darkness of the first movie but very little of the awe and wonder, save for the first encounter scene  which was shot in the canyon. As humans gaze up at a group of stegosauruses wandering about in the canyon, its giant ferns, rushing creek and filtering light are on full display. Things go south after one character gets too close to a baby and adults come charging at her, swinging their tails and nearly impaling her after she dives into a hollow log.

Ashley Harrell

Fern Canyon is featured again later in the film, when a villainous character stumbles on a group of mini velociraptors and they chase him around, attacking like piranhas with legs. He shakes them off a few times and tosses pebbles at them, but repeatedly falls over into the creek, and finally, they devour him off camera. The water runs red.

Thats probably the most satisfying part of the whole movie, says Richard Stenger, Chief Marketing Ranger with RedwoodCoastParks.com, a consortium of outdoor adventurers, conservationists and lodging partners in Humboldt County.

Even if the actors disappointed, Stenger says, Fern Canyon did not. Too bad they dont give Oscars for scene locations, he says. It's not much of a stretch to drop Hollywood dinosaurs into Fern Canyon. It's in one of the oldest forest ecosystems on the planet and resembles a patch of forest similar to what real dinosaurs might have lumbered through millions of years ago."

The undisputed beauty of Fern Canyon  and its use in film  has actually become a problem, according to Redwood National and State Parks Chief of Interpretation and Education Candace Tinkler.

Ashley Harrell

Fern Canyon is a very fragile, special place, Tinkler wrote in an email to SFGATE. As visitation to our parks steadily increases and as Fern Canyon has, for various reasons, been recently spotlighted over and over again in everything from the media and internet to movies, it has become a destination and overcrowded.

Park officials are looking for assistance from the media to encourage park visitors to instead seek out some of the less crowded and trampled areas, she added.

In fact, several years back officials looked at the cumulative impacts of Fern Canyons use in film and determined that it should no longer be available as a set. We recognized that the best way to protect that area was to not continue to draw even more impact to it, says Erin Gates, Acting Deputy Superintendent of Redwood National and State Parks.

We also recognized that our state parks are protected for the people of California and the people who come to visit California, she added. By continuing to allow filming in an area that's already being significantly impacted by increased visitation, we're actually having to cut off visitation and access to parks.

Ashley Harrell

I was curious about what Gates and Tinkler thought of "The Lost World," but as a policy state and federal employees must apparently remain neutral on such matters. It would be very inappropriate (and against regulations) for us to use the authority of our position to steer customers to one business over another, Tinkler wrote. This applies to the movie business, too.

Gates was able to say this, though: Seeing the place with your own eyes is worth the experience.
LONDON (AP)  Hundreds of people lined up Saturday in the English city of Bristol to get the latest work by elusive street artist Banksy  a T-shirt created to help four defendants charged over the toppling of a local statue of a slave trader.

The gray shirt features the word Bristol above the empty plinth on which the statue of 17th-century slave merchant Edward Colston long stood, with a rope hanging from it and debris scattered around.

Anti-racism demonstrators pulled down the statue and and dumped it in Bristol harbor in June 2020 amid global protests sparked by the police killing of a Black American man, George Floyd.

Four people have been charged with criminal damage over the statues felling and are going on trial next week.

Ive made some souvenir shirts to mark the occasion, Banksy said on social media Friday. Available from various outlets in the city from tomorrow. All proceeds to the defendants so they can go for a pint.

Banksy said the T-shirts cost 25 pounds ($33) and are limited to one per customer.

Banksys identity has never been confirmed, but he began his career spray-painting walls and bridges in Bristol, a port city in southwest England. Some of his works have sold for millions of dollars at auction.

Colston made a fortune transporting enslaved Africans across the Atlantic to the Americas on Bristol-based ships. He was a major benefactor to Bristol, with streets and institutions named for him  some of which have been renamed since the statue-felling sparked a debate about racism and historical commemoration.

City authorities fished the Colston statue out of the harbor and say it will be placed in a museum, along with placards from the Black Lives Matter demonstration.

___

Follow all AP stories about racial injustice at https://apnews.com/hub/Racialinjustice.
WASHINGTON (AP)  A special Customs and Border Protection unit used sensitive government databases intended to track terrorists to investigate as many as 20 U.S.-based journalists, including a Pulitzer Prize-winning Associated Press reporter, according to a federal watchdog.

Yahoo News, which published an extensive report on the investigation, also found that the unit, the Counter Network Division, queried records of congressional staffers and perhaps members of Congress.

Jeffrey Rambo, an agent who acknowledged running checks on journalists in 2017, told federal investigators the practice is routine. When a name comes across your desk you run it through every system you have access too, thats just status quo, thats what everyone does, Rambo was quoted by Yahoo News as saying.

The AP obtained a redacted copy of a more than 500-page report by the Homeland Security Department's inspector general that included the same statement, but with the speaker's name blacked out. The border protection agency is part of Homeland Security.

The revelations raised alarm in news organizations and prompted a demand for a full explanation.

We are deeply concerned about this apparent abuse of power," Lauren Easton, APs director of media relations, said in a statement. This appears to be an example of journalists being targeted for simply doing their jobs, which is a violation of the First Amendment.

In its own statement, Customs and Border Protection did not specifically address the investigation, but said, CBP vetting and investigatory operations, including those conducted by the Counter Network Division, are strictly governed by well-established protocols and best practices. CBP does not investigate individuals without a legitimate and legal basis to do so.

An employee at Storymakers Coffee Roasters, a small storefront shop Rambo owns in San Diegos Barrio Logan neighborhood, said Saturday that Rambo was not immediately available to comment. He lives in San Diego.

The new disclosures are just the latest examples of federal agencies using their power to examine the contacts of journalists and others.

Earlier this year Attorney General Merrick Garland formally prohibited prosecutors from seizing the records of journalists in leak investigations, with limited exceptions, reversing years of department policy. That action came after an outcry over revelations that the Trump Justice Department had obtained records belonging to journalists, as well as Democratic members of Congress and their aides and a former White House counsel, Don McGahn.

During the Obama administration, federal investigators secretly seized phone records for some reporters and editors at the AP. Those seizures involved office and home lines as well as cellphones.

Rambo's and the unit's use of the databases was more extensive than previously known. The inspector general referred possible criminal charges for misusing government databases and lying to investigators, but the Justice Department declined to prosecute Rambo and two other Homeland Security employees.

Rambo complained to Yahoo News that Customs and Border Protection has not stood by him and that he has been unfairly portrayed in news reports.

What none of these articles identify me as, is a law enforcement officer who was cleared of wrongdoing, who actually had a true purpose to be doing what I was doing, he said, and CBP refuses to acknowledge that, refuses to admit that, refuses to make that wrong right.

Rambo had previously been identified as the agent who accessed the travel records of reporter Ali Watkins, then working for Politico, and questioned her about confidential sources. Watkins now writes for The New York Times.

Rambo was assigned to the border agency unit, part of the National Targeting Center in Sterling, Virginia, in 2017. He told investigators he initially approached Watkins as part of a broader effort to get reporters to write about forced labor around the world as a national security issue.

He also described similar efforts with AP reporter Martha Mendoza, according to an unredacted summary obtained by Yahoo News. Rambos unit was able to vet MENDOZA as a reputable reporter, the summary said, before trying to establish a relationship with her because of her expertise in writing about forced labor. Mendoza won her second Pulitzer Prize in 2016 as part of a team that reported on slave labor in the fishing industry in Southeast Asia.

Dan White, Rambos supervisor in Washington, told investigators that his unit ran Mendoza through multiple databases, and CBP discovered that one of the phone numbers on Mendozas phone was connected with a terrorist, Yahoo News reported. White's case also was referred for prosecution and declined.

In response, APs Easton said, The Associated Press demands an immediate explanation from U.S. Customs and Border Protection as to why journalists including AP investigative reporter Martha Mendoza were run through databases used to track terrorists and identified as potential confidential informant recruits.

It was Rambo's outreach to Watkins that led to the inspector general's investigation. While he ostensibly sought her out to further his work on forced labor, Rambo quickly turned the focus to a leak investigation. Rambo even gave it a name, "Operation Whistle Pig," for the brand of whiskey he drank when he met Watkins at a Washington, D.C., bar in June 2017.

The only person charged and convicted stemming from Rambo's efforts is James Wolfe, a former security director for the Senate Intelligence Committee who had a personal relationship with Watkins. Wolfe pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about his contacts with reporters.

In the course of conversations with FBI agents, Rambo was questioned extensively about his interest in Watkins. He used the travel records to confront her about her relationship with Wolfe, asserting that Wolfe was her source for stories. Watkins acknowledged the relationship, but insisted Wolfe did not provide information for her stories.

Rambo said Watkins was not the only reporter whose records he researched through government databases, though he maintained in his interviews with the FBI that he was looking only at whether Wolfe was providing classified information. Rambo said he conducted CBP record checks on "15 to 20 national security reporters," according to a FBI summary of the questioning that was contained in the inspector general's report.

New York Times spokeswoman Danielle Rhoades-Ha said new details about the investigation of Watkins raised fresh concerns.

"We are deeply troubled to learn how U.S. Customs and Border Protection ran this investigation into a journalists sources. As the attorney general has said clearly, the government needs to stop using leak investigations as an excuse to interfere with journalism. It is time for Customs and Border Protection to make public a full record of what happened in this investigation so this sort of improper conduct is not repeated.

Watkins said she, too, was deeply troubled at the lengths CBP and DHS personnel apparently went to try and identify journalistic sources and dig into my personal life. It was chilling then, and it remains chilling now.



Associated Press writer Elliot Spagat in San Diego contributed to this report.
NEW YORK (AP)  One was an aspiring musician looking for her big break in show business. Another was a model striving for a leg up in British society. A third was a struggling middle school dropout. The last was an impressionable high school student.

All were drawn into Jeffrey Epsteins orbit as teenagers and now have also testified as key accusers in the sex-abuse trial of British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell.

The womens testimony in federal court in Manhattan, at times emotional, offered sordid details about allegations Maxwell groomed them to participate in sexual massages with Epstein. The defense says Maxwell is being made to take the fall for Epstein, who died by suicide awaiting his own sex-abuse trial in 2019.

The first three women testified as Jane, Kate and Carolyn  first names or pseudonyms intended to protect their privacy. The last was Annie Farmer, who took the witness stand using her real name.

Here is what they said during two weeks of testimony for the government, which rested its case Friday. The defense is set to begin its own case next week:

JANE

Jane spelled out an alleged pattern of deception by Maxwell that would be echoed by the others. She said she was 14 when she met Maxwell and Epstein at a music camp where Epstein was a benefactor.

Maxwell showered her with attention in a way that left her vulnerable the moment she was first instructed to follow Epstein into his pool house in his Palm Beach, Florida estate in 1994, she said.

When he began to sexually abuse her, I was frozen in fear, she said. Id never seen a penis before.

Prosecutors wanted evidence that Maxwell was a direct participant. Jane gave it to them by claiming Maxwell and Epstein fondled her together.

When a prosecutor asked her why, as the defense pointed out, she didnt initially reveal everything about her experiences with Epstein in initial interviews with law enforcement, she said fighting back tears: Because it was too difficult  too difficult emotionally, too difficult on every level.

KATE

Like the others, Kate recalled Maxwell praising and encouraging her, before Epstein sexually abused her during interactions that started in the early 1990s when she was 17.

The British woman described being intrigued by Maxwell, the daughter of a media mogul, and wanting to be her friend. She also testified about seeing Epstein naked for the first time after Maxwell stood next to him and asked her to massage him  and about feeling ashamed when it was over.

But there was a twist to her testimony when the judge ruled in favor of defense arguments that she shouldn't be allowed to testify about details of any sexual contact with Epstein.

U.S. District Judge Alison Nathan set that limit on her testimony because she was 17 when she first interacted with Epstein in Maxwells London home  the minimum age of consent in Britain. The same applied to later visits to Epsteins Florida home when she was 18.

Kate still may have struck a blow for the government with her account of an interaction with Maxwell after a sexual massage with Epstein.

Maxwell asked me if I had fun and told her: You are such a good girl.

CAROLYN

A key role for Carolyn was to provide testimony about what prosecutors called a pyramid of abuse, allegedly encouraged by Maxwell.

While 14, she was one of several underprivileged teens who lived near Epsteins Florida home in the early 2000s. Word spread that he was offering $100 bills for massages.

When an older schoolmate offered an introduction, Carolyn said she took the bait. She testified she made her age known, but that didnt dissuade Maxwell and Epstein, she said.

Epstein, she said, masturbated and fondled her every time" they got together. He also wanted her to bring along any friends that were my age or younger, she said.

She said found a friend for a threesome with Epstein. When it was over, I was paid $600 and my friend was paid $300. Why? Because I brought her.

She would learn that she hit her expiration at age 18 when Epstein, rather than hire her for massages, asked her to bring younger girls.

And thats when I realized I was too old," she said.

ANNIE FARMER

Farmer, now 42, is a psychologist who had told her story publicly before the trial through civil litigation against Epstein and in media interviews. She repeated how Epstein and Maxwell led her to believe they could be mentors, only to betray her trust.

On the stand, she walked the jury through her history with Epstein while 16 and in high school in 1996. She described how she was creeped out when Epstein held her hand at the movies in New York; when Maxwell touched her breasts while giving her a massage at Epsteins New Mexico ranch; and when Epstein unexpectedly crawled into bed with her and pressed himself against her.

Feeling helpless, she made an excuse to go to the bathroom and hid there, thinking she wanted to be in there long enough that this situation would be over, she said.

The defense tried to rattle Farmer by suggesting she exaggerated her allegations in a $1.5 million claim awarded by a compensation fund set up for victims of Epstein by saying Maxwell had groped her and that Epstein had rubbed his genitals against her.

Farmer pushed back. Her goal all along, she said, was to see Maxwell held accountable for the harm she's caused.
BALTIMORE (AP)  A Baltimore city employee was shot to death while loading his young children into a car, according to officials and neighbors. City police are now offering a reward to locate the perpetrator.

Jake Rogers, a Department of Public Works employee, was shot Thursday morning outside his northeast Baltimore home, The Baltimore Sun reported, citing a reward flyer, a department spokesman and city database.
BOSTON (AP)  Republican Gov. Charlie Bakers decision not to seek a third term has sparked a scramble among potential successors in a suddenly wide-open race. And it's raised questions about the GOP's future in the state and whether a woman finally will break through one of the last glass ceilings in Massachusetts' elective politics.

Can Republicans find a way to hang on to the governors office  their only remaining lever of power in a state when Democrats hold every other statewide office, every seat in Congress, and overwhelming majorities in the Massachusetts House and Senate?

And is Massachusetts, one of the nations most politically liberal states, finally ready to elect a woman to the corner office? Since its first governor, signer of the U.S. Constitution John Hancock, took office way back in 1780, Massachusetts has elected an unbroken string of men as governor. Only one woman has served, but on an acting basis: Lt. Gov. Jane Swift, a Republican, took over as governor in 2001 after Paul Cellucci became ambassador to Canada.

With Baker out  and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito also taking a pass  theres no shortage of announced and possible candidates from both parties for the gubernatorial election in 2022.

On the Democratic side, three candidates jumped into the running even before Bakers announcement. They include Harvard professor Danielle Allen, state Sen. Sonia Chang-Diaz and former state Sen. Ben Downing.

But many political eyes are on bigger names who have yet to rule out a run, including former Boston mayor and current U.S. Labor Secretary Marty Walsh and state Attorney General Maura Healey, who has become a national leader in the legal push to hold companies and individuals accountable for the U.S. opioid addiction and overdose epidemic. Fellow Democratic Boston City Councilor Annissa Essaibi George, fresh off a defeat in her campaign to become Bostons next mayor, is also weighing a run.

On the Republican side, the situation is equally in flux.

While Baker remains popular in Massachusetts  including with Democratic and independent voters  hes less popular among conservative leaders of his party and has clashed with current Massachusetts Republican Party Chair Jim Lyons, a staunch Donald Trump supporter.

Baker opted not to support Trump  or even vote for him  in the 2016 and 2020 elections. He said he decided not to run again for governor to instead focus on the states ongoing coronavirus response.

There is a ton of work thats left to be done, Baker said.

Lyons welcomed Bakers impending departure.

Its clear to me that Charlie Baker was shaken by President Trumps endorsement of another Republican candidate in Geoff Diehl," Lyons said in a statement after Bakers announcement. Trump also issued a statement calling Baker bad news for the Republican Party.

Diehl, a former GOP state representative from Whitman who launched an unsuccessful challenge to Democratic U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren in 2018, announced in July he would seek the partys nomination for governor. Diehl is a Trump supporter who served as co-chair of Trumps Massachusetts 2016 presidential campaign.

While Trumps endorsement may help Diehl with Republican primary voters, it could be a political albatross in a general election in a state that twice rejected Trump by double-digit margins.

Other potential GOP gubernatorial candidates include former U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Andrew Lelling  who led the college admissions investigation dubbed Operation Varsity Blues  Taunton Mayor Shaunna OConnell, and Shiva Ayyadurai, who last year lost a Republican nomination bid for the U.S. Senate.

One of the top potential candidates on the Democratic side is Healey, who twice won statewide elections for attorney general. Healey, with more than $3.3 million in her campaign account, could be a formidable candidate. A fierce Trump critic, she has said shes considering a run.

As attorney general, however, Healey faces a quirky hurdle in Massachusetts  the so-called curse of the attorney general. Since 1958, six former Massachusetts attorneys general have sought the governors office. All failed, either by losing their partys primary, losing the general election, or in one case dying before Election Day.

Healey would face another challenge shared with other potential Democratic candidates. Again, despite their liberal reputation, Massachusetts voters like to elect Republican governors.

Of the past five elected governors, four were Republicans, going back to the election of former GOP Gov. William Weld in 1990.

Another possible Democratic candidate, Walsh, would also begin the campaign with wide name recognition and a hefty $5.1 million left in his campaign account. Walsh gained attention regionally as he shepherded the city through the first year of the pandemic. Unlike Healey, however, Walsh hasnt run a statewide campaign.

Another name that inevitably surfaces in Massachusetts is that of a Kennedy  in this case, former U.S. Rep. Joseph Kennedy III, who last year launched an unsuccessful bid to unseat fellow Democratic U.S. Sen. Edward Markey.

Kennedy hasnt indicated that hes interested in running for governor.

The state has made some belated progress in electing women to top political offices.

In 2012, Massachusetts elected its first woman to the U.S. Senate when Warren filled the seat formerly held by the late Sen. Edward Kennedy. And just last month, Boston tapped Michelle Wu as the first woman and first Asian American elected to the mayors office.
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP)  A Bismarck business that sells hot tubs recently installed solar panels on its roof, making it one of a small but growing number of companies that have decided to go solar in a state thats been slow to embrace this particular form of renewable energy.

Jerry Caufield owns Spas Etc. on Main Avenue east of downtown Bismarck, where he also sells gazebos, billiards tables and other products. He said the decision to put solar panels on the buildings roof was twofold.

I did it mostly for financial reasons, he said, adding that the panels also will reduce his businesss carbon footprint and Thats a side benefit.

He expects the solar panels will reduce Spas Etc.s monthly power bill, and that they will pay for themselves within 11 years.

In the summer when Ive got the air conditioning and two or three hot tubs running, thats when Im really going to benefit, he said.

The price of installing solar panels varies depending on the size of the project, but a typical system atop a house or small business costs tens of thousands of dollars, the Bismarck Tribune reported.

Solar panels are not a common sight in North Dakota, and the state tends to fall at the bottom of national rankings for solar energy build-out. But the solar industry is growing, particularly in Bismarck.

Jim Kambeitz is co-founder of Lightspring, a Bismarck-based solar company that installed the panels atop Spas Etc. in October. Most of the companys inquiries about solar come from residents interested in putting panels on their roofs, but increasingly calls are coming in from businesses, too.

Kambeitz was busy on a recent Saturday offering quotes to three companies.

The misconception is that its cold here so solar wont work, he said. We have more sunlight hours on average per year than Florida. Theyre cloudier. A solar farm in North Dakota will produce more kilowatt-hours per year here than Florida, even though its warmer there.

Excess electricity produced by the solar panels on top of Spas Etc. will be pumped back into the power grid. At times when the panels are not meeting the businesss usage, the building will draw power from the grid via Montana-Dakota Utilities.

Some of the most visible solar arrays in Bismarck sit atop the garages of four apartment complexes operated by MetroPlains. Executive Vice President Craig Stenson said the company hired a Minnesota-based business to install the panels four years ago.

Two of the installations are on complexes visible from busy State Street in north Bismarck.

I had a couple bankers and other real estate professionals call me to ask why I did it, Stenson said.

He has a background in engineering and wanted to help the planet. Federal tax incentives helped make the installations feasible, but he said theres a disparity between North Dakota and Minnesota, where his company also operates. Minnesota has state-level incentives for solar. North Dakota does not.

MetroPlains chose to install the panels at its Bismarck properties anyway.

A part of me wanted a little faster payback, Stenson said. But North Dakota has my heart. Its where we started (the company).

So far in North Dakota, solar panels have been most popular among homeowners and businesses. The state has no major utility-scale solar farms, though regulators have permitted one project in Cass County. About a dozen solar farms proposed in North Dakota are sitting in the queues of the two transmission organizations that operate the power grid in the state, awaiting engineering studies.

Wind farms have been a more popular option in North Dakota for utilities looking to add renewable power to their portfolios. But the wind industry and the federal tax credits that support it have faced backlash in recent years as some lawmakers and residents of North Dakotas coal country see them as a threat.

The backlash has not extended to the same degree to solar, though McLean County last year enacted a moratorium on solar power amid the uncertainty surrounding the announced closure of Coal Creek Station, North Dakotas largest coal-fired power plant. Solar companies had expressed interest in building projects that would connect to the plants transmission line. The facility has since found a new owner who hopes to keep the plant running and add wind farms to hook up to the power line.

Tribal communities have been some of the biggest adopters of solar in the state. Lightspring has worked with former oil workers on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation to install solar, and it has partnered with United Tribes Technical College.

The biggest solar installation in the state is on the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation, where several rows of solar panels in a field near Cannon Ball have a 300-kilowatt capacity -- enough electricity to power about 60 homes in summer, according to an estimate from operator Indigenized Energy. Some of the utility-scale solar farms proposed for the state would have a capacity more than 600 times that size.

Lightspring is not involved in the bigger utility-scale proposals, though it aspires to work on larger projects. Kambeitz envisions a future with large solar projects around the state -- not massive utility-scale ones, but ones built by North Dakotans that can benefit small communities.

We need to create companies that get as many North Dakotans as possible involved in the future energy economy here so we dont miss out, he said.
CHICAGO (AP)  The number of people charged in criminal cases has declined steadily in Cook County over the last two decades. But a closer look at the trend reveals stark racial disparities that have only worsened over time.

More than 3 million criminal cases were filed in Cook County between 2000 and 2018. Over 60% of those were filed against Black people, according to an analysis of Cook County court data by The Circuit, even though Black people only make up about a quarter of the countys population.

People of color have always been disproportionately represented in the criminal justice system. But our analysis shows that Black people make up a larger share of defendants charged in criminal court in recent years compared to 20 years ago. In 2000, 57% of defendants in Cook County Circuit Court were Black; in 2018, 65% were Black. (Because of changes in the way the Circuit Court clerk recorded race and ethnicity over time, its difficult to make similar comparisons for the rate of charges against Latinx defendants.)

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The nonprofit news outlet Injustice Watch provided this article to The Associated Press through a collaboration with Institute for Nonprofit News.

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The rising racial disparities in the court system have also led to wider disparities in incarceration rates. Black people are now incarcerated in the Cook County Jail at more than 17 times the rate of white people, according to an analysis of jail population and census data by The Circuit. Thats the largest gap between the two groups since at least 1990.

The Circuit analyzed data on specific charges to better understand the trends. We also interviewed experts on policing, criminal justice, and race, who offered possible explanations for the shrinking caseloads and growing racial disparities in Cook County courts.

Whats potentially going on is a shift in the types of cases that are getting made or arrests that are being made, said David Olson, a criminology professor at Loyola University Chicago.

Several scholars suggested that changes to public safety priorities have reduced police and prosecutors focus on nonviolent offenses, such as low-level drug possession, theft, and prostitution. At the same time, law enforcement agencies have intensified their efforts around gun cases, which are disproportionately filed against Black men.

Other experts attributed the growing racial disparities to long-standing disinvestment and over policing in Black communities. They argue that local lawmakers have leaned too heavily on the criminal justice system to solve social problems, rather than addressing root causes of crime that disproportionately affect Black people, such as poverty, school inequity, a scarcity of living-wage jobs, and a lack of affordable housing.

Research suggests that the overrepresentation of Black people in the criminal justice system reflects social inequity rather than any correlation between race and criminality. Research also shows that urban areas with high concentrations of poverty and disadvantage are particularly prone to certain property and violent crimes, especially communities that are racially segregated and under-resourced.

Shifting priorities and growing racial disparities

While the number of cases in the Cook County Circuit Court has trended down since 2000, certain types of cases have decreased more than others, as public sentiment, political winds, and new laws have changed prosecutors approach in Cook County. But while charges have decreased overall, racial and gender disparities have worsened for some types of crimes.

For example, prosecutors began bringing fewer prostitution charges against alleged sex workers in 2005. Then-Mayor Richard M. Daley announced a focus on criminalizing customers of sex workers around that time. The number of prostitution charges in Cook County decreased from more than 3,000 in 2004 to just 54 in 2018.

But Black women still make up the largest share of people charged with prostitution in Cook County. And a 2020 study from the Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation found that an increasing share of the people police arrest for prostitution-related offenses are those selling sex, despite a law passed in 2014 that offers law enforcement financial incentives to target customers.

Similarly, the number of cannabis-related charges brought by prosecutors each year in Cook County dropped by 75% from 2000 to 2018, with significant decreases after Chicago began decriminalizing small amounts of pot in 2012 and when Illinois did the same in 2016.

But even as the overall number of pot charges have gone down, the racial disparities in who is charged with certain cannabis-related crimes have increased.

Ojmarrh Mitchell, a criminology professor at Arizona State University, has written about racial disparities in drug sanctions in the criminal justice system. Mitchell said the decriminalization and legalization of drugs such as marijuana can increase racial disparities, as fewer people are charged with possession and law enforcement focuses more on busting people for delivery and distribution.

Court data analyzed by The Circuit shows that the likelihood a defendant is Black or white varies widely based on the type of charge against them. Black people are overrepresented among defendants charged with cannabis possession  but the disparity is even higher for delivery cases.

Essentially, youre swapping out many cases that have relatively low racial disparities for crimes that have greater racial disparities, Mitchell said. The end result is (that) even though the number of cases is going down, racial disparities are going to get worse.

A spokesperson for the office of Cook County States Attorney Kim Foxx suggested, in a statement emailed to The Circuit, that the increase in Black people charged by the office may stem from the policing strategies employed in Black neighborhoods that are not employed in white neighborhoods.

The statement noted that prosecutors typically only review cases after police make an arrest and alleged that the office has tried to change police behavior by declining to prosecute more low-level drug cases brought to the states attorneys office by police.

But as prosecutors brought fewer drug cases to court in recent years, they brought more gun cases, which police, public officials, and the media often link to the citys violence. This trend, too, has resulted in increased racial disparities in the court system. Between 2000 and 2018, the number of weapons cases filed increased by 39% for Black defendants but decreased by 49% for white defendants. Black people, especially Black men younger than 25, are overrepresented among defendants charged in gun cases.

In 2016, a gun violence surge contributed to more than 750 homicides in Chicago, the most since 1997. After that particularly violent year, the police department announced plans to return to hot-spot policing, focused especially on districts in Black and brown communities on the South Side and West Side, targeting people with guns. Since 2018, the department has also employed the controversial gunshot detection technology ShotSpotter, which the citys inspector general found rarely produced evidence of a crime or a gun.

The number of weapons charges rose 44% between 2016 and 2018, according to The Circuit data analysis.

The Chicago Police Department is committed to treating all individuals with fairness and respect. We do not target individuals based on race, said Sgt. Rocco Alioto, a spokesperson for the department, in an emailed statement. He encouraged anyone with allegations of misconduct to file a complaint with the Civilian Office of Police Accountability.

The link between inequity and crime

The racial disparities in charges also reflect long-standing social inequities, segregation, and disinvestment in Black and Latinx communities.

David Stovall, a professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago, said violent crime tends to happen in communities lacking access to quality health care, quality education, living wage employment, and food. The concentration of poverty and violence in these neighborhoods leads to more policing and more arrests, he said.

If you have stronger surveillance in those spaces, then you would also see stronger correlations in terms of people being arrested and charged for certain offenses in those areas that may be ancillary to gun violence or completely separate from it, said Stovall, who studies critical race theory, education, and housing.

The spokesperson for Foxx acknowledged in the statement that systemic issues within the criminal justice systems are centuries-old and emphasized that Foxxs office is working to utilize more diversion programs that connect people charged with crimes to social services instead of incarceration.

Olson suggested that other policy changes could help decrease racial disparities in the criminal justice system, highlighting Illinois R3 program, which takes a portion of tax money received from legal marijuana sales and invests in communities harmed by disinvestment, violence, and overpolicing. But he maintained that public officials cant depend on the criminal justice system to cure social ills affecting people of color that are rooted in long-standing social inequities and economic injustice.

Theyll always be dealing with racial disparity, despite what the system does, because theyre dealing with the output from society, he said.

Tanya Watkins agrees.

Her organization, Southsiders Organized for Unity and Liberation, is part of a coalition backing the Budget for Black Lives, an initiative aimed at siphoning funds from the Cook County Jail and investing more dollars in disadvantaged communities.

She said money that currently funds police, prosecutors, jails, and prisons should go to improving schools, housing the unhoused, feeding the hungry, ensuring people have access to adequate health care and mental health services, and strengthening social safety nets.

I think we have to really stop the conversation about what is impossible, sit down, and radically reimagine society, she said. Starting with Cook County.

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This story is part of The Circuit, a joint project of the nonprofit news organizations Better Government Association and Injustice Watch, in partnership with the civic tech consulting firm DataMade.
CHICAGO (AP)  A Chicago police officer has been charged with murder in the fatal shooting of a woman who was the mother of their child during what a prosecutor said was an argument.

A Cook County judge ordered Saturday that 29-year-old Pierre Tyler be jailed without bond. Tyler faces a first-degree murder charge in the death of 29-year-old Andris Wofford, who died of a gunshot wound to the head, according to the Cook County medical examiners office.
WATERLOO, Iowa (AP)  The labor-intensive work of processing pork at Tyson Fresh Meats means theres a lot of people stationed on its production lines.

But plenty of machinery is needed, as well, to keep those lines running  all tended to by the plants 214 industrial maintenance staff.

For more than two decades, Tyson has relied on a partnership with Hawkeye Community College to train many of those employees.

The 1+2 program provides hands-on training for Tyson employees at Hawkeyes Cedar Falls Center. As originally conceived, the training would last a year but is now completed in 7-1/2 months. Afterwards, the employees are required to work for the company in their new role for at least two years.

Starting salary for graduates of the industrial maintenance training is $68,000 per year, according to the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier.

A little over 200 people have joined the program, said Roger Jones, maintenance training supervisor at the Tyson plant. Of those, 97 people are still employed there.

From the initial positions assigned to them, a range of opportunities are available at the company. Among those are computer technicians, front line mechanics, supervisors and more.

The training pretty much opens the door to advance to any level they would set their goal to, said Jones. It has been so successful that five or six other Tyson pork and beef plants followed Waterloos lead and now have similar programs.

Ale Nadarevic and Alex Harkness went through the HCC training about 10 years ago, both after working on the production line. Nadarevic had been with Tyson 14 years while Harkness was employed there about six months before starting. The company also hires people who go right into the 1+2 training program.

Both are computer maintenance electrical tech leads, dealing with automated equipment at the plant. Harkness works 12-hour day shifts four days per week while Nadarevic works the nine-hour second shift Monday through Friday.

Harkness, a La Porte City native, left Iowa after high school to earn a degree that would allow him to become a video game designer or programmer. He decided going to a university wasnt for him and came home after two quarters. After looking for work and doing odd jobs, he applied to Tyson at the suggestion of a cousin.

He was hired and started a shift cutting up meat, but noticed some of the other jobs being done at the plant  like those in the industrial maintenance positions.

I wasnt really liking standing around on the production line, said Harkness. He learned about the training program and enrolled, joining an electrical crew after finishing it. He worked on that for eight years before moving to his current position.

Naderevic was trained at the same time in the Hawkeye program. He is a refugee from Bosnian who didnt finish high school because of the war in that country.

He arrived in New York state in 1996 and came to work at Tyson in Waterloo the next year when the company recruited him. During his years on the production line mostly I was working with a straight knife, cutting.

He also met his wife at the plant. By the time they had one child and another one on the way, he was looking to get on a different shift to better handle the familys child care. Going through the training and joining an industrial maintenance crew made that possible.

Naderevic started on a support packaging crew after completing the training and stayed there for six years until moving to his current position.

The training is an learn and earn program, where theyre paid an hourly wage. They go to school Monday through Thursday and they have Sunday as an optional work day, said Jones, where they shadow an industrial maintenance employee. Currently, theyre making a little over $18 an hour to go to school and are also paid for a mandatory four-hour homework period done at the plant.

When Harkness and Naderevic went through the program, participants didnt draw a paycheck for the training. Plant management decided to change that two years ago.

Hawkeye and Tyson are able to provide this through the states Accelerated Career Education program. They sign an agreement every five years to continue the training.

It requires the student to pay 20% and the company pays another 20% (of the cost), said Pam Wright, HCCs director of corporate and business solutions. Student costs are covered through payroll deduction while going through the training that amounts to $40 per week.

Remaining costs are covered by state job credits through the Iowa Economic Development Authority. Hawkeye has multiple ACE program agreements, which had an allocation of $224,938 during the 2021 fiscal year ending in June. Among the colleges other agreements is one with John Deere and Kryton Engineered Metals for the IGNITE program, which provides training in manufacturing.

Iowas 15 community colleges have a total of $5.4 million in ACE job credits with 109 active agreements.

Everything theyre learning in school is things theyll see in real life, said Jones, of the 1+2 program. Youll be working with senior people while youre going to school and youre going to be tearing into $30,000-$40,000 machines when youre going to school. It is designed to take someone with little or no experience and train them and give them a job.
dougericksen.src.wastateleg.org

BELLINGHAM, Wash. (AP)  No information has been made available for weeks about the location or condition of Republican state Sen. Doug Ericksen of Ferndale, since he was reportedly in a Florida hospital being treated for COVID-19.

Ericksen wrote to legislative colleagues in November saying he tested positive for COVID-19 in El Salvador and needed monoclonal antibodies.
NEW BERN, N.. (AP)  A former telephone company worker has been convicted of using stolen personal information to sell expensive phones on the black market, according to government prosecutors.

Alejandro Garlynn Williams, 40, was found guilty on Friday on 21 counts of conspiracy, access device fraud and aggravated identity theft at the close of a trial in New Bern, the U.S. Attorneys Office in Raleigh said in a news release. Sentencing will occur later.
CRAB ORCHARD, Ky. (AP)  A small plane with two people on board crashed Friday afternoon in a wooded area of central Kentucky, federal authorities said.

There was no immediate word on the outcome for the occupants. The single-engine Beech V35 went down in an area about 35 miles south-southwest of the city of Lexington, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
PLACERVILLE, Calif. (AP)  A father and son charged with starting a massive California wildfire that destroyed many homes and forced tens of thousands of people to flee Lake Tahoe communities earlier this year pleaded not guilty in court Friday.

The El Dorado County prosecutor's office charged David Scott Smith, 66, and Travis Shane Smith, 32, with reckless arson. The office also charged the son with illegal conversion or manufacture of a machine gun and both men of illegal possession of a firearm silencer.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges, said Emily Idleman, assistant to the chief of investigations in the district attorney's office.

The men were arrested Wednesday and remain in El Dorado County Jail in lieu of $1 million bail each. A bail reduction hearing is scheduled for Monday.

The criminal complaints do not specify how the machine gun and silencer tie into the Caldor Fire and the DA's office has not offered an explanation. The fire started Aug. 14 and crossed three Northern California counties, forcing tens of thousands of people to evacuate the resort town of South Lake Tahoe before it was contained in October.

Five people were injured and about 1,000 homes and other buildings were destroyed.

The complaints said both men illegally possessed a firearm silencer between Aug. 11 and Sept. 23 and that Travis Smith converted or manufactured a machine gun between Aug. 9 and Aug. 14.

Mark Reichel, the attorney for both men, said previously that the two were near where the fire started and called 911 to report flames.

Neither one has ever been in trouble with the law in their life. Theyre very law-abiding people, he said.

The Caldor Fire scorched more than 346 square miles (900 square kilometers) from east of Sacramento to the Nevada border, threatening ski resorts and other prominent recreational areas.

The district attorneys office said the case was developed with the U.S. Forest Service, Californias firefighting agency and the California Department of Justice, with help from the Sacramento County District Attorneys crime lab.
CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP)  Police in Florida have arrested a 29-year-old man on manslaughter charges in connection to the death of an older man whose body was found floating offshore earlier this month in the Gulf of Mexico.

Clearwater police say Shane Dugan was on a boat with 48-year-old Lonnie Wilson on Dec. 3 when the two men began arguing. Detectives say that at some point during the fight Dugan threw Wilson overboard, news outlets reported.
PARIS (AP)  In her first address as a presidential candidate for France's main conservative party, Valerie Pecresse vowed Saturday to break with President Emmanuel Macron's centrist policies and to defeat the extremism of the far-right candidates in the race.

France is holding its presidential race on April 10, with a runoff if needed on April 24. Pecresse, head of the Paris region and a former conservative minister, is first woman chosen to run as The Republicans' presidential candidate.

Since the announcement last week, Pecresse has been gaining in popularity and some polls even have her in a runoff with Macron in the second round of voting. The French president is expected to seek a second term although he has not yet officially declared his candidacy.

Speaking at a conference hall in a Paris hotel, Pecresse assured party members that she will first beat her rivals on the far-right in order to end The Republicans streak of presidential defeats.

We are back on the battlefield to win and the voters know it, she said. It will be Emmanuel Macron or us!

Two far-right contenders  Marine Le Pen, the head of the National Rally party who lost to Macron in the 2017 runoff, and former TV pundit Eric Zemmour  are campaigning on anti-Islam, anti-migrant themes.

On the left, Paris Mayor Anne Hidago is the presidential candidate for the Socialist party and the Greens chose European lawmaker Yannick Jadot, a former Greenpeace activist. The far-left leader of the Rebel France party, Jean Lue Melenchon, is seeking the presidency for the third time.

An experienced politician, Pecresse, 54, has been the minister for higher education, for the budget and was a government spokesperson under former President Nicolas Sarkozy from 2007 to 2012. Pecresse left The Republicans in 2019 amid leadership divisions after the party had a poor showing in EU elections. She rejoined the party this year.

Known as a pro-European, Pecresse in recent months has hardened her positions on immigration and security. She vowed to crack down on illegal immigration but also to step up the integration of immigrants and break down the barriers faced by the immigrant ghettos around Frances urban centers.

She also warned against the rise of what she called Islamism in France.

I am determined to stop the rise of Islamism, she said. In France, women are free and the laws of the Republic are respected.

If elected president, Pecresse said she would end Frances 35-hour workweek so employees work and earn more.

And internationally, she told the audience of about 1,000 party members and supporters, I want a strong France.

I want us to play a leading role in the world, not as vassals of the United States ... and not as subordinates of China and not playing second fiddle in Europe, she said.

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Surk reported from Nice, France.
MAKANDA, Ill. (AP)  The majestic Giant City Lodge sits at the highest point in Giant City State Park, but the park and lodge have a history of their own.

One of President Franklin D. Roosevelts programs, Civilian Conservation Corps or CCC, was started in 1933 and enrolled young men to work on outdoor projects and improvements. Three CCC units were assigned to Giant City State Park.

Company 696, with nearly 200 men, remained at the park from 1933 until 1942. Company 1657 assisted for five months in 1934. Under the supervision of the National Park Service, the CCC undertook such projects as road construction, landscaping, foot trails, guardrails and general forestry improvements, The Southern Illinoisan reports.

In June 1934, the Company 696 began work on project 28 C, the Giant City Lodge and Cabins. Soon after construction began, it became apparent that more than one company of men would be needed, so Company 692 came to Giant City from August 1934 until November 1935.

The emphasis of the project was that it would reflect local atmosphere and decor, and many of the materials that went into the lodge were obtained locally.

The foundation was laid out in concrete. In keeping with the emphasis on local atmosphere, the walls of the Lodge were constructed of locally quarried sandstone. Illinois hardwoods were used in the woodworking in and on the lodge including white oak, pecan and shingle oak. An on-site blacksmith did all of the ironwork.

The lodge was dedicated on Aug. 30, 1936. The Chicago Tribune quoted Illinois Gov. Henry Horner as saying, This park will be a sanctified spot where our people will meet happiness and restoration and instructive interests. To that end it was created and to that purpose I dedicate it.

Other projects included the addition of six more overnight cabins to accommodate the growing number of guests, bringing the total number of cabins to 12 in August 1937. These cabins did not have running water. They were furnished with furniture built by the CCC.

The CCC was asked to make 80 additional pieces of furniture for the lodges lounge area. This furniture, made of local white oak and maple, remains in the lounge area today.

The Refectory Service Court, constructed of native sandstone with white oak pin rails and gates, was finished on Nov. 30, 1938. On March 31st, 1939, a concession stand was completed in the lodge building. It featured Coca Cola for 10 and ice cream cones for 5.

The projects that the 696th Company had started  but not finished before disbanding were finished by the permanent park personnel and the Works Progress Administration.

In early 1946, work began on the existing cabins, which included plastering interior walls and adding plumbing and electricity.

The increasing dining room business created the need to add yet another dining room in 1958, which became known as the Bald Knob Room. In 1969, yet another dining room was added, which was named the Shawnee Room.

The biggest improvements to the Lodge since its construction occurred under Gov. James Thompsons Build Illinois Program beginning in 1985, more than 50 years after the CCC was commissioned.

Bob Winchester, a state representative, suggested adding a soda tax and the money went to the Conservation Department (now Illinois Department of Natural Resources), Richard Kelly said.

Under the new program, the 12 original overnight cabins were removed and 12 new cabins built on the same sites. These 12 new cabins are now known as the historic cabins. Another 22 new cabins were built around the lodge, along with outdoor swimming pools.

The Lodge was renovated with new infrastructure throughout, including a new Bald Knob dining and banquet rooms. The addition doubled the total dining room seating to approximately 400. The addition was designed to maintain its historic beauty, in keeping with the spirit of the park.

The 1980s also brought a new era of management and hospitality, as Richard A. Kelley with his 19-year-old son Mike become the lodges sixth concessionaire.

Richard Kelly was a mess sergeant in the Army and had been around food all his life. Applying for the license to run the lodge seemed natural for him.

We did a lot of cleaning and took some screens off windows to brighten up the place. We opened on March 1, 1981, Mike Kelly said, adding that they shined it up, turned on more lights and made the lodge more welcoming to visitors.

Mike and Richard Kelly have been at the lodge almost daily since opening.

Dad was a forward thinker. After two weeks of getting overwhelmed on Sunday lunch, he decided we would just do the chicken dinner, Mike Kelly said.

That decision enabled the lodge to serve a larger number of people each Sunday. Today, the lodges famous family-style fried chicken dinner is still the menu for Sunday lunch.

However, Mike wanted to make it clear that fried chicken dinners are available for lunch and dinner every day at the lodge. Guests may also order off the menu throughout the week, but the fried chicken is definitely the favorite.

The Kelly family does not own the lodge. It is an Illinois state park facility. Ownership aside, it is the Kelly family business.

Everybody in the family has worked at the lodge. They usually start hosting or busing tables and graduate to the waiting tables. Mikey (Mikes son) joined us a few years ago after college, Mike Kelly said. My brother-in-law Jim Booziotis joined us years ago. He certainly has a big part in the business.

For members of the Kelly family, working at the Lodge is a rite of passage. Mikey Kelly started working helping set and clear tables on busy Sundays when he was in about third grade. Of course, that meant getting some money for working from his grandpa.

Thats kind of the way it is. If youre in the family, you work at the lodge, Mikey Kelly said.

He said he couldnt pass up the opportunity to work with family, his parents, grandparents and uncle.

We all get along pretty darn well, Mikey Kelly said.

On any Sunday, you will find Mike and Mikey Kelly and Jim Booziotis hard at work at the lodge. Kay Kelly is usually at the hostess stand and Richard is in his office, just off the dining room.

He makes the bills, he pays them

Richard Kelly still keeps a handwritten tally of eachs days business in a ledger book, just like his dad taught him to do at Kellys Big Star. The bookkeeping is computerized, but he takes the computer printout and adds the numbers to the book.

Ive carried my dads habit into the business at the lodge, Richard Kelly said.

They are lined up on the bookshelf behind his desk, along with one of his dads ledger.

They joke that Mike Kelly makes the bills and Richard Kelly pays them.

Mike Kelly said that, in addition to family, they have been fortunate and blessed with a good staff, especially the past year and a half with COVID-19.

The walls give visitors an idea of how popular that fried chicken is, too. There are pictures of Giant City State Park, celebrities who have visited, politicians and family, as well as newspaper and magazine articles celebrating Giant City Lodge.

Forty-one years have flown by and now three generations of family operate the lodge, Mike Kelly said. We may be a little bit Mayberry, but it works.

I have been so blessed, Richard Kelly said.
BEIRUT (AP)  The Palestinian Hamas group said Saturday that explosions that shook a refugee camp in southern Lebanon were caused by an electrical short-circuit in a storage area for oxygen bottles used to treat coronavirus patients.

Later in the day however, a Lebanese security official said that the explosion in the camp was clearly ammunition  not oxygen bottles. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations, did not elaborate.

Lebanons state-run National News Agency had reported late Friday that arms stored for Hamas exploded Friday in the Burj Shamali camp, killing and injuring a number of people. A security official also said the explosions caused casualties but did not give a breakdown.

Hamas in a statement Saturday described the explosions as an incident adding that a fire in the refugee camp in the southern port city of Tyre caused limited damage. In a later statement, the group said that one of its members, Hamza Chahine, was killed. It called on its supporters to take part in his funeral on Sunday afternoon at a mosque in the camp.

Hamas said the oxygen bottles and containers of detergents stored at the camp were to be distributed as part of its aid work in the camp.

Hamas condemns the misleading media campaign and the spread of false news that accompanied the incident, the militant group said in its statement. It added that reports about the cause of the blast and the deaths of dozens are baseless.

Immediately after the blasts, Lebanese troops deployed around the camp and briefly prevented people from entering or leaving.

NNA said the state prosecutor in southern Lebanon has asked security agencies and arms experts to inspect the Hamas arms storage site inside the camp.

Lebanon is home to tens of thousands of Palestinian refugees and their descendants. Many live in the 12 refugee camps that are scattered around the small Mediterranean country.
HASTINGS, Neb. (AP)  Michele Kimle says collaboration with her fellow counselors and support from the administration are keys to her success, highlighted in November as the Nebraska School Counselor Association named Kimle the Nebraska Middle School Counselor of the Year.

Kimle, in her 15th year at Hastings Middle School, said she wasnt really telling anybody about the nomination because she tends to shy away from being the subject of attention. She didnt want people to focus on her over the other middle school counselors, Jill Hoppe and Stephanie Jacobson.

Theyre amazing, too, Kimle told the Hastings Tribune. I feel its really a team effort. Were a good team.

She said each of the trio concentrates on one grade level and sticks with that class through their time at the middle school. Kimle said the approach provides consistency for the students and fosters a deeper relationship.

At the end of three years, I feel like we know those kids really well, Kimle said.

About once a month, the counselors take a day to teach students. She said it helps students work on social/emotional development and allows counselors to develop relationships with students so they are more comfortable seeking them out if issues arise. The sessions also give teachers a break from the classroom to work on grading papers or prepare lessons.

The backing of the schools administration also is a crucial factor to the success of the middle school counselors, she said.

In other areas of Nebraska and across the United States, counselors are being cut, Kimle said  but Hastings has made a commitment to supporting students.

I feel our administration has really fought for three full-time counselors for us, she said.

Kimle said she felt drawn to the education field many years ago.

I always knew I wanted to work with kids, she said. I think middle school is a really interesting age of kiddo. You can joke with them but can have some pretty serious conversations with them, too.

Kimle originally was a teacher in Kearney. She became interested in the subject of counseling after an experience with a student who made a possibly suicidal comment and Kimle wasnt sure how to respond. After that, she started taking extra classes to learn better ways to help students.

When a counselor position opened up in Hastings Public Schools, she applied on a whim. The Kimle family farm south of Kenesaw is closer to Hastings than Kearney.

It was a very, very good move, she said. Hastings is a great place.

Kimle received the award Nov. 4 at the NSCA luncheon, but she hadnt prepared a speech. She knew she was a semi-finalist for the award, but wasnt sure whether she would be chosen.

I was very humbled. I dont deserve it any more than they do, she said of the other candidates.

Angie Kruse, NSCA Professional Recognition Chair, said the award is about finding the school counselors who go above and beyond. One factor is school counselors who are following the American School Counselor Association National Model.

Kruse said they had nearly 40 nominations from across the state. The committee narrowed the field to six semi-finalists, each of whom completed an application that included two recommendations, a resume, and evidence of how they implement the American School Counselor Association National Model. The committee then chose one winner at each level.

She (Kimle) has shown various ways of collaborating with the other professionals in the building and will refer on for additional family support when needed, Kruse said. A few of the consistent attributes that popped up in the letters of recommendation is how Michele Kimle continues to be there for students beyond middle school. She very much cares about her students and families.

Other semi-finalists honored at the Nebraska School Counselor Association Luncheon in November included:

Elementary runner-up Kirk Ramsey with Blue Hill Elementary

Elementary Counselor of the Year Stefanie McAlpin with Anchor Pointe Elementary in Bennington

Middle School runner-up Lisa Bade with Alice Buffett Magnet Middle School in Omaha

High School runner-up Noelle Baker with Seward High School

High School Counselor of the Year Marilynn Peaslee with Lincoln Northeast High School
DETROIT (AP)  Strong winds across Michigan caused tens of thousands of new electrical outages Saturday and frustrated efforts to repair widespread damage to power lines from overnight storms.

Nearly 50,000 additional outages to homes and businesses were reported by DTE Energy in Detroit and surrounding areas of southeastern Michigan during the day Saturday. Those pushed the total outages involving the states major electric utilities to about 250,000 late Saturday afternoon.
CASPER, Wyo. (AP)  For years, Wyoming has enjoyed a reputation for civility in its politics that sets it apart from many places. There were exceptions, to be sure, but politicians prided themselves on being courteous even when disagreeing, longtime observers say.

The group norm in the Legislature has been that you can agree with somebody on one bill, on the next bill, 15 minutes later, you can oppose them, but you are friends all the time, said Sen. Charlie Scott, a Natrona County Republican and rancher who, at 43 years, is the states longest tenured lawmaker.

But things appear decidedly less civil in Wyoming politics this year. In September, a Park County GOP official sent a state lawmaker an email calling her an obscenity and suggesting she should kill herself. A month later, the former Speaker of the House had to apologize after cursing a colleague in a hot mic incident. During that same special session of the Legislature, yet another lawmaker, complaining about inaction on a bill, posted a meme on Facebook that declared fix bayonets.

This year has also seen revelations that spies allegedly attempted to infiltrate Wyoming politics. And a state senator running for U.S. House suggested that Dr. Anthony Fauci should be tried and executed, the Casper Star-Tribune reported.

There have been similar examples across the country of a decline in political civility. But the level of incivility and lack of respect in Wyoming politics is new, multiple people on both sides of the aisle told the Star-Tribune. And its not reserved only for members of the opposition.

Theres a lack of decorum, civility and its generated into a low IQ, name calling, said Sen. Larry Hicks, R-Baggs. Its just exploded in the last year and a half, two years. In my 12 years in the Legislature, Ive never seen such a low level of civility, respect and decorum for people who have different opinions.

I think its a sad state of affairs in Wyoming.

Increasing vitriol

Hicks, a natural resource manager from southern Wyoming, is one of the Legislatures most conservative politicians. But that hasnt protected him from vitriol  especially from his own party.

There are several groups who wallow in this hog pen of mud slinging, Hicks said. They cant appeal to the populace with their arguments, so they have to do confrontational politics. Thats become rampant within the Republican party.

Hicks was recently tied to one of the most rancorous incidents in Wyoming politics this year.

It started with an email that Sen. Tara Nethercott, R-Cheyenne, received from Troy Bray, a Park County precinct committeeman, about an anti-vaccine mandate bill she voted against in March.

If I were as despicable a person as you, I would kill myself to rid the world of myself. You sicken me, Bray wrote. Thank you for ensuring that the people of Wyoming are subjected to tyranny once again. F*** YOU C***.

The email became public, and caused a stir in Park County and across the state, where Bray avoided a censure.

In mid-October, Hicks received an email from Steve Bray, a former candidate for statehouse. He apparently thought the email was sent by Troy Bray, and sent a response to that effect.

Please remove me from your email list, Hicks wrote to Steve Bray, apparently thinking he was responding to Troy Bray. Given your pass (sic) history of obscenity laced unwanted attacks on members of the legislature there is absolutely nothing of any value that you have to say that I am interested in hearing. I do not represent you and I sure as hell do not have any respect for your past despicable behavior.

Some of Hicks fellow lawmakers and other state Republican officials didnt like the email. Sen. Anthony Bouchard, R-Cheyenne, shared a screenshot of Hicks email in an email to the entire Legislature in which he asked Is this the new norm in politics, to tattle tale?

This victim mentality can spread like a cancer. Its weak sauce at best, Bouchard wrote. And this is what happens when the first thought is to react as a victim. Definitely not a good look.

At the Wyoming GOP Central Committee meeting last month, Laramie County Republican Party representatives introduced a resolution to censure Bray for his email to Nethercott.

At that same meeting, some Republicans sought to shift some blame for the episode to Nethercott.

That individual is the one who made that letter public, Vice Chairman of the Wyoming GOP, Dave Holland, said at the central committee meeting, referring to Nethercott. It was her choice to make the letter public.

In addition to declining to punish Bray, the party then entertained censuring Hicks for his email and instance of mistaken identity. Ultimately, they decided to chastise him in a resolution that accused him of acting in an unacceptable and uncouth manner toward a fellow member of the Wyoming Republican Party.

Clearly, theres a different moral imperative applied to the different cases, Hicks said. It also diminishes the importance and the belief of the party itself when theres gross inconsistencies.

Hicks was not the only lawmaker to be chastised at that meeting. Rep. Steve Harshman, a Republican from Casper who served for years as Speaker of the House, was criticized in the same resolution.

During the special session, Harshman was caught on a hot mic while participating over Zoom using derogatory language towards his House colleague, Rep. Chuck Gray, R-Casper.

Chuck Gray, f**** (inaudible), Harshman was caught saying. Little f****** (inaudible).

Harshman apologized the next day before the House and was disciplined by Speaker Eric Barlow, R-Gillette. There was discussion of censuring Harshman, but that never came to fruition.

Whether intentional or inadvertent, there was a breach in that decorum, Barlow said at the time.

Internet incivility

Some observers say social media is playing a critical role in the rise of incivility. A policy disagreement can quickly turn ugly and be disseminated rapidly.

During the special session, the right wing of the Legislature grew frustrated as bills meant to block vaccine and mask mandates failed to advance. Some turned to social media to share their feelings.

So one of our school districts arrest a student for violating their unconstitutional mandates and the senate refuses to hear a bill to reduce their authority but passes a gambling bill you know where their priorities are, wrote Sen. Troy McKeown, R-Gillette, in a Facebook post. We will not lay down. In fact, some defended the school boards  the conservatives will no longer be bullied by the powers that be. Remember its the 3rd rib 

The latter comment was an apparent reference to the meme that accompanied the post. It read, When life gives you lemons, fix bayonets!

A couple days after the post, the Gillette senator told the Star-Tribune that it was not meant to be taken literally. But some lawmakers said it wasnt acceptable.

Thats beyond the pale, Sen. Mike Gierau, D-Jackson, said. What Jan. 6 shows us, is that taken in the wrong context, that could be dangerous.

The Wyoming Democratic Party reported the post to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. As of this week, the post was still online.

McKeown maintains he wasnt trying to encourage violence.

First of all, it was a figurative post. It wasnt inciting violence, he told the Gillette News Record. The only people who complained about it has been the media, evidently. It was a figurative post and it was posted out of frustration out of the fact that weve set down here a week and got nothing done. Im not trying to incite violence.

Bouchard, meanwhile, raised eyebrows for his own social media post. In September, he shared a meme on his congressional campaigns Facebook page accusing Fauci of lying and suggesting that Fauci should be executed.

After prosecution, the chair, the gallows, or lethal injection? Bouchard wrote in the post, which was accompanied by an image of Fauci with a hanging noose.

When asked, Hicks said he believes Bouchard should shoulder some of the blame for the decline in civility.

Bouchard used to put on workshops on how to do confrontational politics, Hicks said.

Bouchard, who declined to be interviewed for this story, is running against Rep. Liz Cheney in the 2022 GOP House primary. He made national news earlier this year when he disclosed, ahead of a British tabloids report, that hed impregnated a 14-year-old girl when he was 18.

In the aftermath, Bouchard ignored calls to resign. That in itself is an indication of the decline in civility in Wyoming politics, said Keith Goodenough, a former lawmaker.

And so not all that long ago, (if) something like that came out, it would be a deal breaker, he said.

A changing Legislature?

Scott, the longest serving lawmaker, believes the Legislature remains quite cordial, though he has seen a mild uptick in incivility.

Its been gradual, but its been growing like a little cancer. Its unfortunate, Scott said.

He has, however, gotten a great deal of growth in the amount of hateful calls he gets, particularly over the pandemic.

Some of them have just been abusive, and that is no way to win friends and influence people, Scott said.

Goodenough served in the state House and Senate as well as the Casper City Council from 1989 to 2014. He says he left politics at the end of the cordial era.

A lot of (lawmakers) were ranchers or older guys from the greatest generation, said Goodenough, who served as a Democrat in the Legislature and ran as an independent later in his political career. And they just seem like they have a lot more respect in general than youngsters nowadays, like Chuck Gray and some of those guys.

Gray, who is not a representative in Goodenoughs former Senate district, has served in the House since 2017. He is a member of the House Freedom Caucus, a far-right coalition who often vote together. Gray aggressively pursued election ID and anti-abortion bills in the Legislature and is sharply critical of the mainstream media, Democrats and Rep. Liz Cheney, whom he ran against for a time.

This statement is just another example of the Democrats, insiders, and the media accusing strong conservatives of what they are actually guilty of, Gray said in response to Goodenoughs comment. They have the nerve to call me nasty for calling for transparency through recorded votes, demanding that legislators read the bills they vote on, and stating that the legislature should follow the Constitution by truly balancing the budget. Meanwhile, this coalition of the Democrats, insiders, and media does little to criticize Harshmans comments made when I asked for a recorded vote during the special session so that politicians are on the record with how they actually vote. Theyll say anything to shift the blame.

Carbon County GOP Chairman Joey Correnti, meanwhile, takes issue with the idea that there has been a rise in incivility. He sees a few isolated incidents rather than a trend.

I believe there has been an intensely increased focus over the past few years in accountability and the expectation that professed party values and voices of the grassroots be embraced and adhered to, as well as an active realization by many that there is a distinct difference between actual incivility and disrespect -VS- hearing something that is true but an individual or group happens to not like or benefit from, he said.

Inter-party strife

Along with the perceived rise in incivility, Wyoming has experienced a splinter within the Wyoming Republican Party, with members often criticizing one another as much as they do Democrats.

Within the Republican Party, its a split between the moderate and the far-right, said Susan Stubson, a lawyer and Republican Party member whose husband, Tim, formerly served in the Legislature.

Multiple Republicans have been censured, or almost censured, by their own party in recent years. Dr. Joseph McGinley, a Natrona County GOP official whos considered more moderate these days, was censured three times by the state party in one day. Last year, JoAnn True, a Natrona County Republican official, was censured by her own party for helping to found a nonpartisan political action committee that aims to increase female representation in office. She angered the far right because the group supported both Democrats and Republicans.

Also in 2020, Gillette police cited then Albany County Republican Chairman Michael Pearce for assault after he was accused of instigating a fight with Correnti. Police said Pearce, who landed in the hospital, began the fight by punching Correnti in the head.

Perhaps no one embodies the split in the Republican Party better than Rep. Liz Cheney, who voted with former President Donald Trump at a 93% clip while he was in office, but earned the scorn of his supporters for impeaching the former president and steadfastly criticizing him for lying about the election following the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection.

The lack of seriousness and civility, and rise in toxicity, from some elected officials and political party leaders is a direct threat to our ability to govern and to our goal of unifying the country around the shared American principles of freedom, liberty, and reverence for the Constitution, Cheney said in statement to the Star-Tribune.

Another way?

The late Sen. Mike Enzi enjoyed a reputation in Congress for getting along with people. Enzi served in the U.S. Senate from 1997 to 2021, and was known, amid a time of increasing rancor, for working across the aisle.

Enzi stressed his 80-20 rule  politicians should focus on the 80% of things they agree on rather than the 20% where they are in opposition.

Early in his time in politics, Enzi approached Sen. Ted Kennedy, D-Mass., and asked, How can we work together? The two remained close friends after that, creating a valuable, bipartisan alliance.

That spirit of cooperation feels distant now. But even if the state of Wyoming politics may have changed, some hope the trend is not irreversible. Both Cheney and Goodenough say the solution comes down to responsible and competent individuals.

The solution is for a mass of well-meaning, polite citizens to get back into the political system, Goodenough said.

But those citizens would need to be elected. Which means its ultimately up to voters to decide what brand of Wyoming politics they prefer.
MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. (AP)  More than a century ago, townspeople wearied of looking at the fire-torched hull of the SS Muskegon, which had been abandoned in the Michigan City marina.

So they dragged it out into Lake Michigan and sank it.

Now the shipwreck of the 211-foot freighter that sank near Mount Baldy in Michigan City in 1911 could become Indianas second underwater preserve.

Indiana Universitys Center for Underwater Science is leading a charge to create the preserve about 2.8 miles from the Mount Baldy beach at a depth of about 30 feet. It would follow the J.D. Marshall Preserve, just off the shore at the Indiana Dunes State Park, that commemorates the capsized ship and four crew members whose history is on display at the state parks Nature Center and Michigan Citys Old Lighthouse Museum.

The preserve designation would mark the site with buoys and protect it for scuba diving and exploration. It would establish boundaries for boats, likely lead to interpretative signs along the shore and provide the public with virtual tours.

Divers can see the ships frame, propeller, driveshaft, steam engine and twin boilers in their watery final resting place under Lake Michigan.

IU Center for Underwater Science Director Charles Beeker submitted the nomination to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Beeker, a diver who also helped establish the J.D. Marshall Preserve, had been working on the preserve designation on and off since 2000 before it was fast-tracked after the coronavirus pandemic hit last year.

Ive had meetings with the Indiana DNR and its moving forward, he said. The state accepted the nomination. Were now working on the details and soliciting local support. Were pleased the state has taken our recommendation.

Divers discovered the shipwreck in the 1960s. Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, its one of 50 shipwrecks off the Indiana coast and 6,000 in the Great Lakes, Beeker said.

This leads to people going out in boats and tourism, he said. Its a special level of enhancement that will result in a historical marker, buoys, interesting materials and a meaningful experience diving there.

The SS Muskegon was a 1,199 gross ton freighter also known at one point as the Peerless under different ownership. At different points in its lifespan, it ferried passengers, hauled freight, sucked up sand from the bottom of Lake Michigan and was suspected at one point to be a floating host for gambling.

For its first 25 years, it was one of the finest ships carrying freight on the Great Lakes, Beeker said. It was a vessel with no equal at its time.

Its not feasible to see the shipwreck via snorkeling, as the water is not very clear at that depth. But its easy to reach via boat or kayak.

Its the same thing as the J.D. Marshall, which is about 400 yards offshore, he said. It makes it easy to appreciate. You have other Great Lakes shipwrecks 100 feet down where little is exposed. This is a fun dive, not a hardcore dive.

Even for those who dont dive, the nature preserve will help raise awareness about the boats history.

Not many have been to the Titanic shipwreck site, Beeker said.

First launched in 1872, the SS Muskegon was a single-propeller passenger ferryboat on the Great Lakes. It carried freight mail and later gathered sand that was used as a building and manufacturing material as it got older and was eclipsed with newer ships.

Built in Ohio, it often visited ports in Chicago, Duluth and Grand Haven. Its full history before it caught fire, burned at the dock and was sunk is not fully known.

Ernest Hemingway traveled on vessels like that on the Great Lakes from when he was a young kid to 12 years old, Beeker said. Its possible he might have traveled on it.

The ship did have a major economic impact on Lake Michigan in the 19th century.

Were pleased the state recognized the value of shipwrecks and the maritime landscape as a whole on the Great Lakes, he said. The maritime industry made the state what it is today. It was a ferryboat for 25 years and a prized vessel to get on in Chicago and ports along the way. Its our history.

Such shipwrecks were often scavenged in the past, but are now being preserved.

They were looted but are much better protected now, he said. Theres an inventory of the artifacts that are part of the shipwreck. Making it a preserve ensures it remains accessible to the public while people take only photos and leave only bubbles.

Jim Retseck, president of the Michigan City Historical Society, said the states second underwater nature preserve would commemorate an important history.

At one time it was a passenger ship that became a sandsucker when it grew long in the tooth, he said. It was docked right at the back of the Old Lighthouse before it caught on fire. There was a night watchman on it, which makes it kind of odd. But it had kerosene lamps and was made of wood so it was flammable. We do also have the possibility it was struck by lightning. But there was a watchman so you think they would have caught it sooner. Pretty much everything burned out while it was anchored there.

The shipwreck, however, has maintained much of its integrity while at its watery grave at the bottom of Lake Michigan.

Its in excellent condition, which is a rather unusual situation, Retseck said. The freshwater, cold water in the winter and sandy bottom all aid in the preservation. A few things have gone missing from it, but federal and state law now prevent people from bringing things up off these ships.

It shares an intertwined history with the J.D. Marshall, which was a lumber hauler that became a sandsucker owned by the same company. The J.D. Marshall sank a day after the SS Muskegons sandsucking equipment was installed on it.

The first mate and three crew members died on that ship, he said. The Muskegon had no fatalities. What it did was suck up sand and sell it. Its just ironic they ended up having the same fate.

The state nature preserve status raised the profile of the JD Marshall, Beeker said.

Its appreciated in the Nature Center and with hikes to see the buoys and interpretive materials, he said. The state has a website and weve been developing more materials. Its increased interest, bringing visitors from as far as California at a time when domestic travel is on the rise.

Hes working with the state to plan a big public event when the SS Muskegon gets inaugurated as a state nature preserve just off the shore in the Indiana Dunes National Park.

Weve talked about a similar type of event as we had with the J.D. Marshall, he said. We want to get the public involved to celebrate the maritime heritage. Shipwrecks are finite. This is a submerged cultural resource. The days of looting shipwrecks are over.



Source: The Times
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP)  A Canadian citizen who traveled to Syria to join the Islamic State group nearly a decade ago pleaded guilty Friday to serving as one of the organizations more prominent English-language propagandists.

Mohammed Khalifa, 38, pleaded guilty to conspiring to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, resulting in death, at a hearing in U.S. District Court in Alexandria. U.S. District Judge T.S. Ellis III accepted the plea.

According to court records, Khalifa left Canada for Syria in 2013 after being inspired by the lectures of Anwar al-Awlaki, a U.S. cleric who later became a leading figure in al-Qaeda.

Prosecutors said Khalifa narrated two notorious Islamic State propaganda videos  Flames of War in 2014 and Flames of War II in 2017  designed to recruit Westerners to join the Islamic State or to kill Westerners as part of an international holy war campaign.

Khalifa also fought on the battlefield, according to prosecutors. He was captured by Syrian Defense Forces in 2019 and held overseas until he was brought to Virginia earlier this year to face charges.

According to an FBI affidavit, Khalifa told FBI agents he expected to be sent to an Islamic State training camp when he joined the organization in late 2013. Instead, he was recruited to join the organizations media department because of his English language skills and spent nearly five years as a leader in their English-language propaganda unit, it said.

The affidavit said Khalifa narrated numerous videos besides Flames of War and its sequel, which show prisoners being executed and decapitated. In another video, titled Inside the Khilafah, Khalifa urges listeners, if they arent able to travel to Syria to join the Islamic State, to instead terrorize the disbelievers with your jihad outside the khilafah by targeting them and shedding their blood.

Khalifa told agents he was captured in January 2019 when he defied an Islamic State order to flee from advancing forces in Shafaa, Syria. Instead, he said, he launched a solo attack of sorts on Syrian Defense Forces, surrendering after his AK-47 rifle jammed.

In a news release announcing the guilty plea, federal prosecutors said the Flames of War videos include scenes of a masked Khalifa executing a different Syrian soldier in each of the two videos  while other masked ISIS members also shoot the prisoners kneeling in front of each of them.

Khalifa is scheduled to be sentenced on April 15. He faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP)  An Alabama judge who handles domestic relations cases was removed from office Friday after being accused of inappropriate behavior that included making derogatory comments about other judges and using fake social media accounts to communicate with people in a case.

The Alabama Court of the Judiciary issued the order removing Nakita Blocton from her position as a circuit judge in Jefferson County. The court ruled Blocton had demonstrated a pattern of inappropriate behavior and comments as well as a pattern of deception and dishonesty.
PORTLAND, Maine (AP)  A jury has found that a roofing contractor in Maine is not guilty of workplace manslaughter for the 2018 death of a worker.

The Portland Press Herald reports that the jury reached its verdict Thursday at the Cumberland County Courthouse. Shawn Purvis, owner of Purvis Home Improvement Co. in Scarborough, Maine, faced one count of workplace manslaughter, a Class C felony that carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. The judge dismissed a second count of manslaughter, a more serious charge, on the last day of the trial, which began Dec. 1.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP)  A major storm is headed toward Northern California, promising to drop up to 10 feet (3 meters) of snow on Sierra Nevada mountain peaks and much-needed rain throughout the region.

Rain was expected this weekend in the Bay Area, with snowfall in the Sierras starting Sunday before getting heavier between Monday and Tuesday, according to forecasters. There could even be a dusting of snow on Bay Area mountaintops.

If you live in the Sierra, today is the final day to prepare for a multi-day winter storm that will likely be remembered for years to come, the National Weather Service warned in a forecast issued Saturday.

Another storm system predicted to hit California midweek could deliver almost continuous snow, said Scott McGuire, a meteorologist with the weather services Reno office, which monitors an area straddling the Nevada state line. Downed trees and white-out conditions could endanger motorists; meanwhile the Sierra Avalanche Center warned heavy snow and strong winds on top of a weak snowpack could cause large and destructive avalanches.

If you are traveling through the Sierra, either get ahead of the storm before snowfall begins or wait until its over to get up there. It will be increasingly treacherous, he said.

About about 85 miles (137 kilometers) southeast of Seattle, a winter storm warning was in place until Sunday morning in an area where a Saturday avalanche killed a 60-year-old man. Five others were rescued.

A low-pressure system from the Pacific Northwest was on track to hit coastal areas north of San Francisco Saturday night and drop light rain. The heaviest rainfall was expected to come Sunday night into Monday morning as the storm spreads to the east and south, said Sarah McCorkle, a meteorologist with the weather service's Bay Area office.

Rainfall totals across the north could range between 2-6 inches (5-15 centimeters), and the greatest amount was expected in the Santa Cruz and Santa Lucia mountain ranges, where winds could exceed 50 miles per hour (80 kilometers per hour). The rain could cause minor flooding and rockslides, particularly in areas where wildfires have burned recently, according to the forecast.

Pacific Gas & Electric said the storm may cause power outages in the Bay Area. The utility said in a news release that its workers were clearing vegetation away from power lines to reduce the chance of outages.

The amount of rain is typical for this time of year, McCorkle said, even though the last couple of years have been unusually dry. The storm should help relieve dry conditions, but wont mark an end to the drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

The megadrought fueled by climate change has enveloped much of the West. As California heads into what traditionally is its wettest time of the year, 80% of the state is classified as in extreme or exceptional drought, the two worst categories.
PHOENIX (AP)  Maricopa County is allocating $21 million of federal funding to partner with four local nonprofit groups to provide hundreds of additional beds for homeless people in metro Phoenix.

The projects to provide 352 new shelter beds is part of a $28 million spending plan approved Wednesday that also includes money to pay for boosting services to rapidly rehouse people and provide ways to prevent homelessness from recurring.

County officials are working to provide shelter for people disproportionately affected by COVID-19 and services to help them get back on their feet," said Jack Sellers, chairman of the county Board of Supervisors.

Under the plan, Community Bridges will receive $7.5 million for 100 new beds at a site not yet determined. Tempe Community Action Agency will get $6 million for 80 beds in Tempe. The Society of Vincent de Paul will receive $6 million for 100 beds in Phoenix. UMOM New Day Centers will get $1.4 million for 62 beds in Phoenix.

The additional shelter beds are expected to be available next year.

The money will come from the countys $435 million allotment from federal pandemic relief funding.

The projects will go a significant way to prevent chronic homelessness in our community," said county Human Services Director Jacqueline Edwards, This is not just some sort of short-term solution."

Edwards said the spending fits with the Maricopa Association of Governments' regional homelessness action plan, also approved Wednesday. It calls for services for people experiencing homelessness to be expanded across the state.

Folks experiencing homelessness throughout the region will be able to access these services, Edwards said.
BEL AIR, Md. (AP)  A Maryland man whose vehicle struck a utility pole had actually been shot while driving and later died, authorities said.

William James Doran, 29, of the Joppatowne section of Harford County, was pronounced dead at the University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Medical Center following the Friday evening accident, the Harford County Sheriffs Office said in a news release.
BILOXI, Miss. (AP)  Are you a Dorothy, Blanche, Rose or Sophia?

Fly Llama Brewery in Biloxi is honoring the iconic characters from the Golden Girls TV show with a limited-release batch of cheesecake beers.

Owner and brew master David Reese, a self-described huge fan of the show, proposed creating a mixed four-pack, with a different beer for each of the four women who lead the show. Cheesecake is such a beloved motif on the 1980s sitcom that a 17-minute YouTube video titled Best Cheesecake Moments on the Golden Girls has over a million views.

We all kind of laughed, thought it was just an insane idea, Reese said. The more I thought about it, the more I thought, why couldnt we do it? Finally, were almost here.

The four-pack will be released on Dec. 18, with a Christmas party at the brewery. The four cheesecake flavors are strawberry, blueberry, raspberry passionfruit and pineapple mango.

These beers represent Fly Llamas first foray into cheesecake, but theyve previously brewed king cake and carrot cake beers. A few other breweries around the U.S. are making cheesecake beers, but its not very common. Reese had never tried one until Fly Llama brewed it for the first time.

It took about nine months to get the flavors right, Reese said.

We like to deconstruct flavors, and reconstruct, he said. What are the flavors youre getting, and how can we build that back into a beer?

Some experiments dont quite work out. Golden Girl Blanche Devereaux was from Georgia, so Reese had hoped to create a peach beer in her honor. But he wasnt happy with how the peach fermented, so instead she got raspberry passionfruit.

Reese plans to keep supplies of the beers limited. For one thing, production is complicated by a nationwide shortage of cream cheese.

We kind of have found a niche with these cheesecake beers, he said. They wont go away, but I want to keep them special.
WASHINGTON (AP)  An eastern Missouri man was sentenced Friday to three years of probation for participating in the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.

Nicholas Burton Reimler, 29, of Valley Park, pleaded guilty in September to parading, demonstrating or picketing in the Capitol building, a misdemeanor.
WASHINGTON (AP)  A Navy commander has been fired from his job as the executive officer of a warship because he refused to get a COVID-19 vaccine as required and refused to be tested for the virus, Navy officials said Friday.

Cmdr. Lucian Kins was relieved of his duties Friday as second in command of the USS Winston Churchill, a destroyer, by Navy Capt. Ken Anderson, commander of Naval Surface Squadron 14. Officials said Kins was the first naval officer to be fired as a result of a vaccine refusal.
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP)  Nurses employed by Long Island-based Northwell Health have been sent to western New York to help at two hospitals dealing with a surge in coronavirus infections, Gov. Kathy Hochul said Saturday.

The 16 clinical professionals and two team leads are from the downstate region including the New York City and Long Island areas. They include intensive care, emergency and medical-surgical nurses. They were sent to Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo and the University of Rochesters Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester for two weeks, the governor said in a statement.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP)  The adjutant general of the Oklahoma National Guard is warning members that refusing to receive the coronavirus vaccine could end their military careers.

In an letter posted on the state Guard's website dated Thursday, Brig. Gen. Thomas Mancino said Oklahoma Army and Air Force members will eventually be subject to the U.S. Defense Departments vaccination mandate.
LAS VEGAS (AP)  A pact to retain the Las Vegas-area schools chief and patch his rift with the elected board of trustees calls for outside mediation performed in private to resolve their disputes, a newspaper reported.

The three top elected officers of the Clark County School District board signed the agreement ahead of an announcement Dec. 3 that Superintendent Jesus Jaras firing had been rescinded and that he would continue to lead the nations fifth-largest school district through January 2023, the Las Vegas Sun reported Wednesday.

Board President Linda Cavazos attached a note to the agreement saying she would have preferred that all seven trustees sign it, not just Cavazos, board Vice President Evelyn Garcia Morales and Clerk Irene Cepeda.

The eight-page document acquired by the Sun through a public records request does not directly address Jaras demand for $2 million to drop accusations he made through his lawyer of harassment and a hostile work environment.

The two sides agreed to the written resolution after months of turmoil led to a 4-3 board vote Oct. 28 to fire Jara, with no reason stated, and another 4-3 vote on Nov. 19 to retain him. Jara never left his job in the interim.

Trustee Irene Cepeda, who switched her vote, explained her reversal by saying the district needs stability.

Jara, who was hired in 2018 and received a contract extension last May, alluded publicly in October to behind-the-scenes conflict with the seven-member board.

While some members of this board seek to continue and try to run the operations of this school district and micro-manage me and undermine staff, I have been dedicated to protecting the staff from overreach and interference, he said after the vote to dismiss him.

The Sun reported that the document signed last week declared that the superintendent and the board would enter mediation to resolve conflicts, including his harassment and hostility claims.

The document said the two sides maintained different positions regarding the legal effect of the boards action to rescind the termination" and said any future move to terminate Jara's contract would also go to mediation.

The document identifies the board as a collective body, meaning that Jara is accountable to the board as a whole.

There is no individual authority to give direction to the superintendent or any district staff member regarding the management of the district or the solution of a specific problem, the document said.

The board plans to consider adding the assurances into Jaras contract at a January meeting.

The superintendent and the board shall maintain a collegial and professional working relationship that is in the best interests of the district, the document said.

News about the pact coincided with a study ranking the Las Vegas area second-to-last for school quality, behind Honolulu, Hawaii, among the 50 largest U.S. metropolitan areas.

The report was published by the Thomas B. Fordham Institute policy think tank with support from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

The Clark County School District has about 315,000 students and 18,000 teachers in 336 schools in an area the size of New Jersey.
CANTON, Mass. (AP)  Artifacts once owned by Paul Revere's family are up for auction.

The items were found in the attic of a home in Canton, Massachusetts believed to have been owned by the family of the legendary Revolutionary War figure, The Boston Globe reports.

They include tools such wrought iron calipers, letters and other personal items. There's also an account book belonging to Paul Reveres descendants and a sign painted black bearing the name of Paul Revere's son, Joseph W. Revere.

John McInnis Auctioneers in Amesbury is selling the items as a single lot in an auction that runs from Friday to Saturday. The auction house estimates the items could fetch between $1,000 and $2,000.

Owner John McInnis told the Globe that the sign is likely related to the casing company the Revere family owned in Canton, a Boston suburb.

Revere was famed for his midnight ride on April 18, 1775, in which he warned the American colonial militia that the British Army was approaching ahead of the battles of Lexington and Concord. The ride was immortalized in Henry Wadsworth Longfellows 1861 poem, Paul Reveres Ride.

Revere was born and lived mostly in Boston. He purchased a home in Canton in 1801 and later opened the Revere Copper Company on the land, and his descendants built other operations there.
RIO RANCHO, N.M. (AP)  Authorities are investigating the shooting death of a toddler at the home of a Santa Fe police officer.

The officers 2-year-old son was fatally shot Wednesday morning at the officers home in Rio Rancho, a suburb between Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Investigators collected evidence, including a firearm, and conducted interviews.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (AP)  The fatal shooting of a 28-year-old man by two Rochester police officers investigating reported gunfire did not rise to the level of criminal conduct, according to the state attorney general's office.

Mark Gaskill was a back seat passenger in a vehicle officers pulled over early on the morning of May 14 after it was seen on cameras leaving a nearby location where a gunfire-detection system had been activated.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP)  Caitlin Foster fell in love with San Francisco's people and beauty and moved to the city a dozen years ago. But after repeatedly clearing away used needles, other drug paraphernalia and human feces outside the bar she manages, and too many encounters with armed people in crisis, her affection for the city has soured.

It was a goal to live here, but now Im here and Im like, Where am I going to move to now? Im over it,' said Foster, who manages Noir Lounge in the trendy Hayes Valley neighborhood.

A series of headline-grabbing crime stories  mobs of people smashing windows and grabbing luxury purses in the downtown Union Square shopping district and daytime shootings in the touristy Haight-Ashbury  has only exacerbated a general feeling of vulnerability. Residents wake up to news of attacks on Asian American seniors, burglarized restaurants, and boarded-up storefronts in the city's once-vibrant downtown.

San Franciscans take pride in their liberal political bent and generously approve tax measures for schools and the homeless. They accept that trashy streets, tent encampments and petty crime are the price to pay to live in an urban wonderland.

But the frustration felt by Foster, who moved from Seattle in search of more sunshine, is growing among residents who now see a city in decline. There are signs that the city famous for its tolerance is losing patience.

The pandemic emptied parts of San Francisco and highlighted some of its drawbacks: human and dog feces smeared across sidewalks, home and vehicle break-ins, overflowing trash cans, and a laissez-faire approach by officials to brazen drug dealing. Parents despaired as public schools stayed closed for most of last year as nearby districts welcomed children back to the classroom.

Meanwhile, residents and visitors scurry past scenes of lawlessness and squalor. Just steps from the Opera House and Symphony Hall, drug dealers carry translucent bags filled with crystal-like rocks or stand outside the public library's main branch, flashing wads of cash while peddling heroin and methamphetamine.

Theres a widespread sense that things are on the wrong track in San Francisco, said Patrick Wolff, 53, a retired professional chess player from the Boston area who has lived in the city since 2005.

In a sign of civic frustration, San Franciscans will vote in June on whether to recall District Attorney Chesa Boudin, a former public defender elected in 2019 whose critics say he's too lenient on crime. His supporters say there's no crime surge, and that corporate wage theft is a more pressing issue than cases like that of a San Francisco woman finally arrested after stealing more than $40,000 in goods from a Target over 120 visits. She was released by a judge and arrested again on suspicion of shoplifting after she failed to show up to get her court-ordered ankle monitor.

Wheres the progress? If you say youre progressive, lets get the homeless off the street, and lets get them mental health care, said Brian Cassanego, a San Francisco native who owns the lounge where Foster works. He moved to wine country five months ago, tired of seeing dealers sell drugs with impunity and worrying about his wife being alone outside at night.

The day before he moved, Cassanego stepped out to walk his dogs and saw a man who "looked like a zombie," with his pants down to his knees and bleeding from where a syringe was stuck on his hip. A woman cried out nearby in shock.

I went upstairs, and I told my wife, Were leaving now! This city is done! he said.

Reports of larceny theft  shoplifting from a person or business  are up nearly 17% to more than 28,000 from the same time last year. They remain lower than the more than 40,000 larceny theft cases reported in 2019. Requests to clean dirty streets and sidewalks are the majority of calls to 311, the citys services line.

Overall, though, crime has been trending down for years. More than 45,000 incidents have been reported so far this year, up from last year when most people were shut indoors, but below the roughly 60,000 complaints in previous years.

San Francisco's well-publicized problems have served as fodder for conservative media outlets. Former President Donald Trump jumped in again recently, releasing a statement saying the National Guard should be sent to San Francisco to deter smash-and-grab robberies.

Elected officials say they're grappling with deep societal pains common to any large U.S. city.

A high percentage of an estimated 8,000 homeless people in San Francisco are struggling with chronic addiction or severe mental illness, usually both. Some people rant in the streets, nude and in need of medical help. Last year, 712 people died of drug overdoses, compared with 257 people who died of COVID-19.

LeAnn Corpus, an administrative assistant who enjoys figure skating, avoids the downtown rinks and won't take her 8-year-old son there after dark because of all the open drug use. Still, the city's urban ills have crept into her Portola neighborhood far from downtown.

A homeless man set up a makeshift tent outside her home using a bike and a bed sheet, and relieved himself on the sidewalk. She called the police, who came after two hours and cleared him out, but at her aunt's home, a homeless person camped out against the backyard for six months despite attempts to get authorities to remove him.

This city just doesnt feel the same anymore, said Corpus, a third-generation native.

San Francisco residents who are generally uncomfortable with government surveillance have installed security cameras and deadbolts to prevent break-ins, and they have started eyeing outsiders with suspicion.

The other night, Joya Pramanik's husband spotted someone wearing a ski mask on what was an otherwise warm evening on their quiet street. She worried the masked man was up to no good  and it pains her to say that, since what she loves about San Francisco is its easy embrace of all types of characters.

Pramanik, a project manager who moved to the U.S. from India in her teens, cheered Trump's failed reelection bid but says she realized too late that Democratic activists have hijacked her city.

If I say I want laws enforced, Im racist," she said. Im like, No, Im not racist. Theres a reason I live in San Francisco.'

Last year, Wolff, the retired chess player, helped launch a new political organization that aims to elect local officials focused on solving pressing problems. Families for San Francisco will elect Democrats, but it's organized outside the city's powerful Democratic Party establishment, he said.

Wolff hopes to change a civic mindset that no longer expects much in the way of basic public services.

In hip Hayes Valley, for example, business owners tired of seeing garbage strewn about and the city not doing anything to address the issue banded together to lease enclosed trash cans from a private company, said Jennifer Laska, president of the neighborhood association. After the lease expired, the association managed to get the city to agree to buy and install new public garbage cans designed to keep trash in and pilferers out.

That was four months ago.

Were still struggling just to get the trash cans actually purchased, Laska said.

In the Marina, a wealthy neighborhood with stunning views of the bay and Golden Gate Bridge, dozens of residents recently hired private security after an increase in auto burglaries.

Lloyd Silverstein, a San Francisco native and president of the Hayes Valley Merchants Association, said businesses are considering hiring security guards and installing high-definition security cameras. He rejects the idea that any one city official is to blame for the situation, and he's optimistic the city will recover.

We have been through big earthquakes and depressions and lots of stuff, but we have a pretty good bounce-back attitude. Weve got some problems, but well fix them," he said. It may just take some time.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP)  Rhode Island's secretary of state has launched a new online tool so residents can easily see the current and proposed boundaries for General Assembly districts next to each other, including demographic data.

The state's redistricting commission has proposed initial plans for the layout of the General Assembly districts. The state constitution mandates redistricting for the General Assembly districts and the two congressional districts after each 10-year census.
ALEXANDRIA, Minn. (AP)  Prosecutors in Douglas County late Friday charged Hennepin County Sheriff David Hutchinson with four misdemeanors for drunkenness after he crashed his vehicle this week.

Hutchinson rolled his county SUV on Interstate 94 near Alexandria during the early morning hours Wednesday. He had been attending the Minnesota Sheriffs Association winter conference in the city, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported. An analysis of his urine determined that his blood alcohol content was 0.13%, while the state legal limit is 0.08%. Hutchinson had acknowledged he had been drinking before the crash and called the decision inexcusable.
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP)  Sioux City is considering spending $250,000 in federal coronavirus relief funds to provide a $300 bonus to city employees a little more than a week before Christmas.

The Sioux City Journal reports that the City Council is expected to vote on the proposal Monday. City Manager Bob Padmore had urged council members in May to devote most of the citys federal COVID-19 relief dollars to infrastructure projects. The city now expects to receive $40.6 million.
BEDFORD, N.H. (AP)  Authorities say a small plane crashed late Friday night while approaching the ManchesterBoston Regional Airport, killing the pilot.

NBC Boston reported that Bedford police said they received a report of a plane crash on the Merrimack River shore shortly before 11:30 p.m. and responded to the crash site, where the plane was fully engulfed in flames.

Bedford police said the pilot, a 23-year-old Michigan man, was the sole occupant. His name was not released publicly.

The plane was being operated by a charter service in Ohio for and was transporting medical supplies. The flight originated in New Jersey and was headed for the Manchester airport when the pilot reported engine trouble shortly before the crash.

The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating. The FAA said it was a twin engine plane.

The public is asked to avoid the crash site along the riverbank near Technology Drive in Bedford.
RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP)  Palestinians took part in rare municipal elections across the occupied West Bank on Saturday, following months of simmering anger towards their government and the cancellation of promised parliamentary and presidential elections earlier this year.

Some 400,000 Palestinians are eligible to vote in the election where they will select representatives for 154 village councils under the jurisdiction of the Fatah-controlled Palestinian Authority. Municipal elections are typically held every four to five years and last took place in 2017.

The increasingly unpopular president of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, confined the election to rural municipalities, postponing voting in the West Bank's major cities where anger towards his ruling Fatah party is most acute.

Saturdays elections are also being boycotted by the militant group Hamas, which governs the Gaza Strip. Hamass spokesman, Abdulatif al-Qanou, told the Associated Press that the group wants parliamentary and presidential elections and considers holding the municipal vote alone a violation of previous agreements. Todays vote does not satisfy the inspiration and needs of the Palestinian people.

The popularity of the Palestinian government has plummeted since Abbas canceled long-awaited legislative and parliamentary elections in April. Abbas blamed the cancellation on uncertainty around whether Palestinians from east Jerusalem would be able to vote, although critics accused him of postponing out of fear that his party would lose to Hamas.

Popularity for the militant group has surged among Palestinians in the West Bank and east Jerusalem since Mays 11-day war, with many accusing the Palestinian Authority of doing little to aid their struggle against Israeli occupation. Anger towards the government has been further inflamed by the growing crackdown on political dissent, following the death of Palestinian Authority critic Nizar Banat, who died after being beaten by Palestinian security forces. The event ignited widespread demonstrations calling for Abbas' resignation.

The Palestinian Authority administers parts of the occupied West Bank through agreements signed with Israel during the height of the peace process in the 1990s. In 2007 Hamas drove Abbas forces out of Gaza when it seized power after winning parliamentary elections. Israel captured the West Bank in the 1967 Mideast war, along with east Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip, territories Palestinians seek for a future state.



Associated Press writer Fares Akram in Gaza City, Gaza Strip, contributed to this report.
BRAINERD, Minn. (AP)  Researchers recently made an interesting discovery in the St. Croix River: a cluster of endangered native mussels  some still alive  that they believe are more than a century old.

The discovery was amazing, scientists say, because the host fish the mussels need to reproduce have been blocked from getting upstream since the 1907 construction of the St. Croix Falls Dam near St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin.

In August, biologists from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the University of Minnesota and the National Park Service searched a stretch of the St. Croix upstream of the dam, M innesota Public Radio reported.

They were looking for spectaclecase mussels, a species of native mollusks named for their elongated shape, like an eyeglasses case. They searched an area where the mussels had been previously found more than 30 years ago.

Lo and behold, there we found them, in these rock piles up there above the dam, said Lisie Kitchel, a conservation biologist with the Wisconsin DNRs Bureau of Natural Heritage Conservation. They have to be really old mussels, because their host fish no longer occurs above that dam. So they had to have been there  or from mussels that were there  before the host fish was lost.

Some of the mussels were dead, but about eight were still alive, she said.

Typically, biologists can tell a mussels age by studying the growth rings on their shells, like a tree. However, these mussels were so old and their shells so eroded that scientists couldnt see the lines, Kitchel said. They plan to examine cross-sections of the dead mussel shells this winter to determine their exact age.

Biologists believe they must be more than 100 years old, given the timing of the dams construction over a century ago.

Like other mussels, the spectaclecase expels larvae, known as glochidia, which must attach to a host fishs fins or gills to continue developing into juvenile mussels.

Since the dam was built, spectaclecase mussels host fish  goldeye and mooneye  are no longer able to travel so far up river.

Biologists returned the live mussels to their river habitat. Its doubtful that they are still producing glochidia at their advanced age, Kitchel said.

Once this population goes, theres no way for them to reproduce, she said. We can propagate more spectaclecase and put them up there. But without the fish host, theyre not going to keep reproducing.

Biologists have been working to restore native mussel populations in Upper Midwest rivers, including the St. Croix and the Mississippi, where many species of the mollusks had vanished.

Native mussels are filter feeders that can siphon 10 to 15 gallons of water a day, helping to remove pollutants from rivers and lakes, Kitchel said. They also excrete nutrients that are an important food source for other organisms.

Spectaclecase mussels are on the federal and state endangered species lists in Minnesota and Wisconsin. They face numerous threats including population loss due to dams, pollution, excess sediment that clouds the water and competition from invasive species.

Kitchel said the mussel discovery is a sign of the health of the St. Croix, one of the first rivers in the United States to be designated for protection under the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act in 1968.

It has not had a lot of things that have destroyed the habitat or altered the habitat, she said. The water quality is just really good in the St. Croix.
JACKSON, Miss. (AP)  Mississippi is set to receive $500,000 to help the state fight internet crimes against children.

The U. S. Department of Justice awarded the money to the Mississippi Attorney Generals Office, Mississippi's sole Democratic congressman, Bennie Thompson, announced this week.
NATCHEZ, Miss. (AP)  With only a few signs existing to memorialize the tragic events that took place at Forks of the Road in Natchez, junior and senior-level students of architecture and interior design at the University of Texas at San Antonio helped people realize the site is a far cry from reaching its full potential.

The site was once home to one of the largest slave trade markets in the nation between 1833 and 1863. During that time, families were divided and people were sold into lives of hard labor.

The students have spent approximately three months on a group project mapping and visualizing the kind of memorial and information center that the site deserves.

On Dec. 1, they made a site visit to Natchez and presented their work at the Visitors Center. Forks of the Road, which was recently designated as a National Park Service site, has been severely under-recognized, they said.

We spent a whole month having conversations, researching Natchez, Mississippi, and the site itself, talking about American slavery as well as how it affects us today, said Joshua Forney as he presented his groups design. Specifically, we learned that Forks of the Road was such a prominent slave market site. It was a huge part of the south and provided such a huge economic boom.  If you were in the slave trade in the antebellum south, you had to come through Natchez, Mississippi. And yet, none of them heard of Forks of the Road until we were given the project.

Natchez National Historical Park Superintendent Kathleen Bond said the ideas presented were unlimited in size and budget, allowing the students to come up with a design from the farthest reaches of their imaginations.

Bond said while the designs may never be used in their entirety, they could help developers recognize what the site has the potential to be as the park service goes through the process of acquiring more of the land at forks of the road from private owners.

The students have been developing their designs for a memorial and interpretive center under the direction of Professor Diane Hays, FAIA, and teams of globally recognized architects, Bond said. They were split into teams and together designed buildings, interior spaces, and landscapes for Forks of the Road to honor the enslaved people who were victims of human trafficking at the market.

They worked directly with staff from Natchez National Historical Park to use architectural strategies to reflect emotionally powerful themes of dislocation, oppression, erasure and freedom in their designs, Bond said.

Forney and his group partner Sarah Dawson did this by designing oddly shaped underground tunnels for visitors to walk through meant to create a sense of smallness, discomfort and confinement that the enslaved persons would have felt.

Destiney Bazan said she designed her center at a slant where it would feel as though your world is collapsing in on you as you walk through the enslaved persons journey. Slivers of light from outside shine through in places to symbolize rays of hope.

We chose the materials of concrete and steel because theyre so heavy and honest and its not pretty because history is not pretty, Bazan said.

Sierra Laird said, as an African American woman, it touched her emotionally as she discovered more about her ancestral history and searched for ways to tell their story to the world.

This project means a lot to us, Laird said. It was personal to me.

The designs of different student groups that were presented at the Visitor Center will be displayed there through the end of December, Bond said.

The center is open seven days a week, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, for anyone to come and see their work.
MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP)  The estate of a Black man who died in custody at a Vermont prison is suing, alleging racism and negligence.

The lawsuit, reported by VTDigger, was filed this week in Washington County Superior Court, alleging that the Vermont Department of Corrections and its agents negligently failed to diagnose and treat a tumor that led to Kenneth Johnsons December 2019 death by asphyxiation at the Northern State Correctional Facility in Newport.

The wrongful death and medical malpractice lawsuit further alleges that the department and its then-medical contractor, Virginia-based Centurion Health, discriminated against Johnson, 60, due to his race.

Rachel Feldman, a spokesperson for the corrections department, said in a statement to VTDigger that the department is committed to the humane and equal treatment of all individuals in our care. The department had no comment on the specifics of the suit, she said. Centurion officials did not reply to an email message seeking comment.

A report released by a law firm in November found that DOC staff should have done more to help Johnson, who complained repeatedly that he could not breathe, and their response was insufficient to keep him from dying from a breathing obstruction caused by a tumor.

It also said the department should train staff in implicit bias, while noting that it was impossible to determine if racial bias played a role in Johnsons death.

The department had asked the firm Downs Rachlin Martin to investigate the death of Johnson. A separate personnel review is being done by the state.

In July, the Vermont defender generals office released a report that said staff at the Newport prison ignored Johnsons pleas that he could not breathe and threatened him instead of providing lifesaving care.
GRANTS PASS, Ore. (AP)  A friendly, if somewhat foul-mouthed, crow became a temporary mascot at Allen Dale Elementary School in November when the bird took up residence at the Grants Pass school.

This crow showed up at our school just out of the blue one morning, Allen Dale education assistant Naomi Imel told The Oregonian/OregonLive on Thursday.

It began looking into classrooms, Imel said, and pecking on doors. At one point, it made its way into a fifth-grade classroom where it helped itself to some snacks, she said.

Imel said the bird wasnt aggressive at all and seemed to love the kids.

It landed on some peoples heads, she said.

And, she added, it spoke. The bird could say, Whats up? and Im fine and a lot of swear words.

It was like a parrot, Imel said. It was the weirdest thing.

Still, because it was a wild animal that wouldnt leave, the school called animal control.

It was quite the production, Imel said. Animal control came out and decided it was not in their jurisdiction to catch the crow.

Then, a wildlife officer from Oregon State Police came to the scene.

That officer was able to feed it from his hand, Imel said. They didnt want to net it because if they missed, it would remember.

According to Imel, all the grades came out to witness the attempted capture of the talkative crow.

The crow seemed to enjoy the attention, playfully chasing kids around the track, she said.

We thought it would fly away but it didnt, Imel added. The kids were like magnets.

Ultimately, the wildlife trooper was unable to capture the crow, who spent the night of Nov. 29 outside the school.

It turns out, talking crows arent just something out of an Edgar Allan Poe poem. And this crow, or possibly and more in line with Poe, raven, knows at least 40 words.

He knows a lot of words, Im not going to lie, said Daphnie Colpron on Thursday. His vocabulary has expanded quite a bit in the last few weeks.

Colpron knows a good deal about the crow, or possibly, raven -- who also may be female -- because her mother rescued the bird about two years ago when it was a baby, bringing it home to the familys farm in Williams from a shelter and naming it Cosmo.

The family has dogs, including a mastiff named Tonka Truck, Colpron said.

Cosmo will say, Tonka, you come outside, or hell say, Dogs out, she said.

Sometimes he does use profanity, Colpron added.

Colprons mom, JaNeal Shattuck, considers Cosmo part of the family.

In the mornings, she said, he will go right to my bedroom window and say, Mom wake up, wake up!

There is a daycare in the neighborhood and Cosmo loves kids, Colpron said.

As soon as he found out what time the kids got there, she said, hed go over there and hang out.

Shattuck is a rescuer of animals but Cosmo is extra special to her. She considers him a free bird but also has a close attachment to him and so, when he disappeared after she came back from an out-of-town Thanksgiving, she was devastated, she said. Hes like a person, not a bird.

At first, Shattuck was concerned that Cosmo had been killed. It seems that while some neighbors loved Cosmo as much as Shattuck and Colpron, not everyone was quite as thrilled with the talking bird.

Cosmo isnt aggressive, everyone involved with him agreed. But, said Colpron, if people are scared of Cosmo, he finds that a little funny.

He will get obnoxious, she added, saying he likes to tease people.

While the family was gone for Thanksgiving, they said a neighbor captured the bird and took him to a local animal sanctuary. The sanctuary, not realizing he was habituated to humans, released him, likely in Grants Pass.

Once he was out, Shattuck said, he started looking for home, causing quite the stir in town.

Cosmo would sit on top of Planet Fitness, talking to people who were going in, Shattuck said. He was looking for me.

Shattuck posted on Facebook about the lost bird, hoping to find him.

After following a family friend in a truck Shattuck and Colpron think he recognized, Cosmo ended up at Allen Dale.

He went to the only kid I know in Allen Dale and knocked on the door, Shattuck said. When he was in the school he was jumping around saying, Its OK! Im fine!

That was the fifth-grade classroom where Cosmo found snacks.

That night, when the kid relayed the story of the talking crow to his father, the father called Shattuck. Colpron went the next day to collect Cosmo.

It took about 45 minutes of me offering sardines, she said.

She petted the bird and waited until his eyes were closed and then grabbed him.

Colpron thinks hes happy to be home. He hasnt been back to visit the neighbors who captured him.

But while the story of Cosmo the talking crow or raven and his or her family is sweet, Oregon State Police would rather you dont take the wrong inspiration from it.

We dont want people making pets out of wild animals, said OSP spokesperson Stephanie Bigman. If they had contained this bird, it would have been a wildlife offense.

For now though, Cosmo is free and back home, and the children of Allen Dale have a story to tell this holiday season that no one is going to believe.
ISTANBUL (AP)  Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan described social media Saturday as one of the main threats to democracy.

Erdogan's government plans to pursue legislation to criminalize spreading fake news and disinformation online, but critics say the proposed changes would tighten restrictions on free speech.

Social media, which was described as a symbol of freedom when it first appeared, has turned into one of the main sources of threat to todays democracy, Erdogan said in a video message to a government-organized communications conference in Istanbul.

He added: We try to protect our people, especially the vulnerable sections of our society, against lies and disinformation without violating our citizens right to receive accurate and impartial information.

Turkey passed a law last year requiring social media platforms that have more than 1 million users to maintain a legal representative and store data in the country. Major social media companies, including Facebook, YouTube and Twitter, have since established offices in Turkey.

The new legislation would make the dissemination of disinformation and fake news criminal offenses punishable by up to five years in prison, according to pro-government media reports. It also would establish a social media regulator.

Most of Turkeys major media companies are under the control of the government, leaving social media as an important outlet for dissenting voices.

Freedom Houses Freedom on the Net report, published in September, characterized Turkey as not free, noting the removal of content critical of the government and the prosecution of people posting undesirable commentary on social media.
WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP)  The city's 125th year started with celebrations and was supposed to end on a similarly high note. It hasnt exactly worked out that way.

As the city still reels from the Waukesha Christmas Parade tragedy, which is now compounded by a tense evacuation of a high-rise condo building, the year is ending as one municipal officials would just as soon forget. Still, there was one more order of business to attend to as part of an effort to collect some brighter moments.

On Tuesday, the last element of Waukeshas yearlong celebration was the sealing of a time capsule, which ideally would reflect a positive moment in time in the citys history.

Photos of all kinds of community hallmarks were accompanied by timely samples of life in Waukesha in 2021: A Carroll University facemask, a tiny rubber duck from the grand reopening of the Buchner Pool, a ceremonial shovel tied to the Great Water Alliance pipeline that will deliver Lake Michigan water to the city by 2023, among other pieces, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.

Nothing earth-shattering, just mementos and enjoyable bits that will be sealed for 50 years to bring a smile to those living in Waukesha in 2071.

But the backdrop of Tuesdays ceremony at Waukesha City Hall ultimately took a somber tone. Its something Mayor Shawn Reilly felt duty-bound to include in his presentation preceding the closing of the time capsule.

We have been planning the citys 125th anniversary for more than two years and tonight is certainly different than what we had originally planned, Reilly said. Our year ended tragically. Our hearts are heavy and we are still in mourning as we try to figure out how to take steps forward.

Even a video presentation highlighting anniversary events  including the Waukesha Unlocked historic tour and the recent Waukesha Gala  were accompanied by sad images and solemn music of people gathering around the downtown memorial tied to the holiday parade.

There was no way to sidestep the death of six people and injuries to more than 60 others suffered when a driver, since criminally charged with intentional homicide, plowed through the crowd on Nov. 21.

Then again, Reilly said it was correspondingly important to find reason to smile again, if only as a salve to heal.

While there is pain, we must also be grateful for all the good, the mayor said during his presentation before a small crowd of officials and residents. The 125th anniversary celebrations represented our community coming together. Our community, during the last year, celebrated what it meant to be a city. We enjoyed our city, our history, each other and our time together.

Such elements are shared by Waukesha Strong, the citys proclamation following the parade tragedy of residents need and willingness to join physically, spiritually and emotionally in the wake of recent events, he said.

We cant let the evil take away from the good, Reilly added. Our community will be remembered for the ways we continue to come together... . Our community is strong because we work together.

The presentation ended with the formal sealing of the time capsule by Reilly. It will be placed in an alcove behind a glass window in the hallway near the council chambers of City Hall.
MILWAUKEE (AP)  The Wood County Sheriff's Department seized over $132,000 worth of illegal drugs, including fentanyl, cocaine and ecstasy, during a search of a home in the Town of Saratoga this week.

The sheriff's department announced the seizure Friday, saying it was part of a long-term investigation with state law enforcement agencies. Police officers also found marijuana, $16,000 in cash and high-valued jewelry. A woman who lived at the home was arrested.
YUMA, Ariz. (AP)  Yuma Mayor Doug Nicholls says an emergency situation in the southwestern Arizona border city has eased with federal officials moving in additional personnel in response to thousands of migrants.

As it sits today, people are not waiting along the border wall for very long," Nicholls said Friday, the Yuma Sun reported. It seems that the immediate issue has been resolved. Im still concerned for the long term."

Nicholls on Thursday declared a state of emergency and he said Friday he had spoken with federal officials and with the aides to Gov. Doug Ducey and to both of Arizona's U.S. senators.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is recommitting 110 agents to the Yuma area from throughout the country to help with whats going on here," Nicholls said.

Nicholls emergency declaration cited reports of over 6,000 migrants crossing from Mexico into the United States traveling through the Yuma area. The asylum-seekers were without blankets, food or water and had to wait extended periods because there weren't enough Border Patrol agents to quickly process border-crossers for release to organizations contracted to provide temporary services, Nicholls said.

Ducey on Tuesday demanded that President Joe Bidens administration do more to secure the border. He faulted the Biden administration for incrementally reinstating former President Donald Trumps policy requiring asylum-seekers to stay in Mexico as they await immigration hearings.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki last week described the policy as deeply flawed but said the administration was working to implement it under court order. The administration plans to reinstate the policy beginning Monday in El Paso, Texas.

Ducey said the piecemeal implementation led migrants to rush to other parts of the border and cross into the U.S. before the policy is rolled out more widely.
SAN FRANCISCO (BCN)

Firefighters have contained a three-alarm fire that broke out at the Air Dale Compressors Inc. warehouse in San Francisco's Bayview neighborhood early Saturday morning, a fire official said.

The fire caused "significant" damage to the warehouse at 335 Barneveld Avenue at Newcomb, but "firefighters were able to save a lot of the materials and vehicles inside the building, as well as adjacent buildings," San Francisco Fire Department spokesman Lt. Jonathan Baxter said Saturday morning.

The fire was reported at 5:48 a.m. by fire department paramedics who were responding to a different call, Baxter said. The fire was contained around 7 a.m.

"It's important to note that early notification helps us have this kind of outcome with no injuries and minimal property loss - it could have been a lot worse, had this not been reported as quickly as it was," Baxter said.

Fire investigators are at the scene investigating the cause of the fire, according to Baxter.

"Lots of obstacles for firefighters, they had to get around electrical cords and wires and power lines," Baxter said, describing the quick work subduing the fire as "amazing."

The firefighters were able to save an antique tow truck in a tow yard that was also affected by the fire, Baxter noted.

The Air Dale Compressors Inc. warehouse is located off Bayshore Boulevard, between Interstate Highways 280 and 101.

According to the company's website, "Air Dale Compressors Inc. was established in 1992. We have been at our San Francisco location from the start of business, servicing all brands of air compressors and accessories."

Copyright  2021 Bay City News, Inc. All rights reserved. Republication, rebroadcast or redistribution without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. Bay City News is a 24/7 news service covering the greater Bay Area.

Copyright  2021 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP)  New Mexico public schools have not recovered from the 4% drop in enrollment during the coronavirus pandemic despite the return to in-person schooling.

The state had already seen enrollment decline around 1% following years of fewer births and an aging population. The closure of school doors last year accelerated the decline, as many families opted to homeschool instead of attending virtual schools.
GREENWOOD, Miss. (AP)  A school district in the Mississippi Delta is hiring three consulting firms to improve its curriculum and instructional strategies after a drop in test scores.

The board of the Greenwood Leflore Consolidated School District on Tuesday approved nearly $400,000 in payments to the education firms for help in English language arts, history, math and science, the Greenwood Commonwealth reported.
The goal of the FCAT Alumni Awards is to recognize alumni achievements in career, community service, and research. This years alumni award categories included Distinguished Alumni, Young Alumni, Alum of the Year.

Alumni from the School for the Contemporary Arts (SCA), School of Communication (CMNS), and School of Interactive Arts and Technology (SIAT) were recognized for their hard work and dedication. Our award winners shared what their award means to them and reflected on their most impactful FCAT experiences.

Christopher Elawa and Heather Lamoureux have been awarded as Alumni of the Year, Prem Gill is FCATs Distinguished Alumni, and Pedro Chamale & Derek Chan from rice and beans theatre are recognized as this years Young Alumni.

Our two Alumni of the Year, Christopher Elawa and Heather Lamoureux, share what their awards mean to them.

Christopher Elawa initially discovered the field of design at SFU, he started learning how to use it as a tool to support people and communities. Elawa shared that courses such as IAT 233, 438, and 309 prepared him for his career in product design.

Now, he works as a product designer on the Social Impact team at Facebook where he helps build and grow fundraising products that empower people.

This is the type of work I have been engaged in over the last 4+ years and my education at SFU is a huge reason for that, he said. Elawa adds, As a Black person and an immigrant, it is a privilege to receive this award and I hope that it represents a small touchpoint in a much broader timeline of progress towards a more equitable future.

Heather Lamoureux is a SCA alum and currently the artistic director at Vines, and has grown with the festival since its beginning over the past seven years. She is committed to her responsibility to imagine and co-create nurturing creative spaces for artists.

She recalls her most impactful FCAT experience, In my third year I volunteered to co-produce a student show with my friend Robert Azevedo with the support of our teacher Judith Garay. She adds, This opportunity to learn while doing was pivotal in giving me direction towards a career that is in service of many artists' visions.

After that project, she went on to co-produce her grad dance show titled "I'll Decide." Lamoureux expresses her appreciation and pride for the project, This experience taught me about collective decision making, leadership, scheduling, and holding multiple hats necessary in my work today. Most importantly, it taught me about conflict within community.

FCATs Distinguished Alumni award winner, Prem Gill speaks about her FCAT experience, My most impactful experiences were the directed study and smaller seminars in my final years at SFU. The discourse, conversations, and challenging discussions we had in those groups broadened my perspectives and views on so many things."

Gill is a School of Communication alum and has been the Chief Executive Officer of Creative BC for the past six years.

Not only is she the CEO of an established company, but she has also been named one of Canada's 100 most powerful women, Vancouver Magazines Power 50, and received the Community Catalyst award from the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade.

Gill also expresses her admiration of the work that comes from FCAT, Throughout my career, I often cross paths with other graduates of the program. People from this program work across so many industries and sectors in BC  we should be very proud!

FCATs Young Alumni award winners, Pedro Chamale and Derek Chan are the co-founders and co-artistic directors of rice and beans theatre. The theatre focuses on the creation, incubation and production of original performances.

Derek Chan shares that he came across SFUs theatre program while he was at a boarding school in Norway, where a teacher recommended SFU Contemporary Arts to him.

Over the course of my academic career at SFU, I learned the essential skills required to craft my professional artistic practice  and not only the arts, but also how to collaborate with people and enter each process with an open mind, he says.

Chan expresses his gratitude to his instructors, A big, heartfelt thank you to all of my teachers and professors over the years! I wouldn't be where I am without your wisdom and mentorship.

Derek and I have put in a lot of work into our practices both as a company and individual artists, Chamale shares.

He adds, Since it all started with us working together as fellow students at SFU, it is incredible to be recognized by the school.

Chamale expresses that his overall experience with the School for the Contemporary Arts was instrumental in preparation for his career.

While there I was prepared to work in collective settings and as an artistic lead. Through classes like Black Box, I learned how to flourish under pressure with little time for getting bogged down in choices.

He also shares his appreciation for the collaborative environment that the School for the Contemporary Arts offers, Taking interdisciplinary courses and participating in different performance streams allowed me to have a broad range of skills for collaboration.

Learn more about the FCAT Excellence Awards here.
Page Content

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has issued Federal Law No. 33 of 2021 (the New Labor Law), which will take effect Feb. 2, 2022, and will repeal UAE Federal Law No. 8 of 1980 (the Current Labor Law).



Like the Current Labor Law, the New Labor Law will apply to all companies and employees in the private sector in the UAE, including its free zones, save for the Dubai International Financial Centre and the Abu Dhabi Global Market, which implement their own employment laws.

The New Labor Law introduces a number of unexpected changes. The rationale for some of the changes is not always clear and it is difficult to see how certain provisions will operate in practice, not least because much of the detail in the New Labor Law has been outsourced to forthcoming executive regulations. It is hoped that these executive regulations will clarify existing areas of uncertainty.

Nevertheless, there are a number of significant issues for affected employers to bear in mind and changes will need to be made to employment contracts, policies and practices.

We have summarized the key aspects of the New Labor Law below, together with the main action points for employers.

Application

The New Labor Law applies to any entities owned "in conjunction with the federal or local government" unless the entity's constituent documents state otherwise.

Protections Against Discrimination

The law prohibits discrimination against persons specifically on the grounds of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ethnic origin or disability. It remains to be seen how this protection will be enforced in practice or what the remedy will be for individuals who are victims of discriminatory conduct.

Protection Against Harassment

The law expressly prohibits harassment, bullying, or any verbal, physical or mental violence against employees. As with the anti-discrimination provisions, it remains to be seen how this protection will be enforced in practice or what the remedy will be for individuals who are subjected to harassment.

Equal Pay for Women

Although much has been made of this being a new development, the concept of equal pay in the UAE is not newprovisions requiring women to be paid the same as men undertaking work of equal value were actually introduced into the Current Labor Law in 2020.

Fixed-Term Employment Contracts

All employees must be employed on fixed-term employment contracts not exceeding three years, which may be extended for the same or period. Employers will have 12 months from Feb. 2, 2022, to transition all their employees onto new contracts.

Flexible Working Models

Employees may undertake full-time, part-time, temporary or flexible work. In practice, these "models" reflect the common working modes already implemented by many UAE employers and we do not believe that the references to them in the New Labor Law will materially impact employers or employees or the way in which they operate.

Template Employment Contracts for Flexible Working Models

Executive regulations will be issued containing template employment contracts for each of the new flexible working models. These templates are likely to be in the relatively straightforward dual language format issued by the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratization (MHRE) and we anticipate that companies will still want to issue their own employment contracts containing more sophisticated terms and conditions alongside the new template contracts being introduced.

Termination by Employer During Probationary Period

Employers may terminate employment during probationary period by giving 14 days' written notice.

Termination by Employee During Probationary Period

Employees who want to move to another employer in the UAE during their probationary period may terminate their employment by giving a least one month's written notice. The New Labor Law states that, in this case, the employee's new employer should compensate the old employer for recruitment costs.

Employees who want to leave the UAE during their probationary period may terminate their employment by giving at least 14 days' written notice. The New Labor Law states that if the employee returns to the UAE and obtains a work permit issued by the MHRE with another employee within three months of this departure, the employee's new employer should compensate their old employer for recruitment costs.

It is difficult to see how these new rules governing termination during probationary period are going to work in practice.

Termination on Notice

Either party may terminate the employment relationship for "good cause" by giving written notice.

Notice Periods

Minimum notice periods are still 30 days but notice periods are now capped at 90 days. This is likely to be an unwelcome development for employers who need to deal with the departure, replacement and recruitment of senior executives, who typically have notice periods of six to 12 months.

Search for Work

When the employer issues notice, the employee will be entitled to one unpaid day of leave per week during the notice period to look for new employment.

Notice Periods for Current Unlimited Employment Contracts

Although unlimited contracts are to be replaced by fixed-term employment contracts, rather unusually the New Labor Law imposes minimum notice periods for the termination of existing unlimited contracts, depending on the employee's length of service: (i) 30 days if the employee's period of service is less than five years; (ii) 60 days if the employee's period of service is more than five years; and (iii) 90 days if the period of service is more than 10 years.

Reasons for Termination

The scenarios in which an employee's employment may be terminated have been expanded to include the permanent closure of the employer, the bankruptcy of the employer and the failure of the employee to satisfy the requisite immigration requirements.

Summary Dismissal

Regrettably, the list of reasons permitting immediate or summary dismissal has not been materially amended, although the New Labor Law specifically requires a written investigation and two written warnings to be given to an employee before dismissing the worker for failure to perform the employee's main duties.

Disciplinary Process

It is suggested that a disciplinary process will be contained in the executive regulations.

Suspension

Suspension of up to 30 days with half pay will be permitted to enable an employer to undertake a disciplinary investigation. However, an employee will be entitled to be reimbursed all pay that is withheld if the worker is ultimately cleared of any wrongdoing. We therefore anticipate that most employers will continue to suspend employees on full pay and benefits.

Internal Policies and Procedures

Employers will be required to "put in place internal work regulations" in accordance with the forthcoming executive regulations.

End-of-Service Gratuity Calculation

An employee's end-of-service gratuity is stated to be calculated on the basis of working days, which would be a significant change.

In our view, this is likely to be an oversight that we hope will be addressed in the executive regulations. If the change was intentional, it will result in a significant increase in employer's liability for end-of-service gratuity.

End-of-Service Gratuity on Resignation

There is no reduction in end-of-service gratuity if an employee resigns.

End-of-Service Gratuity on Summary Dismissal

Employers do not have the right to withhold an employee's end-of-service gratuity if the worker is summarily dismissed (that is, if employment is terminated immediately without notice). This is a significant development and reflects the approach adopted by the Dubai International Financial Centre in 2019.

Maternity Pay and Leave



Maternity pay is increased to 60 days (45 days' full pay, 15 days' half pay). There is no qualifying service requirement.



Employees will now be entitled to maternity leave and pay in the case of stillborn babies and new-born deaths.



Employees will be entitled to additional unpaid leave of 45 days if they suffer a pregnancy-related illness. This period of leave will not be included when calculating the employee's end-of-service gratuity.

Parental Leave

Employees will be entitled to five days' paid leave in the six months following the birth of their child. This leave will be in addition to an employee's entitlement to maternity leave and there is no qualifying service requirement. Parental leave was introduced into the Current Labor Law in 2020.

Disability Leave

Employees with babies who have disabilities may be entitled to an additional 60 days' leave on full pay.

Compassionate Leave

Employees will be entitled to five days' paid leave for the death of their spouse and three days' paid leave for the death of a parent, child, sibling, grandchild or grandparent. There is no qualifying service requirement.

Study Leave

Employees with more than two years' service may be entitled to 10 working days' study leave, although the New Labor Law is silent on whether this leave will be paid or unpaid.

Sick Pay During Probation Period

Employees will not be entitled to any paid sick leave during their probationary period.

Holiday

Employees will be required to take their holiday in the year it falls due, although it is unclear what will happen to that holiday if they don't.

Holiday Pay

Payment in lieu of holiday pay on the termination of employment is to be calculated using basic pay only.

Deductions

Deductions from wages of up to 50 percent of the monthly wage will be permitted.

Non-competition

Non-compete clauses must be no longer than two years, although such a lengthy restriction is going to be difficult for an employer to justify in most cases.

Certain positions will be exempt from non-compete obligations, although this will be addressed in executive regulations.

Frustratingly, other types of restrictive covenants, such as non-poaching of employees or non-solicitation of clients and customers, are not addressed in the New Labor Law.

Passports

Employers are expressly prohibited from retaining an employee's passport.

Overtime

Overtime will be capped at 144 hours in every three-week period and will be calculated according to basic salary only.

Overtime Exemption

The overtime exemption that applies under the Current Labor Law, for employees in a supervisory or managerial position, no longer applies, and the executive regulations will determine new exemptions.

Rest Days

Weekly rest days no longer have to be on a Friday.

Entitlements on Death of Employee

Employers should pay a deceased employee's spouse or children (as designated by the employee) all outstanding wages and end-of-service benefits within 10 days from the date of the employee's death. It is unclear how this requirement will interact with other UAE inheritance laws.

Resignation Without Notice

Employees will only be able to resign without giving notice if (i) in the case of an employer's non-compliance with their obligations, the employee notifies the MHRE 14 days before leaving and the employer fails to rectify the matter; and (ii) in the case of harassment or violence, the employee notifies the MHRE within five working days of being able to do so.

Currency of Salary Payments

Employees may be paid in currencies other than UAE dirham if agreed in the employment contract, although it remains to be seen how this would work in practice for employers who are required to pay their employees via the Wages Protection System.

Payment of Final Entitlements

Employers must pay their employees all their final entitlements within 14 days of the termination of their employment.

Retention of Employment Records

Employers are required to retain employment records for two years after the termination of employment.

Fines

Fines of up to 1,000,000 UAE dirham (approximately 272,257 USD) may be imposed for breaches of the New Labor Law, which may be multiplied in cases where numerous employees are affected.

Action Points

All affected employers should consider the following actions points:

1. Communicate to employees how they are going to be affected by the New Labor Law.

2. Update template employment contracts to reflect the requirement for all employees to be issued with fixed-term contracts not exceeding three years.

3. Ensure that all existing employees employed on indefinite employment contracts are moved onto fixed-term employment contracts by no later than Feb. 2, 2023.

4. Amend or replace existing employment contracts or policy documents that contain references to specific statutory entitlements (for example, 45 days' maternity leave).

5. Amend current sick leave policies to reflect the fact that employees are not entitled to take paid sick leave during their probationary period.

6. Amend existing maternity and paternity leave policies to reflect the different entitlements.

7. Consider implementing equal opportunities and anti-bullying and harassment policies to reflect the new anti-discrimination/bullying/harassment provisions.

8. Consider implementing a grievance policy to facilitate employee complaints of discrimination, bullying and harassment.

9. Update disciplinary policies to reflect (i) the expanded number of reasons for termination; (ii) the fact that an employee's end-of-service gratuity can no longer be withheld in any circumstances; (iii) the prohibition on discrimination, bullying and harassment.

10. Amend working time policies to reflect the cap on overtime hours and the changes to the calculation of overtime pay.

11. Implement a compassionate leave policy.

Ben Brown and David True are attorneys with Addleshaw Goddard LLP in Dubai, UAE.  2021 Addleshaw Goddard LLP. All rights reserved. Reposted with permission of Lexology.
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I want people to view fashion as a form of self-expression, and thats what art is  what do you want to say about yourself and how can clothes make you express those messages? In Melbourne, Walford believes, what has been more celebrated is the idea of having fun with fashion and looking at it beyond getting dressed in the morning. It starts conversation and lifts the spirit of the community. Sitting in a chair while models parade up a runway is outdated, he feels. I personally think it is dead now; we need to do something more to keep people engaged and make us feel like we are part of a global conversation. And if fashion is now making its imprint on art, the reverse is true, too. David Bromley is one of the latest Melbourne artists to lift his work from the canvas and put it onto clothing. A collaboration with label Review for spring/summer uses some of his best-known imagery for a range of pieces, including dresses, knitwear and shoes. Davids wife Yuge, who was part of the creative process, says: What you wear is a great reflection of how you express yourself, and fashion is an art in itself. Youve got designers who are constantly trying to find new ways of expressing a shape or a look or a pattern or a design, which is immensely creative and artful, and when you adorn that further with the work of an artist, its such a natural thing.

She also believes that it aids slow fashion, where items are kept in wardrobes for far more than a season or two. There is that sense of longevity since the pieces are not necessarily trend driven. If the shapes are timeless, then the artwork only adds to its appeal as well. In fact, Melbourne designers have often used artists as inspiration: Lisa Gorman had done so repeatedly with her Gorman label, highlighting works by Mirka Mora and Rhys Lee. But its not only the edgier designers who have sought inspiration from art: Lisa Barron  whose High Street store favours an elegant aesthetic  had an unlikely pairing with street and tattoo artist Mayonaize, using his monochrome artworks for some of her designs just as the pandemic hit. Models wearing Lisa Barron designs with street and tattoo artist Mayonaize. Credit: I thought his brushstrokes were incredible and thought they would be amazing on fabric, says Baron. She has collaborated with other artists, including Vincent Fantauzzo. Its like cooking: putting our work together and coming up with something different, she says. Even Chadstone the Fashion Capital has gotten in on the act; previously they joined forces with the NGV to have part of the KAWS exhibition on site, and also blended fashion with art when they hosted the Louis Vuitton Time Capsule exhibition after its runs in cities including Hong Kong and Shanghai. Chadstones centre manager, Michael Whitehead, says Melbourne is so fashion-conscious that it was a natural extension to push into that art space as well.

Inside the NGV Gala, art by Keith Haring. Credit: Sarah Rovis, the managing director at Mimco, would agree. The brand has been collaborating with the NGV for almost six years, often producing their own bespoke collection to tie in with an exhibition  they did so for Escher x nendo as well as with Keith Haring / Jean-Michel Basquiat: Crossing Lines. As Rovis says: Its about two Melbourne icons coming together. This year the company is a sponsor for the Bark Ladies: Eleven Artists from Yirrkala exhibition, which is about the journey of working with Indigenous artists and communities, and were really only at the beginning of that journey. She says the partnership makes sense because were both accessible: the NGV is an accessible gallery where everyone from children right through can go, and we like to see ourselves as accessible luxury. Rovis adds that Mimco is design led  we start with a creative brief and the designers might then walk through galleries to be inspired by glassware or sculptures that trigger ideas. We are different in that way ... otherwise everyone in the market would start to look the same. But even though fashion often finds its way into galleries, can it really be considered art? Christine Barros wares from her eponymous store were part of the Fashion x Art show, and she has heard that some of her clients will display the Philip Treacy hats theyve bought from her store on stands in their home instead of showing art in the same space.

She approves, but only conceptually, rather than practically. I worry when they do that with a hat because it should be kept in the box, you know! Still, she approached her Collins Street store as more of a gallery space than a clothing store. We have people who come in and say theyve never seen a store like this anywhere in the world. They thank me for my edit. It is what Melbourne customers demand, she believes. Because of our more European climate, weve been indoor creative. Whether youre talking fashion, architecture, food or music  theres this amazing cross-pollination of talent, and were focused on creativity and beauty. But Karen Webster, who is principal and dean of design college LCI Melbourne, still believes in the natural distinction between fashion and art, saying that the end user  the wearer  is an integral part of fashions purpose. Art, on the other hand, is not dependent on the purchaser. Fashion is not art, Webster says. Even when it is avant garde or conceptual, fashion sits within a different domain to art  that of design [But] art and design do share a symbiotic relationship. They both deserve a rightful place in galleries and museums as they provide a valued contribution to our visual culture. Talking Chanel and fashion with its NGV curators
Its been several weeks since the scandal of the eastern suburbs social scene broke: the spectacular breakdown of the marriage of power couple Charlie and Ellie Aitken following the revelation of a secret affair between Charlie and Ellies former best friend, Hollie Nasser, wife of high net worth investor Chris CJ Nasser.

Chris and Hollie Nasser prior to their recent marital split.

Last week the glamorous socialite Ellie announced on Instagram that she intended to withdraw from view, but it is understood that her former best friend Hollie is not as keen to keep her private life private.

Emerald City is reliably informed by a number of friends within her tight-knit circle that Hollie has been enjoying her newfound fame. Since the scandal broke, Hollies Instagram followers have doubled, with the petite mother-of-two accepting follow requests from media - including Emerald City. (Soon after the scandal broke her privacy settings were changed to public and have only recently reverted to private.)

Emerald City believes she has plans to launch a fashion label off the back of her new profile.
Paul Thomas Anderson and Alana Haim, famous as part of the rock sisters trio Haim and now as the star of Andersons new film Licorice Pizza, have a complicated story about how they met and the connections between them. Too complicated, clearly, in that they have now told it over and over  twice in my hearing  but they still keep getting it wrong.

Anderson remembers hearing Haims first album, Days Are Gone, when it came out in 2013. He didnt know this at the time, but he and the Haim sisters come from the same place: the San Fernando Valley. This Los Angeles outer suburb has almost mystical significance to Anderson, who still lives there and has set many of his films there. The music spoke to me directly, but it was just that alone. And then

Cooper Hoffman and Alana Haim play the odd couple at the centre of Paul Thomas Andersons Licorice Pizza. Credit:

And then, Haim jumps in, Anderson spotted a name he knew in the albums liner notes and he made a call. Anderson cuts her off. No, he was at my house! And I said, You know these girls? Because I would like to meet them. I would like to work with them. And that was true. But there was this whole other feeling, a larger connection to them. And that turned out to be their mum.

Donna Haim, as he discovered through another series of slightly hazily remembered moments, had been Andersons favourite teacher in primary school. Then called Donna Rose, she taught art; he still has a painting she helped him make, of the mountain in Close Encounters of the Third Kind. By the way, if you want to make it weirder, adds Anderson, we grew up on the same street. In different decades, obviously  Anderson is 51, Alana Haim is 29  and quite a few houses apart, but still. Its a small valley, says Anderson. But not that small.
To launch its Saturday-night music timeslot, in conjunction with a new tagline, Reimagine Australia, celebrating nine years of broadcast, NITV sent a crew along for the ride. The result is the enriching two-hour documentary, Sing About This Country.

Much of that pain he poured into his ARIA-award-winning album, The World Today, a darker, harder collection of songs. But it was on tour for 10 days earlier this year in Guugu Yimithirr and Kuku Yalanji Countries on Queenslands Cape York Peninsula with the Black Image band, that he began to heal.

Like many in the entertainment industry, the last two years have hit Troy Cassar-Daley hard. On top of having his purpose taken away, his father died, and his marriage to Seven Network presenter Laurel Edwards suffered.

Everyones been through hard times, says Cassar-Daley. I called Lifeline at one stage  The timing for the tour was perfect. We could go up from Brisbane without having to worry about coming from any (COVID) hotspots. It was part of my healing, for sure. There was a memory on every corner.

I felt really privileged that I was able to be back up there again but on our own time. Troy Cassar-Daly

In 1990, before he was the toast of Nashville, Cassar-Daley toured the outback with the late country music legend, Brian Young. In that band was drummer, Clifford Harrigan, who later formed Black Image with his brothers, Pando, Dylan and Porky. Sing About This Country is a long-awaited reunion for Clifford and Cassar-Daley, who spent about as much time on stage as they did fishing and chatting by the campfire, reminiscing about such moments as their first tattoos.

That was the beautiful part about the time I spent with the boys. Nothing felt rushed. I felt really privileged that I was able to be back up there again but on our own time.

While locals flocked to the concerts, no two gigs were the same. In Marpoon, shy fans were chuffed to hear their towns name in the lyrics of the famous title song. In Aurukun, spectators tore up the dance floor.
Actor Hugo Weaving stars in a new six-part Australian drama series called Love Me on Binge from December 26. Among the 61-year-olds best-known screen roles are Elrond in Lord of the Rings and Tick in The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. He discusses his upbringing, career and the women who have influenced him.

Hugo Weaving will star in the new Binge series Love Me. Credit:Luis More

I had always thought of my Belgian maternal grandmother, Annette, as being a single woman because my grandfather died before I was born. Annette was a fantastic cook and lived in a large house in Bristol in the UK. I spent school holidays with her in her caravan in Dorset. She was a formidable, incredibly capable woman who taught me about inner strength, resilience and patience.

My paternal grandmother, Doris, was quite wonderfully edgy. She lived in Cheltenham and was always talking and laughing and telling stories. She tried to be of help to everyone; hence she irritated the whole family. She went quite mad before she died, but I was always sort of fascinated by her.

During the war my mother, Anne, was sent to Canada because Bristol had been bombed a lot and my grandparents feared a German invasion. She didnt see her parents for five years, and when she returned to England she didnt recognise them.
For our free coronavirus pandemic coverage, learn more here.

Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size When 40-year-old Adelaide father of four Mehmet Erhan missed a COVID test in October last year and was arrested at his home in the middle of the night by a group of armed police, key figures in the freedom movement pricked up their ears. It was the perfect fodder for anti-government, anti-lockdown content to be shared on social media: alleged police brutality inflicted over a minor issue relating to a virus they claim is largely harmless. Erhan, a former tradie who admits to a chequered past with the law, was arrested and charged with two counts of breaching a health order. Unable to access legal aid due to his ownership of an apartment  even though he was 12 months behind in repayments  he started an online crowd-fund to help cover his legal costs. But even after he recorded an online interview with Monica Smit, the founder of Australias largest anti-lockdown group, Reignite Democracy Australia, Erhans appeal raised only $1600 of the $7000 he claims he needed. Then another arm of the anti-lockdown movement took up his cause. Someone advised me to get in contact with Rebel News because they fund lawyers for this sort of thing, Erhan says. What followed left Erhan feeling worse. Canada-based right-wing commentary website Rebel News, the employer of Australian correspondent Avi Yemini, a former Israel Defence Forces member turned activist, required him to sign a contract with them, then asked its hundreds of thousands of online supporters to help fund the legal fight. This was to be paid into Rebel News Fight the Fines project fund, not Erhans own GoFundMe account.

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Then, after a dispute over legal representation, Rebel News cut ties. They say they exercised their rights under the contract to discontinue the relationship as Erhan had routinely switched lawyers and not acted in good faith. Almost six months later, Erhans case remains on the Rebel News website. He still has no idea how much was raised for his cause, nor where it now is. He is facing a court case with $10,000 in bills and no lawyer. As tens of thousands of committed protesters take to the streets weekly to protest vaccine mandates, COVID-19 restrictions and Victorias pandemic legislation, the so-called freedom movement has given rise to a core group of self-styled leaders who have developed large, ardent and growing followings online. With this has come an opportunity to make money. Large sums are being donated to crowdfunding for legal cases such as Erhans, with little transparency or scrutiny. Many of the self-styled leaders solicit donations. Merchandise including freedom clothing lines, wellness products and sketchy COVID-19 cures are being spruiked to their many followers. There is no credible estimate in Australia about how much money is flowing to the protest movement leaders, but globally the numbers are significant. A report from the Washington DC-based Centre for Countering Digital Hate found anti-vaxxers now enjoy a following online of 58 million people world-wide. Two years ago these groups had zero standing, zero credibility. They were laughed at. But theyve been able to turn COVID into a really lucrative profit-making exercise, says Deakin University senior research fellow and extremism researcher Josh Roose. Theres a small core of people who are really driving this, who are really seeking to exploit fear.

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The merch Prior to the pandemic, Melbourne man Matt Lawson worked as a freelance photographer, specialising in weddings, family portraits and rural Australian landscapes. More recently, he has been offering this service in a very different way. The staunch anti-lockdown activist and conspiracy theorist has almost 17,000 followers on encrypted messaging app Telegram, the favourite meeting place of Australias freedom protesters, to whom he recently offered a non-discriminatory Santa photo service for the unvaccinated. In the advertisement, Lawson posted his bank details and asked for donations. All funds, he promised, would go towards legal fees he says he will incur after being charged and convicted for incitement and fined $1500 after organising a gathering during lockdown. Nowhere is it reported how much he has raised. Im a photographer, so it was just me doing my regular job. Very different to any other people asking for money for clothing, he told The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. I didnt make close to enough money to cover my charges. Others look to their followers to buy products and services. Widely followed conspiracy theorist David Oneeglio and anti-vaccine activist Tom Barnett released a clothing line with T-shirts for toddlers emblazoned with the phrase DO NOT INJECT and PUREBLOOD. They sell caps that say Zombie Slayer and a necklace engraved with I am essential. Jewellery on sale from All Rights Reserved, a clothing line started by protest movement leader Dave Oneeglio, and holistic health practitioner Tom Barnett. The pair did not respond to requests for comment, but Oneeglio wrote recently on his Telegram channel that he had started the small business to get the message out there and raise funds to produce better quality content and provide alternative media.

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It also helps with the rent, he wrote. Im not asking for donations or handouts. Fanos Panayides, a former reality TV contestant and now a prominent anti-lockdown activist, has a clothing line with the phrase The media is the real virus. He did not respond to questions about his merchandise. Reignite Democracy Australia also sells freedom fighter clothing, alongside a raft of other paid services. Their business directory invites Australian businesses to pay $3.30 per month or $29 per year to have their names in a database of consumers looking for venues which dont discriminate based on medical status. Over 400 businesses have already signed up. Freedom protester Fanos Panayides has been selling clothing with the slogan: The media is the real virus. We all know it! Then there are Reignite Democracys social membership plans, providing a troll-free, censorship-free social platform which can be purchased monthly for $5.50 or $44 for an annual membership. This has become important to the organisation after Facebook earlier this month permanently shut down at least eight different pages run by them for breaching its misinformation and harm policies. The Reignite Democracy Truth Truck, which travels around Melbourne with large billboards criticising the state government, has its own fundraiser. RDA regularly does media blitz fundraisers, which raised more than $6000 in March and $20,000 in May, money they say is used to print flyers, placards, stickers and banners, as well as for billboards and ads on social media. We publish all invoices spent from this campaign on the Fundraiser Page, says the site, but a link to this page of invoices was broken(it was reinstated after queries from The Age and Herald). The group say they keep no profits, with all donations going back into the organisation, and those who donate get daily emails with updates of their work.

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Monica [Smit]s wage is $500 per week, Reignite Democracy said in a statement. Her staff make more money than she does. RDA now has 12 staff and several contractors. Every cent received is spent on running the [organisation]. We tried to register as a [not-for-profit] but because of our political work, we were unable to. Although we are a Pty Ltd [company], we are not for profit in practise. Reignite Democracy leader Monica Smit says some are taking advantage of the freedom movement to make money. Credit:Facebook Smit said she believed it was not ethical to make money from the freedom movement. There are scams out there making money off vulnerable and desperate people and I think that is completely wrong, she said. We are not making any profit, so we dont fall into that category. We use all revenue to pay for the costs of running the organisation. Lawyers, staff, website and app maintenance, film production and editing and marketing material all needs to be paid for. If the people of Australia didnt see a need for our services, they wouldnt financially support us. Beyond the more established organisations, almost all the prominent figures within the movement  many of whom spread dangerous misinformation about vaccines  have websites and channels on Telegram, providing spaces for them not only to spruik their videos and online content but also to ask for donations either by direct bank deposit, PayPal or in cryptocurrency. There is little transparency around how this money is used. Online platforms are also taking a cut, according to a report released last year by the Centre for Countering Digital Hate in the US, which found the anti-vaccination movements following is estimated to be worth up to $1 billion in annual revenue for social media platforms, income primarily generated by advertisers.

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Chris Lawrance has voted mostly Liberal in the past, yet there is no guarantee she will do so again at the coming federal election.

Ms Lawrance, who co-owns a clothing store in Flinders on the Mornington Peninsula, has occasionally voted Labor, but is now open to voting for anyone who best represents her values at this election, which must be held by May.

Nat Lawrance Riordan with her mother Chris Lawrance. Credit:Justin McManus

I think people are tired of politics where theres infighting and pettiness, she said.

If the Coalition is to retain government and the Flinders electorate, which it holds by 5.6 per cent, it can ill-afford to lose voters like Ms Lawrance.
Three household contacts of a positive case are also suspected of carrying the strain in Victorias first potential community transmission of the Omicron variant. They are among seven suspected new cases. Much is still unknown about the level of the threat posed by the variant, including if two vaccine doses will protect against severe disease, but some real-world results have been trickling in, suggesting boosters will have a key role to play. The shift to five months comes as Australian Medical Association president Omar Khorshid said it might be necessary to reclass the COVID-19 vaccine as a three-dose rather than two-dose vaccine. At the moment, if you had your two doses, youre fully vaccinated, youre fully free to do all these various things, including travel, he said. But as real-world data increasingly shows the immunity from two doses is waning, he said people would probably need to have three doses to be considered fully vaccinated, with flow-on effects for mandates which only allow the fully vaccinated to work in certain places or visit particular venues.

We need clear proper scientific evidence and that is still coming in, Dr Khorshid said. When you are making laws that limit peoples freedoms, you need to make sure youre on strong ground before you make those laws, but I believe its almost an inevitability that that will need to occur. And once that science is in, the AMA would be supportive of taking that step. Theres no point in mandating two doses if two doses doesnt protect you. The Sunday Age and The Sun-Herald learned earlier on Saturday that the booster interval would be shortened to five months, which was later confirmed by the government. Pfizer vaccines. Credit:AP The change will ramp up pressure on the rollout of third doses at a time when state-run vaccine hubs are closing their doors, as children aged 5 to 11 become eligible for the jab from January 10, and as GPs and pharmacies pare back their hours over Christmas.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg signalled the two-week pause on reopening Australias borders would likely end as planned on December 15, and urged the states to stay the course and not return to lockdowns, even as Omicron takes hold in Australia. In October, Israel became the first country to make a third vaccine dose mandatory to receive the countrys COVID-19 green pass, meaning some people who were previously considered fully vaccinated lost that status. On Saturday, a spokeswoman for Mr Hunt said: The current medical advice states that two COVID-19 vaccine doses are considered fully vaccinated. We will continue to take advice from the medical experts. The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisations COVID-19 co-chair, Allen Cheng, said the group did not have any say on government vaccine mandates. He said while it was possible ATAGI might have a role in making a recommendation about whether to declare the COVID-19 program a three-dose vaccine, it was too early to say. Obviously theres quite a lot changing at the moment with Omicron, so we just need to see where all that lands before we say too much more, Professor Cheng cautioned.

A new UK study, yet to be peer reviewed, involving 581 symptomatic Omicron cases indicates two doses of the Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccine are insufficient to provide adequate protection against infection from or mild disease caused by Omicron. The authors said the findings supported maximising coverage with third doses in highly vaccinated populations. Theres quite a few unknowns still. But the main message for the public is that if youre eligible for a booster, then its probably time to start scheduling it in, Professor Cheng said. Pharmacy Guild president Trent Twomey said he would support a change in the definition of full vaccination to three shots  provided it was supported by scientific evidence  while raising concerns about how the boosters would be delivered. The issue we are seeing is pharmacies and general practices starting to drop out of the program as they cant cover their costs, he said.

What we are worried about is that as state and territory vaccine clinics are stood down, as they should be, general practice and pharmacies wont be able to pick up the load if we dont see more of them participating in the program. Dr Khorshid said general practices were being paid about $10 less to deliver boosters compared to first and second doses  just under $25 and about $66 combined for the first and second doses. Its certainly a very odd message to be given to GPs to say well, thanks for helping save the country  well cut your payments as a reward, he said. It may have the impact of limiting the success of the rollout and thats really our main concern. Royal Australian College of General Practitioners president Karen Price said she had been told an advertising campaign for booster shots was on its way. Associate Professor Paul Griffin, from the University of Queensland, said he expected a full course of the COVID-19 vaccine to eventually require two doses plus a booster.

Theres precedent now, hepatitis B is a similar regime in many ways, the infectious disease physician said. The emerging Omicron variant made it even more important for people to get boosters, he said. Anything we discuss about Omicron is still very preliminary, some recent reports would suggest that two-dose protection might be reduced by say 40 per cent, he said. Loading However, Dr Griffin said he did not expect vaccine mandates for workplaces, hospitality venues and other settings to move quickly from the double-dose requirement to a three-dose minimum.
Building a new house or undertaking a significant renovation comes with its own mixed bag of financial, emotional and physical challenges. Sticking to budgets, committing to timelines, finding alternative accommodation  often in the form of living with extended family  its certainly not for the faint-hearted.

Those courageous enough to embark on this journey during a pandemic and a building boom have faced a challenge that would break even the strongest of wills  specifically, a scarcity in materials that has proven almost catastrophic for many homeowners.

For some builders, the timber shortage has led to the collapse of their business. Credit:Getty Images

Timber supplies were all but stripped bare after the announcement of federal government incentives resulted in a surge in the residential building industry. The shortfall in supply to meet the surge in demand resulted in runaway inflation for timber products, forcing many builders to consider more expensive alternatives such as steel and masonry.

For some builders, the timber shortage has led to the collapse of their businesses as they are forced to make the impossible choice between paying exorbitant material prices or accepting delays and consequential liquidated damages.
Singapore: South Korean President Moon Jae-in will use his visit to Australia to show his country can be a partner to the United States in the region amid fears Asias fourth-largest economy is being left behind by the members of the Quad.

The Quad  which includes Japan, India, Australia, and the United States  has evolved into a security grouping designed to manage the rise of China, but is now becoming a platform for economic co-operation, COVID-19 vaccine distribution and infrastructure investment.

Moons visit, which starts on Sunday, will be only the second by a world leader since New Zealands Jacinda Ardern after the pandemic began in 2020.

South Koreas President Moon Jae-in will visit Australia on Sunday. Credit:AP

South Korea has adopted a more cautious approach than neighbouring Japan to Chinas increasingly assertive foreign policy because of its reliance on Beijing to negotiate any future peace deal with communist North Korea.
Washington: The House committee investigating the January 6 attack on the US Capitol is scrutinising a 38-page PowerPoint document filled with extreme plans to overturn the 2020 election. It was provided by Mark Meadows, the last chief of staff to president Donald Trump.

The document recommended that Trump declare a national emergency to delay the certification of the election results and included a claim that China and Venezuela had obtained control over the voting infrastructure in a majority of states.

A lawyer for Meadows, George Terwilliger, said Meadows provided the document to the committee because he merely received it by email in his inbox and did nothing with it.

Then US president Donald Trump and his White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, right, talk outside the Oval Office last year. Credit:AP

We produced the document because it wasnt privileged, Terwilliger said.
Las Palmas (Spain), 11 November 2021 (SPS) - The appeal submitted by the Council of the European Union (EU) to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) concerning the EU-Morocco fisheries and agriculture agreements cannot succeed because the judges of the first court have not omitted any details, said Friday Pierre Galand, the president of the European Coordination for Support and Solidarity with the Saharawi People (EUCOCO).



"The Polisario Front will win. The judges who made the first ruling had been working for months. They delivered a judgment of 73 pages," Galand told APS shortly before the opening of the 45th EUCOCO conference (10-11 December 2021) in Las Palmas, in Gran Canaria, Spain.



The decision in question was "extremely detailed" and "was made by four judges who knew full well that Europe was going to appeal."



Galand points out that Europe has decided to refer to the Court, in this case, which is a real "upheaval" in the functioning of the EU.



This means that "Europe admits that it is the Court of Justice that must decide how an (economic) agreement must be made," he said, adding "this is quite new."



It would also, from his point of view, be a "contradiction" if the CJEU annuls the decision because the Court itself had decided in 2016 and in 2018 that Western Sahara and Morocco were separate territories.



He stressed that Europe had recently criticized Poland for not complying with the decisions of the European Court, which should be valid for everyone, he argued.



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Pull at the thread of a Giving Fund story, and hundreds of others will spill out.

The anonymous stories we publish to raise donations during the holidays are brief. Case #303 was just 72 words. It takes just two to pull you in: homeless and student. Diana was living in her car before moving in with a friend who asked her to pitch in on rent.

Three other words caught the attention of Melissa Gallaher-Smith: Norwalk Community College.

I know Gallaher-Smith from her days as development director for The Rowan Center, a sexual assault resource agency based in Stamford. She recently started a new job as the NCC Foundations grants and program manager, and knew the school could help this student.

We connected dots between the NCC Foundation and the agency that made the request on Dianas behalf.

This story is still being written, and should have a happy ending. But it represents a worst-case scenario for Carrie Bernier, CEO of the NCC Foundation, which operates independently of the college and raises about $3 million a year for scholarships, support services and emergency aid.

My greatest fear is we have these funds and were not reaching the students who need it the most, she told me. How come shes not on our radar screen?

Its not for lack of trying. The foundation has done admirable work, not only to identify needs and deliver resources, but to document the outcome on student retention.

I called Bernier with no questions in hand, looking to see where the conversation took us. She did the opposite, armed with data and anecdotal evidence. I was the unprepared student, so I pulled a few more threads to draw personal reflections.

Like Gallaher-Smith, Bernier came from a background of working with survivors. She was director of court and legal services for the Domestic Violence Crisis Center in Stamford after handling domestic violence cases as a lawyer in the States Attorney Office.

Shes seen a lot, yet her entry into academia four years ago has been no less emotional.

One student had a special place in my heart because a domestic violence situation left her homeless, Bernier recalled. When Bernier finally returned to campus during the pandemic to distribute computers, it took a few moments for them to recognize one another behind masks.

We held each others gaze for a really long time. Then she came running to me. We both forgot that youre not supposed to touch. Youre not supposed to hug. She just fell into my arms. It was like she melted. She just started crying and said three of her family members had died of COVID.

Lets pull at a different thread.

When COVID first hit, teachers quickly identified a problem the foundation could address. Many students, lacking computers, had the resolve to write papers on their cell phones. Foundation staffers scrambled to buy as many laptops as they could. Computers became one more item on a shopping list that included grocery and gas cards and assistance with utility expenses and rent.

Staffers recognized that one student had no family in the area, could no longer access school computers and couldnt continue working as an Uber driver. So they checked in on him. Did he need a laptop? Food? Anything else?

The student later reached out to Bernier.

He just wrote, That email made me feel important, like I mattered to someone. He said it was like a lifeline.

He got a laptop. He got food. He stayed in school.

Bernier keeps using the word grit to describe NCC students. She champions education as the equalizer in a county where the rich and poor collide like few other places in America. Get a first-generation student a college education and it can improve an entire family narrative, she reasons.

You see it all here ...

The pause is brief. She doesnt have to think long about what it all represents. The words tumble out quickly: You see domestic violence, substance abuse, mental health, food insecurity, homelessness ...

I can almost hear the ellipses. The list never really ends.

With the precision of a lawyer, Bernier contextualizes grit with facts.

Nearly 70 percent of NCC students qualify for financial aid. Many live paycheck to paycheck in multi-generational homes caring for relatives while working and studying.

Nearly 25 percent of NCC students are parents.

A survey of students was held in January 2020, shortly before the COVID outbreak. The numbers are unsettling enough without considering how much worse they probably are now.

Nearly 60 percent of students indicated concern that their access to food would run out.

More than 25 percent said they sometimes didnt eat for an entire day because they couldnt afford it.

NCC was the first community college in the state to host a food pantry (launched in 2015). The school has collected data in hopes of demonstrating that emergency aid boosts graduation numbers. In March, a team of NCC staff members who work in student services will present the results at a national conference in Baltimore that is expected to draw nearly 9,000 people.

Well revisit those numbers in the new year. For now, there remain too many loose threads in 2021. The Giving Fund has a lot of other cases to fulfill, and the NCC Foundation still needs to convince some proudly self-reliant students that help is available and its OK to ask for it.

Even if there are signs up and posters and lawn signs around campus they still think its not for them, its for someone else, Bernier said.

It should be the first lesson any student learns: If you need help, raise your hand.

For more information in the NCC Foundation, see www.ncc-foundation.org .

John Breunig is editorial page editor of the Stamford Advocate and Greenwich Time. jbreunig@scni.com; twitter.com/johnbreunig.
BRIDGEPORT  Working for hours with shovels and flashlights, police officers had managed to dig down more than three feet in the dirt floor of a basement area under a Noble Avenue garage on Thursday but had still found no signs of the remains of Aryndel Castro.

It was hard work, it was a tight space and after a while we began to wonder if Shawn Gibson had lied to us about burying Castros body there, said Lt. Christopher LaMaine, of the information given to police by the man arrested the day before in connection with Castros murder.

But, LaMaine said, they kept digging and at about six feet down discovered the grisly remains.

It was both terrible at finding the remains but also satisfying because I knew we could finally give his family some closure, LaMaine said.

On Thursday, Gibson, a Hamden man who owns a rooming house in Bridgeport, was arraigned for murder in Castros 2013 killing. A second man, Terrance Boyd, of South Carolina, was arrested Wednesday and is awaiting extradition to Connecticut.

Castros family credited LaMaine with keeping a promise hed made to them years before. Its been a long eight years since my brother disappeared but we never gave up and thankfully the police never gave up, said Castros brother, Aneudi Rosa. Lt. (Chris) LaMaine told me eight years ago he was going to keep searching for my brother and never give up and he kept his promise and found my brothers killers.

The arrests came after an 8-year investigation that police said was often frustrating.

In September 2013, Castros mother had reported him missing to police.

LaMaine said the investigation began as a missing person case.

Castro was a transient, moving from apartment to apartment in the city and often homeless so it was difficult to trace his movements, he said.

But according to the arrest warrant affidavit, in 2014 detectives received information from an informant that Boyd, who was convicted in the 1980s of killing a 63-year-old New Canaan woman, had killed Castro.

In May 2014, the affidavit states that Boyd admitted to a detective that he had witnessed Gibson beat the 24-year-old Castro to death in a rooming house he owned on Noble Avenue.

But despite the information from Boyd we had to proceed cautiously, LaMaine said on Friday.

Because of Boyds background we couldnt just take his word that Castro was dead, we didnt want to go to a judge and get an arrest warrant for Gibson for murder only to have Castro show up sometime later, he explained.

Although he has investigated numerous murders in his time in the Detective Bureau, LaMaine said he had never had a case where there not only wasnt a body but no physical evidence at all that someone had been killed.

We didnt even have a single cell of DNA, so proving Ari was dead would have been very difficult, he said.

In this instance time actually helped their case.

As time went by and there continued to be no sign of Ari it became more and more likely that he was dead, LaMaine said.

Later in 2014, LaMaine attempted to interview Gibson but Gibson declined to talk to detectives after consulting with his lawyer.

Last month, the affidavit states that two witnesses came forward corroborating some of the information Boyd had given detectives. One of the witnesses had been afraid to talk earlier because of a threat by Boyd but now felt safe because Boyd was in South Carolina, the affidavit states.

At that point I though we had a good case, said LaMaine. We had the time element, it had now been eight years and Ari had not been seen, we had the statements from Boyd and other witnesses. I thought we had enough probable cause to go to a judge with to get arrest warrants.

According to a press release from police, police also had evidence to suggest that Gibson and Boyd purchased cleaning supplies multiple times from the Home Depot and rented vans from Home Depot and U-Haul in the days following the alleged murder. The vans, police said, were allegedly used to move Castros body.

Police would later learn that the men put Castros remains in a large plastic bag and initially took it to a house Gibson owned on Moffitt Street before trying to bury it in Beardsley Park but couldnt dig a deep enough hole, according to the arrest warrant affidavit.

But before getting the warrant, LaMaine said he wanted to take one more run at Gibson.

I wanted to tell him what we had against him in the hope it would put pressure on him to finally tell us where he put Aris body. And it did, he said.

LaMaine said Gibson led them to a basement-like area under a large, detached garage behind his cousins home on Noble Avenue, near Beardsley Park.

It was a completely enclosed area and we had to break through a covered window to get inside, LaMaine said.

Inside, the room had a dirt floor and ceiling clearance of about five feet.

Because it was so tight in there, we couldnt bring in power equipment and had to dig into the floor with shovels, he said.

As time went by, they began to wonder if Gibson had lied to them. As part of an agreement to lead them to the body, Gibson was given a $250,000 bond. Bonds in murder cases typically start at $1 million.

But we finally found Aris body. It was buried very deep but we found it, LaMaine said.
CLINTON  A champion of local history, Peggy Adler dreams of the town one day becoming a destination for its historic homes, not just its popular shopping outlets.

And the town may be inching closer to making her dream a reality.

The state Connecticut Historic Preservation Council recently approved a $20,000 grant to create third National Register Historic District in Clinton.

The district would encompass Commerce Street with its gracious sea captains homes and Leffingwell Road, which has examples of kit-built homes from the 1920s.

Id like to see Clinton be known as a tourist destination because of its rich history, rather than just being known for the outlets, Adler said.

The grant will be used to hire an architectural historian to do research and write a report, which will be submitted to the U.S. Department of the Interior for authentication.

The district would be under the auspices of The National Park Service. One approved, eligible property owners may obtain and install a plaque on their homes.

Adler could be considered the towns rescuer of historic homes. Nearly single-handedly, she spurred a movement to prevent the Dowd House at 151 Main St. from being torn down earlier this year, by garnering 807 signatures on a petition.

The developer had wanted to knock it down in order to build office condominiums and apartments. Instead, it will be renovated as part of that project.

Because the Dowd House is located in a National Register Historic District, Adler was able to bring the petition to the Connecticut Historic Preservation Council, which oversees the demolition of houses in these nationally-recognized districts.

Adler had to compile a detailed lineage on the owners of the house, which ended up showing a direct connection to Daniel Griswold, a member of the early Homonoscitt Plantation in the 1600s.

According to Adler, the council was prepared to get the state attorney generals office involved.

They voted unanimously to send it to the attorney general to prevent the destruction, the demolition of the house, she said.

The developer, she said, withdrew its demolition application.

Adler is no stranger to rescuing historic homes. The 1775 center chimney Cape Cod house where she lives now, which she named the Blue Tarp House, was gutted by fire in 1993. It sat under a blue tarp for nearly a decade.

She could see the possibilities of the burned-out house on Liberty Street: I fell in love with the chimney, she said.

Adler reached out to a developer who bought it and she purchased the completely restored and updated home from him in the 1990s.

Now with bright pine floors and exposed original brick in the chimney, the house exudes warmth.

There are many antique homes like Adlers in town and some like-minded residents want to protect them from destruction.

The proposed National Register Historic District would be the third such in Clinton. This designation differs from the town-created Liberty Green Historic District, which is bound by a town ordinance and overseen by the local Historic District Commission, in addition to other town boards.

Now, there is the Clinton Village National Register Historic District that starts at the Indian River to Route 145 down Liberty Street and Waterside Lane, done in 1994.

The second National Register Historic District was authenticated in 2020, five years in the making, according to Adler. It encompasses High Street and Central Avenue and includes the Ponds/Unilever building, which is art deco in style.

I think its an honor to have your house on the Register of Historic Places, Adler said.

Adler said the designation of the National Historic District is misunderstood by many homeowners. And she admitted it can be confusing.

In town, she said, some homeowners are not even aware that they live in such a district.

They live in one and they dont even know it, she said.

There are some definite advantages to being part of a National Register Historic District. Qualifying property owners may be entitled to low interest loans  grants for restoration, Adler noted.

Town Manager Karl Kilduff agreed.

There are some resources they could leverage, he said of property owners. It does open the door for potential resources.

He noted that the Town Council had approved the grant and that there would be public outreach regarding the status of this third district.

The designation does not put on any limitations on what a homeowner can do to their homes appearance.

Kilduff noted that local ordinances have more sway in keeping with historic standards, such as in the towns historic district.

National districts are not tied to that level of regulatory control, Kilduff said.

And, contrary to popular belief, no one will tell the homeowner what color to paint their house whether they are located in the local or national districts.

Alder pointed to a former dog groomer in a historic home that was painted an eye-catching patchwork of crazy colors, yet was on the national register. Now its got vinyl siding (which is not allowed in a local historic district) and has been turned into an apartment building.

This whimsical example shows that property owners can do what they want to alter the appearance of their home in the national district, she said.

However, certain property improvements may affect the homeowners ability to access money available to them under the National Register designation  if, for instance, they do not use historically appropriate materials.

But with a National Register certificate, there are no restrictions, Adler stressed.

However, If somebody wants to tear down their antique house I will personally start a petition to prevent it, she said.

Most importantly, she said, the National Historic Register designation is aimed at slowing down or preventing the historic home from being demolished.

There are hoops to jump through to tear down buildings in the national district, Adler said.

As for a third district, This piece helps knit together the other two national districts, Kilduff added, making an interesting tourism corridor in town.

The missing piece in all this, to truly link all the districts, is Clintons downtown, Adler said.

Town historian Bob Bruch was happy about this latest national district with Clinton being such a historical town.

He said he hoped this will bring an awareness to people that there are homes that are worthy of being preserved.

One of the biggest benefits to homeowners is the money that is available for restoration efforts, he said.

And it will increase the value of the home, he said.

It will help you in selling your house, he said. Some people dont believe that.

But even more important, Bruch said, the National Register Historic Districts will help preserve the feeling of the little coastal town.


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BEIJING  As China prepares to open its $120 billion corn market to genetically modified seed, little-known Dabeinong Biotechnology hopes to reap the benefits of early biotech investments and a law keeping foreign firms on the sidelines.

The long-anticipated commercialization of genetically modified corn in the world's No. 2 producer is set to significantly boost yields, reducing the need for imports. It may also spur hoped-for reform of a chaotic and oversupplied seed sector, industry experts say, creating a new multibillion dollar market that may eventually open up to global seed giants.

New regulations drafted last month lay out for the first time the steps needed in China for approval of corn varieties that integrate genetically modified traits, paving the way for the market to open as early as next year.

Beijing has made clear it will champion home-grown leaders in seed technology, and Dabeinong is the larger of two local companies with an insect-resistant and herbicide-tolerant corn already approved as safe by the agriculture ministry.

"For the first two years, because we're the first mover in the market, and we believe our technology is better, we'll have two thirds of the share," general manager Liu Shi said.
Wolff hopes to change a civic mindset that no longer expects much in the way of basic public services.

In hip Hayes Valley, for example, business owners tired of seeing garbage strewn about and the city not doing anything to address the issue banded together to lease enclosed trash cans from a private company, said Jennifer Laska, president of the neighborhood association. After the lease expired, the association managed to get the city to agree to buy and install new public garbage cans designed to keep trash in and pilferers out.

That was four months ago.

Were still struggling just to get the trash cans actually purchased, Laska said.

In the Marina, a wealthy neighborhood with stunning views of the bay and Golden Gate Bridge, dozens of residents recently hired private security after an increase in auto burglaries.

Lloyd Silverstein, a San Francisco native and president of the Hayes Valley Merchants Association, said businesses are considering hiring security guards and installing high-definition security cameras. He rejects the idea that any one city official is to blame for the situation, and he's optimistic the city will recover.

We have been through big earthquakes and depressions and lots of stuff, but we have a pretty good bounce-back attitude. Weve got some problems, but well fix them," he said. It may just take some time.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Gephardt won the Iowa caucuses, and sucked up most of the local money before dropping out. Feigenbaum did not help himself. He said he had an opportunity to talk to an important donor group at a breakfast meeting in Washington, but got drunk the night before and was not at his best for the meeting. Actually, he was not at his best for a good part of that campaign. Some days, he had to be talked into getting out of bed.

He lost the election, and was suddenly unemployed. He said he had had a couple of steady but ill-defined gigs during his legislative career. He was a regional something-or-other for a couple of fast-food companies that saw the advantages of having a legislator on the payroll. But not so much an ex-legislator. Feigenbaum had attended the University of Missouri-St. Louis, but he did not have a degree. Or a wife. He had gotten divorced.

He was an ex-big deal with nothing going on.

I was the best-dressed bum in St. Louis, he told me when I stopped by last week.
One couple and Washington ended up staying with Hamilton, a widower whose only son had died. They moved to what became unincorporated Jersey County and built a home. Living on the other side of the Mississippi River from Missouri, a slave state at the time, wasnt always a safety shield, as shown by the 1837 mob killing of abolitionist newspaper editor Elijah Lovejoy in Alton.

The plan was to send Washington to Liberia as a missionary once he was prepared, but there werent any schools in what became Otterville. And Hamilton got sick.

At around age 60 and near death, Hamilton drafted his will to keep some of the plan alive. Believing in the very great importance of primary schools, and desiring that my friends and relatives in this neighborhood should receive the benefit of them, he gave and bequeathed $2,000 to build a school and another $2,000 to run it so the students wouldnt have to pay fees.

The stone building, which also served as a church, was originally constructed in the mid-1830s. Washington was among the first students. Its unclear if other African American students later attended, but word spread across the country among pioneers that there was a free school in Illinois.
The warehouse doesnt have a specific count of how many employees were in the building at the time that the storm hit, so were unable to determine how many may be missing still, he said.

We dont expect anyone to be surviving at this point, he said.

Officials said they could not speak to Amazons policy regarding emergency preparedness and did not have specifics about whether employees were moved to any other location in response to the tornado warning.

Whiteford said part of the reason they did not have specific count of employees in the building was because there was a shift change in process at the time the tornado hit, and because the warehouse employed several part-time workers.

They have vans that come in and they drop off the vans and then people get in their cars and leave, he said. As the shift change was going on, the number of people was varying.

A representative of the company was not present at the press conference, and it was unclear what steps the company had taken in response to the tornado warnings and in the aftermath.
Airman 1st Class Camden Mello at RAF Lakenheath, England, Dec. 18, 2020. (Anthony Cllingerman/U.S. Air Force)

RAF Lakenheath, England  An airman based at RAF Lakenheath was found dead Friday in a suspected suicide, said Lt. Col. Jason Camilletti, the 48th Fighter Wing commander.

Airman 1st Class Camden Mello went missing Thursday morning. He was found after his unit launched an all hands search for him, Camilletti said in a Facebook video There was no shortage of manpower to help find Mello, the video statement said.

Mello was a crew chief assigned to the 748th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, the Air Force said in a December 2020 statement about his struggles to adjust to his first overseas duty station.

He arrived early in the COVID-19 pandemic and was apart from his wife, Lauren, for the first time since they were in college, he said at the time. On top of that, his mother died a week after he arrived in England, he said. She was killed in a hit-and-run accident while on vacation in New Orleans, according to media reports.

Lauren Mello, his wife, joined him in England eight months after he arrived, he said in late 2020, describing how hed relied on friends and the services of the bases mental health facility to cope.

Having her here with me again is the best Christmas present of all, he said in the Air Force statement last year.

Now his wife is left struggling with his absence.

I have no idea how I am going to make it through life knowing the plans we had made together have slipped away, Lauren Mello wrote Friday on Facebook. But I promise I will be strong for you. I promise I will carry on for you.

Her husband had driven her to work the morning before his death, took her hand from her lap and brought it to his lips to give it the softest kiss, before pulling over to kiss her and say that he loved her. She said the same and wished him a good day at work.

If I had even the slightest inclination that this would be the last time I saw those big puppy dog eyes stare back at mine, I would have got back in that car and told you to keep driving, she said.

Camilletti, in his Facebook statement Friday, expressed his condolences to Mellos family, who lives in Massachusetts. The commander also addressed airmen at Lakenheath, asking them to keep battling and telling them they are loved and important to those around them.

Facebook commenters offered their condolences to Mellos loved ones and support for Camillettis message.

This kind of loss is felt by so many. Rest easy, said Chloe Hodges in the comments.

This is the most genuine response from a commander Ive ever seen, said Carlos Ruiz.

If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255). You can also text a crisis counselor by messaging the Crisis Text Line at 741741.
Former Fort Hood soldier Cory Latrell Grafton, 21, pleaded guilty to a charge of murder Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021, in a Bell County courtroom in lieu of a trial, according to court records. He was accused of strangling to death Chelsea Cheatham, a 32-year-old mother from Kyle, Texas, at a Days Inn in Killeen, Texas, on June 3, 2019. (Killeen Police Department)

A former Fort Hood soldier was sentenced Wednesday to 40 years in prison for strangling a woman to death in a Killeen, Texas, motel more than two years ago.

Cory Latrell Grafton, 21, pleaded guilty to a charge of murder in a Bell County courtroom in lieu of a trial, according to court records. He was accused of killing Chelsea Cheatham, a 32-year-old mother from Kyle, Texas, at a Days Inn on June 3, 2019.

After half his sentence is served, Grafton will be eligible for parole, according to Texas law.

It is hard to say the justice can ever truly be served when a loved one is taken from a family, Cristin Lane Taft, the countys assistant district attorney assigned to the case, said in a statement. Chelsea Cheatham was a mother, daughter, and sister who was very much loved by her family. No amount of time spent in prison can truly bring justice to this family for her absence. We only hope that the conclusion of the prosecution and Grafton going to prison brings some closure for the family and is a step in their healing process.

Grafton was arrested Nov. 2, 2020, at Fort Hood, where he held the rank of specialist. A month later, he was separated from the Army, according to officials with Fort Hoods III Corps. Online records did not show where he will serve his prison term.

On the night Cheatham died, police arrived at the Days Inn on Central Texas Expressway at about 10:39 p.m., and found Cheatham unconscious and not breathing, according to the court documents. Lifesaving measures were taken, but she was pronounced dead after about an hour.

Chelsea Cheatham, 32, died June 3, 2019, at a motel in Killeen, Texas. (Tanya Cheatham)

An autopsy revealed she died of strangulation, according to court documents. Texas Rangers and Killeen Police Department linked Grafton to the crime through DNA found on Cheatham.

Police called in Grafton for an interview on Oct. 20, 2020, after using phone records to identify him as a possible suspect, according to an affidavit for the soldiers arrest. During the interview, police collected his DNA, which was later used to link him to evidence found at the crime scene.

Grafton spoke to his sergeant after the interview with police and denied his involvement in Cheathams death, according to the court document. The next night, he was hospitalized for an apparent near overdose on over-the-counter pain relievers and alcohol.

While in the hospital, Grafton called and spoke a second time with the sergeant and this time told him that he killed Cheatham. The sergeant then provided a written statement to police about Graftons confession, according to the court document.

Crime and courts
Airman 1st Class Sydni Breitenbach, 15th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron bioenvironmental engineering journeyman, collects a water sample from a Potable Water Module at the at the Hale Aina Dining Facility at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Dec. 10, 2021. (Alan Ricker/U.S. Air Force)

FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii  The Navy has determined that its water well near Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam was contaminated with jet fuel from a Nov. 20 spill near the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, the commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet said Friday.

We know now with a high degree of confidence based on water testing results analyzed at a certified, independent third-party laboratory that that contaminant is JP-5 jet fuel, Adm. Samuel Paparo said during a virtual briefing to members of the Hawaii State Legislature.

The briefing also included representatives of the Hawaii Department of Health and Oahus Water Supply Board.

Tests indicate that the fuel found in the well came from a relatively new spill, he said.

So from the test results and engineering analysis that weve done today, it appears some quantity of JP-5 jet fuel entered the Red Hill well in a single event, likely from the Nov. 20 spill, and then subsequently pumped from that well and distributed throughout those portions of our Navys water distribution system.

Late last month, residents in military housing communities connected to the Navy water system began complaining of a foul odor and oily sheen in their tap water.

Subsequent testing confirmed that water from the Red Hill well was contaminated with petroleum. The well  one of three that supplies the Navys system  is near the vast Red Hill collection of underground tanks built during World War II that hold about 150 million gallons of fuel.

The Navy has not used the Red Hill well since Nov. 27.

The Red Hill fuel tanks have experienced multiple leaks over the past decade, and despite growing calls by many Honolulu residents for the facilitys closure, the Navy maintains that its operation is essential to national security.

On Monday, the Hawaii Department of Health issued an emergency order requiring the Navy to empty the tanks. The Navy has not agreed to do so.

Paparo told lawmakers the Navy is confident that this event was not a result of a leak from one of the Red Hill tanks.

The fuel in the Red Hill well was from a water-fuel mixture from a fire-suppression drain line in the lower tunnel of the fuel storage facility, according to a Navy news release on Nov. 22. The service removed about 14,000 gallons of the mixture from the tunnel over the two days following the discovery of the spill on Nov. 20.

A timeline for cleaning out the fuel from the well and the distribution lines was laid out for lawmakers by Rear Adm. Dean VanderLey, head of Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Pacific.

Our first step in cleanup is to directly flush a full-system volume of clean water through our distribution system, he said. This system volume is about 25 million gallons. How fast the system-flush can be completed is obviously very dependent on how fast we can flush. It could be completed as quickly as four days or it could be much longer. VanderLey said.

The Navy is working with the health department to ensure the flushing is conducted in an environmentally safe way, he said.

The next step is to flush each individual home and facility, he said.

The Navy and Army  which administrates one large community affected by the contamination  is paying hotel bills for hundreds of affected homeowners who have temporarily relocated.

After evaluation of the testing results, we will work closely with the department of health and other stakeholders to be able to declare our water safe and get people back in their homes, he said.

The goal is to have this completed by Christmas, he said, but admitted that it was a very aggressive time frame.

He said he was confident that the Red Hill well was contaminated by the Nov. 20 leak, which was a singular event cleaned up within 30 hours.

In the short term, the Navy is coordinating with the department of health to directly pump out whatever petroleum floats atop the well water, he said.

On Thursday, the Navy contracted to bring two huge water filtration units to Hawaii from the mainland capable of filtering up to 10 million gallons a day, he said.

Getting them to Hawaii will require eight to 10 flights on large cargo planes, he said.

Then there is significant effort to assemble, connect and get them operating, he said. But despite those challenges, my goal is to have them up and operating within two to three weeks.
Buy Photo (Kim Ki Sam/Stars and Stripes)

Tan Son Nhut Air Base, South Vietnam, December 25, 1968: Rev. Billy Graham speaks to service members during a Protestant worship service on Christmas Day. The evangelist, who was on a five-day tour of U.S. bases in South Vietnam, said he was tremendously impressed with the U.S. servicemen and optimistic about the possibility of peace.
Moroccan armed forces train on fast rope insertion in Tifnit, Morocco, on June 14, 2021. Morocco is one of four countries co-chairing the Africa Focus Group within the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. ( Rhianna Ballenger/U.S. Army)

The U.S. and its allies are stepping up efforts to counter the Islamic State group in Africa as U.S. forces wind down their combat role against ISIS in Iraq.

Last week in Brussels, the U.S. and Italy announced the formation of the Africa Focus Group within the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, the State Department said. Morocco and Niger will co-chair with the U.S. and Italy, said an agency statement issued Dec. 3.

U.S. and allied officials have warned of a proliferating terrorist threat in Africa, prompting Secretary of State Antony Blinken to say this summer that Washington supports greater coalition efforts there.

U.S. Cpl. Daniel Annis tests a Nigerien soldiers skills in Tondibiah, Niger, on May 25, 2021. The U.S., Italy, Morocco and Niger will co-chair the Africa Focus Group within the global coalition battling ISIS. (Brandon Julson/U.S. Army)

More than 2,100 people were killed in ISIS-initiated attacks in Africa between October 2020 and October 2021, Blinken said in a video Dec. 2 following the first meeting of the Africa Focus Group.

The Global @Coalition and the U.S. are working to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS. The Coalition must continue to counter the ISIS threat around the world  including Africa. Launching the Africa Focus Group will help prevent and defeat all terrorist groups. pic.twitter.com/JPBOhmW8kn  Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) December 2, 2021

Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio said in June that he had urged the creation of an Africa-focused working group after witnessing an alarming phenomenon of proliferating terrorist cells in east Africa and the Sahel region, the swath below the Sahara spanning the north and west of the continent.

The anti-ISIS coalition was created a little over seven years ago, as the terrorist group swept across large swaths of Iraq and Syria.

It ousted the terrorist group from the last of its territorial holdings in early 2019, but the U.S. and its partners say the militants remain a threat in both countries.

While supporting increased focus on Africa, the U.S. will still be keep a close eye on Syria and Iraq, Blinken said in June.

This month, the coalition welcomed the African country of Burkina Faso as its 84th member.

The Africa Focus Group is expected to help the coalition build up civilian institutions and synchronize those efforts with existing initiatives, the State Department said.

News of the groups creation came just days before the announcement Thursday of the formal end of the Pentagons combat mission in Iraq.

Thursday also marked the fourth anniversary of Baghdads declaration that ISIS had been defeated in Iraq.

The number of U.S. troops deployed there, some 2,500, is not currently expected to change. Those who remain will serve in advisory roles to help the Iraqi military transition to a peacetime force, officials have said.
A street vendor with a backpack of Venezuelan bolivars is seen at a public market in Puerto la Cruz, Venezuela on Oct. 14, 2021. (Manaure Quintero/Bloomberg)

Amid the rusted remnants of Venezuela's once-mighty oil industry, a motley crew of obscure drillers has achieved a feat few thought possible: It's more than doubled the country's crude production in the space of a year.

State-owned Petroleos de Venezuela has been pumping about 908,000 barrels a day in the past week, according to people familiar with the matter. With crude near $75 a barrel, it's a financial lifeline for a nation hobbled by U.S. sanctions and in the throes of a seven-year recession.

To reach that milestone, PDVSA has resorted to desperate measures. According to people with direct knowledge of the matter, it's handing out contracts to little-known local companies with the promise of payments in scrap metal, or in some cases, backpacks stuffed with U.S. dollars as sanctions limit Venezuela's access to banks. To cut its own payroll, it's pushing those contractors to hire PDVSA workers for short-term projects. PDVSA didn't respond to requests for comment about its production and how it's compensating contractors.

The recovery in production has put President Nicolas Maduro's goal of 1 million barrels a day within reach. For a country with the world's largest crude reserves, it's not much. But the output boost adds another unpredictable element to an oil market roiled by signs of a Covid-19 resurgence, and Venezuelan oil minister Tareck El Aissami, one of Maduro's chief lieutenants, is turning up the pressure to ensure the president's production target is met.

"PDVSA has built new partnerships allowing it to increase production," said Antero Alvarado, a managing partner at consulting firm Gas Energy Latin America. The cash-strapped company "is also paying service companies. All this amid high oil prices, sanctions and traditional partners unable to collect debts from PDVSA."

An abandoned Petroleos de Venezuela facility in the Melones oil field in El Tigre, Venezuela, on Oct. 15, 2021. (Manaure Quintero/Bloomberg)

To the untrained eye, not much has changed in Venezuela's Orinoco Belt. The region is still a shadow of the once-thriving hub that turned this South American country into a global energy giant. Vehicles that used to carry heavy drilling equipment to rig areas have largely disappeared. Foreign-owned warehouses are barren and deteriorating. Big dump trucks rumble down rutted roads, carrying scrap metal by the ton -- dismantled pipelines to be sold abroad.

But in the short term, PDVSA's gambit to ramp up production appears to be working, if slowly. Venezuela's production of 908,000 barrels a day is close to that of Oman, a minor oil exporter among its peers in the Middle East. In the golden era of the 1990s, in comparison, Venezuela pumped more than triple that amount. Ship loadings of Venezuelan crude in November surpassed half a million barrels a day for the first time in a year. While it's not clear where the oil will be sent, millions of barrels of the country's crude have surreptitiously landed in China using tactics including ship-to-ship transfers, shell companies and silenced satellite signals.

Many of the firms drilling for PDVSA work on an irregular basis given their lack of financing muscle and the state-owned producer's late payments in cash, according to people familiar with the matter. The company remains hampered by years of mismanagement, scant investment from foreign partners and the weight of U.S. economic sanctions put in place under the Trump administration.

Still, the contractors have stayed on the ground. It's an improvement over the previous two years, when PDVSA offered to pay in crude or fuel despite the complications that sanctions created for such transactions. PDVSA is concentrating on oil fields that are in relatively good shape, many of which were built and financed by foreign partners that have since halted work because of the sanctions on Maduro's regime.

Oil minister El Aissami is turning up the pressure to ensure Maduro's production goals are met. He's a frequent visitor to PDVSA's Jose industrial complex in eastern Venezuela, which processes raw crude into supply that's ready for export. After years of decay, the complex has received a few recent cosmetic boosts: Resurfaced roads, refurbished tanks and the removal of weeds that had been engulfing some of the facilities.

Some observers question whether Venezuela can maintain the increase in oil output. Steady production of more than 750,000 barrels a day is "a challenge for PDVSA," Alvarado said, with frequent fires and other mishaps threatening to curtail supply.

Regular supplies of Iranian condensate are also key. That light crude allows PDVSA to move the sludge-like petroleum that's pumped out of the Orinoco Belt to mixing plants near the coast, where it can be upgraded to a more commercial grade and shipped to markets. Three cargo ships containing 4.6 million barrels of Iranian condensate have arrived since July in Venezuela. PDVSA hasn't said whether more ships are coming, but according to Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency, Tehran has urged more cooperation between the two countries on petrochemicals and refining.

While Venezuela focuses on oil fields that are in fairly good condition, dozens of other fields remain shut. PDVSA may still cannibalize those, breaking apart pipes, engines and other equipment it can sell to finance its operations. As long as that occurs, the country's reemergence as an oil superpower will remain a distant dream.
MOSCOW - Since President Joe Biden's call with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the Ukraine crisis, Russian officials have dug in deeper: blaming NATO for the confrontation, dismissing Ukraine as a puppet state of the West and ruling out a pullback of Russian forces massed near Ukraine's border.

Putin even compared Ukraine's fight against Moscow-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine to genocide.

It all suggests that - even if Putin heeds Biden's warnings - the current tensions in the region will look a lot like future tensions: with Russian troops staying along the Ukraine border and all that brings, including regular scares about possible attacks.

Here are six ways Russia views Ukraine. All are barriers to a swift resolution.

- A chance to redo the end of the Cold War. Putin's main presidential focus has been rebuilding Russia as a strong authoritarian state, projecting power in the Middle East and Africa - but, above all, in its self-proclaimed "sphere of influence" in former Soviet states.

That includes Ukraine. Angered over Ukraine's 2014 revolution - which ousted a pro-Russian government for a Western-leaning one - Putin swiftly annexed Crimea from Ukraine and backed separatists in eastern Ukraine in an ongoing conflict that has claimed nearly 14,000 lives.

It has pushed Ukraine further toward the West. A November poll by the Rating Group Ukraine agency showed 62% of Ukrainians want to join the European Union and 58% want membership in NATO - a move that Putin has called a "red line." A poll early this month by the same pollsters found 72% consider Russia a hostile power.

Putin now sees his crucial task as returning Ukraine to Russia's fold.

- "You don't understand, George, that Ukraine is not even a state." Putin made the comment to president George W. Bush at a 2008 NATO summit in Bucharest, Romania, when Bush pushed hopes by Ukraine and Georgia of joining NATO. At the time Putin threatened to encourage the secession of the Crimea and eastern Ukraine if Ukraine joined, warning that it would "cease to exist as a state."

Russian officials and state media propagandists often promote the view of Ukraine as a less-than-sovereign, structurally unviable country, not entitled to make its own alliances.

In a 5,000-word treatise on Ukraine published in July, Putin wrote that "true sovereignty of Ukraine is possible only in partnership with Russia."

Nikolai Patrushev, Russia's security council chief, called Ukraine a "protectorate" in a newspaper interview in November, adding an ominous note: "There's potential in Ukraine for an outburst of tensions so strong that millions of Ukrainians will flee to seek refuge in other places."

"One crisis away from collapsing" is how Maxim Suchkov, head of international studies at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, described current U.S.-Russia relations.

- Russia's security buffer. Russia has long pursued a security buffer of pliable neighbors, seen as its rightful "sphere of influence." Russia's need for a security buffer is ingrained after successive invasions from Europe over the past centuries, said Alexander Baunov, an analyst at the Moscow Carnegie Center.

Efforts by rivals - NATO chief among them - to sell arms or form diplomatic and military alliances in Russia's perceived sphere are seen as trespass.

"Two bones need soft tissue between them," Vladislav Surkov, a former Putin aide who was in charge of Ukraine, told the Financial Times in June, referring to Russia and NATO. He added, "the geopolitical gravity of both will sever Ukraine."

Until that happens, Surkov predicted an endless fight for Ukraine: "It may die down, it may flare up, but it will continue, inevitably."

Russia's deputy foreign minister, Sergei Ryabkov, warned Thursday that Ukraine could become a Cuban missile crisis scenario - the U.S.-Soviet showdown in 1962 over Moscow's construction of missile bases in Cuba, bringing the world to the brink of nuclear war.

In 2014 after annexing Crimea, Putin first called for a "a new Yalta," referencing the deal at the end of World War II when Allied leaders carved the world into spheres of influence. Officials keep on floating it as a way to prevent a new war.

In Russia's ideal scenario, a geopolitical compromise would see its influence over Ukraine restored, or at least Kyiv forced to accept neutrality.

- "One Russia." After Putin's long essay this past summer extolling the "historical unity" of Russia and Ukraine as "one people," Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelensky, retorted that Putin's fraternal relations were "more like Cain and Abel."

Putin often speaks of a "One Russia," meaning Russia, Ukraine and Belarus - or "Big Russia" and "Little Russia," Russia being the "big" and Ukraine the "little." He argued in 2009 that "no one should be allowed to interfere in relations between us. They have always been the business of Russia itself."

This view highlights the common ancestry shared by Russia, Ukraine and Belarus in the medieval state of Kyiv Rus. Putin's claim that the West divided these tightly bound Slavic brothers offends many Ukrainians who see it as devaluing the country's two post-Soviet revolutions (2004-2005 and 2014) against Russian dominance.

His summer essay likened the formation of an ethnic Ukrainian state, hostile to Russia, to "the use of weapons of mass destruction against us."

Moscow portrays Russian speakers in Ukraine as needing its protection, issuing passports to more than 500,000 of them in two separatist regions of eastern Ukraine that form part of the Donbas. In September, thousands of them were bused to Russia vote in parliamentary elections.

The passports offer a potential pretext for military intervention to "defend" Russian citizens.

At a January conference in separatist Donetsk titled "Russian Donbas," prominent Kremlin propagandist Margarita Simonyan, RT's editor in chief, said most Donbas residents wanted to "be part of our great homeland.

"And we have a duty to take care of them. Mother Russia, bring Donbas home," she implored.

- "Exporting chaos" - to solve your problems at home. A Russian nightmare: Ukraine as a strong, stable, Western-leaning democracy, where corruption is thwarted, civil society thrives and elections work.

A free, thriving democracy next door might inspire Russians to question their own system, where you can be jailed for a retweet, a protest sign, journalism or a comedy skit - and where Putin never loses power.

That's why Russian state TV anchors ridicule Ukraine, as a failing, divided state, heavily influenced by "Nazis." The former Putin aide Surkov called Ukraine "a muddle instead of a state" last year.

"Exporting chaos is nothing new," he wrote last month in an article on pro-Kremlin website Aktualnye Kommentarii, giving Russia's Crimea annexation as "a vivid example" of how to unite the country. "Dividing is a synonym of chaos."

- Echoes of Russia's imperial history. Russia's longest ruler, Ivan III, was called the "gatherer of Russian lands" by quadrupling Russian territory in his 65-year reign that ended in the early 16th century.

Russia lost its Soviet empire 30 years ago. Russia has moved on from its weakness in the 1990s, argued Russian foreign policy analyst Fyodor Lukyanov, "but the West's mind-set hasn't moved on."

Ukraine looms large in this equation. Moscow thinks it is time to ditch the idea that "countries can choose their alliances as though it is nobody else's business, which was never part of traditional geopolitics," he wrote on the Russian Global Affairs website. "This approach is no longer working."

Russia now sees the chance to expand its clout, believing the United States is in decline as a force to shape global policies.

Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas told a news conference Thursday that said Putin was using military threats to "force NATO to choose certain paths and, most worryingly, the desire to divide Europe into spheres of influence."

"Russia will expand not because it is good, and not because it is bad," wrote Surkov, "but because it is physics."
A video screen grab shows Mohammed Khalifa, who for years served as a propagandist for the Islamic State, narrating English-language videos encouraging Westerners to join ISIS. (Syrian Democratic Forces)

A Canadian propagandist for the Islamic State, hunted by international authorities for years, pleaded guilty in Alexandria, Va., federal court to terrorism charges only two months after being brought to the United States for prosecution.

The case is an unusual one in that Mohammed Khalifa, 38, is not from the United States or accused of involvement in any direct attacks on U.S. citizens. But he agreed in court Friday that he conspired to provide material support to a terrorism organization that resulted in death and could spend the rest of his life in a U.S. prison. He is set to be sentenced April 15.

Although Khalifa's identity was unknown until his capture in 2019, his voice was infamous - he narrated English-language videos encouraging Westerners to join the Islamic State or commit acts of terrorism at home. The FBI first asked for help identifying him in 2014. After serving his sentence, prosecutors said he will probably be deported to Canada.

Khalifa was born in Saudi Arabia and moved with his family to Italy and then Toronto, according to court records. He was not religious until after high school, he told the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. in 2019, when he started studying at a local mosque. While getting a degree in computer systems technology, he started following radical Islamic content online. He came across the videos of Anwar al-Awlaki, an American Muslim preacher who had joined al-Qaeda and encouraged other Westerners to join him in violent jihad. Those lectures, according to court records, convinced Khalifa to travel to Syria and join the Islamic State.

According to the court record, Khalifa left home in August 2013. He told his family he was going to Egypt; only after arriving did he admit he was in Syria "to join the mujahideen" against dictator Bashar al-Assad.

Khalifa assumed he would be a fighter and bought an AK-47 upon arrival in Syria, prosecutors said. But because he spoke both English and Arabic, Khalifa spent only a brief period battling government forces outside Aleppo before being asked to translate and produce propaganda. Eventually, he became head of all English-language media for the Islamic State, according to his plea agreement.

Among the videos he narrated was "Flames of War" in 2014 and a 2017 sequel, "Flames of War II: Until the Final Hour," in which Syrian prisoners were forced to dig their own graves before being shot and killed on camera. In both videos, Khalifa admitted in court, he was among the masked Islamic State members who killed the prisoners of war. Both films, prosecutors say, became touchstones for ISIS recruits from Australia, Europe and the United States.

He also admitted overseeing an international network of Islamic State supporters who translated the group's propaganda into various languages.

Khalifa worked within the media operation until late 2018. As the Islamic State lost ground to Kurdish forces in Syria, he again took up arms despite being told to flee. In January 2019, armed with an AK-47 and three hand grenades, he attacked a home in Abu Badran where Syrian Defense Forces soldiers stood on the roof. During the attack, his weapon jammed and he was injured by a Syrian Defense Forces soldier and taken prisoner. He was transferred to U.S. custody in September.

The plea comes a few weeks before another Westerner goes to trial in Alexandria on charges of involvement in some of the Islamic State's most horrifying acts of violence. El Shafee Elsheikh, a British citizen, is accused of helping keep hostage aid workers and journalists whose deaths were filmed and broadcast online.

Khalifa defended those murders, according to prosecutors, saying in an online chat that "being a civilian or journo or aid worker means nothing" in the Islamic State.
Retired Army Col. Philip Waldron attends a Georgia Senate subcommittee hearing on Dec. 3, 2020. (Georgia Senate)

WASHNGTON - A retired U.S. Army colonel who circulated a proposal to challenge the 2020 election, including by declaring a national security emergency and seizing paper ballots, said that he visited the White House on multiple occasions after the election, spoke with President Donald Trump's chief of staff "maybe eight to 10 times" and briefed several members of Congress on the eve of the Jan. 6 riot.

Philip Waldron, the retired colonel, was working with Trump's outside lawyers and was part of a team that briefed the lawmakers on a PowerPoint presentation detailing "Options for 6 JAN," Waldron told The Washington Post. He said his contribution to the presentation focused on his claims of foreign interference in the vote, as did his discussions with the White House.

A version of the presentation made its way to the White House chief of staff, Mark Meadows, on Jan. 5. That information surfaced publicly this week after the congressional committee investigating the insurrection released a letter that said Meadows had turned the document over to the committee.

"The presentation was that there was significant foreign interference in the election, here's the proof," Waldron said. "These are constitutional, legal, feasible, acceptable and suitable courses of action."

The PowerPoint circulated by Waldron included proposals for Vice President Mike Pence on Jan. 6 to reject electors from "states where fraud occurred" or replace them with Republican electors. It included a third proposal in which the certification of Joe Biden's victory was to be delayed, and U.S. marshals and National Guard troops were to help "secure" and count paper ballots in key states.

Although Trump at the time was pressuring Pence to delay certifying Biden's victory, it is not clear how widely the PowerPoint was circulated or how seriously the ideas in it were considered. A lawyer for Meadows, George J. Terwilliger III, said on Friday that there was no indication that Meadows did anything with the document after receiving it by email. "We produced it [to the committee] because it was not privileged," Terwilliger said. A Meadows spokesman, Ben Williamson, declined to comment. Waldron said he was not the person who sent the PowerPoint to Meadows.

Still, Waldron's account of his interactions with the White House, together with a 36-page version of the presentation that surfaced online this week and was reviewed by The Post, shed new light on the wild theories and proposals that circulated among the people advising Trump as they worked to overturn his election defeat, causing a crisis at the heart of government. They suggest that Meadows, who also pressed senior Justice Department leaders to investigate baseless conspiracy theories about election fraud, was more directly in contact with proponents of such theories than was previously known.

Waldron, a cybersecurity consultant who specialized in psychological operations during his military career, said that a meeting he and others had with Meadows in the days around Christmas turned to questions about how to determine whether the election had been hacked. He said Meadows asked, "What do you need? What would help?" Waldron said his team developed a list for Meadows with information on IP addresses, servers and other data that he believed needed to be investigated "using the powers of the world's greatest national security intelligence apparatus."

One person familiar with what Waldron called a "shopping list" confirmed the efforts to assemble it. That person, like some others quoted in this report, spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters.

Waldron said Meadows indicated that he would pass the list on to John Ratcliffe, then the director of national intelligence, but said he did not know whether Meadows ultimately did. Through a spokesman, Ratcliffe said he did not receive such a document.

One person familiar with the matter confirmed that Meadows met with Waldron at the White House in December, although a person familiar with Meadows's thinking stressed that Meadows had "little or nothing to do" with Waldron and did not endorse the document. The person said that Meadows's role, as chief of staff, was often to receive information and pass it along to an appropriate recipient. He said Meadows often did this without endorsing the substance of a given idea or suggestion.

Waldron said that he and Meadows "weren't pen pals" and that their communication was often through Trump's personal attorney Rudy Giuliani, who sometimes asked him to "explain this to Mark" over the phone. Giuliani did not respond to requests for comment.

Waldron told The Post that he also attended a Nov. 25 meeting with Trump and several Pennsylvania legislators in the Oval Office. A person familiar with that meeting confirmed Waldron's presence.

Waldron said he also once briefed Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., at the White House, in the chief of staff's office, with Giuliani present. Graham did not respond to a request for comment.

In early January, Waldron was working alongside Trump's attorneys Giuliani and John C. Eastman from a suite at the Willard hotel in downtown Washington, gathering purported evidence of election fraud, The Post previously reported. Waldron was a supporting witness for Giuliani at hearings on election fraud held by lawmakers in battleground states after the 2020 vote.

Mark Meadows, the last White House chief of staff under President Donald Trump, does a live interview with Fox News outside the White House in Washington on Oct. 21, 2020. (Amanda Voisard for The Washington Post)

Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., the chairman of the select committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack, said in a letter to Terwilliger this week that Meadows had turned over an email regarding a 38-page PowerPoint presentation "that was to be provided 'on the hill'," titled "Election Fraud, Foreign Interference & Options for 6 JAN." The 36-page presentation reviewed by The Post and which Waldron shared with conservative broadcasters in January has the same title.

Two people familiar with Meadows's evidence said that he had also turned over the presentation itself and that it was similar in substance to the 36-page presentation. "The overall conclusions are the same, but there are some small differences," one of the people said. The people were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.

Having turned over this and other records that his attorneys say encompassed thousands of documents and messages, Meadows has rejected the committee's demand that he appear for testimony, citing executive privilege. In a lawsuit, he has asked a judge to invalidate the panel's subpoenas, calling them "overly broad and unduly burdensome."

The committee plans to vote Monday on a recommendation that the House refer Meadows to the Justice Department for prosecution on a charge of contempt of Congress.

The role played after the election by Waldron is another example of how the president aligned himself with a cast of fringe personalities as he worked to sabotage the U.S. democratic process.

Waldron said in the interview that he traveled to Washington around Nov. 9 or 10, 2020, and first met a few days later with Giuliani and Giuliani's associate Bernard Kerik, a former New York City police commissioner.

Waldron said he joined the Pennsylvania lawmakers in the Nov. 25 meeting with Trump in the Oval Office. During that period, the president was meeting with legislators from key states and urging them to reject the official vote counts in their states, according to previous reports.

Describing the meeting, Waldron told The Post that Trump "didn't ask me anything."

"I was just there. He was more interested in talking to the legislators and understanding what happened in the Pennsylvania elections. . . . It was very informal. He had a lot of conversation with state legislators and senators and just asked them, 'What do you think?' "

A Trump spokesman did not respond to a request for comment.

Waldron said he went on to brief Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., and Johnson's staff ahead of a Dec. 16 hearing on election fraud by the Senate Homeland Security Committee. In a statement to The Post on Friday, Johnson did not directly address whether Waldron had briefed him and his staff. "My staff took meetings from many who could offer their expertise on election security and to hear from those who had concerns about irregularities ahead of my December 16, 2020, hearing," he said.

Waldron said that on Jan. 5 he was among about a half-dozen people who briefed several members of Congress in a congressional office. He declined to identify the members without their permission and said that others may have joined by video. The members were "shocked" by the presentation but did not commit to any action, Waldron recalled.

Waldron shared the 36-page presentation with the hosts of a conservative podcast and an online talk show later in January and discussed parts of it in interviews with them.

Waldron, 57, who is based in Dripping Springs, Texas, told The Post that before the election, he started working with the Texas company Allied Security Operations Group (ASOG). Russell J. Ramsland Jr., ASOG's leader, was also photographed at the Willard in the days before the riot, and Eastman told The Post that he met Ramsland around that time. Over the previous two years, the firm promoted claims about the dangers of electronic voting to a procession of conservative lawmakers, activists and donors, The Post has reported.

Ramsland said in an email to The Post that he did not know who put the PowerPoint presentation together or who sent it to Meadows. He did not answer a question about his presence at the Willard or his relationship to Giuliani's team.

In 2018 and 2019, when Meadows was a congressman from North Carolina, his campaign paid ASOG more than $700 for "security services," according to campaign finance disclosures.

Waldron served in the Army, Army Reserve, Texas Army National Guard and the Individual Ready Reserve from May 1986 to June 2016 and received multiple service awards, an Army spokesman told The Post last year, adding that Waldron retired as a psychological operations and civil affairs officer. Waldron was deployed to Iraq from 2004 to 2005, the spokesman said.

Waldron has said that the team behind the PowerPoint included former intelligence officers and military veterans and was supported by hundreds of "digital warriors" who provided research. Jovan H. Pulitzer, a Texas-based entrepreneur who is a vocal election denier, told The Post that he contributed material for it.

"It was a pretty wide variety of folks from around this country that jumped in to say how can we help," Waldron told The Post.

The Waldron team's 36-page presentation includes several slides that were previously published elsewhere, including graphs purporting to show "vote injections" in key states including Arizona and Pennsylvania.

Some of the graphs appeared in a Nov. 24 blog post by Patrick Byrne, the founder and former chief executive of Overstock.com. The following day, Waldron held up a copy of the Pennsylvania graph when he testified in support of Giuliani at a meeting with state legislators in Gettysburg. Waldron claimed that the graph showed "spike anomalies" that were signs of fraud.

The Arizona graph appeared, with the same design, text and font, in a Dec. 1 affidavit from Ramsland that pro-Trump lawyerSidney Powell included as purported evidence of fraud in a lawsuit seeking to "decertify" Arizona's election results.

Waldron noted to The Post that the presentation did not advocate violence as a tactic to delay certification of Biden as winner. "Violence is absolutely the last thing that anybody on our team espoused," he said.

Since January, Waldron has built a significant following among Trump supporters by continuing to spread false claims about election fraud, including onstage at an August conference hosted by MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell.

Waldron also has promoted the ongoing campaign for "audits" of the 2020 election, including the Republican-commissioned review of 2.1 million ballots cast in Maricopa County, Ariz.

Arizona Senate President Karen Fann consulted Waldron in deciding to hire the Florida firm Cyber Ninjas to conduct that review, according to text messages that the nonprofit American Oversight obtained through a public records request.

Waldron was named in a 2020 state corporate filing as the chief executive of PointStream Inc. of Dripping Springs, which bills itself as a discreet cybersecurity firm. Specialties that PointStream touts on its website include "deep access to the Internet of Things, Social Media, and Dark Web," conducting untraceable "cyber lurking," and providing data sets "virtually unknown" to either private industry or the U.S. government.

PointStream was awarded a little over $60,000 in federal contracting in 2018. Spending records show the award was for "highly adaptive cybersecurity services" for the Defense Department's U.S. Southern Command.

Waldron also has worked as a firearms instructor and owns a distillery, according to a company website and a state corporate filing.

- - -

The Washington Post's Aaron C. Davis contributed to this report.
1st Lt. Michelle Torres teaches Army medics in Los Angeles about the variety of syringes used for a coronavirus vaccination. (Garrison Waites/U.S. Army)

WASHINGTON - The number of active-duty U.S. military personnel declining to be vaccinated against the coronavirus by their prescribed deadlines is as high as 40,000, with new Army data showing that, days ahead of its cutoff, three percent of soldiers either have rejected President Joe Biden's mandate or sought a long-shot exemption.

While overall the vast majority of service members are fully vaccinated, military analysts have characterized the number of refusals and holdouts as a troubling indicator in a rigid, top-down culture where decision-making often is predicated on the understanding that the troops will do as they are told. It also suggests the nation's divisive politics have influenced a small but significant segment of the Defense Department, historically an apolitical institution.

Military leaders have few options to address the dissent other than to hope that, as waiver requests are denied, more troops will choose to fall in line. The alternative, the Pentagon has said, is to purge the ranks of those failing to meet requirements, though some of those roughly 40,000 service members opting out had already planned to leave the military.

"We know there's some more work to do," Pentagon spokesman John Kirby told reporters Friday. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who four months ago mandated vaccination for every service member, "expects 100%" compliance, Kirby said.

But the numbers are unlikely to change much before Wednesday, when the Army's deadline arrives and all 1.3 million active-duty personnel are expected either to be fully vaccinated or have an exemption in hand.

Posing added concern, officials have said, is the emergence of the virus's omicron variant, which public health experts fear may elude - to an extent that's still unknown - the protection afforded by existing vaccine regimens. In response, the Biden administration has begun an aggressive campaign urging those eligible to get booster shots, though it's unclear how this may impact federal policies. It's an active discussion among Pentagon leadership, Kirby said, noting that, for now, the Defense Department is encouraging troops to get the extra shot.

"Rest assured," Kirby added, "that should there be an addition to that in terms of the mandatory vaccine requirement, we will clearly communicate that and be transparent about it."

The more than 14,000 Army personnel who remain unvaccinated join another 25,000 approximately in the active-duty Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps who have also challenged the Biden administration's directive, according to a review of each service's official data. An additional 10,700 troops in the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard remained unvaccinated past their Dec. 2 deadline, pushing the military's overall tally of holdouts closer to 50,000.

Numbering roughly 475,000, the Army is the largest of the military services and set the last deadline by which active-duty troops were required to comply with the mandate. The Air Force, which had the military's most ambitious deadline of Nov. 2, continues to process thousands of appeals from airmen who declined to be vaccinated on medical or religious grounds. The Navy Department, which includes the Marine Corps, has said personnel should expect very few waiver requests to be granted.

Officials have said such exemptions would be exceedingly rare. To date, across the entire military, only a handful of permanent medical waivers have been approved but so far no religious exemptions.

The Navy Department set a Nov. 28 deadline and vowed to move aggressively in discharging those who decline to follow orders. Like the Air Force, the Navy said service members have five days to start vaccinations if their exemptions are denied. The Army took a softer approach, saying that vaccine refusers would undergo counseling before facing punitive action that would threaten their careers, though continued defiance would risk dismissal.

That tens of thousands of troops are opting out raises questions about the state of military culture, which fundamentally survives on compliance, said Katherine L. Kuzminski, a military policy expert at the Center for a New American Security, a Washington think tank.

"It goes against military values of following through with lawful orders," she said. "It raises questions about the posture of the services in other uncomfortable situations," she added, like large-scale military operations where hesitating to act on orders in some situations can be disastrous.

Active-duty troops account for 1.3 million of the 2.1 million personnel of the Pentagon's total force, which includes military reservists in each of the four service branches and the soldiers and airmen who constitute each state's National Guard. The Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard have had their deadline pass. Navy and Marine reservists - where about 18,000 have not received any dose - face a Dec. 28 deadline.

The Army set the National Guard and Reserve deadline for the end of June, and a combined total of about 170,000 soldiers have not received any shot, their numbers show. Defense officials have said rates in the Guard and Reserve may be higher than what's reflected in official data, as some service members may have gotten vaccinated on their own but haven't yet reported it.

Coronavirus vaccines became available to military personnel starting in late 2020. The Pentagon mandate dates to August, when Austin announced that, as a part of the administration's broader plan for jump-starting stagnant vaccination rates across the country, coronavirus shots would be added to the bloc of compulsory immunizations for all U.S. troops - a list that includes injections to ward off hepatitis A and B, Measles, mumps, rubella and other maladies.

Republicans in Congress, and at least one GOP governor, have questioned the president's authority to direct such a mandate, with many arguing that vaccination should be a personal choice. Some lawmakers warned there would be an exodus of experienced personnel as a result. A similar directive for federal contractors to be vaccinated or submit to regular testing also sparked blowback, and in recent days two Senate Democrats - Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Sen. Jon Tester of Montana - backed a Republican proposal seeking to undo Biden's vaccination rules for private employers.
Retired Massillon Judge Richard Kettler reads a proclamation proclaiming Friday, Dec. 10, 2021 as Guy Atkinson Day. (Kevin Whitlock / Massillon Independent )

MASSILLON, Ohio (Tribune News Service)  Sharply dressed, 98-year-old Guy Atkinson sat with some of his closest and dearest friends for a Friday night out at their weekly spot.

He was humble and humorous.

Atkinson also was "somewhat embarrassed" but in a good way by unexpected prestige and esteem that friends and special guests lavished on him.

"I'm really honored," he said.

The friends and guests paid tribute to the World War II veteran for his service time in the Army from 1943 to 1945 with a celebration at Massillon Eagles #190.

Sue Simmons with the Quilts of Valor Foundation presented Atkinson with a handmade quilt.

"We are grateful for your service and sacrifice in defense of our country," she said.

World War II veteran Guy Atkinson, 98, of Massillon is surprised with a handmade quilt from the Quilts of Valor Foundation while having dinner with friends Friday at the Massillon Eagles #190 club. His daughter Betsy Atkinson is seated to his right. (Kevin Whitlock / Massillon Independent)

Atkinson was one of seven brothers who were in the military. Five served in WWII. Two were in the Korean War. He also had a sister.

Atkinson said he followed his older brother Larry, who died in 2012, into the service.

"I always admired him," he said.

In 1944, Atkinson was wounded in France and taken prisoner by Germans. He was held in Stalag VII-A, the largest prison camp, until his liberation in 1945.

'Guy Atkinson Day'

After the war, Atkinson was a funeral director for Atkinson Feucht in Massillon (now Atkinson Feucht Hare) and a Lions Club member and Lions Show performer, among other activities.

For his service, Atkinson was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, French Croix de Guerrero, ETO Ribbon with 2 battle stars, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Victory Medal and Combat Infantry Badge.

"Is there a list of ones you didn't get?" joked retired Massillon Municipal Judge Richard Kettler, another special guest.

Kettler, an Air Force veteran and pilot in the Vietnam War, presented Atkinson with a proclamation for Mayor Kathy Catazaro-Perry.

The mayor could not attend due to an illness but her proclamation declared Dec. 10, 2021, as "Guy Atkinson Day" in Massillon.

"You are a hero," Kettler told Atkinson.

That wasn't all.

Atkinson also received a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from U.S. Rep. Anthony Gonzalez, R- Rocky River, and a challenge coin or medallion. He also received several other medallions and a $100 gift certificate from Eagles #190.

"They said so many nice things about me," Atkinson said after the presentations. "I wondered who the hell they were talking about."

Hes such a gentleman

Margy Vogt, a local author and historian, has been friends with Atkinson for years. They were members of the former Massillon Club, now closed.

Since it closed, Atkinson, Vogt and other former Massillon Club members have met every Friday night at Eagles #190  except in 2020  for conversation and dinner.

Knowing this, another friend Susan Gessner arranged the tribute for Atkinson. Vogt said the entire celebration was organized within a week.

His 71-year-old daughter Betsy Atkinson also attended.

Guy Atkinson said he was surprised.

"I might not have shown up," he joked.

"He's such a gentleman," Vogt said.

2021 www.cantonrep.com.

Visit cantonrep.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The Ministry of Health is reporting 63 new community cases of Covid-19 today. There are 60 people in hospital, and three people in ICU.

There is one new case in Tauranga which remains under investigation for any link to previously reported cases. Contacts are being identified and will be contacted for testing and isolation advice.

Of the 63 new community cases, two are in Northland, 53 in Auckland, three in Waikato, one in Bay of Plenty, one in Taranaki which was announced yesterday, two in Canterbury and one Southern which is historical.

There are two new cases identified at the border.

There were 21,013 total vaccine doses administered yesterday, including 2,859 first doses and 9,250 second doses. To date, 94 per cent of eligible people in New Zealand have had their first dose and 89 per cent are fully vaccinated.

While we have seen a drop in case numbers today, we continue to ask everyone in New Zealand to remain vigilant, says a Ministry of Health spokesperson.

Anyone with any symptoms that could be COVID-19 is asked to get a test, even if they are vaccinated.

Be sure to wear a mask or face covering when youre out and about and keep track of where you have been using the NZ COVID Tracer App, or a manual diary.

Getting vaccinated is the best way for New Zealanders to protect themselves, their loved ones, whanau and communities from COVID-19.

If you havent been vaccinated yet, get your first dose today.

COVID-19 vaccine update Vaccines administered to date (percentage of eligible people) 3,946,071 first doses (94%); 3,738,860 second doses (89%); 20,466 third primary doses; 149,651 booster doses Vaccines administered yesterday 2,859 first doses; 9,250 second doses; 637 third primary doses and 8,267 booster doses. Maori (percentage of eligible people) 489,428 first doses (86%); 424,793 second doses (74%) Pacific Peoples (percentage of eligible people) 266,876 first doses (93%); second doses 246,438 (86%) Vaccination rates by DHB with active cases (percentage of eligible people) Northland DHB First doses (87%); second doses (81%) Auckland Metro DHBs First doses (95%); second doses (92%) Waikato DHB First doses (93%); second doses (87%) Bay of Plenty DHB First doses (92%); second doses (85%) Lakes DHB First doses (91%); second doses (83%) Taranaki DHB First doses (92%); second doses (86%) MidCentral DHB First doses (94%); second doses (88%) Whanganui DHB First doses (90%); second doses (83%) Hawkes Bay DHB First doses (93%); second doses (86%) Nelson-Marlborough DHB First doses (94%); second doses (88%) Canterbury DHB First doses (97%); second doses (93%) Hospitalisations Cases in hospital 60; North Shore: 11; Auckland: 20; Middlemore: 24; Waikato: 2; Tauranga:2; Nelson-Marlborough: 1 Vaccination status of current hospitalisations (Northern Region wards only) Unvaccinated or not eligible (28 cases / 51%); partially immunised <7 days from second dose or have only received one dose (11 cases / 22%); fully vaccinated at least 7 days before being reported as a case (12 cases/ 22%); unknown (4 cases / 7%) Average age of current hospitalisations 50 Cases in ICU or HDU 3 (1 in Auckland; 1 in Middlemore, 1 in North Shore) Cases Seven day rolling average of community cases 99 Number of new community cases 63 Number of new cases identified at the border 2 Location of new community cases* Northland (2), Auckland (53), Waikato (3), Bay of Plenty (1), Taranaki (1)*, Canterbury (2), Southern (1  historical)* Number of community cases (total) 9,613* (in current community outbreak) Number of active cases (total) 6,661 Confirmed cases (total) 12,411* Cases epidemiologically linked (total) 7034 Contacts Number of active contacts being managed (total): 7320 Percentage who have received an outbound call from contact tracers (to confirm testing and isolation requirements) 83% Percentage who have returned at least one result 76% Tests Number of tests total (last 24 hours) 27,362 Tests rolling average (last 7 days) 27,272 Auckland tests total (last 24 hours) 11,441 Wastewater Wastewater detections No unexpected results to report NZ COVID Tracer Poster scans in 24 hours to midday yesterday 3,336,783 Manual diary entries in 24 hours to midday 39,521 My Vaccine Pass My vaccine pass downloads total 4,115,903 My vaccine pass downloads (last 24 hours) 54,487

New cases identified at the border

Arrival date From Via Positive test day/reason Managed isolation/quarantine location 25 November Qatar Australia Day 14 / contact of a case* Auckland 6 December United Kingdom Singapore Day 3/ Routine Christchurch

*Todays cases

Today, the Ministry of Health is reporting new community cases in Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Taranaki, and Canterbury.

The case we are reporting in Taranaki as announced yesterday and is included in todays official tally, says a Ministry of Health spokesperson.

A case previously under investigation in the southern region that has been re-classified as historical. This case was announced yesterday and is reported in todays numbers.

In addition, an Auckland border worker has tested positive for COVID-19 as part of routine surveillance testing. This case remains under investigation and is yet to be classified as either a community or border case. The case has not been included in todays community case tally but has been added to the tally of total cases to date.

One of the two border cases being reported today tested positive at Day 14 after being identified as a close contact of a previously reported border case in their bubble.

Two previously reported community cases have been re-classified as no longer cases and removed from the overall tally of community cases to date.

Regional updates

We are continuing to ask anyone in New Zealand with symptoms  no matter how mild  to get tested, even if youre vaccinated. Please remain isolated until you return a negative test result.



Testing and vaccination centre locations nationwide can be found on the Healthpoint website.



Northland update

There are two cases to report in Paihia, Northland today.

Health officials are investigating recent travel to Auckland as the likely source of their infections.

Anyone in Northland with any symptoms that could be COVID-19 is asked to get a test.

Testing is available in Kerikeri this weekend at 1 Sammaree Place, on today from 9am  3pm and tomorrow from 10am  2pm.

A full list of testing and vaccination sites open in Northland can be found on the Northland DHB website.

Auckland

Today, there are 53 new cases being reported in Auckland.

Health and welfare providers are now supporting 2,809 people to isolate at home, including 677 cases.

Auckland Aged Residential Care Facility

A staff member at Aria Park aged residential care facility in Auckland has tested positive for COVID-19.

Auckland Regional Public Health Service and Auckland DHB staff are supporting the residents and staff at the privately-owned facility.

Testing is being undertaken with residents and staff as part of the outbreak management plan.

Waikato

There are three linked cases to report in Waikato today.

Cases continue to be detected in Te Kuiti and we urge everyone living in or around the town to remain vigilant. Anyone with any symptoms that could be COVID-19 is asked to get a test.

There are six pop-up and dedicated testing sites operating across Waikato today in Hamilton, Taumarunui, Huntly, Te Kuiti, and Otorohanga. For a full list of testing sites, see the Waikato DHB website.

Canterbury update

There are two linked cases to report in Christchurch today.

Christchurch testing locations and opening hours are available on the Healthpoint website.
Local trains in Malaga province have been the hardest hit by cutbacks despite their popularity Although there are only two lines, nowhere in Spain with as much demand has been as badly affected as the Costa del Sol and Guadalhorce

Whether due to a lack of foresight in replacing drivers or because there has been an unexpected amount of sick leave, the fact is that the local train service in Malaga, the Costa del Sol and the Guadalhorce valley are in a particularly unfortunate situation.

Despite being near the bottom of the list in terms of kilometres of track (and at the top in passenger numbers), the 'Cercanias' rail service in this area is suffering some of the biggest cutbacks to services in Spain.

First, let us compare the size of the local networks. Malaga is second-to-last in Andalucia and at the back of the pack (with Bilbao, Cadiz and Zaragoza) in terms of the amount of local Cercanias railway line it has. The C-1 (Malaga Centro-Alameda to Fuengirola) line is 31 kilometres long and the C-2 (Malaga Centro-Alameda to Alora) 38. In total, there are 69 kilometres of line and 26 stations.

This is a very different situation to Barcelona (which has the most at 615 kilometres) and Madrid, with 370 kms. It is also less than places with a smaller or similar population, such as Asturias (369.5), Valencia (323), Seville (198 in total) and Murcia-Alicante (202). The case of Bilbao is very similar to that of Malaga, because the passenger numbers there are also high despite the short length of line (67 kilometres in total, 75 if you take overlaps into account).

The trains with most use

There is a noticeable contrast, between the number of travellers in each area. A joint report published at the end of 2017, before the pandemic, by the government and consultants Ineco, is a useful reference for comparing the situation for these services when things return to normal, because the current usage is still altered by Covid.

According to this document, the ranking of local networks with the most users has Malaga in fifth place, very close to Bilbao, which is fourth. The city where this form of transport is used most is Madrid, with 228 million passengers, followed by Barcelona (113.5 million).

In the middle group of cities are Valencia (15.8 million), Bilbao (10.1 million) and Malaga (9.9 million). However, it should be noted that the Costa del Sol reached peaks of 11.4 million users in 2018, although this volume has dropped drastically since the pandemic began. Seville, despite having one of the most extensive rail networks, is only in sixth place with 7.5 million users.

The study also takes into account the degree to which the capacity is taken up or the occupancy, in other words the number of travellers on each journey compared with the maximum who can be carried.

In this case, the trains in Malaga are those which most optimise their capacity, with the highest occupancy levels on every train in service. The average is especially high at 50.6 per cent, which is far above the national average. It is followed by Madrid (39.9%), Murcia/Alicante (35.8%), Valencia (34%), Cadiz (31.7%) and San Sebastian (28.8%). Seville, one of the cities with the most kilometres of track, is only at 22 per cent. The national average is 36.3 per cent.

Biggest cutbacks in Spain

Despite these positive figures and being in theory one of the most manageable hubs, in the sense that there are only two lines and journeys are shorter, Malaga is suffering some of the worst cutbacks in service in the country. In fact, it is the only one in the group of those with the most passengers which has been obliged to reschedule as many as 25 per cent of its services.

This means that in off-peak hours, when there is the least demand, the frequency has changed from every 20 minutes to every 40, every day of the week and with nobody knowing when this could return to normal. This is due to the crisis caused by the lack of drivers and the time it takes to train new ones, and to a greater or lesser extent it is also affecting other areas such as Barcelona, Valencia, Seville and Cadiz.

Just ten drivers are needed

In fact, though, only ten more drivers would be needed in Malaga for the service to return to 100 per cent, as it used to be. As not all of them would be incorporated at the same time (we still do not know when they will start), the railway operator has promised to increase the services gradually from the present 75 per cent to 85 per cent as soon as there are enough new drivers to do so and replacements are guaranteed. Some of these are professionals who are already employed by the company and who have asked to be transferred from Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia to Malaga. The normal process for training and gaining experience lasts between three and six months, and at present around 900 people are undergoing this process.

The local rail network in Malaga has lost a total of 34 trains a day, indefinitely. Due to the chaos caused by cancellations, delays and the lack of information suffered by passengers in recent months, the company has decided to restructure its timetables and withdraw some trains in order to be able to operate the service with the drivers it has at present.

Because the training for new drivers cannot be accelerated to maintain the 136 daily journeys on lines C-1 and C-2 in Malaga, Renfe decided to withdraw 32 trains between Malaga and Fuengirola (16 in each direction) and two (one in each direction) on the Alora line.

At the moment there are 76 trains on the C-1 line and 26 on C-2. According to train operator Renfe, between 1 January and 31 October this year a total of 576 services on these lines in Malaga province had to be cancelled due to a lack of drivers, most of them on the Malaga-Fuengirola line.

Renfe's justification

On the C-1 (Malaga-Fuengirola) line, which is the one used by the most passengers, trains run every 20 minutes early in the morning and every 40 minutes in the middle of the day. With this rescheduling, 75 per cent of normal services are in operation, which Renfe says is a sufficient margin for a demand which is 50 per cent lower than it was before the pandemic. The current schedule respects the original frequency of trains at peak travelling times, and for the rest of the day there is one train every 20 or 40 minutes.

Jose Angel Ferrero, who is Renfe's Public Service Manager in Andalucia, stresses that demand is still 50 per cent lower than it was in 2019 and that 75 per cent of services are still in operation. "This is a temporary measure, of course, which we are taking for as short a time as possible while the new drivers are completing their training, and we believe it is better for customers to have a fairly decent service than to face uncertainty because timetables cannot be met," he says.

Renfe expected to incorporate 920 new drivers nationally in 2020 and 2021. The pandemic and state of alarm in March 2020 paralysed the hiring process.
Mayor of Malaga urges fast action to bring Expo 2027 to the city The project already has a slogan and has designated 800,000 square metres for the event

The layout of the proposed site for Expo 2027, west of the city centre. / SUR

Malaga city mayor, Francisco de la Torre, has urged the central government to submit Malaga city as Spanish candidate to host Expo 2027.

In a letter addressed to the government, the mayor argues that "it is important not to waste any time" in submitting the letter of candidacy. The mayor has been the main political advocate of bringing the Expo to Malaga and first launched a proposal at the end of 2019.

The Malaga project has already created a slogan, 'La era urbana: hacia la ciudad sostenible' (The urban era: towards the sustainable city) and has allocated a site of 800,000 square metres south of the A-357 Guadalhorce valley motorway on which to hold the Expo.

An exploratory meeting of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), the institution that designates the cities, is scheduled to take place on 14 December.
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Microsoft's co-founder and one of the richest men in the world, Bill Gates, has shared how even he wasn't exempted from having a bad 2021. With that, the billionaire philanthropist's biggest news this year is his split with his wife of 27 years, calling the last 12 months both the most "unusual" and "difficult" of his life.

Bill Gates Shares How He was Affected by the Pandemic

The 66-year-old Gates said he was also affected by both the pandemic's loneliness and being an "empty nester" dad. To expand, the Microsoft co-founder wrote on his personal blog, GatesNotes, that just like a lot of people, there were whole days throughout the year when the only human interaction he had was through a screen.

According to the story by Metro.co.uk, he shared how his personal world has never "felt smaller" than how it did over the course of the last twelve months.

After officially announcing their splitting in May, his recent divorce from Melinda French Gates was finalized in August.

Bill Gates' and Melinda French Gates' Split

The couple has been together for 27 years. Following the split, the Wall Street Journal said that Gates had an inappropriate relationship with one of his Microsoft employees while he was still married. The publication stated that this led him to step down from Microsoft's board, which he created in 1975 with Paul Allen.

Despite the split, the Microsoft co-founder says that he and Melinda are still capable of running their philanthropic foundation together. As per Gates' blog, Melinda and he continue to run the foundation together and have been able to find a good new working rhythm.

'Great Personal Sadness' for 2021

Despite working together, Gates still noted that he couldn't deny that it had been a year of "great personal sadness" for him. To expand, he also noted that adaptation to change is never easy, no matter what. He has been impressed by how resilient his loved ones have been during the challenging time, highlighting "especially my kids."

Gates also took some time to mention what he has done for the year, which was mostly towards climate change. He also applauded WHO's the approval of a new malaria vaccine for the very first time.

Read Also: Elon Musk Contemplating Quitting His Job and Become Full-time Influencer | Real-Life Squid Game Remake Creator Mr. Beast as Coach?

Philanthropic Movements for the Microsoft Co-Founder

Looking forward, the Microsoft co-founder said that he is hoping for a better future while saying the end of COVID-19 is already in sight. He also suggests that the world could finally see the end of the "acute phase" of the pandemic somewhere in 2022.

In a couple of years, Gates wrote that he hopes that the only time people will really have to think about the virus would be every fall whenever they get their joint COVID and flu vaccine.

Related Article: Warren Buffett's Right Hand Man Charlie Munger Said 'I'm Never Going to Buy a Cryptocurrency' Saying He Wishes It was Never Invented

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Written by Urian B.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The Hubble Space Telescope found a mini-jet from a thousand years ago plowing into gas near our Milky Way's supermassive central black hole.

Milky Way's supermassive black hole appears to have still remnants of a 'blowtorch-like jet' predated several thousand years ago. NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has yet to capture the alleged mini-jet in the black hole but assisted in finding circumstantial evidence that it is still plowing into a huge hydrogen cloud and then breaking apart.

NASA compared the situation of the mini-jet pushing into the hydrogen cloud similar to the 'narrow stream from a hose aimed into a pile of sand.'

This phenomenon is concrete evidence showing that the supermassive black hole, holding a mass of 4.1 million Suns, is not asleep but is only periodically hiccuping while gas clouds and stars fall into it.

Also Read: NASA Features Hubble Space Telescope Photos for #NebulaNovember 2021

How Do Black Holes Work?

As we know, whenever some material is drawn into a black hole, an accretion disk forms where some of the infalling material is sucked up into jets of outflowing material collimated by the black hole's magnetic fields. Then, a flood of dangerous ionizing radiation accompanies the narrow "searchlight beams."

In Chapel Hill's Gerald Cecil, the University of North Carolina pieced the puzzle together through multiwavelength observations coming from different space telescopes by suggesting that black holes emit mini-jets every time they swallow something heavy, like a gas cloud.

This observation is supported by evidence from 2013 when NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory detected an elongated southern jet near the black hole, which appears to be plowing into gas too.

The Hubble Space Telescope and other telescopes have previously observed that the Milky Way galaxy's black hole had an outburst approximately 2-4 million years ago. In fact, it created a pair of enormous gamma-ray bubbles that tower above our galaxy.

First detected by NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope in 2010, the bubbles are surrounded by X-ray bubbles detected by the ROSAT satellite in 2003, which then was mapped fully by the eROSITA satellite in 2020.

In Hubble's ultraviolet-light spectra, the expansion velocity and structure of the ballooning lobes have been measured. The Hubble spectra have subsequently provided evidence that the burst was so powerful that it lit up a gaseous structure called the Magellanic Stream, about 200,000 light-years away from the galactic center. That said, the gas remains glowing until now.

Only a few decades after the Milky Way's black hole powers up again would the residual jet feature become more noticeable.

During such an outburst, Cecil notes, "the black hole would need to increase its luminosity by a hundredfold to fill the jet channel with emitting particles." Cecil also finds it fascinating to see how far the jet gets in that outburst.

Cecil added that for a jet to reach the Fermi gamma-ray bubbles, it would have to sustain itself for hundreds of thousands of years because they are each 50,000 light-years across.

The imagery of the black hole's shadow, projected by the Event Horizon Telescope, is expected to reveal where and how the jet is launched.

Related Article: Hubble Space Telescope Discoveries: Age of the Universe, Pluto's Two Moons, and More

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 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Microsoft is creating AI bug detectors taught to hunt for bugs and fix them without being trained on data coming from actual bugs. With this, Microsoft researchers are working on a deep learning model trained to look for software bugs through "hide-and-seek" or basically no real-world bugs to learn from.

New Way of Finding and Fixing Code Bugs

Although there are dozens of tools already available for static code analysis in a number of languages to look for security flaws, as per Owasp, researchers are still looking for new techniques using machine learning to help improve the ability to detect and fix flaws.

According to the story by ZDNet, finding and fixing code bugs can be hard and costly despite the help of AI.Researchers Microsoft Research Cambridge, UK, have shared their work on BugLab, a Python implementation of a new approach for self-supervised learning of both bug detection and repair.

No-Training Method with Lack of Real-World Bugs

As per the publication, the ambition for "no training" was actually driven due to the lack of annotated real-world bugs to help train bug-finding deep learning models. While there is still a lot of source code available, most of them are not annotated.

BugLab is currently aiming to find hard-to-detect bugs compared to critical bugs that can easily be found through the traditional program analysis. Their approach promises to avoid the expensive process of manually coding a model to find bugs.

19 Unknown Bugs Found in Python Open-Source Packages

The group says they found 19 unknown bugs in open-source Python packages coming from PyPI as detailed in the Self-Supervised Bug Detection and Repair paper. The paper was presented at the Neural Information Processing Systems 2021 conference.

A principal researcher at Microsoft Research and Marc Brockschmidt, Miltos Allamantis, a senior principal research manager at Microsoft, gave a statement. As per Allamantis, BugLab can be taught in order to find and fix bugs without having to use labeled data through what he called a "hide and seek" game.

Read Also: Thieves Used Apple AirTag to Steal Cars | Learn How They Abused the Technology

BugLab's Approach Towards the Use of AI in Finding Bugs

Going beyond reasoning over a code's structure, the researchers believe that bugs can be found by understanding the ambiguity of natural language hints that software developers often leave in variable names, code comments, and more.

Their BugLab approach uses two competing models. It builds on certain existing self-supervised learning efforts in the field using computer vision, deep learning, and natural language processing or NLP.

The method is said to resemble or is "inspired by" generative adversarial networks or GANs, the neural network that is sometimes used to help create deep fakes. To add, the researchers noted in the paper that in their case, they aim to train a bug detection model without having to use training data coming from real-life bugs.

Related Article: Minecraft Vulnerability Spotted | How to Fix Log4j Bug

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 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The space industry's technologies are now expanding and becoming more advanced than ever. Thanks to the efforts made by state-backed and independent space companies, people across the globe now have more knowledge about the things outside Earth.

As of the moment, NASA, SpaceX, and other space agencies are continuously launching new missions for the past few months this 2021.

On the other hand, some of their orbiting technologies have already achieved some great feats. Recently, TechTimes reported that NASA's Hubble Space Telescope captured some amazing new photos of star clusters.

Meanwhile, Singapore's 3D-printed cube artifact is confirmed to be one of the artworks of the soon-to-be-launched space art gallery.

Top Space Tech Trends 2021

Forbes' latest report provided some of the top space technology trends you can expect in 2022. Here are some of them:

Enhanced Satellites

Right now, SpaceX and other giant companies are slowly creating their own satellite constellations. To make their services more efficient, these agencies are enhancing their rockets to perform better.

Also Read: China's Hypersonic Aircraft Engine Bases Design from NASA's Scrapped Project in the 90s

Experts explained that satellites are now becoming lighter and smaller. Researchers claimed that starting a satellite business is becoming more comparable to launching an application when it comes to financing.

This means that running your own sat technology is becoming cheaper.

Returning to the Moon

Aside from sats, NASA and other space agencies are returning to Earth's natural satellite. However, most of them focus on sending autonomous landers and other exploration vehicles instead of humans.

Solving the Space Junk Issue

Since Earth's orbit is slowly becoming polluted by various dead rockets and satellites, experts warned that they could soon compile and create more problems in the Earth's atmosphere.

Because of this, some space agencies are sharing their innovations, which could be used to clean the debris outside the planet. You can click this link to see more details.

These are just some innovations that are currently expected to become more advanced in 2022. Meanwhile, NASA might also create another space tech trend since its official blog post confirmed that the giant space agency is now expanding its laser communications technology.

For more news updates about space and other similar topics, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.

Related Article: NASA's Hubble Space Telescope Finds A Mini-Jet Dated Thousand Years Ago Near Milky Way's Supermassive Black Hole

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 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
EDITOR'S NOTE: An AWS spokesperson reached out, clarifying that its platform did not cause downtime to Snapchat and Facebook Messenger as AWS had no problems during the downtime issues of the social media platforms.

Amazon Web Services or AWS outage that happened earlier this week had affected Amazon's Alexa, Disney+, "League of Legends," and more. Another AWS issue is causing downtime for Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook Messenger, and other social media sites.

Snapchat and Other Social Media Sites are Down

According to Down Detector, the outage happened on the morning of Dec. 10, and Snapchat, Facebook Messenger, and Instagram had several issues. Notably, it appears that AWS is having issues that could end up being connected to the issues.

Snapchat confirmed the issue on Twitter and stated that users are having problems logging in to the social media app. Meanwhile, users of Facebook Messenger said that their messages are not going through.

Were aware that some Snapchatters are having issues logging in the app right now - hang tight, were looking into it.  Snapchat Support (@snapchatsupport) December 10, 2021

AWS is also getting error messages telling users "it is working on the issue and expected to be resolved in a couple of hours," according to 9to5Mac.

Also Read: Who is Fastly? Here's Why the CDN Caused Outage to Top Websites Like Amazon, Reddit, Twitch, and MORE

How AWS Outage Effected the US

Amazon Web Services or AWS was affected by an outage that lasted hours on Dec. 9. It is the leading provider of cloud infrastructure technology for several businesses

Because of the AWS outage, Whole Foods customers had canceled orders, Amazon's robotic vacuum cleaners stopped working, and parts of Amazon's retail operation went on a standstill.

Several popular websites and services that are constantly used went offline. This angered a lot of users as it has affected their work and had prevented them from completing their task for that day.

According to CNBC, AWS controlled 33% of the cloud infrastructure market in the world. The Synergy Research Group added that Microsoft controlled 20% and Google controlled 10%.

The revenue at AWS increased 39% in the third quarter from a year earlier to %16.1 billion. It outpaced the growth of 15% across all of Amazon.

The outage on Dec. 9 started around 11:00 A.M. Eastern Standard Time and was resolved a couple of hours later.

Amazon stated that the service issues with AWS main US-East-1 region, located in Northern Virginia, were causing issues for its warehouse and delivery network. The company did not reveal what caused the downtime.

The delivery operations and fulfillment center were brought to a standstill in some areas in the United States.

The outage took down several internal apps used to load delivery routes and scan packages. This was confirmed by workers who posted about the incident on Facebook groups.

The workers were told to wait in the break rooms and loading areas. An Amazon driver posted a video of his co-worker performing karaoke in a warehouse on Twitter.

Whole Foods, a company acquired by Amazon in 2017 for $13.7 billion, canceled orders for some customers who were affected by the outage.

The company offered refunds to its customers. Meanwhile, Amazon Flex drivers and contractors who delivered the goods using their own cars were promised a consolation after they were sent home because shifts were unavailable, according to The Verge.

The AWS outage crippled the retail operations of Amazon at a very inconvenient time. Amazon's traffic is clogged because it is the peak of the holiday season, and the e-commerce giant is hit with thousands of orders from shoppers.

Third-party merchants who make up half of all the products sold on Amazon rely on a couple of weeks at the end of the year for a better percentage of their annual sales.

Amazon's AWS is also working on fully rolling out the 5G network that gives faster connectivity.

Related Article:Fastly CDN Network Outage: Amazon, Twitter, Spotify, Reddit, and More are Down - Issue Resolved Within An Hour

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 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Microsoft co-founder and billionaire Bill Gates said virtual meetings would predictably move to the metaverse within two to three years.

Work Meetings In The Metaverse?

The metaverse might be here sooner than we think. Microsoft co-founder and billionaire Bill Gates predict most workers will conduct virtual meetings through the metaverse within two to three years.

With how metaverse dominated the talks in every social media site, soon workplace meetings may shift in the digital space. Gates agreed to this, and in his year-in-review post that was published on his personal website, he wrote, "I predict most virtual meetings will move from 2D camera image grids - which I call the "Hollywood Squares model," although I know that probably dates me - to the metaverse, a 3D space with digital avatars."

Regardless of his prediction, Gates still thinks that the time range he expected will extend because there will be interventions in establishing a workplace in the metaverse. In his opinion, many people would have a hard time adopting metaverse meetings because they lack the tools to immerse themselves at full capacities, such as virtual reality goggles.

However, he expressed optimism for advances in three-dimensional avatars and spatial audio technology that can help users feel more connected electronically.

The billionaire believes that several changes and efforts have to be made first. Yet, he acknowledged that technology is already at its peak as it brings people together.

"There's still some work to do, but we're approaching a threshold where the technology begins to truly replicate the experience of being together in the office," said Gates.

Also Read: Meta 'Horizon Worlds' Metaverse Opens for Public Access, But Has THESE Certain Requirements

What is the Metaverse?

A metaverse, or virtual universe, combines virtual reality, augmented reality, and video to allow users to live out their dreams or everyday experiences digitally.

In fact, virtual meetings today are already similar to the metaverse, with only a photo of you representing your presence in a meeting. However, the experience lacks immersion because there are no other technologies besides a computer or phone screen.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg emphasizes the importance of the metaverse as an alternative to the modern internet in the next five to ten years. He predicts that key components of the metaverse will become mainstream by then.

Earlier this year, Meta (formerly known as Facebook) announced Horizon Workrooms, a VR app where people can meet in virtual workrooms. Multiple companies have expressed interest in gaining a stake.

Though, Bill Gates' Microsoft won't be late to the party as they have their own virtual space. The company makes holograms and creates mixed and extended reality applications, and it owns Minecraft, a kid-friendly game that's evolved into its virtual universe.

In addition, another kid-friendly platform, Roblox, has partnered with brands such as Ralph Lauren, Gucci, and Vans to bring unique merchandise to the metaverse.

Related Article: RFOX: A Global Metaverse Company To Watch Out For-Check Out Why You Should Invest

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 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
(Photo : Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 30: The Moderna headquarters is seen on November 30, 2020 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Moderna has applied for FDA approval to authorize its COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use. (Photo : Sean Gallup / Getty) Moderna and Pfizer are confident their COVID-19 vaccines will work against new variant.

Moderna has been researching a flu vaccine that uses the same mRNA base that was a top experimental choice for COVID-19 during its early stage but now finds it difficult to make one for the other virus. A professor studying the virus and looking into vaccine creation said that mRNA is not the magic answer to all virus problems.

Moderna mRNA Research Shows Difficulty on Flu Vaccine Creation

According to a report from Reuters, the Moderna team has announced that it had good results against all four strains of the influenza virus with the new vaccine that it had been testing, using the mRNA base. However, while it shows good results, its reactogenicity is more than expected, making it a dual-bladed sword.

The new flu vaccine from Moderna is not "better" than current immunization shots in the market, as said in the research, and that says a lot about this study. The team has found difficulty in using mRNA for this application, something it did not expect or anticipated as it has given them a lot against its distinct cousin, the coronavirus.

Read Also: Edible Vaccine? Researchers Aim to Put mRNA Components from Pfizer, Moderna in Plants

mRNA Component is 'Not a Silver Bullet' in Vaccine Creation

According to a known vaccine expert named Florian Krammer, mRNA bases are "not silver bullets" or the one answer to "killing off" the virus, or in this analogy, the werewolf. It is not that effective against other applications or viruses, as much as it had been with COVID-19, and it is something researchers have discovered in this new study.

COVID-19 and Its mRNA Vaccine Base

The popularity of mRNA-based shots has been one of the top innovations of vaccine technology of the early pandemic season, mainly as it has been introduced as a novel approach in vaccine creation. Initially, researchers used the traditional adenovirus as AstraZeneca and Oxford have gunned for but deployed antibody generation differently.

Research initially showed that mRNA is used differently, and it is more progressed than the traditional method, making it the top candidate and choice for the present virus, intended for the original coronavirus strain. Pfizer & BioNTech and Moderna have been lauded regarding their use as it provides better antibody generation and protection in a person.

Scientists and researchers have highly praised the mRNA base for its novel use in the coronavirus vaccine creation, and it has been giving off adequate results to antibody generation. However, while it was highly effective for COVID, it does not mean that it is for other diseases or viruses in creating a cure or immunization shot like this new flu concoction.

Related Article: Pfizer, Moderna to 'Update' Vaccines to Work Against New Extremely Infectious Variants, WHO Warns

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(Photo : NASA/JPL-Caltech)

NASA has launched its latest online tool that looks into space rocks called "Eyes on Asteroid," and it would help aspiring and astronomy fans locate the many celestial bodies near Earth's vicinity. The tool updates in real-time, and it helps in giving people a different perspective on the nearby space objects that surrounds the planet.

NASA 'Eyes on Asteroid' Online Tool Helps See Nearby Space Rocks

NASA reports that today, it has officially launched its "Eyes on Asteroid" online tool that looks into a bird's eye view of the planet, highlighting the space rocks that surround it. The online tool helps in the many discoveries of NASA that would list these space rocks for easier tracking for both the public and space agency.

The online tool will only be accessible via the official website of Eyes on Asteroid and will not require any downloads or applications to use it. The website would help identify and pinpoint the many celestial bodies surrounding the planet, which piques the interest of some space watchers.

The NASA Eyes on Asteroid focuses on near-Earth object mission discoveries, adding it to the website for new rocks to see.

Read Also: NASA is Launching IXPE Space Observatory to Discover the Mysteries Behind Black Holes

NASA Online Asteroid Tool Updates in Real-Time for Discovery

NASA said that the online asteroid tool could bring in a real-time update to discover these new celestial bodies that surround the planet and have a massive population. The device itself receives twice-daily updates, says NASA, and it helps identify these new additions for easier access and knowledge on its existence.

NASA's Technologies Intended for Public Knowledge

NASA has debuted a lot of technology to the public, and it is intended for sharing its discoveries with the world, bringing a brighter and more clear view of what the vast space around us looks like. The most popular and influential tech of NASA released in 1990 and is still operational is the Hubble Space Telescope, still bringing people deep space photos.

Another example of NASA's public inclusion for its projects is the current plan to put a nuclear reactor on the Moon, inviting people and interested participants to join the mission. The invitation is to send in proposals and have the public view on the project, soon to be an experimental case of nuclear science to the lunar surface.

These inclusions of NASA are beneficial to the public and the many people that witness its track as the government and taxpayer's money funds it. However, it could stop at making this research available online. The tool by NASA is to help those fascinated or interested regarding asteroids to have more to see and experience as they do personal research.

Related Article: China's Hypersonic Aircraft Engine Bases Design from NASA's Scrapped Project in the 90s

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Written by Isaiah Richard

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
(Photo : Trend Micro/ Ogilvy)

Trend Micro Incorporated (TYO: 4704; TSE: 4704), a global cybersecurity leader, today opened its new office in Mumbai, India. Located in Bandra Kurla Complex, the 6879 sq ft office space has a Center of Excellence (CoE) and Executive Briefing Center (EBC). With the launch, Trend Micro aims to expand its cloud business in India and grow its incident response and local support team. The company aims to continue its current focus on BFSI and specific areas in government, including defense and state data centers.

READ ALSO: Trend Micro Evaluated as Having the Highest Score in Current Offering Category in XDR Evaluation

The new Trend Micro office is designed to create a unique environment and ensure best-in-class services for its employees, with major investments in infrastructure. Equipped with cutting-edge and fully integrated technology, the facility is designed to accommodate future needs, suitable for video conferencing for both collaborative and remote work, particularly post-pandemic. The style of the building has been enhanced with the help of BioZone technology to create the world's first anti-microbial facility.

Mr. Nilesh Jain, Vice President, Southeast Asia and India, Trend Micro said, "This year has been a great year for us. Our new Mumbai office supports our customers and, it reiterates our commitment to India market and the cybersecurity industry. We see many enterprises in India taking the lead in technology advancements and staying ahead of the global market curve, including cloud adoption. This in turn provides more business opportunities for us to invest in this market. It also allows us to look at India as a place to launch strategic initiatives that include hosting Cloud One data center and XDR data lake, building our Managed XDR Center of Excellence for SOC partners, nurturing the cybersecurity talents in India through CPITS Program, developing our AMEA regional channel team in India etc., to scale up our operations across other regions and industries."

Mr. Vijendra Katiyar, Country Manager, India & SAARC, Trend Micro said, "We are happy to announce the launch of our state-of-art office space that reinforces our commitment to India market. Further to our existing Cloud One and XDR data centers, we also plan to setup a local support center in India to address the cybersecurity issues and concerns of our customers. With significant investments made in the cloud business, we will ramp up hiring and continue building the team. As our customers are the backbone of our company, we are bound to cater to their needs and meet their requirements."

Keeping in mind the user experience, Trend Micro office is built around a strong design concept to create a new workspace language. The design provides flexibility for users by providing workspaces to fit diverse activities, including lounges, phone booths, and workstations. The primary idea of the office interior is to provide users with diverse and flexible office space breaking away from the monolithic and boring office. Hence, the design strategically weaves comfort and homeliness with a formal office setting. Combining all of these elements allows for a wide range of activities throughout the day, making the office more efficient and enthusing for its employees.

As a cybersecurity leader, Trend Micro has been continually receiving many industry accolades and recognition globally. The company is named a Leader Once Again in the 2021 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Endpoint Protection Platforms. It is also a Leader in the Forrester New WaveTM: Extended Detection and Response (XDR) Providers, Q4 2021 report as Trend Micro Vision One receives the highest score in the Current Offering category in XDR Evaluation. IDC ranks Trend Micro as #1 in Workload Security market share for the third consecutive year, in the Worldwide Hybrid Cloud Workload Security Market Shares report, June 2021.

RELATED ARTICLE: Attacks Surge in 1H 2021 as Trend Micro Blocks 41 Billion Cyber Threats

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Instagram head Adam Mosseri has shared more information about the upcoming chronological feed of the social media app. The new version of the chronological feed can be expected to be rolled out next year.

Mosseri shared that the social media company is currently testing two versions of the feature. However, he reiterated that Instagram is not scrapping its algorithmic feed for a completely chronological one like before.

The Instagram head promised the Senate during the hearing on Wednesday, Dec. 8, where he was questioned about the safety features of the social media app.

Instagram's Adam Mosseri Shares More about Chronological Feed

Instagram's Adam Mosseri has revealed that the social media platform is currently testing two versions of the chronological feed that is set to be released next year.

According to a report by The Verge, Mosseri said in a Q&A that one version allows users to "pick your favorites and they show up at the top in chronological order."

The other option, on the other hand, "would let you see the posts from everyone you're following in chronological order." The Verge notes that Mosseri did not mention how Instagram's recommended posts feature will play into it.

Per the report, Mosseri has also emphasized that Instagram users will not be reverting back to the old chronological feed. Rather, people get to choose which version they like the way it is done on Twitter.

Related Article: Instagram to Rearrange Your Feed - Will Ditch Chronological Order And Show Best Posts First

The Chronological Feed

It has only been a few days since Instagram announced that the chronological feed is set to feature once more on the app after it was initially removed in 2016. It was replaced by the algorithmic feed that currently features in the app.

Mosseri made the promise during the Senate hearing on Wednesday, according to a separate report by The Verge.

Per that report, the algorithmic feed, which makes use of artificial intelligence (AI), is actually disliked by users. The algorithm's goal is to give users a more personalized feed based on their activity on the app.

In 2018, it was reported here on Tech Times that Instagram did not have plans to bring back the chronological feed.

Wednesday's Senate Hearing

The Senate hearing that Mosseri attended was partially prompted by the revelations of Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen, according to The Verge.

The whistleblower was the one who provided The Wall Street Journal with internal documents that suggested that Facebook, now known as Meta, has been aware of the negative effects of Instagram on its young users.

In the hearing, Mosseri proposed the creation of industry-wide regulations that will help social media companies better operate. The industry body being proposed, according to Mossei, can "determine best practices over the handling of children's data and parental controls to help keep children safe online."

The Verge's report notes that the senators seemed skeptical of the idea and that Senator Richard Blumenthal told Mosseri that the self-policing of social media companies is over.

Read Also: Facebook, Instagram 'Year in Review' 2021: How to See Yours?

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Written by Isabella James

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Once again I've been asked to re-post this piece, written three years ago, with my heartfelt thanks to the kind readers who remembered and requested it....

Over the last few days, I've been asking friends how they feel about New Year's celebrations, and from my small sampling (mostly of writers and artists) this is what I've learned:

The vast majority answered with the equivalent of a shrug: The New Year's holiday? They could take or leave it. A smaller (but emphatic) group detest it for a variety of reasons: the social pressure to be happy on New Year's eve, the guilt-tripping nature of New Year resolutions, the arbitrary designation of the year's end in the Gregorian calendar, or simply the bad timing of yet another celebration on the heels of Christmas. I found just a small minority who genuinely love New Year's Eve and Day, and I am one of them. In fact, it's my favorite holiday, and so I've been thinking about the reasons why -- especially since I generally mark the changing of the seasons by the pagan, not the Christian, calendar.

I grew up with the Pennsylvania Dutch traditions of my mother's large extended family: nominally Christian, but rich in folklore, folk ways, and homely forms of folk magic. One of those traditions was my mother's practice of taking down the Christmas tree on New Year's day, cleaning the house from top to bottom, and then opening the kitchen door (with a great flourish) to sweep the old year out and welcome in the new: my mother, my great-aunt Clara, and I each taking turns with the broom. Christmas was a hard time for my mother and always ended in tears, but she would rally by New Year's day, relishing the act of making order out of chaos: a woman's ritual, shared only with me and not my half-brothers (my stepfather's sons). Boys doing housework? The very notion was unthinkable in that time and place.

At some point in the midst of all that cleaning, my mother and I would sit down at the kitchen table, eat the last of the kiffles (a traditional cookie made only at Christmas; it is bad luck to eat them past New Year's Day), and talk about plans for the year ahead. These were not New Year's resolutions, exactly; no lists were made, nothing was written down. It was more like a verbal conjuring, a vision of what we'd do differently and better, spoken at the right folkloric time when words held the power of an incantation: the pause between the old year and the new when anything seemed possible.

My mother was a great believer in new beginnings, in a way that was both painful and brave. We moved around a lot when I was young, in search of work for my stepfather, whose alcoholism and violent temper ensured that employment never lasted long. In each new place my mother would mentally sweep her troubles out the kitchen door and make a brand new start: each house, each job, each new school for my young brothers and me would be different and better, she insisted. We would finally settle down.

Since the new house was usually worse than the last, she would set herself to transforming it, ingeniously making small amounts of money go a long, long way: she'd paint our rooms in surprising colors (dictated by the paint choices in the bargain bins); make new curtains in cheap, cheery fabrics edged with bright Ric Rac and Pom Pom trim; scour yard sales for pretty new dishes and lamps (constantly broken in my stepfather's rages). For a while she'd be happy and fiercely optimistic...until the usual troubles caught up with us. There would be fights, and tears, and everything would shatter. My mother would collapse, her husband disappear to the nearest bar. Then she'd pick herself up, we'd move again, and she'd start afresh with quiet courage.

As a kid I moved even more often than my mother. Unwelcome in my stepfather's home, and a regular target of his fists, when things got too bad I was shunted off to my grandmother, or my great-aunt Clara, or some other relative, along with a couple of stints in foster care -- and so I needed my mother's lesson in embracing change rather more than most. Many people from peripatetic childhoods react with a deep dislike of change. My own reaction is a mix of opposites. My childhood has left me with a soul-deep need for home, place, and community -- yet I also love stepping into the unknown and using the act of relocation as a catalyst for transformation and renewal. In this I am my mother's daughter. I like transitions, beginnings, the changing of the seasons, the turning of the calendar's pages. As I wrote in a previous New Year post:

I have a great affection for those moments in time that allow us to push the "re-set" buttons in our minds and make a fresh start: the start of a new year, the start of a new week, the start of a new morning or fresh endeavor. As L. M. Montgomery (author of Anne of Green Gables) once wrote, "Isn't it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?" The American abolitionist Henry Ward Beecher advised: "Every man should be born again on the first day of January. Start with a fresh page." Some people, of course, find a blank page terrifying...but that's something I've never quite understood. I love the feeling of potential inherent in an untouched notebook, a fresh white canvas, even a new computer folder waiting to be filled. It's the same sense of freedom to be found at the start of a journey, when all lies ahead and limits haven't yet been reached.

My mother died from cancer in 2001, at a younger age that I am now, and she never managed to turn those new beginnings into the calm, stable life she craved. The determined optimism she practiced wasn't always entirely admirable. Optimism can also be blind or foolish, and prevent the solving of problems through the refusal to accept reality. A fresh start can only transform a life if it is followed by the hard and clear-eyed work of making substantive change: leaving the violent husband, for example, rather than putting fresh paint on walls that will soon be bloodied once again.

But there were reasons my mother couldn't make those harder changes, so I'm not going to sit in judgement of her now. I'm just going to love her for who she was. Acknowledge her quiet bravery. And appreciate the gifts that she's passed on: kiffles and a broom on New Year's Day. And a love of new beginnings.

Today I will sweep the house. Tomorrow I'll sweep the studio. I'm thinking about what I'll do differently, and better.

The world is full of possibilities.

Pictures: The photographs today are from Queen's Wood, an ancient woodland in London's Muswell Hill: 52 acres of oak and hornbeam trees, abutting Highgate Wood. The pictures were taken during a pre-pandemic Christmas spent with our daughter in London. I recommend "The History and Archaeology of Queen's Wood" by Michael Hacker if you'd like to know more about this beautiful place: a tranquil, magical piece of wild preserved within a bustling cityscape. (Tilly loved it.) The last photo was taken by Howard.



Words: The poem in the picture caption is from Tell Me by Kim Addonizio (BOA Editions, 2000); all rights reserved by the author.
In July, St. Helena Parish officials made 12 parish workers commit to working 13-hour days seven days a week in the summer heat or risk getting laid off, records show, in a bid to mend ditches and cut back overgrowth that had gotten out of hand.

Now, one of those workers has been fired after complaining about the situation to the federal government.

Truck driver Antwain Jackson on Oct. 27 went to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, saying in a complaint that the St. Helena police jury discriminated against him by suspending him when he got a doctors note saying he should work only standard hours.

Just a couple weeks later, on Nov. 9, the police jury voted to fire Jackson, ending a weeks-long stalemate where officials would neither bring him back to work nor terminate him for good.

The employees commissioned in July to work overtime had to fill those hours so the parish could catch up on long-overdue repairs to ditches and remove sprawling plant growth that was creeping onto road shoulders, according to Jackson and police jurors.

Jackson, who drove dump trucks and mowers for the parish, said he was recovering from COVID-19 at the time. Exhaustion caught up to him a few weeks after he signed a form agreeing to work the grueling schedule, he said.

I had worked three weeks straight (after the overtime order), and I started feeling bad, Jackson said. He got a note from his doctor in St. Tammany Parish on Aug. 9, saying his lingering COVID symptoms precluded Jackson from working more than eight-hour days.

He was suspended without pay soon after.

In November, a month after Jackson told the EEOC he felt his suspension was discriminatory, Jackson returned to the federal agency  this time, charging that his firing by the police jury had been retaliatory.

Whether his allegations pose a legal threat to the parish remains to be seen; the federal agency is now reviewing the case.

The parishs actions may have been legal, however.

Louisiana employers can compel employees to work overtime so long as they pay them for the extra hours, according to Jill Craft, a Baton Rouge lawyer who specializes in employment litigation.

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Jacksons claim that the parish retaliated against him by dismissing him after an earlier complaint may provide some leverage. But even that effort will likely require Jackson to jump through a whole bunch of hoops, Craft said.

Generally speaking in Louisiana, you have to prove a case within a case, the lawyer said. Meaning, you have to prove that there was an actual violation of the law  that you were actually discriminated against, and that as a result of reporting the unlawful violation, that you were subject to reprisal.

When Jackson filed his first charge with the EEOC in October, records show the agency found no grounds for his discrimination claim.

Albert D. Giraud, the police jurys attorney, declined to comment on Jacksons charges because they involve pending litigation. Reached by phone, public works superintendent Albert Franklin said Friday that he had nothing to say about that, referring to Jackson's situation.

The spat is the latest wrinkle in the police jurys efforts to mend St. Helena's infrastructure and roads, which have yielded complaints over the years as asphalt caves in and crumbles. A lack of funding in the rural parish with a low tax base has often hamstrung repairs.

Police jury president Frank E. Johnson became embroiled in a dispute with the owner of a gravel pit this fall, saying gravel trucks destroyed a stretch of newly-paved road in his district (the company said the fault was Johnsons for skimping on fixing the road in the first place).

And last month, members of the police jury clashed over results of a $4.6 million roads project thats drawing to a close. Roads crumbled and broke apart in some areas after a large New Orleans construction firm had finished repairing them.

Gravel trucks washed out a brand-new road. A parish and a landowner are pointing fingers After dump trucks tore up a road the St. Helena Parish police jury recently spent $258,000 to fix, a few local officials and residents want to

Records show the panel voted at a July 20 special meeting to require overtime hours so workers could make headway on a similar set of repairs. Ditches in the parishs fifth ward were caving in and foliage had become overgrown due to a lack of maintenance, Jackson explained.

Workers agreed to work "from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m., 7 days a week until further notice," and acknowledged that "any worker who fails to comply will be laid off," according to a copy of the agreement signed by Jackson and obtained by The Advocate.

Fifth district police juror Ryan Bird declined to comment Friday on Jacksons allegations, saying only that at this point, everythings understood about the situation.
Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center will put into place some changes in its mask policy for staff next week, in light of the improved Covid-19 situation in Louisiana. Another local hospital, Baton Rouge General Medical Center, has also made mask policy changes.
Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain came under fire Thursday from state lawmakers who complained his regulatory agency was moving too slowly in expanding the medical marijuana products available to patients.

Strain, a Republican, told a special legislative commission looking at the state's medicinal pot program that he won't compromise public safety to fast-track new products.

Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards and the majority-GOP Legislature have approved new laws expanding the medical marijuana products available and the ability for doctors to recommend the drug for any illness. But Strain's agency controls the pace of that rollout with product testing and regulations.

"When I look at the back and forth, it looks like micromanagement," Republican Rep. Debbie Villio, of Kenner, told Strain. She added: "I see it as a back and forth that drastically delays getting a product from grower to pharmacy to patient."

GOP Rep. Thomas Pressly of Shreveport echoed similar worries: "My concern is that we're going to slow this down even further."

Strain said he is focused on health and safety as his department works through the process of enacting the regulations for new laws and approving products such as edible gummies.

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"Everything we do is to protect the public," Strain said. "We have to get it right."

Tabitha Irvin, director of the agriculture department's medical marijuana program, disputed that the department is dragging its feet.

"We're not holding up any products for them to sell," she said.

But the newspaper reports that lawmakers suggested Strain was overregulating the medical marijuana market.

"We're going to get to the bottom of this," said Rep. Scott McKnight, R-Baton Rouge. "No one is looking at Louisiana as best practices."

Louisiana State University and Southern University and their private growing partners are the only entities that can legally cultivate and process marijuana and provide it to the state's nine licensed therapeutic cannabis pharmacies.

The latest expansion by the Legislature and governor will allow medical marijuana to be sold in its raw, smokable form beginning in January.
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Decreasing temperatures have helped firefighters battling an out-of-control blaze south of Margaret River, but there is still a significant risk to the community.

The bushfire emergency warning is still in place for residents bounded by Mammoth Cave Road to the north, Caves Road and the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park boundary to the east, Grace Road and Bridle Trail to the south and the coast to the west.

Anyone in this area is in danger and needs to act immediately to survive. There is still a threat to lives and homes with the fire now moving in an easterly direction.

However, areas which were under significant threat have now been given the bushfire all clear, including parts of Witchcliffe, Redgate, Kudardup and Deepdene.

There are 158 Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service, Bush Fire Service, Parks and Wildlife Service firefighters on the scene, strengthening containment lines and mopping up.
A senior public servant working on Victorias COVID-19 response has been endorsed as the Voices Of candidate for the Victorian seat of Flinders, which Health Minister Greg Hunt will vacate at the next election.

Claire Boardman, the deputy public health commander for infection prevention and control in the Victorian Department of Health COVID-19 team, submitted her resignation on Friday.

Claire Boardman, a public health sector worker, has been preselected as the Voices of Mornington Peninsula candidate for the Victorian seat of Flinders. Credit:

Following Mr Hunts decision to retire after 20 years, the seat could be within striking distance though likely Liberal candidate Zoe McKenzie, an NBN non-executive director who advised Andrew Robb during his time as trade minister, is well regarded in the area too.

Ms Boardman has had two decades in the health sector and a career that has taken her to Thursday Island and Darwin. With a degree in nursing and a Masters in Public Health, she is hoping her experience as a frontline public servant will serve her well in Canberra.
It was, of course, Don Chipp who proclaimed, in 1980, that a vote for his party would help to keep the bastards honest. In other words, while he knew the Democrats could never win government, they could temper the excesses of the major parties.

Today, that role falls to the independent crossbenchers, Zali Steggall, Helen Haines, Andrew Wilkie and Rebekha Sharkie, who, James Massola reports, could end up kingmakers given predicted swings against the Morrison government at next years federal election.

Independent candidate Zoe Daniel launches her campaign for the seat of Goldstein in Sandringham. Credit:Simon Schluter

That prospect only increases with the emergence of dozens more independent candidates around the country fronting local campaigns, such as the Vote Angus Out push against Energy Minister Angus Taylor in the NSW seat of Hume, and the assorted Voices of and Voices for community groups targeting Coalition-held seats.

In recent weeks, we have reported on, among others, former ABC journalist Zoe Daniel in the Melbourne seat of Goldstein, held by Liberal Tim Wilson. The director of the Royal Childrens Hospitals department of neurology, Monique Ryan, will take on the most senior Liberal in Victoria, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, in Kooyong. Health public servant Claire Boardman is standing in Flinders, being vacated by Health Minister Greg Hunt.
Victorian Labor MP Julian Hill has launched a scathing attack on the Biden administration, describing the pursuit of Julian Assange as hypocritical and a political witch-hunt.

Overnight, the United States government moved a step closer to extraditing Assange to face trial over his leaking over the WikiLeaks cables after securing a victory in Englands High Court.

Julian Assange supporters protest in front of the High Court in London on Friday. Credit:AP

Lord Justice Holroyde overturned a previous judges ruling that Assange should not face legal proceedings in the US because he might take his own life.

He ordered the court to send his case to Britains Home Secretary Priti Patel to determine whether the Australian citizen should be sent to the US.
One of the biggest discussions we had this week was about how we cover the Voices Of movement, the independents challenging moderate Liberals at next years election. I can guarantee you this discussion will be ongoing and intense, and with lots of different views.

Australia is a democracy, and it is a good thing when people decide to stand for election. But The Age doesnt give extensive coverage to every person who runs for political office. What we have to assess - and its not always easy - is how significant minor parties or independents may be, whether they represent something shifting in the community.

At the height of Pauline Hansons One Nations ascendancy in the late 1990s, parts of the media struggled with how to cover that, too (I am not comparing One Nation with the current independents in terms of policy). Hanson appealed to mostly rural voters disillusioned with the costs of globalisation and wary of multiculturalism. It was our job to examine this, to cover it fairly, as well as to scrutinise and critique policies that played into fears around race.

Similarly, you may have noticed the number of United Australia Party advertisements in The Age in recent months (it would have been hard to miss them). FREEDOM, FREEDOM, they cry (we have rejected those that contravene health advice or ATAGI guidance on vaccines). Could it be that Clive Palmer will attract the votes of people angry and disillusioned with COVID restrictions and government over-reach, who have marched in their thousands in recent weeks? Perhaps the fury will fade as we resume normal life, but perhaps it wont. Could a Trump-style populist constituency emerge, against vaccines and suspicious of science? We dont know that yet, either.

There is still debate about the estimated $60 million Palmer spent on advertising at the last election, and whether a very wealthy person can distort our democracy. These are issues we need to scrutinise.
The longest tornado on record, in March 1925, tracked for about 355 kilometres through Missouri, Illinois and Indiana. But Genzini said this twister may have touched down for nearly 400 kilometres. The storm was all the more remarkable because it came in December, when normally colder weather limits tornadoes, he said. Debris from destroyed buildings and shredded trees covered the ground in Mayfield. Twisted metal sheeting, downed power lines and wrecked vehicles lined the streets. Windows and roofs were blown off the buildings that were still standing. The missing at the candle factory included Janine Denise Johnson Williams, a 50-year-old mother of four whose family members kept vigil at the site on Saturday. Its Christmastime and she works at a place thats making candles for gifts, her brother, Darryl Williams, said. To give up the gift of life to make a gift. We havent heard anything, and Im not presuming anything. But Im expecting for the worst.

He said Johnson Williams called her husband overnight to report the weather was getting bad, the last time anyone heard from her. Kyanna Parsons-Perez, an employee at the factory, was trapped under about 1.5 metres of debris for at least two hours until rescuers managed to free her. Some of the destruction caused by the tornado in Mayfield, Kentucky. Credit:AP In an interview with NBCs Today, she said it was absolutely the most terrifying event she had ever experienced. I did not think I was going to make it at all. Just before the tornado struck, the buildings lights flickered. She felt a gust of wind, her ears started popping and then, Boom. Everything came down on us. People started screaming, and she heard other workers praying.

Mayfield Fire Chief Jeremy Creason, whose own station was destroyed, said the candle factory was diminished to a pile of bent metal and steel and machinery and that responders had to at times crawl over casualties to get to live victims. After a wall at a nursing home in Mayfield collapsed, Vernon Evans said he rushed to help firefighters pull people out, only to find one resident lying dead in a few inches of water. A car wrecked by a tornado sits on top of another car in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Credit:AP All I could do is sit there and hold their head up, he said. I never experienced nothing like this. President Joe Biden approved an emergency disaster declaration for Kentucky on Saturday and pledged to support the affected states.

I promise you, whatever is needed  whatever is needed  the federal government is going to find a way to provide it, Biden said. An aerial view of the destruction in Mayfield. Credit:Getty Images Amazon heartbroken At least six Amazon workers were killed at a warehouse near St Louis on Friday night when tornadoes roared through the area, ripping off the roof and reducing a wall longer than a football field to rubble. Several workers remained unaccounted for as rescuers searched for anyone who might still be trapped at the Edwardsville, Illinois facility, authorities said.

This satellite photo provided by Maxar shows a close-up of an Amazon warehouse in Edwardsville, Ill., after severe storms moved through the area late the previous evening, causing catastrophic damage. Credit:AP Fire chief James Whiteford said 45 people had made it out safely as of Saturday afternoon. He said six people were confirmed killed so far, and he expected recovery efforts to last for at least three more days. Colleagues and family members desperate for news about loved ones gathered outside the 46,000 square metre mess of concrete and steel. Safety personnel and first responders survey a damaged Amazon Distribution Centre in Edwardsville, Illinois. Credit:Getty Amazon truck driver Emily Epperson, 23, said she was anxiously waiting for information on the whereabouts of her workmate Austin McEwan late on Saturday afternoon to relay to his girlfriend and parents.

Were so worried because we believe that, you know, he would have been found by now, she told Reuters. One mother told a St Louis Fox news station that her son Clayton Cope, a 29-year-old maintenance worker, was dead. Earlier, Fillback said about 50 workers were believed to be at the warehouse when it was hit by an extreme weather-related event at about 8.30pm US time on Friday. Emergency vehicles outside an Amazon warehouse in Edwardsville after it was heavily damaged by a storm on Friday. Credit:AP At least 30 workers were transported by bus from the scene and others may have left on their own, Fillback said. He said it had been difficult to get an exact number of workers who might be unaccounted for because the warehouse did not have a set staff.

You have concrete, and you have things hanging. Its quite windy outside, so things are unstable, so they have to shore those things up so that they can be safe, Fillback said. Our first responders will continue to work this scene until everyone is accounted for. Drone footage from the scene showed rescue workers picking through a huge area of debris in the pre-dawn darkness. Amazon chief executive Andy Jassy posted on Twitter that the company was heartbroken over the loss of its staff members and would continue to work closely with the local authorities on the rescue efforts. It gives me shivers, Kathie Burnett, 67, said. She was a delivery driver at Amazon until two weeks ago when she quit because of health reasons. I would have been standing right in the middle of that track, she said pointing to what remained of the facility. There would have been 100 trucks in there last night and you didnt see one this morning, did you?

Winds of up to 112km/h had been forecast for Friday night, the weather service said. Loading Matt Beitscher, a meteorologist with the St Louis office, had warned that residents should stay alert for whatever the weather brought. A lot of folks like to turn off their alerts when they sleep, Beitscher said, but its not a good idea when unsettled weather takes place in the evening and overnight hours. It doesnt help that many people let their guard down to severe weather outbreaks in late fall and as winter approaches. While its uncommon, its not unheard of to have severe weather in December, Beitscher said.
PLANO, Texas, Dec. 10, 2021 -- Toyota North America (TNA) today announced executive changes to Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) and Toyota Financial Services (TFS), with the aim to drive critical business needs in support of TNA's mobility strategy.

The following changes are effective January 2022, unless otherwise noted:

Toyota Motor North America Executive Changes

Srini Matam is promoted to group vice president, Powertrain and Shared Services, Production Engineering. He will report to Norm Bafunno , senior vice president, Unit Manufacturing & Production Engineering, TMNA. Matam currently serves as president, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, West Virginia (TMMWV).

is promoted to group vice president, Powertrain and Shared Services, Production Engineering. He will report to , senior vice president, Unit Manufacturing & Production Engineering, TMNA. Matam currently serves as president, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, (TMMWV). David Rosier is promoted to president, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, West Virginia (TMMWV). He will report to Norm Bafunno , senior vice president, Unit Manufacturing & Production Engineering, TMNA. Rosier currently serves as head of Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky (TMMK) Powertrain.

is promoted to president, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, (TMMWV). He will report to , senior vice president, Unit Manufacturing & Production Engineering, TMNA. Rosier currently serves as head of Toyota Motor Manufacturing, (TMMK) Powertrain. David Wilson is promoted to group vice president and president of Toyota Racing Development (TRD). He will report to Jack Hollis , senior vice president, Automotive Operations, TMNA. Wilson currently serves as president, TRD.

is promoted to group vice president and president of Toyota Racing Development (TRD). He will report to , senior vice president, Automotive Operations, TMNA. Wilson currently serves as president, TRD. John Tinney , currently group vice president, Powertrain and Shared Services, Production Engineering, will retire after more than 17 years of service to Toyota, effective February 4, 2022 .

Toyota Financial Services Executive Changes

Scott Cooke is promoted to senior vice president and chief financial officer, TFS. He will report to Mark Templin , president and chief executive officer, TFS. Cooke currently serves as group vice president and chief financial officer, TFS.

is promoted to senior vice president and chief financial officer, TFS. He will report to , president and chief executive officer, TFS. Cooke currently serves as group vice president and chief financial officer, TFS. Alec Hagey is promoted to senior vice president and chief operating officer, TFS. He will report to Mark Templin , president and chief executive officer, TFS. Hagey currently serves as group vice president of Sales, Product and Marketing, TFS.

is promoted to senior vice president and chief operating officer, TFS. He will report to , president and chief executive officer, TFS. Hagey currently serves as group vice president of Sales, Product and Marketing, TFS. Joanna Dean is promoted to group vice president, Sales, TFS. She will report to Alec Hagey , senior vice president and chief operating officer. Dean currently serves as vice president, Sales, TFS.

is promoted to group vice president, Sales, TFS. She will report to , senior vice president and chief operating officer. Dean currently serves as vice president, Sales, TFS. Ellen Farrell is promoted to group vice president and chief legal and compliance officer, TFS. She will report to Mark Templin , president and chief executive officer, TFS. Farrell currently serves as vice president, general counsel & secretary, TFS.

is promoted to group vice president and chief legal and compliance officer, TFS. She will report to , president and chief executive officer, TFS. Farrell currently serves as vice president, general counsel & secretary, TFS. Vipin Gupta takes on an expanded role as group vice president and chief innovation and digital officer, TFS. He will report to Mark Templin , president and chief executive officer, TFS. Gupta currently serves as group vice president and chief information officer, TFS.

With more electrified powertrain vehicles on U.S. roads than any other automaker, Toyota is committed to the future of mobility. Earlier this year, Toyota announced plans to debut three new electrified models in the U.S. in 2021including the Toyota bZ4X and Lexus NX 450h+ and took a major step forward with a $1.29 billion investment in an automotive battery manufacturing plant in North Carolina, called Toyota Battery Manufacturing, North Carolina (TBMNC).

About Toyota

Toyota has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands plus our 1,800 dealerships.

Toyota has created a tremendous value chain and directly employs more than 47,000 in North America. The company has contributed world-class design, engineering, and assembly of more than 40 million cars and trucks at our 14 manufacturing plants, 15 including our joint venture in Alabama which began production in 2021.

Through its Start Your Impossible campaign, Toyota highlights the way it partners with community, civic, academic and governmental organizations to address our society's most pressing mobility challenges. We believe that when people are free to move, anything is possible. For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyotanewsroom.com.

Media Contact:

Carley Cesaretti

[email protected]

469-292-8754

SOURCE Toyota Motor North America

Related Links

www.toyota.com


Batavia, NY (14020)

Today

A mixture of rain and snow showers. High 42F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Occasional snow showers. Low 22F. Winds WSW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of snow 60%. Snowfall around one inch.
Responders stand at the site of a roof collapse at an Amazon distribution center after a tornado hits Edwardsville, in Ill., on Dec. 11, 2021. (Lawrence Bryant/Reuters)

2 Confirmed Dead as Rescuers Search for Workers Trapped in Amazon Warehouse Hit by Tornadoes in Illinois

At least two workers were confirmed dead when an Amazon.com Inc. warehouse collapsed near St. Louis after tornadoes and strong storms roared through the area late Friday, local authorities said.

Several people remained unaccounted for as rescuers frantically searched for workers who may be trapped in the facility in Edwardsville, Illinois, Police Chief Mike Fillback told reporters. He said about 50 workers were believed to be at the warehouse when it was hit by an extreme weather-related event at about 8:30 p.m. Friday.

At least 30 workers were transported by bus from the scene and others may have left on their own, Fillback said. He said it had been difficult to get an exact number of workers who might be unaccounted for because the warehouse did not have a set staff.

Drone footage from the scene showed rescue workers picking through a huge area of debris in the pre-dawn darkness.

One woman outside, Sarah Bierman, said she was very worried about her husband, who works at the warehouse.

I talked to him about eight oclock tonight, a little before I texted him, and he was returning to the warehouse to drop his van off, she told a reporter.

Emergency vehicles stage outside an Amazon fulfillment center after it was heavily damaged when a strong thunderstorm moved through the area, in Edwardsville, Ill., on Dec. 10, 2021. (Jeff Roberson/AP Photo)

A responder walks past the wreckage at the site of a roof collapse at an Amazon distribution center after a tornado hits Edwardsville, in Ill., on Dec. 11, 2021. (Lawrence Bryant/Reuters)

And I havent heard from him since, I just heard through the news and we live in Edwardsville; we lost power. So I decided to come down here to see what was going on, and I had no idea the building looked that bad. And Im just; Im worried sick, she said.

An Amazon spokesperson said the company was working with first responders at the scene.

Were deeply saddened by the news that members of our Amazon family passed away as a result of the storm, said spokesperson Kelly Natel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their loved ones, and everyone impacted by the storm. We also want to thank all the first responders for their ongoing efforts on the scene.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker tweeted: My prayers are with the people of Edwardsville tonight, and Ive reached out to the mayor to provide any needed state resources.

The U.S. National Weather Service had issued tornado warnings on Friday night for areas in several states including Arkansas, Tennessee, Missouri, and Illinois.
Face shields are seen for sale in a pharmacy in New York on Dec. 9, 2021. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

29 US States Have Confirmed Omicron Variant Cases, Mostly Among Vaccinated

Ohio and Rhode Island have become the 28th and 29th U.S. states to report cases of the Omicron variant of the virus that causes COVID-19.

Ohio officials announced on Dec. 11 that two cases of the variant were detected in the state, both of whom were fully vaccinated more than six months ago. Rhode Island officials confirmed one case of the variant on Dec. 11; that patient was fully vaccinated and had recently returned from New York.

More than half of the states in the country have confirmed cases of Omicron, a variant of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, through genomic sequencing.

Across 29 states, 110 cases have been reported as of Dec. 11.

Officials have disclosed the vaccination status of 66 of the infected individuals. Of those individuals, 52 were fully vaccinated. Some had even gotten vaccine booster shots.

Most of the Omicron cases in the United States have been among those vaccinated against COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said in a Dec. 10 update. Most patients have experienced mild symptoms. Some of them have recently returned from trips from Africa or have been in contact with somebody else who had done so.

No deaths from Omicron have been reported anywhere in the world, since the strain was identified by South African scientists in November.

Early data indicate that the variant, when compared to earlier strains, is transmitted more easily, can better evade the protection bestowed by vaccines, and may be able to better evade natural immunity, or protection from prior infection.

But COVID-19 cases caused by the Omicron variant have been less severe on average.

Few U.S. patients have required hospitalization from the variant thus far, according to reports from state health authorities and the CDC.

Cases have been confirmed in Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington state, and Wisconsin.

A health care worker prepares a dose of Pfizers COVID-19 vaccine in Johannesburg, on Dec. 9, 2021. (Sumaya Hisham/Reuters)

Approximately 61 percent of the U.S. population was fully vaccinated as of Dec. 11, according to federal data. About a quarter of the population had received a vaccine booster shot by that same date, more than half of which are part of the most vulnerable population: adults aged 65 or older.

In South Africa, even as the number of COVID-19 tests went up, the number of positive cases dropped along with hospital admissions, health authorities reported on Dec. 11.

The opposite trend is taking place in the United States, where cases, hospitalizations, and deaths have recently increased.

Omicron quickly became the dominant strain in South Africa. But in the United States, more than 99 percent of cases are still from the Delta variant, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky told reporters in a virtual briefing.

Some health officials are still urging people to get vaccinated, placing an emphasis on getting vaccine booster shots. An interim analysis from Pfizer and BioNTech found that their shot plummeted in effectiveness against the Omicron variant, but that a vaccine booster shot restores some of the protection.

That was a striking endorsement of the importance of boosting, according to Dr. Anthony Fauci, longtime head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

A study from Israeli researchers that came out on Dec. 11 reached a similar finding.

People who received the second dose five or six months ago do not have any neutralization ability against the Omicron, Gili Regev-Yochay, director of the Infectious Diseases Unit at Sheba Medical Center, told reporters in Jerusalem, according to Reuters. The good news is that with the booster dose, it increases about a hundredfold.

However, the boosted neutralization ability is still four times lower than the protection against the Delta variant, she said.
Sparkling Forest From Christmases Past Lights Up Wisconsin Town

Artful aluminum trees draw visitors to Manitowoc

MANITOWOC, Wis.Standing in the softly falling snow, staring at the colorful and brightly lit Christmas display, Barbara Bundy-Jost understood that there was just something special about that tree.

It was just lit up like a sparkling forest, she said. We were on our way one Christmas Eve to visit my mother, who lived overlooking the lake on Fourth Street. We always turned on that street. We stopped the car. The snow was softly falling. We let the kids out, and we all stood in the window, and we talked about the tree that my grandmother had.

That tree was unlike most tannenbaums displayed in millions of homes throughout the country for Christmas. It was an aluminum tree, the artful product of Manitowoc, Wisconsins rich manufacturing past, now on display in a store window. Its presence that night was like a welcoming lighthouse, beckoning ships to port. Over the next two decades, the aluminum tree again took its place of honor among Christmas traditions, one that the city of roughly 35,000 people celebrates with panache each December.

Whenever she thinks of aluminum trees, Bundy-Jost remembers her grandmother, Ella (Mulloy) Herzog, a feisty Irishwoman with an affinity for the Evergleam trees made in Manitowoc. She proudly displayed a four-foot Evergleam, fountain style, in her front window. It stood right next to Grandpa Reines easy chair.

Bundy-Jost said she can almost see Ellas little dog, Benny, sitting in the chair, basking in the Christmas glow.

Barbara Bundy-Jost smiles in the Manitowoc Public Library on Dec. 6, 2021. Bundy-Jost, whose friends call her Babs, bought her first Evergleam tree for $800. Not wanting to alarm her husband, she hid it behind the furnace for months. (Chris Duzynski/The Epoch Times)

We went there for one Christmas. I was just a kid, Bundy-Jost told The Epoch Times. It had to be the mid-60s, and there was a four-foot fountain with the big red balls on it. My mother [Kathie] is like, What is that? I just sat there staring at the sparkle, and my Mom said, Never. Were never getting one of those. And I really wanted one.

Revenge of the Trees: 70 and Counting

The family never got an aluminum tree. For young Bundy-Jost and her four siblings, the tradition was to tromp into a nearby forest with her father, Selmer A. Sam Bundy, in search of a Norwegian pine tree.

My mother wanted one cut in the forest. He would take us all out, she said. I dont like being coldI never did. I hated every minute of it. But the tree always smelled good. It looked good in the beginning.

Bundy-Josts home just south of Manitowoc, a cream city brick farmhouse, is decorated with Evergleam trees, which were made by the Aluminum Specialty Co. from 1960 until the early 1970s. She has plenty70 at last countfrom which to choose. Whatever her childhood might have lacked in aluminum ornamentation, she has made up for it in adulthood. For a growing cadre of holiday lovers across the United States, its just not Christmas without aluminum.

I love the littles. I call them the littles. I love the two-footers, she said. I have a pink one. I have a gold one. I have so many silver ones. I really would likeits called a two-foot blue frost. Its got the little blue tip on it.

Bundy-Jost and her brother each put up a four-footer each year in honor of their Grandma Ella.

What does a person do with 70 Christmas trees? You put them on display at the Manitowoc Public Library and in the storefronts of more than three dozen downtown businesses. The annual Evergleams on Eighth festival features about 200 silver and multi-colored aluminum trees, borrowed from the prized collections of several Evergleam devotees. What started as an experiment in 2015 is now a widely anticipated event that draws window shoppers from as far away as Minneapolis and Chicago.

They come from all over. They love it, said Bundy-Jost, who serves as Evergleam ambassador at library events and trolley tours that run on Saturdays. The nostalgia that goes with it, the simpler times, and the happiness that these generate is profound.

A total of 37 aluminum Christmas trees adorn windows of the Riverbank building in Manitowoc, Wis., on Dec. 6, 2021. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. (Chris Duzynski/The Epoch Times)

To the outside world, Manitowoc is known for giant construction cranes with bright red cabs, for World War II shipbuilding for the U.S. military, and more recently, for building luxury yachts. The city has long been home to a deep-water port on the western shore of Lake Michigan, about 40 miles southeast of Green Bay. The famous coal-fired ferry, the SS Badger, has been crisscrossing the lake to Ludington, Michigan, since 1953. Manitowoc gained fame for a 20-pound chunk of the Soviet Sputnik IV spacecraft that crashed into North Eighth Street on Sept. 5, 1962.

Now, its known once again as the home of metallic Christmas decor.

Its just such a unique story and theyre so pretty. They sparkle so nice, Cathy Karl, proprietor of the Heart & Homestead store on South Eighth Street, told The Epoch Times. And then when you learn there are so many different kinds, when you see, for instance, the display at the library, how many different kinds there are from that same company, its kind of a remarkable story.

Tinsel Town to Evergleam

To be fair, Manitowoc was once home to three companies that made Christmas decorations. The oldest was National Tinsel Co., maker of the silvery strands that are draped over Christmas tree branches to give the Christmas lights extra sparkle. The Mirro Aluminum Co. was once the worlds largest manufacturer of aluminum kitchen utensils. Mirro had its own Christmas tree line and made gifts, including a tree-shaped aluminum lamp with Christmas shapes punched into the metal shade. The third manufacturer, Aluminum Specialty Co., didnt invent the aluminum Christmas tree, but it was the preeminent company to mass market the metallic marvels.

The story started when Tom Gannon, vice president of Specialty, was shown an aluminum tree made by Modern Coatings in Chicago as a store fixture for retail giants such as Ben Franklin. Gannon loved the tree, but it was bulky with a price tag that was out of reach for most Americans. Gannon took a branch from the tree, believing his company could engineer its own Christmas tree that was light and affordable. Engineers for Specialty, including Richard Thomsen and Wesley Martin, had a prototype ready for the 1959 New York toy show. The introduction came with mixed reviews until a buyer from Minneapolis put down a $50,000 order. Evergleam took off from there.

After a customer-requested redesign after year one, Evergleam began to blossom into a wide range of sizes, branch counts, and colors. Silver was the dominant finish, but there were also pink, blue frost, gold, a double-sided blue-green, and, rarest of all, burgundy-blue. Only one pink tree was made for every 10,000 silver trees.

Some Evergleams were sold with a rotating base that spun the tree like a music-box ballerina. A color wheel projected light through gel films to cast hues of green, red, and blue that made the tree gleam from the inside. Some Evergleams were packaged with glass ornaments. A meatpacker gave them away with canned hams. Booming sales showed that the space age of the 1960s could drive a new product line to more than 1 million units over a decade.

Evergleam trees and ornaments on display at Heart & Homestead in downtown Manitowoc, Wis., on Dec. 6, 2021. Visitors from Chicago and Milwaukee visited the store on a recent weekend. (Chris Duzynski/The Epoch Times)

In the early years, Specialty moved to year-round production, sometimes with three shifts per day. Production employees were often women who worked outside of the home after family dinner hour or wanted to save money for education or Christmas gifts. The long shifts gluing and assembling could be monotonous, so workers made up an anthem, sung as a way to stay awake in the wee hours. It was sung to the tune of Glow Worm, perhaps most remembered for the 1952 version popularized by the Mills Brothers.

We are the girls of The Specialty.

We specialize in Christmas trees.

We can cut them, we can wind them,

We can pack them, we can wind them.

We can work all through the night,

To make your Christmas gay and bright.

We are the girls of The Specialty,

We make Christmas trees!

You know, its 2 oclock in the morning, your hands are burning, youre cut, and youre tired, Bundy-Jost said. You have to stay awake, so they came up with this song. These are wonderful memories.

They Come from All Over the Place

Karl was president of the downtown association when the Evergleam festival first started. She was among the skeptics when collector Steve Siehr first pitched the idea.

I was a total aluminum tree virgin at that time, she said. I didnt grow up here and I didnt know anything about them. I just figured, I dont see why anybody would want to see that same tree over and over and over again in every window. I had no idea there were so many varieties.

With a grant from the City of Manitowoc, local businesses advertise the Evergleam events in urban centers. A recent listing in a newspapers 10 best things about Christmas in Wisconsin got a huge response.

It really increases walk-in traffic, Karl said. This past weekend, we had people from West Bend, Green Bay, and surrounding areas, from Chicago, Milwaukee. They come from all over the place: Wausau, places north. There were people from Tripoli.

Jordan Kabat reflected in a giant mirror at the Riverbank building in Manitowoc, Wis., on Dec. 6, 2021. (Chris Duzynski/The Epoch Times)

Despite the 1960s faddishness that some have described as kitsch, Evergleam collectors see the trees as wonderful artistic expression.

I think of them as pieces of art. I see them as a sculpture, Jordan Kabat, a Manitowoc native and the newest member of team Evergleam, told The Epoch Times. Its like a human representation of a natural object. The reflection of light on it and its form is really very artistic. That is something that really attracts me to it. Even though they were mass-produced, their form is still something that I see as art.

Kabats contribution to the tree tour includes 37 Evergleam trees arranged in the windows of the historic Riverbank building on Jay Street. The edifice most recently housed a martini bar, but dates back to 1901, when it was the German American Bank. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places. Its style and form seem to go well with the artistic display of illuminated aluminum trees.

After I started to collect and get increasingly interested in this, I wanted to get involved with this event and help out with it, said Kabat, who inherited a small Evergleam from his grandmother.

For Karl and Bundy-Jost, Kabat represents the next generation to carry on the Evergleam story. Bundy-Jost even suggested establishing an aluminum museum in the building, owned by Kabats extended family. His response: Talk to my in-laws.

For Bundy-Jost, its important for the Christmas tree story to live on, to honor a simpler time filled with promise.

They are so very different, she said. At the time, it represented a whole new world. We were the atomic age. We had people going to the moon. We had space travel. We had the space race. So I think it represents a modern sensibility and a new perspective, prosperity for our country.

An aluminum tree gleams in a storefront in Manitowoc, Wis., on Dec. 6, 2021. A flat Christmas tree, designed by engineer Wesley Martin, was a space-saving alternative to bulkier trees. (Chris Duzynski/The Epoch Times)

Correction: a previous version article included an incorrect name for a type of pine tree from an interviewees childhood memory.
Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where Nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul alike.

John Muir

A dramatically beautiful sunset view of Half Dome, as seen from Glacier Point.

Glimpsing a photograph of Californias iconic Yosemite Valley, it is easy to understand why millions of people from around the world make the pilgrimage to its breathtaking landscapes every year. Yosemite is home to some of the largest waterfalls in North America, one of the biggest exposed-granite monoliths on Earth, and a wide range of beautiful scenes indicative of the varied elevations and ecosystems of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Whether you stand in a scenic meadow, look up the heights of a mighty sequoia, or look down from the edge of a sheer granite monolith, there is no shortage of reasons why Yosemite provided an impetus for the birth of Americas National Park System.

Inspired by its vast geological wonders, influential American historical figures such as President Theodore Roosevelt and naturalist John Muir devoted themselves to protecting Yosemite for future generations. In the 19th century, most of the United States was still an undisturbed Eden in the eyes of the young nations citizens. Yosemite Valley, with its awe-inspiring walls, lush meadows, and abundant forest groves, was one of the most prized areas of this newly threatened Eden. The controversial battle to conserve Yosemite through government oversight set the precedent for the National Park System we know and love today.

A view looking up the mighty heights of one of the largest exposed-granite monoliths in the world, El Capitan.

Yosemites Dramatic History

The history of Yosemite is a dramatic, dualistic microcosm that includes the violent expulsion of Native Americans, and the subsequent fight to halt the destructive practices of private commercial interests. Evidence of the presence of Native Americans in and around Yosemite Valley dates back thousands of years before non-indigenous settlers arrived. A tribe of Paiute Native Americans, the Ahwahnechee, once lived amid the immense granite monoliths of the epic valley they called Ahwahnee, meaning large mouth. When the California Gold Rush suddenly brought tens of thousands of European Americans to the Sierras in the mid 1800s, life was forever changed for indigenous people. Violent conflict was one predictable result of the newly arrived settlers claiming land and resources in their pursuit of striking it rich.

Gold provided the motivation for explorers to brave the largely undisturbed and rugged Sierra Nevada Mountains. As a result of growing conflict with the Ahwahnechee, a group of armed settlers known as the Mariposa Battalion pursued the tribe into the valley in 1851, burning their villages and forcing them out. Mariposa Battalion member Dr. Lafayette Bunnell ironically named the valley Yosemite in honor of the expelled tribe, without knowing it was a namecreated for the Ahwahnechee by surrounding Miwok tribesthat meant Those who kill. Despite the dark and morally questionable circumstances of this conflict in Yosemite Valley, Bunnell had these beautiful words to say about the landscape:

As I looked, a peculiar exalted sensation began to fill my whole being and I found my eyes in tears with emotion. I said with some enthusiasm, I have here seen the power and the glory of a Supreme Being, the majesty of His handiwork is in that testimony of the rocks.

A view of Tenaya Lake from above the road, in Yosemites alpine high country.

Word of Yosemites unrivaled beauty quickly spread across the continent. Magazines printed the illustrations of early visiting artist Thomas Ayres, who depicted and described soaring waterfalls that captivated the American imagination. Settlers and commercial interests set up shop in the area, seeing its lucrative appeal. Romantic-era artists such as Albert Bierstadt and Thomas Cole painted scenes from Yosemite Valley that seemed to capture the presence of the Divine in their almost otherworldly depictions of the new and exciting landscape. Meanwhile, the transcontinental railroad and the proponents of Manifest Destiny brought ever-increasing numbers of European Americans westward to experience the wonders of the frontier. Despite controversy over Native American displacement, this exalted new world was for them an untouched Eden that offered the possibility of communion with the Divine. All of this fervor was a growing threat for Yosemite, alarming naturalists who sought to protect this sacred place.

Preserving Yosemites Glory

Roughly 1.5 decades after Westerners entered Yosemite Valley, it became clear that great efforts would be necessary to protect it. Overgrazing, logging, and poaching were growing threats to the area and its wildlife. In 1864, Sen. John Conness introduced a park bill to cede Yosemite Valley to California. The Yosemite Grant passed both houses of Congress and was signed by President Abraham Lincoln on June 30, 1864. Nonetheless, this legislation was weak, and didnt provide authority to evict homesteaders or stop private interests from harming the valley.

Tenaya Lake is a glacially carved alpine lake at an elevation of 8,150 feet in Yosemites high country.

In 1890, famed naturalist and writer John Muir was one of the central lobbyists who succeeded in convincing Congress to set aside hundreds of square miles for Yosemite National Park. To Muirs chagrin, the focal point of the park, Yosemite Valley, was still under Californias control. Muir, a cherished American figure, was like a religious sage of nature, creating the Sierra Club in 1892 to protect the sanctuary of Yosemite. He knew that the area was still under continual threat of being commercially exploited. This changed when he personally helped persuade President Theodore Roosevelt to sign the American Antiquities Act of 1906 that brought all of Yosemite under federal protection.

Many historians feel it was Roosevelts 1903 trip to Yosemite, where he spent time with Muir, that fueled his efforts to ensure the protection of the area. Muirs passionate prose about the Sierras touched the hearts of many Americans; he knew Yosemite better than anyone, having tirelessly and joyfully explored much of the parks landseven his theory that glaciers carved out the u-shaped granite valley during the last ice age was later proven correct, though it was ridiculed by geologists at the time. When Roosevelt visited the man who was so intimately acquainted with Yosemite, they explored the valley, hiked to Glacier Point (7,000 feet up), and camped in the snow after a snowstorm. Roosevelt wrote about the occasion, It was like lying in a great solemn cathedral, far vaster and more beautiful than any built by the hand of man.

A sequoia walking tunnel in Merced Grove, near Crane Flat.

Conservation of Nature is the fundamental problem.  Unless we solve that problem, it will avail us little to solve all others.

President Theodore Roosevelt

President Theodore Roosevelt and naturalist John Muir, together above Yosemite Valley in 1903. (Public Domain)

Yosemite has received plenty of attention in its relatively short time as an American National Park. Fast forward a century to the late 1900s, and despite federal oversight, there were 1,300 buildings in Yosemite Valley, and 17 acres of the valley floor were covered by parking lots. While Muir may have found these developments distasteful, it was also well understood that in time Yosemite would be visited by millions. The first car entered Yosemite Valley in 1900, and today millions of people drive in every year. The ease of access allows modern Americans to simply pull up to some of the parks most iconic viewslocations that once required days of horseback riding to reach. There are pros and cons to these sorts of changes, but the passionate men and women of Yosemites National Park Service work tirelessly to protect the area.

The Magnificence of Yosemite

People cant help but stare in reverence at El Capitan; its one of the largest exposed granite monoliths in the world, soaring more than 350 stories (3,593 feet) above the valley floor. As documented in the popular film Free Solo, rock climber Alex Honnold risked his life in 2017 becoming the first person to climb El Capitanwithout a rope. Modern rock climbing was born on the walls of Yosemite; however, most climbers take days (with ropes) to reach El Capitans summit and have to sleep suspended on the rock face along the way. Perhaps equally iconic, Half Dome is aptly named for the smooth, round shape that the massive rock formation has on one side, while the other side drops straight down over the edge of a cliff into the glacially carved valley below.

Golden Tuolumne Meadows are filled with wildflowers during spring and summer months in Yosemites high country.

Yosemite Falls, a three-part waterfall, is one of the highest waterfalls in North America. When the water is flowing at its peak, the 2,425-foot drop creates a thunderous sound across the valley. Other whimsical waterfalls in the valley include Bridalveil Fall and Vernal Fall. In spring, Yosemites waterfalls pour down hundreds of thousands of gallons every minute. The Merced River flows through the southern part of the park, where one can enjoy breezy meadows while walking among vibrant dogwood treesand may even be lucky enough to spot a black bear at a distance.

Nearly dry in this October picture, Yosemite Falls is a granite monolith that extends dreamily into the clouds.

People who want to get away from the crowds can drive out of the valley and up into the parks alpine high country. There theyll find the vast Tuolumne Meadows, and glacial lakes such as Tenaya Lake. Avid hikers can retrace Muirs steps on the John Muir Trail, or hike up to heights of 13,000 feet in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Visitors can also walk among some of the oldest living things on Earth in one of Yosemites three giant sequoia groves. Grizzly Giant in the Mariposa Grove is a sequoia that measures an incredible 96 feet around its base and is estimated to be about 1,800 years old! There is no shortage of natural wonders to take in and enjoy.

Stephen Mather was the first director of the National Park Service. He summed up the vision of the National Parks when he wrote: The parks do not belong to one state or to one section. They have become democratized. Yosemite, Yellowstone, and the Grand Canyon are national properties in which every citizen has a vested interest; they belong as much to the man of Massachusetts, of Michigan, of Florida, as they do to the people of California, of Wyoming, and of Arizona. It is this American spirit that led the National Parks to become the solemn retreats they still are today.

Visiting Yosemite for the first time is a life-changing experience. People from all walks of life and all over the world are united in their love for Yosemites unique magnificencewords cant express the deep effect that its trees, walls, and waterfalls have on us. Through places like Yosemite, we appreciate the sacred interconnectedness of nature, of which we all form a small part. As Muir lovingly remarked,

One touch of nature makes the whole world kin.

El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall tower majestically above the Merced River in the heart of Yosemite Valley.

Jeff Perkin is a graphic artist and an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach available at WholySelf.com
People wearing face masks try out the latest iPhone 13 handsets at an Apple Store in Beijing on Sept. 28, 2021. (Andy Wong/AP Photo)

Apple Gives $275 Billion to China

Forced tech transfer to China is stab in the back to America

News Analysis

Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook inked a $275 billion giveaway in 2016 that explains the tech companys success in China, according to secret documents reportedly seen by The Information.

The Chinese market is no small part of Apples approximately $3 trillion market capitalization. This makes it the worlds largest company. So the Apple CEO could be incentivized to give away the companys technology and ignore human rights abuses to maximize his bonuses in the short term, while not only selling out Apple shareholders, but U.S. democracy as well.

What did Apple give away to maintain its access to the Chinese market in 2016? At the time, Chinese authorities were angry about Apple not doing enough for Chinas economy and shutting down iTunes books and movies in April 2016, according to the reports source.

To sweeten the negotiations, Cook apparently agreed to a $1 billion investment in Didi Global, Ubers Chinese competitor, at a critical time in the fight between the two companies for ride-hailing market shares in China. A few days later, Apple agreed to spend $275 billion in China over five years, including on what should be considered forced technology development and transfer.

According to The Informations Wayne Ma, the deal committed Apple to aiding roughly a dozen causes favored by China, including a pledge to help Chinese manufacturers develop the most advanced manufacturing technologies and support the training of high-quality Chinese talents.

The secret agreement with Beijing stated that Apple would use more components from Chinese suppliers in its devices, sign deals with Chinese software firms, collaborate on technology with Chinese universities, and directly invest in Chinese tech companies, according to Ma.

Apple promised to invest many billions of dollars more than what the company was already spending annually in China, he said. Some of that money would go toward building new retail stores, research and development centers, and renewable energy projects.

Apple is among other U.S. corporationsincluding Nike and Coca-Colalobbying Congress against the core provisions in a measure that was just approved by the House against the use of Uyghur forced labor in China. The provisions reasonably assume, because of Chinas opaque labor standards and the lack of a free press, that goods made in Xinjiang are produced with forced labor, except where companies prove otherwise. Much of the worlds cotton and polysilicon, used in Apple products, come from Xinjiang.

Protesters hold signs as they gather during a rally for Uyghur Freedom in New York on March 22, 2021. (Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Images)

Uyghurs from the Xinjiang region, as well as Tibetans and Falun Gong practitioners, are undergoing genocide in China, according to the definition in the U.N. Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. The Uyghur genocide has been recognized by the United States, the UK, Canada, and several European government entities. Part of this genocide is forced labor, which Apple apparently doesnt care much about relative to its China-linked revenues.

One of Apples Xinjiang-related lobbying firms, led by former staffers of Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.)whose family has business interests in Chinais called Fierce Government Relations.

The fierceness is coming from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). According to a 2020 report from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI), Apple is a beneficiary of Xinjiangs forced labor transfer programs through Apple suppliers O-Film Technology and Foxconn.

Under conditions that strongly suggest forced labour, Uyghurs are working in factories that are in the supply chains of at least 82 well-known global brands in the technology, clothing, and automotive sectors, including Apple, BMW, Gap, Huawei, Nike, Samsung, Sony, and Volkswagen, ASPI report authors Vicky Xiuzhong Xu, Danielle Cave, James Leibold, Kelsey Munro, and Nathan Ruser wrote.

The report states that O-Film technology accepts what appears to be forced Uyghur laborers. Yet Apple was supplied by O-Film. Cook visited the company, and promoted it on social media and through an Apple press release that was later deleted.

Prior to Cooks visit, between 28 April and 1 May 2017, 700 Uyghurs were reportedly transferred from Lop County, Hotan Prefecture, in Xinjiang to work at a separate O-Film factory in Nanchang, Jiangxi province, the ASPI report reads.

A local Xinjiang paper said that workers at O-Film had minders from Lop County who were politically reliable. The workers were expected to gradually alter their ideology and turn into modern, capable youth who understand the Partys blessing, feel gratitude toward the Party, and contribute to stability, according to the report.

That sounds like forced labor.

Its time for U.S. corporations, including Apple, to improve their ethical practices. They shouldnt be involved with any country, government, or political party thats committing even a single genocide, much less three.

China is that country. Beijing is that government. The CCP is that party. End U.S. complicity with forced labor and genocide now.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison speaks to the media in Melbourne, Australia, on Nov. 9, 2021. (William West/AFP via Getty Images)

Australia Extends COVID-19 Control Measures

Australia has again extended COVID-19 biosecurity measures governing controls around who can enter and leave the country.

The measures under the Biosecurity Act, in place since March 2020, will extend until Feb. 17.

They allow the continuation of mandatory COVID-19 testing for people wanting to fly into Australia as well as protective mask-wearing on international flights.

The rules also cover restrictions on international arrivals from high-risk countries, unvaccinated Australians wanting to go overseas, and controls on cruise ships.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison aims to allow international students and other visa holders back into Australia this year.

A two-week delay to the reopening is due to end on Dec. 15, but no final decision has yet been made.

Were just taking some final bits of information, Morrison told 2GB radio following a national cabinet meeting with state and territory leaders on Friday.

He urged premiers and chief ministers not to shut their borders as Omicron cases continued to rise.

Morrison cited as positive signs South Australias decision to tighten border controls for some interstate arrivals instead of shutting them out altogether, and Queenslands move to reopen to people from hotspot areas on Monday.

The severity of this (Omicron) virus is so far not presenting to be worse than what happened with Delta, the prime minister said.

Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly advised national cabinet it was still early days for Australias understanding of the Omicron variant.

Leaders agreed to continue considering international border settings consistent with a suppression strategy and as more evidence emerged about Omicrons severity, transmissibility and the efficacy of vaccines against it.

Infections are on the rise in New South Wales. The state reported 516 new cases on Friday, its highest daily caseload in two months.

Victoria recorded 1,206 daily infections and two more deaths.

The ACT detected six additional cases and the Northern Territory four, while there were six locally acquired cases in Queensland.

Australias 16-plus full vaccination rate sits at 88.9 percent.

More than two million children aged between five and 11 will be eligible for Pfizer shots from Jan. 10.

Australias immunisation advisory body signed off on giving younger children a Pfizer dose one-third of the usual strength.

Jabs will be spaced eight weeks apart for under-12s and bookings will open in late December.

By Georgie Moore
Family members of the victims killed by Matthew de Grood leave court in Calgary on May 25, 2016. De Grood killed five young people with a kitchen knife at a house party in April 2014. (The Canadian Press/Jeff McIntosh)

Banning Firearms Is Not the Answer to Addressing Violent Crime

Commentary

An almost obsessive focus on the weapons used in acts of violence rather than the underlying causes of violence will hinder efforts to prevent violent crimes. Barely a week goes by when we dont hear from politicians or activists demanding a ban on firearms as a means to combat violence.

Its easy to villainize firearms. We see guns used by criminals on television and in movies all the time. Guns clearly are the weapon of choice in the realm of dramatized fiction. In reality, however, firearms account for only a little more than a third of Canadian homicides. If we are going to tackle violent crime, we cant ignore the method used in nearly two-thirds of the murders, can we?

Stabbings account for a third of homicides but we dont hear politicians calling for knife bans. A number of mayors from Quebec banded together last fall to demand federal election candidates commit to handgun bans. The most shocking recent act of murderous violence in Quebec was perpetrated by a man in Quebec City with a sword in the fall of 2020. He killed two people and injured five others. Just this week, a student in Montreal stabbed his teacher. No weapon bans could have prevented those assaults.

Calgarys worst mass murder in history was carried out by Matthew de Grood in 2014, when he killed five young people at a house party with a kitchen knife.

If we want to reduce violent crime, we need to look at the motives of the perpetrators rather than the means. In the cases of the fatal stabbings in Montreal and Calgary, both of the murderers had mental health issues. Mental health issues are complicated, expensive, and sensitive to deal with, however. Politicians are often loath to wade into such sticky policy areas, so they take the easy route of focusing on weapons.

Violent crime patterns have socio-economic roots and racial elements wrapped up in them. Activists and political leaders are always terrified to enter such potentially controversial territory when considering policy. But those roots of violent crime have to be examined in any serious efforts to quell violence.

Provincial homicide rates in Canada are at their highest in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. According to an index published in 2019 by Macleans, Canadas top nine most dangerous communities due to violent crime are all small and all in Western Canada. When we get down that list to the larger cities, the ones leading the list are Winnipeg, Edmonton, Saskatoon, and Regina. While people associate violent crime as being something that is highest in large urban centres such as Toronto, Montreal, or Vancouver, it simply isnt the case.

While nobody likes to talk about it, the common denominator in all of the most violent communities is a high proportion of indigenous citizens. Indigenous Canadians are very overrepresented as both victims and perpetrators of all crimes. Stating this is not a condemnation of a race by any means. It is a statistical reality indicating how severe the socioeconomic challenges are with Canadas indigenous peoples. It is a complex minefield of an issue, thus folks tend to try and avoid it.

In Canadas larger urban centres, firearm violence has been predominantly committed by gangs. Street gangs usually have an ethnic minority component involved with them. Mitigating gang violence will involve work on the integration of immigrant communities and ethnic minorities in large cities. Thats a vast issue with no clear-cut solutions. The racially delicate nature of the issue leaves people less than eager to wade into it.

Firearms provide a simplistic and visible target for people who want to look as if they are tackling violent crime without actually having to immerse themselves in the complex causes of violent crime.

Most of the handguns used in murders were illegally obtained in the first place. Putting restrictions on legal firearm owners will have no impact on the actions of criminal users of firearms. Its easier to crack down on the law-abiding than the criminal. Illegalizing types of recreational firearms gives the illusion of taking dangerous weapons off the streets, but in reality it has little impact on violent crime.

Blaming guns for violent crime is akin to blaming syringes for overdoses. In both cases, it is taking a simple and ineffective approach to solving a complicated problem.

If we are ever to see good policy initiatives to reduce violent crime, our leaders are going to have to find the courage to drill down into the complicated issues at the base of violent crime. As long as we continue to scapegoat inanimate firearms, we wont see any real progress on solutions.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
A taxi driver uses the Didi Chuxing app while driving along a street in Guilin, in China's southern Guangxi region on May 13, 2016. (Greg Baker/AFP via Getty Images)

Other Chinese Firms May Follow Didi Out of Wall Street Amid Beijing Crackdown

News Analysis

Chinas online ride-hailing giant Didi Chuxing (Didi) announced on Dec. 2 it was delisting from the New York Stock Exchange and moving to Hong Kong, after being placed under four months official investigation. Didis withdrawal is linked to Chinas secrecy toward data, as well as new stringent U.S. regulations involving Chinese companies on the stock market.

Didis abrupt change, according to experts, was done under the duress of Chinese Communist Party (CCP) scrutiny.

The day before Didis announcement of delisting, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) finalized rules to implement the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, signed by former U.S. President Donald Trump in December 2020.

If you want to issue public securities in the U.S., the firms that audit your books have to be subject to inspection by the PCAOB [Public Company Accounting Oversight Board], said SEC Chair Gary Gensler in a statement.

Wang Xianbin, director of Gasgoo Research Institute, told Reuters there might be a wave of delisting of China concepts stocks with big data, especially those involving national geographic information and personal information.

A digital board on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) shows the closing numbers near the end of the day, in New York City, on Dec. 2, 2021. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Before the delisting, Beijing had already begun investigating Didi under new cybersecurity laws coming into effect as Didi was joining the market.

On June 10, Beijing imposed the National Data Security Law, then a month later on July 10, issued a draft on cybersecurity censorship regulations. The regulations require that operators with personal information of more than one million users who go public abroad must report to the cybersecurity censorship office for approval, according to state-owned media Peoples Daily.

Didi falls into that category.

The company debuted on Wall Street without any ceremony on June 30, in tandem with the new laws and regulations. At that time, the company had over 15 million daily users, according to a Sept. 16 report from the South China Morning Post. Reuters reported in 2018 that Didi had 550 million users in China.

The Chinese regime began surveilling the company several days later on July 2. Two days later, Didis app was taken down. Then officials took down 25 apps related to Didi on July 9. On July 16, seven departments jointly overtook the investigation into Didi.

Protecting sensitive data is a primary focus for the CCP looking to shift companies to Hong Kong. Didi had large amounts of big data, including data for people involved in top state agencies, gathered since 2015, according to a July 8 report from Bloomberg. Two years later, Didi launched an app for tracking vehicle driving records.

I think China has made it clear they no longer want technology companies listing over in U.S. markets because it brings them under the jurisdiction of U.S. regulators, the regional head of Asia at Cambridge Associates, Aaron Costello, told CNBC, the same day Didi delisted.

The U.S. jurisdiction includes inspection from the PCAOB, which China and Hong Kong historically do not comply with, according to SEC chair Gensler.

Costello added that he expects almost all of the U.S.-listed Chinese technology companies will be relisted in Hong Kong or on the mainland.

Chinas current security law stipulates that foreign securities supervisors cannot investigate and gather evidence in China, and any entity or individual cannot provide documents related to securities business activities outside of China.

The CCP may deny other large Chinese companies with sensitive big data to the New York Stock Exchange, Zhang Chengyu, the vice general manager of Beijing-based Shiji Hongfan Asset Management Co., told Reuters on Dec. 3.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
President Joe Biden speaks about the deadly storm system that struck multiple states, in Wilmington, Del., on Dec. 11, 2021. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images)

Biden Pledges to Help States Struck by Storms

States struck by a major storm system that swept through Kentucky and adjoining areas late Friday will receive federal assistance, President Joe Biden pledged on Saturday.

Were going to get through this together, Biden said near his home in Wilmington, Delaware.

The federal government is not going to walk away. This is one of those times when we arent Democrats or Republicans. Were all Americans, he added.

Kentucky said the death toll from the inclement weather could exceed 100 while Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, and Tennessee also reported severe damage.

The storm system included four tornadoes, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat, told reporters in Bowling Green.

The damage is even worse now that we have first light. A couple places have been hit incredibly hard, certainly Mayfield here in Graves County, but everywhere along the line of this tornado that touched down and stayed down for 227 miles, he said.

The longest track on record is 219 miles, completed by a tornado from 1925 that moved across Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana.

Buildings struck by a tornado are seen in downtown Mayfield, Ky., on Dec. 11, 2021. (Ryan C. Hermens/Lexington Herald-Leader via AP)

Amy Meno and Brooklyn Rogers search for belongings after a devastating outbreak of tornadoes ripped through several U.S. states in Earlington, Ky., on Dec. 11, 2021. (Cheney Orr/Reuters)

The National Weather Service said a confirmed tornado with EF-3 damage and wind speeds of 150 miles per hour struck the Bowling Green area. Assessments of other areas were underway.

Ronnie Noel, a magistrate in Hopkins County, said on NPR that he witnessed total devastation when he went with first responders to Dawson Springs.

Lots and lots of power lines, trees everywhere, homes destroyed, demolished. There was loss of life. Im not sure the number, he said.

Biden quickly approved Kentuckys emergency declaration, receiving praise from Beshear.

An approval rarely happens in the midst of a disaster, Beshear said.

Biden also received a briefing on the situation and spoke with governors of the affected states before delivering a speech.

Biden asked Beshear, Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, and Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee what each of their states needs and expressed his condolences for lives lost, according to a White House readout.

Jill and I pray, and I sincerely mean this, pray for those whove lost loved ones and for those who are uncertain of the fate of their loved ones, Biden said in Wilmington.

The Democrat plans to visit the worst-hit areas, but will hold off for now because he doesnt want to get in the way of recovery efforts.
President Joe Biden is seen in Washington on Dec. 10, 2021. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Biden Signs Bill to Enable Fast-Track Raising of US Debt Limit

President Joe Biden signed legislation on Dec. 10 that enables Congress to fast-track the procedure of raising the United States debt limit.

The United States pays its debts when they are due. Thats why today, I signed a bill to fast-track the process to raise our debt limit, Biden said in a statement.

The White House released a short video of the signing, which took place in the Oval Office. Reporters werent allowed to attend the signing.

The bill was approved by lawmakers in bipartisan fashion. Ten Republicans, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), joined with Democrats to approve the legislation in the upper chamber. One Republican, Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.), who isnt running for reelection, crossed the aisle to vote in favor of the bill in the House of Representatives.

The debt limit saga started in the fall, when Republicans for months refused to help Democrats raise the limit, arguing that, with majorities in both legislative chambers, they could use budget reconciliation or another tool to raise it without GOP assistance.

However, McConnell and 10 other Republicans joined Democrats in October to approve a temporary boost, to allow the government to continue borrowing through at least early this month.

Republicans filled the leadership vacuum that has troubled the Senate since January. I write to inform you that I will not provide such assistance again if your all-Democrat government drifts into another avoidable crisis, McConnell told Biden in a letter shortly thereafter.

The latest bill sets for one time the number of votes needed to raise the limit at a simple majority, instead of 60. Democrats control the 5050 Senate because Vice President Kamala Harris, as president of the chamber, can cast tiebreaking votes.

Some Republicans took shots at GOP senators who helped Democrats pass the bill.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) walks at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Dec. 9, 2021. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP Photo)

Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) said on the Senate floor last week that the bill quite literally gives a blank check to President Biden and the Democrats.

The senators who gave that blank check dont want you to know that they did it, he said.

Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) wrote on Twitter: I could not vote for this debt limit workaround that would pave the way for funding Democrats radical socialist agenda and threaten the filibuster. This is only setting Democrats up to continue their tax and spending spree.

Republicans who voted for the bill offered a different perspective.

It was the right thing to do because the last thing in the world that this country needs is a default, Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) said.

McConnell told reporters before the vote that the bill is in the best interests of the country by avoiding default.

I think it is also in the best interest of Republicans, he said.

Democrats touted the bills passage, with some asserting it shows that the filibuster, which sets a 60-vote threshold for most bills, can be removed.

Today, the Senate made an exception to the filibuster to advance debt ceiling legislation, which is proof that we *can* pass voting rights legislation this Congressregardless of the filibuster. To borrow from a popular gospel song: If we did it before, we can do it again, Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) said on Twitter.
Britain's Foreign Secretary Liz Truss (C) addresses the opening session of the G7 summit of foreign and development ministers at the Museum of Liverpool on Dec. 11, 2021. (Olivier Doulier/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)

G7 Ministers Present United Front Against Russia Over Ukraine Crisis

LIVERPOOL, EnglandThe worlds wealthiest democracies on Saturday sought to present a united front against Russian aggression toward Ukraine as Britain hosted a meeting of foreign ministers in the northern English city of Liverpool.

The G7 meeting, attended in person by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his counterparts from France, Italy, Germany, Japan, and Canada, comes amid international concern that Russia could invade Ukraine. Russia denies planning any attack.

Ahead of the formal discussions, British foreign minister Liz Truss met Blinken on Friday night where they expressed deep concern about the build-up of Russian troops on Ukraines border, Britains foreign office said in a statement.

Any incursion by Russia would be a strategic mistake for which there would be serious consequences, the foreign office added.

We need to come together strongly to stand up to aggressors who are seeking to limit the bounds of freedom, Truss told foreign ministers at the start of the meeting.

Ukraine is at the center of a crisis in East-West relations as it accuses Russia of massing tens of thousands of troops in preparation for a possible large-scale military offensive.

Russia accuses Ukraine and the United States of destabilizing behavior, and has said it needs security guarantees for its own protection.

Ministers arrived at the Museum of Liverpool to a brass band playing Christmas carols, before convening the first formal meeting session which will look at geopolitical issues including nuclear talks with Iran and the military buildup in Iran.

What the G7 meeting this weekend  is about, is about a show of unity between like-minded major economies, that we are going to absolutely be strong in our stance against aggression, against aggression with respect to Ukraine, Truss told reporters ahead of the talks.

Age Of Introspection

Britain, as the current chair of the G7, is calling for its members to be more strident in their defense of what it calls the free world.

Earlier this week Truss said the age of introspection for the West was over and it needed to wake up to the dangers of rival ideologies. She has highlighted the economic risks of Europes dependence on Russian gas and the wider security threat posed by Chinese technology as examples.

The G7 meeting is also expected to result in a joint call for Iran to moderate its nuclear program and grasp the opportunity of ongoing talks in Vienna to revive a multilateral agreement on its nuclear development.

Both Truss and Blinken stressed the need for Iran to engage in the talks, according to the foreign office statement.

Germany, which takes over the rotating G7 leadership from Britain next year, is expected to set out its program for 2022 at the meeting. Ministers from the European Union, Australia, South Korea, and India will take part in some sessions as guests of the G7, along with representatives from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

By William James and Alexander Ratz
Falun Gong practitioners hold a candlelight vigil in front of the Chinese Consulate in Toronto on July 13, 2019, holding photos of fellow adherents who had died as a result of persecution in China. (Handout)

Falun Gong Adherents Urge Ottawa to Call for Release of Canadian and Family Members of Canadians Detained in China

Falun Gong adherents are calling on the federal government to demand the release of Canadian citizen Sun Qian and 13 family members of Canadians jailed in China for their practise of Falun Gong as the world observes International Human Rights Day on Dec. 10.

In an online press conference Friday, Joel Chipkar, spokesperson for the Falun Dafa Association of Canada, said Falun Gong remains one of the most largely and most violently persecuted groups in China.

Twenty-two years ago, the Communist Party of China waged an illegal and deadly persecution against Falun Gong, he said.

Human rights organizations, the United Nations, and the U.S. State Department have reported on the nationwide horrific abuses happening to Falun Gong practitioners, including rape, torture, murder, and a massive propaganda campaign to paint Falun Gong as the enemy of the state.

Sun, a Vancouver-based businesswoman, was arrested by Chinese authorities while on a visit to Beijing in February 2017.

On June 30, 2020, the 54-year-old Canadian citizen Ms. Sun Qian was illegally sentenced to eight years in prison for simply standing up for her fundamental freedom to believe, Chipkar said.

While in detention, Sun renounced her Canadian citizenship, a move that her supporters believe was made under duress.

Chipkar said the press conference seeks to bring attention to the persecution campaign against Falun Gong adherents launched by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in July 1999 that has been largely ignored by the West.

Falun Dafa Association of Canada president Li Xun speaks during a rally outside the Chinese Embassy in Ottawa on June 26, 2017, calling for the release of Canadian citizen Sun Qian who is currently detained in China for practicing Falun Gong. (Donna He/The Epoch Times)

Li Xun, president of the Falun Dafa Association of Canada, said the CCPs tactic of defaming Falun Gong has prevented some people from knowing the truth about the persecution.

This persecution also aims at destroying every individuals conscience and morality by using demonization and coercion to distort peoples sense of right and wrong, thus becoming complicit to crimes against humanity for over two decades, Li said at the press conference.

He called on the Canadian government to use the Magnitsky Act to sanction over 150 Chinese officials who are perpetrators for the crimes they committed in the persecution of Falun Gong.

Li added that 12 UN Special Rapporteurs issued a statement in June saying they were extremely alarmed by what they consider to be credible allegations of forced organ harvesting of Falun Gong practitioners at the hands of the Chinese communist regime, targeting religious and ethnic minorities.

He urged Canada to also strongly and publicly condemn the CCP for the persecution of Falun Gong.

Present at the press conference were Liu Mingyuan from Toronto, Jack Liu from Ottawa, and Alice Zhang from Vancouver, all of whose parents are currently either detained or imprisoned in China for practising Falun Gong.

Liu Mingyuan, a student at Ontarios Sheridan College, speaks out against the Chinese regimes persecution of Falun Gong at a protest outside the Chinese Consulate in Toronto on Nov. 18, 2021. The Chinese regime has recently detained her mother, Liu Yan, for her belief in the Falun Gong spiritual practice. (Michelle Hu/The Epoch Times)

Liu Mingyuan, 24, moved to Canada in August to study computer animation at Sheridan College.

I hope all the righteous Canadians, our governments can help me to voice up for my mom and for all the victims living under the Beijing communist regime, she said in a statement.

Lius mother, Liu Yan, was arrested by Chinese authorities on Sept. 30 in Kunming, the capital city of Yunnan Province in southwest China, and has been detained there ever since.

Prior to her arrest, Liu Yan had already been detained and imprisoned for her belief. In 1999, the Chinese regime detained her along with her daughter, who was then just 2 years old, for refusing to give up Falun Gong.

Liu Yan was detained again in 2015 while her husband, Liu Yong, a renowned artist and one of the top painters in China, was detained in 2012. Both were sentenced to several years in prison where they were tortured, brainwashed, and forced into slave labour, said Liu Mingyuan.

My paternal grandma passed away because of the unspeakable stress, fear, and heartbreak that the communist regime brought upon our family. My maternal grandma suffered such shock and trauma that she has become paralyzed.

Jack Liu, an undergraduate student at Carleton University, said the persecution has destroyed the lives of Falun Gong practitioners and their families.

His father, Liu Zhoubo, and mother, Cao Wen, were both kidnapped from home on Nov. 19.

Police ransacked their home and confiscated their cellphones, Falun Gong books, and other materials about Falun Gong and the persecution, he said.

My father was accused of sending text messages regarding Falun Gong using Bluetooth on subways in Beijing. He is currently detained in Beijing No. 3 Detention Center while my mother is detained in Beijing No. 2 Detention Center.

What has been happening to my family is just one out of the tens of thousands, he added.

Alice Zhang, whose mother, Tang Huafeng, was kidnapped by the police on June 12 for distributing clarification materials about Falun Gong, urged the government to take actions to defend Canadian values of democracy, freedom and human rights, and safeguarding human dignity.

Tang is currently detained in Jinzhou Detention Center in Shanxi Province. She was previously detained in a forced labour camp for two years from 2006 to 2008, followed by a sentence of three years and six months imprisonment in 2015.

Liberal MP and former cabinet minister Judy Sgro speaks at an event celebrating Falun Dafa Day on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on May 8, 2019. (Evan Ning/The Epoch Times)

In a letter to Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly, Liberal MP and co-chair of Parliamentary Friends of Falun Gong Judy Sgro asked for the ministers immediate condemnation of these illegal detentions and called for the release of Liu Yan, Jack Lius parents, and Falun Gong practitioners still detained.

As you, and many others around the world, are aware the Chinese government have for decades been harassing, detaining, torturing, and killing practitioners of this peaceful belief, the letter reads.

It is important that we not only continue to stand up to China on their human rights abuses, but to push back. These types of atrocities cannot continue.

Conservative MP Garnett Genuis watches a speaker present during a news conference in Ottawa, Canada, on Nov. 26, 2020. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press)

Conservative MP Garnett Genuis, also co-chair of Parliamentary Friends of Falun Gong, said in a video clip played during the press conference that it is essential for Canada to stand up for the fundamental human rights of freedom of religion and conscience.

Religious freedom is a fundamental human right. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights, and that everyone has the right to freedom of conscience, thought, and religion, Genuis said.

Canada must continue to advocate for this fundamental human right that is being denied to Falun Gong practitioners and many others in China.
The logo of U.S. carmaker Ford can be seen at the company's booth at the International Motor Show (IAA) Germany, in Munich, southern Germany, on Sept. 8, 2021. (Christof Stache/AFP via Getty Images)

Chart Wars: Will Ford Close the Gap Between Teslas Stock?

Ford Motor Co. and Tesla Inc. have both formed weekly chart patterns that could provide clues to their future direction for the long-minded trader and investor.

Ford has formed a bull flag pattern while Tesla has settled into a bearish downtrend. As more and more legacy automakers continue the switch to electric vehicles, there is a possibility Tesla will lose its sector dominance and stocks such as Ford and General Motors Company have begun to decouple from Teslas price movements.

It should be noted, however, that events affecting the direction of the general markets, positive or negative reactions to earnings prints and news headlines about a stock can quickly invalidate patterns. As the saying goes, the trend is your friend until it isnt and any trader position should have a clear stop set in place and manage their risk versus reward.

On Thursday, Ford CEO Jim Farley, appearing on CNBCs Investing Club with Jim Cramer, said the Detroit-area automaker has the framework in place to bridge the gap between Ford and Tesla by increasing its EV production. Ford has a fair bit of catching up to do, however, because the automaker sold just 11,116 electric vehicles in November compared to Tesla, which sold 52,859 vehicles in China alone.

Ford Chart

Ford has created a weekly bull flag pattern with the pole formed between the week of Sept. 20 and Nov. 8 and the flag between Nov. 8 and Friday.

On Friday, Ford was attempting to break up bullishly from the upper descending trendline of the flag pattern on high volume, which indicates the pattern is likely recognized.

Ford will need to break up through a resistance level at $20.51 to power higher.

There is a gap on the daily chart bullish traders should be aware of between $15.92 and $16.55 because it is likely Ford will trade down into the range in the future, although it could be an extended amount of time before that happens.

Tesla Chart

After reaching an all-time high of $1,243.49 on Nov. 4, Tesla entered into a downtrend on the weekly chart, although the trend is less clear on the daily.

The most recent lower high was printed the week of Nov. 22 at the $1,201.95 level and the most recent lower low of $950.50 was created this week.

The weekly candle looks to be a doji, which indicates Tesla may trade higher next week although the stock will need to pop up over the $12,50 level to negate the downtrend.

There are two gaps on Teslas chart that are likely to fill in the future, with the first falling between $910 and $944.20 range and the second between $1,197 and $1,208.

By Melanie Schaffer

 2021 The Epoch Times. The Epoch Times does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
A Chinese worker carries materials for the first rail line linking China to Laos, a key part of Beijing's "Belt and Road" project across the Mekong in Luang Prabang, Laos, on Feb. 8, 2020. (Aidan Jones/AFP via Getty Images)

China to Reap Benefits and Laos Falls into Debt Trap as China-Laos Railway Begins Service

Chinas Belt and Road Initiative has resulted in debt traps for a number of countries. Laos may have just joined the list with the opening of the China-Laos railway on Dec. 3.

Countries such as Kenya and Ethiopia are already struggling to repay Chinas Belt and Road loans, while Laos, a landlocked country, still has great expectations for the Beijing-initiated railway project, hoping that it will energize its agriculture-based economy.

It used to take 2-3 days for goods to be transported from Vientiane, the capital of Laos, to Kunming, China. Now with the 643-mile railway in service, it takes less than 24 hours. For passenger trains, with speeds up to 100 miles per hour, it takes only three hours to travel from Vientiane to the China-Laos border, and arrive in Kunming within 12 hours, according to Chinas state media Xinhua News.

Unlike other Southeast Asian countries, Laos is a relatively backward country. Being landlocked with a mountainous topography puts the country at a disadvantage when it comes to trade and transportation. In 2019, Laos was listed by the United Nations as one of the 13 poor countries with the highest risk of debt distress.

The World Bank predicted last year that with supporting reforms, the cross-country railway may help Laos to boost incomes by 21 percent. However, it may take more than ten years for Laos to realize the projected gain, as the supporting developments, such as land development, construction, and equipment, also require a huge amount of capital investment.

Moreover, some experts believe that this infrastructure may cause Laos to fall into the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) debt trap.

AidData, a research project under Virginias College of William & Mary, released a research report in September this year, revealing that China holds a 70 percent ownership stake in the joint venture while Laos holds 30 percent.

The total cost of the project is $5.9 billion and it is being financed according to 60:40 debt-to-equity ratio ($3.54 billion of debt and $2.36 billion of equity). Lao-China Railway Company directly secured $3.54 billion of debt financing from China Eximbank, and the Government of Laos and the Chinese Government jointly contributed $730 million and $1.63 billion of equity financing, respectively. In order to make its $730 million equity contribution to the project, the Government of Laos secured a $480 million loan from China Eximbank and agreed to provide $250 million of its own funding (in annual installments), the report said.

The debt incurred by Laos, $3.54 billion, is close to one fifth of Laos 2020 GDP, which was $19.14 billion. If Laos fails to repay its debts, it will have to use its natural resources, such as bauxite and potassium mines, to repay the debt.

Laos outstanding debt, most of which is owed to China, is equal to approximately two-thirds of its annual economic output, according to a Dec. 2 report by the Associated Press (AP).

The AP report quoted Greg Raymond, a Southeast Asian expert at Australian National University, as saying,Laos has put itself in a position where if the railway doesnt make a profit, then its got real debt issues.

Raymond told BBC that China will have a double benefit from the railway project. First, the line helps to connect China and Southeast Asian countries in its backyard by rail, greatly facilitating Chinas access to those countries. Second, China can use the new special economic zone in Laos as a node to control production, supply chain, and consumption.

The newly opened line goes to China in the north, Thailand in the east, Myanmar in the west, Malaysia and Singapore in the south. It is a great help for the CCP to realize its ambition to expand its influence in Southeast Asian countries.
Chinese Media Unveiled Illegal Manipulation of Tiktoks Hot List

News Analysis

Two China-based employees of ByteDance, the developer of short video app TikTok, were sentenced to prison for taking bribes to prioritize certain content on the video platform. The arrests come amidst the common phenomenon of faking popularity through Chinese online media.

A Beijing court sentenced Wang Moudi to 14 months in prison and Zhang Mouying to one year in prison with a suspended sentence of 18 months. Both were fined 20,000 yuan (about $3,140).

The verdict said that the men, one is 20 years old, the other 18, worked in two different associated companies of ByteDance, and were occupied with hot search and hot spot-content planning for Douyin, the Chinese version of Tiktok. The two were charged with receiving a total of 576,000 yuan ($90,400) in bribes from 2019 to 2020 and pushing specified content onto Douyins Hot List upon request.

In July 2020, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced a ban on TikTok in the United States for alleged national security concerns, reported the BBC.

In addition to ByteDance, an employee of Kuaishou, another Chinese developer of a short video sharing app known as Kwai or Snack Video outside of China, obtained a total of about 88,000 Yuan ($14,000) from four companies for rigging their music chart rankings from August 2017 to January 2018. The accused was later sentenced to five months of detention, according to Chinese financial media.

Another notorious artificial manipulation is the ranking of Baidu, Chinas version of Google. According to Baidus promotion regulations, top rankings can be purchased through auction.

In February 2016, Wei Zexi, a 21-year-old Chinese university student, suffered from a rare form of cancer. His parents found a highly ranked hospital in Beijing through Baidu, offering advanced treatment for this disease. However, after two months of treatment and spending more than 200,000 yuan ($31,000), Wei died. The treatment was deemed to be ineffective and the methods used had stopped being employed 20 years prior, according to China National Radio in May 2016.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
A logo is pictured outside the World Trade Organization (WTO) headquarters next to a red traffic light in Geneva, Switzerland on Oct. 2, 2018. (Reuters/Denis Balibouse/File Photo)

20 Years After Joining WTO, China Still Far Away From Meeting Commitments: Experts

Beijings refusal to abide by the letter and spirit of its World Trade Organization (WTO) membership over the two decades since its admission to that body call for a shift in strategy on the part of countries that respect and seek to enforce the rules, experts say.

China joined the WTO on Dec. 11, 2001, and the 20th anniversary of its membership has inspired numerous reflections on the milestone, as well as complaints and protests by other member nations objecting to the communist regimes continuing reliance on heavy-handed and non-market-oriented trade and labor practices, from massive agricultural subsidies to forced labor.

A Pattern of Ongoing Violations

For many observers, Beijing is guilty not just of incidental violations of the terms of its membership, but of a general approach to trade and labor that is antithetical to the WTOs rules and founding principles.

When China joined the WTO, it agreed to join a global trade organization predicated on tenets of private enterprise-led, market-based rules governed trade, in accordance with the foundation principles of non-discrimination, reciprocity, and transparency, said Stephen Ezell, vice president for global innovation at the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation.

And China has never been further away than it is today from generally adhering to those principles. Theyre as far away as theyve ever been.

In spite of the expectation and requirement that Chinese authorities not interfere directly or indirectly in the commercial decisions of state-owned enterprises (SOEs), they are subject to Chinese Community Party (CCP) oversight.

A July report (pdf) published by Ezells organization, False Promises II: The Continuing Gap Between Chinas WTO Commitments and Its Practices, notes that as of 2016, there were 150,000 state-owned or state-controlled enterprises in China at the level of local government or the central level, employing some 30 million workers and holding assets totaling $15.2 trillion.

Membership in the WTO would, in theory, lead to a sharp reduction in the number of SOEs and their prevalence in Chinas industrial output, but the actual trend is closer to the opposite. The report charts the growth of the SOE sector both in market capitalization and in total numbers, and notes that as of 2019, of the 109 Chinese firms listed in the Fortune Global 500, 93 were SOEs. The prevalence of SOEs has been particularly marked in the banking sector, where state-owned and state-controlled banks predominate, the report notes. SOEs enjoy an array of advantages over private firms in areas ranging from taxation to the availability and terms of loans.

The continuing prevalence of state-owned enterprises is a very clear example of China not adhering to rules, Ezell said.

Other areas of noncompliance involve subsidies to agricultural businesses and forced technology transfers. Under WTO rules, a member must notify the organization of the provision of a subsidy in a timely manner, but Beijing has failed to do so and didnt even provide notification of provincial-level subsidies until 2019, Ezell said.

The phenomenon of forced technology transfers is even more concerning, he said. When non-Chinese corporations seek to compete in the Chinese market, they often have no choice but to reveal sensitive and proprietary trade technology and secrets to their competitors in China as part of the process. Ezell cited Kawasaki Rail Car and Siemens as two examples of foreign firms that had to divulge the technology involved in their high-speed rail systems when seeking entry to China.

They were forced to give away their technology and find themselves competing against Chinese companies [using their technology] a couple of years later in global markets, Ezell said.

A related problem that has drawn international attention is Beijings lack of respect for commonly understood rules and protocols governing intellectual property, he said. Chinese firms have brazenly misappropriated the IP of foreign competitors, a practice that has only gotten worse over time in the face of the outcry against it.

Despite repeated CCP assurances that this practice would abate, it continues to proceed apace. In every tech industry, from biotechnology to aerospace to telecom equipment, China is engaged in state-sanctioned IP theft. That is fundamentally antithetical to the commitment China made when it joined the WTO, Ezell said.

Ezell described IP theft as not just the work of a few random actors, but as a government-sanctioned approach specifically aimed at giving SOEs an advantage in violation of WTO rules and international law.

The CCP is insinuating itself into every corner of Chinese economic activity, by design and by intent. That means that instructions are coming from the top, he said.

A Big Mistake

For some observers, the record of widespread, chronic, and ongoing violations affirms the sense they had at the time that discussions took place regarding Chinas WTO admission two decades ago.

Twenty years ago, I wrote an article in the Wall Street Journal saying I didnt think we should let China into the WTO because they wouldnt meet their obligations. They clearly have not, said Thomas J. Duesterberg, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute.

The question isnt whether Chinas presence in the WTO can be justified, but how to respond to the violations in the face of the failure of sanctions to pressure Beijing to modify or end its more egregious practices, he said.

Scrapping sanctions may not be the right reaction. At this juncture, Duesterberg believes, allied democratic nations must continue to apply pressure.

We can enforce the rules as we see them, and the Trump administration was pretty strong on that. The Biden administration has not lifted any of the tariffs on China just yet, so we need to keep the pressure on, Duesterberg said.

Its worth trying to reform the WTO and to put stronger rules in place, especially on subsidies and digital trade.

But such reforms, while desirable, may not go far enough. He sees a crucial role for alternative trade agreements and systems with a regional character.

We can move in and build up trade agreements on a regional basis, as we did with the North American Free Trade Agreement, but I also think the U.S. needs to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, Duesterberg said, referring to an 11-nation regional pact from which the Trump administration withdrew. The Biden administration has indicated that it has no plans to join the trade agreement, known as the CPTPP.

Such a trade alliance may prove more effective in the end than even a retooled WTO, where internal dissensions on the China question have at times posed a hurdle for effective reforms.

The U.S. has been talking to Europe and Japan, but the Europeans have been very reluctant to take a strong stance against China, and to get new rules into the WTO is a tall order because normally it requires a very high degree of consensus, Duesterberg said. The Chinese will never agree to it, and they have allies they have bought off or pressured to side with them.

Hence, the utility of a new alliance, such as the CPTPP, in which Chinas influence cant block effective reforms. The United States needs to work on this issue with like-minded powers such as the UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan, which arent afraid to denounce the Beijing regimes practices, he said.

But if we can get the Europeans to be stronger proponents of being tough on China, that would be great too, he added.

Duesterberg also doesnt rule out the possibility of telling Chinese-owned firms such as Alibaba and TikTok that they may not operate in the United States, given the restrictions hampering U.S. firms looking to do business in China. Such a move could ramp up pressure on Beijing to modify its disregard of the letter and spirit of a free-trade-based global economic order.

A NATO for Trade

Ezell said he sees potential for a trade, economic, and security network of like-minded nations to push back against the CCPs abusive policies and practices. What NATO is for national defense, this network would be for global trade. Ezell gave an example of how this system would work in practice.

When we find Chinese companies that are continuing to engage in IP theft, we should collectively deny those Chinese companies access to all markets in this partnership, he said. We can have a NATO for trade, countries that would act collectively when enterprises are harmed by Chinese behavior, to impose serious consequences and collectively strengthen the high standards for market-based trade.
CNN Staffer Charged with Trying to Entice Young Girls to Engage in Illegal Sexual Activity

John Griffin has been suspended

A CNN staff member based in Connecticut has been charged with attempting to entice minor girls to engage in sexual activity.

John Griffin, 44, of Stamford, was arrested Friday on three counts of using a facility of interstate commerce to attempt to entice minors to engage in unlawful sexual activity.

Griffin from April to July of last year used messaging applications Kik and Google Hangouts to communicate with people who presented themselves as parents of young girls, prosecutors said.

Griffin sought to persuade parents to allow him to train their daughters to be sexually submissive, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Vermont.

In one case, Griffin transferred over $3,000 to a woman with 9- and 13-year-old daughters so the mother and her 9-year-old could fly from Nevada to Boston, Massachusetts.

Griffin picked the pair up from the airport and drove them to a home in Ludlow, Vermont that he acquired in February 2020 for the purpose of hosting mothers and their minor daughters for sexual training, according to court papers.

At the home, the child was directed to engage in and did engage in illegal sexual activity, the indictment states.

CNN producer John Griffin is seen in a file photograph. (LinkedIn)

Griffin also attempted to entice two other children over the internet to engage in illegal sexual activity.

Griffin was arrested and arraigned on Friday. It wasnt clear whether he was still in custody.

Griffin did not have a lawyer listed on the court docket.

He faces a minimum of 10 years in prison and up to life in prison if convicted of a single count, according to the Department of Justice.

Griffins LinkedIn lists him as a senior producer at CNN.

Griffin describes himself as AN ENTREPRENEURIAL PRODUCER WHO COMBINES UNCOMMON TECHNICAL SKILLS WITH EXCEPTIONAL, EXPERIENCED-HONED EDITORIAL JUDGMENT, ALWAYS WITH AN EYE TOWARDS HOW CAN WE DO IT BETTER, HOW CAN WE MOVE IT FORWARD, HOW CAN WE ADD VALUE FOR THE AUDIENCE?

Before starting at CNN in 2013, Griffin spent nearly eight years working for ABC News, over three years working for Fox News, and nearly three years working for CBS News.

A CNN spokesperson told news outlets the media outlet was aware of the arrest, but that the outlet has not fired Griffin.

We take the charges against Mr. Griffin incredibly seriously, the spokesperson said. We only learned of his arrest this afternoon and have suspended him pending investigation.

Correction: A previous version inaccurately stated the sentence Griffin faces if convicted. It is up to life in prison. The Epoch Times regrets the error.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis departs after signing into law Senate Bill 7072 at Florida International University in Miami on May 24, 2021. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)

DeSantis Proposes $8 Million in Budget to Relocate Illegal Immigrants to Delaware, Marthas Vineyard

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis set $8 million in his 202223 budget to transport illegal immigrants out of The Sunshine State.

He proposed the spending in the Freedom First Budget (pdf) to protect against harms resulting from illegal immigration. The spending may include the transportation of unauthorized aliens located within Florida to other states or the District of Columbia.

In yesterdays budget, I put in $8 million for us to be able to transport people illegally [in the United States] out of the state of Florida, he said during a press conference on Friday.

The Republican governor listed Delaware, President Joe Bidens hometown state, and Marthas Vineyard, where former President Barack Obama owns a mansion, as potential destinations to relocate the illegal immigrants.

If you sent [illegal immigrants] to Delaware or Marthas Vineyard or some of these places, that border would be secure the next day, he said.

The White House and The Obama Foundation didnt respond immediately to requests for comments from The Epoch Times.

DeSantis also encouraged more counties to participate in the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements (ICE) 287(g) program, under which individuals who have been arrested on criminal charges and are being booked into the county jails are asked about their immigration status.

Other proposed measures to reduce the harms of illegal immigrants include listing convicted illegal aliens on a public website.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (top C) speaks with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott at a border meeting in Del Rio, Texas, on July 18, 2021. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times)

DeSantis threatened to send illegal immigrants to Delaware back in November. He said his office is looking at legal avenues after his administration alleged that about 70 flights of illegal aliens were sent to Jacksonville, Florida, after being picked up by agents along the U.S.Mexico border.

Were going to get together and figure out what we can do in the immediate term to protect folks in Florida, DeSantis told reporters, noting that his options are limited because the federal government controls the immigration policies and actions.

But if theyre not doing that, DeSantis added, then clearly the state should be able to come in and provide protection, and so thats what were going to be looking to do.

If theyre going to come here, well provide buses, DeSantis said, before proclaiming, I will send them to Delaware.

Jack Phillips contributed to the report.
New Release

The Humans

Set in a dilapidated Manhattan apartment complex, this slow-paced drama is about three generations of the Blake family getting together for Thanksgiving.

At the heart of the film is a story about the challenges and complexities that all families face that also highlights various human imperfections. Patient viewers who enjoy interesting dialogue, oddball characters (with their various hopes, fears, and idiosyncrasies), and shrewd humor will be rewarded with a thought-provoking narrative.

Drama

Release Date: Nov. 24, 2021

Director: Stephen Karam

Starring: Richard Jenkins, Jayne Houdyshell, Amy Schumer

Runtime: 1 hour, 48 minutes

MPAA Rating: R

Where to Watch: Theaters

Rated: 3 out of 5

Family Pick

A Brilliant Young Mind

Nathan (Edward Baker-Close as a child and later Asa Butterfield) is a brilliant math prodigy whose social skills are stunted by autism. His widowed mom, Julie (Sally Hawkins), struggles to break through to him, but he soon forms a bond with an eccentric math teacher, Martin Humphreys (Rafe Spall).

This is a wonderful film that follows Nathans journey from withdrawn youth to a young man who eventually learns that the world isnt as scary as he once thought. Its message of helping others through persistent patience is golden.

Drama | Romance

Release Date: Sep. 11, 2015

Director: Morgan Matthews

Starring: Asa Butterfield, Rafe Spall, Sally Hawkins

Runtime: 1 hour, 51 minutes

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Roku, Hoopla

Rated: 4 out of 5 stars

Inspirational

Edie

When her overbearing husband passes away and her uncaring daughter dumps her off at a nursing home, strong-willed, 83-year-old woman Edie (Sheila Hancock) decides that shes not going quietly into the night. Instead, she set her sights on fulfilling her lifelong dream of scaling a famous mountain.

This lovingly crafted character study of an elderly person with an indomitable spirit wows with its beautiful cinematography and delights with its immersive dialogue and fascinating characters.

Adventure | Drama

Release Date: 2019

Director: Simon Hunter

Starring: Sheila Hancock, Kevin Guthrie, Paul Brannigan

Runtime: 1 hour, 42 minutes

MPAA Rating: Not Rated

Where to Watch: Kanopy, Amazon Prime Video, Vudu

Rated: 3 1/2 out of 5 stars

Holiday Pick

The Bishops Wife

As Christmas approaches, the pressure mounts on Episcopal Bishop Henry Brougham (David Niven) to construct a ritzy new cathedral, thanks to a group of wealthy snobs. As he begins to neglect his family, God sends Dudley (Cary Grant) to rectify things.

This films whimsical, light-hearted approach makes its message of embracing both faith and family perfect for holiday viewing.

Comedy | Drama | Fantasy

Release Date: 1948

Director: Harry Koster

Starring: Cary Grant, Loretta Young, David Niven

Runtime: 1 hour, 49 minutes

MPAA Rating: Not Rated

Where to Watch: Roku, Tubi, Vudu

Rated: 4 1/2 out of 5 stars
Portraits of detained Chinese human rights attorneys Jian Tianyong (L) and Wang Quanzhang are seen as Hong Kong pro-democracy activists observe a silent protest in support of human rights lawyers in China, outside of the Court of Final Appeal in Hong Kong's Central district on July 9, 2017. (Tengku Bahar/AFP/Getty Images)

EU Calls for China to Release Human Rights Defenders

The EU has called for China to immediately release human rights defenders, pressing the country to respect the rule of law and accusing the Chinese regime of deliberately systematically violating civil and political rights.

Citing names of Chinese human rights attorneys who allegedly have been detained or forcibly disappeared, the EU Delegation to China called for their immediate and unconditional release, urging the Chinese regime to investigate thoroughly and allow the attorneys to have a fair trial.

Those detained should be guaranteed access to lawyers of their own choice, medical assistance, and their family members, the delegation stated in its International Human Rights Day statement on Dec. 10.

Chinese human rights attorneys and activists have claimed that police prevented them from leaving their houses in advance of U.N. Human Rights Day events, which came after U.S. President Joe Biden announced a two-day virtual summit on democracy without inviting China and Russia.

They told us directly that there were two reasons: One was the U.S. democracy summit, and they were also worried we would take part in World Human Rights Day, human rights attorney Wang Quanzhang told AFP.

Wang was arrested in July 2015 as part of a nationwide clampdown on hundreds of activists and attorneys. In January 2019, he was sentenced to 4 1/2 years in prison for subversion of state powera catch-all charge Beijing often uses against dissidents.

Wang was released on April 5, 2020, after completing his sentence, including the time he spent in pretrial detention. He was taken to his hometown of Jinan, Shandong Province, China, for quarantine for 14 days before being reunited with his family in Beijing on Apr. 28, 2020.

Chinas estimated number of death sentences and executions vastly outnumbers that of all other countries combined, which also includes nonviolent cases, prompting the EU to call for China to reduce the number of criminal offenses that are punishable by death in the country.

The delegation described capital punishment as inhuman and unnecessary, urging China to implement a moratorium on executions and to ultimately abolish the death penalty.

China should stop the practice of residential surveillance at a designated location, which has been condemned by the U.N. Special Procedures, as well as discontinue the use of torture, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment of detained persons to extract forced and public confessions, the delegation stated.

The EU also called out China for deliberately systematically violating civil and political rights, noting reports of organ harvesting in China, which often involved minorities or vulnerable groups.

Forced organ harvesting is a criminal, inhumane and unethical practice, and must be stopped, the delegation stated.

The mass detentions of minorities in Xinjiang and evidence-based reports of forced labor against Uyghurs pose a grave concern, the delegation stated, suggesting the implementation of an independent assessment of the human rights situation in the region.

The EU and its Member States stand ready to engage with China to promote respect for the rule of law and human rights, in accordance with international human rights obligations, EU Ambassador to China Nicolas Chapuis wrote on Twitter.

Frank Fang contributed to this report.
Expert: Too Soon to Say If Omicron Is The Next Scary Thing

The new coronavirus variantfirst detected in South Africa, and named Omicron by the World Health Organizationhas stirred up concerns around the world.

Its sent stock markets on a roller-coaster ride, triggered new air travel bans, and raised a number of questions.

President Joe Biden addressed the American public after Thanksgiving, calling for calm and stating the variant should be a cause for concern, not a cause for panic.

We have more tools today to fight the variant than weve ever had before, he said at a White House press conference. You have to get your vaccineyou have to get the shot, you have to get the booster.

Scientists are scrambling to understand how the mutations in Omicron may affect the virus transmissibility and mortality rate and whether or not existing COVID-19 vaccines are effective against it.

Infectious disease expert Davidson Hamer is a member of Boston Universitys Medical Advisory Group, which has been guiding the universitys COVID-19 response since March 2020. He also chairs a group where clinicians and leaders from Boston University, Harvard University, Tufts University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology share data and insights on campus coronavirus response efforts.

Here, Hamer talks about whats different about the Omicron variant, how, or even if, we should change our behavior, and if all the news coverage is just a lot of hype:

Q: It seems like a lot of media coverage is focusing on the potential scary outcomes of Omicrondoes it seem too early for that message to be sent? Whats your temperature read on how balanced the reporting has been on this?

A: I think theres been a lot of overreaction[including] governments banning air travel. The [public health] measures that have been in place, if continued to be effectively utilizedsuch as [preflight] COVID testing, ensuring travelers are vaccinated, doing pre-departure testing within 48 to 72 hours of traveling, or quarantining upon arrival, with COVID testing five to seven days laterthose kinds of measures should help limit the spread of new variants broadly, meaning all new coronavirus variants, including Omicron.

Theres been a little too much hype, saying this is the next scary thing, but we dont know much about it yet.

Q: Many reports are saying that Omicron has significantly more variations to the virus spike protein than other variants. Is that the case or are these levels of mutations par for the course in terms of how viruses mutate?

A: I think its par for the course, but the concern is that the number of mutations is much higher than weve seen in previous variants. Its a much larger number of mutations in areas of the virus that are important for binding to cells, and if the virus is better able to bind to cells, that means it could lead to a higher concentration of virus and be more transmissible.

Is this going to be much more transmissible? Is this a greater threat [than previous variants]? We dont know yet. The reassuring thing is that the measures weve been using to control the spread of COVID-19avoiding public gatherings, mask use, ventilation, anybody who has symptoms getting tested and isolated, close contacts going into quarantineall those public health measures will work to control the spread of this variant, too.

Q: Is the arrival of Omicron on the global scene a reason for people here to start changing their behavior now?

A: I dont think Omicron is a reason to change behavior now, but the case numbers for the state have been rising gradually, and if you look at some of the surrounding states, theyre seeing a progressive rise, too.

Maine and Vermont are starting to have a bit of a health care [capacity] impact. In Massachusetts, weve had a slight increase in terms of hospitalization, but its been nowhere [close to] where we were in terms of April 2020, and thats thanks to the protective effect of vaccines.

[] With good public health mitigation efforts, we should be able to reduce spread and reduce risk. I would be cautious eating out at restaurants and being inside public places where mask use cannot be maintained.

Q: Whats the biggest takeaway people should have from the Omicron news?

A: I think the biggest thing is, we have very little information so far. The variant is characterized genetically, but clinically and from a public health standpoint, we know little. Is it more transmissible? Does it evade the immune response from vaccination? I think right now, the answer to most questions is, we need more evidence.

We need to reassure peoplethere is a global panic setting in, and its overdone. If we stick with the tried-and-true infection control measuresI dont think we need to do a complete lockdownand we are more cautious during the next four to eight weeks going through the holidays, all that will help keep things under reasonable control.

Q: Is there any hope that Omicron wont turn out to be as bad as people fear it will be?

A: The Mu variant, which was circulating in Colombia and Ecuador, just sort of fizzled out. Thats an example of a variant of concern that didnt end up panning out to be a major threat.

Q: The Omicron mutations seem to be in places of the virus that would increase transmissibility. How does increased transmissibility of a virus affect its mortality rate?

A: If a virus is better able to transmit and propagate, but it kills its host quickly, it will stop spreading. So, there is roughly an inverse relationshipif its much more transmissible, its usually associated with less mortality, and lower risk of death.

But its hard to say whether thats the case for Delta, for example. Delta is much more transmissible [than earlier coronavirus variants], but in many places where Delta has circulated, there has been an increasing number of people getting vaccinated. Generally speaking, if a virus becomes more able to kill its host quickly, it is not able to spread very far. High mortality is not technically good for a virus that wants to spread.

Hamer is also faculty member of the School of Public Health, School of Medicine, and National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories as well.

This article was originally published by Boston University. Republished via Futurity.org under Creative Commons License 4.0.
A missing poster of Petra Srncova, 32, who has been missing from south London for a week, displayed in the Camberwell area in London on Dec. 11, 2021. (Sophie Corcoran/PA)

Family of Missing Nurse Assistant Desperately Worried

The family of a missing nurse assistant are said to be desperately worried about her.

Petra Srncova, 32, is believed to have disappeared on her way home from work at the Evelina London Childrens Hospital on Nov. 28.

She was reported missing by a concerned colleague last week after failing to turn up for workwhich has been described as very out of character for her.

The Metropolitan Police said Srncova left the hospital at 7:45 p.m. on Nov. 28 and it is thought she took money out of a cashpoint before getting on two buses. She was last seen in the Camberwell area, where she lives, at around 20:22 p.m.

A man has been arrested in connection with her disappearance and remains in custody.

Harriet Harman, MP for Camberwell and Peckham, said Srncovas family in her native Czech Republic are desperately worried about her.

Harman told a press conference on Saturday: Petra is missing and we want people to help find her. Shes been missing quite a few days and she is only 32.

Her parents are desperately worried about her and we have a responsibility to help find her. She was away from her country and her family here working in our National Health Service.

The MP urged anyone in the area with CCTV or doorbell cameras to check the footage.

She added: As each day goes by we get more and more concerned. This is her local community, weve all got a responsibility to find her.

Im very worried indeed for a young woman aged 32 to go missing and not go to work when she is fully committed to her work.

L: A person holds a missing poster of Petra Srncova on Dec. 11, 2021. R: MP Harriet Harman heads a search party and hands out missing posters of Petra Srncova in Camberwell, London, on Dec.11, 2021. (Sophie Corcoran/PA)

Harman was joined by Dora Dixon-Fyle, councillor for the Camberwell Green ward, and Councillor Evelyn Akoto, Southwark Council cabinet member for health and wellbeing, as she handed out missing person posters to local residents and businesses in the area.

Councillor Akoto said: I think as each day passes, we grow increasingly concerned for her whereabouts. If you know of anything where she could be, please get in contact with the police.

Councillor Dixon-Fyle said Camberwell Community Council are speaking with constituents about how they feel about safety in public spaces in the area to make sure the area is safer.

By Sophie Corcoran
A Lockheed Martin F-35 aircraft is seen at the ILA Air Show in Berlin, on April 25, 2018. (Axel Schmidt/Reuters)

Finland Orders 64 Lockheed F-35 Fighter Jets for $9.4 Billion

HELSINKI/WASHINGTONFinland has chosen U.S. defense giant Lockheed Martins F-35 fighters to replace aging F/A-18 combat jets and plans to order 64 planes with weapons systems in a $9.4 billion deal, the government said on Friday.

Lockheed Martin competed in a tender for the deal with Swedens Saab, U.S. rival Boeing, Frances Dassault, and Britains BAE Systems.

The procurement from Lockheed, including weapons as well as service and maintenance until 2030, is estimated to cost 8.378 billion euros ($9.44 billion), the government said.

The construction of hangars and other equipment will add a further 777 million euros, and 824 million euros will be reserved for the final optimized weapons package and to control future contract amendments, it added.

When comparing military performance, the F-35 best met our needs, Defense Minister Antti Kaikkonen told a news conference.

Military planemakers have been vying for the deal since late 2015, when the Finnish defense ministry began the search for a new jet to replace Finlands old Hornet fighter bought in 1992 from McDonnell Douglas, now part of Boeing.

Finland is the 14th nation to opt for the F-35. It will begin phasing in the F-35 from 2027 onwards, said Airforce Commander Pasi Jokinen.

The choice strengthens the small Nordic nations defense cooperation with its allies, most significantly the United States and Norway, said researcher Charly Salonius-Pasternak at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs.

Finland and Norway already train together in the north so it will be a political decision to determine what intelligence is shared and when, he told Reuters, referring to the potential for the jets to share data in real time.

Unlike Norway, Finland is not a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) but it has forged stronger ties with the organisation in recent years and chosen military equipment compatible with NATO members.

In 2014 Finland and Sweden, which is also not a NATO member, signed an agreement to train together and allow NATO assistance in crisis situations.

The F-35 will provide Finnish industries unique digital capabilities that leverage 5th generation engineering and manufacturing, said Bridget Lauderdale, Lockheed Martins vice president and general manager of the F-35 program.

The production work will continue for more than 20 years, and the F-35 sustainment work will continue into the 2070s, Lauderdale said in a statement.

Rival jetmakers expressed their disappointment with Finlands decision with Saab Chief Executive Micael Johansson saying he was somewhat surprised the F-35 had fallen within budget.

Frances Dassault said the choice of a U.S. aircraft was regrettable.

Once again, we notice and regret an American preference prevailing in Europe, Dassault said in a statement.

Boeing said it still sees significant international interest in its F/A-18 Block III Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler.

Sweden, a neighbour to Finland and home to Gripen maker Saab, said it regretted the outcome while also respecting the decision.

Our excellent defense cooperation will of course continue. Finland will continue to be our closest security and defense policy partner, Swedens Ministry of Defense said in a statement.

Reuters reported earlier on Friday that Lockheed Martin was set to win the contract.

By Essi Lehto and Mike Stone
Flight to LA Diverted to Oklahoma Due to Unruly Passenger

OKLAHOMA CITYA flight from Washington to Los Angeles was diverted to Oklahoma City after an unruly passenger assaulted a flight attendant, police said.

An air marshal who was on board the Delta Air Lines flight had the passenger in custody when the flight landed Thursday night, Oklahoma City Police Capt. Arthur Gregory told TV station KFOR.

The Transportation Security Administration says the air marshal was also assaulted during the response and was injured but didnt need medical attention.

The flight continued on to Los Angeles after the passenger was removed.

In a statement, Delta praised the quick action and professionalism of its crew and air marshals for their handling of the situation.

Police said the passenger was booked into jail on complaints of disorderly conduct and public drunkenness.

Last month, Attorney General Merrick Garland directed U.S. attorneys across the country to prioritize prosecutions of federal crimes that occur on commercial flights amid a historic spike in cases involving unruly passengers.

Federal law prohibits interfering with a flight crew, including assaulting, intimidating, or threatening crew members.

The Federal Aviation Administration said last month that it had referred 37 cases involving unruly airline passengers to the FBI for possible criminal prosecution since the number of disruptions on flights began to spike in January.
A GM logo is shown at the General Motors Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly plant in Hamtramck, Mich., on Jan. 27, 2020. (Paul Sancya/AP Photo)

GM Venture Picks Michigan for 3rd US-based EV Battery Plant

DETROITGeneral Motors and a joint-venture partner plan to build an electric vehicle battery factory in Lansing, Michigan, their third such factory in the United States.

The companies plans were revealed on Friday in documents posted on the citys website. They say the plant would cost up to $2.5 billion and employ as many as 1,700 workers.

The factory would be built on the site of GMs Lansing Delta Township Assembly factory, which has been annexed by the city under a revenue-sharing agreement. A joint venture between GM and LG Energy Solution called Ultium Cells LLC would build the plant.

The selection is a big win for Michigan, which missed out on three Ford Motor Co. battery factories and an electric vehicle assembly plant that were placed in Kentucky and Tennessee.

The documents seeking Renaissance Zone and industrial tax breaks say the joint venture is obligating itself to investment and job creation. It says the building and related site improvements would be about 2.5 million square feet (230,000 square meters) with two-thirds of the building being a clean room environment for battery cell manufacturing.

The machinery and equipment consists of electrode mixing, coating, assembly and formation areas, the documents say.

The plants first year of operation would be in 2025. It would start with 750 workers, with 1,700 by the end of 2026.

GM would not comment specifically on the factorys location but said it is developing business cases for potential future investments in Michigan. The company said it is discussing incentives with local officials.

These projects are not approved and securing all available incentives will be critical for any business case to continue moving forward, spokesman Dan Flores said. Im not going to speculate on the timing of when GM leadership will make a decision on potential future investments in Michigan.

The step came as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the state Legislature work to quickly enact economic development incentive bills focused on critical industries and preparing shovel-ready sites for business expansions. It is not clear what new incentives Michigan could offer GM, though it has billions of dollars in federal discretionary pandemic rescue aid and surplus state tax revenues.

A spokesman for the Michigan Economic Development Corp. said it is premature to comment on any potential state support for GM.

Fords decision in September to build electric vehicle and battery plants in southern states was a blow to the nations auto hub, particularly because Ford said Michigan did not have the types of sites it needed.

The Lansing City Council will meet Monday and the following week to approve the tax breaks, president Peter Spadafore said.

Its my understanding theres a competition for a battery plant and Lansing will do everything we can to make sure we are competitive to bring those jobs and billions of dollars of investment to our community, he said.

GM also has applied for tax breaks in Orion Township, Michigan, where a factory that builds the Chevrolet Bolt electric car and SUV is located. The company wants to build an addition to the plant to assemble battery cells into packs that would go into electric vehicles.

This likely means GM plans to designate the Orion plant as its third electric vehicle assembly plant, along with factories in Detroit-Hamtramck, Michigan, and Spring Hill, Tennessee. Flores would not comment beyond the company statement.

The company has said it would spend about $2 billion upgrading factories to build EVs, so that would bring the total new investment in Michigan to about $4.5 billion. Shares of GM closed on Friday up 6 percent, at $63.21.

GM has said the joint venture will build four North American factories to make EV battery cells.

Two other locations have been announced, in Spring Hill and Lordstown, Ohio. The fourth location has not been disclosed.

GM has set a goal of selling only electric passenger vehicles by 2035. The company plans to roll out 30 electric vehicles globally by 2025. It also has pledged to invest $35 billion in electric and autonomous vehicles from 2020 through 2025.

Details of GMs plans come amid a race to build North American battery factories to supply what is expected to be exponentially increasing demand for electric vehicles as the world transitions away from internal combustion engines.

Earlier this week, Toyota announced it would build a $1.3 billion battery plant in North Carolina. Stellantis, formerly Fiat Chrysler, has said it will build two battery plants in North America. Ford announced three plants in Kentucky and Tennessee.

The LMC Automotive consulting firm expects U.S. sales of new fully electric vehicles to hit nearly 400,000 this year, almost double last years figures. They still make up only about 2.6 percent of sales, but the firm expects sales to grow to more than 730,000 next year and more than 2 million by 2025. Even at 2 million, EV sales still would be only about 12 percent of U.S. new vehicle sales.

By Tom Krisher and David Eggert
Veterans suffering PTSD are normally prescribed drugs but a growing body of research suggests service dogs offer an effective alternative. (New Africa/Shutterstock)

How Service Dogs Help Veterans With PTSD

I can go anywhere, says one veteran previously restricted by experiences of PTSD

It was supper time in the Whittier, California, home of Air Force veteran Danyelle Clark-Gutierrez, and eagerly awaiting a bowl of kibble and canned dog food was Lisa, a 3-year-old yellow Labrador retriever.

Her nails clicking on the kitchen floor as she danced about, Lisa looked more like an exuberant puppy than a highly trained service animal that helps Clark-Gutierrez manage the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Having her now, its like I can go anywhere, Clark-Gutierrez said. And, yes, if somebody did come at me, Id have warningI could run.

A growing body of research into PTSD and service animals paved the way for President Joe Biden to sign the Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers (PAWS) for Veterans Therapy Act into law. The legislation, enacted in August, requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to open its service dog referral program to veterans with PTSD and to launch a five-year pilot program in which veterans with PTSD train service dogs for other veterans.

Clark-Gutierrez, 33, is among the 25 percent of female veterans who have reported experiencing military sexual trauma while serving in the U.S. armed forces.

Military sexual trauma, combat violence, and brain injuries are some of the experiences that increase the risk that service members will develop PTSD. Symptoms include flashbacks to the traumatic event, severe anxiety, nightmares, and hypervigilanceall normal reactions to experiencing or witnessing violence, according to psychologists. Someone receives a PTSD diagnosis when his or her symptoms worsen or remain for months or years.

Thats what Clark-Gutierrez said happened to her after ongoing sexual harassment by a fellow airman escalated to a physical attack about a decade ago. An attorney with three children, she said that to feel safe leaving her home, she needed her husband by her side. After diagnosing Clark-Gutierrez with PTSD, doctors at VA hospitals prescribed a cascade of medications for her. At one point, her prescriptions added up to more than a dozen pills a day, according to Clark-Gutierrez.

I had medication, and then I had medication for the two or three side effects for each medication, she said. And every time they gave me a new med, they had to give me three more. I just couldnt do it anymore. I was just getting so tired. So we started looking at other therapies.

And thats how she got her service dog, Lisa. Clark-Gutierrezs husband, also an Air Force veteran, discovered the nonprofit group K9s for Warriors, which rescues dogsmany from kill sheltersand trains them to become service animals for veterans with PTSD. Lisa is one of about 700 dogs that the group has paired with veterans dealing with symptoms caused by traumatic experiences.

Now with Lisa, we take bike rides, we go down to the park, we go to Home Depot, Clark-Gutierrez said. I go grocery shoppingnormal-people things that I get to do that I didnt get to do before Lisa.

That comes as no surprise to Maggie OHaire, an associate professor of human-animal interaction at Purdue University. Her research suggests that while service dogs arent necessarily a cure for PTSD, they do ease its symptoms. Among her published studies is one showing that veterans that are partnered with these dogs experience less anger and anxiety and get better sleep than those without a service dog. Another of her studies suggests that service dogs lower cortisol levels in veterans who have been traumatized.

We actually saw patterns of that stress hormone that were more similar to healthy adults who dont have post-traumatic stress disorder, OHaire said.

A congressionally mandated VA study that focused on service dogs effect on veterans with PTSD that was published in 2021 suggests that those partnered with the animals experience less suicidal ideation and more improvement to their symptoms than those without them.

Until now, the federal dog referral programwhich relies on nonprofit service dog organizations to pay for the dogs and to provide them to veterans for freehad required that participating veterans have a physical mobility issue, such as a lost limb, paralysis, or blindness. Veterans such as Clark-Gutierrez who have PTSD, but no physical disability, were on their own in arranging for a service dog.

The pilot program created by the new federal law will give veterans with PTSD the chance to train mental health service dogs for other veterans. Its modeled on a program at the VA hospital in Palo Alto, California, and will be offered at five VA medical centers nationwide in partnership with accredited service dog training organizations.

This bill is really about therapeutic, on-the-job training, or training the trainer, said Adam Webb, a spokesperson for Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), who introduced the legislation in the Senate. We dont anticipate VA will start prescribing PTSD service dogs, but the data we generate from this pilot program will likely be useful in making that case in the future.

The Congressional Budget Office has estimated that the pilot program will cost the VA about $19 million. The law stops short of requiring the VA to pay for the dogs. Instead, the agency will partner with accredited service dog organizations that use private money to cover the cost of adopting, training, and pairing the dogs with veterans.

Still, the law represents a welcome about-face in VA policy, said Rory Diamond, CEO of K9s for Warriors.

For the last 10 years, the VA has essentially told us that they dont recognize service dogs as helping a veteran with post-traumatic stress, Diamond said.

PTSD service dogs are often confused with emotional support dogs, according to Diamond. The latter provide companionship and arent trained to support someone with a disability. PTSD service dogs cost about $25,000 to adopt and train, he said.

Diamond said the command cover means that the dog will sit next to the warrior, look behind them, and alert them if someone comes up from behind. The command block means that the dog will stand perpendicular and give them some space from whatevers in front of them.

Retired Army Master Sgt. David Crenshaw, 39, of Kearny, New Jersey, said his service dog, Doc, has changed his life.

We teach in the military to have a battle buddy, Crenshaw said. And these service animals act as a battle buddy.

A few months ago, Crenshaw experienced this firsthand. He had generally avoided large gatherings because persistent hypervigilance is one symptom of his combat-caused PTSD. But in summer 2021, Doc, a pointer and Labrador mix, helped Crenshaw navigate the crowds at Disney Worlda significant first for Crenshaw and his family of five.

I was not agitated. I was not anxious. I was not upset, Crenshaw said. It was truly, truly amazing and so much so that I didnt even have to even stop to think about it in the moment. It just happened naturally.

Thanks to Doc, Crenshaw no longer takes PTSD drugs or self-medicates with alcohol, he said. Clark-Gutierrez said Lisa has helped her to quit using alcohol and to stop taking VA-prescribed medications for panic attacks, nightmares, and periods of disassociation.

The dogs actually save the VA money over time, according to Diamond.

Our warriors are far less likely to be on expensive prescription drugs, are far less likely to use other VA services, and far more likely to go to school or go to work, he said. So its a win-win-win across the board.

Stephanie ONeill began reporting for Kaiser Health News and California Healthline in 2013 as part of the ongoing KHN/NPR health policy reporting collaboration. This article was originally published on Kaiser Health News.
As a lifelong fan of cinema, it was hard to admit that I couldnt remember much of director David Leans 1962 masterwork Lawrence of Arabia. It is one of those films that Id seen bits and pieces of with family members many years ago but, due to circumstances, wasnt able to enjoy many of the details of the productionand, boy, there are an incredible number of details to take in. The epic requires watching without any distractions in order to assemble meaning.

Based on the life of British Army Col. T.E. Lawrence during World War I, the film starts with the titular characters death via a motorcycle accident. This surprising start compelled me to re-check the film casts credits to see if it was indeed the main character meeting his end on a verdant English country roador perhaps someone playing one of the characters subsequent relatives.

At the time of T.E. Lawrences unfortunate end in 1935, he was a well-respected war hero but also a controversial figureas evidenced by the back-and-forth dialogue among attendees at his funeral. Director Lean then flashes back to the beginning of Lawrences career as a young army lieutenant.

When the Ottoman Empire sided with the Germans during World War I, the Arabs rose up in defiance against the Central Powers, which also included the Austria-Hungary Empire and Bulgaria. Lawrence was stationed in Cairo, Egypt, at the newly minted intelligence organization, used to counter the Central Powers, known as the Arab Bureau.

From his initial interactions with his military fellows, as well as his senior officers, we can see that young Lt. Lawrence is quite eccentricand thats putting it mildly. Although relatively new to his unit, hes already established a reputation for being insolent and somewhat dismissive of others.

Due to his arrogance, Lawrence is threatened with arrest for insubordination by his units commander, but a Mr. Dryden (Claude Rains) of the Arab Bureau spares the young man by getting him sequestered for a mission. Lawrence is tasked with traversing lengthy swaths of the Arabian Desert to reach Prince Faisal (Alec Guinness), a notable Arab leader who is sympathetic to the British war effort. After locating the prince, Lawrence is to assess Faisals ability to assist the British against the encroaching Turkish army.

T.E. Lawrence (Peter OToole, L) and Prince Faisal (Alec Guinness), in Lawrence of Arabia. (Columbia Pictures)

Lawrence is assigned a guide, Tafas (Zia Mohyeddin), a Bedouin tribesman whom he befriends as they travel across the scorching sands. However, the Englishman soon learns a great deal about local rivalries and blood feuds when he and his guide run into Sherif Ali (Omar Sharif) and conflict ensues.

(LR) Sherif Ali (Omar Sharif), T.E. Lawrence (Peter OToole), and Auda Abu Tayi (Anthony Quinn) match wits, in Lawrence of Arabia. (Columbia Pictures)

Lawrence eventually meets up with friendly forces, including Prince Faisal, who takes the former under his wing. This affords Lawrence a tremendous amount of latitude and thus begins his journey to unite the various quarreling Arab tribes under a united cause. This also sets into motion Lawrences fascinating odyssey of self-discovery, the apex of his powers and influence, and subsequent troubles.

A Fascinating Nearly 4 Hours

As this film clocks in at almost four hours of runtime, I feared that it might begin to crumble under its own weight. However, its taut screenplay by Robert Bolt and Michael Wilson is trimmed of nearly any shreds of fat. Indeed, the only slower parts are designed to be that way because of their formidable impacts, such as cinematographer Freddie Youngs sumptuous long shots of the sweeping deserts, or the many subtle hints of emotion that play across the characters faces.

T.E. Lawrence (Peter OToole, C) becoming closer to the Arabs, in Lawrence of Arabia. (Columbia Pictures)

Although the action scenes are likewise well-handled, the war effort and back-and-forth among the various military generals, politicians, and tribal leaders serve as a tapestry for the central force of the narrative: Lawrences trajectory, his struggles with his own cultural and national self-identity, and eventual issues with his mental health.

Lawrence of Arabia is an intensely captivating biographical portrait of a brilliant and controversial figure whose character develops over the backdrop of World War I. Its a must-see for any film buffs, as well as those who enjoy fascinating character studies by outstanding filmmakers.

Lawrence of Arabia

Director: David Lean

Starring: Peter OToole, Omar Sharif, Claude Rains, Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn, Jack Hawkins, Arthur Kennedy

Running Time: 3 hours, 48 minutes

Not Rated

Release Date: Dec. 10, 1962

Rated: 5 stars out of 5
Aerial view of a candle factory after a tornado tore through, in Mayfield, Ky., on Dec. 11, 2021. (Michael Gordon/Storm Chasing Video via Reuters)

In an Instant, a Kentucky Factory Destroyed, Dozens of Employees Missing

MAYFIELD, Ky.On the day before Thanksgiving, Mayfield Consumer Products in western Kentucky posted photos online showing smiling employees lining up at a buffet table ready to enjoy a special pre-holiday meal together in the factory canteen.

On Friday night, the candle-making plant where workers had celebrated two weeks earlier lay in ruins, flattened by a devastating tornado during a late shift as more than 100 employees toiled inside. The next morning, 40 of them had been rescued; many of the rest were missing.

The tragedy came as Mayfield Consumer Products, which describes itself as a local, family-owned maker of candles, wax, and home fragrance goods, was seeking to expand its workforce, recently advertising job openings on its website and Facebook page.

Emergency workers search through what is left of the Mayfield Consumer Products Candle Factory after it was destroyed by a tornado in Mayfield, Ky., on Dec. 11, 2021. (John Amis/AFP via Getty Images)

Search-and-rescue teams on Saturday combed through the debris of the tornado-ravaged factory on the west side of Mayfield, a picturesque town near the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers in the far southwestern corner of Kentucky.

Mayfield, a community of about 10,000 residents in Graves County, was transformed by the tornado into a landscape cluttered with damaged and demolished buildings, strewn debris, trees uprooted and stripped bare, twisted road signs, and sagging utility lines.

Among those said to be unaccounted for at the wrecked factory was an employee identified by family as Jill Monroe, 52, who was last heard from at 9:30 p.m., around the time the storm struck, according to her daughter, Paige Tingle.

Reached through Facebook on Saturday, Tingle told Reuters she had driven four hours to the factory site in the hopes of finding her mother, whose fate remains unknown.

We dont know what to think. We are extremely nervous. We dont know how to feel, we are just trying to find her, Tingle said. Its a disaster here. My thoughts go out to everyone.

One employee who survived said she was trapped in the rubble for about two hours before rescue workers helped to free her.

It was absolutely the most terrifying thing Ive ever experienced in my life, Kyana Parsons-Perez said in an interview that aired on NBCs Today show. I did not think I was going to make it.

Parsons-Perez recounted seeing the buildings lights flickering and feeling a sudden gust of wind through the factory as the twister struck, and my ears kind of started popping as they would if you were on a plane.

The building then rocked back and forth, and boom, everything came down on us, and all you heard was screams, she said. The business employs an ethnically and racially diverse workforce, including many Hispanic workers, and you could hear people screaming and praying in Spanish, she recalled.

Parsons-Perez also said among those who rushed to the aid of trapped workers were a group of inmates from the nearby Graves County jail. They could have used that moment to try to run away or anything, but they did not. They were there, helping us, she said.

Her account of inmates assisting in rescue efforts could not be immediately verified, and it was not clear how or why prisoners from the local lockup ended up free from custody in the storms aftermath.

Addressing a news conference on Saturday, Mayfield fire chief Jeremy Creason said the factory site was priority one for his emergency crews, adding, thats where the bulk of our assets are right now.

There were no immediate casualty estimates available for the factory or the surrounding community, one of the hardest-hit areas of a storm that carved a 200-mile-long path of destruction through several counties on Friday night. But Governor Andy Beshear said he was certain at least 70 people had perished in Kentucky as a whole.

About 110 people were believed to have been inside the candle-making plant when it was leveled by the twister, with 40 people rescued as of late Saturday morning, Beshear told reporters at a news conference.

The Graves County coroner later told CNN that 40 people remained unaccounted for at the factory.

By Cheney Orr
Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg speaks during an address to the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry at Parliament House in Canberra, April 29, 2021. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch)

Keep Calm About Omicron Strain: Australian Treasurer

The federal treasurer is warning Australias states against overreacting to the new Omicron variant of COVID-19.

The Omicron variant is a reminder of the challenges we face but states need to keep calm and carry on, Josh Frydenberg told reporters on Saturday.

In a positive sign for the economy, Frydenberg said business investment was at its strongest since the mining boom a decade ago.

Next weeks Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook will show that investment is up 16 percent.

Non-mining investment will reach its highest recorded level$200 billion.

However, the treasurer said the post-pandemic economic recovery depended on states staying the course on reopening.

While the health implications of the new variant are still being figured out, Frydenberg said the early signs were reassuring.

The virus is certainly highly transmissible but perhaps not as severe as other variants, he said.

He said high vaccine rates mean states should be able to avoid extreme measures like lockdowns and border closures.

The federal government is focused on reopening borders to international students and other visa holders, after delaying the move by two weeks.

Its also extended COVID-19 biosecurity measures governing controls around who can enter and leave the country until Feb. 17.

They allow the continuation of mandatory COVID-19 testing for people wanting to fly into Australia as well as mask-wearing on international flights.

The rules also cover restrictions on international arrivals from high-risk countries, unvaccinated Australians wanting to go overseas, and controls on cruise ships.

Frydenbergs comments come after Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly advised national cabinet it was still early days for Australias understanding of the Omicron variant.

Leaders agreed to continue considering international border settings consistent with a suppression strategy and as more evidence emerges about Omicrons severity and transmissibility and the efficacy of vaccines against it.

Meanwhile, cases continues to rise in NSW. The state reported 560 new infections on Saturday, the highest in two months. Three people died.

Victoria announced 13 new virus deaths on Saturday although seven occurred in November and their reportage represented an amendment to existing data. The states infection tally of 1193 was the sixth in a row of more than 1000.

Eleven more people were diagnosed with COVID-19 in the ACT, taking the total number of active cases there to 76. South

Australia reported six local cases and Queensland and the Northern Territory one each.

NT Health Minister Natasha Fyles says new restrictions have been imposed on the small communities of Barunga and Beswick near Katherine after the virus was detected in wastewater.

A 72-hour mask mandate will be imposed in Barunga. A lockout will apply to people in Beswick, where the vaccination rate is lower at 64 percent.

Alice Springs residents have also been asked to be on high alert after a wastewater detection.

Australias 16-plus full vaccination rate sits at 88.9 percent.

More than two million children aged between five and 11 will be eligible for Pfizer shots from Jan. 10.

Australias immunisation advisory body signed off on giving younger children a Pfizer dose one-third of the usual strength.

Jabs will be spaced eight weeks apart for under-12s and bookings will open in late December.

By Hannah Ryan and Georgie Moore
Kellogg plant workers demonstrate in front of the plant in Battle Creek, Mich., on Oct. 7, 2021. (Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)

Kellogg Plans to Permanently Replace 1,400 Striking Workers

Kellogg plans to permanently replace some 1,400 workers who have been striking since October, the company announced this week.

Kellogg and the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers, and Grain Millers International Union failed to reach a new contract agreement, leading to the planned change.

We have made every effort to reach a fair agreement, including making six offers to the union throughout negotiations, all which have included wage and benefits increases for every employee. It appears the union created unrealistic expectations for our employees, Chris Hood, president of Kellogg North America, said in a recent statement.

The prolonged work stoppage has left us no choice but to hire permanent replacement employees in positions vacated by striking workers. These are great jobs and posting for permanent positions helps us find qualified people to fill them. While certainly not the result we had hoped for, we must take the necessary steps to ensure business continuity. We have an obligation to our customers and consumers to continue to provide the cereals that they know and love, he added.

The strike started because of disputes over pay, benefits, and the prospect of more jobs being moved to Mexico. Workers are striking at factories in four states: Michigan, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee.

The union said workers overwhelmingly voted to reject the tentative agreement and that the strike would continue.

Striking Kelloggs workers stand outside the companys cereal plant in Omaha, Neb., on Dec. 2, 2021. (Josh Funk/AP Photo)

Just days earlier, Kellogg said a tentative deal was reached, but that workers would have to vote to approve it.

The plan to replace the striking workers permanently drew criticism from President Joe Biden, who called himself deeply troubled by it.

Permanently replacing striking workers is an existential attack on the union and its members jobs and livelihoods. I strongly support legislation that would ban that practice, he said on Friday.

Rep. Andy Levin (D-Mich.) also offered support for the workers, writing on Twitter, If we seek to be a democratic society with broadly shared prosperity, workers must be free to organize and bargainand, yes, strikewithout fear of losing their jobs.

Democrats and several Republicans want to pass a bill called the Protecting the Right to Organize Act, which would strengthen penalties for employers that violate workers rights and enhance workers ability to boycott and strike.

For example, the bill would amend the National Labor Relations Act and make it an unfair labor practice to permanently replace an employee who participates in a strike.
Witness "Kate" is questioned by prosecutor Lara Pomerantz during the trial of Ghislaine Maxwell, the Jeffrey Epstein associate accused of sex trafficking, in a courtroom sketch in New York on Dec. 6, 2021. (Jane Rosenberg/Reuters)

Last of 4 Alleged Victims Testifies; Prosecution Rests in Maxwell Trial

NEW YORKAnnie Farmer, an alleged victim of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, testified in Maxwells sex trafficking trial in federal court on Dec. 10, making her the last of the four alleged victims called to testify.

Unlike the other alleged victims, Farmer used her actual, full name. The previous victims had used either just a first name or a pseudonym.

Under direct examination by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Pomerantz, Farmer testified that her older sister, Maria, worked for Epstein in 1995. Her sister was 25, and she was 16.

Farmer first met Epstein at his New York residence when she visited her sister there, traveling from her home in Phoenix, Arizona, in December 1995. She was under the impression that Epstein would help her with her college applications. At one point, he suggested that an international trip would look good on them.

During her stay in New York, Epstein purchased tickets for the sisters to the Broadway musical Phantom of the Opera. On another evening, he took them to see a movie. He was seated next to Farmer.

She testified that Epstein caressed her hand and held it during the film. She stated that he also rubbed her foot and this made her sick to [her] stomach.

Farmer said she never told her sister about the incident because she was very confused about what happened and was fearful that her sister would lose her job if she said anything.

During her young life, Farmer sporadically kept a journal.

In an entry dated Jan. 25, 1996, she wrote, It was a little weird, regarding the handholding. She also wrote that it was no big deal, because he was so nice and generous with everyone, and that she thought he was being fatherly or something.

Pages from the journal were admitted as evidence.

While back in Arizona, Farmer said she spoke to Epstein on the phone two or three times. In April 1996, Farmer flew to Epsteins Santa Fe, New Mexico, ranch. She was still 16 years old.

I was not eager to go to New Mexico, she said. I did not want to be alone with him.

However, she knew Maxwell would be around, so that made her feel safer, although she questioned why these adults wanted to spend time with a teen.

According to Farmer, she went to a movie with Epstein and Maxwell, and the hand caressing started again and lasted throughout the majority of the movie.

He was very blatant in doing it, she said.

As Maxwell is purported to have done with other alleged victims, she brought up the subject of foot massages and instructed Farmer on how to give one to Epstein.

I felt very uncomfortable, Farmer said. I was hoping it would be over quickly.

This led to Maxwell giving Farmer a message, setting up a massage table in Farmers room on the property.

She told me to get undressed, Farmer said.

Farmer testified that she laid facedown, under a sheet at first. Then, Maxwell had her roll over, pulled the sheet down, and started rubbing Farmers breasts.

The next morning, Farmer claimed that Epstein came into her bedroom and asked her if she wanted to cuddle. He climbed into bed with her, wrapped his arms around her, and pressed his body against hers.

She faked having to use the bathroom and stayed there until he left.

Farmer said she didnt make a journal entry regarding the New Mexico incident because she did not want to think about it.

In summer 1996, when Farmer was 17 years old, she took an international trip to Thailand and Vietnam. Epstein paid for it.

At some point, Farmer told her mother, Janice Swain, that something uncomfortable had happened during the New York trip. In fall 1996, Farmer started dating Dave Mulligan, and she told him of the incidents. Both Swain and Mulligan have testified during the trial.

Farmer disclosed that she was awarded $1.5 million from the Jeffrey Epstein Victims Compensation Fund and didnt have to pay her attorneys, who worked on her case pro bono. As part of the settlement, she had to drop her lawsuit against Maxwell and Epstein.

Upon cross-examination, defense attorney Laura Menninger had Farmer confirm that her sister had arranged for Farmers travel to New York.

Ghislaine Maxwell had no logistics in your travel to New York, Menninger said.

Thats correct, Farmer replied.

Farmer confirmed that she never met or even talked to Maxwell in New York and that Maxwell never took Farmer to the movies while in New York or paid for Farmers international trip.

Once again, the defense used its reliable method of finding inconsistencies in current testimony by referring to depositions that were taken a few years ago.

Menninger had Farmer confirm that she used her journal entries to refresh her memory of events that happened 25 years ago, as well as looking up the release dates of the movies they saw. Menninger also had Farmer confirm that there was absolutely no mention of Maxwell in any of the journal entries.

Menninger had Farmer further confirm that the New Mexico trip was arranged on the phone by Epstein and that Farmer didnt meet Maxwell until after she had arrived in Santa Fe.

Menninger found several inconsistencies in Farmers testimony about the massage that she was given by Maxwell, especially when it came to what she was wearing or not wearing, as well as how much fondling went on and what was fondled.

On redirect, Pomerantz attempted to prove Farmers memory was credible by asking, Do you remember Maxwell touching your breasts?

Yes, Farmer said.

Pomerantz further asked, Do you need a journal entry or a piece of paper to remember Ghislaine Maxwell touching your breasts?

I do not, Farmer replied.

The prosecution rested by the end of the day, making its case in two weeks. The trial will resume on Dec. 16.
The signature catchphrase of comedian Rodney Dangerfield was I dont get no respect. Military historians in our universities might justifiably lay claim to that same line.

The academic world has long regarded military historians as outliers. In 2008, for example, U.S. News and World Report writer Justin Ewers wrote a column titled Why Dont More Colleges Teach Military History? He reports: For years, military historians have been accused by their colleagues of being, by turns, right wing, morally suspect, or, as Lynn puts it, just plain dumb. Lynn was John Lynn, a professor of history at the University of Illinois, who had written a 1997 essay titled The Embattled Future of Academic Military History, an earlier jeremiad against the demise of military history in academia. As Ewers points out, other subjectsgender, class, raceattracted more professors of history than did war and diplomacy.

But heres a strange contradiction in that decline. Ewers writes what many readers know: Publishers have been lining bookstore shelves with new battle tomes, which consumers are lapping up.

This interest by readers in warfare is longstanding, as may be seen in the social sciences section of my moderately sized public library, which contains more than 400 books about the military and war. The history section offers an even greater selection of such books, ranging from accounts of Alexander the Great to our conflicts in the Middle East.

Only the Dead Have Seen the End of War

Though the tag Only the dead have seen the end of war is falsely attributed to Plato, the words ring true. In the last 70 or so years, for example, the United States has fought major wars in Korea, Vietnam, and the Middle East, as well as participating in smaller conflicts in places like Grenada, Lebanon, and Panama.

Such wars often have enormous consequences. At the end of his book A History of Warfare, preeminent military historian John Keegan (19342012) notes: The written history of the world is a history of warfare, because the states within which we live came into existence largely through conquest, civil strife or struggles for independence.

If we accept Keegans thesis as truesuch is certainly the case with the United States, which came into being through our own struggle for independenceit should be apparent that all of us might do well to familiarize ourselves with the history of warfare. To study world-changing battles like Salamis, Hastings, Gettysburg, and Pearl Harbor, and to cautiously apply the lessons learned from those investigations to our present circumstances would, if nothing else, help our leaders and our citizens understand the consequences of taking up arms.

Nonfiction

Several of the historians who have contributed works to library shelves and bestseller lists have written brilliantly on battle and the arts of war. John Keegan, for example, put out more than 20 histories on warfare, including The Face of Battle in which he examines the battles of Agincourt, Waterloo, and the Somme. This book stands out because of its blend of strategy and tactics with vivid details of the battles themselves. Keegan describes each battlethe terrain, the troops who fought there, the sway of combatand then extends his observations to contemporary conflicts.

Like Keegan, Victor Davis Hanson, an American classicist and today a respected commentator about contemporary culture and politics, never faced an enemy on the battlefield. He has, however, written several books on warfare, including Carnage and Culture, which is regarded by critics and military experts as an important addition to the history and understanding of warfare.

Though some of Hansons observations in the book now seem datedhe seems to have underestimated the growing power of the Chinese Communist Party and its military machinehe does end his book with this profound statement: We may well be all Westerners in the millennium to come, and that could be a very dangerous thing indeed, meaning that Western nations and those who have adopted their practices of warfare, like Japan and China, may find themselves on a high-tech battlefield pitted against a foe in a horrific war.

Other historians, many of them not associated with universities, have given us riveting accounts of combat and of the costs of war both to individuals and to the nation as a whole. Stephen Ambrose, Rick Atkinson, and others have researched and written rich accounts of American GIs in World War II, with a focus on the heroism and suffering of individuals on the battlefields.

War Stories

We can also gain a feeling for combat by reading fiction.

In Michael Shaaras The Killer Angels: A Novel of the Civil War, the author puts himself into the minds of important figures at the Battle of Gettysburg, leaders like Confederate generals Robert E. Lee and James Longstreet and Union officers like John Buford and Joshua Chamberlain. From these men and others, we gain a sense of the thought processes of upper-echelon officers, the triumphs and defeats embedded in the decisions of those at the top, and the awful burdens borne by those whose decisions will truly affect the future of their cause and their governments.

Novelist Anton Myrers Once an Eagle gives us a close-up view of the horrors and costs of war. Here, protagonist Sam Damon enlists in the Army just before World War I, loses his best friend in that conflict, and emerges with the Medal of Honor. He remains in the peacetime Army and then becomes a general during World War II, leading his men in combat against the Japanese. Damon comes across as a man of honor and integrity, a figure to be emulated. Reading about him, most of us would only hope that our own military leaders would display his same virtues.

In The Leaders Bookshelf, retired Adm. James Stavridis and writer R. Manning Ancell have compiled a list of 50 books, all with detailed descriptions, recommended by military personnel. The Killer Angels and Once an Eagle are Nos. 1 and 2 on this list.

Other novels, from Stephen Cranes The Red Badge of Courage to Steven Pressfields Gates of Fire, his account of the Battle of Thermopylae, cast light on what it means to face an enemy on the field of battle and to be willing to sacrifice oneself for comrades and country.

By now, some readers may wonder: Whats the point? Why read military history and fiction? Why not leave such reading to armchair warriors or our military? How does this affect my own life?

Lessons From a Master

Winston Churchill provides some answers to these questions.

Great battles, he once remarked, change the entire course of events, create new standards of values, new moods, in armies and in nations, to which all must conform.

In another of Victor Davis Hansons books about war, Ripples of Battle: How Wars of the Past Still Determine How We Fight, How We Live, and How We Think, Hanson cites this line from Churchill and then proceeds to show how battles like Delium, Shiloh, and Okinawa haunt us even today. We may be unaware of those ghosts, but they are with us, apparitions of Western culture that refuse to disappear. To ignore them is a grievous mistake. As Hanson writes: Battle is the raucous transformer of history because it accelerates in a matter of minutes the usually longer play of chance, skill, and fate.

Churchill would have agreed with Hanson. Churchill participated in a cavalry charge at the Battle of Omdurman, witnessed combat in arenas ranging from Cuba and South Africa to World War I, and guided Britain to victory in World War II. He studied the wars of the past, wrote about them, and learned the lessons taught by the men who had fought them.

Like the historians and novelists cited here, Churchill understood warits glory, its ugliness, and its necessity. He once stated:

If you will not fight for right when you can easily win without blood shed; if you will not fight when your victory is sure and not too costly; you may come to the moment when you will have to fight with all the odds against you and only a precarious chance of survival. There may even be a worse case. You may have to fight when there is no hope of victory, because it is better to perish than to live as slaves.

During the Battle of Britain, when that tiny island nation fought the Nazis, Churchill and his fellow citizens faced that moment of only a precarious chance of survival.

Carnage and Culture

The title of Hansons book Carnage and Culture serves as a succinct reminder of the connection between conflict and culture. Throughout history, we see that a people who cannot protect themselves from their opponents may find their culture either at risk or abolished. From ancient Rome to modern-day China, we see civilizations erased by enemies both foreign and domestic.

To remain ignorant of the costs, the sacrifices, the horrors, and the consequences of war is dangerous. Our universities should teach more military history. Our young people should be familiar with such ideas as to how the Revolutionary War brought our country into being, how and why World War II left us a superpower, and what caused our failures in places like Vietnam and Afghanistan.

You may not be interested in war, but war is very much interested in you. That chilling admonition, often mistakenly attributed to Russian Marxist Leon Trotsky, reminds us that in order to assess the decisions of leaders who want to send American soldiers into conflicts overseas, as they are wont to do, and to be prepared should an enemy ever launch an attack on our country, we need to understand the rudiments of warfare.
Microsoft Leads $27 Million Early-Stage Funding in Crypto Startup Palm NFT Studio

Crypto startup Palm NFT Studio said on Thursday it had raised $27 million in an early-stage funding round led by Microsoft Corps venture fund M12 with participation from venture firm Griffin Gaming Partners.

Palm NFT, co-founded by Joseph Lubin, offers services for artists to establish NFT marketplaces. Lubin was also one of the co-founders of ethereum, the worlds most popular cryptocurrency after bitcoin.

An NFT is a digital asset that exists on a blockchain, which serves as a public ledger, allowing anyone to verify the assets authenticity and ownership. NFTs have a unique digital signature and cannot be reproduced.

Other investors in latest Series B round included investment firms RRE, Third Kind Venture Capital, NFT investor Sfermion, and The LAO.

Palm NFT Studios Chief Executive Officer Dan Heyman told Reuters in an interview that the company intends to use the capital to scale its platform by investing in research and development and hiring new talent.

Venture capital firms have invested $21.4 billion in crypto and blockchain companies as of Oct. 1 this year, according to data from PitchBook. Last month, Sandbox, a Hong Kong-based gaming platform that allows users to build a virtual world using NFTs, had raised $93 million from investors led by SoftBanks Vision Fund 2.

Even as crypto companies continue to raise money at high valuations, regulators around the world have been skeptical of the alternative asset class due to its potential for money laundering.

Palm NFT Studio has invested heavily to be compliant with rules it anticipates in the future for the crypto industry. One of the challenges for the whole industry is not even that regulation is coming. Its the ambiguity around the regulation, Heyman said.

By Manya Saini
New Zealand flags fly in front of The Beehive during the Commission Opening of Parliament in Wellington, New Zealand, on Oct. 20, 2014. (Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)

New Zealand Passes Birth Certificate Self-ID Gender Law; Some Protections Remain for Women

The New Zealand (NZ) government has passed a law that will allow people to change the sex recorded on their birth certificates to match their self-identified gender without the need for gender reassignment treatment or surgery. But a womens rights group has successfully put a dent in the law to ensure that some protections for women remain.

NZ Internal Affairs Minister Jan Tinetti said it was a proud day for the country after the parliament voted in favour of inclusivity and against discrimination, The Guardian reported.

This law change will make a real difference for transgender, non-binary, takatapui [LGBT], and intersex New Zealanders, Tinetti said.

The new bill removed the requirement from an existing law, passed in 2018, for people to prove they were undergoing gender reassignment treatment that had already allowed people to self-identify their gender on birth certificates.

Speak Up for Women, an organisation that formed in opposition to the 2018 bill, campaigned against the passage of the 2021 bill, and were able to ensure some protections for biological sex.

Our goal has always been the protection of womens rights in law, the group wrote on Twitter, adding that the new law represented an erosion of those rights.

The Births, Deaths and Marriages bill (sex self-ID) passed unanimously in the House today. Our goal has always been the protection of womens rights in law. Although this new law represents an erosion to those rights, were glad that our advocacy led to the inclusion of clause 80  Speak Up For Women (@SpeakUp4WomenNZ) December 9, 2021

However, Speak Up for Women ensured some protections that might help keep trans-women out of spaces reserved for biological women, and ensured that service providers can still offer services on the basis of biological sex.

There have been many reported instances of trans-women demanding rights to access spaces traditionally reserved only for women, including bathrooms and sporting teams.

Speak Up for Women is made up of a diverse group of women concerned about the impact of gender identity politics on the rights of women and girls. The group states on its website, We quickly realised that there is no one advocating for women across the board. Traditional womens groups now focus heavily on gender identity and what is left is a void of services and advocates for women.

Regardless of what parliament decides to record on birth certificates, biological sex will go on existing and mattering; everyone knows which sex class can get pregnant and the associated issues and discrimination, the group said in a statement on Dec. 9.

The female experience cannot be legislated out of existence. This law simply means New Zealand is losing protections for women and children, data and opportunities to redress inequality.

Similar laws have been both passed and rejected in other countries with some requiring proof of treatment or surgery has commenced.

NZs conservative opposition National Party also voted in favour of the law.

If we shut down the full expression of topics such as this, we wont benefit from considering a full range of views as we debate complex policy and ideas and I do worry about the societal impacts of people feeling that their views are no longer able to be expressed, Nicola Grigg, the National Partys spokesperson for women, said.
Killer Whales follow a trawler in the fjord of Skjervoy, northern Norway, on Nov. 22, 2021. (Olivier Morin/AFP via Getty Images)

North Sea Fishing Limits Agreed With Norway and EU as UK Focus Turns to Access

The UK has come to an agreement with Norway and the European Union over how to divide up fish stocks in the North Sea next year.

While fishing groups have welcomed the accord, catch-sector bosses say it does nothing to resolve issues around access to cod-rich Norwegian waters after bilateral talks in the spring between London and Oslo to agree reciprocal rights this year collapsed.

Ministers say they remain optimistic a deal with Norway and the Faroe Islands for 2022 can be struck before Jan. 1.

The announcement of a trilateral agreement between Britain, Brussels, and Norway on catch limits means that all three know what shareknown as total allowable catchof six jointly-managed fish stocks they can take from the North Sea in 2022.

The UK government said the agreed catch levels will provide opportunities estimated to be worth around 190 million ($252 million) to the fishing industry, based on historic landing prices, and argued it will provide certainty heading into the new year.

The deal will see UK cod quota rolled over, with haddock up 5 percent, herring rising by a fifth, while whiting will increase by a quarter compared to the 2021 allocation.

However, plaice will see a 12 percent reduction in allowed catch and saithe will be down by 24 percent on last year.

Industry insiders said the UK quota for plaice is so large, however, that the reduction is unlikely to have a detrimental financial impact.

Fisheries minister Victoria Prentis said: We are confident that this agreement has struck a balance that will benefit both our fishing industry and ensure our marine environment is healthy and viable long into the future.

The Scottish Fishermens Federation said the UK had experienced the post-Brexit benefit of being at the negotiating table in its own right when it came to agreeing catch limits on some of Scotlands most important commercial stocks.

A spokesman for the organisation said, with stock management agreed, it was time to move forward with the bilateral discussions with our neighbouring coastal states about fishing opportunities and access arrangements for the year ahead.

Jane Sandell, chief executive of UK Fisheries, said the three-way agreement would not resolve the problem around the lack of access to Norwegian waters.

UK Fisheries was forced to tie up its supertrawler the Kirkellawhich previously caught around 10 percent of all the fish sold in the UKs chip shopsafter post-Brexit fishing talks with Norway collapsed in April regarding reciprocal access to each others waters in 2021.

Under an agreement enjoyed while the UK was an EU member, the Kirkella had been able to access quotas from the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Norway to source haddock and chips for domestic fryers.

Sandell told PA news agency that without bilateral deals in place, UK Fisheries had lost 60 percent of its business.

All this trilateral agreement does is set quotas, so it is good there is an agreement, but in terms of actual fishing opportunities it doesnt get us anywhere further, she said.

Weve got 40 percent of the fishing opportunities this year that we had last year.

Asked whether that downturn had impacted staff numbers, she added: Absolutely, of course.

Were trying to make sure we can keep as many people as possible but it just doesnt work out, does it?

The fisheries minister, in an update to MPs on Friday, said annual negotiations with Norway and the Faroes were ongoing.

Prentis added: We are continuing to discuss possible exchanges of fishing opportunities with Norway and the Faroes.

If there are agreements to be reached, of which we remain optimistic, we hope to conclude them in the next few weeks.

By Patrick Daly
Security forces stand outside the headquarters of Tunisia's Ennahda party after a fire broke out a the building in Tunis, Tunisia, on Dec. 9, 2021. (Jihed Abidellaoui/Reuters)

One Person Dies, 12 Injured in Fire at Tunisian Ennahda Party HQ

TUNIS, Dec 9One person died after he set himself on fire at the headquarters of Tunisias Ennahda Islamist party on Thursday, causing 12 injuries including to Ali Larayedh, an ex-prime minister, the civil protection agency and judicial authorities said.

Ennahda said one of its members was killed in the fire but did not give details.

Tunis court said the person that died in the fire is the man who set himself ablaze inside the main headquarters of Ennahda.

Rached Ghannouchi, head of the party, told reporters that the dead man obtained recognition from the state of his rights, but did not receive any compensation.

Two senior party officials were among the injured in the blaze at the building in the capital, Tunis, according to Ennahda members and witnesses.

Police members stand guard outside the headquarters of Tunisias Ennahda party after a fire broke out a the building in Tunis, Tunisia, on Dec. 9, 2021. (Jihed Abidellaoui/Reuters)

One was Larayedh, who was injured when he jumped to safety from a second-floor window. Another was AbdelKarim Harouni, they said.

Ennahda, Tunisias biggest party in parliament, was suspended by President Kais Saied on July.25.

The Arab Springa wave of protests calling for more democracy across the Arab worldwas famously sparked in Tunisia 11 years ago when a street vendor set himself on fire.

By Tarek Amara
President Mario Abdo Benitez wears a face mask as he arrives for a ceremony in tribute to veterans of the 19321935 Chaco War between Paraguay and Bolivia, at the Victoria barracks in San Lorenzo, Paraguay, on June 12, 2020. (Jorge Adorno/Reuters)

Paraguay Remains Firm on Taiwan Ties After Nicaragua Pivots to China

ASUNCIONParaguay remains resolute about maintaining diplomatic relations with Taiwan despite Nicaraguas decision to shift its allegiance to China, the top adviser to the South American countrys President Mario Abdo told Reuters on Friday.

China and Nicaragua reestablished diplomatic ties on Friday after the Central American country broke relations with Taiwan, boosting Beijing in a part of the world where the United States has strong influence.

It is a decision of the Nicaraguan government. We respect it, but Paraguay remains firm in its position to continue diplomatic relations with Taiwan, Federico Gonzalez, adviser to President Abdo, said in a statement to Reuters.

For Paraguay this doesnt change anything. Our position remains the same.

The Chinese communist regime claims Taiwan as its own, despite the fact that Taiwan is a de facto independent country, with its own military, democratically-elected government, and constitution.

The Chinese regime has increased military and political pressure on Taiwan to accept its sovereignty claims, drawing anger from the democratically ruled island, which has repeatedly said it would not be bullied and has the right to international participation.

Nicaraguas break with Taiwan has reduced the islands small group of international allies, and has put renewed focus on whether other countries who maintain diplomatic ties with Taiwan could do the same.

Paraguay is the only South American nation that maintains ties with Taiwan, a relationship that has been going on for more than six decades. Taiwan finances various infrastructure projects and agricultural support in the country, and donated medical supplies at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In announcing the donation last June of a million doses of vaccines to Paraguay, U.S. Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland, said that Paraguays relationship with Taiwan set a strong example for the world.

The Epoch Times contributed to this report.
Pennsylvania Supreme Court Ends School Mask Mandate

Department of Education hosts mask-free event as state battles to keep masks on kids

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court affirmed on Dec. 10 a Commonwealth Court decision that stated that Acting Health Secretary Alison Beam didnt have the authority to issue a mask mandate for everyone indoors at schools and child care centers.

The ruling means that, effective immediately, school mask-wearing is no longer mandatory, although many school districts have a local rule that students who wish to wear a mask may still do so.

The suit was brought by Pennsylvania Senate President Pro Tempore Jake Corman, a Republican running for governor. It was filed personally, as a parent, along with other parents, and not as part of a Senate action.

With todays ruling, the power for parents and local leaders to make health and safety decisions in our schools is restored, Corman said in a statement.

That power comes with an obligation to review the facts and act in the best interests of our communitieswhich is why legislative leaders sent a letter to Governor Tom Wolf yesterday to reconvene the COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force. I encourage all stakeholders to review the needs and conditions in our communities to make the best choices for our kids.

Wolf recently announced that he would return masking decisions to local school leaders on Jan. 17, so some people were surprised when the states Department of Health appealed the Commonwealth Courts decision and continued fighting for the mandatory mask mandate.

While the state battled in court to keep masks on kids, educators gathered on Dec. 6 without students and appeared unconcerned about masking.

Secretary of Education Noe Ortega had announced that Elizabeth Raff, an educator at Penn Manor School District in Lancaster County was named the 2022 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year.

The announcement was made during the Standards Aligned System Institute, the Pennsylvania Department of Educations annual professional development conference. Photographs from the event, provided by the state, show teachers and state employees gathered without masks or social distancing.

Raff teaches sixth-grade English language arts and social studies at Pequea Elementary School. She was chosen from among 12 finalists. Shell travel the state, meet and collaborate with other educators, and represent Pennsylvania in the 2022 National Teacher of the Year competition.
Pentagon press secretary John Kirby speaks during a press briefing at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., on Sept. 3, 2021. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Pentagon May Make COVID-19 Booster Shots Mandatory for Troops

High-level Department of Defense officials are considering whether to make COVID-19 vaccine booster shots part of the mandate for U.S. troops, the Pentagon said on Dec. 10.

There are active discussions here in the department at the policy level about booster shots and whether or not to make those mandatory, John Kirby, the departments spokesman, told reporters during a briefing in Virginia.

There have been no final decisions made about that.

The Pentagon is forcing every military member, active-duty or reserve, to get a shot unless they receive a religious, medical, or administrative exemption. Few exemptions have been granted so far; zero religious ones have been granted.

The mandate currently requires troops to become fully vaccinated. That refers to two doses in some cases, including for the Pfizer-BioNTech shot, or one dose in others, including for the Johnson & Johnson jab.

The effectiveness of the vaccines, though, drops sharply against infection as time passes after getting the shots. The protection against severe symptoms also drops, although not by as much.

The waning effectiveness has triggered a push by top health authorities to encourage people to get a booster dose. Early studies indicate that boosters restore much of the lost protection, though experts note its unclear how long the effect will remain.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said last week that the definition of fully vaccinated will be expanded to include boosters.

Its going to be a matter of when, not if, said Fauci, who is one of President Joe Bidens top advisers.

Kirby said that if the mandate is expanded, military officials will clearly communicate that and be transparent about it.

Nine in 10 active-duty troops are fully vaccinated as of Dec. 10, according to Kirby. Fewer reserves, almost 74 percent, are fully vaccinated.

The numbers keep trending in the right direction, and were glad to see that, Kirby said.

We know theres more work to do, and theres some deadlines that havent passed yet, as you well know, as well. But the secretarys expectation is, because this is a mandatory military readiness requirement, is that everybodys going to get it with the exception of those, of course, who are properly exempted from it; either doctors orders, or they have applied for an exemption that has been accepted.

Each military branch set different deadlines for troops to be vaccinated. Some deadlines have already passed, including ones for active-duty Air Force, Navy, and Marine members.

Troops who dont get vaccinated and dont get an exemption are being told theyll face repercussions, including the possibility of being discharged.
Keith Kressin, the executive who oversaw Qualcomm Inc.s artificial intelligence chip efforts, has left to take the top job at a Michigan-based semiconductor startup.

Kressin has become chief executive of MemryX, founded in 2019 by University of Michigan professors Wei Lu and Zhengya Zhan, the company told Reuters. MemryX is working on its second generation of a chip aimed at helping cameras in places such as cars and factory robots recognize objects, a field called computer vision.

Kressin told Reuters he left Qualcomm, which is nearly tied with Intel Corp. for the tile of second-largest U.S. chip firm by market capitalization, for MemryX, which has only 30 employees, because he believes the startup solves a key problem in making artificial intelligence work in the real world.

Artificial intelligence models must be trained using powerful chips in data centers. To be used outside data centers, they must be modified to fit into smaller chips inside cameras or other devices. Those modificationsknown as hand tuningcan be costly and time consuming.

MemryX says it aims to offer a chip that does not need hand tuning.

You dont need the intervening steps, Kressin told Reuters. It takes a long time to get traction because the software is so onerous.

MemryX said Lu, co-founder who served as CEO previously, will remain chairman of the board and become chief technology officer. Kressin has relocated from Qualcomms home San Diego, California, to MemryXs headquarters in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where the startup hopes to cultivate customers among carmakers, who are rapidly adding chips to vehicles.

A lot of times in tech and AI, you dont talk much about the Midwest, Kressin said. That was one of the things that drew me here actuallythe opportunity in Michigan.

By Stephen Nellis
Rep. Tiffany: Open Borders a Huge National Security Risk

The lax enforcement of the United States southern border presents a major national security risk, Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-Wis.) says.

Thats the thing that Ive really been emphasizing to my colleagues here in Congress, is that this is a huge opening for national security concerns, with bad people that can come into the United States very easily at this point, Tiffany, a member of the House of Representatives Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship, told NTDs Capitol Report.

Tiffany has made multiple trips this year to see the crisis firsthand, first to Texas, and then to Panama, where migrants must traverse to get to the United States.

When I made that trip to McAllen, Texas, the Border Patrol said, You really need to look deeper. You need to look deeper than just Mexico or the Northern Triangle in Central America, that there are people we are stopping, theyre coming from all over the world. If you really want to see it, go down to Panama,' Tiffany recalled. And so that was the genesis of making the trip down there, and really seeing whats happening.

Migrants must go on a 7- to 10-day walk through the Darien Gap, an inhospitable jungle in Panama and Colombia, on their way north.

Roughly 10 percent dont survive, investigative journalist Michael Yon told The Epoch Times earlier this year.

Those that do make it through and eventually get into the United States are coming from all over, including Africa, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe, Tiffany said.

He sees a direct connection with the dramatic changes President Joe Biden and his administration made to the immigration enforcement system and the spike in illegal immigration.

After the actions of the Biden administration on Jan. 20, when they basically turned the green light on at the southern borderthat was a message also to the drug traffickers, the cartels, and others: You can bring other people in,' Tiffany said. You know the bad guys in the Middle East and other parts of the world, they understand better than anybody, We can get people into the United States. Im very concerned about sleeper cells that are in the United States at this point as a result of this open borders.

Customs and Border Protection has confirmed that two Yemeni nationals on the terror watchlist were apprehended at the border this year, and reportedly told Congress that at least two other terror suspects were detained at the border since Biden took office.

Individuals that they have on the watch list for terrorism are now starting to exploit the southern border, Rep. John Katko, the top Republican on the House Homeland Security Committee, told reporters at the border earlier this year.

The Biden administration has defended the system overhaul, arguing earlier iterations were inhumane and didnt properly treat illegal immigrants. At the same time, the administration has kept in place some Trump-era provisions. Title 42 will continue to be used, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed to The Epoch Times this week, to expel some immigrants due to concerns they carry the virus that causes COVID-19. And the Remain in Mexico program, which the Department of Homeland Security said was successful in decreasing the number of illegal immigrants, was reinstated this month due to a court order.

Tiffany recommended colleagues take a trip down and see what he did, even if they represent areas that are not on or close to the border.

Im as far away from the southern border as youre going to get in northern Wisconsin, but whats very clear after having been there, as well as Panama: every state in the United States is now a border state, Tiffany said.
Ridley-Thomas to Be Tried August 2022; District 10 Remains Without Representation

LOS ANGELESA federal judge ruled on Dec. 9 that Mark Ridley-Thomas, the suspended Los Angeles city councilman, will go to trial for his corruption case on Aug. 9, 2022, as residents of his district grow frustrated with their lack of representation.

Ridley-Thomas, who oversaw district 10, was suspended from office by a divided Los Angeles City Council on Oct. 20 after he and Marilyn Flynn, former dean of the University of Southern Californias (USC) School of Social Work, were indicted on 20 counts of bribery and fraud on Oct. 13. In November, a federal judge heard a summary of the prosecutions case and requested that both sides agree on a trial date.

Ridley-Thomass suspension from the city council means that his constituents have been left without representation since October.

Karly Katona, Ridley-Thomass chief of staff, was appointed caretaker of the district on Nov. 1 in Ridley-Thomass absence. Katona, however, does not have the ability to vote in the city council on matters concerning the district.

Gina Fields, chair of the West Area Neighborhood Development Council, told The Epoch Times that Katona and the rest of the districts staff have been doing a great job at keeping up programs initiated by Ridley-Thomas, including those that help house dozens of homeless in her neighborhood.

However, Fields said that she and other residents are frustrated with the districts lack of representation, especially during last months vote on council redistricting.

Its just egregious that [the city council] yanked [Ridley-Thomas] out of office without a plan, Fields said. [His suspension happened] right in the middle of  picking what goes where. Were trying to get the assets and trying to keep our communities intact. And suddenly our councilmember was gone and could no longer vote and help to negotiate deals.

Fields said that she and other neighborhood councils have been asking the city council to appoint someone to represent their district.

The plan cannot be to leave 250,000 people disenfranchised for the next eight months, Fields said. How do we get a voice? My letters have gotten no response [beyond] a kind of generic response of, youve been heard. Okay, but what are you going to do?

Fields said that they offered Nury Martinez, the city council president, several options: reinstating Ridley-Thomas until his trial, appointing an interim councilmember, or reinstating former Councilmember Herb Wesson, who represented the district until Ridley-Thomas took over in 2020.

Fields said the LA Metro K Line will open up through Crenshaw in the coming year, and thus her neighborhood wants to be prepared for the business and traffic that will come with the new line and guard against gentrification, which can be difficult to do without representation in the city council.

[Ridley-Thomas is] a son of South LA. Hes a son of Leimert Park and Crenshaw Manor. So without someone who understands the unique cultural sensitivity of our area there to defend our area , we stand a chance of losing something really beautiful and really special in our neighborhood, and we stand a chance of losing  the African American hub.

In 2018, Ridley-Thomas, who then served on the LA County Board of Supervisors, allegedly conspired with Flynn to provide Ridley-Thomass son, Sebastian, with benefits including admission to USCs graduate school, a full-tuition scholarship, a paid professorship, and a mechanism to funnel Ridley-Thomas campaign funds through the university to a non-profit to be operated by the relative, according to a statement by the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Central District of California.

In exchange, Ridley-Thomas, in his role as a county supervisor, allegedly steered new contracts that would generate millions in new revenue for the school, according to the U.S. attorney statement.

Both Ridley-Thomas and Flynn have denied the allegations and said the evidence will clear their names.

A spokesperson for Nury Martinez declined to comment. Karly Katona didnt respond to a request for comment by press time.
Russian Jets Intercept French, US Warplanes Over Black Sea

Several Russian SU-27 fighter jets escorted a group of French and U.S. warplanes over the Black Sea on Dec. 9, according to a video released on Dec. 10 by Russias Ministry of Defense.

The defense ministry said airspace control systems in the country detected aerial targets flying towards the Russian border over international waters in the Black Sea, according to a statement obtained by Russian news agency TASS.

The planes were stopped from violating the Russian border, the ministry said. After turning the foreign warplanes away from Russias border, the Russian fighter jets safely returned to their home airfield.

French military officials said on Dec. 9 that two of its planes and a French refueling aircraft were being tracked by two Russian fighter jets in international airspace over the Black Sea. A day earlier, a Russian jet had already escorted two French warplanes, which Moscow said was to prevent the aircraft from entering Russian airspace.

The National Defense Management Center in Russia, which is part of the defense ministry, identified the intercepted planes as a Mirage 2000, a Rafale fighter, and a KC-135 refueling aircraft belonging to the French Air and Space Force. The group also included two U.S. reconnaissance aircraft: an Army CL-600 Artemis and an RC-135 from the Air Force, according to the center.

Armed Forces spokesman Col. Pascal Ianni told Reuters that the French planes were carrying out a NATO observation mission under international regulations. Such interactions arent uncommon, with similar incidents happening previously, but they come amid tensions between the West and Russia in the region.

Last week, U.S. intelligence released information and satellite imagery taken over the past month, showing Russia massing troops on the border with Ukraine. The West has spread concern that Russia might be preparing for a massive offensive against Ukraine as soon as early next year.

Moscow has denied all claims that the Kremlin is preparing for an offensive on Ukraine, rejecting Western concerns as part of efforts to smear Russia.

From NTD News
A kaleidoscope of Monarch butterflies hang from a tree branch, in the Piedra Herrada sanctuary, near Valle de Bravo, Mexico, on Jan. 4, 2015. (Rebecca Blackwell, File/AP Photo)

Senators Ponder $1.4 Billion Wildlife Recovery Bill

The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee heard expert testimony Dec. 8 on the Recovering Americas Wildlife Act (RAWA), a bipartisan wildlife protection bill that would be funded by fines and other money collected from environmental or natural resource-related violations.

RAWA revises the 1937 Pittman-Robertson Act, which gave the tax money collected on firearms and ammunition to individual states for the purpose of protecting and studying wildlife.

RAWA would create a new, $1.3 billion subaccount for states, territories, and the District of Columbia to implement their wildlife conservation strategies, recover endangered or threatened species, combat invasive species, and fund law enforcement activities related to protection of wildlife species of greatest conservation need, among other purposes.

Additionally, it would create a $97.5 million tribal wildlife conservation and restoration account for uses similar to those of the $1.3 billion subaccount.

The Senate version of RAWA was introduced by Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.). With 16 Republican cosponsors and 16 Democratic cosponsors, it has garnered support from a range of environmental groups, including the conservative ConservAmerica and the more liberal Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).

Notably, funding could be granted to private lands, waters, or other holdings without requiring public access to the property.

Frankly, private lands play an outsized role in the conservation of wildlife, including endangered and threatened species. Therefore, the key to recovering species is often to make them an asset for private landowners rather than a liability, said Property and Environment Research Center (PERC) Vice President Jonathan Wood, one of the expert panelists before the committee.

Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark.), a cosponsor of RAWA, said he thought the bill could incentivize voluntary conservation by private landowners, reducing conflict over enforcement of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). He asked expert panelist Sara Parker Pauley, director of the Missouri Department of Conservation, how wildlife conservation might be impacted by falling revenue from hunting and fishing license purchases as fewer Americans choose to hunt and fish.

Hunters and anglers have done their part. They have paved the way, and its because of them that we have the conservation success stories, but the formula going forward has to be different. It has to be something picked up by all of us, Pauley said.

I agree. Thats the pointwere going to have to backfill that, Boozman replied.

This is a significant increase in funds, and the capacity to use those funds appropriately is something that we all have to be concerned about, said Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.). I trust what youre saying, that this bill could be very well implemented in that way with the supervision of [U.S.] Fish and Wildlife [Service]. But Ive also seen whats happened in the previous administration, where we thought we gave pretty direct guidance through our legislation, only to see the way it was implemented on the environmental side totally inconsistent with the bipartisan efforts here in the United States Congress.

Cardin was answered by expert panelist Dan Ashe, president and CEO of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums and director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under President Obama.

When youre talking about moving money off budget, which this bill does, it severely restricts accountability, he said.

The Epoch Times has reached out to Sen. Cardins office to clarify which Trump-era legislation he had in mind and what sort of accountability he envisions.

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), another RAWA cosponsor, also spoke, saying he would use the chance to point out what I see as a persistent bias in conservation and wildlife measures against coastal states such as his own.

He cited the Land and Water Conservation Fund, saying, Theres a huge discrepancy between what inland states get and what coastal states get if you adjust for population.

The Epoch Times has reached out to Sen. Whitehouses office to determine the source of this claim and seek clarity on the extent of the discrepancy in such funding.

In later testimony, Ashe emphasized what he sees as the need for national-level coordination, citing the example of monarch butterflies.

You cant conserve monarch butterflies from Iowa or North Dakota, or Minnesota. It requires cooperation with Canada and Mexico in particular, because if we dont protect the wintering grounds and reserves in Mexico, all of the conservation effort in the United States is meaningless. And so its absolutely essential to have strong, effective capacity within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, he said.

He told the committee that the national agency can serve as a heat shield for state agencies, who he said may be inhibited from addressing some environmental problems by local politics.

It seems a little bit to me that were pitting the states against the Fish and Wildlife Service, and I hope that that isnt the case, Pauley later said. We do so much amazing work with our federal partners in the Midwest. The intent of this legislation has been to at long last provide critically important funding to state fish and wildlife agencies to actually implement those state wildlife action plans.

Landowners are more comfortable working with states because most of your interactions with [U.S.] Fish and Wildlife Service begin with regulation or listing before you get to the How can we collaborate? said Wood. Youre more likely to get buy in from landowners and actual on-the-ground-conservation if it starts in that dialogue with the state of, How can we solve problems, rather than How can we impose regulations to try and control what you might do?

Senators have until Dec. 22 to send questions about RAWA to the expert panelists, who will be required to respond by Jan. 5.
People wait in a line to undergo COVID-19 testing at a railway station in Seoul, South Korea, on Dec. 8, 2021. (Heo Ran/Reuters)

South Korean Parents Protest Over Student Vaccine Pass Mandate

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREASeveral parents associations in South Korea held protests on Thursday against a vaccine pass mandate for children.

From February, those aged 12 or older will have to show a vaccine pass to enter public spaces, including private tuition centers, libraries, and study cafes. The exemption age is currently 17 years.

The mandate, however, has sparked uproar among some parents who refuse to vaccinate their children, citing potential side effects and reports of vaccine breakthrough infections.

At least 70 members of parents associations gathered in front of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency building in Cheongju city on Thursday, holding up signs that read Vaccine Dictatorship.

A poll conducted this week by another activist group showed 93 percent of the more than 18,000 parents who responded were against the idea of enforcing the vaccine pass mandate on students.

South Korea has fully vaccinated nearly 92 percent of its adults, while 11 percent have received a booster shot. But inoculation rate for the 1217 age group remains at 34 percent.

The country has said it will recognize overseas vaccinations of foreigners who have entered the country with no quarantine exemption and that they will be eligible to receive a booster shot and a vaccine pass, effective Dec 9.

Previously, South Korea recognized overseas vaccinations for only its citizens and foreigners who entered the country under a quarantine exemption.
Staffer Sues State Department Over Alleged Havana Syndrome He Experienced in China

A State Department officer has filed a lawsuit against the department over what he alleges was retaliation and disability discrimination after he reported experiencing in China a series of symptoms he says is the mysterious Havana Syndrome.

The federal suit from Mark Lenzi, who worked as a security engineering officer under the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) within the State Department, is the first known suit against the U.S. government over the unusual condition first reported in 2016 by diplomatic and intelligence personnel in Cuba.

Lenzi alleged that the State Department subjected him to retaliation and unlawful discrimination for exercising his First Amendment right to speak about his disability and about how he has been treated by the department.

He is seeking compensation for past and future loss of wages and benefits, including back and front pay with interest, an additional six years of credit toward his State Department retirement, reinstatement to a position comparable to his former positions, legal fees, and financial compensation for emotional distress, pain, and suffering, among other court actions.

According to the 46-page complaint (pdf), filed Dec. 8, Lenzi and his family, around November 2017, started experiencing sudden and unexplained physical and psychological symptoms, including headaches, sleeplessness, lightheadedness, nosebleeds, and memory loss, when he was stationed at the U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou, China.

Lenzi, his wife, and his two children were finally administered Department of State Havana Acquired Brain Injury Tests months later in June 2018, which led to all four being medically evacuated to the Brain Injury Repair Center at the University of Pennsylvania. Lenzi started to receive treatment at the center.

In October 2018, Lenzi requested official disability accommodation arrangements from the State Departments Disability and Reasonable Accommodation Division (DRAD), which he received in November 2018. The accommodations included two to four hours of remote work per day, extra time to complete tasks, and a reduced workload.

According to the complaint, Lenzi was reassigned to a domestic position in December 2018. Since then, he has been denied the opportunity for overseas positions and has not been promoted.

This domestic position assigned him lower effective pay than the foreign postings he had held in the past, and did not provide some of the benefits to which Mr. Lenzi would have been entitled in a foreign posting, such as housing, paid schooling for his children, and other benefits, according to the complaint. On information and belief, none of the [DRAD] accommodations are incompatible with the positions that Mr. Lenzi sought and could have secured abroad, or would have prevented Mr. Lenzi from performing the essential functions of those positions.

He was later transferred to another domestic position in October 2021. While the position is one grade level above Lenzis current status, Lenzi has not been promoted to the level which would entitle him to an increased salary, according to the complaint.

Instead, Mr. Lenzi now fulfills the duties and responsibilities of a more senior FP-02 position while being compensated at the more junior FP-03 level, a situation referred to as a stretch. Mr. Lenzi would most likely have been promoted already if not for the Agencys discrimination and retaliation against him, the complaint states.

The State Department would not have assigned him such a position if they did not view Mr. Lenzi as an extremely skilled and capable employee. However, he is not being compensated or recognized accordingly.

The complaint also detailed how, after Lenzi sent an email in May 2018 to his American diplomat colleagues warning them about the potential danger to their health and safety, the DSS ordered Lenzi to undergo a psychiatric evaluation. The ordered evaluation constituted a crude and cruel act of retaliation against Mr. Lenzi for discussing his injuries and concern for his own health and that of his colleagues, the complaint states.

It adds that by the time of the psychiatric evaluation order, Lenzis superiors were well aware that numerous American officials stationed in Guangzhou and elsewhere were experiencing the same symptoms as Mr. Lenzi and his medevacd neighbor.

Separately, the complaint alleges that the State Department has provided no justification for its differing treatment of injured American employees stationed in China compared to those stationed in Cuba. The difference meant that Lenzi received less support from the State Department in pursuing treatment and faced administrative hurdles to receive medical care, it says. Furthermore, while officers in Cuba with the same diagnosed injuries could use administrative leave to receive treatment, Lenzi had to use his own sick leave to receive similar treatments, according to the complaint.

The complaint noted that a doctor at the University of Pennsylvania towed [sic] the State Departments line and suspiciously determined that Lenzis symptoms and findings do not correlate with the Havana Cohort.'

Lenzi in June 2020 requested that the State Departments Bureau of Medical Services reconsider the decision and asserted that his diagnosed conditions overlapped significantly with conditions of two people injured in Havana.

The same doctor, Dr. Behzad Shahbazian, denied his request but added, Nobody doubts your symptoms, many of which are similar to the Havana Cohort of patients.

A State Department spokesperson told news outlets that it doesnt comment on litigation matters, adding that due to privacy concerns and for security reasons, we do not discuss specifics or Embassy operations, but we take each report we receive extremely seriously and are working to ensure that affected employees get the care and support they need.

The United States under the Trump administration withdrew most of its staff members from the U.S. embassy in Havana, Cuba, in 2017, after more than 20 staffers at the embassy in 2016 reported experiencing an array of neurological symptoms now referred to as Havana Syndrome.

For some of these patients, their case began with the sudden onset of a loud noise, perceived to have directional features, and accompanied by pain in one or both ears or across a broad region of the head, and in some cases, a sensation of head pressure or vibration, dizziness, followed in some cases by tinnitus, visual problems, vertigo, and cognitive difficulties, according to a State Department-commissioned report by the National Academy of Sciences in December 2020.

The report said that the most plausible mechanism behind the injuries is microwave radiofrequency radiation.

Culprits behind the alleged attacks have not been identified.

In October 2021, President Joe Biden signed into law a measure that provides for the funding of the treatment of Havana Syndrome, which has since affected more than 200 U.S. government employees.

State Secretary Antony Blinken met with Havana Syndrome victims in September and reassured them the administration is investigating the matter and seeks to provide them with proper care. In November, Blinken announced the appointment of two diplomats to investigate the cases and lead efforts to support care for the victims.
The Biden Gap: Japan Takes Diplomatic Lead in Defense of Taiwan

Tokyo declares military defense of Taiwan integral to its own security

Commentary

The fallout from the disastrous U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan continues to influence the perception of the United States by allies and adversaries alike around the world. Japan and China are key examples of nations reacting to the Biden administrations weakness to further their national interests.

Strategic Ambiguity Means Weakness

The Biden administrations characterization of the U.S. policy toward Taiwan as one of strategic ambiguity, after pledging to defend the island nation against Chinese aggression, is a clear example of weakness and hesitancy. Walking back President Joe Bidens defense pledge has only increased allies doubts about the United States to meet its security commitments.

Upon taking office, Biden told the world that America is back.

But where are we back? Whose back does America have?

America is certainly not back in Afghanistan, nor in the Middle East. Nor does it appear that Russian potentate Vladimir Putin and Chinas Xi Jinping have any respect for American power under the Biden administration when it so clearly lacks the will to use it to further U.S. interests.

The Biden Gap

There a several reasons for this, but essentially, it comes down to comparing what the Biden administration says and what it actually does. More to the point, it comes down to what Biden thinks is the right foreign policy decision for America. For more than four decades, one has been consistently in opposition to the other.

Today, in an undeniably more dangerous world, U.S. allies face what could accurately be called the Biden gap, marked by American strategic ambiguity, followed by a failure to act on commitments that eventually result in strategic retreat.

Thats what American allies in the Asia-Pacific fear.

Of course, Beijing is taking full advantage of the retreating, appeasing nature of the Biden administration. Its attempting to fuel those doubts by increasing its military provocations of Taiwan, as well as taunting the United States, even as Biden affirmed that U.S. athletes would attend the Olympic Games, to be held in Beijing in 2022, despite Chinas many documented crimes against humanity.

Japans New Taiwan Strategy

That reality puts Japans recent pronouncement on the defense of Taiwan into a multifaceted defensive context. In a transformative white paper released this year, Tokyo has pledged to protect Taiwan as a democratic country up to and including participation in military action to defend against Chinese aggression.

Japans honor guard marches into the entrance area of the Ministry of Defense in Tokyo, on Nov. 5, 2021. (Hiro Komae/AP Photo)

Why has Tokyo decided to make this fundamental change regarding Taiwan? And why does Japan feel that it needs to be publicly articulated?

Tokyos outward expression of its security concerns is aimed at both China and the United States. First, like the United States, Taiwan, and other Asian nations, Japan is concerned about the Chinese regimes growing aggression and war-planning exercises toward Taiwan.

Tokyo is right to be worried. No one believes that Beijings war games, its militarization of the South China Sea, its massive naval force, and recent test of hypersonic missiles are benign developments that wont be applied in a military context sooner or later.

Second, Tokyo is signaling to Beijing that an invasion of Taiwan will trigger a wider war with Japan, not just with Taiwan and the United States. In doing so, Tokyo wants to create doubt in Beijing strategists minds regarding the outcome of an attack on Taiwan. A China-led war against Taiwan with Japanese forces involved would be more complex, riskier, and more unpredictable than one involving just U.S. and Taiwanese forces. It would undoubtedly raise the uncertainty and potential costs of a war, and may even prevent a victory for China.

Third, Japan is telling both China and the United States that it will no longer be a passive partner in the U.S.-backed security alliance. That in itself is an indication of Tokyos diminished confidence in the Biden administration.

Taiwan Chips Are Key to Global Technology Market

But Japans white paper is also an acknowledgment of the threat that a Chinese invasion of Taiwan would pose to the region and to Japans economy. Like the rest of the developed world, Japans highly advanced industrial economy relies heavily upon Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) chips.

A logo of TSMC at its headquarters in Hsinchu, Taiwan, on Aug. 31, 2018. (Tyrone Siu/Reuters)

China would certainly like to control the worlds access to these critical components, not only for its own benefits, but for the opportunity to deny them to economic rivals such as the United States, the European Union, Japan, and others. Gaining control over the production and supply of this critical technology would give Beijing great power over the global economy as a whole and, specifically, over Japans.

Strengthening the Military Alliance With US

Related to that, Tokyo sees the Chinese communist regime for what it is: a malevolent force bent on regional and global domination. Therefore, Tokyos Taiwan security pronouncement involves more than just reassuring Washington of Japanese cooperation in regional security matters. Japan is also seeking to pressure the United States to reaffirm its security commitments to Taiwan, and in doing, to Japan and other Asia-Pacific allies.

Tokyos objectives are understandable. The Japanese realize that Chinas subjugation of Taiwan would shatter the U.S.-led regional security arrangements. They also know that Beijing would likely not stop at Taiwan. Rather, Beijing would seek, in one fashion or another, to assert its authority over all other nations in the region, including Australia and Japan, and kick the United States out of the Asia-Pacific zone.

Japan Fills the Biden Gap

Essentially, Tokyo senses reticence in the Biden administration to stand up to China. By announcing its intention to join military action in defense of Taiwan, Japan is filling the Biden gap in Asia-Pacific diplomacy and security that used to be Americas unquestioned role in the region.

Unfortunately, the Biden gap is present in every strategic part of the world, not just the Asia-Pacific region. But Japan can only look out for its own security, and has rightly concluded that its security is tied to Taiwans, and both are tied to the United States.

Tokyos new pronouncement is both forward-leaning and risky. But the risk is likely less than the alternative scenario in which the Chinese regime, taking full advantage of the Biden gap, subjugates Taiwan with only token expressions of defense by the United States, before targeting other nations for conquest throughout the region.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Thousands protest COVID-19 policies in capital of Austria, on Dec. 11, 2021, in a still from video. (AP/Screenshot via The Epoch Times)

Thousands Protest COVID-19 Policies in Austria

Tens of thousands of people protested in Austrias capital on Saturday, another in a string of large demonstrations against the governments coronavirus policies.

Police said around 44,000 people joined in the march, which was in part called for by the right-wing Freedom Party of Austria.

Protesters were demonstrating against policies such as compulsory COVID-19 vaccinations, with fines for those who refuse the jab.

Speaking at the rally, the leader of the Freedom Party of Austria Herbert Kickl called for resistance to the policy, calling the government plans an assault on humanity.

Until late afternoon, the protests were mostly peaceful.
A farmer checks on packs of rice ready for delivery at a sorting site for produce in Iwaki, Fukushima prefecture, Japan, on Nov. 2, 2021. (Sakura Murakami/Reuters)

UK Seeks Public Opinions on Lifting Japanese Food Imports Restrictions

The British government is soliciting public opinions on lifting Japanese food imports restrictions that have been in place since the Fukushima incident in March 2011, as part of the process to ease the curbs, which are likely to take effect next spring.

Britains Food Standards Agency (FSA) has concluded that the removal of import requirementsa limit of 100 becquerels per kilogram on radioactive cesium in Japanese foodwould result in a negligible increase in the risk to UK consumers, according to its assessment report released on Friday.

The agencys director of policy Rebecca Sudworth said while the European Commission had evaluated the measures on a regular basis, the public and stakeholders are encouraged to submit opinions on the policy changes by February next year.

This responsibility has now passed to the FSA, along with FSS, and we have completed a UK import risk assessment and economic impact assessment. We welcome all views on possible changes to the controls, before we advise ministers on next steps, Sudworth said in a statement.

The British government currently requires inspection certificates for 23 food products from nine prefectures in Japan, including food products from Fukushima, to prove they have been tested for radioactive material and require certificates of origin for other farm products. These requirements will not be needed if the restrictions are lifted.

Meanwhile, in early November, the Japanese government and the operator of the Fukushima nuclear power plant, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings (TEPCO), said they will start gradually releasing the water in the spring of 2023.

The goal was to remove hundreds of storage tanks at the plant and make room for facilities needed for its decommissioning. TEPCO plans to send the water through an undersea tunnel and discharge it about 0.6 miles away from the coastal power plant after treating and diluting it with large amounts of seawater.

But the plan has been fiercely opposed by fishermen, residents, and Japans neighbors, including China and South Korea.

A massive earthquake and tsunami in 2011 knocked out the Fukushima Daiichi plants cooling systems, triggering the meltdown of three reactors. Since then, large amounts of water used to cool the still highly radioactive reactor cores have leaked extensively. The contaminated water is being stored in about 1,000 tanks, which are expected to reach their capacity next year.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.
A perimeter fence is constructed around what is officially known as a vocational skills education center in Dabancheng in Xinjiang, China, on Sept. 4, 2018. (Thomas Peter/Reuters)

UN Says to Publish Findings Soon on Abuses in Xinjiang

GENEVAThe United Nations human rights office is finalizing its assessment of the situation in Chinas Xinjiang region, where Uyghurs are alleged to have been unlawfully detained, mistreated, and forced to work, a spokesperson said on Friday.

Rupert Colville said that the office of U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet hoped to publish its report in the coming weeks and that there had been no concrete progress in long-running talks with Chinese officials on a proposed visit.

Earlier on Friday, an unofficial British-based tribunal of lawyers and campaigners said Chinese leader Xi Jinping bore primary responsibility for what it said was genocide, crimes against humanity, and torture of Uyghurs and members of other minorities in the Xinjiang region. The Chinese regime dismissed the tribunal, which has no powers of sanction or enforcement, as a farce.

The Uyghurs tribunal has brought to light more information that is deeply disturbing in relation to the treatment of Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities in Xinjiang, Colville told a U.N. briefing in Geneva.

We have of course similarly identified patterns of arbitrary detention and ill-treatment in institutions, coercive labour practices and erosion of social and cultural rights in general, he said.

There was no immediate response from Chinas mission to the U.N. in Geneva to a request for comment.

In June, Bachelet publicly suggested a timeline for a visit, which she has been negotiating the terms of since Sept. 2018.

Her findings need to be shared with the Chinese regime before they could be made public, Colville said, adding he hoped that would in be a matter of weeks.

Asked about diplomatic boycotts of the Beijing Winter Olympics in February, announced by the United States, Australia, Britain, and Canada, Colville declined comment saying: I dont think it would be really fruitful for us to get into that.
Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and China's Premier Li Keqiang attend a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Nov. 3, 2018. (Jason Lee/AFP/Getty Images)

USChina Strategic Rivalry Plays Out in Pakistan

News Analysis

U.S. interests in Pakistan include maintaining stability in South Asia, preventing war between India and Pakistan, containing international terrorism launched from Afghanistan, and countering the Chinese regimes expanding influence and alliance building.

Once the primary U.S. ally in the region, as Pakistan sinks deeper into Chinas orbit, U.S.Pakistan relations have become more and more ambiguous. Pakistan is also slipping deeper into debt, threatening regional stability.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping first announced the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) during a 2015 visit to Islamabad. He spoke of a long-term vision for Pakistans development, pledging between $40 billion and $60 billion of investments into the country.

According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), in 2013, before CPEC started, Pakistan owed $4.1 billion to China, roughly 9 percent of the countrys foreign debt. By 2021, its foreign debt stood at $90.12 billion, with $24.7 billion owed to China.

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has seized on CPEC as a soft power opportunity, portraying itself as the savior of Pakistan and lending a helping hand when all of the other countries have turned their backs. Through CPEC, the CCP offers loans and infrastructure investments to Pakistan, claiming to be the countrys all-weather friend. However, the reality is that the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and other international donors built much of Pakistans existing infrastructure.

One of the main reasons the CCP is interested in investing in Pakistan is because the countrys ports represent the shortest straight-line distance that connects China and Afghanistan with the sea. Afghanistans connectivity is important to Beijing, as China may be able to purchase minerals and energy from the Taliban. However, because of inefficiencies of logistics and bureaucracy, it takes an average of 45.6 hours for freight to clear a Pakistani border crossing.

The Gwadar City Port, a major part of the CCPs One Belt, One Road initiative in Pakistan, is pictured on Oct. 4, 2017. (Amelie Herenstein/AFP/Getty Images)

Through its $681.5 million Pakistan Regional Economic Integration Activity (PREIA) program, the United States has been assisting Pakistan in increasing its international trade capabilities by working to help the country improve its logistics, resolve its customs inefficiencies, and improve its regional transit routes.

The U.S. government has announced that it will be increasing its annual direct investment in Pakistan from $2.8 billion in 2019 to $7.4 billion by 2022. Apart from U.S. aid and investment, many of Pakistans major roadsconnecting Afghanistan with Karachi, Pakistanhave been built or funded by South Korean company Daewoo, as well as the ADB, the UKs Department for International Development (DFID), and Pakistani private banks. So its a misnomer for China to call itself the only friend thats willing to help Pakistan.

Originally, CPEC was called the crown jewel of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Now, although it has been downgraded to the pilot project of the BRI, CPEC is still one of the most important strategic initiatives in the CCPs plan for global expansion.

Just like CPECs demotion, the CCPs Iron Brotherhood with Pakistan appears to be less intense than it used to be. Chinese direct investment in Pakistan peaked in 2015 at $25 billion, declining steadily since then. It has been at less than $5 billion for the past three years. Despite Beijings reduced investment, its still willing to sell Pakistan weapons. Pakistan is Chinas biggest arms buyer, even purchasing nuclear weapons.

By the 1980s, nearly 75 percent of Pakistans army tanks and 65 percent of its military aircraft were purchased from China. China also played an integral role in Pakistans nuclear and missile programs. Between 2016 and 2020, 38 percent of Chinas total weapons exports went to Pakistan, and Chinese weapons accounted for 73 percent of Pakistans arms imports.

U.S. objections over CPEC include the long-term effects of increased debt on Pakistans economy, the lack of transparency in the selection of investment projects, and the small number of new jobs created for Pakistanis. CPEC has so little transparencyeven the Pakistani people dont know the exact terms of the loan agreements that their government has signed with Beijing.

Before the Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party won the election and assumed power in 2018, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan was a staunch opponent of CPEC, demanding greater transparency. After taking office, however, he saw the need for Chinese investment as Pakistan faced an economic crisis. He immediately changed his tune, intensifying Pakistans engagement with China.

Not everyone in Pakistan has been so pacified regarding the arrangement. In November, massive protests against CPEC broke out in the area around the Gwadar Port. Residents were angry over the CCPs ongoing involvement in Balochistan province, Pakistan, as well as the fact that the benefits of CPEC werent being felt by common people.

When Washington called Beijings involvement in Pakistan a debt trap, the CCP lashed out, saying that the United States was smearing China. The reaction of Pakistans government was similar, issuing an official statement saying that the U.S. claims were fictitious. Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Aisha Farooqui said CPEC projects had already offered enormous economic benefits for the Pakistani people. All three Pakistani governments that have taken office since 2015 have embraced CPEC and secured ties with Beijing.

From the start of the U.S. war in Afghanistan until 2018, the United States was the single largest donor to Pakistan, enlisting its help in containing the Taliban, who had launched terrorist attacks throughout the region. Between 2002 and 2011, the United States provided Pakistan with $18 billion in military and economic aid.

Unlike the CCPs loans, U.S. aid largely came in the form of grants. Rather than mega-infrastructure projects that would benefit the CCP, the U.S. aid was focused on capacity building, education, and job creation. Additionally, U.S. aid was meant to stabilize the region, whereas the CCPs money has crippled Pakistan with debt, while strengthening the armys political control.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Students holding Taiwanese and Nicaraguan flags take part in a farewell ceremony for Taiwan's President Chen Shui-bian, in Managua, Nicaragua, Aug. 28, 2007. (Esteban Felix/AP Photo)

US Urges More Engagement With Taiwan After It Loses Diplomatic Ally Nicaragua to China

The United States encouraged more like-minded countries to expand their engagement with Taiwan, as the communist regime in Beijing hints more Taipei allies would follow Nicaragua to cut ties with the island.

Taiwans relationships with diplomatic partners in the Western Hemisphere provide significant economic and security benefits to the citizens of those countries, said U.S. State Department Spokesman Ned Price on Dec.9.

Prices comments come as Nicaragua decided to break off ties with Taiwan in favor of the communist regime in China on Thursday local time. The regime claims the self-ruled island as its own territory to be taken by force if necessary.

The State Department criticized the decision of Nicaraguan leader Daniel Ortega, who secured a fourth term in Novembers election after jailing 40 opposition figures, including seven potential presidential candidates, cannot represent the will of the Nicaraguan people.

Price said Ortegas decision deprives Nicaraguas people of a steadfast partner in its democratic and economic growth.

We encourage all countries that value democratic institutions, transparency, the rule of law, and promoting economic prosperity for their citizens to expand engagement with Taiwan, he said in a statement.

Nicaraguas move left Taiwan with only 14 diplomatic partners, including the Vatican. The ruling communist party in Beijing has tried to isolate the island on the international stage by luring away Taipeis remaining friends. The island has lost eight diplomatic allies since Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen won an election in 2016.

A Taiwanese Air Force F-16 in the foreground flies on the flank of a Chinese Peoples Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) H-6 bomber as it passes near Taiwan on Feb. 10, 2020. (Republic of China Ministry of National Defense via AP)

But the regimes aggressive posture has sparked international concerns and helped Taiwan gain more support. Despite the lack of official ties, the United States continues to sell weapons and provide Taipei with training to ensure the island could defend itself, which is required under a framework set out in the Taiwan Relations Act. The European Union, Japan, and other democratic powers have also stepped up exchanges with Taiwan.

The more successful Taiwans democracy is, the stronger the international support it has, then the greater the pressure from the authoritarian camp, Tsai said on Friday.

Whether its diplomatic pressure or military intimidation, we will not change our determination to adhere to democracy and freedom, to go on the international stage, and to participate in the international democratic community, she said at an event in Taipei.

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen during a meeting with lawmakers from Baltic states at the Presidential Office in Taipei, Taiwan, on Nov. 29, 2021. (Taiwan Presidential Office via AP)

The diplomatic break is a response to Taiwans invitation to Bidens Summit for Democracy, as well as to the growing Taiwan-Lithuania relationship, Antonio C. Hsiang, a professor at La Academia Nacional de Estudios Y Estrategicos in Chile and an expert on Taiwans relations in Latin America, told The Associated Press.

At the invitation of the White House, representatives from Taiwan are participating in a two-day virtual democracy summit which kicked off on Thursday. It infuriated the regime that it had been left off the guest list.

The Chinese regime is against Taiwan representing itself in global forums or in diplomacy.

Wang Wenbin, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, said at Fridays briefing that we believe that sooner or later, these countries will  establish or restore normal diplomatic relations with China.

It is only a matter of time, he claimed.

The most recent transfers of recognition from Taipei to Beijing were by Pacific island nations Kiribati and the Solomon Islands in 2019.

However, some experts and lawmakers say the switch is not necessarily a significant loss for Taiwan and may only have been a matter of time. Taiwans emphasis on democratic values stands in contrast to many of its diplomatic allies, such as Nicaragua.

Everyone could see early on that this diplomatic relationship couldnt be kept, Hsiang, the professor, told the Associated Press.

Lithuania, which has an official relationship with Beijing, allows Taiwan to open a de facto embassy in Vilnius using its own name. Taiwanese offices in other countries use the name of the city Taipei to avoid angering Beijing.

The regime recalled its ambassador in Vilnius and expelled Lithuanias envoy in Beijing.

Dovile Sakaliene, a member of Lithuanias parliament, said the move is a good riddance.

Dictatorships and authoritarian regimes dont blend well with democratic countries, she said on Twitter.

I cant pretend Im sad about it  good riddance I say. Dictatorships and authoritarian regimes dont blend well with democratic countries. Still, I hope ppl there will achieve safer future someday, like  & . @iingwen#DefendDemocracy #StandWithTaiwan @TW_in_LT @MOFA_Taiwan https://t.co/0U2kIpYeH0  Dovile Sakaliene (@DSakaliene) December 10, 2021

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Coleen DeLuca with her two sons, David on the left and Jonathan on the right and in the middle, Dominic, one of 10 grandchildren. (Courtesy David DeLuca)

With Ivermectin in Hand, Wife Dies While Husband Begs Hospital to Administer

David DeLuca of Sicklerville, New Jersey will never know if the Ivermectin prescribed by an out-of-state doctor for his wife would have saved her life. Colleen DeLuca, 62, died of COVID-19 on Oct. 10, at Jefferson Washington Township Hospital in Sewell, New Jersey, before he could get a court order to administer the drug.

Ivermectin has helped in some cases, but across the United States, many hospitals dont include it in their COVID protocol for treatment and refuse to use it, even as a last effort on a dying patient.

Buffalo, New York attorney Ralph Lorigo has spent the last 11 months handling cases where the family wants to try Ivermectin and must get a court order to force hospitals to allow the drug to be administered. DeLuca had Lorigo draw up papers for court, but because Lorigo doesnt practice in New Jersey, he instructed DeLuca to find a New Jersey attorney to file the papers and handle the case. However, DeLuca couldnt find an attorney willing to take on the case.

They kept telling me the magistrates of New Jersey will never let this go through. Now Ive got to go through the next 25 years without her, grief stricken David DeLuca, 62, told The Epoch Times. My 3-year-old granddaughter kisses her photo at night.

A Beautiful Life

David fondly recalls the day in 10th grade American History class when the pretty, new girl took a seat near his. Colleens family was in the military and she had just moved back from Germany. She was quiet but loved to listen to him talk. By senior year, they were an item and went to senior prom together. And when he got a scholarship to Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, he couldnt imagine life without her. He arranged for housing and a justice of the peace, and in 1977, the two 18-year-old high school sweethearts shocked their families and eloped.

Everybody said it wasnt going to work, David said. But ultimately my parents came to love her as a daughter. They went home for Thanksgiving and were loaded down with hand-me-down household items, proving their family was getting used to the union.

He worked two jobs; she helped him type school papers and cooked dinner for David and three college buddies who would become lifelong friends. By the time he graduated, they had three children under the age of four. Altogether, they had six children. The last two were home schooled all the way through graduation. And now there are 10 grandchildren. Colleen loved giggling with her grandchildren and was big on offering hugs.

David and Colleen DeLuca (Courtesy David DeLuca)

Devout Catholics, they intentionally moved near a church offering Mass in Latin and were deeply involved with their faith. Colleen joined an order of the Carmelite nuns for married women.

When COVID-19 appeared, they worried. Colleen beat cancer twice and had asthma and other health concerns. David had health issues too.

We knew we were high-risk patients, David said.

Colleen sewed 500 face masks and gave them all away. They took all the precautions they could take. She stayed home most of the time, They wore masks and disinfected.

But when vaccines became available, they couldnt take them because of direct ties to aborted fetal cells.

Suffering

In mid-September, Colleen started showing asthma symptoms. They called her pulmonologist and she prescribed the usual asthma medicines, including her nebulizer.

We werent thinking COVID at that time, David said. It was not unusual for Colleen to have an asthma attack. She had complex breathing issues and used a nasal pap and an oxygen concentrator when she slept. Soon, she was coughing and they started to monitor her oxygen saturation levels.

David did what he could to care for her but on Sept. 21, he suddenly felt like he hit a brick wall.

I went to bed immediately, David said. The next morning he got tested and learned that he had COVID, and the doctor told him certainly Colleen had it too. The general practitioner prescribed a host of medicines, including hydroxychloroquine.

On September 23, Colleens oxygen level dropped to 88 percent.

I said, I have to take you to the hospital. She said, if you take me to the hospital, Im going to die there. I said, if I dont take you, you are going to die here. She wanted to sleep at home through the night, but he checked her level again and it had already dropped to 86 percent.

Too weak from COVID to take her himself, David called an ambulance.

The ambulance crew had Colleen sitting up on a gurney with an oxygen mask on her mouth, so he couldnt kiss her goodbye. Her eyes looked scared. Tracing the sign of the cross on her forehead with his thumb, David blessed her. They waved goodbye and that was the last time he saw her awake.

The hospital had her on a CPAP machine with full oxygen and at home, David was also suffering from COVID. On Sept. 28 he got a call from a doctor at the hospital. They were going to put Colleen on a ventilator and she wanted to talk to David. Her voice was weak, and competing with the oxygen machine.

Im going on the ventilator. Bury me in my ceremonial scapular. I love you and the kids.

David started calling friends asking them to pray for Coleen and one friend told him about Ivermectin.

He asked his general practitioner for it and, although David feels his doctor was doing his best, the doctor said the data did not show it would help and did not prescribe it. David got a prescription for himself and Colleen through a telehealth meeting with a doctor from Oklahoma.

David took his Ivermectin and in days, he started to feel better, although today he still has an occasional cough. He asked the hospital to give Colleen Ivermectin.

They said no, its not part of our protocol. It doesnt work, David said. I told the doctors, you need to dispense this medicine. They said no.

Now he was trying to find an attorney, trying to convince the hospital to use the Ivermectin he already had, and he was trying to get permission to go into his wifes room. He says they would not let him visit her because she was contagious, but since he already had COVID, he felt he should have been able to get in.

Eventually, he was able to see her through a window, but he wanted to hold her hand and let her hear his voice.

Jefferson Washington Township Hospital said it does not comment on individual patients and, when asked about its Ivermectin policy, had no comment.

David went to church early on Oct. 10. He got two calls from the hospital just before Mass started. The first call let him know Colleen was in renal failure. He said he would go to the hospital right after church.

You dont understand. Your wife is dying, David recalls the second call. He went directly to the hospital and this time they let him into the room with a gown and mask.

I could see she was going to die. I called my kids and grandkids from all over the United States. It was a video call.

Colleen had been weaned off sedation.

She was awake and she was suffering, David said.

David was an Air Force pilot for 28 years and flew combat missions during which he was responsible for hundreds of lives. He was trained to make life and death decisions in seconds. But he never thought he would be in this situation. He allowed them to remove her from the ventilator.

I said, Lene, I cant do this to you, and she squeezed my hand. We pulled the vent and she died within 30 seconds. I couldnt hug her because of all the stuff around her. I blessed her.

His sorrow turns to anger when he thinks about the experience. He feels the hospital expected her to die as soon as she went on the ventilator.

In my opinion, they gave up on her on day one. Their protocols killed her, David said. The legal system wont do its job. People need to know (Ivermectin) is out there. I want her story to be told because I want other people to be protected and not go through what my kids went through, losing their mother.

I trusted the system to help, and they didnt care.
World Must Challenge the CCPs Evil Designs, End Forced Organ Harvesting: Rep. Perry

The Chinese Communist Party has industrialized the murder of prisoners of conscience for their organs, a practice that must be stopped, a group of lawmakers from the United States and other countries said on International Human Rights Day.

These are living people having their organs taken from them, Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.) said at a Dec. 10 webinar hosted by Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting, a Washington-based medical ethics group.

We must challenge the evil designs of the Chinese Communist Party, which entails highlighting its wanton disregard for basic standards of human decency.

The Chinese regime has for years been engaging in forced organ harvesting of prisoners of conscience on a substantial scale, a 2019 independent peoples tribunal determined. The practice involves prisoners organs being carved out while theyre still alive, and then sold to locals and tourists seeking a transplant, a gruesome business that amasses significant gains for the regime.

The main source of the organs is imprisoned Falun Gong practitioners, the tribunal found, adding that it found no evidence that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has ceased its behavior.

Falun Gong is a spiritual discipline featuring a set of moral teachings based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance, along with a set of meditative exercises. It grew to about 70 million to 100 million adherents in China by 1999, when the regime deemed its vast popularity a threat and ordered an expansive campaign to eradicate the group.

Millions from the group have suffered in various torture and detention facilities over the two decades since.

Perry, who described the CCPs persecution of Falun Gong adherents as evil and perverse, said that in the coming days, he will be unveiling a proposal that would hold the perpetrators of forced organ harvesting to account.

Titled the Falun Gong Protection Act, the measure would press the Chinese regime to abandon its cruel, regressive extermination agenda toward the faith groupincluding forced organ harvesting, unjust imprisonment, and forced labor, he said.

Commercialized Murder

An exhibition titled Real Bodies, which has toured around the world showcasing plastinated body parts sourced from China, has raised troubling questions. The body parts are sourced from Dalian, a city in northeastern China known for the severity of local officials persecution of Falun Gong practitioners.

Philip Hunt, a member of the UK House of Lords, recalled one such exhibition on display in his hometown of Birmingham in 2018. While advertised as a thought-provoking way to explore the inner workings of the human form, those bodies were used without clear evidence of consent, he said.

He added that until 2013, Dalian had been home to a forced labor camp tasked with torturing Falun Gong detainees.

Hunt introduced the Organ Tourism and Cadavers on Display Bill, seeking to halt the dreadful traveling circus of body exhibitions and prevent UK citizens from traveling to China for organ transplantation. The bill went through its second reading in the House of Lords in July but has yet to be approved.

Real Bodies: The Exhibition opened to the public in Sydney, Australia, on April 14, 2018, with protestors gathering at the venue to voice their concerns over the sourcing of the human corpses on display. (Melanie Sun/The Epoch Times)

The commercial exploitation of body parts in all its forms is surely unethical and unsavory. When it is combined with mass killing by an authoritarian state, we cannot stand by and do nothing, Hunt said during the webinar.

Forced organ harvesting, he said, is commercialized murder and, without doubt, among the worst of crimes.

While the CCPs oppression of Uygurs and other Muslim minorities in Xinjiang has been determined to be a genocide by various official bodies, the regimes persecution of Falun Gong hasnt been adequately addressed, according to Perry. Some experts have described the campaign, including the state-sanctioned forced organ harvesting, as genocidal.

A definition of the nature of the regimes campaign against Falun Gong is sorely missing in the United States China policy, Perry said. His bill would push the U.S. State Department to formally decide whether the persecution constitutes crimes against humanity and genocide, he said.

To end these ongoing abuses, people who have the freedom need to speak out, said Garnett Genuis, a member of Canadas Parliament.

Genuiss grandmother is a Holocaust survivor who wouldnt have lived without the help of sympathetic locals, who provided shelter and vocally opposed the killing, he said.

Garnett Genuis, Canadas shadow minister for international development and human rights and a member of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China. (Courtesy of Garnett Genuis)

After World War II, the world vowed to never again allow a repeat of those horrific abuses. But it failed in this, and now has a responsibility to intervene while we still can, to do what we can to make good on that promise, Genuis said.

Annick Ponthier, a Belgian politician, first learned about organ harvesting in 2020 after viewing the ruling of the 2019 tribunal. She now wants her country, and the European Union at large, to end investment deals with China to avoid becoming accomplices in the big crimes they commit.

Beijings authorities have no regard for human life if those lives dont further their internal communist agenda, and their ambitions to become a global superpower, she said.

With the regime having no intention of limiting its authoritarian model within Chinese borders, she said, a stance against the Chinese Communist Party becomes a stance for human rights around the world.
SOFIA, Bulgaria (AP)  Bulgaria's president on Saturday gave a mandate to form a new government to the prime minister-designate of a centrist party that won the country's parliamentary election last month on promises to fight endemic corruption and carry out legal reforms.

Kiril Petkov, 41, leader of the newly formed We Continue the Change (PP) party, accepted the instruction a day after signing a reform-oriented coalition agreement with three other left-wing and center-right groups that won seats in the national legislature.

You and the coalition partners have a responsibility to reform the vicious power model inherited from 12 years of authoritarian rule, to tackle corruption and lawlessness, the inequalities and poverty they create, President Rumen Radev said, referring to the governance of Bulgaria's three-time prime minister, Boyko Borissov.

The president urged the next government to focus on reforms in the judiciary, arguing that the battle for the rule of law will be decisive for all other battles.

The four-party coalition will control 134 seats in Bulgarias 240-seat parliament, which is set to vote Monday on approving the new government. Among the coalition government's main tasks will be trying to steer the European Union member nation out of a twin health and economic crisis.

Petkov, the founder of a technology investment company, recalled Bulgaria's months of anti-corruption protests last year and said the country was ready for change.

"It is time, after 32 years, that Bulgarians saw power-holders who care for them; it is time young Bulgarians abroad saw Bulgaria as a promising place to return to, and our parents saw Bulgaria as a place where they can have a worthy pension and live their old age with dignity, he said.

The Balkan country of 7 million has one of the worlds fastest-shrinking populations, as well as the highest income inequality and the lowest COVID-19 vaccination rate in the 27-nation EU.
A Connecticut resident and CNN employee is facing federal charges after enticing women and their underage daughters to engage in illegal sexual activity at his home in Vermont, federal prosecutors said Friday.

John Griffin, 44, of Stamford, was arrested Friday by the FBI after a federal grand jury in Vermont charged him with three counts of using a facility of interstate commerce to attempt to entice minors to engage in unlawful sexual activity.

Griffin appeared Friday afternoon in New Haven federal court via Zoom. Judge Robert Spector said he would file an order for Griffin to be transferred to Vermont.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Griffin has been a CNN employee since 2013.

We take the charges against Mr. Griffin incredibly seriously, a CNN spokesperson told Hearst Connecticut Media on Friday. We only learned of his arrest this afternoon and have suspended him pending investigation.

Griffin was once a producer for the Chris Cuomo show and was most recently a producer for CNN senior political analyst John Avlon.

The indictment alleges that from April to July of last year, Griffin used the alternative website, alt.com, to seek women who were submissive and open-minded.

Griffin then used messaging features on Kik and Google Hangouts to communicate with some of the women, pretending to be the parents of underage girls. In the communications, Griffin tried to persuade parents to let him train their daughters to be sexually submissive toward men, the indictment stated.

In June 2020, Griffin told a mother of 9- and 13-year-old girls that she needed to have her daughters trained properly, the indictment stated. Griffin then transferred about $3,000 to the woman for plane tickets so she and her 9-year-old could fly from Nevada to Bostons Logan airport, the indictment stated.

The mother and child flew to Boston in July 2020. Griffin picked them up and drove them to his home in Ludlow, Vt., where prosecutors said the girl was forced to engage in illegal sexual contact.

The indictment details other allegations that Griffin tried to entice two other children over the internet to participate in sexual activity.

In April 2020, Griffin coordinated a virtual training session where he instructed a woman and her 14-year-old daughter to remove their clothes during the video chat, prosecutors said.

In June 2020, prosecutors said, Griffin offered a trip to a woman and her 16-year-old daughter to his Vermont ski house for sexual training involving the child.

In one of the conversations, Griffin told someone claiming to be a father that he sexually trained girls as young as 7 years old, the indictment stated.

If convicted on each federal count, Griffin faces 10 years to life in prison.

The indictment alleges that the federal government intends to seek the forfeiture of Griffins Vermont home, two of his vehicles and any other property allegedly used in the commission of the offenses.

An arraignment for Griffin has been tentatively scheduled for Dec. 15 in Vermont, according to court records.
On this weeks episode of Segue, Southern Illinois University Edwardsvilles weekly radio program exploring the lives and work of the people on campus and beyond, Chancellor Randy Pembrook welcomes special guest Illinois Dep. Governor Andy Manar.

Manars life of public service began when he was elected to the Bunker Hill City Council in 1997. Since then, he has served as mayor, chairman of the county board and in the Senate representing the 48th District. In January 2021, he became deputy governor, serving as a senior advisor to Governor J.B. Pritzker with a focus on downstate, economic revitalization, appropriations and COVID-19 recovery efforts.

This episode of Segue airs at 9 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 12. Listeners can tune into WSIE 88.7 FM The Sound or siue.edu/wsie.

Describe how you manage the strategic directions of what you are trying to accomplish, Pembrook prompts.

Everything that we set out to do on a daily basis comes from one of the governors goals, Manar shares. Governor Pritzker is very hands-on in terms of the day-to-day operation of his office and its overall direction. I interact with him on multiple occasions daily. For example, the initiative today that we spent the most time on was bringing together the budget for FY23, which starts July 1, 2022.

Manar is a 1997 alumnus of SIUE having earned a bachelors in history. He is also a certified teacher.

One of the things I appreciate about you is your strong support of education, Pembrook mentions. Can you tell us about your work relating to school funding and reform, and what those changes mean to schools now?

The feedback Im getting, even though K-12 and higher education are not part of my responsibility in the Governors Office, is that things on the front of school funding in Illinois have never been better, Manar says. That is profound, given that we were the least equitable system of school funding in the country for several decades. Thats making a difference and an impact on kids and schools that have been underfunded for a generation.

Pembrook and Manar go on to discuss higher educations present and future outlook. They also go back to Manars early decision to pursue a government position, with stories about interpersonal communication, conflict and resolution, educational impact and more.

If someone said to you that theyre considering a career in politics and government services, what advice would you offer? Pembrook asks in conclusion.

I would acknowledge that we face many challenges in todays world, at local state, national and international levels, Manar remarks. We cant solve any problems unless there are people who are willing to

pull their chair up to the table of ideas, diverging ideas, and talk about how to change things for the better. Set your sights high. Public service is important. Our system doesnt function without it.

Tune in at 9 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 12 to WSIE 88.7 The Sound to hear the entire conversation.
ZAGREB, Croatia (AP)  A migrant child is missing and a woman had to be rescued after trying to cross a swollen river on the border between Croatia and Slovenia, Croatian police said Friday.

Police in the northern Istria peninsula late on Thursday received an emergency call and found the woman in bad physical condition holding on to a tree trunk by the bank of the Dragonja river.
Submitted for use

EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Knights of Columbus Council 1143 recently provided a financial gift of $2,500 to the St. Boniface Grade School. The donation will support the schools educational and curriculum needs. This donation is part of the councils ongoing support of the three Catholic schools in the area. They provide support for St. Marys Grade School, St. Boniface Grade School and Father McGivney Catholic High School.



One of the 'charges' given to the Knights of Columbus by our founder Blessed Father Michael McGivney was that of being a 'charitable' Catholic men's fraternal organization, said Grand Knight Doug Hastings. The councils support of the schools is one of the ways they provide charitable work for the community.



Along with supporting the schools, members of Council 1143 also work food drives for the local pantry, provide Christmas gifts for children and families in need as identified by local public schools and provide coats for children in need through their Coats for Kids program.
John Badman | Hearst Illinois

EDWARDSVILLE  Daytime temps in the mid-60s with a strong, southerly wind led to a rash of thunderstorms Friday night, mainly moving from southwest to northeast.



Two separate waves lashed the St. Louis Metropolitan Area with high winds, small hail and heavy rains.

A tornado formed in northeastern Franklin County during the 7 p.m. hour and headed east-northeast, just missing the National Weather Service Office in St. Charles and skirting north of the Daniel Boone Bridge that links St. Charles and St. Louis counties with Interstate 64.



The twister then skipped through southeastern St. Charles County and hopped the Missouri River into St. Louis County and then retreated to the clouds before coming back down on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River during the eight oclock hour.



This tornado is suspected of causing at least 20 vehicles to get sprayed with debris on the Boone Bridge, it may have caused building collapses in Defiance, Missouri and it is getting the blame for partially collapsing a wall and a corner of the roof at an Amazon Fulfillment Center warehouse in Edwardsville between 8:15 and 8:45 p.m. Early reports indicate 50 to 100 people have been initially trapped at the site.



Metro East first responders arrived swiftly to help and St. Louis County is reported to be assembling a task force to offer assistance to the damaged facility, too.



A second, smaller line of rain and wind blew through St. Louis County before 10 p.m. then exited, leaving behind quiet. A cold front will pull through the area overnight, pushing all of the turbulent weather east of our area.
EDWARDSVILLE  By late Saturday morning, the long lines of ambulances, fire trucks and other emergency vehicles had mostly disappeared from the Amazon Fulfillment Center in Edwardsville.

But Edwardsville Police Chief Mike Fillback stressed that the work for first responders was far from over at the warehouse, which suffered catastrophic damage after severe weather Friday. Two people are dead, and several others were injured after the storm ripped the roof off the building, collapsing a wall and trapping dozens inside.

They are still in the search and rescue mode and trying to identify anybody who is there or missing to make sure they are accounted for, Fillback said in a phone interview at 11:45 a.m. Saturday. One of the biggest issues was determining how many people were actually there at the time the storm hit. Its not a regular workplace in the sense that are always a certain number of employees there at a certain time.

There are a lot of people coming and going with deliveries and other things and its been a slow process getting some information out. We want to verify some of the information before we release it, especially the folks who passed away, so their families are properly notified.

Fillback confirmed two fatalities at a press conference early Saturday morning.

Amazon management is assisting officials in identifying individuals that were at the facility at the time of the incident.

For the folks that work at the Amazon warehouse, they have been returned to their families or their homes, Fillback said. Unlike a situation where a subdivision may get hit by a storm, we dont have any people waiting for placement.

The rest of the city did have some damage and a large portion of the city was without power for several hours, but most if not all of that power has been restored. We dont have any other injuries reported in the city outside of the Amazon building. Some homes and businesses may have received damage, but nothing close to what happened at Amazon.

Fillback added that he is thankful for the assistance from other police and fire departments throughout the area.

Just about every community on the Metro East side of the river was there, plus St. Louis County and St. Louis City were there as well, Fillback said. Madison County was the area that received the most damage, but if it had been widespread in other communities, it would have prevented them from being able to respond to help us.

Fillback noted that the weather late Friday night and early Saturday morning added to the challenge of rescue efforts at the Amazon building, especially when a second wave of the storm hit the Edwardsville area.

I thank all of the first responders, especially the fire departments who were in the middle of this, Fillback said. The police, fire and EMS crews all dealt with a really heavy rain at times, and it was a difficult scenario to work in.

After the second storm passed, there was a little bit of a window where the rain stopped, and the temperature was somewhat mild. Later in the morning, the temperature dropped, and the wind kicked in, which created some challenges in an already unsafe environment. They had to clear up some debris and shore up some of the wall that still remained.

Fillback added that he is equally thankful for the response of the community to help first responders and to provide assistance to the Amazon employees and their families.

Weve had a ton of outreach from the community and from neighboring agencies throughout both Illinois and Missouri, Fillback said. We encourage anyone who wants to donate food or drinks or other items to contact the Salvation Army or the American Red Cross.

Local politicians, meanwhile, are doing their part to help as well.

I am deeply saddened to hear about the deaths at the Amazon facility in Edwardsville, State Representative Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, said in a statement released early Saturday morning. My heart breaks for the workers, their families and all who were affected by last nights deadly storms. Im so grateful for our first responders who didnt hesitate to put themselves in harm's way, braving severe weather, to rescue those who were trapped and save lives.

I also want to thank Governor Pritzker for quickly deploying necessary resources to help those in need. If you are in the area and need any assistance with storm damage, please reach out to my office at 618-365-6500 or our local emergency management agency at 618-692-0537.

In a phone interview at 12:05 p.m. Saturday, Stuart told the Intelligencer that she has been reaching out to mayors in local communities to assess the storm damage in the area and to see what she can do to help.

Thankfully, we havent had any constituents calling to say their homes or businesses were hit with significant damage, but that doesnt mean it didnt happen, Stuart said.

I appreciate all of the first responders from all over that came out to assist. Im checking with those folks to see if there is anything that I can do to support them in their efforts.

Stuart was also maintaining a steady line of communication with Governor J.B. Pritzker, who was preparing to arrive in Edwardsville for a 4:30 p.m. press conference on Saturday.

Ive talked to the governor directly and he wanted to make it clear that the state will assist in any way possible, Stuart said. As of this morning (the damage to the Amazon warehouse and to the rest of the area) was so new that we are still getting a handle on it in terms of what need to do to recover from this.

On Friday night, Pritzker reached out to Edwardsville Mayor Art Risavy to see what assistance he could provide.

"My prayers are with the people of Edwardsville tonight, and I've reached out to the mayor to provide any needed state resources. Our @ILStatePolice and @ReadyIllinois are both coordinating closely with local officials, and I will continue to monitor the situation," the governor said in a tweet.

State Sen. Jason Plummer (R-Edwardsville) was also among the politicians who sent a message on social media.

Pray for the workers and first responders at the Amazon warehouse in Edwardsville and others who have been impacted by tonight's storms. God Bless, Plummer said on his Facebook page.

State Sen. Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) also posted a message on her Facebook page.

"My heart breaks for the Amazon workers, their families and the Edwardsville community after last night's tragedy, Crowe said.

Thank you to the firefighters, law enforcement officers, paramedics and other emergency service personnel who responded to the area. Please keep all of the individuals involved in the search and rescue in your prayers.

U.S. Rep. Mary Miller (R-Oakland) released a statement as well.

I am heartbroken to see the widespread tornado damage throughout Illinois, Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, and Kentucky," Miller said. "We pray for all the families affected by this tragedy so close to Christmas, and we thank the first responders who have been on the scene throughout the night.



My office is here to assist and has been in touch with local officials, first responders, and FEMA. During this time, please consider how you can pray, give blood, volunteer & support the tornado victims, their families, and communities in Illinois and across the Midwest.



I pray that the Lord will surround us with His grace and peace, and preserve us through the aftermath of this storm. May He lift up those who have fallen, strengthen those who work to rescue or rebuild, and fill us with the hope of His new creation.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide joins numerous admirers to felicitate one of the most outstanding Igbo quintessence, a colossus and democratic archetype, Chief Barrister John Nnia Nwodo (Ike Ukehe) on the auspicious occasion of his 69 birthday on December 11, 2021.

The life of Nnia Nwodo is an exemplar of a profile in courage, frontierism, intellect, profound insight, team spirit, oratory, sagacity, social renown and patriotism. The above sterling qualities had earned him the President of Debating Society, College of Immaculate Conception (CIC), Enugu; President of the Students Union, University of Ibadan (in a Yoruba dominated environment); Secretary, National Party of Nigeria (NPN), Old Anambra State; Special Assistant to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (FRN); Minister of Aviation (FRN); Chairman, Urban Development Bank, Plc; Minister of Information and Culture (FRN) and President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. In all the positions that Nwodo held, he discharge all his official functions with enviable elegance, plaudits, public acclamation, exploits, diplomatic elan and panache.

The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Ambassador Professor George Obiozor expresses immense delight with the accomplishments of Nwodo during his tenure as his predecessor, in spite of the obvious challenges. Obiozor cherishes with nostalgia the distinctive, exciting, pleasant and formidable organizational acumen with which Nwodo united all Igbos of diverse persuasions.

It is the prayer of all the organs of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide that the Prince of Ukehe will celebrate many more fruitful years in robust health and prosperity.

Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia, National Publicity Secretary, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Worldwide
Women in Mining, Ebonyi State chapter, has decried what it described as discriminatory treatments meted to them in the solid mineral mining industry.

Such treatments according to them, include deprivation from land ownership, incommensurate wages in the industry, and financial dominance by men.

The State Coordinator of the group, Mrs Sylvia Ogbuinya raised the concern during a one-day policy dialogue held for the group in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital.

The policy dialogue with the theme: "Mainstreaming Gender in the Solid Mineral Industry in Ebonyi State", was organised by Women in Mining Nigeria (WIMIN), a Nongovernmental organisation, with support from the Ford Foundation.

Ogbuinya called on government and other stakeholders in the industry, to extend equal rights and privileges to them as given to their male counterparts.

She emphasized that in spite of the women constituting over 70 percent of the mining workforce in the State, they were not allowed to own mining pits of their own, insisting that the women has all it takes to develop their own pits and even employ the men.

Ogbuinya explained: "Mostly in Igbo tradition, there is the belief that a woman cannot own a land.

"That's why we are reminding them of the saying that whatever a man can do, a woman can do even better.

If you look at the mining sector, the women do most of the work.

"In most mining sites, the men do just little works such as operating the machines, and at the end of the day, the women will only be paid peanuts.

"Here, we are pushing that if the land owners can give us the privilege, we can own a land, build sites and even employ the men, and contribute fully to economic development of the country.

"Moreover, mining effects the women and children most. So they should give us that chance to mine rather than continue to remain as menial workers in mining sites"

Ogbuinya appealed to both State and federal government to come.to their aide, financially, as an encouragement for entrepreneurship.

"We are appealing to the federal and State government to help us with finance; they should encourage us by giving us soft loans or grants." She said.

In an address presented at the event, the President, Women in Mining Nigeria, Engr. Janet Adeyemi, drew attention to the significant role of women in the Industry, and called for social and managerial parity.

She noted: "In Nigeria, women work in the whole spectrum of mining operations: from Artisanal and Small-scale Mining (ASM) to Large-Scale Mining (LSM).

"They are engineers, geologists and other scientists, but a good number of women in mining are manual labourers.

"Up to 99 per cent of women in mining are in the ASM subsector.

"Of the approximately nine million people in ASM in Africa, about 50 per cent are women.

"Sadly, there are some children in ASM too.

"Women in Mining make up around 30 per cent of the total workforce, and up to 50 per cent in some regions.

"The need to mainstream gender in the Nigeria solid mineral sector is long overdue.

"The Nigeria solid mineral industry can bring about a total turnaround of the Nigeria economy if properly managed and developed; it can lead to social development and employment opportunities for many people, while the negligence of resources and the exclusion of social groups, particularly women, can lead to social conflict and exacerbate inequalities."

Patron of the group, Dr. Kelechukwu Okezie commended the Women in Mining, Ebonyi State chapter, for having made remarkable impacts in spite of the short period it has existed.

He maintained that the group was birthed as a result of his organisation's engagements in Natural resources governance which has attracted many partners to the State.

Okezie, a he for she ambassador, and the Executive Director, Neighborhood Environment Watch Foundation, an NGO, called on government and traditional institutions to create enabling environment for the empowerment of women.

He stressed: "May I use this opportunity to appeal to our traditional rulers, the holders of our cultural norms and values, to realise that women have their rights; they have the right to social and economic empowerment.

"Let land be released to them.

"Let's give them equal opportunity to play in the economic circle."

Others who spoke to Journalists at the event include the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Solid Mineral Communities, Elijah Ituma, and a participant, and traditional ruler of Amagu-Ikwo community, Eze Dominic Aloh.

While Ituma cautioned miners against illegalities in their activities, Alo maintained that women have come of age to qualify for the demanded rights and privileges.

"I don't think there is any danger in women owning their own mining pits.

"This issue is mainly based on the presumed disparity in strength between the male and female.

"Today, women have proven their mettle in both physical and mental strength, and they can adequately maintain their own mining firms, and compete favourably with their make counterparts." Alo assured.

One of the resource persons at the event,v Engr Francis Orji admonished the women to form strong Cooperative Societies to enable them have a formidable bargaining power.

The project, mainstreaming gender in the solid mineral sector, is being implemented in Ebonyi and Edo States.
The fight against institutional corruption in Nigeria under the current democratic experience has remained an unending battle without victory in sight. This is as the symptoms of failure exhibit themselves in virtually all daily affairs in the country. Information available to 247ureports.com collated from a consortium of competent sources indicate how dirty politicians use their positions as representatives of the people to deceive the people they are supposed to represent. This investigation exposes the corrupt activities of Nigerian politicians chosen by their electorate to represent them at the Green Chamber of the National Assembly.

One of the poster baby for the deceptive practice is arguably one of the most corrupt elected official in Nigeria  the current Deputy Speaker of the House of Representative, Honourable Ahmed Idris Wase  who hails from Bashar in Wase local government area in Plateau State. According to estimated records, Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase has amassed billions of Naira deceptively using unexecuted constituency projects and unexecuted contracts received from federal ministries through numerous companies acting as fronts.

In the current years appropriation bill, the Wase constituency which Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase represents at the House of Representative has N605million allocated to the constituency as constituency project for the year  specifically for the rehabilitation of Naki, Gori-Yola Wakat road [N315million  CODE ERGP12160785], provision of power to Mavo community [N40million  CODE ERGP10158648] and rehabilitation of Jigawan Audu  Val road Section II [N250million  CODE ERGP12160715]. Available information indicates the three projects remain unexecuted while the entire project amount has been remitted to the supposed fronts of the Lawmaker. In addition, it is discovered that the lawmaker has not executed a single constituency project since he became a lawmaker in 2007.

Let him give an account of his stewardship from 2007 to 2015. No projects. Where went those inserted constituency projects in the budgets of 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018?

Idris Wases deceptive tendencies, according to our source, stretched beyond unexecuted constituency projects, he was able to rake in an additional N137,364,266.34 from seven [7] unexecuted contracts awarded to his company and to other companies acting as fronts for him.

Below is a listing of the unexecuted contracts  including evidence of payment:

Renovation of two primary health care center [PHCC] in Unguwan Garkuwu cottage hospital and Bashar PHCC in Wase  N19,532,757.50  awarded to Archivisual LTD  April 2021  awarded by the Federal Ministry of Health under the National Primary Health Care Development Agency [Payment code 521003001; Payment Number 1000783119-3]

Provision of plastic furniture and science equipment at pilot primary school Wase  N5,825,457.00  awarded to Board Construction LTD  April 2021  awarded by Federal Ministry of Education under Universal Basic Education [UBE] Commission [Payment code 521003001; Payment Number 1000781175-81]

Erosion control through water harvesting at takdan-kyamkurm [phase 1] in Wase  awarded to Walbansa Nig LTD  N19,580,232.55  July 2021  awarded by Federal Ministry of Water Resources under Lower Benue RBDA [Payment code 252042001; Payment Number 1000819943-40]

 N19,580,232.55  July 2021  awarded by Federal Ministry of Water Resources under Lower Benue RBDA [Payment code 252042001; Payment Number 1000819943-40] Supply of 138 motorcycles to Wase federal constituency  N43,520,684.72  awarded to Imrad Projects LTD  January 2021  awarded by federal ministry of special duties and inter-government affairs under the office of the senior special assistant to the President  MDGS [OSSAP  MDGS] [Payment code 111005001; Payment Number 1000756745-8]

Engineering design for the construction of standard bridge at km 18+200 along Langtang  Wase road  N8,209,302.33  awarded to Intercon partnership LTD  May 2021  awarded by federal ministry of works and housing [Payment code 234001001; Payment Number 1000800262-3]

Consultancy services for the construction of Wamba-Wase road in Nasarawa/Plateau State  awarded to Tadam engineering services LTD  N8,450,285.72  January 2019  awarded by Federal ministry of power [Payment code 231001001; Payment Number 1000545786-13]

Emergency rehabilitation of damaged section of Wamba  Wase road  N42,245,536.42  awarded to Al-mida global services LTD  December 2019  awarded by federal ministry of power [Payment code 231001001; Payment Number 1000637980-16]

Interesting and yet disheartening aspect of the above list projects are that none of the projects were executed  nor were the contractors ever present at the supposed construction site. Items number 6 and 7 above depicts the nature of the syphoning at play. Item number 6 showed that a payment was made for consultancy services for Wamba-Wase road in January 2019. Although the road construction was never started, another payment was made on December 2019 for the emergency rehabilitation of the same road.

On Item number 3, where erosion control project awarded to Walbansa Nig LTD received payment for the sum of N19,580,232.55 in July 2021  it is noteworthy that the company belonged to Ahmed Idris Wase before he was indicted by the CCB in 2015/16. In response, he sold and/or transferred his shares to son. He transferred ownership to his son  and continued award of contracts to his firm.

While the deputy speaker and his cohorts partake in the spoils of corruption without recourse to the ailing community that voted him into power, the entire local government of Wase is reported to not have access clean drinking water, decent roads or considerable access to power supply. In the entire constituency, there is no project he initiated and completed worth N50million since 2007. The local government area was created in 1976 but it still looks a glorified village. He claims to have sourced employment opportunities to the unemployed but thats a farce. His representation is lopsided. It favours his district more (Bashar).

The proceeds of Ahmed Idris Wases corruption is can be seen from his recent purchases and social behaviour depicting a highly wealthy individual. Shortly after ascending to his present office, Wase acquired a world scale poultry farm in Bauchi State in a community called Tilden Fulani in Toro along the Bauchi/Jos road. The farmland is reported to be over 50hectares in size and valued at over N500million be conservative estimate. Remarkably, he failed to declare the asset in his asset declaration for the code of conduct bureau [CCB]. In addition, Ahmed Idris Wase acquired a palatial home located in Bauchi Government Reserved Area [GRA] generally referred to as the Palace valued at over N670million.

In Abuja, he recently acquired a property in Asokoro, a highbrow area of Abuja at 57 T. Y. Danjuma Street for the price of N4.8billion. it is located directly opposite children of Late Ado Bayero House. Also located in Asokoro is another house being erected for the deputy speaker under construction that can accommodate 300 people  located near the house belonging to the Hon. Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi. Ahmed Idris Wase resides at his home is Gwaripa, Abuja and also owns a home in Basha, Wase in Plateau State.

See picture of Abuja property at 57 T Y Danjuma below:

57 T. Y. Danjuma Street, Asokoro, Abuja

Striking to note is that the deputy speaker did not own any of these properties prior to becoming a lawmaker. In the words of a competent source close to the lawmaker, before he became a member, he was wretched and begging for crumbs. He had neither a plot of land anywhere nor a house. The plot of land he built his personal house on at his home village of Bashar was commandeered from the Wase local government education authority. Its a public property.

The deputy speaker is auguring for the position of Speaker of the house of representative. He is presently lobbying heavily for the position  with monies exchanging hands. It behoves the leadership of bot the Executives, The Legislature and the Judiciary to help clampdown on this form of heartless corruption from festering further.

At a certain parliamentary session he presided over, he expressed crass ignorance of the status of Nigerians in diaspora that brought disgrace to the entire federal constituency. He claims to be a graduate of Harvard university which Reuben Abati disapproved. He is half-educated with a diploma in engineering from College of Education, Pankshin in Plateau State.

Its through the intervention of Tinubu he was awarded the deputy speaker position. The speaker and himself are all Tinubu loyalists.

Report Credit: 247Ureports
Lets be honest, for possible psychological and environmental reasons, trust, and confidence of the public in the Nigeria police is generally nil.

The culture of corruption and impunity exhibited by many within in the Nigerian police is just too massive.

The police or law enforcement forces in Nigeria are infamous for their spirit of corruption, their use of deception and intimidation, and their ties to poor integrity.

As I write this, from different angles and directions as it usually happens, possible internal and collaborative ways are being sought after on ways to undermine real police investigations on this case.

Just some hours ago, at a public presentation of Chief Bisi Akandes autobiography titled My Participation in Lagos, Akande said that Nigerians as a people, we are fraudulent, we know we are deceitful, we know we are cheaters

As such, a criminal case of this magnitude, outcry, sensibilities, and seriousness, simply requires a foreign forensic criminal investigation.

This will not be the first time that outside Investigators are used. It has happened with forensic accounting investigation of public sector corruption in Nigeria. Meaning that even the governments have lack of trust in themselves, and reduced legitimacy in the Nigerian law enforcement investigators.

Nigerians have long lost confidence in their police.

The police cant help itself. True. For possible psychological reasons the police embrace deceit. As such, it must not be trusted to handle the case of Sylvester Oromoni's death.

Multiple efforts are noted here why the Nigerian police should not or be allowed alone to handle this case.

The failures of all recent leadership and their men and women. In fact, the police as an institutionally corrupt body, there is a possibility that right now it could be trying to find who will be good to handle the case, that officer(s) that is darkly bright, illicitly driven, and bold to give arbitrary report at the end. Who is good at witness intimidation and harassment tactics to the point of conditioning other interests involved, including medical examiners, witnesses, lawyers, judges, or even the dead if they can wake up the body?

For decades and continuously, the Nigerian police is guilty of systemic failings, failings of individual officers and leadership, and lack of candor. Filled with self-serving leaders. They do not even obey each others directives across ranks in criminal investigations matters especially, thereby leaving the men and women of the police equally bewildered.

The police are known for been corruptly meddled in shoddy investigations including cases of murder involving high profile persons especially and will do everything to provide disinformation to the victims and media.

Due to the inherent nature of addictive dishonesty of the pilots of the institutions as Akande pointed out about Nigeria, police officers remain corrupt as they are not closely controlled and threatened with punishment for misconduct.

The need for what I call intra-bribery and inter-briber persists, meaning bribing that goes on between the police employees and supervisors to get favors like case assignments and bribery between the police and citizens to alter cases.

Empowered by social media, the Nigerian people are benefitting from social media monitoring of the police.

We need more of these protests, as we just saw with the good-hearted women coming together in front of the Dowen college with written demands as they echo the national wave of outrage sparked by the bullying and killing of Sylvester Oromoni, and other devastations.

So as a psychological institutionalist with interest in honest and fact-based law enforcement, which does not occur in our police forces due to lack of proper pre-selection psychological readiness of candidates with state -of the -art psychological instruments, I say let us bring in correct head, independent, professional, and impartial investigators into this case. I hope this is possible because we cannot continue like this. Meanwhile, Nigerians should continue to harness social media against police insanity, dishonesty, and distrust. Walahi, to an extent, it is working, believe me.

John Egbeazien Oshodi who was born in Uromi, Edo State in Nigeria, is an American based Police/Prison Scientist and Forensic/Clinical/Legal Psychologist. A government Consultant on matters of forensic-clinical adult/child psychological services in the USA; Chief Educator and Clinician at the Transatlantic Enrichment and Refresher Institute, an Online Lifelong Center for Personal, Professional and Career Development. A former Interim Associate Dean/Assistant Professor at the Broward College, Florida. The Founder of the Dr. John Egbeazien Oshodi Foundation, Center for Psychological Health and Behavioral Change in African settings. In 2011, he introduced the State-of-the-Art Forensic Psychology into Nigeria through N.U.C and the Nasarawa State University where he served in the Department of Psychology as an Associate Professor. The Development Professor and International Liaison Consultant at the African University of Benin, and a Virtual Faculty at the ISCOM University, Benin of Republic. Founder of the Proposed Transatlantic Egbeazien University (TEU) of Values and Ethics, a digital project of Truth, Ethics, Openness. Author of over 40 academic publications/creations, at least 200 public opinion writeups on African issues, and various books.

John Egbeazien Oshodi wrote in via [email protected]
https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewspidgin/videos/273646091470291

Seyi Awobola, in a significant way represents the recent face of human rights issues in Nigeria like unlawful or arbitrary detentions.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, President Muhammadu Buhari, Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, Inspector General of Police Usman Alkali Baba, and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu; watching and listening to Seyi Awobola on this video, specifically reminds us that justice and rule of law remains almost nil in the Nigeria criminal justice system.

For almost 14 months in prison, Awobola was illegally detained in prison, after been picked up during the periods of #EndSARS protests October 20/21, 2020.

As a result of the legacy of authoritarian behaviors, the police continue to commit with impunity a wide range of human rights violations as this victim narrated.

During a press conference, according to his lawyer and former chair of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja branch Adeshina Ogunlana, asserted that the Nigerian government had no regard for equity.

Seyi Awobola narrated how he was kept in police custody and prison, or so-called Corrections center which Awobola tagged as corruptional centers.

Awobola said, he was illegally picked up and arrested while he was coming from the Lekki tollbooth on October 21, 2020, in the company of a friend.

Only to be charged with arson, riot, and disobedience to legal order  curfew.

For him to attend the court there were times when the prison officials said they did not have a van to take him to court.

As an awaiting trial inmate in prison, he recalled the food that they served in the prison would never be accepted by animals. Just before, "my family was feeding me. There are times when there are No food, no water, no means of communication.

He recalled how during his initial arrest in the heat of the #EndSARS protests, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, upon evaluating the case asked that he and others be released but on getting to the station, the junior officers did not comply.

He and his lawyer recalled a major ignorance on the part of prison officials. We went to prisonprison said no, we cant release him, he had a matter in the high court. I (his lawyer) said he was never arraigned before the high court, they said no.

Under these inhuman conditions, with facilities that are overcrowded filled with mostly awaiting trial persons, in archaic accommodations, why will the occurrence of jailbreaks subside?

His road to release was partly fueled by the power of the social media: I am happy today that I have been releasedI made video while in detention to let the authority know people were truly arrested''.

The Nigeria government must clean the criminal justice system from arbitrary arrest and punishment, bondage, and widespread lawlessness that manifests itself in fundamental human rights violations of the citizens.

John Egbeazien Oshodi who was born in Uromi, Edo State in Nigeria, is an American based Police/Prison Scientist and Forensic/Clinical/Legal Psychologist. A government Consultant on matters of forensic-clinical adult/child psychological services in the USA; Chief Educator and Clinician at the Transatlantic Enrichment and Refresher Institute, an Online Lifelong Center for Personal, Professional and Career Development. A former Interim Associate Dean/Assistant Professor at the Broward College, Florida. The Founder of the Dr. John Egbeazien Oshodi Foundation, Center for Psychological Health and Behavioral Change in African settings. In 2011, he introduced the State-of-the-Art Forensic Psychology into Nigeria through N.U.C and the Nasarawa State University where he served in the Department of Psychology as an Associate Professor. The Development Professor and International Liaison Consultant at the African University of Benin, and a Virtual Faculty at the ISCOM University, Benin of Republic. Founder of the Proposed Transatlantic Egbeazien University (TEU) of Values and Ethics, a digital project of Truth, Ethics, Openness. Author of over 40 academic publications/creations, at least 200 public opinion writeups on African issues, and various books.

John Egbeazien Oshodi wrote in via [email protected]
An abducted pastor, Dauda Bature, who was kidnapped from his farm in the Nariya area of Kaduna State on November 8, has been killed by his abductors after collecting ransom from his family.

The Chairman of the Kaduna chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria ( CAN ), Reverend Joseph Hayab, who confirmed the murder of the man of God in a statement on Saturday, said the deceased, Pastor Dauda Bature, was in charge of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) Nariya, in Igabi local government area of the state.

Describing the killing of Pastor Bature as barbaric, Rev. Hayab lamented that the bandits are now cruel and brutal to their victims, calling on the state government to triple its efforts with superior power to put the frequent bloody attacks on harmless populace to check.:

Pastor Dauda Bature was kidnapped while working in his farm in Nariya on November 8. After some days, the bandits opened negotiation with the his wife and demanded for about N10 million ransom which the family could not raise as at that time.

When some money was raised, they asked the wife to bring the money which she took to them on November 18. Then, they collected the money and kidnapped her. They kept her until Monday.

On December 6, they released her to go and look for more money. From that time, they were not talking to the wife again but another person.

On Thursday, December 9, they just called to say that they had killed the Pastor since the family could not bring more money.

The leadership of ECWA has been finding it difficult to break the information to the wife until yesterday (Friday) which was why people are just getting to know about it.

What this means is that the bandits have become so cruel and brutal to their victims. They no longer have mercy.

It shows our government needs to triple what its doing. These people cannot be defeated through rhetoric but by a superior fire. Despite the measures taking, they still continue their wickedness, Hayab decried.
Comrade Zailani Bappa, an aide of the Zamfara State Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle, recently made some significant public confessions concerning the phenomenon of criminal terrorism in Nigeria.

He unequivocally associated his Fulani ethnicity with the wave of terrorism never seen in Nigeria before now, including burning humans alive without purpose at all, which he aptly described as crass satanism.

But he went further by acknowledging that the Fulani elite for long tried to justify the criminal terrorism of these errant Fulani as a struggle for justice after so-called years of neglect by the Nigerian State.

Comrade Bappa however fell short of identifying who the sponsors of these criminal terrorists are claiming that the Government is poised to fish out sponsors of these criminals.

Say what you may, but to the best of this writers recollection, this is the closest any Fulani Leader in or out of Government has come to speaking the truth about Fulani criminal terrorism.

Yet only the truth can set the Fulani free from the torrential wave of criminal terrorism now impacting Fulani society.

Only the truth will reveal to the Fulani the way out from their present quagmire.

I and I salute this Governor's aide for his public intervention, even though it is so belated, so half-hearted, and so full of half-truths.

It is belated because his boss, Governor Matawalle, was one of the Fulani Leaders in Government who adopted a policy of appeasement towards the Fulani criminal terrorists.

It was a policy that was bound to fail and fail it has done quite spectacularly.

You do not appease cancer, you starve it and cut it off.

It is half-hearted and half-truthful because the Governor's aide did not tell the whole truth.

Contrary to what he claimed, the instigators and sponsors of Fulani criminal terrorism are very well known.

They are identical to the instigators of Fulani expansionism in Nigeria, and they are people that occupy the highest levels of Government in Nigeria and Northern Nigeria especially. These are the same people who also adopted a policy of appeasement towards Fulani criminal terrorists.

The only difference is that while the likes of Governor Matawalle were appeasing the criminal terrorists with cash, these wicked men in very high places, sought and still seek to appease them with other ethnicities' ancestral lands as well as protection from judicial prosecution.

One of the ways they went about this was to drag their feet endlessly, while trying to ward-off the official pronouncement of their criminal wards as terrorists through administrative delay tactics.

In doing this too, they eventually met an administrative waterloo.

The Fulani expansionists in power were recently blindsided and left flat-footed by the brave judicial pronouncement of the courageous Justice Taiwo Taiwo of the Federal High Court.

A divinely inspired Justice Taiwo duly cut through the half-hearted, time-wasting, never-ending, foot-dragging, judicial application sought by Federal Ministry of Justice, and without much ado, and to the utter consternation of the Federal Government, pronounced the so-called Fulani bandits as terrorists.

Never mind what Federal Government agents tell you publicly. They were thrown into panic mode by this pronouncement.

We are closely watching the body language of the expansionists in power. All we can see is confusion in the Administration, post Justice Taiwo's judicial pronouncement.

As far back as 2013-2014, I and I have been warning Nigerians about the dangers posed by Fulani expansionism. But being fully human and not a prophet, I was self-deceived into thinking that a repentant and reformed Muhammadu Buhari, had seen the light and mended his nepotistic ways in accordance with his Change slogan leading up to the 2015 presidential elections.

I and I's logic for supporting him in 2014 unto early 2015 was that he was going to crush rampant corruption in Nigeria as well as crush Fulani expansionism, without being accused of ethnic witch-hunting, being Fulani himself.

It was a big mistake, the kind of which I pray that Jah Jesus Christus never allows I and I to make again.

Not only is President Muhammadu Buhari unreformable, and incurably nepotistic, he was and still is the arrowhead of Fulani expansionism in Nigeria.

He has not repudiated his Fulani expansionism agenda. Even if he does, I and I will never believe him again. Good luck to those who still believe and rely upon his promises.

Fulani expansionists sought to cash in on Fulani criminal terrorism as a tool for enforcing their territorial acquisition agenda in Nigeria, thereby conveniently killing two birds with one stone.

Here is the first bird they sought to kill.

Either using Fulani criminal terrorists on the one hand or the heavily compromised Nigerian Army, DSS, Police and Federal Bureaucracy, all riddled with expansionists and their useful idiots on the other hand, Fulani expansionists plotted to either violently seize the ancestral territories of all Nigerian ethnicities or to convert same to Fulani suzerainty, administratively cum legislatively, respectively.

Their administrative cum legislative alibi is that they are trying to secure and restore the so-called grazing reserves or grazing colonies, forcefully created on other ethnicities ancestral lands by the British and "granted to the Nigerian State, by the British Colonial Government at Nigerias independence.

Essentially, Fulani expansionists arrogantly acted as if these lands were granted to them by the British colonialists, since they the Fulani conflate themselves with the ownership of the Nigerian State.

Never mind that this forceful territorial conversion was done by the British colonialists in Northern Nigeria alone, without seeking the consent of the indigenous ancestral landowners.

To this very day, Fulani expansionists are still trying to reclaim the fruits of the injustices committed by the British colonialists against the territorial interests of indigenous Nigerian ethnicities, even after they the British were forced to retreat from Nigeria at Nigerias independence.

By so doing, effectively what Fulani expansionists are so insultingly telling other Nigerians, is that they the Fulani expansionists are the successor colonialists to the British, effectively continuing where their British predecessors once stopped.

This is arrant nonsense of course which must never be allowed to stand and over which indigenous Nigerians are willing to break up the country and let all peoples go their separate ways.

Only then can the indigenous peoples of Nigeria freely regroup in different configurations as needed soon after the expansionist danger is permanently deactivated.

The second bird they sought to kill with the single stone was the permanent pacification of the blood-thirsty and cash-thirsty Fulani criminal terrorists.

This was to be achieved by resettling and installing the Fulani criminal terrorists in the newly acquired grazing territories all over Nigeria as feudal overlords. The intention was to divert and occupy their blood-thirsty and cash-thirsty attention with the task of perpetually intimidating restless indigenous people.

To achieve this grand slam goal, they started peddling the lie that the Fulani criminal terrorists have been neglected by successive governments, whereas it was they, the Fulani expansionists, that deployed them to the bushes in the first instance to tend and milk their cattle, while they concentrated themselves on milking Nigeria and living their lives in royal opulence.

We recall that the much-maligned, immediate-past President Goodluck Jonathan Administration, made serious attempts to bring nomadic-education to the Fulani herders.

He was serially rebuffed and voted out of power by the same Fulani expansionists claiming Government neglect of Fulani herdsmen and criminal terrorists today.

Now they are in power, the expansionists have made zero attempts in the last six and a half years to build upon the nomadic education legacy earmarked for their people by the Goodluck Jonathan Administration, probably because they have other expansionist uses for them as alluded to above.

Indeed, based on all indices of assessment, this Administration fares very poorly compared to the immediate past one, and truth be told, that one was bad.

So all this time, while other Nigerian ethnicities, marginalized by Fulani expansionists in power, were sending their indigent wards to schools of learning or to workshops of trade to learn useful skills, the Fulani elite are very proudly sending their wards to walk behind cattle in the Forests, claiming it is their culture.

With the ubiquitous advent of the internet, the indigent Fulani sent to the Forests to walk behind or beside cattle owned by Fulani elites, have seen with their own eyes through social media, the way and manner their sponsors live their lives.

They equally want to live their lives with similar affluence and in as much royal opulence as their elite blood relatives and cousins.

Only criminal activities like kidnapping for ransom and terrorism can yield humongous returns on investment, not grooming or herding cattle for sale.

That is the sum cause of the unending rise of Fulani criminal terrorism.

That rise can only be broken and punctuated if the Fulani elites dedicate the wealth they have milked and are still milking from the Nigerian State towards the re-education of their wards. That is the same poor Fulani whose human identities they selfishly exploit for electoral purposes, but whose criminal nuisance values they intend to export to indigenous Nigerian ethnicities to perpetually contend with.

The sum truth is that the Fulani elites are the real causes and sponsors of Fulani criminal terrorism.

They are only crying at this time because the criminal terrorists they helped to raise are turning their sights and guns inwards and backwards on their expansionist masters, especially since the new territories they promised them throughout Nigeria have failed to materialize.

Summarily, all that Fulani expansionists tried to do so vigorously yet so futilely from 2015 to date, was to export the Fulani criminal terrorists they helped raise, to terrorize, intimidate and subjugate other parts of Nigeria in furtherance of their expansionist pipedream.

Other Nigerians of course have said no. "Solve your self-inflicted problems yourselves is their quasi-unanimous response to the Fulani expansionists.

And that is why we insist that Nigeria must be restructured with devolution of powers to the geopolitical regions, states, and grassroots.

One retrogressive section of Nigeria cannot perpetually be subsidized by other sections of Nigeria, while they continually adopt and implement retrograde policies, the sum-totality of which only serves to deepen poverty among all Nigerians.

Accordingly progressive minded Nigerians insist on true Federalism and utterly reject the unitarist approach or the common cooking-pot system favored yet so vigorously abused by Fulani expansionists.

Additionally, if the Fulani must migrate, they should do so subject to local laws and regulations extant in their new places of abode.

They must not be imposed as all-conquering invaders of other geopolitical entities in the fraudulent name of One Nigeria.

To live and let live, let everybody including the Fulani clean up their own mess and not expect others to perpetually do cleanup after them.

We are watching.......

Anthony Chuka Konwea, Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE, MNSE, FNIStructE, MNICE.
Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, has said Nigeria may never have a president like former president Goodluck Jonathan whom he said he regretted being one of his critics in the past.

Ndume who stated this at the Apo legislative quarters, Abuja, described Nigeria as a nation which doesnt know the value of what it has until it loses it.

While describing Jonathan as the best and finest president president Nigeria ever had, Ndume said all those who have criticized the former President including himself, have now realized the value of what they rejected in the past.

Jonathan was Nigerias president since 2010 till losing the presidency to Buhari following 2015s controversial presidential election.

Critics of his administration including Buhari himself, accused his administration as the most corrupt in the nations history, and also for being responsible for insecurity in the North.

However, since coming to power in 2015, the Buhari government has failed to leave up to expectations by underperforming, and doing much worse the very same thing it accused the Jonathan government of doing.

To Ndume, though being a card carrying member of the APC, the over 5 years of Buharis government has given Jonathans critics enough reason to hide their heads in the sand.

I must confess, as people call me stubborn person, Im also a stubborn person I feel I need to make this testimony here, and also appreciate Mr.(Former) President, as they say you will never know what you have until you lose it. I will stop there.

For this country, I think Nigerians know that they dont value what they have until they lose that thing. We thank God for your life and you have changed the political culture and landscape of this country.

You dont know how great you are in the eyes of those that were skeptical, those that dont know you, those that didnt come close to you. But now, honestly, I am one of those that used to criticize you very well, but I will say it was constructive move, the lawmaker said.

Speaking further, Ndume recalled being accused of sponsoring Boko Haram and how he was vindicated by the court after 6 years of litigations.

The Senator said, I had a breakfast with him (Jonathan) on 21st November (2011) and I was accused of sponsoring Boko Haram. He was saying, Kai the man doesnt I dont think the security would see it that way and from there, I went to SSS and I was detained for 30 days. I went to court for 6 years.

And when I was vindicated, I had the opportunity to run to meet him, and he said, Ndume, you have been patient and God has vindicated you. Take this as part of blessings from the Almighty. He was genuinely speaking to me, and I believed in that.

He wanted to be President but Nigeria being what it is, it was a different thing entirely. Like I said, he had left a landmark on this country.
Food festival offensive launched to boost Phuket economy

PHUKET: Tourism officials have launched a slew of food festivals to be held in Phuket throughout December in the hope of boosting domestic travel to the island to help the islands economy.

tourismeconomicsCOVID-19

By The Phuket News

Saturday 11 December 2021, 02:19PM

Branded as the Thai Taste Therapy Festival, the campaign was officially launched by Chai Nakhonchai, Director-General of the Department of Cultural Promotion, and Apichai Chatchalermkit, Deputy Governor for Tourism Products and Business at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), yesterday (Dec 10).

The slogan of the campaign is Thai food  the most delicious medicine in the world, aimed at highlighting the health benefits of Thai cuisine.

Phuket food reflects the culture and traditions that have existed since the time of our ancestors and have been passed down and passed on from generation to generation for hundreds of years, Mr Chai said.

And one of the outstanding features of Phuket cuisine is the herbs and local ingredients, which are unique to Phuket and the main theme of the Thai food festival. The festival is for tourists and foreigners residing in Phuket to know Phuket food in the dimension of medicinal properties that are beneficial to health.

It presents a new perspective on Thai food in line with the situation where people around the world are increasingly concerned about health. The Thai Taste Therapy Festival will help expand Phukets Thai food culture internationally.

It helps to promote the image of Phuket as a City of Creative Gastronomy as recognised by UNESCO, and it helps generate income for all sectors from upstream to downstream, from local communities to restaurants and hotels, which promotes a sustainable economy. Mr Chai said.

Mr Apichai of the TAT noted, By highlighting the advantages of medicinal benefits in Thai food, this will encourage tourists to be interested in traveling to visit the source of herbs and raw materials as well as to find the owner of the recipe who cooks the menu.

This is the true meaning of valuable culinary tourism, because it gives tourists the opportunity to complete a variety of experiences related to food. It also benefits the local community and business operators in the tourism industry, and in all sectors, leading to the creation of food tourism in a truly sustainable way.

Irin Riksasan, project manager of the festival, explained that the festival is packed with activities in Phuket throughout December, such as the Thai Taste Therapy Trip Phuket travel packages.

There are also discount promotions at restaurants in Phuket participating in the project, whether its a The Charm Phuket beauty salon in Cherng Talay or Tu Kab Khao or even Blue Elephant, she said.

Chimthai.asia to bring food products with rare Thai ingredients and well-selected community food products to jointly convey to customers both domestically and internationally through the Artisan online marketplace of chimthai.asia. Not only that, we also have a highlight activity "Thai Taste Therapy Market" that showcases various products currently underway at the Arena area at Blue Tree Phuket from Dec 10-12, she added.

Thai Smile Airways has also joined to support the campaign.

Sanchan Sathapornwuthikhun, Director of Inflight Services at Thai Smile Airways said, Thai Smile and MasterCard will take everyone on a journey to explore delicious and healthy dishes at famous restaurants in the Thai Taste Therapy editions to be held in six locations: Chiang Rai, Nan, Chiang Mai, Surat Thani, Krabi and Phuket.

THAI Smile has increased strict measures to keep passengers safe along with service personnel, who must be fully vaccinated. We are ready to bring you all to experience a new journey, including a promotion for Mastercard cardholders to receive a B200 discount when purchasing tickets with Thai Airways and Thai Smile Airways with the promo code MCTHAITaste, he said.

GOING LOCAL

Rewat Areerob, President of the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (PPAO, or OrBorJor), has announced a series of food and goods festivals to be held in Phuket in December and January to help boost local peoples incomes.

The Rhoi Nat Yat Dai festival (Food & Goods Festival) will first take place at Patong Beach on Dec 17-19.

This event is a continuation of the Roi Rim Lay festival, which is a project to strengthen the foundation of Phukets economy, and aims to stimulate and revitalise Phukets economy after being affected by the COVID-19 epidemic, Mr Rewat explained in a radio interview earlier this week.

The first edition will be held at Patong Beach on Dec 17-19. The highlight of the event is O-Tao Giant Pan [in which the popular oyster-based dish will be cooked in a giant wok], which will be offered for free tastings by visitors, he said.

The second edition of the festival will be held at Sanam Chai, located opposite Phuket Provincial Hall on Narisorn Rd, in Phuket Town on Jan 7-9, where free tastings of the popular local noodle dish Hokkien Mee will be on offer, Mr Rewat said.

New dishes created by local chefs will be on show as well. There will also be a gold chef to show off their skills in Japanese cooking, he added.

The third event will be held at Laguna Phuket in Cherng Talay, Thalang, on Feb 4-6. There will be giant pan Guay Tiew Gui for free to taste too, Mr Rewat continued.

The purpose of this event aims to encourage people to put their money into the Phuket economy, which will bring real benefits to the people, namely farmers, producers and local business owners who will be able to make more money, Mr Rewat explained.

It also promotes tourism in Phuket by bringing food and culture identity, including the use traditional Phuket costumes during tourism presentations," Mr Rewat said.

Everyone will find a large number of goods and services at fair and realistic prices, which reduces the cost of living in purchasing goods for peoples consumption, he said

"This event also is part of the campaign to reduce global warming. The event will not use foam in food packaging and no alcoholic beverages will be sold as well. It also shows the continuation of Thai cultural and musical performances," Mr Rewat said.

CHECK IN PHUKET, CHECKS OUT

Meanwhile, the Check In Phuket promotional campaign to support five local villages by highlighting their culinary prowess finally drew to a close as Phuket Vice Governor Piyapong Choowong officiated an event held at the Cape Panwa Hotel on Thursday (Dec 9).

The Check In Phuket community tourism campaign was launched to highlight the local dishes and lifestyles of five local villages in Phuket to inspire tourists to travel to the villages to enjoy what the villages have to offer, namely in the way of serving local delicacies.

The five villages were Baan Koh Maphrao, on Koh Maphrao (Coconut Island) off Phukets east coast in Moo 6, Koh Kaew; Baan Palai in Moo3, Chalong; Baan Pa Krongcheep in Moo 6, Thepkrasattri; Baan Manik in Moo 7 Srisoonthorn; and Baan Tha Chatchai at the northern tip of the island in Moo 5, Mai Khao.

Baan Koh Maphrao won the Community Chef cooking contest held as part of the campaign, with the contest held at the Cape Panwa Hotel earlier this week.

Phuket has more charm than what everyone knows as beautiful world-class marine attractions. Phuket Island still has a community way of life that is more touching than many people think, Vice Governor Piyapong said at the closing event on Thursday.

Therefore, this project will help strengthen the community by bringing leading chefs to suggest ways to improve local food service standards locally available as the ultimate food menu. It is considered a success for people in the community, he said.

The five pilot villages will serve as role models for other villages and communities to develop their strengths to become a leading international community tourism destinations, V/Gov Piyapong added/

Community tourism tourists can be welcomed in every season. Phuket provincial government understands that economic development linking community tourist attractions to bring the tourism to communities will help create an even more sustainable economy with the development of peoples quality of life at all levels to be able to pass through any situation It has the power to strengthen the economy of Phuket, he concluded.
EDWARDSVILLE  Timothy Banowetz on Friday was sentenced to 70 years in prison for killing Randy Gori in January 2020 while robbing him and his two minor children.

Circuit Judge Kyle Napp handed down the sentence on Friday afternoon. Banowetz must serve at least 65 years of the 70-year sentence; he will be imprisoned until he is at least 93 years old.

No sentence can heal the wounds such a cruel and heartless crime has caused to friends and family alike," said Madison County State's Attorney Tom Haine. "But at least with this sentence we can all obtain a certain closure in knowing that Randy Goris murderer will, almost certainly, never see the light of day as a free man again.

"All of our prayers remain with the Gori family who have shown such courage and resilience in the midst of this tragic situation, and now deserve privacy and respect so they can continue the healing process, he said.

On Jan. 4, 2020, police found Gori, a prominent Madison County attorney, in his Edwardsville home, dead of multiple stab wounds.

Two children, ages 15 and 13, had been held captive and were found tied up. They told police their cellphones and a 2020 Rolls-Royce SUV Cullinan had been stolen.

According to prosecutors, the children told investigators the family had returned home from dinner and parked in the driveway outside of the garage, at which time Banowetz ran up on them with what appeared to be a gun and forced them first to the ground and then into the garage.

He then Zip-tied their hands and demanded money before searching the home and taking $4,000 to $5,000, according to court documents.

Goris Rolls Royce was found abandoned in the woods about 1,000 feet from where Banowetzs truck had been found. When Banowetz was captured in the woods, there was blood on his clothing; the blood was later confirmed to be Goris. Banowetz also was found wearing clothes that matched the description of a suspect in a video.

A paper in Banowetzs truck detailed his preparation for an armed robbery and murder. A handwritten to-do list included watch with binoculars, use gun and knife to subdue, zip tie hands and duct tape mouth, withdraw money, kill all of them and burn their bodies.

In October, mere hours before opening statements were scheduled to begin in his trial, Banowetz pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree murder and two counts of armed robbery in connection to Gori's death.

On Friday, Haine expressed his thanks to the team of prosecutors and police investigators who worked on the case.

Im incredibly appreciative of the hard work of Assistant State's Attorneys Jacob Harlow and Lauren Maricle, as well as the members of the Madison County Sheriffs Office, Edwardsville Police Department and Major Case Squad for their efforts in investigating and prosecuting this case, Haine said. Im also appreciative of Judge Napp for her fair, impartial, and professional proceedings throughout this case.
EDWARDSVILLE - A Collinsville man was indicted last week on two counts of first-degree murder and one count of auto theft in the Nov. 11 killing of Robin Mendez.

Robert Brittin, 34, of Collinsville, was indicted Dec. 2 on two counts of first-degree murder, both Class M felonies; and one count of offenses relating to motor vehicles, a Class 2 felony. A separate indictment also charged him with burglary, a Class 3 felony.

Mendez was found dead in her Collinsville home on Nov. 11. Brittin was taken into custody Nov. 12. He is currently in the Madison County Jail on $2 million bond. If convicted, Brittin faces 40-60 years for the murder charges, and an additional three to seven years for the motor vehicle charge.

Haine thanked the Collinsville Police Department and Assistant States Attorney Luke Yager for their work in this case.

In the second indictment, on April 1 Brittin allegedly entered a 1996 GMC S15 in the 6200 block of Illinois 111 in Edwardsville.

Other indictments issued Dec. 2 by the Madison County grand jury include:

 Corey L. Gorsich, 50, of Wood River, was indicted for aggravated domestic battery, a Class 2 felony. According to court documents, on Nov. 12 Gorsich allegedly strangled a household or family member.

 Ausar B. Graham, 22, of St. Louis, was indicted for aggravated battery, a Class 2 felony. OLn Oct. 24 Graham allegedly kicked a Granite City police officer in the face with his foot.

 Carlette Whitfield, 43, of Alton, was indicted on four counts of burglary, three Class 3 and one Class 2 felonies, in three separate indictments. According to court documents, on April 21 Whitfield allegedly broke into a 2005 Ford Freestyle in the 800 block of Langdon; on May 6 Whitfield allegedly broke into a 1995 Chevrolet Silverado in the 600 block of E. Fifth Street; and on Nov. 15 Whitfield allegedly entered vehicles in the 1100 block of Brown Street and 1600 block of Henry Street to commit theft.
GODFREY  Students interested in a career as a Pharmacy Technician can now earn a Certificate of Completion in just one semester through Lewis and Clark Community College, starting in the Spring 2022 semester.

With the changing role of pharmacists and the evolution of national healthcare services, the demand for more educated and trained pharmacy technicians to assist pharmacists in the preparation of prescriptions has increased. In an effort to meet the demand for well-trained and certified pharmacy technicians, L&C now offers a Certification of Completion.

Illinois requires pharmacy technicians to be certified within two years of earning a pharmacy technician license in order to renew. In fact, 47 states require pharmacy technicians to be registered/licensed or certified, often both.

According to L&Cs Dean of Career Programs Sue Czerwinski, pharmacy technician positions are in demand, with ample employment opportunities available across the region.

The Pharmacy Technician program will prepare students for the responsibility of working under the supervision of a registered pharmacist, she said. Students will have the necessary training to qualify them for positions in retail pharmacies, hospitals and call centers.

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for pharmacy technicians is on the rise, with an average of 31,700 openings projected annually over the next decade.

The new program is being headed by Coordinator and Assistant Professor Kayci Sackmann, who holds a Master of Business Administration from Missouri Baptist University and a Doctor of Pharmacy from SIUE.

Sackmann believes the Pharmacy Technician program will not only prepare students for a career as a pharmacy technician, it can be an important first step to a number of related opportunities.

There is a vast array of professional settings and patient areas that someone can go into, Sackmann said. Pharmacy is one of those professions where you can see the impact of your work and how it is helping to improve lives.

As an L&C alumna and Elsah native, Sackmann is excited for the opportunity to use her skills to help students become strong job candidates in a competitive marketplace.

Lewis and Clark is a very positive educational and work environment, she said. The Pharmacy Technician program will not only provide students with the knowledge they need to pass the certification exam, but it will shape them into competent, well-rounded technicians.

Theres still time to enroll in the Spring 2022 semester, all the way through the start of classes, Jan. 18, 2022.

For information on L&Cs Pharmacy Technician program, contact Sackmann at (618) 468-4933. To enroll, call/text the Enrollment Center at (618) 468-2222.

Walk-in advising is available in both enrollment and financial aid from 8 a.m.  3:30 p.m. weekdays through close of business Dec. 17. The college will reopen Jan. 3, 2022.
LONDON (AP)  British police say a man was shot dead during a confrontation with firearms officers on Saturday near the Kensington Palace royal residence in London.

The Metropolitan Police force said officers were called to reports that a man with a firearm had entered a bank and bookmakers in the Kensington area of west London.
Pulling fast ones is a longstanding, but unfortunate, practice in Illinois legislative process.

Theres a reason why the governor and legislative power-brokers like to dump massive proposals on state legislators at the last minute and then demand a quick vote.

Its about maintaining the secrecy necessary to prevent the full discussion, debate and deliberation on important pieces of legislation, like the proposed $42 billion state budget that took effect on July 1.

If secrecy is not maintained, all legislators as well as the public will learn whats really on the table and possibly have the opportunity to mount opposition. If it is maintained, dirty little secrets wont be revealed until months later when its too late to do anything about it.

The Chicago Tribune recently revealed a prime example of this kind of legislative gamesmanship  roughly $2 billion in federal relief funds that were deposited into a special fund to be spent solely at the discretion of Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

Somehow, Pritzker and legislative leaders accidentally on purpose failed to mention anything about the $2 billion fund. They should have, of course, but they didnt.

Heres why  all legislators would have wanted to have some influence on how the money will be spent, and rightly so. As a separate and co-equal branch of government, the General Assembly plays a vital role in how this state is run. That includes authority  its called appropriations power  over how money is spent.

One need not be a hopeless cynic to wonder why the governor sought unilateral control of the $2 billion fund or why Democratic legislative leaders gave it to him. Circumstances support the suspicion that they have reached private agreement as to where and how the money will be spent.

A Pritzker spokeswoman defended this unique approach. She said gubernatorial control over the fund is a plus because it provides the governor needed flexibility to adapt to changing federal rules over how the money can be spent.

Well, there is no flexibility like total flexibility.

The problem is that Pritzker was elected governor, not dictator. There are certainly formalities and encumbrances to efficiency in the democratic process. Give-and-take between the executive and legislative branches over spending is one of them.

This being Illinois, the lack of formal review by legislators is hardly the end of the world. Over the years, members of the state House and Senate have played a key role in driving this state into the ground, particularly when it comes to fiscal issues.

Nonetheless, the Legislature is the Legislature, whether collectively incompetent or not.

Superminority Republicans, unsurprisingly, were displeased to learn of the heretofore secret Pritzker fund.

State Rep. Tom Demmer, R-Dixon, not only complained about the fund but proposed also legislation that would limit Pritzkers prized flexibility. Hes seeking a legislative declaration that Pritzker inform legislative leaders of his proposed spending plans and obtain legislative approval for them.

Its a sound proposal. But itll go nowhere.

Republicans are irrelevant in Springfield, their principal purpose being to serve as target of supermajority Democrats ridicule and disdain.

The bottom line is that its business as usual. The $42 billion budget dropped on legislators at the last minute was passed without time for a serious review. Disclosure of the secret fund came months later when it was a fait accompli.

The deed being done, advocates of doing things the Illinois Way win again.
BANJA LUKA, Bosnia-Herzegovina (AP)  The Bosnian Serb parliament voted Friday to launch a series of steps that could weaken war-ravaged Bosnias central authority. The ballot came as the Bosnian Serb leader stepped up his campaign to secede from the Balkan country, despite a threat of new U.S. and other sanctions.

Lawmakers voted in favor of starting a procedure for Bosnian Serbs to withdraw from the Bosnian army, security services, tax system and judiciary. That follows repeated threats by Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik to secede, and incorporate about half of Bosnia with neighboring Serbia.

The vote in the 83-seat assembly was 49 for and three against. Most opposition lawmakers walked out or boycotted the vote, saying Dodiks drive could not be carried out without more bloodshed in a country wrecked by past ethnic strife.

Dodik, the Bosnian Serb member of the tripartite Bosnian presidency, said Fridays was a historic parliament session that would strengthen the Bosnian Serb mini state  formed as part of a U.S.-sponsored peace agreement that ended the Bosnian war in 1995.

Dodik called Bosnia a paper state and told parliament that a referendum should be held in the Serb entity in Bosnia on the formation of its own army, security service, high judiciary and tax authority and that a new state constitution should be drafted.

Opposition leaders in the parliament criticized Dodiks policies, saying they are hasty, bring back uncertainty and even possible clashes to the still-volatile Balkan region.

Dodik has for years been advocating the separation of the Bosnian Serb semi-autonomous mini-state from Bosnia and having it become part of neighboring Serbia.

With tacit support from Russia and Serbia, Dodik recently intensified his campaign.

Bosniak officials have warned that Dodik's policies could lead to clashes, and called on the U.S. and the EU to crack down against him and his associates.

The United States has already imposed a travel ban and assets freeze on Dodik and both American and German officials have recently threatened more sanctions in case Bosnian Serbs further weaken Bosnias central institutions.

Dodik has repeatedly said he doesnt care about new sanctions, adding that this would bring Serbs even closer to their true friends  Russia and China. He has also denied that withdrawal from the central institutions would lead to a quick secession or a new war.

There is likely to be a six-month delay before the assemblys decisions take effect while Dodik tries to renegotiate Bosnias fragile makeup with the countrys Bosniaks and Croats from a stronger position.

The Bosnian War started in 1992 when Bosnian Serbs, with the help of the Serb-led Yugoslav army, tried to create ethnically pure territories with an aim of joining Serbia. More than 100,000 people were killed and millions were left homeless during the worst bloodshed in Europe since World War II.

The war pitted Bosniaks, Serbs and Croats against each other and ended with the U.S.-sponsored peace agreement that created two regions, the Republika Srpska and the Bosniak-Croat Federation.

The two regions were given wide autonomy, but kept some joint institutions, including the army, the top judiciary and tax administration. Bosnias three-member rotating presidency, which is made up of Bosniak, Serb and Croat members, has been largely dysfunctional because Dodik has for months been boycotting its sessions.

In a sign seen in Bosnia as support for Bosnias joint armed forces, the U.S. on Friday delivered four new Bell Huey 2 multi-role helicopters to its air force.
From tinsel to toys, products made in China make up a large part of most households' festive shopping baskets. In fact, its vast  and growing  economy seems to stretch so far and wide across the world that it is now hard to find versions of some products that have no links to China at all.

But concerns are rising over China's use of forced labour in the production of goods that are shipped around the world.

Just last week, the UK announced a diplomatic boycott of the Winter Olympics to be held in China in February, due to alleged human rights abuses in the country. Though Beijing denies the allegations, UK households may understandably not feel confident about the conditions under which the Christmas goods they buy from China are made.

Chic: Products with British wool are in demand along with Christmas wreaths

At the same time, British retailers are facing another difficult Christmas with the latest Covid restrictions. Many are still recovering from months of muted business due to lockdowns.

So is it possible to swerve the ubiquitous 'Made in China' label and support local firms?

Buying British instead of defaulting to products made in China is not straightforward. This year, China replaced Germany as the single biggest import market for Britain, accounting for 16.9billion of sales for the first three months of 2021 alone.

Many shoppers may not even know where the products they buy were made, until they get them home or unwrap them and spot the 'Made in China' label.

Here, The Mail on Sunday looks at ways you could go about buying British and seeks out some of the best homegrown options.

How to tell if an item really is British

Items may have Union Jacks on them or words such as 'Britain' on the packaging, but that is no guarantee they were made here.

Kate Hills is founder of Make it British, a website giving details of hundreds of UK firms supplying everything from lingerie to woolly socks.

She recommends checking the manufacturing label on or inside an item to give you a better picture of where it was actually made. She adds that opting for items made in Britain is likely to be a more eco-friendly option as well.

'Sustainability is the top concern voiced by customers,' she says. 'Rather than getting clothes from halfway round the world  perhaps made in sweat shops  you get real value for money.'

Seamus Nevin is chief economist of Make UK, which represents Britain's manufacturing sector  employing three million people. He suggests shoppers should look out for the Made In Britain kitemark, which shows part of a Union Jack with an arrow pointing upwards.

He says Make UK has seen an 80 per cent rise in companies applying to use the logo, but warns: 'Some components might come from abroad. Typically, at least 60 per cent in terms of value must be British for an item to be eligible for the kitemark.'

Christmas jumpers and clothing gifts

Patriotic: British-made Christmas decorations by Festive Productions

Textiles account for most of the Chinese imports we buy. This has brought down the price of fashion, but past investigations have found ties with garments containing cotton from the Xinjiang region of China and forced labour in the area. Buying clothes made in Britain puts paid to that risk and can help local farmers too.

Graham Clark is marketing director at British Wool, representing 35,000 sheep farmers. He says: 'Buying British supports their survival and is vital for our knitwear industry. Wool is the most fantastic environmentally friendly product. It lasts for years and does not need washing as often as your cheap throw-away imported synthetics.'

Look out for the British Wool shepherd's crook logo.

Socks also make a good gift and there are several British manufacturers, including Leicester-based Pantherella and Peper Harow in Surrey.

Festive decorations and Christmas trees

Most of our decorations come from overseas, but there are some mainstream British options. One of those is Festive Productions, which makes tinsel in its factory in Cwmbran, in Monmouthshire.

Many Christmas trees are grown in the UK too. The British Christmas Tree Growers Association gives details of where to buy one. In Scotland, the charity Caring Christmas Trees grows sustainably-sourced spruces, and profits go to the Bethany Christian Trust, helping the homeless.

The easiest way to keep track of the provenance of Christmas crackers and their parts is to make them yourself. See websites such as Little Crafty Bugs and Rock My Family.

Electronics and hi-fi

If you are planning to buy electronics as Christmas gifts, you may struggle to find British options.

Alan Porter, co-founder of electronics marketing firm Napthine Porter, says: 'Sadly, even if the branding is British, the likelihood is that the components are only put together in this country and many of the parts come from overseas, with China being a major player.

Tables are still turning: Rega, based in Southend-on-Sea, makes record players from 275

'However, we are still world-beaters in specialist areas such as the production of top-end hi-fi equipment.' One of the electronic niches Britain still specialises in is turntables. Rega, based in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, makes record players from 275  but parts it puts together might come from abroad.

Manufacturer Michell Engineering in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, is British born and bred but the turntables that it makes can cost four-figure sums.

Buy all your yuletide food at local shops

Buying at a local butcher, greengrocer or farmers' market means your festive food is more likely to be locally sourced. However, you may pay more than if filling a shopping trolley at the supermarket.

Richard Stevenson, of The National Craft Butchers trade body, says: 'The pandemic has made an increasing number of people appreciate the value of local traders.

'You can find out exactly where the meat has come from with a local butcher.

'You just have to look at the horse meat scandal of 2013, when supermarkets sold burgers and other beef products containing horse, to realise the importance of this.

Arts, crafts, jewellery and other gift ideas

Websites such as Etsy and Not On The High Street showcase thousands of creative British firms and makes of craft items, jewellery, homeware and more. Both have plenty of UK-sourced gift ideas.

Christmas markets can help support small local retailers. Visit England, Visit Scotland and Visit Wales list towns and cities that host them. Most feature stalls from local businesses and craftspeople.
Millions of Apple customers in the UK have been overcharged by the tech giant and should share in up to 1.5billion of compensation, the High Court will hear this week.

The case claims that Apple has broken competition law by charging eye-watering commission on purchases made on its App Store. Apple strongly disputes the claim.

If the case is successful, the claimants believe nearly 20 million Apple users in the UK could be in line for compensation. Google is being targeted with a similar action, where damages of up to 920million are being sought on behalf of 19.5 million Android phone users in the UK.

Battling giants: The fees are levied in games such as Fortnite when players make in-app purchases

What is it claimed that Apple and Google have done wrong?

When someone buys an app or makes a purchase within an app using an iPhone or iPad, Apple takes commission of up to 30 per cent. Google takes the same cut from Android users for purchases via its app store.

The commission is paid by the app developers, but inevitably this charge will be passed on to customers in higher prices.

The claimants say the profits this generates for the tech giants are 'unlawfully excessive'. They also allege that Apple and Google deliberately shut out any competition by requiring users to pay through the tech giants' own payment systems.

What does this mean for Apple and Google users?

Most customers do not realise they are in effect paying huge commissions. But claimants say Apple and Android users have no alternative so Apple and Google can effectively charge what they like. They say users struggle to shop around for a cheaper price.

Some users may have effectively handed over only a few pence in commission payments, others thousands of pounds. If compensation is paid out, it will be distributed accordingly.

Commission is only paid on digital purchases, as in games or for paid-for content, not goods, such as food purchases or online deliveries.

Who is bringing the case this week?

The case has been filed with the UK Competition Appeal Tribunal and the first hearing is at the High Court this Tuesday.

King's College London digital-economy lecturer Dr Rachael Kent is taking the case to the tribunal, but she plans to represent anyone who has bought an app or made an in-app purchase on an iPad or iPhone from the App Store since October 2015.

The case is opt out rather than opt in, so customers do not have to do anything to receive compensation if it is paid.

Isn't this an expensive case for a university lecturer?

Dr Kent is making the claim, but she is being represented by Hausfeld & Co, a law firm with expertise in this area. Commercial litigation funder Vannin Capital is financing the claim.

Dr Kent has spent her career focusing on how consumers interact with digital platforms and apps and how they affect society.

Former Citizens Advice expert Liz Coll is behind the Google claim, with the same backing.

When will we know the outcome?

It could be years  if the cases go ahead, that is. The first hurdle this week is for Dr Kent to be approved by the Competition Appeal Tribunal as a representative for all affected Apple users.

Why are the authorities not taking this on?

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority is separately investigating Apple's charging policies.

Elsewhere, the EU Competition Commissioner has imposed heavy fines on Google, while South Korea has passed legislation forcing Apple and Google to open their phones to competition from cheaper app store providers.

In the US, President Biden has appointed Lina Khan to lead the Federal Trade Commission. She is known for her opposition to the power of large tech companies.

What do Apple and Google have to say?

Apple says: 'We believe this law suit is meritless and welcome the opportunity to discuss with the court our unwavering commitment to consumers and the many benefits the App Store has delivered to the UK's innovation economy.'

This year, Apple cut the commission fee for app developers who earn less than $1million (750,000) a year in sales through the store from 30 per cent to 15 per cent.

Apple also said 84 per cent of apps on its App Store were free, so developers paid nothing, and the commission it takes is 'very much in the mainstream of those charged by all other digital marketplaces'. Google said it competed 'vigorously and fairly' for developers and consumers, and that its fees were 'comparable to our competitors'.
There is little more nostalgic than memories of the cherished gifts found under the Christmas tree in childhood. But while most toys and games have purely sentimental value, some of the most popular can also command considerable sums.

From board games to action figures, several childhood favourites are now worth thousands of pounds more than when they were first unwrapped.

Board games

Playing board games has been a traditional Christmas Day activity for decades, and some of the earliest versions now change hands for hundreds of pounds. Sarah McClure, who owns the online shop Vintage Playtime, says: 'Board games are right at the heart of Christmas memories for many.

Roll of the dice: Pre-war Monopoly sets, which originally came in a black box, sell for more than 100

'Despite Monopoly being the most popular, there are many others that are also cherished whose values have crept up in recent years.'

Pre-war Monopoly sets, which originally came in a black box, sell for more than 100. The age of a set can be identified by the player pieces it comes with as the iron, thimble, cannon, purse, lantern and rocking horse have all been replaced over the years. The earliest editions can change hands for 800.

Other popular games among collectors include Buccaneer and Escape From Colditz. Buccaneer is a pirate game, invented in 1938. Early sets complete with a roll-up scroll are worth about 200.

Escape From Colditz was based on the story of Major Pat Reid, who managed to break out of the prisoner of war camp during the Second World War. Early sets complete with a swastika logo on the lid change hands for at least 100.

Building toys

Many a Christmas afternoon has been whiled away with a building project with a Meccano or Lego set. This year, in particular, has made families especially nostalgic for their favourites.

Vicky Weall, managing director of toy auctioneer Vectis, says: 'Because people have been spending more time at home over the past year or so, they have been reflecting on the past  and what they used to enjoy playing with as children.

'Early Meccano and Lego is often sought out by those who may have lost their old sets and want to relive the thrill of ownership.'

Weall cautions that condition is key to value. Those with all of the pieces intact go for the highest prices. For example, a pre-war Meccano Constructor Car No2 sold for 360 in November  double its estimate. The set was complete and included the spanner and screw driver needed to build it.

The biggest sets are the most valuable, as it is rare to find them with all of the pieces intact. For example, you can pay 2,000 for a No10 set from 1939, as it contains enough components to enable you to build a working crane.

Even relatively modern Lego sets can sell for high prices because many are made in limited numbers.

In October, an unopened The Beatles Yellow Submarine set sold for 160 at a Vectis auction. These same box sets sold in shops five years ago priced at 55.

A Cafe Corner set, which cost 90 when released in 2007, now sells for up to 2,000.

Teddy bears

Teddy bears have been a popular festive gift for more than a century. Sue Pearson, who runs Bears & Bygones in Lewes, East Sussex, says: 'Many of us received our favourite bear as a child at Christmas many years ago.

'I have collectors who tell me how wonderful it is to have had a teddy bear that's always been with them through all the ups and downs of their life.'

The origin of teddy bears can be traced back to 1902, when Richard Steiff was inspired after watching bears perform at a circus. It is early examples from this German maker that are the most sought after by collectors.

Early Edwardian Steiffs are the most valuable  with even well-worn teddies going for 500.

Pearson says: 'Anti-German sentiment during the First World War led to a boom in demand for British-made teddies. One of our top soft toy makers was JK Farnell. We have a 1930s' Farnell called Buster for sale at 400.'

Shropshire teddy maker Merrythought is still going strong after 91 years in business  its oldest bears sell for 100 or more.

Pearson adds: 'Vintage teddies are great for older fans but should not be bought for young children as they fail the health and safety standards of cuddly toys today.'

Plastic toys

Even plastic figurines can fetch hundreds of pounds  but they need to be in pristine condition to command the highest prices.

Barbie is now 62 years old and an early model in which she wears a black and white swimsuit can sell for 8,000 if in its original box. When first sold, they retailed at 1.70.

Action Man started as an American GI Joe figure in 1964 before joining the British Armed Forces in 1966. Although not worth as much as Barbie, a boxed early example can sell for as much as 600.
Controversial: Housebuilding millionaire Jeff Fairburn has been thrust back into the limelight

Controversial housebuilding millionaire Jeff Fairburn has been thrust back into the limelight after his powerful business partners triggered a campaign to overhaul one of the sector's most famous names.

Activist investor Elliott confirmed a Mail on Sunday report from last weekend that it wanted strategic change at Taylor Wimpey  publishing a letter on Friday with a list of demands.

The open letter to the Taylor Wimpey board informed them it had secretly built a major stake in the firm, and was now a top five shareholder.

It called for an external chief executive to be appointed 'to remedy its long-term underperformance and regain credibility with investors'. Elliott said an 'experienced operator' was now required to lead the company.

Sources said Elliott's interest in Taylor Wimpey has sparked a wave of speculation at senior levels in the housebuilding sector that Fairburn  who famously accepted a 75million bonus in 2018 and was later ousted over the fiasco  could be parachuted in to run the firm or take another board role.

Such a move by Fairburn  dubbed 'Moneybags' and condemned by shareholders  would, without doubt, be highly controversial.

Sources familiar with Elliott's thinking dismissed the idea of Fairburn taking charge.

But Elliott has already lent Fairburn significant financial support, assisting his return towards the centre-ground of the housebuilding sector.

In January last year, he was appointed chief executive of Berkeley DeVeer after buying a 50 per cent stake in the firm. Just a year later, Fairburn struck a deal with Elliott to acquire northern builder Avant Homes, where he has become chairman.

The Mail on Sunday last Sunday broke the news that Elliott had taken a stake in 6billion housebuilder Taylor Wimpey. It is understood Elliott then asked to meet the company.

But on Wednesday, Taylor Wimpey chief Pete Redfern announced the shock news that he was stepping down after 14 years in charge. The company insisted his exit was not linked to the activist's arrival.

Avant's relatively modest size in an industry led by three big players  Barratt, Persimmon and Taylor Wimpey  has fuelled speculation that the role is merely a stepping stone for Fairburn.

He is said to be keen to heal his reputation after becoming an emblem of corporate greed. The nadir of the pay scandal saw him walk out of a BBC interview after being asked about his bonus, which was aided by the boom that followed the taxpayer-backed Help to Buy Scheme.

One senior industry source, who knows Fairburn personally, said: 'There's no way Jeff just wants to be concentrated on little old Avant. It only builds about 2,000 homes a year. He is keen to rehabilitate his reputation and get back to running a big entity.'

An Avant Homes spokesman said Fairburn remained 'wholly committed' to the firm, adding: 'He is not involved with nor considering any involvement in any other business.'

City sources said Fairburn last year approached private equity firms about backing a separate housing deal, and had even looked at a possible acquisition of 900million housebuilder Crest Nicholson.

The Mail on Sunday also revealed last month that Elliott was betting against housebuilders, taking short positions in Bellway and Barratt. A shortlist of executives to run Taylor Wimpey has already been drawn up, with individuals approached, it is understood. Taylor Wimpey's group operations director Jennie Daly is seen as the frontrunner.

Investor sources said executives with appropriate experience could include Barratt deputy chief Steven Boyes, former Persimmon boss Dave Jenkinson  who succeeded Fairburn  and Crest Nicholson chief Peter Truscott.

Elliott also called for two new independent directors with industry experience to be appointed. City sources speculated that Elliott's ultimate goal could be to force Taylor Wimpey's board to sell off parts of its lucrative land bank.

Last year, the builder completed a 500million equity raise to pursue a land-buying offensive  a move which Elliott claimed had stoked 'concerns about delays in the return of capital to shareholders'.
Outspoken: Chris O'Shea blames past acquisitions for the loss of focus

Centrica's chief executive, Chris O'Shea, has spent the morning talking to some of the British Gas owner's biggest shareholders. Their mood, he reports amid a full-blown energy crisis, was 'challenging'.

Speaking to The Mail on Sunday in a rare interview since taking the top job at Centrica in the spring of last year, O'Shea says: 'It's been an unhappy experience being a Centrica shareholder from 2014 onwards  and my job is to create the environment where that turns around and becomes a happier experience.'

Centrica's market value has plunged from more than 20billion at its peak eight years ago to 4billion now, it has lost three million customers over the past decade, and was relegated from the FTSE100 index in June last year. It axed the dividend at the start of the pandemic as commodities slumped and its top ten investors  which include City firms St James's Place, Threadneedle and Schroders  are now keen to see payouts restored.

So too are its army of about 500,000 individual investors, many of whom bought shares through the 'Tell Sid' campaign when British Gas was privatised in 1986.

O'Shea says: 'Shareholders make clear that the dividend is important, but they are not constantly pushing, saying 'where is my money.' I think they are equally supportive and challenging. If they think you are doing the right thing, they are very supportive. But they always want to push, which I think is a very healthy dynamic.'

However, in a candid admission of corporate failure, O'Shea  who describes himself as 'an open book'  says Centrica 'lost its way' over the past six years, that it had become 'too bureaucratic' and 'unfocused' after years of acquisitions such as the AA breakdown service and Goldfish credit card, and that its customer service had 'degraded'.

O'Shea arrived as Centrica's chief financial officer just three years ago, after a globetrotting career at firms including Shell and BG Group, now part of Shell. But he soon found himself in the hot seat, taking over as group chief executive from Iain Conn at the start of the pandemic, before being plunged into this winter's gas price crisis that has so far wiped out 26 rival suppliers.

As the storm hit, O'Shea had already launched a shake-up of the business with a radical restructuring that cut 5,000 jobs, including half its senior leadership team, triggering a dispute with trade unions and MPs over new employment contracts.

Despite the cuts, he has mapped out a plan to build better support networks for his 20,000 employees  who he says had been 'neglected.'

Other plans to lift the energy giant's lagging shares include offering more carbon-saving products, such as electric heat-pumps and hydrogen boilers, streamlining the business to focus on energy supply and home services and improving customer service.

'It's straightforward,' he says on the last point. 'Customers want to call us and talk to a person. If they go online the experience has to work well. Because we were complicated, we were unfocused. We didn't look at those things properly.'

O'Shea was born in the industrial town of Kirkcaldy in Fife, which he points out is home to former Chancellor and Prime Minister Gordon Brown and the birthplace of 18thcentury economist Adam Smith.

The 48-year-old adopts a relaxed work uniform of hooded tops and T-shirts. His management style, which colleagues describe as 'approachable' and 'down to earth' with a focus on supporting colleagues, seems a departure from previous Centrica bosses, who were criticised for high executive pay amid rising energy bills.

Old Etonian Sam Laidlaw, who ran Centrica until 2014, was dubbed 'Sammy Two Pools' in reference to his luxurious lifestyle. Iain Conn, who retired last year, lobbied against the energy price cap, blaming the consumer protection mechanism introduced in 2019 for wiping millions off Centrica's profits.

O'Shea says he supports the price cap, though he is feeding into an Ofgem review of how it could be reformed, and says that he is 'worried' by the cost of living crisis for his customers this winter. Households face paying an extra 100 on energy bills to cover the 2.6billion cost of broken firms, plus a further increase of up to 614 a year when the price cap is reset this April.

Centrica is lobbying the Government to increase regulation for energy suppliers, including a 'fit and proper person' test for directors. O'Shea is also calling for customers' deposits to be ring-fenced under regulation similar to the oversight of insurance firms by the City watchdog, the Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates Centrica's services business.

He says: 'The fact that companies who are going out of business have spent that money is an outrage. If a bank went under and customers' money had gone missing this would be a national scandal.

'Your readers should be very concerned about their credit balances. My entire focus is putting this [regulation] in place to protect consumers so this never happens again.'

Centrica has taken on more than 500,000 customers from failed suppliers in recent months as spiralling gas prices pushed badly hedged firms out of business, and O'Shea says it could take on more if there are further collapses this winter, adding: 'I will do everything I can to stabilise the market and reduce the cost for customers.'

Shrinking competition is returning the energy market to domination by a handful of suppliers, down from 80 at its peak. But O'Shea doesn't mourn the days of the 'big six' era, when Centrica led the pack before profits were eroded by challengers. He says: 'I want us to give customers the best service at the right price, and to win in that way.'

To help fulfil his vision, he has sold off Centrica's US business, Direct Energy, and last week said Centrica was offloading its Norwegian North Sea oil and gas operations, owned by its Spirit Energy subsidiary.

Centrica set out its plan to become a net zero company by 2045 at last month's Cop26 climate summit, promising to invest up to 100million in renewable assets each year by 2025, including battery storage, hydrogen, smart meters and electric car charging points.

A quarter of the electricity that British Gas supplies to about 7.3 million UK homes comes from nuclear power and the remainder from renewable sources. O'Shea says: 'We are the UK's largest supplier of green electricity, we just don't shout about it much.'

He calls the turnaround challenge 'manageable' and is 'excited' by the journey ahead he says, adding: 'Different shareholders want different things, but ultimately they want to know we can see opportunities to grow. Everything we do is to create shareholder value.'

So does he hope to restore Centrica to the FTSE100? He says: 'I would like to be there, because that means the share price is higher and the company was doing better. So, as recognition, absolutely.'

...and he vows to tackle 'workplace taboos'

Centrica boss Chris O'Shea has introduced a string of policies to boost inclusivity and morale among its 20,000 staff, hoping to lift performance and profits.

Guidelines on transitioning at work, fertility support and ending the 'workplace taboo' of going through the menopause have all been launched in recent months.

Centrica is also helping those affected by domestic abuse after cases soared in lockdown. Staff can receive immediate support and customers can access the Safe Spaces website on domestic abuse via British Gas's homepage.

O'Shea says: 'We have neglected our colleagues  staff engagement was pitifully low  and we've taken steps to re-engage with frontline staff. We have a simple mantra. If you look after colleagues, they will look after your customers and that will look after your shareholders.'

Centrica's 10,000 office staff, including call-centre employees, can choose their split between office and home working. O'Shea calls it 'a competitive advantage', saying: 'If they can do their job from anywhere, why would you not give them that flexibility?'
Why should I care about lithium?

No, Lithium is not a small Roman village on the Via Appia. Rather, this astonishing metal is in increasing demand  but with a constricted amount of production.

It is used to make lithium batteries, which themselves are subject to growing demand, it plays a part in ceramic and glass, the nuclear industry and medical applications.

There are clearly some very significant channels of increased usage and demands in key areas of our economy.

Fantastic future or fad?: Lithium is an astonishing metal in increasing demand  but with a constricted amount of production

It is even involved in fireworks. I think the firework linkage is especially appropriate as the companies involved in its production and usage may well see their share values swing between dramatic peaks and troughs  and some will inevitably go bust with a bang.

Production

The main producers are Australia, Argentina, Chile and China, but the users are global. One comfort is that we are not constricted by limited supplies at risk of political spats and interference  a refreshing situation when compared with the constricted supply of the very vital 'rare earth' metals, most of which are under the control of the Chinese.

Increasing demand

Frankly, the uses and applications of lithium appear almost legion, as can be especially illustrated by the demand, usage and development of all the electrical vehicles around the globe at what is really at an astonishing speed.

However, if we then add the broader concerns of the current supply line risks, and we could be seeing a very volatile market not only in price but also reliability of delivery. Such interference will inevitably be affecting those companies involved, and thus a rather erratic valuation on those shares made even more fractious by 'illiquidity' (constricted supply of easily traded shares  such that if you own such companies they can be difficult to sell swiftly).

How to benefit?

There are only a limited number of companies that specialise in lithium, and most of those not quoted on our UK markets. There is, however, one exception and that is Bacanora Lithium, which has focused its production away from the potential political threats and grasping control of the Chinese authorities. It was originally listed on the Toronto stock exchange in 2009, but more beneficially for us changed to a dual listing on AIM in 2014.

The price peaked in 2018 at 1.37 with a nadir of 15p in March 2019, and is currently around 64p.

As a relatively small company, it obviously has a higher level of risk, and also please be aware that trading is thin and thus the 'liquidity' (the ability to buy and sell the shares) will make trading very restricted.

However, you do have a choice as there are funds which will allow you to invest on a more diversified investment across a number of companies. In my view the best way would be though the Global X Lithium & Battery Technical ETF, which is a low-cost passive fund that tracks the prices of a basket of similar companies.

Justin Urquhart Stewart co-founded fund manager 7IM and is chairman of investment platform Regionally.
MORSHYN, Ukraine (AP)  A small spa town in western Ukraine is standing out in a European country where only 29% of the people have received COVID-19 vaccine shots, and locals credit their community spirit for fending off the worst of the pandemic.

In Morshyn, a scenic town nestled at the Carpathian foothills in the Lviv region, 74% of its 3,439 residents had been fully vaccinated as of late November.

While Ukrainian authorities have imposed new restrictions amid a surge of infections and deaths blamed on a slow pace of vaccination and designated the region around Morshyn as a red zone where most public places have been shut down, the wellness centers in Morshyn have remained fully open.

Morshyns mineral water has made it a European attraction since the 19th century, when it was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Over 2,800 of its residents are currently employed by 10 different spas, which only accept guests with certificates proving vaccination, recovery from a past COVID-19 illness or a negative test.

I was making plans to travel somewhere this year and I chose Morshyn when I learned that many people here were vaccinated, said Valentyna Panchuk, a retiree visiting the town.

A united, broad-based approach seems to be going a long way in protecting the residents of Morshyn. Locals have embraced a host of public health measures that have proven effective against the spread of the disease: they wear masks, observe social distancing and vaccine uptake is high. The town's low density also helps too  with houses spread out amid parks and squares.

All these factors work toward the goal of keeping the town humming and people working.

After mass vaccinations in Morshyn, there have been no gravely ill coronavirus patients there anymore, said Ukrainian Health Minister Viktor Lyashko. There was a report about just one hospitalization, and that person wasnt vaccinated.

Morshyn, which hasnt seen any COVID-19 deaths over the past six months, has been touted by Ukrainian officials as a model for the rest of the country.

Four coronavirus vaccines are available in Ukraine  Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Sinovac  but only 29% of its 41 million people are fully vaccinated. The Ministry of Health reports that 96% of patients with severe COVID-19 werent immunized.

Doctors blame the public hesitancy in Ukraine on a distrust of government and on vaccine falsehoods about shots containing microchips or causing infertility. They say residents in Morshyn do get infected with COVID-19, but those who are vaccinated have mild cases that don't require hospitalization.

Not just immunization of two-thirds of the population, but long distances allow people to not get infected, said Dr. Gennady Yukshinsky, chief doctor of Morshyns hospital. Testing is widespread, and if a COVID-19 infection is detected, the (infected) person voluntarily self-isolates, understanding the responsibility to other residents.

According to Yukshinsky, there were 14 active COVID-19 cases in Morshyn as of late November, all of them mild.

The Ukrainian government has required teachers, doctors, government employees and other workers to be fully vaccinated by Dec. 1. It has also begun to require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test for travel on planes, trains and long-distance buses.

The decision has sparked protests in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, where thousands have rallied to protest the restrictions.

In Morshyn, the mass vaccinations have saved its residents from potentially losing their jobs amid the autumn surge of new infections.

Morshyn Mayor Ruslan Ilnytsky was among the first to get a vaccine. He said during a nationwide lockdown in the spring, the town sustained a heavy economic blow when all of its spas were shut down. He said he realized then that Morshyn would probably not survive another lockdown and spearheaded a vaccination campaign last summer in anticipation of a new surge of infections as cold weather forced people indoors.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

We initiated a pilot project for simultaneous immunization of the entire adult population, Ilnytsky told The Associated Press. Family doctors were calling residents, personally inviting them to get the vaccine and offering assurances of safety. I think it played a big role.

Yukshinsky, the Morshyn hospital chief, also emphasized the importance of the personalized approach, adding that it had a big effect, and people got immunized en masse.

That sharply differs from the rest of Ukraine.

A nationwide survey conducted last month by the Rating polling firm showed that 43% of respondents dont want to get vaccinated. The poll of 2,500 had a margin of error of no more than 2 percentage points.

Murat Sahin, UNICEF representative in Ukraine, said that fake theories about COVID-19 are posing a growing threat to the country's collective health during the pandemic.

The risks of misinformation about vaccinations have never been higher  nor have the stakes, Sahin said. This is why in 2021 we need a stronger and more robust effort to address rumors, fake news and misinformation than ever.

___

Karmanau reported from Kyiv, Ukraine. Yefrem Lukatsky in Morshyn, Ukraine, contributed to this report.

___

Follow all AP stories on the pandemic at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic.
CHICAGO (AP)  Jussie Smolletts conviction for lying to police about a racist, homophobic attack came nearly three years after his report of a horrifying hate crime quickly became part of a polarized political landscape, with people  including the president of the United States  weighing in from all over.

A prosecutor said Thursday's verdict was a resounding message by the jury that Mr. Smollett did exactly what we said he did  recruit two brothers to fake an attack so it could be recorded by a surveillance camera and posted on social media for publicity.

The brothers testified that the former Empire actor paid them $3,500 for the hoax and gave them lines to yell, including about MAGA country, an apparent reference to then-President Donald Trumps Make America Great Again slogan.

The report made headlines around the world and prompted a massive manhunt in Chicago, with roughly two dozen police joining the investigation. It also drew criticism from Trump, who called the police departments handling of the case an absolute embarrassment to our country.

Not only did Mr. Smollett lie to the police and wreak havoc here in the city for weeks on end for no reason whatsoever, but then he compounded the problem by lying under oath to a jury, special prosecutor Dan Webb said after Thursday's verdict.

Smollett, who is Black and gay, maintained throughout the nearly three-year legal battle that he was attacked in downtown Chicago in January 2019 by people who yelled racist and anti-gay slurs and put a noose around his neck.

His attorney declared Smollett's innocence again Thursday after the jury found him guilty on five of six counts of disorderly conduct for lying to police. Nenye Uche said Smollett would appeal the conviction, and is 100% confident his name will be cleared by an appellate court.

Unfortunately we were facing an uphill battle where Jussie was already tried and convicted in the media and then we had to somehow get the jury to forget or unsee all the news stories that they had been hearing that were negative for the last three years, Uche told reporters after the verdict.

The jury convicted the 39-year-old on five counts of disorderly conduct  for each separate time he was charged with lying to police in the days after the alleged attack. He was acquitted on a sixth count, of lying to a detective in mid-February, weeks after Smollett said he was attacked.

Smollett stood and faced the jury, showing no visible reaction as the verdict was read. He and his family later left the courthouse without comment.

Judge James Linn set a post-trial hearing for Jan. 27, and said he would schedule Smollett's sentencing at a later date. Disorderly conduct is a class 4 felony that carries a prison sentence of up to three years, but experts have said if convicted, Smollett would likely be placed on probation and ordered to perform community service.

The damage to his personal and professional life may be more severe. Smollett lost his role on the TV program Empire," which was filmed in Chicago, after prosecutors said the alleged attack was a hoax, and he told jurors earlier this week, Ive lost my livelihood.

The jury deliberated for just over nine hours Wednesday and Thursday after a roughly one-week trial.

Smollett testified that he was the victim of a real hate crime, telling jurors there was no hoax. He called the brothers who testified against him liars and said the $3,500 check he wrote them was for meal and workout plans.

His attorneys argued that the brothers attacked the actor because they are homophobic and didnt like who he was. They also alleged the brothers made up the story about the attack being staged to get money from Smollett, and that they said they wouldnt testify against him if Smollett paid them each $1 million.

Asked Thursday if Smollett could be charged with perjury for lying on the witness stand, Webb said perjury charges generally dont happen after a defendant is convicted, but that it was unclear what would happen in Smollett's case.

He also said the Chicago Police Department was vindicated by the jury's verdict.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

A lot of times people say, Well, police officers sweep things under the rug. This police department responded by absolutely testifying in this trial that they took it seriously," Webb said. "They believed he was a victim of a crime and they worked so hard for the next three weeks.

But Uche said Chicago police should have investigated the case much more," and that there were some witnesses who were never interviewed.

He called the jury's split verdict inconsistent, saying it made no sense for Smollett to be convicted of five counts but not the sixth charge, since everything stems from one incident.

David Erickson, a former state appellate judge who teaches at Chicago Kent College of Law, said he thinks the acquittal on the sixth charge may be as simple as the jurys decision not to pile on.

Theyve already convicted him of five counts so theyre thinking, 'Do we really want to convict him again because he said the same lie a sixth time? Erickson said.

An attorney for Abimbola and Olabingo Osundairo, the brothers who testified against Smollett, said her clients could not be more thrilled and pleased with the results."

Chicago police got this one right, Gloria Rodriguez said.

___

Associated Press reporter Sophia Tareen contributed to this report.

___

Check out the APs complete coverage of the Jussie Smollett case.
When a holiday is over, celebrants--especially children--can feel crestfallen that the special foods, gifts and cheer will be replaced by prosaic daily life. The last night of Hanukkah was Sunday and the celebration on Schenectady's Jay Street was so joyous and meaningful, the glow may last all winter, especially for the many children there. Hosted by Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York and Capital Chabad Centers, the organizers promised delicious holiday foods, a children's art show and essay contest, and the menorah lighting. And Schenectady's firefighters delievered a gelt drop for the children.

According to Party Judaica, an association of businesses that sell decorations and foods for Jewish holidays, chocolate-makers originated candy gelt in the 1920s. The small, chocolate coins wrapped in gold were a tasty way to follow the tradition of giving cash presents to family, friends and the needy.
ALBANY  A number of Capital region cities and towns have moved to opt out of allowing recreational marijuana dispensaries or lounges from opening up in their borders.

Not Albany.

While there hasnt be much public discussion yet, the city included new regulations in its proposed zoning changes to allow for marijuana dispensaries and manufacturing facilities within city limits. It also removed references that allowed for medical marijuana-only facilities.

Councilwoman Cathy Fahey, chair of the Planning, Economic Development & Land Use committee, said the council did discuss possibly opting out of allowing recreational marijuana businesses in the city. The thought was council members wanted to make sure the city was ready to deal with the final rules and regulations handed down by the states Cannabis Control Board.

The majority of the council seemed to favor not opting out, she said. They want residents to be ready to jump on business opportunities.

Fahey, who is one of five out-going members of the Common Council, said that the city still needed to have a fuller discussion on where marijuana retailers could open in the city and under what conditions.

Local governments have until Dec. 31 to decide whether to ban adult-use marijuana retail and consumption spaces in their borders. The town of Colonie banned on-site consumption lounges but will allow marijuana retailers to operate and Schenectadys city council voted to fully opt out but plans to revisit the ban at a later date.

The Common Council is set to approve changes to its zoning code on Dec. 20 that include specific areas of the city where marijuana dispensaries and manufacturing facilities can go.

For dispensaries, that includes a large part of the South End and the warehouse district, as well as zoning districts called mixed use community highway, such as parts of Central Avenue, and mixed use campus institutional.

It also allows for manufacturing facilities in two industrial zoning areas.

Common Council President Corey Ellis said he believes the city also needs to look at the cannabis industry as a whole in order to prepare potential employers, employees and residents. That will also require the state to provide local governments with a clear picture of the rules, he said.

"We need to make sure we get education out there about cannabis as a business," he said. "The quicker we know how to do this, the better."

Ellis said when the question of opting out came up, he pushed back, arguing that the city needed to be open to inquiries and conversations about retailers.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

The city Planning Board did not have any proposed dispensaries or manufacturing facilities on its project website as of Friday. Planning Director Brad Glass was out of the office on Friday and unavailable for comment. A spokesman for Mayor Kathy Sheehan did not return requests for comment.

The citys decision to embrace legal marijuana is no secret. In March, Sheehan, the Common Council and other citywide elected officials issued a letter saying the decision to legalize recreational marijuana was a much-needed step to end social and racial injustice.

The letter added that the money the city received from marijuana excises taxes would be used to ensure public safety and compliance with the laws around the drugs use as well as reinvest in city neighborhoods impacted by the criminalization of marijuana.

The Times Union previously reported that 97 percent of all marijuana arrests in the city fell on Black residents and that most of those arrests were for small amounts of the drug.

The city police department has all but stopped writing tickets for possession-level charges of marijuana since the state legalized recreational marijuana earlier this year. In the last year, the department wrote tickets or made arrests 27 for marijuana possession, according to data on the citys Open Data website.

All but one was written before April 2021.
WASHNGTON - A retired U.S. Army colonel who circulated a proposal to challenge the 2020 election, including by declaring a national security emergency and seizing paper ballots, said that he visited the White House on multiple occasions after the election, spoke with President Donald Trump's chief of staff "maybe eight to 10 times" and briefed several members of Congress on the eve of the Jan. 6 riot.

Philip Waldron, the retired colonel, was working with Trump's outside lawyers and was part of a team that briefed the lawmakers on a PowerPoint presentation detailing "Options for 6 JAN," Waldron told The Washington Post. He said his contribution to the presentation focused on his claims of foreign interference in the vote, as did his discussions with the White House.

A version of the presentation made its way to the White House chief of staff, Mark Meadows, on Jan. 5. That information surfaced publicly this week after the congressional committee investigating the insurrection released a letter that said Meadows had turned the document over to the committee.

"The presentation was that there was significant foreign interference in the election, here's the proof," Waldron said. "These are constitutional, legal, feasible, acceptable and suitable courses of action."

The PowerPoint circulated by Waldron included proposals for Vice President Mike Pence on Jan. 6 to reject electors from "states where fraud occurred" or replace them with Republican electors. It included a third proposal in which the certification of Joe Biden's victory was to be delayed, and U.S. marshals and National Guard troops were to help "secure" and count paper ballots in key states.

Although Trump at the time was pressuring Pence to delay certifying Biden's victory, it is not clear how widely the PowerPoint was circulated or how seriously the ideas in it were considered. A lawyer for Meadows, George J. Terwilliger III, said on Friday that there was no indication that Meadows did anything with the document after receiving it by email. "We produced it [to the committee] because it was not privileged," Terwilliger said. A Meadows spokesman, Ben Williamson, declined to comment. Waldron said he was not the person who sent the PowerPoint to Meadows.

Still, Waldron's account of his interactions with the White House, together with a 36-page version of the presentation that surfaced online this week and was reviewed by The Post, shed new light on the wild theories and proposals that circulated among the people advising Trump as they worked to overturn his election defeat, causing a crisis at the heart of government. They suggest that Meadows, who also pressed senior Justice Department leaders to investigate baseless conspiracy theories about election fraud, was more directly in contact with proponents of such theories than was previously known.

Waldron, a cybersecurity consultant who specialized in psychological operations during his military career, said that a meeting he and others had with Meadows in the days around Christmas turned to questions about how to determine whether the election had been hacked. He said Meadows asked, "What do you need? What would help?" Waldron said his team developed a list for Meadows with information on IP addresses, servers and other data that he believed needed to be investigated "using the powers of the world's greatest national security intelligence apparatus."

One person familiar with what Waldron called a "shopping list" confirmed the efforts to assemble it. That person, like some others quoted in this report, spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters.

Waldron said Meadows indicated that he would pass the list on to John Ratcliffe, then the director of national intelligence, but said he did not know whether Meadows ultimately did. Through a spokesman, Ratcliffe said he did not receive such a document.

One person familiar with the matter confirmed that Meadows met with Waldron at the White House in December, although a person familiar with Meadows's thinking stressed that Meadows had "little or nothing to do" with Waldron and did not endorse the document. The person said that Meadows's role, as chief of staff, was often to receive information and pass it along to an appropriate recipient. He said Meadows often did this without endorsing the substance of a given idea or suggestion.

Waldron said that he and Meadows "weren't pen pals" and that their communication was often through Trump's personal attorney Rudy Giuliani, who sometimes asked him to "explain this to Mark" over the phone. Giuliani did not respond to requests for comment.

Waldron told The Post that he also attended a Nov. 25 meeting with Trump and several Pennsylvania legislators in the Oval Office. A person familiar with that meeting confirmed Waldron's presence.

Waldron said he also once briefed Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., at the White House, in the chief of staff's office, with Giuliani present. Graham did not respond to a request for comment.

In early January, Waldron was working alongside Trump's attorneys Giuliani and John C. Eastman from a suite at the Willard hotel in downtown Washington, gathering purported evidence of election fraud, The Post previously reported. Waldron was a supporting witness for Giuliani at hearings on election fraud held by lawmakers in battleground states after the 2020 vote.

Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., the chairman of the select committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack, said in a letter to Terwilliger this week that Meadows had turned over an email regarding a 38-page PowerPoint presentation "that was to be provided 'on the hill'," titled "Election Fraud, Foreign Interference & Options for 6 JAN." The 36-page presentation reviewed by The Post and which Waldron shared with conservative broadcasters in January has the same title.

Two people familiar with Meadows's evidence said that he had also turned over the presentation itself and that it was similar in substance to the 36-page presentation. "The overall conclusions are the same, but there are some small differences," one of the people said. The people were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.

Having turned over this and other records that his attorneys say encompassed thousands of documents and messages, Meadows has rejected the committee's demand that he appear for testimony, citing executive privilege. In a lawsuit, he has asked a judge to invalidate the panel's subpoenas, calling them "overly broad and unduly burdensome."

The committee plans to vote Monday on a recommendation that the House refer Meadows to the Justice Department for prosecution on a charge of contempt of Congress.

The role played after the election by Waldron is another example of how the president aligned himself with a cast of fringe personalities as he worked to sabotage the U.S. democratic process.

Waldron said in the interview that he traveled to Washington around Nov. 9 or 10, 2020, and first met a few days later with Giuliani and Giuliani's associate Bernard Kerik, a former New York City police commissioner.

Waldron said he joined the Pennsylvania lawmakers in the Nov. 25 meeting with Trump in the Oval Office. During that period, the president was meeting with legislators from key states and urging them to reject the official vote counts in their states, according to previous reports.

Describing the meeting, Waldron told The Post that Trump "didn't ask me anything."

"I was just there. He was more interested in talking to the legislators and understanding what happened in the Pennsylvania elections. . . . It was very informal. He had a lot of conversation with state legislators and senators and just asked them, 'What do you think?' "

A Trump spokesman did not respond to a request for comment.

Waldron said he went on to brief Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., and Johnson's staff ahead of a Dec. 16 hearing on election fraud by the Senate Homeland Security Committee. In a statement to The Post on Friday, Johnson did not directly address whether Waldron had briefed him and his staff. "My staff took meetings from many who could offer their expertise on election security and to hear from those who had concerns about irregularities ahead of my December 16, 2020, hearing," he said.

Waldron said that on Jan. 5 he was among about a half-dozen people who briefed several members of Congress in a congressional office. He declined to identify the members without their permission and said that others may have joined by video. The members were "shocked" by the presentation but did not commit to any action, Waldron recalled.

Waldron shared the 36-page presentation with the hosts of a conservative podcast and an online talk show later in January and discussed parts of it in interviews with them.

Waldron, 57, who is based in Dripping Springs, Texas, told The Post that before the election, he started working with the Texas company Allied Security Operations Group (ASOG). Russell J. Ramsland Jr., ASOG's leader, was also photographed at the Willard in the days before the riot, and Eastman told The Post that he met Ramsland around that time. Over the previous two years, the firm promoted claims about the dangers of electronic voting to a procession of conservative lawmakers, activists and donors, The Post has reported.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

Ramsland said in an email to The Post that he did not know who put the PowerPoint presentation together or who sent it to Meadows. He did not answer a question about his presence at the Willard or his relationship to Giuliani's team.

In 2018 and 2019, when Meadows was a congressman from North Carolina, his campaign paid ASOG more than $700 for "security services," according to campaign finance disclosures.

Waldron served in the Army, Army Reserve, Texas Army National Guard and the Individual Ready Reserve from May 1986 to June 2016 and received multiple service awards, an Army spokesman told The Post last year, adding that Waldron retired as a psychological operations and civil affairs officer. Waldron was deployed to Iraq from 2004 to 2005, the spokesman said.

Waldron has said that the team behind the PowerPoint included former intelligence officers and military veterans and was supported by hundreds of "digital warriors" who provided research. Jovan H. Pulitzer, a Texas-based entrepreneur who is a vocal election denier, told The Post that he contributed material for it.

"It was a pretty wide variety of folks from around this country that jumped in to say how can we help," Waldron told The Post.

The Waldron team's 36-page presentation includes several slides that were previously published elsewhere, including graphs purporting to show "vote injections" in key states including Arizona and Pennsylvania.

Some of the graphs appeared in a Nov. 24 blog post by Patrick Byrne, the founder and former chief executive of Overstock.com. The following day, Waldron held up a copy of the Pennsylvania graph when he testified in support of Giuliani at a meeting with state legislators in Gettysburg. Waldron claimed that the graph showed "spike anomalies" that were signs of fraud.

The Arizona graph appeared, with the same design, text and font, in a Dec. 1 affidavit from Ramsland that pro-Trump lawyerSidney Powell included as purported evidence of fraud in a lawsuit seeking to "decertify" Arizona's election results.

Waldron noted to The Post that the presentation did not advocate violence as a tactic to delay certification of Biden as winner. "Violence is absolutely the last thing that anybody on our team espoused," he said.

Since January, Waldron has built a significant following among Trump supporters by continuing to spread false claims about election fraud, including onstage at an August conference hosted by MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell.

Waldron also has promoted the ongoing campaign for "audits" of the 2020 election, including the Republican-commissioned review of 2.1 million ballots cast in Maricopa County, Ariz.

Arizona Senate President Karen Fann consulted Waldron in deciding to hire the Florida firm Cyber Ninjas to conduct that review, according to text messages that the nonprofit American Oversight obtained through a public records request.

Waldron was named in a 2020 state corporate filing as the chief executive of PointStream Inc. of Dripping Springs, which bills itself as a discreet cybersecurity firm. Specialties that PointStream touts on its website include "deep access to the Internet of Things, Social Media, and Dark Web," conducting untraceable "cyber lurking," and providing data sets "virtually unknown" to either private industry or the U.S. government.

PointStream was awarded a little over $60,000 in federal contracting in 2018. Spending records show the award was for "highly adaptive cybersecurity services" for the Defense Department's U.S. Southern Command.

Waldron also has worked as a firearms instructor and owns a distillery, according to a company website and a state corporate filing.

- - -

The Washington Post's Aaron C. Davis contributed to this report.
HONOLULU (AP)  The Navy believes that contaminated tap water that went to Hawaii military households came from a one-time spill of jet fuel last month and was not caused by a leak from aging underground fuel storage tanks above an aquifer, a top Navy official told state lawmakers on Friday.

Rear Adm. Blake Converse said Navy officials are very confident that the contamination happened on Nov. 20, when 14,000 gallons (52,995 liters) of jet fuel spilled at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility inside an access tunnel that provides fire suppression and service lines for the complex. The complex supplies fuel for many military planes and ships that operate in the Pacific and its use has been suspended.

The spill was cleaned up, Converse said, but people have complained for weeks of foul-smelling water and some have said they have gone to hospitals because of cramps or vomiting after they drank the water.

Converse said it appears that some of the jet fuel was sent through the Navys water distribution system that serves about 93,000 people, including those in military housing.

Converse also told state lawmakers that Navy officials have moved more than 3,000 families to hotels on the island of Oahu and that they will stay there until the problem is solved.

The overall water system and water systems in all homes and facilities that have been impacted will be flushed with clean water and Navy officials said they hope to complete that process by Christmas.

The Navy is responsible for this crisis. We are taking ownership of the solutions, and we are going to fix it, Adm. Sam Paparo, commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, told the lawmakers.

Before Navy officials divulged the likely cause of the contamination, a U.S. senator called on the Environmental Protection Agency to take the lead in testing to determine whether the Navy's water is safe to drink.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz said the EPA should step in after the Navy disputed the Hawaii Department of Health's analysis of fuel contamination at a well for drinking water to the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam's water system.

Testing last week showed the presence of petroleum in water that comes from a well near the underground fuel tank complex that has been the source of multiple fuel leaks over the years.

The state health department said the Navy reported diesel fuel levels more than double Hawaii health limits for drinking water in samples collected at another one of the Navy's shafts that provide water to the drinking water system.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

But the Navy said the sample didn't come directly from the Navy's well and that Navy officials don't believe it indicated contamination.

After receiving results Friday from a California lab, the health department said samples collected from a ground water source called the Red Hill shaft had tested positive on Sunday for "high levels' of gasoline.

Schatz wants the EPA to be the lead agency handling collection, testing, analysis and public communication of the water crisis.

We can't afford another day of the Navy and the state and county agencies disagreeing on the basic question of whether the drinking water is safe, he said in a statement Thursday.

The EPA is not independently testing the water, but is reviewing Navy test results, Julia Giarmoleo, an agency spokesperson, told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

___

Thiessen reported from Anchorage, Alaska.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP)  Health officials reported North Carolina's first case of the omicron variant of the coronavirus on Friday.

A student at University of North Carolina Charlotte tested positive for the variant, according to Mecklenburg County health officials. The case was identified though the universitys sequencing program, officials said in a news release. The student was isolated and has recovered, officials said. Exposure was limited with only one known contact.
NEW YORK (AP)  Prosecutors completed presenting their case against Ghislaine Maxwell on Friday, after a key accuser at the British socialite's sex-abuse trial testified that Maxwell and her companion, Jeffrey Epstein, forced themselves on her when she was just 16.

Annie Farmer told jurors she accepted an invitation to the financiers sprawling New Mexico ranch in 1996 hoping that Maxwell and Epstein would help her with academic endeavors. Instead, she said, Maxwell ended up massaging her breasts and Epstein climbed into bed without her permission.

Three others have asserted at the trial that began two weeks ago that Maxwell recruited them to give Epstein massages meant as a ruse for sexual abuse.

Maxwell, 59, has denied charges she groomed underage girls for Epstein, who killed himself in jail in 2019. Her lawyers say the government is making her a scapegoat for alleged sex crimes committed by her onetime boyfriend and moved immediately for a judgment of acquittal after prosecutors rested Friday afternoon.

U.S. District Judge Alison J. Nathan heard brief arguments and rejected the request that she acquit Maxwell without the jury ever getting the case.

The judge told the jury they will return Thursday to hear the defense case, which an attorney estimated would likely last two to three days. The judge has suggested that closing arguments  at a trial originally projected to last six weeks  might occur as early as Dec. 20 if the defense presentation next week only lasts a day or two.

In her testimony, Farmer recalled the unwanted physical contact making her feel like she "just wanted the weekend to be over.  I wanted to be done with it.

She added: All these experiences made me feel like they had a very different interest in me."

Asked by a prosecutor at the start of her testimony if she saw anyone in the courtroom who had ever given her a massage, Farmer identified Maxwell, who was sitting at the defense table looking at Farmer.

Farmer, now 42, took the stand using her true identity  a departure from the decision by three other accusers with similar stories who testified under pseudonyms or first names only to protect their privacy.

Two of the others who testified said they were just 14 when the abuse started and that Maxwell sometimes participated in the encounters.

Farmer testified that she met Epstein at age 16 on a 1996 trip to New York City to visit her older sister, who was working for him at his Manhattan mansion. When they visited him at the home, he seemed very friendly and down to earth, and even offered to mentor her, she said.

She said that during an outing to the movies with Epstein, he reached over to hold her hand and caress her leg.

I felt sick to my stomach, she said. It was not something I was expecting at all.

When Farmer returned home, she stayed in touch with the wealthy financier and accepted an invitation to travel to New Mexico with a plane ticket he paid for even though, she said, after what happened in the movie theater, I didnt want to be alone with him."

She said she initially felt more comfortable because Maxwell was there. But when they took her to the movies, he right away began to hold my hand and rub her foot and arm throughout the film with no effort to hide the behavior from Maxwell, she said.

Once home, Maxwell insisted on giving Farmer a massage and told her to take off her clothes, Farmer testified. Maxwell pulled down the sheet and exposed my breasts and starting rubbing on my breasts, Farmer said.

It didnt make sense to me that would happen, she said. I so badly wanted to get off the table and have the massage be done.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

Farmer accepted $1.5 million from a fund set up to compensate Epstein victims, she testified.

The encounters occurred in New Mexico, which did not have a specific age of consent statute, although its laws criminalized all sexual contact of a minor under the age of 13 when coercion or force is involved.

On cross examination, a defense lawyer repeatedly emphasized through her questions that Maxwell was not involved in the most egregious behavior described by Farmer and elicited that Farmer was not sure she was naked during her massage, although she was certain that her breasts were exposed.

Prosecutors also called Farmer's former boyfriend and her mother as witnesses to support her testimony.

David James Mulligan, 42, testified that Farmer told him that she was touched on the breast when she was massaged in New Mexico.

She told me that she felt fearful and awkward and helpless, he said.

Janice Swain, 71, Farmer's mother, testified that Epstein told her before the New Mexico trip that her daughter would be joined by 20 to 25 other students there.

Swain said when Farmer arrived home from the trip, she was quiet and withdrawn. When Farmer finally did say something at a later date, she said: I don't want to talk about it and I'm not going to let it ruin my life, the mother recalled.

The Associated Press does not identify people who say they were victims of sexual abuse unless they come forward publicly. Although Farmer was not identified by name in court documents, the practicing psychologist has been outspoken in describing her experiences in interviews with ABC and The New York Times.

Maxwell has been jailed since she was arrested in New Hampshire in July 2020. When she sought bail, Farmer asked the judge to deny it, calling her a psychopath.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP)  More than a half-dozen local health departments in Missouri have stopped offering COVID-19 services, such as contact tracing and tracking case numbers, in response to threats of legal action from Attorney General Eric Schmitt.

Schmitt, a Republican who is running for the U.S. Senate, this week sent letters to local health officials and school districts saying he would pursue legal action if they did not comply with a ruling last month that struck down regulations giving local health departments the power to issue quarantine and other public health orders.

At least six departments issued statements as of Thursday night saying they would stop COVID-19-related work such as case investigations, contact tracing, quarantine orders, and public announcements of current cases/deaths. They included agencies in Stoddard, Pemiscot, New Madrid, Scott, Dunklin and Laclede counties, The Kansas City Star reported.

The announcements contain similar wording, calling the decision a huge concern but that they were required to follow Schmitts orders until they receive direction from state health officials.

McDonald County Health Department officials said in a statement they will continue to report case numbers and call people who test positive for the virus to discuss recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Two departments covering four counties north of Kansas City  Daviess, Gentry, DeKalb and Worth  said they would no longer issue quarantine orders for schoolchildren, while Carroll County in north central Missouri said it would comply with the court decision. Several others said they were unsure how to proceed.

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services officials haven't publicly commented on Green's ruling. Director Donald Kauerauf suggested in a letter to local health departments last week that they seek advice from attorneys.

On Tuesday, state health officials told local departments they were collecting questions about the court ruling to develop a consistent and uniform response.

Schmitt's threat has sparked more opposition to COVID-19 orders in some school districts as well. The attorney general on Wednesday also urged parents to report districts with mask and quarantine rules to his office.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

There has been pushback throughout the year but this has definitely escalated it, said Christine McDonald, spokeswoman for EducationPlus, a nonprofit representing 60 St. Louis area school districts.

School officials argue they have the authority under state law to implement health rules on campuses despite the ruling, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported.

McDonald citied a letter sent Thursday by the Missouri School Boards Association that says school districts authority and obligation to prevent the spread of contagious diseases in schools has not been impacted. The letter cites five state laws that the association says gives local school boards authority to make health and safety rules.
FARGO, N.D. (AP)  Federal prosecutors have recommended no jail time for a Wisconsin man who smuggled a bear carcass from Canada into North Dakota.

The Wisconsin hunter brought the bear from Canada after exceeding a limit in Manitoba by killing two bears in the same year, KFGO-AM reported.
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP)  The bipartisan commission charged with redrawing the boundaries for Connecticuts congressional districts has been given more time to finish its work.

The State Supreme Court agreed this week to give the Reapportionment Commission until Dec. 21 at noon to finish its work redrawing the lines. The justices also ordered the commission to file an interim report no later than 5 p.m. on Dec. 15 to update the court on the panel's efforts.
WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP)  Residents of a Waukesha condominium that could collapse are rushing to move their belongings out.

Police and firefighters cleared the six-story, 48-unit Horizon West Condominiums on Dec. 2 after an engineering report found its structural columns were compromised, echoing the condo collapse in Surfside, Florida, in June. Nearly 100 people died when that condo collapsed.
TROY  The city police department is training its 137 officers to respond to the 900 mental health calls annually  thats two to three calls per day  with insight and compassion.

Friday about 34 officers from the Troy police force and other local agencies graduated from the weeklong Emotionally Disturbed Response Team training program held at Hudson Valley Community College. The specialized training is to help officers respond to some of the most difficult and challenging calls they have to answer.

Its training thats very useful on the street, Chief Dan DeWolf said during the ceremony in the colleges Bulmer Telecommunications Center auditorium.

Cohoes Chief Todd Waldin attended to see two of his officers graduate. An hour before the afternoon ceremony, Waldin said, his department dealt with a mental health call that saw interaction not only with a person who needed assistance but with a local mental health agency that works with his department in these situations.

Cohoes officers respond to several hundred mental health calls annually and the training for officers who previously completed the course has proven invaluable in dealing with the challenges that come with each call, Waldin said.

Officers whove trained as Emotionally District Response Team members are able to work with mental health counselors who can provide guidance over the phone, said Kathy Coons, commissioner of Rensselaer County's Mental Health Department.

You can respond very quickly to mental health calls, Coons told the graduating class.

In addition to Troy department members, officers who took part came from Rensselaer County Sheriffs Office, Waterford, Cohoes, East Greenbush, Rensselaer, Hoosick Falls, Schodack, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Public Safety and Rensselaer County Probation department.

Troy has trained 80 of its officers through the program. We have to give them the tools to do this, Mayor Patrick Madden said about equipping the officers to be compassionate, emphatic and understanding when it comes to responding to mental health calls.

Madden and DeWolf said the city and its department are committed to training all officers to respond correctly.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

What youve just gone through is the most extensive mental health training for law enforcement in New York state, said Eric Weaver, executive director of Overcoming The Darkness, LLC and a retired Rochester police sergeant who led the weeklong training.

Troy Capt. Matt Montanino said officers who complete the training program will show respect and compassion to people who are facing mental health challenges and need assistance. The captain and mayor said Troy may be the only police department in the state currently offering this type of training to respond to mental health related calls.
Local news doesn't often quote bloggers but the pandemic has sparked an exception.



Here's a dire forecast from the "author" of the COVID Digest . . .



"People seem to either not be aware of the fact that that's happening or perhaps don't care. And so it is an issue of we need to make sure that we're spreading the word that things really are getting intense," Amber Schmidtke said during a COVID-19 briefing with the University of Kansas Health System.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com news link . . .
Tonight we share a preview of the latest political gambit confronting Kansas City police that might or might not create more controversy within their ranks.

To wit . . .

CHECK PROGRESSIVES ADVOCATING COVID VAXX POLITICAL SUBMISSION FROM KANSAS CITY POLICE!!!

Let's get it straight so there's no confusion . . .

TKC isn't arguing for or against the vaxx. That's a decision up to readers and their health care providers.

Instead . . .

This post merely offers a glimpse at how THE PANDEMIC POLITICS OF COVID & VAXXING is now the threatening to create yet another controversy against local law enforcement.



From the prog blog alliance, here's how the argument has been framed . . .



In a Tuesday meeting of the Finance, Governance and Public Safety Committee, KCPD Chief Rick Smith told Councilwoman Katheryn Shields that a survey indicated roughly 48% of the departments employees had been vaccinated  below Kansas Citys overall vaccination rate of 52.1% as of Tuesday.



But the police survey, conducted several months ago, was voluntary. Of the respondents, 48% indicated they were vaccinated. The department did not check how many people responded to the survey compared with its total number of employees, making it impossible to determine the true vaccination rate.



That survey was not scientific by any means, Sgt. Jacob Becchina told The Beacon in an email. KCPD does not track the vaccination status of our employees.



KCPDs reluctance to mandate or track officer vaccination is consistent with a national trend among law enforcement. Police unions have decried mandates as having the potential to scare off current and future employees.



Context . . .

Most Kansas City residents within the city limits seem to be on board with vaxxing. And so, positioning law enforcement on the unpopular side of that argument will likely advance the arguments of progressive critics who also advocate local control and a litany of demands for a change in leadership.



Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com news link . . .
COVID orders are ramping up for winter and the return of controversial public health policy is back on the table just as our blog community predicted.

First and foremost, THE NEWS . . .

PROGRESSIVE JACKSON COUNTY LEGISLATORS PLAN TO PUSH THE COVID MASK MANDATE ONCE AGAIN AND INTO NEXT YEAR!!!



As always, we give the first word to KICK-ASS TKC TISPTERS . . .



"Buried in the Jackson County legislative agenda for Monday, December 13th is a resolution to reinstate mask mandates. Sponsored by Frank White simpletons: Crystal Williams and Scott Burnett.



"The resolution is #38 out #40 resolutions and was quietly put on the agenda this morning. It wasnt online last night.



"If passed, citizens will be caught wholly unaware.



"We have moved beyond doing anything in the name of Science, masking is now being pushed because some are upset and punishing people who disagree.



"Mayor Lucas has made no mention of reintroducing a mask mandate, instead he continues to push vaccinations and personal responsibility.



"It will be interesting to see the direction this goesits 50/50but 90/10 people wont pay attention to it.



The agenda just came online today, here's the proof . . .

Resolution #20844: A RESOLUTION approving the issuance of a County mask mandate order for the health and safety of its citizens effective until January 12, 2022, or thirty days after the adoption of this Resolution, whichever is later.



Notice that the two legislators sponsoring this effort aren't up for election but, as the AWESOME TKC TIPSTER noted, they are "aligned" with the Jackson County Executive Frank White.

Accordingly . . .

You guys were correct in predicting the return of mask orders and it looks like the "dark winter" crackdown is on the way.

Developing . . .


In this post we remember a young person killed in the Crossroads not so long ago and tribute from her friends & family that keeps her memory intact.



From there we we offer more community news, insight and reporting that might be otherwise overlooked . . .



Homicide victim worked to help others; Family continues mission in her honor by: Heidi Schmidt Posted: / Updated: KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A Kansas City woman dedicated her life to helping victims of domestic violence. Now two years after her death, her legacy continues to help the people she fought to defend.

Wyandotte County launches program to reduce strain on emergency services A new program in Wyandotte County, Kansas, is working to reduce the strain on the health care system.

New plan to help drivers, pedestrians navigate KC construction zones by: Heidi Schmidt Posted: / Updated: KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A new plan hopes to give more metro drivers a green light through construction zones. The Kansas City Council approved a new policy it said will minimize the impact construction projects have on traffic.

Community leaders look for options to save the Red Bridge YMCA facility The Red Bridge YMCA will close December 17. As the YMCA of Greater Kansas City looks to sell the property some community leaders hoped the Kansas City Parks and Recreation Department could operate the community center. That doesn't appear likely due to over $100 million in deferred maintenance at the department.

Jackpot! Lotteries for KCPS signature schools and local charter schools are open now So how do you select your top choices and ensure you have a good shot at being admitted? Weve put together this guide to help.

Runaway Camel Flees Nativity Scene, Runs Amok Through Kansas Town Before Safely Being Caught The camel was "taken into custody" and returned to its owners, per an Instagram post by the Bonner Springs Police Department A camel has safely been returned to its owners after fleeing a nativity scene in a small Kansas town, the Bonner Springs Police Department shared in an Instagram post on Sunday.

Inflation in the aluminum industry could force breweries to charge more for craft beers NORTH KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Supply chain issues in the aluminum industry are causing local breweries to make tough decisions. Some breweries are anticipating having to pay double the price for a stack of cans starting next year.

Louisburg family-owned candle company hopes to 'Continue Good' Inside a barn just outside of Louisburg, Kansas, a couple is igniting their dream: Create kindness in the world through business.Calvin and Mollie Beck started "Continue Good" in 2019. They make candles with meaning.Their latest creation is the "Giving Candle."The recipient burns it for ten hours, then passes it along to someone who does the same, and so on."The idea is that we want multiple people to get this candle.

Hundreds offer breast milk to help Oak Grove family of mother who died of COVID-19 OAK GROVE, Mo. - A few weeks ago FOX4 told you about a mother of six who died of COVID-19. Her family asked to get the word out about their need for breast milk and FOX4 viewers came through. Megan Richards' family said the response from the community is overwhelming.

Developing . . .


We take a pause before the weekend kicks into high gear in order to collect news on police action, law enforcement reports, court cases and all manner of ALLEGED misdeeds. And then, as always, we try to finish on a hopeful note.



Here's the latest via TKC collection that starts with a glimpse at RISING CRIME IMPACTING THE ENTIRE METRO amid the holiday season . . .

2 KCMO 18-year-olds charged in Dec. incident in Lenexa KANSAS CITY, Mo. - An 18-year-old Kansas City woman faces attempted first degree murder charges and an 18-year-old Kansas City man faces additional charges in connection to a series of crimes Thursday in Lenexa. The Johnson County District Attorney's office Friday charged Donnellya Amrine with one count of attempted first degree murder, one count of attempted aggravated robbery and shooting at an occupied vehicle.

Kansas City, Missouri police ID man killed on Jackson Avenue Monday 1500 jackson ave. shooting scene SOURCE: kmbc KCPD has confirmed that a death investigation in the 1500 block of Jackson Ave. Is a homicide. Police were called midday to scene on reports of an unresponsive person.Upon arrival officers found a male lying on the ground who appeared to be suffering from gunshot wounds.

Lee's Summit woman indicted for bank robberies KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A Lee's Summit woman has been indicted for allegedly taking part in two robberies, one in Lawrence, Kansas, and one in Leawood, Kansas. She'Toia Mitchell, 35, has been charged with two counts of bank robbery. One charge pertains to the robbery of a Bank of America in Lawrence on Nov.

Missouri man given probation after attending Jan. 6 riot An eastern Missouri man was sentenced Friday to three years of probation for participating in the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.Nicholas Burton Reimler, 29, of Valley Park, pleaded guilty in September to parading, demonstrating or picketing in the Capitol building, a misdemeanor.

Suit: Kansas deputies used rubber bullets on woman in cell A former inmate at a Kansas jail alleges in a federal lawsuit that deputies fired a flash grenade and nonlethal bullets at her while she was having a panic attack inside an isolation cell in 2019. The lawsuit, filed last month by an attorney for 25-year-old Realiti Courson, alleges that deputies targeted her because she is Black.

Suspect arrested for allegedly impersonating officer in Blue Springs KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A suspect has been arrested for allegedly impersonating a police officer and pulling over at least one vehicle, according to the Blue Springs Police Department. "He was identified after being detained on Dec. 5," a spokesperson for the department said.

Crime, loss, pain, struggle - and a miracle "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him and who have been called according to his purpose." This verse in the 8th chapter of Romans is one of my favorite verses in the Bible because I know that it is true, and I have seen it in my own lifetime and time again.

Developing . . .
A crazy person might say . . .

The last American president FAILED to build the wall and now taxpayers are funding Mexican food dominating the suburbs.



That's kinda true but, actually, this is merely a story about good old fashioned American greed and politicos desperate for investment.



Check-it . . .



"Developer Block and Company estimates it will cost roughly $3.7 million to complete the project. Block is requesting the city allocate Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to help cover the cost of redeveloping a property, but the council will need to add the property to the redevelopment district before any tax incentives can be issued."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com news link . . .
The Missouri GOP is taking notice of a pandemic power move at the Courthouse.



KICK-ASS TKC TIPSTERS POSTED THIS STORY FIRST!!! NOW IT'S NEWS FACT AND STILL EVOLVING!!!



Check the latest variant . . .



I urge you to stop imposing mask mandates, especially ones that make five-year-olds criminals . . . If you choose to move forward with an illegal order on Monday. My office will take action. Missouri AG Schmitt wrote in a letter to the nine members of the county legislature.



County Executive Frank White and the county health department proposed in a draft health order on Thursday that the mask requirement extend until Jan. 12, if approved by the legislature, due to the high prevalence of COVID-19 in the region, low vaccination rates and the scientific evidence supporting the benefits of universal masking.



Legislators Scott Burnett and Crystal Williams are sponsors of the resolution . . .

Here's the note in full from the Missouri AG . . .

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com news links . . .

Jackson County leaders to vote on bringing mask mandate back again by: Makenzie Koch Posted: / Updated: KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Jackson County Legislature will vote on bringing back a mask mandate next week. If approved at Monday's legislature meeting, the new mask mandate would be in effect until Jan. 12.

Jackson County to consider new mask mandate Monday: Lee's Summit, MO AG responds KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Jackson County Legislature is considering a resolution to reinstate a mask mandate for 30 days on Monday. Scott Burnett and Crystal Williams introduced the motion, which cites a rise in COVID-19 cases, low vaccination rates and the emergence of new strains of COVID-19, such as delta and omicron, as backing for a new mandate.

Jackson County to consider new mask mandate; Missouri Attorney General threatens legal action JACKSON COUNTY, MO (KCTV) --- The Jackson County Board of Commissioners will once again debate a mask policy on Monday morning. Recently, the Jackson County Board of Commissioners ended a mask requirement, but increasing number of Covid-19 cases have brought back the proposal. The order, if approved, would last at least 30 days and into 2022.

Missouri AG warns Jackson County ahead of meeting to consider new mask mandate Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt is warning the Jackson County Legislature ahead of a meeting Monday to consider a new COVID-19 mask mandate.If approved, resolution 20844 would require indoor masking for people ages 5 and up in the county until Jan.

Developing . . .
Hi, my name is Scott C. Waring and I wrote a few books and am currently a ESL School Owner in Taiwan. I have had my own UFO sighting up close and personal, but that's how it works right? A non believer becomes a believer when they experience their first sighting. You witnessed it, your perceptual field changes, so now you need to share it.





I created this site to help the UFO community get a little bit organized. I noticed that there was a lot of chaos when searching for UFO sighting reports, so I hope this site helps. I wanted to support those eyewitnesses who have tried to tell others about what they have seen, yet were laughed at by even closest of friends.





More and more each day the governments of the world leak bits and pieces of UFO information to the public. They have a trickle down theory in hopes of slowly getting citizens use to the idea that we are not alone in universe and never have been. The truth is being leaked drop by drop until one day we look around and find ourselves neck high in it.





The discovery of alien species in existence is the most monumental scientific event in human history, suppression of that information is a crime against humanity.





About me:

I live in Taiwan. I OWN MY OWN ENGLISH SCHOOL, AND ONCE HAD 5 SCHOOLS.

Am Former USAF at SAC base (flight line).

Age: 42

Educ: BA in Elem ed. Masters in Counseling ed.





I had two UFO sightings, (30+bus size orbs) in military and in 2012 personally saw the UFO over Taipei 101 building on New Years Day (and recored it).
Over the past 24 hours, on December 10, Ukrainian military recorded six ceasefire violations by the Russian occupation forces, including two where the invaders employed weapons proscribed by the Minsk agreements on Donbas settlement.

Thats according to the press service of the Joint Forces Operation HQ, Ukrinform reports.

"Near the settlement of Pishchane, Luhansk region, the enemy fired 82-mm mortars. In the direction of Novotoshkivske, the occupiers opened fire using grenade launchers and small arms. Toward Popasna, Russian mercenaries engaged our positions with grenade launchers of various systems and large-caliber machine guns, the report said.

Also, enemy troops used anti-tank grenade launchers near Mayorske. In Pivdenne, the occupiers fired 82-mm mortars and anti-tank grenade launchers.

Not far from Novo-oleksandrivka, the enemy employed anti-tank grenade launchers and large-caliber machine guns, the statement said.

Ukrainian forces reported no casualties over the past day.

It is noted that Ukrainian defenders opened fire, using arms that are not banned under the Minsk accords, and eventually forced the enemy to cease attacks.

As of 7:00 Kyiv time on December 11, Ukraine reported no new ceasefire violations by the Russian occupation forces.

"The servicemen with the Joint Forces are monitoring the situation and continue to fulfill their tasks to repel and deter Russias armed aggression," the report concludes.

Photo: mil.gov.ua

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Across the occupied territories of Luhansk and Donetsk regions, 235 units of military equipment manned by Russias armed formations were have been deployed in violation of the Minsk agreements.

Thats according to the Joint Forces Operation HQ press service, Ukrinform reports.

"OSCE SMM observers have recorded 235 units of military hardware manned by the Russian armed formations in the temporarily occupied territory, deployed in violation of the Minsk agreements," the statement said.

Thus, OSCE monitors found in various areas of the temporarily occupied territories a number of military hardware units deployed in violation of the withdrawal lines and located outside the designated arms storage areas.

This is about BM-21 Grad MLR systems, SAU 2S1 self-propelled artillery, howitzers, mortars, guns, as well as T-64 and T-72 main battle tanks. In addition, four armored personnel carriers were spotted in the city of Luhansk, moving in convoy.

"The recorded violations on the part of Russias armed formations indicate that they are undergoing active combat training to set up the conditions for further escalation of tensions on the line of contact. Also, this is about the attempts to conceal their criminal activity from international observers," the press service of the Joint Forces Operation HQ emphasizes.

Currently, Joint Forces retain control of the situation in the JFO zone, the report says, adding that they adhere to the Minsk Agreements, opening fire only when the actions by the Russian occupation forces pose a threat to the lives and health of Ukrainian troops and civilians.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, maintaining a 94,000-force near Ukraine's borders and in the temporarily occupied territories costs Russia about $10 million per day.

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Moldova will hold early parliamentary elections on July 11, and President Maia Sandu signed a respective decree on April 28. The Moldovan leader's decision is known to have been sparked by a "constitutional coup" in which parliamentarians led by pro-Russian politician Igor Dodon illegally changed the composition of Moldova's Constitutional Court to maintain their political positions. Sandu managed to block the work of judges in their new illegal composition and, in fact, to dissolve parliament and call new elections.

Currently, Moldovan society is actively discussing whether the country's pro-European course will remain unchanged after the elections, or whether the country will "turn" towards Russia.

The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Republic of Moldova, historian Marko Shevchenko, spoke in an exclusive interview with Ukrinform about the political mood in Moldova, about a future coalition and about the development of relations with Ukraine after the elections.

THERE ARE MORE MOLDOVANS WHO SUPPORT PRO-EUROPEAN VECTOR OF THEIR COUNTRY'S DEVELOPMENT

Question: Mr. Ambassador, do you see any factors in the election campaign pointing to a possible victory of pro-Western forces in Moldova?

Answer: At the end of 2020, during the presidential election in Moldova, most voters cast their ballots for Ms. Maia Sandu, who spoke under slogans from the pro-European agenda. This year's opinion polls show that the number of citizens who support this vector of the development of the Republic of Moldova is now greater than the number of those who hold the opposite opinion.

At the same time, simple arithmetic laws rarely apply in politics. In particular, the real election winners are usually political parties and blocs that form a majority in parliament and appoint their own government.

Question: What political parties and blocs are leading in the election campaign?

Answer: The main election struggle in Moldova is currently unfolding between pro-European forces, left-wing pro-Russian parties and populists. The pro-European Action and Solidarity Party is in the lead in all ratings. On the other hand, left-wing parties and populists, although less popular than [the Action and Solidarity Party], have the experience of close "friendship against" the incumbent Moldovan president, Maia Sandu, in parliament. On their side is also powerful Russian propaganda, and its activity has not been limited at all in Moldova since the end of 2020.

Question: Votes at polling stations abroad were decisive during the last presidential election. Should this factor be expected to work this time too?

Answer: Yes, experience shows that all electoral calculations will not be realistic if the factor of the Moldovan diaspora is not taken into account (its sentiments are not reflected in opinion polls). The votes of foreign Moldovans were decisive for Maia Sandu's victory in November 2020. And now the main question is whether Moldovan voters abroad will demonstrate on July 11 a level of electoral mobilization similar to the one they showed in the fall of 2020.

CONFIGURATION OF MOLDOVA'S NEW PARLIAMENT AND GOVERNMENT DEPENDS ON MANY FACTORS

Question: Do you have a forecast as to which parties are most likely to join the new coalition after the July 11 elections?

Answer: Opinion polls now do not give any unambiguous answer to even a simpler question: how many parties will be able to send their representatives to the Moldovan parliament? Therefore, independent observers have different views on whether a one-party pro-European government could be formed in Moldova, as well as on a possible coalition and its configuration.

There is also no answer to the question of whether Moldovan left-wing and populist parties will get enough votes to block the legislative initiatives of the pro-European government in the event of its creation.

Will the deputies stop "migrating" between factions on the basis of some behind-the-scenes agreements in the new Moldovan parliament? Have political parties managed to compile their voter lists well enough to protect themselves from such a phenomenon? These are just some of the questions and the answer to them will influence the configuration of the future government in the Republic of Moldova.

UKRAINE AND MOLDOVA WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT EACH OTHER

Question: Under what scenarios can Moldova's relations with Ukraine develop after the elections?

Answer: Most citizens in both countries are in favor of the European direction of their development. The interests of both Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova on the international stage and in the security sphere largely coincide. We unequivocally support each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty. On a bilateral level, we have no contradictions that would be impossible to overcome.

Therefore, regardless of the domestic political situation, the further development of Ukrainian-Moldovan relations will evolve according to a positive scenario. There is no doubt that Ukraine and Moldova will continue to support each other on the international stage, in particular on the path to European integration, develop economic cooperation and trade, tourism and human relations, and implement joint infrastructure projects.

I am also confident that we will also continue our close cooperation on the Transnistrian settlement and various aspects of international and regional security. And, of course, I hope that Moldova will take an active position in a new format initiated by Ukraine - the Crimea Platform. In general, I am optimistic about the future of Ukrainian-Moldovan relations.

Question: What is changing in the approach of the new political elite in Moldova to relations with Ukraine?

Answer: Earlier this year, the presidents of Ukraine and Moldova declared their intention to restart relations between the two countries. After that, the pro-Russian part of Moldovan politicians criticized Maia Sandu for allegedly anti-Russian elements among these intentions. Instead, these plans aroused keen interest among normal thinkers and even somewhat inflated expectations. This became clear only recently when they began to say that a reboot was announced, but where is the promised groundbreaking move forward?

When I hear such remarks, I explain that progress in itself requires the daily, persistent and inconspicuous work of civil servants and diplomats. It is possible to overcome the inertia of certain indifference in recent years only by making efforts on both sides at the same time. This is especially difficult in the face of personal uncertainty among officials at various levels in Moldova, where the government resigned in December 2020, but many leaders, appointed under former President Igor Dodon, remain in office (as acting heads).

It is clear that in such circumstances many issues still have to be resolved, such as the agreement on the construction of the Yampil- Cosauti bridge. But despite all the above, I believe that shortly after the parliamentary elections, the Moldovan parliament will appoint a new government, with which we will be able to resolve all issues relatively quickly.

Russian propaganda in Moldova trying to create new disagreements

Question: How significant is the influence of the Russian Federation on the situation in Moldova today?

Answer: Moscow currently has a serious influence on all spheres of life in this country. Russian propaganda is tirelessly and ingeniously trying to fan old disagreements and create new ones. The Russian Federation controls the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova, where a large group of Russian troops subordinated to the Western Military District of the Russian Federation (with all the consequences for the security of both Moldova and Ukraine) is stationed. Political forces that advocate the closest possible relations with the Russian Federation and in whose favor the entire Russian propaganda machine in Moldova works 24/7 remain prominent on the political stage. Russian capital maintains a strong position in the economy of the Republic of Moldova, controlling a number of important industries, including energy.

Question: Despite the Russian influence and the upcoming elections, what forecast for the development of Moldova is the most realistic in the near future?

Answer: I would like to return to where we started this interview. At the end of last year, Moldova preferred the pro-European president, who is making incredible efforts to ensure that life in the country starts changing for the better. We now have reason to hope that our neighbors will soon have a parliament with a pro-European majority capable of launching an ambitious reform agenda announced by President Maia Sandu. The first results of this persistent work to eradicate corruption, improve the justice system, address social issues, etc. will be the best arguments that will make Moldovan citizens not look back at the Soviet past imposed by Russian propaganda, but look confidently to the European future.

Volodymyr Lyvynskyi, Kyiv  Chisinau

Photos from open sources
Neither Europe, nor North America can address alone challenges posed by Russia and China.

Thats according to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg who spoke during a joint press conference with Germanys Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Brussels, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

In our meeting today we also discussed the importance of strengthening our transatlantic bond in an age of global competition. Where countries like Russia and China are undermining the rules-based international order. Threatening their neighbors. And expanding their nuclear capabilities. Neither Europe, nor North America can face these challenges alone. We can only do so if we stand strong together in NATO, Stoltenberg said.

He noted that he had discussed with Olaf Scholz Russias substantial military build-up in and around Ukraine, which raises tensions and undermines security in Europe.

We call on Russia to return to diplomacy and to de-escalate, and to respect Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity. NATO Allies agree that any further aggression against Ukraine will come at a high price and have serious political and economic consequences for Russia, the NATO chief stressed.

At the same time, Stoltenberg noted that the Allies welcomed the talks between U.S. President Joe Biden and Russias President Vladimir Putin, as well as Germanys long-standing efforts in the Normandy format to find a political solution to the conflict in and around Donbas.

NATO remains open to dialogue. It is even more important when tensions are high. And we stand ready to meet in the NATO-Russia Council to increase transparency and reduce any risk of miscalculation, said Stoltenberg.

Stoltenberg also praised Germanys significant contribution to NATO operations in the Mediterranean and Kosovo, as well as efforts to preserve peace in the Baltic region.

As reported earlier, Olaf Scholz made his first visit as German Chancellor to Brussels where he had talks with EU and NATO leaders.

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The latest survey says 50% of Ukrainian respondents oppose the idea of introducing dual citizenship in Ukraine.

Thats according to the Rating Sociological Group which ran the poll on December 6-8, 2021, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

At the same time, about half of the respondents (47%) support the proposal to allow dual citizenship, as in previous polls.

It is noted that 14% of respondents heard or saw the President's annual address to the Verkhovna Rada on December 1, in which the leader brought up the idea of legalizing dual citizenship. Another 34% saw individual fragments of the address, while 52% are not aware of it.

The survey targeted 2,500 Ukrainians aged 18 and older, covering all regions, except for the temporarily occupied territories of Crimea and Donbas. The sample is representative by age, gender, and type of settlement.

The survey was run through CATI (Computer Assisted Telephone Interviews), based on a random sampling of mobile phone numbers.

Margin of error is within 2.0.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, on December 1, the president of Ukraine said in his address to the Verkhovna Rada that he would submit to parliament a bill on dual citizenship for Ukrainians living abroad.

On December 2, the bill was tabled in the Verkhovna Rada.
British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss has warned Russia that invading Ukraine would be a "strategic mistake."

Thats according to the BBC, Ukrinform reports.

She also said that Russia would face "severe consequences" if Russia were to take that action.

According to Truss, Britain and its allies must "deter Russia from pursuing this course of action.

Earlier, British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace also said that Moscow would face long-term consequences if Moscow opted for invading Ukraine.

On the eve of the G7 summit, Truss held talks in London with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, on December 8, during his visit to Great Britain, Dmytro Kuleba met with members of the British Parliament, who assured him of their readiness to work together with Ukraine to deter Russia from further aggression.

At present, Russia has built up a 100,000-strong force near the borders of Ukraine.

Earlier, the chief of Ukraines GUR military intelligence agency, Kyrylo Budanov, said Russian troops could invade the country in January-February, from several areas: through sections of the eastern border (both Kyiv-controlled and non-controlled), as well as from Crimea and Belarus.

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Beginning in 1986, photojournalist Bruce Richardson worked for the United States Information Agency (USIA) and conducted photo workshops for the various Afghan news agencies in Peshawar, Pakistan. Richardson and his students took thousands of photographs chronicling the people and places of Afghanistan during the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan, which spanned the 1980s. The Soviet invasion and occupation devastated Afghanistans infrastructure and population, sending millions to refugee camps in Pakistan. During 1987, 1990, and 1991, Richardson made frequent trips to Afghanistan to report on the war as a free-lance journalist. His stories and photographs were published in the United States and around the world.

Richardson donated hundreds of photographs and transparencies to the UNO Libraries Arthur Paul Afghanistan Collection over multiple decades. In 2012, UNO Libraries Archives and Special Collections received 13 high-quality photographs that illustrate the later years of the Soviet war in Afghanistan. These photos, and others taken by Richardson and his students, are currently part of an exhibit curated by Claire Du Laney, Outreach Archivist. Additional exhibit materials include maps of 20th century Afghanistan and ephemera from the Arthur Paul Afghanistan Collection.

The exhibit will be on display in the Osborne Gallery from December 15, 2021- February 28, 2022. The gallery is open during Criss Librarys regular hours of operation.

For books authored by Bruce Richardson in UNO Libraries visit the library catalog.

About the Arthur Paul Afghanistan Collection

In 1974, Arthur and Daisy Paul donated a collection of over 1,200 volumes to the University of Nebraska at Omaha. These publications formed the beginning of the library's Afghanistan Collection, which was later named in honor of Paul. The Arthur Paul Afghanistan Collection in UNO Libraries Archives and Special Collections is one of the largest collections of material about Afghanistan in the United States. The collection has over 20,000 titles in twenty-nine different languages including Dari, Pashto, and English.

About the University of Nebraska at Omaha Libraries

UNO Libraries fulfill the UNO mission through dynamic services, highly qualified and adaptive personnel, unique and extensive collections, and accessible learning spaces and environments. With its two locations, Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library on UNOs Dodge Campus and in KANEKO-UNO Library located in Omahas Old Market, UNO Libraries provides UNO students, faculty and staff, and the Omaha community with the resources and materials needed to excel academically and professionally.

About the University of Nebraska at Omaha

Located in one of Americas best cities to live, work and learn, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraskas premier metropolitan university. With more than 15,000 students enrolled in 200-plus programs of study, UNO is recognized nationally for its online education, graduate education, military friendliness, and community engagement efforts. Founded in 1908, UNO has served learners of all backgrounds for more than 100 years and is dedicated to another century of excellence both in the classroom and in the community.

Become a fan of UNO on Facebook and follow UNO's Twitter and Instagram updates.
Prime Minister Imran Khan is scheduled to visit Mianwali today to announce the second phase of the development package for the city and inaugurate multiple infrastructure and environment-related projects

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Dec, 2021 ) :Prime Minister Imran Khan is scheduled to visit Mianwali today to announce the second phase of the development package for the city and inaugurate multiple infrastructure and environment-related projects.

The prime minister would inaugurate City Park at Old Cattle Mandi; the dualization of the first phase of Sargodha-Mianwali Road and a Miyawaki Forest at Namal Lake.

He would also launch development work on the upgradation of Kalabagh-Shakardara Road and DHQ Hospital Mianwali; the construction of the Balkasar-Mianwali Road and a Wooded Land at Namal Lake.

The announcement of the Prime Minister Package-II and a District Development Package is also on the agenda of the prime minister.

The prime minister would also visit Numl University where he would also address the students.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 11th December, 2021) US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he met with new German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and is looking forward to working with her on solving various international problems.

"Met today with Germany's new Foreign Minister @ABaerbock at the #G7 in Liverpool and congratulated her on her new role," Blinken wrote on Twitter.

"I am looking forward to working closely together to address the climate crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and challenges to democracy and human rights," he said.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 11th December, 2021) Three people have been killed by two separate tornadoes in Tennessee, local broadcaster WMC Action news 5 reported on Saturday, citing the Obion County Emergency Management director.

One person is said to have died in Obion County, while another two died in Lake County.

There are reports about severe injuries as well.

The central United States has been hit by several tornadoes caused by a powerful storm. The Fox 2 broadcaster reported earlier about dozens of people trapped in an Amazon warehouse in Illinois after a tornado passed through the city of Edwardsville.
Megan Johnson McCullough

Special to the Village News

Dupuytren's contracture is a condition marked by tightening of the elastic skin (tissue) found under the skin of the palm and fingers. This tissue is called fascia and is composed of fibers that are like cords which run from the palm to the fingers. However, with this condition, the cords tighten up and contract, which causes the fingers to curl and the hand to make deformed shapes. Severe cases can cause extreme crippling of the hands.

Dupuytren's contracture can be caused by different biological factors and can be caused by Dupuytren's disease, but the exact cause is unknown. Certain things such as having diabetes, or epilepsy, and drinking a lot of alcohol, can all be possible causing factors. This condition is very common in families, so the leading cause is that is it inherited.

Families that have blood lines tied to Scandinavia (Finnish, Norwegian, and Swedish) or are Northern European (Scottish, Irish, French, Dutch, and English) are at higher risk. Males are also more likely to have this hand issue and that risk increases with age, especially over 40.

The initial symptom is spotting visible nodules under the skin of the palm. The bumps can be tender to touch. The bands under the skin eventually become inflexible and cause the bending and curling of the fingers. Soon, it becomes difficult to uncurl the fingers. This is mainly true for the ring and pinky fingers.

Both hands become affected, not just one. Everyday tasks start to become harder leading to difficulty picking up objects, putting hands in the pockets, or just getting your I.D. out of your wallet can seem too hard. Shaking a person's hand is almost impossible.

A doctor will examine the palm and the number of nodules. They might do an assessment of your ability to grasp, pinch and straighten the fingers, as well as to see if you can straighten the fingers. There currently is no cure for Dupuytren's contracture. It is not life threatening, rather, it can just be disruptive to daily living. It is not recommended to splint the fingers or try to stretch them straighter. This will only cause increased trauma to the area. Corticosteroids can be injected into the nodule areas if inflammation is painful. This will not straighten the finger, but it will help alleviate pain.

Thera are also medications that help dissolve the tissue. This medication is called Xiaflex which helps weaken the tight bands and let the fingers somewhat straighten more. On rare occasions, surgery is needed. This would involve removing the tight bands. The surgery is successful for most people, but one in five people do have the condition return.

We use our hands and fingers so much, making Dupuytren's a difficult condition to tolerate. It can be frustrating, but where there is a will, there is a way. Relief is possible and patience is important.

Megan Johnson McCullough holds a master's degree in physical education and health science, is a candidate for her doctorate, is a professional natural bodybuilder and is a National Academy of Sports Medicine master trainer.
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY  With Interstate 15 at their backs, California Governor Gavin Newsom and Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak announced Dec. 5 the temporary expansion of the highway in a five-mile stretch between the stateline and Barstow to ease traffic congestion during peak hours.

This stretch of highway between the Nevada border and the California Department of Food and Agriculture Agricultural Station is federally recognized as an economic lifeline corridor due to its role in the supply chain, and for connecting the economic and tourism hubs of Southern California and Las Vegas.

This five-mile stretch of highway is a critical piece of infrastructure for not only our two states, but for the whole country. However, the hours of traffic deters tourism and goods movement, said Newsom. While this is just a temporary solution, the expansion is crucial for continued economic health and resilience in the region and beyond. I thank Governor Sisolak for his continued focus and partnership on this and other shared priorities for Californians and Nevadans.

I appreciate Governor Newsom and Californias willingness to work together on this critical issue. Annually, more than 11 million Las Vegas visitors drive in and out of town on I-15 and this is a major step forward while we continue to collaborate and work toward more permanent solutions," said Sisolak.

Average travel times on Sundays and Mondays in the southbound direction can range from three to five hours to travel the 113 miles between the stateline and Barstow. For the five-mile segment of roadway between the Nevada border and the CDFA Agricultural Station where the majority of congestion occurs, Caltrans will use the shoulder as a part-time lane during periods of peak congestion  primarily Sundays and Mondays. This will address a current design constraint of the Interstate going from three lanes to two lanes then back to three lanes within the five-mile section.

The project is estimated to cost $12 million and will be completed with existing California State Highway Account resources. It is expected to begin by mid-spring 2022, with completion anticipated by the end of summer 2022.
Americas supply chain crisis has driven up the prices of products. However, Amazon is trying to bypass such challenges by hiring private shipping vessels to transport goods around the world, which many believe is an indication of the e-commerce giants rising global influence.

The company has long wanted to have as much control over the logistics of its business as possible. Its investments in this part of the process have ballooned in recent years, which is reflected in its deliveries.

Between 2019 and 2020, Amazons investment in shipping rose from $38 billion to $61 billion. In 2019, Amazon only shipped 47 percent of its packages; now its 72 percent. In addition to shipping, the company is also manufacturing 53-foot cargo containers in China.

In an interview with CNBC, ocean freight analyst Steve Ferreira explained that Amazon has manufactured 5,000 to 10,000 of these containers over the last two years. Once these containers are unloaded in the United States, they get used in the domestic system and the rail system rather than being shipped back to Asia as is usually the case.

The benefit of controlling the logistics is evident in the shipping wait times at ports. Ferreira said that there are 79 vessels at the Los Angeles port that have been waiting for up to 45 days to come to harbor. In contrast, Amazons hired vessels only had to wait for two days. Since Amazon charters private vessels, the company is in control of where its goods are being transported, allowing it to avoid congested ports.

Who else would think of putting something going into an obscure port in Washington, and then trucking it down to L.A.? Most people are thinking, well, just bring the ship into L.A. But then youre experiencing those two-week and three-weeks delay. So Amazons really taken advantage of some of the niche strategies I believe that the market needs to employ, Ferreira said.

The analyst added that Amazon is now considered to be an Ocean vendor and the volumes it is handling would put the company in the top five transportation firms in the Trans-Pacific. Other big players like Target, Walmart, Home Depot, and Costco have also begun chartering their own vessels this season in a bid to bypass congested ports.

Amazon is boosting its fulfillment network as well, doubling it from 2019. In the United States, the company has 930 facilities. In the previous two years, the company has hired 670,000 employees, taking their total workforce to 1.4 million. Amazon is also expected to add in 85 new jets by next year. All these initiatives that ensure a steady delivery system have been very expensive.

The companys Q3 earnings conference revealed huge costs associated with logistics services. Total fulfillment costs increased to $473 million (50% YoY), whereas shipping costs climbed to $18 billion (20% YoY). Another $4 billion was used to help hire 150,000 extra workers for the busy holiday season, reported The Street.

According to Brian Nowak from Morgan Stanley, the companys delivery venture, Amazon Logistics, is expected to ship 6.3 billion packages by the end of this year, representing 66 percent of the companys total volume.

Amazon Logistics could pressure UPS and FedEx and hurt the duopolys potential leverage with customers, Nowak says. These two transporting businesses can also lose out on their business from Amazon. For example, Amazon makes up 13 percent of the total company revenue at UPS.
In ancient China, history was considered as sacred as religion, and historians were arranged from birth to meticulously record the events of the state and the private life of the sovereign.

This established a positive tradition of conscientiously recording history which was passed down through Chinas many dynasties. The value of recording the truth can be seen in the sacrifices made for this important task.

Ancient Chinese historians killed one after another for fulfilling their responsibility

Over 2000 years ago during the Spring and Autumn Period (, 771 to 476 BC ), all official positions and titles were hereditary and passed down from generation to generation.

In the state of Qi, minister Cui Zhu () killed the head of the state Duke Zhuang of Qi. As killing the sovereign one served was, of course, considered a serious crime, Cui also killed the historian Taishigong () who recorded the event. His younger brother, Taishizhong (), succeeded to the position of official historian, and also recorded the incident truthfully. Cui Zhu asked him to change the text, but Taishizhong refused. Cui Zhu then killed him too.

Upon inheriting his older brothers position, the next brother in line, Taishishu (), refused Cui Zhu and was killed as well. By now, Cui Zhu had killed three brothers but failed to change the historical record. Then the post of Taishi (), or Historian, fell to Taishigongs third brother, Taishiji ().

Cui Zhu threatened Taishiji and said, Your three brothers are all dead. Arent you afraid of death? Youd better write what I told you and record this: Duke Zhuang of Qi died of a serious illness.

Taishiji unflinchingly said, A historian must record history according to facts. If I have to save my job by tarnishing my life, I would rather die. The thing you did, sooner or later, will be known to everyone. Even if I dont record it, it cant be covered up and then I will be ridiculed by the world.

Cui then realized that he could not change history by killing the historians. Even if he killed Taishiji, the next historian would record a factual account of his deeds. Out of his wits, he sent Taishiji home.

On his way home, Taishiji ran into another historian named Nanshishi. After hearing what happened to the four brothers, Nanshishi rushed to the Palace of Taishi () or Palace of Historian and prepared to to take the reins of writing history for the State of Qi, according to the facts.

Records of the Grand Historian and Yin inscription lists of Shang Kings, from the Chinese Writing Museum. (Image: Gary Todd via Wikimedia Commons Public Domain)

Good prevails over evil

In order to maintain a truthful document of historical events, the three brothers of the Historians family willingly gave their lives rather than distort the facts. This spirit of defending professional integrity and ethics at great personal risk can be called the spiritual backbone of the ancient Chinese nation.

Why were the historian brothers so righteous and unafraid of death? In ancient China, historians had to be well versed in astronomy and the calendar. They served as a medium between heavens will and the secular society.

In this way, these early professional historians had a certain social status that transcended that of ordinary people. They held reverence for heaven, bearing a greater fear  for if they distorted the facts and failed to record truthfully, they were bound to suffer the wrath of Heaven. They understood that the severity of this punishment was greater than that of any tyrannical ruler in the world.

In modern society, science is treated as a religion, so many people no longer believe in the existence of a higher power, and history scholars have lost their reverence for the heavens. Some have even given up seeking the truth.

In the course of time, falsified histories are eventually uncovered. Once people know the truth, those carefully woven lies are instantly bankrupted.

In some parts of the world, rulers can use violence to stop the population from talking about the heinous crimes they have committed for a period of time. But as Abraham Lincoln once said, You can fool all the people some of the time and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.
An update to Austrias incoming national mandatory vaccination policy has decreased fines while increasing the length of prison sentence punishments.

However, according to Austrian media that viewed the text of the update, those incarcerated for refusing injection will be segregated from the general population, and held in specialized custody rooms.

Additionally, they will be billed for the costs of their own prison sentence.

A huge protest in Linz, Austria today against lockdowns and mandates. pic.twitter.com/5HLbtY2ru9  Aaron Ginn (@aginnt) December 8, 2021

The staggering revelations were made public on Dec. 5 by the Editorial Board of Austrian news outlet Exxpress who said, according to a Google translate of the article, that the federal administration had quietly, and without wanting to attract a lot of attention polished the amendments and not only passed the revised edicts through the applicable parliamentary committees, but garnered bipartisan support for the legislation.

In late November, the Austrian government announced plans to make Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination universally mandatory for all citizens with a planned start date of Feb. 1, 2022.

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Under the original draft, non-compliant citizens would first face an interaction from law enforcement. If they still did not submit, the planned penalties were a 3,600 Euro fine and/or four months in prison, followed by an additional 3,600 Euro fine for those who still refused to capitulate.

Some European news outlets stated the government was considering how to handle those who had both the means and the guts to simply pay the fines instead of yielding to central medical mandates.

According to Exxpress, that problem was solved in the updated text of the bill, which although reduced the fine to 2,000 Euros and the prison sentence to four weeks, can now be applied multiple times.

The article states that Austrians who still refuse vaccination, but also pay their fine, will be arrested and face an increased prison term of up to a year.

Furthermore, Exxpress says, while providing a screenshot of the draft text written in German, that those jailed in this manner will be made to pay out of pocket for the costs of their own incarceration.

FURTHER READING

Additionally, vaccine refusers will not be held as normal prisoners. Instead, they will be kept in what translates to custody rooms, segregated from other prisoners. It is unclear if this amounts to the solitary confinement misbehaving, dangerous, or at-risk prisoners endure.

Exxpress speculates that custody rooms may refer to separate floors or separate facilities.

But in practice, the experience may be something more like the 24-hour lockdown Canadians returning from Omicron variant risk countries are subject to at Confidential Federal Quarantine Sites, or Australias COVID internment camps.

Exxpress states that four of the five parties are on board with the extreme and draconic legislation, adding that there was no criticism of any kind among the members of the governing parties, as excerpts from the minutes of the committee meeting, which are available to the eXXpress, show.

#Austria  Protest Against Vaccination Mandates Are Growing in Numbers, The Prospect of Forced Vaccination in February 2022 is not sitting well with many Austrians pic.twitter.com/EuJyt1XF7y  La French ConAction.. (@LFConaction) December 4, 2021

In a same day report by Austrian website Heute, citizens will not be subject to only a two dose course of vaccination, but additional compulsory boosters.

The article states that first dose vaccination must be reported by Feb. 1, 2022. Afterwards, the second jab must be taken no more than 42 days later, with a booster injection to follow no later than 270 days after the first injection.

Heute says there will be the following very limited exemptions to Austrias mandate:

Pregnant women;

Kids 14-and-under;

Those who endured a SARS-CoV-2 infection in the prior six months; and

Certificate required medical exemptions.

However, Heutes article has conflicting information on the penalties associated with the new bill. They state that those over the age of 14 who are still unvaccinated by Feb. 15, 2022 will simply receive a letter from the Health Minister. But, if they do not comply by March 15, a 600 Euro fine will be administered every three months, adding up to 2,400 Euros per year.

However, Heute says for those who do not pay the fines, an additional penalty of 3,600 Euros will be administered, with prison time arriving for those who still refuse to pay and vaccinate.

While the article from Exxpress includes screenshots of the draft text, Heutes does not.

Another massive protest in Vienna, Austria today against a new lockdown and mandatory vaccinations  if Austrians refuse the vaccine, they are threatened with a month in prison or a fine of over 7000 euro.



GW pic.twitter.com/8KSIg0nbze  paoplia (@paoplia) December 9, 2021

Heute notes that the legislation, once passed, will stay in force for three years until Jan. 31, 2024 unless parliament votes to withdraw its mandate early.

Tensile strength

For supporters of mandatory vaccination and vaccine passports, the Omicron variant may provide an opportunity to reconsider how far they are willing to tolerate central government health mandates.

In a Dec. 8 press conference, Ugur Sahin, CEO of BioNTech, the company partnered with Pfizer in its BNT162b novel messenger RNA gene therapy COVID vaccine, told reporters that a new, three-dose, Omicron-specific vaccine was in the pipeline and scheduled to arrive in March.

Particularly with the data now coming for the Omicron variant, it is very clear, our vaccine for the Omicron variant should be a three dose vaccine, said Sahin.

When asked by reporters whether a booster injection of the current vaccine for vanilla and Delta SARS-CoV-2 should be taken now, or if people should wait for the Omicron-specific version, Sahin stated, The answer for that is in our eyes very clearThe data we have clearly indicates the value of a third dose.

Sahins statements strongly imply that in some locales, fully vaccinated status will require taking a full two dose vaccine course in addition to a booster now, followed by a three dose Omicron vaccine starting in March, leading to a total of at least six injections.
A Washington congressman successfully piloted an amendment to the Houses fiscal agriculture appropriations bill that prohibits the communist government of China from purchasing agricultural assets in the United States.

Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.) successfully introduced the amendment to the Houses fiscal year 2022 legislation (H.R.4356) in June in order to secure food production and supply chains.

One of the concerns that we have and China certainly that is at the center of this is foreign ownership of many of our agricultural assets, Newhouse told NTD News in a recent interview.

China has over the last ten years, dramatically increased the assets that theyve been purchasing; the United States, particularly, as I focused on, related to agricultural production.

U.S. Department of Agriculture report

Over the past ten years, Chinese companies have been purchasing U.S. farmland. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported that Chinese investors maintained 191,652 acres of land in the U.S. with a monetary value of about $1.86 billion. Nine years earlier, it controlled 13,720 acres, worth $81.42 million.

We see them doing the same thing in other countries around the globe, Newhouse said. increasing the assets that they own in all kinds of areas of manufacturing of resources, of agricultural production lots.

The bill was passed unanimously after three other rogue regimes, Russia, North Korea, and Iran were added to the list at the behest of Democratic lawmakers. Nonetheless, Newhouse said, the focus of the amendment is China.

Frank Fang | Congressman Wants to End Chinas Buying Spree of US Farmland



China has been buying up agricultural land in the US for years,a trend that a U.S. lawmaker said must end in order to safeguard the U.S. food supply chain.



2 ARTICLES/THREADS https://t.co/SIeTiTmIv3 https://t.co/o7NbWSja4O pic.twitter.com/DuQdAtLVnf  AnTheFacts (@AnTheFacts) December 10, 2021

During the rules process, it was changed somewhat by the Democrats to include several other countries, Newman told NTD. But the fact remains that communist China is the threat. Theyre the ones that are buying up most of the assets of that list of nefarious countries that are not our friends. And thats where the focus should be.

Control of Food Supplies

So because of that trend and because China, frankly, is an adversary, we want to make sure that we control our food supply, Newhouse explained. I think its a natural, important national security issue.

And so this amendment [] that I was able to get attached to an appropriations bill prohibits the government, the Communist Government of China, from purchasing agricultural assets in the United States, the congressman said.

Newhouse was not the first to voice his concerns over Chinas growing influence in the world as a powerful investor in agricultural projects and economic warfare. A 2018 U.S. Department of Agriculture report already sounded the alarm.

Chinese officials have ambitious strategic plans for agricultural investments to reshape patterns of agricultural trade and increase Chinas influence in global markets, the report read.

READ MORE: EU Introduces Massive Investment Plan Challenging Chinese Global Influence

READ MORE: Debt Traps Work: How Uganda Gave China Control of Its Largest Airport

Belt and Road Initiative

Beijings expansion on the global market and its positioning as an influential proprietor should be seen as part of its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) campaign launched in 2013.

BRI intended to bend land and maritime trade routes towards Beijing to upgrade its geopolitical power, not towards the governments or the people of the countries they are dealing with.

Newhouse claimed he had to take proactive action with his amendment before the problem gets so big that we cant correct it.

We see the trend, he added. We see the number of acres and companies that have been purchased by the communist government of China. And we should stop it now.
Analysts say that Nicaragua and China timed their announcements of Managuas diplomatic break with Taiwan to be a great gift from Beijing to Washington on the first day of the U.S. Summit for Democracy.

Nicaragua announced that it was establishing diplomatic relations with China on Thursday, and analysts who spoke with VOA Mandarin said that Nicaragua and China announced their decision to coincide with Taiwans presence at the summit, a de facto embrace of democracy at time when Beijing is punishing Taiwan for reinforcing ties with central European countries such as Lithuania.

More than 100 countries attended the summit, including liberal democracies, weaker democracies and even several states with authoritarian characteristics, according to VOA.

Neither Nicaragua nor China were invited to the summit because of their authoritarian governments.

On Thursday, Nicaraguas government said that it recognized the Peoples Republic of China as the only legitimate government that represents all of China, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory.

Taiwan responded by breaking diplomatic ties with the Central American country and accusing Managua of disregarding a longstanding and close friendship between the two peoples.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said the island will not bend to pressure or change their determination to uphold democracy. The more successful Taiwan's democracy is, the stronger the international support, and the greater the pressure from the authoritarian camp," she said in response to the announcement.

Since Tsai took office, Taiwans formal diplomatic allies  mostly small countries in the Pacific, Caribbean, Latin America and southern Africa  have pulled away, leaving it with 14 allies today, down from 21 in 2016.

On Friday, Chinas Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying praised Nicaraguas move. She said on Twitter that this is the right choice that is in line with the global trend and has peoples support.

Hu Xijin, editor-in-chief of Chinas state-backed media Global Times, said on Weibo that this is the price that the Tsai Ing-wen government has to pay for their arrogance.  It also gave Washington a slap in the face as they held the so called democracy summit, he wrote.

Nicaragua will not be the last country that cuts diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Therere 14 left, and soon there will be zero, Hu continued.

Antonio Hsiang, co-author of Taiwans Relations with Latin America who focuses on Latin America at Taiwans Chihlee University of Technology, told VOA Mandarin that China and Nicaragua timed the announcement to retaliate against Taiwan and Washington.

The timing is calculated. This can be regarded as a great gift from Beijing to Washington on their first day of the Democracy Summit, he told VOA Mandarin.

Chang Kuang-chiu, an associate professor at Chihlee University of Technology, agreed with that statement. He added that since Lithuania allowed Taipei to establish a de facto embassy in Vilnius using the name Taiwan in July, China has been waiting to take countermeasures.

Im actually surprised to see China has not severed diplomatic relations with Lithuania. But they have to make a big move, and this is the one, he told VOA Mandarin in a phone interview.

The U.S. State Department criticized Nicaraguas move and said the current governments action cannot reflect the will of the Nicaraguan people.

The sham election on November 7 did not provide it with any mandate to remove Nicaragua from the family of American democracies. Without the mandate that comes with a free and fair election, (President Daniel) Ortegas actions cannot reflect the will of the Nicaraguan people, who continue to struggle for democracy and the ability to exercise their human rights and fundamental freedoms, U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Price said in a statement on Dec. 9.

Ortega, a Marxist in his youth, was reelected for a fourth term in a Nov. 7 election that U.S. President Biden said was not democratic.

"What Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega and his wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo, orchestrated today was a pantomime election that was neither free nor fair, and most certainly not democratic," the president said in a statement on Nov. 7, adding the pair now run Nicaragua "as autocrats."

Since anti-government protests erupted in April 2018, government forces have killed more than 300 people, and the Ortega government has adopted repressive laws that restrict civil society and activism in the country.
Fatima Jannatova, who asked that her real name be withheld, is a 22-year-old victim of domestic violence in Azerbaijan. She shared her harrowing experience with VOA, which, she says, has left her physically and psychologically traumatized.

I am having serious problems with my health, Jannatova told VOA.

Despite having received treatment, I am still carrying the consequences of the violence.

According to Jannatova, abuse at the hands of her husband and mother-in-law compelled her to turn to law enforcement agencies. However, after facing pressure from her husbands family, she withdrew her complaint.

I forgave him, reasoning that he was the father of my children. However, the man did not change. I have been very afraid for myself and my children, Jannatova said, adding that she has now filed for divorce.

He took away the significant amount of money and jewelry bequeathed to me by my father, but if I demand anything back, he might perhaps murder me.

Jannatova is among many Azeri women who become victims of domestic abuse.

According to the State Statistical Committee of Azerbaijan, 1,260 criminal instances of domestic abuse were documented nationwide in 2020. Activists for women's rights believe the true figure is much higher.

Vafa Rustam has been a human rights activist in Azerbaijan for over a decade. The climate of impunity for perpetrators, according to her, is the primary source of domestic violence in the country.

Domestic violence should be registered in the criminal code as an aggravating factor, she told VOAs Azeri Service. If a person is assaulted in domestic circumstances, the penalty should be more severe.

According to Rustam, Azerbaijan also lacks enough shelters for victims of abuse. Most shelters are full, preventing more women from finding safety from their abusive spouses.

Azerbaijani authorities claim that the rate of violence against women is on the decline, citing a 3.7% drop in instances from 2019-20.

The State Committee for Family, Women, and Children Affairs told VOA about steps made in response to the presidential decree issued in September 2020, which established a three-year plan to combat domestic abuse.

The establishment of a hotline and a group to monitor and assess progress in the battle against domestic abuse are among the steps adopted.

Yet Azerbaijan has not signed the Istanbul Convention, a landmark treaty of the Council of Europe that aims to create "a legal framework at [the] pan-European level to protect women against all forms of violence, and to prevent, prosecute, and eliminate violence against women and domestic violence."

One of the most serious issues, according to lawyer Zibeyda Sadigova, is the difficulty in getting restraining orders for battered spouses in a timely manner.

Acquisition of restraining orders must be attainable. The orders must be taken from the executive institutions and handed to the police, Sadigova says.

She also mentions the additional difficulties that women who opt to leave violent marriages face due to a lack of income.

The women, who have been victims of domestic violence, are facing serious financial hardships, Sadigova says, emphasizing the necessity for a fund to assist women in their transition to a life free of abuse.

This story originated in VOAs Azerbaijan Service.
A court in Benin convicted one of President Patrice Talon's main opponents Saturday for complicity in acts of terrorism.



Reckya Madougou was sentenced to 20 years in prison after a trial her lawyers denounced as a political hit job. The verdict was announced at about 6 a.m. local time (0500 GMT) following a trial that included no witnesses, her lawyers said in a statement.



"Her crime was to have represented a democratic alternative to the regime of Patrice Talon," said lawyer Antoine Vey.



The conviction of Madougou, a former justice minister, comes days after another of Talon's leading opponents, Joel Aivo, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for plotting against the state and laundering money.



Madougou was arrested in March and accused of financing an operation to assassinate political figures to prevent the presidential election the following month from going ahead. Her candidacy had earlier been rejected by the electoral commission.



Talon won a second term with 86% of the vote in a poll boycotted by much of the opposition and marred by violent protests.



Shortly before she was convicted, Madougou addressed the court, according to a post on her Facebook page. "I offer myself up for democracy and if my sacrifice allows you, Mr. President (of the court) and your colleagues to recover your independence from the executive, then I will not have suffered in vain," it quoted her as saying.



Human rights group and opponents of Talon, a multi-millionaire cotton magnate, say he has upended Benin's democratic traditions since coming to power in 2016. Several opponents have been arrested and electoral reforms signed by Talon in 2018 disqualified all opposition parties from running for parliament the following year.



Talon has denied targeting political opponents or violating human rights.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is attending talks that began Saturday among Group of Seven foreign ministers in Liverpool, with a call from British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss to unite against authoritarianism.

The appeal from Truss came as ministers from the world's wealthiest democracies, informally known as the G-7, discuss Russias build-up of troops along the border it shares with Ukraine, containing Irans nuclear ambitions and addressing the militarys seizure of Myanmar.

We need to come together strongly to stand up to aggressors who are seeking to limit the bounds of freedom and democracy, Truss said as she opened the two-day session without mentioning specific countries.



The top U.S. diplomat met Friday with Truss and their counterparts from France and Germany and discussed how to advance the Iran nuclear talks. Blinken meets separately Saturday with the foreign ministers of Japan, Italy and Australia.

Blinken will also have a series of in-person meetings with foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as part of a December 9-17 trip that also will take him to Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Hawaii.

Blinken's trip is part of a U.S. effort to further advance its "strategic partnership" with ASEAN as President Joe Biden's administration aims to begin a new "Indo-Pacific economic framework" in early 2022.

This marks the first time ASEAN countries were included in the G-7 foreign and development ministers' meeting, being held in Liverpool.

The top diplomats are discussing China's efforts to increase its influence in the Indo-Pacific region, as well as Russia's troop buildup in Ukraine and the global coronavirus pandemic.

In Jakarta, Indonesia next week, Blinken will deliver remarks on the significance of the Indo-Pacific region and underscore the importance of the U.S.-Indonesia Strategic Partnership.

"The secretary will have an opportunity to discuss the president's newly announced Indo-Pacific economic framework," Daniel Kritenbrink, the State Department's assistant secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, told reporters in a call briefing. "President Biden is committed to elevating U.S.-ASEAN engagement to unprecedented levels," he added.

Indonesia is the world's most populous Muslim majority nation. Kritenbrink told VOA on Wednesday that Blinken will attend a vaccine clinic hosted by the largest faith-based nongovernmental organization in Indonesia.

Blinken then heads to Malaysia and Thailand, where he will attempt to advance U.S. ties and address shared challenges, including fighting COVID-19, building resilient supply chains, dealing with the climate crisis, and ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

The State Department said Blinken will "address the worsening crisis" in Myanmar in each country during his lengthy trip. The military in Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, seized power in a February coup, overthrowing the civilian government.

U.S. officials had indicated the new Indo-Pacific economic framework would include broad partnerships with nations in the region in critical areas such as the digital economy and technology, supply chain resiliency, and clean energy.

"The Indo-Pacific region is a critical part of our economy. It's not just that it accounts for over half of the world's population and 60% of global GDP" (gross domestic product), Jose Fernandez, undersecretary of state for economic growth, energy and the environment, said in a recent briefing.

"Seven of the top 15 U.S. export markets are in the Indo-Pacific. Two-way trade between the U.S. and the region was over $1.75 trillion," he added.

There are, however, concerns that the U.S. is lagging behind China in deepening economic and strategic ties with ASEAN.

"ASEAN countries want more from Washington on the economic side, but the Biden administration's proposed Indo-Pacific economic framework is likely to fall short of their expectations," said Susannah Patton, a research fellow in the foreign policy and defense program at the United States Studies Center in Sydney.

"After RCEP enters into force, there will be two megatrade pacts in Asia: RCEP and CPTPP, and the United States is in neither," said Patton, referring to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.

"China's application to join CPTPP, a vehicle that was designed to promote U.S. economic ties with Asia, highlights Washington's absence," Patton told VOA Wednesday. Signed in 2018, the CPTPP is a free-trade agreement between Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, New Zealand, Singapore and Vietnam.

In November 2020, 10 ASEAN member states and five additional countries (Australia, China, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand) signed the RCEP, representing around 30% of the world's GDP and population. RCEP will come into force in January.

Others said the new Indo-Pacific economic framework appears to be not just about traditional trade, as Washington is signaling strategic interests in the region.



Wayne Lee contributed to this report. Some information for this report was provided by Agence France-Presse, The Associated Press and Reuters.
For many rioters who stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, self-incriminating messages, photos and videos that they broadcast on social media before, during and after the insurrection are influencing even their criminal sentences.

Earlier this month, U.S. District Judge Amy Jackson read aloud some of Russell Peterson's posts about the riot before she sentenced the Pennsylvania man to 30 days imprisonment. ``Overall I had fun lol,'' Peterson posted on Facebook.

The judge told Peterson that his posts made it ``extraordinarily difficult'' for her to show him leniency.

``The 'lol' particularly stuck in my craw because, as I hope you've come to understand, nothing about January 6th was funny,'' Jackson added. ``No one locked in a room, cowering under a table for hours, was laughing.''

Among the biggest takeaways so far from the Justice Department's prosecution of the insurrection is how large a role social media has played, with much of the most damning evidence coming from rioters' own words and videos.

FBI agents have identified scores of rioters from public posts and records subpoenaed from social media platforms. Prosecutors use the posts to build cases. Judge now are citing defendants' words and images as factors weighing in favor of tougher sentences.

As of Friday, more than 50 people have been sentenced for federal crimes related to the insurrection. In at least 28 of those cases, prosecutors factored a defendant's social media posts into their requests for stricter sentences, according to an Associated Press review of court records.

Many rioters used social media to celebrate the violence or spew hateful rhetoric. Others used it to spread misinformation, promote baseless conspiracy theories or play down their actions. Prosecutors also have accused a few defendants of trying to destroy evidence by deleting posts.

Approximately 700 people have been charged with federal crimes related to the riot. About 150 of them have pleaded guilty. More than 20 defendants have been sentenced to jail or prison terms or to time already served behind bars. Over a dozen others received home confinement sentences.

Rioters' statements, in person or on social media, aren't the only consideration for prosecutors or judges. Justice Department sentencing memos say defendants also should be judged by whether they engaged in any violence or damaged property, whether they destroyed evidence, how long they spent inside the Capitol, where they went inside the building and whether they have shown sincere remorse.

Prosecutors recommended probation for Indiana hair salon owner Dona Sue Bissey, but Judge Tanya Chutkan sentenced her to two weeks in jail for her participation in the riot. The judge noted that Bisssey posted a screenshot of a Twitter post that read, ``This is the First time the U.S. Capitol had been breached since it was attacked by the British in 1814.''

``When Ms. Bissey got home, she was not struck with remorse or regret for what she had done,'' Chutkan said. ``She is celebrating and bragging about her participation in what amounted to an attempted overthrow of the government.''



FBI agents obtained a search warrant for Andrew Ryan Bennett's Facebook account after getting a tip that the Maryland man live-streamed video from inside the Capitol. Two days before the riot, Bennett posted a Facebook message that said, ``You better be ready chaos is coming and I will be in DC on 1/6/2021 fighting for my freedom!''

Judge James Boasberg singled out that post as an ``aggravating'' factor weighing in favor of house arrest instead of a fully probationary sentence.

``The cornerstone of our democratic republic is the peaceful transfer of power after elections,'' the judge told Bennett. ``What you and others did on January 6th was nothing less than an attempt to undermine that system of government.''

Senior Judge Reggie Walton noted that Lori Ann Vinson publicly expressed pride in her actions at the Capitol during television news interviews and on Facebook.

``I understand that sometimes emotions get in the way and people do and say stupid things, because it was ridiculous what was said. But does that justify me giving a prison sentence or a jail sentence? That's a hard question for me to ask,'' Walton said.

In the case of Felipe Marquez, the judge found social media posts belied serious mental health issues that needed treatment rather than incarceration. Marquez recorded cellphone videos of himself with other rioters inside the office of Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore. Back at home in Florida, Marquez posted a YouTube video in which he rapped about his riot experience to the tune of Shaggy's ``It Wasn't Me.'' with lyrics that included, ``We even fist-bumped police,'' and ``We were taking selfies.''

In the video, Marquez wore a T-shirt that said, ``Property of FBI.''

Prosecutors had recommended a four-month jail sentence, but U.S. District Judge Rudolph Contreras sentenced him instead to three months of home confinement with mental-health treatment, followed by probation. ``I do think you have some serious issues you need to address. That played a large role in my sentencing decision,`` he said.

Prosecutors asked for a one-month jail sentence for Vinson, but the judge sentenced the Kentucky nurse to five years of probation and ordered her to pay a $5,000 fine and perform 120 hours of community service.

Judge Jackson gave Andrew Wrigley a history lesson before she sentenced the Pennsylvania man to 18 months of probation. Wrigley posted a photo on social media of him holding a 1776 flag during the riot. The judge said the gesture didn't honor the nation's founders.

``The point of 1776 was to let the people decide who would rule them. But the point of the attack on the Capitol was to stop that from happening, Jackson said. ``The point of the attack on the Capitol was to subvert democracy, to substitute the will of the people with the will of the mob.''

Videos captured New Jersey gym owner Scott Fairlamb punching a police officer outside the Capitol. His Facebook and Instagram posts showed he was prepared to commit violence in Washington, D.C., and had no remorse for his actions, prosecutors said.

Senior Judge Royce Lamberth said other rioters in Fairlamb's position would be ``well advised'' to join him in pleading guilty.

``You couldn't have beat this if you went to trial on the evidence that I saw,'' Lamberth said before sentencing Fairlamb to 41 months in prison.

But it worked to the advantage of one. Virginia charter boat captain Jacob Hiles likely avoided a stricter sentence by posting videos and photos of him and his cousin at the Capitol. A day after the riot, Hiles received a private Facebook message from a Capitol police officer who said he agreed with Hiles' ``political stance'' and encouraged him to delete his incriminating posts, according to prosecutors.

The officer, Michael Angelo Riley, deleted his communications with Hiles, but investigators recovered the messages from Hiles' Facebook account, prosecutors said. Riley was indicted in October on obstruction charges.

On Monday, Jackson sentenced Hiles to two years of probation. Prosecutors said the case against Riley may have been impossible without Hiles' cooperation.
When plotted on a graph, the curve of Bhutan's COVID-19 vaccination drive shoots upwards from the very first day, crossing Israel, United States, Bahrain and other countries known for vaccinating people rapidly.



Those countries took months to reach where they are, painstakingly strengthening their vaccination campaigns in the face of rising coronavirus cases. But the story of Bhutan's vaccination campaign is nearly finished  just 16 days after it began.



The tiny Himalayan kingdom wedged between India and China has vaccinated nearly 93% of its adult population since March 27. Overall, the country has vaccinated 62% of its 800,000 people.



The rapid rollout of the vaccine puts the tiny nation just behind Seychelles, which has given jabs to 66% of its population of nearly 100,000 people.

Its small population helped Bhutan move fast, but its success has also been attributed to its dedicated citizen volunteers, known as "desuups," and established cold chain storage used during earlier vaccination drives.



Bhutan received its first 150,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine from neighboring India in January, but the shots were distributed beginning in late March to coincide with auspicious dates in Buddhist astrology.



The first dose was administered by and given to a woman born in the Year of the Monkey, accompanied by chants of Buddhist prayers.



"Let this small step of mine today help us all prevail through this illness," the recipient, 30-year-old Ninda Dema, was quoted by the country's Kuensel newspaper as saying.



Dr. Pandup Tshering, secretary to the Ministry of Health, said jabs were still being provided to those who could not get vaccinated during the campaign period and that the country had enough doses to cover its entire population.



Bhutan has recorded 910 infections with the coronavirus and one COVID-19 death so far. It has a mandatory 21-day quarantine for all people arriving in the country. All schools and educational institutions are open and are monitored for compliance with COVID-19 protocols, Tshering said.



Bhutan is the last remaining Buddhist kingdom in the Himalayas. But the country has transitioned from an absolute monarchy to a democratic, constitutional monarchy.
The attack was brief but violent, and it left Mabel Paez in no doubt as to why it took place.

Photographs of the Cuban journalist show cuts and bruising to her face, arms and body after the attack by two masked men, who broke into her home Tuesday.

Nothing was taken, and the attackers did not speak to her. But Paez believes it was a deliberate assault in retaliation for reporting on protests against Cuba's communist government.

"These two men came into my house and beat me with their fists. They did not say anything. It was all over in seconds. I was in such shock afterwards," she told VOA.

Paez said she had no doubt the men were police or operatives from the state security.

"It was so frightening. I am sure these men were sent to my house to threaten me. It is just the latest in a series of threats," she said.

The assault came amid an increase in violence against Cuban media. At least 29 journalists were physically attacked in November, according to the Association for Freedom of the Press, an independent Cuban media organization.

Journalists who do not work for state media contend that the increasing use of violence is a sign of a toughening crackdown by the government and security forces.

The photographs of Paez's injuries are, they say, a stark example of how physical assaults are becoming a new normal of state oppression.

Cuba blames US

The Cuban government has been cracking down on opposition activists and journalists amid protests calling for more freedom.

The communist government has said that the U.S. government orchestrated the movement and that recent protests failed because of lack of popular support.

VOA contacted the Cuban Embassy in Madrid and the International Press Center in Havana for a response to the accounts of Paez and other journalists who alleged that government security had assaulted them. No one responded prior to publication.

Paez is editor of the independent local newspaper El Majadero de Artemisa, which the Cuban government does not recognize.

Among other subjects, her newspaper reported on the opposition group Archipelago's failed attempt to launch a nationwide protest last month.

After the assault, Paez went to a hospital where, she said, doctors told her they had no X-ray equipment. She was given painkillers.

Paez reported the assault to police. She said an agent from the National Revolutionary Police took away a certificate that a doctor had provided to confirm her injuries.

Then another man, who Paez believes was a member of the political police  which is part of the state security forces  took the medical certificate and told her to go home.

"This was a well thought out and calculated operation by the political police. In this country, nothing happens by accident," she said.

Other assaults on journalists

Independent journalists in Cuba said the assault on Paez was the latest in a series of physical attacks by state security services to intimidate the media. Two days earlier, police had raided Paez's home searching for Alberto Corzo, the director of the Cuban Institute for Freedom of Expression and the Press (ICLEP), a nongovernmental group that created a network of independent journalists.

Corzo had been under house arrest since the protests took place in July. Last month, he was charged with hanging posters critical of the government, an allegation he denies. He was later released.

Journalist Adriano Castaneda, who works in the central region of Villa Clara, was also assaulted last month.

Castaneda works for U.S. government-funded Radio Marti, which, like VOA, is overseen by the U.S. Agency for Global Media. He also reports on social media.

Three men attacked Castaneda on November 22. He showed a photograph of the injuries he sustained to his nose and mouth during the attack.

He believes that two officers from an Interior Ministry unit that combats subversion ordered the attack.

Castaneda said one of his attackers told him, "This is so that you don't say anything else about the revolution. You shut up or you die."

"In the past months, I have suffered a number of threats from the counterintelligence of the Ministry of the Interior, and in less than a year, this is the second beating that they have given me to try to silence my reports on social media and Radio Marti," he said.

Radio Marti reported Castaneda's account of the attack on November 23.

Neither the Cuban Embassy in Madrid nor its International Press Center in Havana responded to VOA's requests for a response to the allegations.

Detention of journalists

Normando Hernandez, the director general of ICLEP in Miami, told VOA, "I roundly condemn what happened to Mabel [Paez] and urge the Cuban regime to find justice for her and assume responsibility for what happened."

In addition to the attacks, Hernandez said, at least three journalists are currently behind bars, and three more are under house arrest.

Prisoners Defenders, a Madrid-based rights organization, reported this week that Cuba has detained 805 political prisoners since November 2020. The figure includes journalists, including five in prison and four under house arrest, it said.

Juan Manuel Moreno Borrego, who works for Amanecer Habanero, an online news outlet not aligned with the government, said that he had been under house arrest with his wife before and after the planned November 15 opposition protest but that this was no longer the case.

He told VOA that he had also been physically attacked by people he believes are state representatives.

"[These attacks on journalists] are the result of a failed dictatorship in decline where they are starting to use all the resources possible to try to silence all the voices which undermine their totalitarian status," he said.

In its report on attacks, the Association for Freedom of the Press related stories of how reporters had been assaulted by gangs, whom the journalists took to be supporters of the state.

Paez, a single mother, must keep working to support herself and her 19-year-old son. She has been working at her local paper for the past five years and has no other job.

When she spoke to VOA, she found it hard to talk because of the bruises on her face.

"This job is the only thing I want to do. I am scared, yes, but despite what has happened, this will not stop me reporting what this government is doing, how they are limiting our liberties," she said.

Some information for this report came from Agence France-Presse.
Dozens have been confirmed dead after a series of season-defying tornadoes Friday night in several U.S. states, causing a wide swath of destruction from weather conditions more common in spring. Officials expect the toll to rise.

U.S. President Joe Biden spoke to the governors of the five states hit by the tornadoes: Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, and Tennessee. And he approved an emergency declaration for Kentucky, allowing the use of federal funds there.

Biden tweeted Saturday that he was briefed on the situations and said his administration is working with Governors to ensure they have what they need as the search for survivors and damage assessments continue."





As of Saturday night, at least 36 people were confirmed dead across the five states: 22 in Kentucky, six in Illinois at an Amazon facility, four in Tennessee, two in Arkansas and two in Missouri.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said at a news conference early Saturday that 70 to 100 people were likely killed in his state, including in a candle factory in the town of Mayfield, where about 110 people were working when the storm hit.

This has been the most devastating tornado event in our states history, Beshear said at a news conference.

According to early reports, the tornado raced across the state for about 320 kilometers. But Victor Genzini, a researcher on extreme weather at Northern Illinois University, said it may have been on the ground for 400 kilometers. The longest twister on record tracked for about 355 kilometers across Missouri, Illinois and Indiana in March 1925.

The tornado in Mayfield was one of at least four that devastated at least 10 counties in Kentucky.

"It was absolutely the most terrifying thing I've ever experienced in my life," one of the Mayfield factory workers, Kyanna Parsons-Perez, said in an interview that aired on NBC's Today show. "I did not think I was going to make it."

Storms also swept through the Kentucky city of Bowling Green, killing an off-campus Western Kentucky University student, according to the universitys president. Eleven of Kentuckys confirmed deaths were from Bowling Green.

Beshear declared a state of emergency, activated the Kentucky National Guard and deployed the state police.

In neighboring Tennessee, three people were killed as storms hit the northwestern corner of the state, according to Tennessee Emergency Management Agency spokesperson Dean Flener.

An Amazon warehouse in Edwardsville, Illinois, was in the middle of a shift change when the tornado struck Friday night, collapsing the building and killing at least six people, fire Chief James Whiteford said. Because of the shift change, authorities dont know if anyone is still unaccounted for.

"This is a devastating tragedy for our Amazon family and our focus is on supporting our employees and partners," Amazon spokesperson Richard Rocha said in a written statement.

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson's office said at least two people were killed in the towns of Defiance and New Melle and more were injured in building collapses. Hundreds of buildings were destroyed or damaged, according to initial assessments.

A tornado also hit a nursing home in Monette in northern Arkansas, killing one person and trapping 20 people inside as the building collapsed, according to Craighead County Judge Marvin Day. He said five people sustained serious injuries and a few received minor ones.

Day said first responders rescued those trapped in the building that was pretty much destroyed.

Another person died when the storm hit a Dollar General store in nearby Leachville, Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson said, according to the Associated Press.

"Probably the most remarkable thing is that there's not a greater loss of life," Hutchinson said after touring the wreckage of the nursing home. "It is catastrophic. It's a total destruction."

Scientists are warning with increasing urgency that global warming is making storms more powerful and frequent, posing even greater threats to areas where extreme weather is already common.

Some information for this report came from the Associated Press, Reuters and AFP.
The German-born father of Chilean presidential front-runner Jose Antonio Kast was a member of Adolf Hitler's Nazi party, according to a recently unearthed document obtained by The Associated Press, revelations that appear at odds with the far-right candidate's own statements about his father's military service during World War II.

German officials confirmed this week that an ID card in the country's Federal Archive shows that an 18-year-old named Michael Kast joined the National Socialist German Workers' Party, or NSDAP, on Sept. 1, 1942, at the height of Hitler's war on the Soviet Union.

While the Federal Archive couldn't confirm whether Kast was the presidential contender's father, the date and place of birth listed on the card matches that of Kast's father, who died in 2014. A copy of the ID card, identified with the membership number 9271831, was previously posted on social media on Dec. 1 by Chilean journalist Mauricio Weibel.

The ID card's emergence adds a new twist to a highly charged presidential runoff billed on both sides as a battle of extremes  between communism and right-wing authoritarianism  and marked by a steady flow of disinformation that has distorted the record and campaign pledges of Kast's opponent.

Kast, 55, from the newly formed Republican Party, led the first round of Chile's presidential election last month, two points ahead of leftist lawmaker Gabriel Boric, whom he now will face in the Dec. 19 runoff.

Family ties to dictator

The family of Kast, a fervent Roman Catholic and father of nine, has deep ties to the military dictatorship of General Augusto Pinochet, who came to power following a coup in 1973. His brother, Miguel Kast, served as the dictator's central bank president.

"If he were alive, he would have voted for me," Kast said of Pinochet during the 2017 campaign, in which he won just 8% of the vote. "We would have had tea together" in the presidential palace.

On the campaign trail this year, he has emphasized conservative family values; attacked migrants from Haiti and Venezuela, whom he blames for crime; and blasted Boric as a puppet of Chile's communists.

He's made inroads with middle-class voters concerned that Boric  a millennial former student protest leader  would disrupt three decades of economic and political stability that has made Chile the envy of many in Latin America. To underscore those concerns, Kast traveled last week to Washington and met with American investors as well as U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, the top Republican on the subcommittee overseeing U.S. relations with Latin America.

Some of Kast's more radical supporters have also launched an online scare campaign involving a fake tweet from leftist Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, false allegations that migrants are manning voting booths, and a made-up medical report after Kast in a debate urged Boric to take a drug test.

The latest opinion polls give a slight edge in the runoff to Boric, who has pivoted to the center to galvanize support from voters fearful of a return to the country's tumultuous past.

"This backs up Boric's framing of the race as a dichotomy between fascism and democracy," Jennifer Pribble, a Chile expert at the University of Richmond, said of the older Kast's wartime record. "To the extent Kast seems to be hiding some element of his family's history, it plays into that narrative."

It's unclear if Kast was aware of his father's NSDAP membership card. Carolina Araya, a spokesperson for Kast's campaign, wouldn't comment when asked repeatedly by the AP.

But in the past Kast has angrily rejected claims that his father was a supporter of the Nazi movement, describing him instead as a forced conscript in the German army.

"Why do you use the adjective 'Nazi'?" he asked during a 2018 TV appearance in which he said he was proud of his father and accused a prominent Chilean journalist of trying to spread lies.

"When there is a war and (military) enrollment is mandatory, a 17- or 18-year-old doesn't have the option to say 'I'm not going,' because they will be court-martialed and shot to death the very next day," he said later that year in comments posted on his social media account.

Nazi membership voluntary

There is no evidence Kast had a role in wartime atrocities such as the attempt to exterminate Europe's Jews. But while military service was compulsory, membership in the Nazi party was voluntary.

Some Germans enthusiastically joined the party, while others did so believing it would bring advantages in a society where large parts of public life were expected to fall in line with Nazi ideology from 1933 onward.

"We don't have a single example of anyone who was forced to enter the party," said Armin Nolzen, a German historian who has extensively researched the issue of NSDAP membership.

Kast joined the party in 1942, within five months of turning 18  the minimum age required for membership. He was likely a member of the Hitler Youth for at least four years before joining the party and would have been recommended by the district leader, Nolzen said. In all, the party had 7.1 million members that year  about one-tenth of the population.

Michael Buddrus of the Leibniz Institute for Contemporary History in Berlin cautioned against overestimating the significance of NSDAP membership in people that young, but he agreed that Kast must have joined of his own volition.

Given that Kast entered the military soon after, Buddrus said it was possible the teenager had never actively participated in a party gathering or paid dues.

"If you're a party member, you're a party member," said Richard Wetzell, a research fellow at the German Historical Institute in Washington. "Being a party member does bind you to the party and its ideology, even though many may have joined for purely opportunistic reasons."

A 2015 book about Pinochet's civilian collaborators written by Chilean journalist Javier Rebolledo claimed that the older Kast was at first reluctant to join the Nazi party. But he was persuaded by a sergeant to do so as he was being deployed to the Crimean Peninsula, according to the book, which cites a memoir by Kast's wife.

The war at the time was dominated by the Battle of Stalingrad, a turning point for Nazi Germany's assault on the Soviet Union that resulted in some 2 million deaths and the local surrender of Axis forces a few months later.

As the war was ending, Kast, then serving in Italy, obtained a false ID indicating he was a member of the International Committee of the Red Cross, according to Rebolledo.

From Germany to Chile

After twice escaping arrest at the hands of the Allied forces, he returned to Germany and was discovered during the postwar period of denazification. But when he confessed his deceit, a sympathetic prosecutor took pity and, in recognition of his honesty, burned his army record, according to Rebolledo's book.

The younger Kast has accused the Chilean journalist of taking his mother's memoir out of context and distorting facts to attribute sinister motives to his father's wartime activities.

Whatever his record, Kast migrated to Chile in 1950, followed a year later by his wife and oldest two children, and established himself in Paine, a rural community south of the capital of Santiago. Eventually, the couple built a small business selling cold cuts from a roadside kiosk into a nationwide chain of restaurants and manufacturer of packaged food.

A 1995 law passed by Chile's congress granting the older Kast citizenship highlights his deep Catholic roots and "grand spirit of social justice" that translated into his role helping build five chapels, hospitals and a youth center as well as providing employees of his company, Cecinas Bavaria, with the means to buy their own homes.

But there was a darker side to the clan's success.

According to Rebolledo, leftist agitators and peasants had threatened to expropriate the family's business during the socialist administration of Salvador Allende. The day after Pinochet's coup against Allende, police in Paine mopped up, disappearing in broad daylight a young militant, Pedro Vargas, who had been organizing workers at Bavaria, as he waited in line to buy bread.

The candidate's brother, Christian Kast, testified that as a 16-year-old in the immediate aftermath of the coup, he had delivered food to the town's police and spent the night with them. He told investigators probing Vargas' disappearance that the next day he attended a barbecue at the police station and saw a dozen detainees  but not Vargas  hauled away, their heads shaven, never to be seen again.

With Vargas missing, a member of his family went in anguish to appeal for aid from Michael Kast.

"I thought he was going to help," the person told the AP on the condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation nearly five decades on. "But he told me to go home, that there was a war going on and it was a matter of life and death. I couldn't believe it."

Today, just a few miles from where the presidential hopeful lives, symbols of the passions that filled Vargas' shortened life  a book, a scale of justice, a photo of his dog  decorate one of 70 mosaics paying tribute to each of the victims stolen from the bucolic town that has the distinction of having suffered the most disappearances per capita in all of Chile.
New Caledonia will hold a referendum on independence from France Sunday. It will be the third and final poll meant to conclude a decolonization process that began in the French overseas territory in the Pacific 30 years ago. Two previous votes, in 2018 and 2020, rejected independence.

Pro-independence groups wanted New Caledonias referendum to be delayed to give Indigenous Kanaks, who make up 40% of the population, time to grieve those who have died during the pandemic. Traditional mourning rites last a year. The groups said COVID-19 has disrupted campaigning for the referendum and have called on supporters to boycott the vote.

France, though, has said the referendum will proceed. It has sent about 2,000 police officers to maintain security in its semiautonomous overseas territory.

Denise Fisher is a former senior Australian diplomat in New Caledonia, and a visiting fellow at the Center for European Studies at the Australian National University.

She told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. a boycott by large numbers of voters would be destabilizing.

"We are talking about an agreement -- a referendum under an agreement -- that made pledges to what were defined as a colonized people, and if you have those very people who are specifically recognized under the Noumea Accord for their cultural identity and their legitimacy -- if they are not going to participate in this third and final vote, especially when the last two were so close, it does undermine at least the political impact of that vote, said Fisher.



The 1998 Noumea Accord followed a decade of deadly conflict in New Caledonia in the 1980s and set out a path for potential independence.

The South Pacific archipelago has the world's seventh-largest nickel reserves. Mining is its major industry, but the territory relies on financial support from Paris. It has a population of around 270,000 people and is 1,500 kilometers east of Australia.

Loyalist groups have argued that maintaining ties to France is vital for the territorys development.

Analysts have said if New Caledonia does break away, it would further diminish Frances status in the Indo-Pacific at a time that neighboring Australia has boosted its presence in the region with a new security alliance with the United States and Britain.
For too many days now, Seniman has searched for his son, missing since the eruption of Indonesias Mount Semeru.

I dont have anything. I dont have the means to search for my son by myself. I am confused. Where should I go to ask for help? I have been going back and forth between the search post and the police station, said Seniman, a resident of Lumajang, an East Java district on the volcanos slopes.

Seniman, who like many Indonesians uses only one name, told VOA Indonesia that his 19-year-old second child, Muhammad Hermansyah, was working in a sand mine when Mount Semeru erupted Dec. 4.

As of Friday, Hermansyah, along with two co-workers, are among more than a dozen people who are still missing since the eruption that killed dozens and coated at least 11 villages in the Lumajung district with volcanic ash.

Ill keep searching for him. Whatever his condition is, I hope that his body can be found so I can bring him home and pay him respect for the last time, Seniman said, struggling to hold back tears. He carries his sons identity card on his daily visit to the search command post.

Senimans wife remains in shock and collapses at the thought of her missing son. Senimans youngest child, an elementary school student, stays by her side. Senimans oldest child works outside Lumajang.

Authorities plan to continue searching for the missing until Tuesday, but the operation is likely to be hampered by the eruptions aftermath, which includes hot gas and ash.

Seniman lives in Sumberwuluh village, one of the areas hardest hit by the eruption of Mount Semeru, which is one of almost 130 active volcanoes in Indonesia. It last erupted in December 2020, a frequency that is not unusual in a nation located on the Ring of Fire around the Pacific Ocean that is marked by active volcanoes and frequent earthquakes.

According to local authorities, 6,022 residents have been evacuated and are living in 115 shelters, mosques, schools and other safe buildings throughout the region.

Volunteers and evacuees have rallied to sort donations of food, clothing and medicines to ensure those with the greatest needs are assisted.

We, the young volunteers, (are) ready to help the victims whenever a disaster comes, said Muhammad Febrianto, who oversees a local volunteer group in Lumajang.

Volunteers are divided into several teams and spread across different shelters in Lumajang, he said.

We work together from distributing foods and clothes that have been sent here. We hope that Lumajang and all the victims (from the eruption) will recover soon and may they have enough strength to continue their lives, he added.

Lusiyanti, who uses only one name and works with the local Regional Disaster Management Agency, said only a limited number of volunteers work in the shelters as most have been deployed to assist the search and rescue team.

We are overwhelmed, but fortunately, many residents come here to help. What makes it difficult is that the evacuees are spread across Lumajang, she said, adding that a shortage of baby formula is making the situation worse for many.

As of Wednesday, at least 39 people were reported dead. Data from Lumajangs disaster management agency recorded that the eruption also destroyed 2,970 resident houses and killed 3,026 livestock. Forty-two school buildings, 17 houses of worship, one health facility and one bridge were also destroyed.
Officials in northwestern Pakistan said Saturday militants shot and killed one police officer and seriously injured another as they were escorting polio vaccinators.

The attack in Tank, a remote district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on the border with Afghanistan, came during a five-day drive to vaccinate 6.5 million children against the polio virus, said a provincial government spokesman.

Local police and witnesses told reporters the assailants riding a motorcycle targeted the polio security team and no health worker was hurt.

The outlawed Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, known as the Pakistani Taliban, took credit for the attack. Its spokesman, Muhammad Khurasani, claimed the attack had killed two police personnel, although the group is notorious for issuing inflated details for such attacks.

Saturdays violence came two days after the TTP called off a 30-day cease-fire with the Pakistani government, accusing the other side of not honoring the deals terms.

The TTP denounces the polio vaccination campaign as a government instrument of spying on them while some Islamic groups in Pakistan see the vaccine as a Western conspiracy to sterilize Muslim children.

Afghanistan and Pakistan are the only two countries where the wild polio virus still infects and cripples children.

The TTP is an alliance of about two dozen outlawed militant groups and has been carrying out suicide and other terrorist attacks across Pakistan for many years, killing tens of thousands of people, including Pakistani security personnel.

The group claims it is fighting for establishing its brand of Islamic laws, or Sharia, in Pakistan. Pakistani officials denounce the claims as ridiculous and dismiss TTP as criminals and thugs.

The United States and the United Nations have designated the TTP as a global terrorist organization.
When Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula and threw its support behind separatists in the country's east more than seven years ago, Kyiv's underfunded and disorganized armed forces struggled to mount a credible response.

Now, amid fears that a Russian troop buildup near Ukraine's border could signal a possible attack, military experts say Moscow would face stronger resistance this time. But they emphasize that Ukraine would be well short of what it needs to counter Russia's overwhelming land, sea and air superiority.

Still, years of fighting the separatists have given Ukrainian veterans such as Colonel Viacheslav Vlasenko the battlefield experience for such a fight.

"In case of Russian aggression, I will have no choice  every Ukrainian is ready to die with arms in hands," said the highly decorated 53-year-old Vlasenko. "Ukraine will never become a part of Russia. If we have to prove it to the Kremlin that Ukraine has the right for freedom and independence, we are ready for it."

While Western military assistance has remained limited, Ukraine still received state-of-the-art foreign weaponry, including sophisticated U.S. anti-tank missiles and Turkish drones to provide a heavier punch than it had in years past.

Vlasenko, who spent 4 years battling the rebels in the east in a conflict that has killed more than 14,000 people, said the country now has thousands of highly motivated and battle-hardened troops.

"We Ukrainians are defending our land, and there is no place for us to retreat," he said, adding that he takes his 13-year-old son to target practice so that he knows "who our enemy is and learns to defend himself and fight back."

Earlier this week, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy praised Ukraine's soldiers during a visit to an area near the conflict zone to mark a military holiday.

"Ukrainian servicemen are continuing to perform their most important mission  to protect the freedom and sovereignty of the state from the Russian aggressor," Zelenskiy said.

Russian troop movements

U.S. intelligence officials have determined that Russia has moved 70,000 troops near Ukraine's border and has prepared for a possible invasion early next year. Moscow has denied any plans to attack Ukraine, rejecting Western concerns as part of a smear campaign.

On Tuesday, U.S. President Joe Biden warned Russian President Vladimir Putin in a videoconference that Moscow would face "economic consequences like you've never seen" if it invades Ukraine, although he noted that Washington would not deploy its military forces there.

Putin reaffirmed his denial of planning to attack Ukraine but emphasized that NATO's possible expansion to Ukraine was a "red line" for Moscow.

If Russia attacks its neighbor, the 1 million-member Russian military would inevitably overwhelm Ukraine's armed forces, which number about 255,000. But in addition to a promised heavy economic blow from Western sanctions, Russia would also stand to suffer significant military losses that would dent Putin's image at home.

Ukrainian veterans and military analysts say the country won't surrender territory without a fight this time, unlike seven years ago in Crimea, where Russian troops in unmarked uniforms faced virtually no resistance in overtaking the Black Sea peninsula.

"Ukraine will not become easy prey for the Russians. There will be a bloodbath," Vlasenko said. "Putin will get hundreds and thousands of coffins floating from Ukraine to Russia."

Weeks after annexing Crimea, Russia began supporting the separatist uprising in Ukraine's eastern industrial heartland, known as the Donbass. Ukraine and the West have accused Russia of supplying the rebels with troops and weapons  accusations that Moscow has denied, saying that any Russians fighting there were volunteers.

A series of bruising military defeats forced Ukraine to sign a 2015 peace agreement brokered by France and Germany that envisaged broad autonomy for the separatist regions and a sweeping amnesty for the rebels. The deal was seen by many in Ukraine as a betrayal of its national interests. While it has helped end large-scale fighting, frequent skirmishes have continued amid a political deadlock as Ukraine and Russia have traded accusations.

Western aid to Ukraine

Mykola Sunhurovskyi, a top military analyst for the Kyiv-based Razumkov Center independent think tank, said the Ukrainian military has made much progress in recent years, thanks to Western equipment and training.

"The army today is much stronger than it was in early 2014, and Russia will face serious resistance," he said.

The Western aid included Javelin anti-tank missiles and patrol boats supplied by the United States. The U.S. and other NATO forces have conducted joint drills with the Ukrainian military in exercises that have vexed Russia. Last month, Ukraine signed an agreement with the U.K. for building naval bases on the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.

Still, Sunhurovskyi argued that the Western assistance was not enough.

"The military aid given by the West is far from what Ukraine needs," Sunhurovskyi said, adding that its slow pace was also a key problem. "The assistance is needed within two months, not two or three years. There are huge gaps in the Ukrainian military potential that need to be taken care of."

He pointed to Ukraine's air defenses in particular.

"The air defense system isn't ready for repelling massive airstrikes by Russia," Sunhurovskyi said, adding that Ukraine also lacks advanced electronic warfare systems and has a shortage of artillery and missiles.

Morale is not a problem, he said.

"From the point of view of combat spirit, Ukraine is ready for war, but there are issues with the technological level of the Ukrainian military, which is below what is needed to deter Russia from launching an attack," he said.

Zelenskiy said Ukraine's military "has come a difficult way to the creation of a highly capable and highly organized combat structure that is confident of its potential and capable of derailing any aggressive plans by the enemy." On Thursday, he spoke with Biden, who briefed him on the discussion with Putin.

The analysts also said Russia would have to be prepared for a nationwide resistance campaign from Ukrainian veterans after any invasion.

"If it launches an aggression, Russia will face a large-scale guerrilla war in Ukraine, and the infrastructure for it has already been set," said Volodymyr Fesenko, head of the Kyiv-based Penta think tank. "Thousands of Ukrainian soldiers served in the east, and there is a local hero in every courtyard who fought the separatists and the Russians."
The capital of Uganda coughs itself awake on weekdays under a soft blanket of smog. Kampala's hills come into sharper focus as the morning rush of minibuses and motorbikes fades. It is this East African city that one of the world's most well-known climate activists, Vanessa Nakate, calls home.

The 25-year-old's rise in profile has been quick. Not even three years have passed since she set out with relatives in Kampala to stage her first, modest protest over how the world is treating its only planet.

In an interview this week with The Associated Press  which last year drew international attention and Nakate's dismay by cropping her from a photo  she reflected on the whirlwind. She spoke of her disappointment in the outcome of the U.N. climate talks in Scotland and what she and other young activists plan for the year to come.

"We expected the leaders to rise up for the people, to rise up for the planet" at the talks known as COP26, she said. Instead, the world could be on a pathway to warm 2.4 degrees Celsius over pre-industrial times.

That's well above the goal of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius  and would be "a death sentence for so many communities on the front lines of the climate crisis," Nakate said.

Globally, the signs are dire. The Arctic is warming three times faster than the rest of the planet. The dramatic drop in carbon dioxide emissions from COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns has almost disappeared. This year, forests burned in Siberia's weakening permafrost, while record-shattering heatwaves in Canada and the U.S. Pacific Northwest and deadly flooding in Europe brought the climate threat home to some who once thought they could outspend it.

But many of the most-affected communities are in Africa, whose 1.3 billion people contribute the least to global emissions, less than 4%, but stand to suffer from them most.

That suffering, in some cases, has already begun: Deadly drought fells wildlife and livestock in parts of East Africa, water scarcity hits areas in West and Southern Africa, and hunger affects many millions of people, from Madagascar to Somalia, as a result.

And yet the $100 billion in financing per year promised by richer nations to help developing countries deal with the coming catastrophe has not appeared.

"We cannot adapt to starvation," Nakate said, her voice soft but firm as the introvert in her gives way to the convictions that have brought her this far. "We cannot adapt to extinction, we cannot adapt to lost cultures, lost traditions, to lost histories, and the climate crisis is taking all of these things away."

The next big climate conference will be in Africa, in Egypt, a chance for the spotlight to fall squarely on the continent.

It will be a test for activists and negotiators from Africa's 54 countries who have long jostled for space at global climate events.

"Many times, activists in Africa have been called missing voices. But we are not missing," Nakate said. "We are present, we are available, we are just unheard."

She watched as some activists from African countries faced the challenges of securing funding, accreditation or access to COVID-19 vaccinations as they sought to attend COP26. She has spoken of feeling erased herself when she was cropped out of an AP photo of climate activists last year at the World Economic Forum. The AP apologized for its error in judgment and the pain it caused her.

But it is not enough to simply listen to Africa's climate activists, Nakate said this week. People with power must act on those demands.

"We don't want to just hear sweet phrases from them, sweet commitments," she said. "Commitments will not change the planet, pledges will not stop the suffering of people."

Specifically, Nakate said, drastic action is needed by the leaders in government and business that continue to fund the extraction of fossil fuels, like coal and oil.

She chose not to call out anyone by name, but when asked whether Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, in power since 1986, had replied to a letter she wrote about a controversial oil pipeline project to ship crude from Uganda to neighboring Tanzania, she said no.

In fact, the 77-year-old leader has never been in contact with Nakate, who became one of the world's most well-known Ugandans not long after graduating from university with a business degree and becoming inspired by climate activism.

In her recent book, A Bigger Picture, Nakate reflects on how leaders' decisions on climate have real-life consequences far beyond the data that often dominate the conversation.

She worries about how farmers who lose their crops to climate shocks will feed their families, and how lost income can force children out of school and young women into early marriage.

"This isn't just about us wanting a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions," Nakate said. "We want justice that centers the protection of the planet and the protection of the people because the climate crisis exacerbates poverty first of all. We cannot eradicate poverty if climate change is pushing millions of people into extreme poverty and keeping them in poverty traps."

Asked how young climate activists can make sure that they are central to decision-making worldwide, Nakate expressed confidence that they are making themselves heard, creating their own platforms on social media and elsewhere.

"If the table is not given to you, you make one for yourself," she said  a message she could well tweet to her 230,000-plus followers.

In 2022, Nakate's work will be closer to home as she pursues a project to provide schools in Uganda with solar panels and eco-friendly cookstoves to reduce the amount of firewood consumed.

"I can't believe how fast this journey has been," she said as she realized that within weeks it will be the third anniversary of her first climate protest in Kampala. "Activism can be very hard, a lot of work, but it takes love and grace to continue to speak."

It also takes a certain hope, she said, and as a born-again Christian she finds that hope in God. It helps her believe that "the future you're fighting for is actually possible and you can achieve it."
Shortly after Kholoud al-Faqeeh was appointed judge in an Islamic religious court in the Palestinian territories, a woman walked in, laid eyes on her and turned around and walked out, murmuring that she didn't want a woman to rule in her case.

Al-Faqeeh was saddened, but not surprised  people have long been accustomed to seeing turbaned men in her place. It was only in 2009 that she became one of the first two women appointed in the West Bank as Islamic religious court judges. But she sees her presence on the court as all the more important since it rules on personal status matters ranging from divorce and alimony to custody and inheritance.

"What was even more provoking is that these religious courts are in charge of women's cases," al-Faqeeh said. "A woman's whole life cycle is before these courts."

Women like al-Faqeeh are increasingly carving out space for themselves in the Islamic sphere, and in doing so, paving the way for others to follow in their footsteps. Around the world, women are teaching in Islamic schools and universities, leading Quran study circles, preaching and otherwise providing religious guidance to the faithful.

This story is part of a series by The Associated Press and Religion News Service on women's roles in male-led religions.

The formal ranks of Islamic leadership remain largely filled with men, but while women don't lead mixed-gender congregational prayers in traditional Muslim settings, many say they see plenty of other paths to leadership.

"When it comes to knowledge, the leader who is the religious scholar, the spiritual guide, the one who is teaching people their religion ... that can be done by women or men, and historically always has been," said Ingrid Mattson, the London and Windsor Community Chair in Islamic Studies at Huron University College in London, Ontario.

There are diverse views across the different regions, cultures and schools of Islamic thought about the permissibility and scope of women's leadership roles in the faith.

Some of the Prophet Muhammad's traditions and practices were preserved and transmitted by the women closest to him, such as his wives. Many women say that provides a foundation they seek to build on.

Mattson said that people always ask whether a woman can be an imam, but that framing reflects a Western context focused on the weekly congregational prayer rather than "what our Islamic heritage did in terms of providing religious leadership across society to meet many different needs."

In Morocco

Aziza Moufid, a 40-year-old in Morocco, is one of those who have taken up the mantle of leadership within the faith, in her case by serving as one of the country's "mourchidat," or female religious guides.

The "mourchidat" are trained at an institute for male and female students founded by and named after Moroccan King Mohammed VI. Female graduates teach religion classes and answer women's questions at mosques or during outreach work in schools, hospitals and prisons.

Moufid, who recalls looking up to the female university professors who taught her Islamic studies, has been working as a guide mostly via WhatsApp during the pandemic. She uses the platform to explain sayings of the prophet to children; to help women learning to memorize and recite the Quran; and to counsel teenage girls about a variety of topics from modesty to prayers to menstruation.

"There are sensitive issues that some of them may not dare discuss even with their mothers or sisters," Moufid said. "But there's no such shame between us. I tell them, 'I am your sister. I am your friend. I am your mother.'"

Mohammed VI institute director Abdesselam Lazaar, a man, said the services of the "mourchidat" have been in high demand.

"The women here in Morocco are very keen on memorizing the Quran and learning about religion."

In the US

Half a world away in the United States, Samia Omar, who became Harvard University's first Muslim woman chaplain in 2019, said female students there similarly appreciate being able to bring questions about things like menstruation to her instead of to a man.

Omar also sees herself as saving them from being taught a version of Islam devoid of discussion of their rights.

"I'm serving and teaching these young girls and women the way I hope other women will help teach my daughters later," she said.

Omar didn't always plan to become a religious leader. But the twists and turns of her life, including an abusive marriage, a divorce and losing a daughter to cancer, led her to the calling she now practices alongside her current husband, who also serves as a Muslim chaplain.

During the divorce, some at her mosque tried to dissuade her from turning to the legal system. She ignored that pressure and ultimately won full custody of her kids, but the experience left Omar feeling that some men exploit the religion to oppress women.

That can have grave spiritual consequences, Omar said. "Many young women don't understand that we're important in Allah's eyes."

Many in the U.S. have advocated for a larger role for women in mosques, from better prayer spaces for female worshippers to more seats on governing boards and a more friendly mosque culture. Some are also calling for a more decentralized leadership model at mosques, one that includes a paid female resident scholar in addition to a male imam.

While there is hope for such advances, "things are not great for women in leadership ... in our sacred spaces," right now, said Tamara Gray of Rabata, a nonprofit working to empower Muslim women to imagine themselves as leaders, scholars and teachers.

Change takes "a lot of patience and a lot of discussion and a lot of just being able to be courageous," Gray said, adding that Islamic scholarship by women is sometimes met with distrust in Muslim communities.

To that end, she founded the Minnesota-based nonprofit, whose programs include online courses in Islamic sciences. Through virtual gatherings focused on spiritual growth and worship, Gray said, women are able to experience being in a sacred space and then "go back to their own mosque and insist, really, that their mosque make them feel valued, respected, seen."

During a recent virtual event joined by dozens of women, there were tears, laughter and ululations as the group celebrated Gray's receipt of a certificate authorizing her to teach certain sayings and traditions of the prophet.

"The words of the prophet ... they are weightier than a mountain of gold," Gray told the group.

Promoting women's spiritual leadership is crucial to keeping Muslims connected to their faith in America, in the eyes of Celene Ibrahim, a chaplain who researches gender and Islam.

"You can't carry this on your own," Ibrahim said, referring to male religious leaders. "This is a big task, and it's an all-hands-on-deck kind of task."

In the West Bank

Al-Faqeeh, the judge, said that women's long absence from judgeships in the Palestinian Islamic court owed in part to custom and to the fact that many viewed the post "as a religious position, like that of an imam."

On the contrary, she said she saw it as a judicial one that relies on the rulings of the Islamic Shariah, and argued that there are no reasons to exclude women.

There were bumps in the road, both big and small, after her appointment, as some male judges and court employees seemed less than happy about it. Opposition also came in the form of a Friday sermon that she did not attend but in which, she was told, the speaker railed against allowing women to hold the position.

But things have gone smoother since, and she often senses relief on the part of women with cases before the court who feel they can talk openly to her about sensitive personal issues. "The once-impossible dream became possible," al-Faqeeh said.

Reem Shanti, 40, who recently applied to become a judge on the religious court and considers al-Faqeeh a role model, said the appointment of women has opened up a world of possibilities for her and others.

"It provided women with an incentive," Shanti said, "and gave them a strong push."


Women's Affairs Minister Sithembiso Nyoni says Zimbabwe has a lot to celebrate where it comes to achievements by women, but stresses that more has to be done. In an interview with Sithandekile Mhlanga of VOA's Zimbabwe Service, Nyoni highlighted some of the achievements made.
Dozens are feared dead after a series of season-defying tornadoes Friday night in several U.S. states, causing a wide swath of destruction from weather conditions more common in spring.

Officials said tornadoes moved over at least five states: Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, and Tennessee.

President Joe Biden tweeted Saturday that he was briefed on the situations and said his administration is working with Governors to ensure they have what they need as the search for survivors and damage assessments continue."

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said at a news conference early Saturday that at least 50 people were likely killed in a candle factory in the town of Mayfield, where about 110 people were working, adding that he expects the toll to climb.

We believe our death toll from this event will exceed 50 Kentuckians and probably end up 70 to 100, Beshear said. Its very hard, really tough, and were praying for each and every one of those families.

The tornado in Mayfield was one of at least four that devastated a number of counties in Kentucky. Beshear said one tornado churned through about 322 kilometers of land in the state.

Storms also swept through the Kentucky city of Bowling Green, killing an off-campus Western Kentucky University student, according to the universitys president.

Beshear declared a state of emergency, activated the Kentucky National Guard and deployed the state police.

In neighboring Tennessee, three people were killed as storms hit the northwestern corner of the state, according to Tennessee Emergency Management Agency spokesman Dean Flener.



In Edwardsville, Illinois, Police Chief Mike Fillback told reporters Saturday morning that at least one person was killed when the roof of an Amazon facility was torn off and the building partially collapsed. He said a rescue operation is underway and two people at the facility were taken by helicopter to nearby hospitals.

It was not immediately clear if the damage in Edwardsville was caused by straight-line storms or a tornado, but a National Weather Service office in the neighboring state of Missouri reported radar-confirmed tornadoes in the area around the time the building was hit.

Near the Missouri towns of Defiance and New Melle, one person was killed and two others injured in building collapses, authorities said.



A tornado also hit a nursing home in Monette in northern Arkansas, killing one person and trapping 20 people inside as the building collapsed, according to Craighead County Judge Marvin Day. He said five people sustained serious injuries and a few received minor ones.

Day said first responders rescued those trapped in the building that was pretty much destroyed.

Another person was killed elsewhere in Arkansas, according to local media reports.

Scientists are warning with increasing urgency that global warming is making storms more powerful and frequent, posing even greater threats to areas where extreme weather is already common.
Zimbabweans raising funds to buy a bullet-proof vehicle for Movement for Democratic Change Alliance leader, Nelson Chamisa, have surpassed their target of US$120,000.

The initiative done on the crowd-funding platform, GoFundme, has so far generated US$122,000 with donations drawn from the United States, Britain, Canada, Australia and other countries.

The fundraising campaign organizer identified only as T. Basvi and five members of his team raised a total of US$47,785 from 1,092 donors. Other donations were made by people who visited the GoFundMe platform without help from the team.

Basvi, who posted the fundraising initiative in October after Chamisas convoy was pelted with missiles by suspected Zanu PF activists in Masvingo, was unreachable for comment Friday evening.

The initiative has set social media on fire with some people commending Basvi for raising funds to buy Chamisas vehicle while others are slamming the move as an ill-informed decision likely to be targeted by Zimbabwean authorities as a political scheme meant to revitalize the MDC Alliance.

On Twitter, Thabani Mpofu, who is Chamisas attorney, said, Its not about a car. Its about citizens who have decided to take over. Citizens who now know that they can speak with one voice. Citizens, who are ready to run someone out of town. From Citizens Convergence for Change to Citizens Action for Change. This is symbolic.

But Information Secretary, Nick Mangwana, sounded skeptical about the fundraising scheme on the same social media platform.

He posted a photo of vehicles abandoned at what looks like Customs premises with a caption which reads, This country has a history of respecting its lawyers (sic), and foreign cars that break our laws or cars that illegally find themselves on our roads face a certain fate.

Outspoken MDC Alliance vice chairperson, Job Sikhala, immediately shot back by attacking the ruling party.

He said, Hakuna vanhu vane godo in the whole world se hochi dze ZANU PF. Vaihumana kuti MDC Alliance supporters will not support our President's motor vehicle fundraising agenda After it exceeded the target by miles kwayi nyweeee nyweee political parties finance act Muri mipurwa yavanhu (There is no one in the whole world who is as jealous as Zanu PF pigs. They were gossiping that MDC Alliance supporters will not support our President's motor vehicle fundraising agenda After it exceeded the target by miles now they are talking about the Political Parties Finance Act. You are monitor lizards.)

Political parties are not allowed to receive funding from foreigners.

A person identified as Africa Conservative had this to say in the Twitter thread generated by Cde Treasure Basopo. What is significant/symbolic about fleecing 3,000 people of their money? Anway, I hope it is a comfortable ride. Some people didnt send relatives money for Christmas this year because of Chamisa's bango.

Hulu kani Bhila also blasted the fundraising initiative. He wrote on Twitter, So it's possible to galvanise people to buy you Chamisa, a car, but you cannot do the same to develop Hre and Byo where people gave u a mandate in 2018? Rubbish is Chamisa.

But Jessica Jeraldine praised Chamisas followers for raising funds for him to buy a bullet-proof vehicle. It gave us an opportunity to unite, to disintegrate barriers between us, to be Zimbabweans- it felt like home, family gathering.

A person identified only as John shared the same views. He said, Well said, our next target as citizens must be a fundraising campaign for the elections and our polling agents as citizens action for change!!

Rukudzo Kahlari also echoed Jeraldines sentiments saying, And all this paining them, now is time to up the ante and mobilise not only funds but human resources, intellect etc for change...
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Trenitalia to compete with French railway company SNCF.

Italy's Trenitalia launched a high-speed Frecciarossa train service between Milan and Paris on 18 December, offering a journey time of between six and seven hours.

The new connection will depart from Milano Centrale and arrive in Paris Gare de Lyon, passing through Turin, Lyon Part-Dieu, Chambery and Modane.

Initially there will be two daily round trips, however the service could expand, with a total of five Frecciarossa 1000s authorised to travel across the Alps.

Trenitalia will become the first foreign company to operate in the French high-speed market, entering into direct competition with the National Railway Company (SNCF).

The move comes after recent EU legislation removed barriers to a single European rail area, harmonising regulations among national passenger-rail systems.

"A legend of Made in Italy is about to arrive in France, and we are working to make what seemed like a dream come true" - the CEO of Trenitalia Luigi Corradi told French media - "The trip in Italy will be at high speed, then we will connect to the French TGV line".

Trenitalia has promoted the debut of the train "with four classes for all tastes and all comforts".

Da oggi il Frecciarossa sbarca in Francia sulla linea Parigi-Lione-Milano. Una tappa storica nellevoluzione del mercato ferroviario europeo per offrire una nuova esperienza di viaggio #madeinitaly e #sostenibile

Segui in diretta su https://t.co/8ShrX17Lrihttps://t.co/gBSul34s4J pic.twitter.com/oF5LPquNky  Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane (@fsitaliane) December 18, 2021

Photo credit: Zigres / Shutterstock.com.
Taken in isolation, this story wouldnt be a hanging offense. Johnsons No. 10 living quarters are dingy and cramped by the standards of most Western democratic leaders. The prime minister is forced to live over the shop. This week, his wife gave birth to their second child and his family needs a comfortable home. Even if a political donor helped revamp his flat, Johnson stands to make no personal profit. But if he is caught telling a lie about it to the House of Commons, the consequences could be severe.


Home prices are rising in many areas of the United States, and Hawaii may be the state that benefits most. Local governments in the Aloha State are likely to reap the biggest property tax boost, followed by those in Connecticut and Florida, from the significant growth in home prices since the onset of the pandemic, according to a Fitch Ratings index. The index factors in the portion of states total revenue made up by property taxes and the historical relationship between property taxes and house price trends.
Scientists are already scrambling to learn how well our existing vaccines will work against this new coronavirus variant. That can help predict how much benefit might come from speeding up worldwide vaccination and booster campaigns, and whether vaccine passports will protect people or give a false sense of reassurance. Reports that most omicron cases are mild are understandably reassuring for many individuals  especially those of us who arent elderly or immunocompromised and have access to booster shots. But some scientists have frowned on such optimism because of the larger picture. If this thing keeps growing exponentially and infects millions of people in a short time, health systems will collapse, even if a tinier fraction of cases are serious. Cases are rising rapidly in the U.K. and South Africa, suggesting that omicron has some advantage over delta, the currently dominant coronavirus variant. It might be that its inherently more transmissible, or that its better able to get past immunity in those whove been infected or vaccinated, or some combination of those factors. Omicrons genes are weirdly different from previous variants, appearing to be only distantly related to delta. No one is sure where it came from  possibly from growing for months in immune-compromised patients, or from leaping into an animal host and back into humans.
If fairy tales inevitably involve quests, the landscape of Once Upon a One More Time is one in which the female characters are out to find themselves. (And as shows like Into the Woods and Cinderella have revealed, musical theater has often been a vehicle for these flights of fancy.) According to Heelan  who has a 4-year-old daughter, Bennet  the show explores the content of the stories we pass on, and the effect they have on the aspirations of the listeners. This raises the question of what kinds of fairy tales we want the next generation to take as their own.
Dont Look Up might be too shaggy, and tonally spotty, to gain immediate access to that pantheon. But it comes bracingly close. As the film opens, a bored graduate student in astronomy named Kate Dibiasky (Jennifer Lawrence) is roused from her torpor by the sight of a comet on her computer screen. A few moments later, she discovers that its trajectory is headed straight toward Earth. Her adviser, Randall Mindy (Leonardo DiCaprio) confirms her suspicions. After a panicked call to NASA, Kate and Randall are on their way to Washington, where they will need to convince President Janie Orlean (Meryl Streep) that the extinction-level event due to arrive in six months might be worth her attention.
After Jim Enderle, 63, a retired Navy chief hospital corpsman from Quaker Hill, Conn., returned from deployment, he could not enjoy the holidays for years. He was hypervigilant for any signs of danger because rocket and mortar attacks were most possible during this time of year in Iraq. Even though he had made a pledge never to talk about his wartime experiences, consistent with his just get through it and pick yourself up attitude, he finally broke down and started sharing difficult feelings that showed up during holidays and other times.
Likewise, some women prefer female health-care providers. Brenda, who is Hispanic and lives in Austin, says that female doctors are more understanding and caring. Brenda, who asked to be identified by only her first name to protect her privacy, tells of a male anesthesiologist who ignored her when she told him she was feeling pain during a procedure. She compared him to her female obstetrician who responded, Your pain is whats important to me, when she asked for an epidural sooner than planned during childbirth. Today, she sees only doctors for herself and her children who are women or minorities.
Although Trump at the time was pressuring Pence to delay certifying Bidens victory, it is not clear how widely the PowerPoint was circulated or how seriously the ideas in it were considered. A lawyer for Meadows, George J. Terwilliger III, said on Friday that there was no indication that Meadows did anything with the document after receiving it by email. We produced it [to the committee] because it was not privileged, Terwilliger said. A Meadows spokesman, Ben Williamson, declined to comment. Waldron said he was not the person who sent the PowerPoint to Meadows.
Latin scholars point out that the ancient Romans themselves didnt use IV for 4; they used IIII. As Rutgers classics professor T. Corey Brennan pointed out last week, the convention to not use more than three of the same letters in a row is modern. The subtractive method  where you subtract the first, smaller number from the larger one that comes after it  came about in the Middle Ages.
It all comes down to where Putins head is and what he feels is good enough to take back to the Kremlin. There is no one on this planet other than Putin who knows the answer to that question, said Andrea Kendall-Taylor, a Russia analyst at the Center for a New American Security. So, the point is, we try. We really try to go through this diplomatic process. We put in a good-faith effort.
The real culprit, however, is the Supreme Court. Its decision in Rucho v. Common Cause in 2019, saying that gerrymandering is a political issue to be decided by state legislatures and not federal courts, was equivalent to the Supreme Court saying during the height of segregation that plaintiffs should take their grievances to state legislatures, not to the courts. When the deck is stacked against you, how can a directive to return to the same deck be considered wise or fair?
As a child, I enjoyed riflery and the occasional hunting trip, but always under the strict supervision of adults, who kept the guns under lock and key before and after I used them. I am all in favor of responsible gun ownership. But it is tragically obvious that the school shooting in Michigan, like most school shootings, could easily have been avoided with minimally sensible rules and regulations.
It is easy for Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett to consider adoption a loving option; she got the best of it: some other parents child. In coping with my grief, I have been involved with Concerned United Birthparents, the American Adoption Congress and other groups supporting people separated by adoption. Such groups exist in multiple countries precisely because adoption is so often painful for those separated. I was an adult and was not coerced into relinquishment. (My circumstances were complicated.) I have met hundreds of other birth parents who were coerced and/or brainwashed. Though this was more prevalent in the past, it still happens and will happen more frequently if Roe v. Wade is overturned.
Dole and Biden served together in the Senate for more than 20 years. For nearly half that time, Dole was leader of the Senate Republican Conference. Dole resigned from the Senate in 1996, during his third presidential bid. He also ran for the GOP nomination in 1980 and 1988, and was President Gerald Fords running mate in 1976.
Samsung's CES news conference always draws big crowds, but this year's keynote was more subdued than usual. (Chris Velazco/The Post)

This year's chaotic CES conference in Las Vegas raises valuable questions about the future of giant in-person business events.
Karl Lauterbach, a 58-year-old with Harvard degrees in public health and epidemiology, became a kind of Anthony S. Fauci equivalent as the pandemic unfolded and he was constantly in the public eye on German TV and in social media. He became known for his strict prescriptions for how Germany could protect itself from the spread of the disease.
The Gulf Arab states have long been more immediately concerned with Irans proxy wars in the region and its development of ballistic missiles that can reach their territory than with its nuclear program. Just as those issues were put aside during the discussions over the original JCPOA, the United States and its partners in the negotiations have said their first priority is to return to compliance with the deal, with hopes to turn to other concerns later.
Victorian health authorities are investigating another seven suspected cases of the Omicron variant as contact tracers probe the case of a person who tested positive for the new strain after being in the community while infectious.

Authorities are also investigating what could be the states first cases of community transmission of the Omicron strain.

Victorias Chief Health Officer, Brett Sutton. Credit:Joe Armao

Seven people are suspected of carrying the Omicron coronavirus strain in Victoria, including the household contacts of a person who has tested positive for the variant.

The Department of Health has confirmed that there are three cases of the variant in Victoria. One is a returned traveller who was previously identified with the variant while in hotel quarantine, and two positive cases who sat together in the same row on a flight from Dubai which landed on November 30.
For many rioters who stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, self-incriminating messages, photos and videos that they broadcast on social media before, during and after the insurrection are influencing even their criminal sentences.

Earlier this month, U.S. District Judge Amy Jackson read aloud some of Russell Petersons posts about the riot before she sentenced the Pennsylvania man to 30 days imprisonment. Overall I had fun lol, Peterson posted on Facebook.

The judge told Peterson that his posts made it extraordinarily difficult for her to show him leniency.

The lol particularly stuck in my craw because, as I hope youve come to understand, nothing about January 6th was funny, Jackson added. No one locked in a room, cowering under a table for hours, was laughing.

Among the biggest takeaways so far from the Justice Department's prosecution of the insurrection is how large a role social media has played, with much of the most damning evidence coming from rioters' own words and videos.

FBI agents have identified scores of rioters from public posts and records subpoenaed from social media platforms. Prosecutors use the posts to build cases. Judge now are citing defendants' words and images as factors weighing in favor of tougher sentences.

As of Friday, more than 50 people have been sentenced for federal crimes related to the insurrection. In at least 28 of those cases, prosecutors factored a defendants social media posts into their requests for stricter sentences, according to an Associated Press review of court records.

Many rioters used social media to celebrate the violence or spew hateful rhetoric. Others used it to spread misinformation, promote baseless conspiracy theories or play down their actions. Prosecutors also have accused a few defendants of trying to destroy evidence by deleting posts.

Approximately 700 people have been charged with federal crimes related to the riot. About 150 of them have pleaded guilty. More than 20 defendants have been sentenced to jail or prison terms or to time already served behind bars. Over a dozen others received home confinement sentences.

Rioters statements, in person or on social media, arent the only consideration for prosecutors or judges. Justice Department sentencing memos say defendants also should be judged by whether they engaged in any violence or damaged property, whether they destroyed evidence, how long they spent inside the Capitol, where they went inside the building and whether they have shown sincere remorse.

Prosecutors recommended probation for Indiana hair salon owner Dona Sue Bissey, but Judge Tanya Chutkan sentenced her to two weeks in jail for her participation in the riot. The judge noted that Bisssey posted a screenshot of a Twitter post that read, This is the First time the U.S. Capitol had been breached since it was attacked by the British in 1814.

When Ms. Bissey got home, she was not struck with remorse or regret for what she had done, Chutkan said. She is celebrating and bragging about her participation in what amounted to an attempted overthrow of the government.

FBI agents obtained a search warrant for Andrew Ryan Bennett's Facebook account after getting a tip that the Maryland man live-streamed video from inside the Capitol. Two days before the riot, Bennett posted a Facebook message that said, You better be ready chaos is coming and I will be in DC on 1/6/2021 fighting for my freedom!.

Judge James Boasberg singled out that post as an aggravating factor weighing in favor of house arrest instead of a fully probationary sentence.

The cornerstone of our democratic republic is the peaceful transfer of power after elections, the judge told Bennett. What you and others did on January 6th was nothing less than an attempt to undermine that system of government.

Senior Judge Reggie Walton noted that Lori Ann Vinson publicly expressed pride in her actions at the Capitol during television news interviews and on Facebook.

I understand that sometimes emotions get in the way and people do and say stupid things, because it was ridiculous what was said. But does that justify me giving a prison sentence or a jail sentence? Thats a hard question for me to ask, Walton said.

Prosecutors asked for a one-month jail sentence for Vinson, but the judge sentenced the Kentucky nurse to five years of probation and ordered her to pay a $5,000 fine and perform 120 hours of community service.

In the case of Felipe Marquez, the judge found social media posts belied serious mental health issues that needed treatment rather than incarceration. Marquez recorded cellphone videos of himself with other rioters inside the office of Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore. Back at home in Florida, Marquez posted a YouTube video in which he rapped about his riot experience to the tune of Shaggys It Wasnt Me. with lyrics that included, We even fist-bumped police, and We were taking selfies.

In the video, Marquez wore a T-shirt that said, Property of FBI.

Prosecutors had recommended a four-month jail sentence, but U.S. District Judge Rudolph Contreras sentenced him instead to three months of home confinement with mental-health treatment, followed by probation. I do think you have some serious issues you need to address. That played a large role in my sentencing decision," he said.

Judge Jackson gave Andrew Wrigley a history lesson before she sentenced the Pennsylvania man to 18 months of probation. Wrigley posted a photo on social media of him holding a 1776 flag during the riot. The judge said the gesture didnt honor the nations founders.

The point of 1776 was to let the people decide who would rule them. But the point of the attack on the Capitol was to stop that from happening," Jackson said. "The point of the attack on the Capitol was to subvert democracy, to substitute the will of the people with the will of the mob.

Videos captured New Jersey gym owner Scott Fairlamb punching a police officer outside the Capitol. His Facebook and Instagram posts showed he was prepared to commit violence in Washington, D.C., and had no remorse for his actions, prosecutors said.

Senior Judge Royce Lamberth said other rioters in Fairlamb's position would be well advised to join him in pleading guilty.

You couldnt have beat this if you went to trial on the evidence that I saw, Lamberth said before sentencing Fairlamb to 41 months in prison.

But it worked to the advantage of one. Virginia charter boat captain Jacob Hiles likely avoided a stricter sentence by posting videos and photos of him and his cousin at the Capitol. A day after the riot, Hiles received a private Facebook message from a Capitol police officer who said he agreed with Hiles political stance and encouraged him to delete his incriminating posts, according to prosecutors.

The officer, Michael Angelo Riley, deleted his communications with Hiles, but investigators recovered the messages from Hiles Facebook account, prosecutors said. Riley was indicted in October on obstruction charges.

On Monday, Jackson sentenced Hiles to two years of probation. Prosecutors said the case against Riley may have been impossible without Hiles' cooperation.

__

Associated Press writer Lindsay Whitehurst in Salt Lake City contributed to this report.
Plainfield Police / Contributed

PLAINFIELD  One person was hospitalized Friday morning after being extricated from a pickup truck that struck a tractor-trailer, police said.

At about 6 a.m., police, fire units and medics responded to the intersection of Norwich Road and Butts Bridge Road for a crash involving a truck and a tractor-trailer.
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Extended Term Consultant, Yerevan, Armenia

Organization: The World Bank

Country: Armenia

City: Yerevan

Office: The World Bank in Yerevan, Armenia

Closing date: Wednesday, 22 December 2021

E T Consultant

Job #: req14176

Organization: World Bank

Sector: Environment

Grade: EC2

Term Duration: 1 year 0 months

Recruitment Type: Local Recruitment

Location: Yerevan,Armenia

Required Language(s): English, Armenian

Preferred Language(s): Russian

Closing Date: 12/22/2021 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

Description

Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? The World Bank Group is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries; a unique global partnership of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity. With 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, we work with public and private sector partners, investing in groundbreaking projects and using data, research, and technology to develop solutions to the most urgent global challenges. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org.

The Europe and Central Asia (ECA) Region

The Europe and Central Asia (ECA) region comprises 30 extremely diverse countries, with a population of nearly 500 million people. Although ten of our clients have joined the EU and seven of these have graduated, most continue to remain active recipients of knowledge and/or lending services. Furthermore, in the midst of a crisis like the pandemic that we are experiencing now, some of the advanced countries re-engage with the Bank for additional support, including financial. ECA has a strong lending pipeline as well as a large and growing portfolio of Reimbursable Advisory Services. Knowledge is critical to the Banks value proposition to client countries in the ECA region in both lending and advisory services.

A predominantly middle- and high-income region, ECA continues to be at the forefront in confronting the numerous development challenges that countries face in the evolving global economy. The region is at the vanguard of building regional connectivity while having to manage the changing structure of the labor market. At the same time, digital technologies are changing the nature of work, populations are aging, and large migration flows have generated social tensions that have contributed to increased political polarization. These emerging trends threaten to reverse the regions achievements in regional integration, poverty reduction and shared prosperity.

The ECA region is also vulnerable to climate change. It has a large potential to strengthen climate resilience and reduce its contribution to GHG emissions. Other important challenges affecting parts of the region include frozen conflicts and domestic political instability.

In February 2020, the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak interrupted the incipient recovery and the impact on growth remains highly uncertain and in a downside scenario of prolonged shutdowns, output in ECA could contract by nearly 8 percent in 2020. The pandemic also poses medium-term risks, particularly if global value chain linkages are lost or if extended school closures have a significant impact on learning, dropout rates, and human capital development. The near- and medium-term impacts of the COVID-19 crisis serve to re-emphasize the critical importance of ECAs medium-term strategic agenda on raising productivity and boosting resilience, while pursuing "green transition" that addresses environmental and climate risks.

The Europe and Central Asia (ECA) Region: https://www.worldbank.org/en/region/eca

The Sustainable Development Practice Group

The Sustainable Development (SD) Practice Group (PG) helps countries tackle their most complex challenges in the areas of Agriculture and Food, Climate Change, Environment, Natural Resources & Blue Economy, Environmental and Social Framework, Urban, Disaster Risk Management, Resilience & Land, Social Sustainability and Inclusion, and Water. Environment Natural Resources & Blue Economy (ENB) Global Practice

The sustainable management of the environment and natural resources is vital for economic growth and human wellbeing. When managed well, renewable natural resources, watersheds, productive landscapes and seascapes can provide the foundation for sustained inclusive growth, food security and poverty reduction. For more information: https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/environment

The Country Management Unit (CMU) for South Caucasus

The South Caucasus CMU maintains and fosters all operational relationships with Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. The Regional Director oversees the program for the three countries from the Tbilisi office, with offices in Baku and Yerevan headed by Country Managers.

The Yerevan Country Office in Armenia

Armenia is a middle-income country whose economy expanded rapidly between 2017 and 2019, with an annual GDP growth rate averaging 6.8 percent. However, following the twin shocks of the pandemic and the military confrontation with Azerbaijan in 2020, GDP fell by 7.4 percent, one of the sharpest contractions in the region, and poverty rates rose sharply, especially in urban areas. Emergency spending packages and limited tax breaks provided as part of the fiscal response to the pandemic, coupled with declining revenues, increased public debt to 67 percent of GDP in 2020. However, the debt composition remains favorable. The current-account deficit narrowed in 2020, while increased borrowing kept reserves adequate.

The country partnership framework (CPF) for FY19-FY23 outlines a program of support to the Government of Armenias vision for a just, inclusive, and citizen-centric Armenia. The World Bank Group (WBG) strategy is to capitalize on the new momentum for deeper reforms and commitment to good governance brought about by recent political changes in Armenia to support a rebalancing of the economy toward a new growth model. The CPF presents to focus on: (i) boosting export enablers and firm competitiveness; (ii) enhancing human capital and equity; and (iii) sustainably managing environmental and natural resources. The third focus area of CPF responds to Armenias stated goal of protecting the environment, improving the management and governance of natural resources, and managing environmental and climatic risks. Forward-looking management of environmental and natural resourcesincluding forests, pasture lands, watersheds, and mineral resourcesprovides the foundation for sustained inclusive growth through improved performance and citizen engagement in sectors such as agriculture, mining, tourism, and forestry, as well as providing a buffer against climate change and extreme weather events. To enhance environmental and climate-change resilience, the World Bank will focus on strengthening government capacity to deliver critical and timely weather and climate services, and improving preparedness against natural disasters at the national, subnational, and local levels. The Armenia County Office consists of 30 IBRD and 7 IFC staff. It is led by a Country Manager overseeing the World Bank program in Armenia.

Duties and Accountabilities

SCAEN, the ENB unit of SD PG in ECA, seeks to recruit an Environmental Specialist on an Extended Term Consultant (ETC) contract in the Yerevan Country Office. The Specialist will join a team of about 40 environmental professionals located in Washington DC and various ECA countries and will report to units Practice Manager (currently located in Washington DC). The Specialist will support the ENB program in Armenia, under the guidance of senior environment specialists from the unit. The Specialist will be an integral part of the Yerevan country office.

The list of responsibilities below is indicative. Specific assignments will be decided in dialogue with the Practice Manager and based on ENB portfolio and priority needs.

As part of environmental impact and risk management of the World Bank portfolio, the Specialist will provide operational and technical support for the World Bank financed projects, under the respective World Bank safeguards operational policies (OPs) and the Environmental and Social Framework (ESF), working closely with and under guidance of assigned senior specialists: Provide guidance and technical support for screening Bank projects for environmental impacts and vulnerabilities and identify impact and risk management opportunities/strategies;

Guide the project implementing agencies in preparing the necessary ESF instruments and Environmental Assessment (EA) documents and review them for quality assurance; maintain regular dialogue and assist with enhancing implementing agency capacity to comply with World Bank environmental policies;

Monitor compliance of project-financed activities with environmental safeguards or ESF by participating in project technical discussions and field visits, reviewing project reports and recommending adequate measures;

Seek and develop opportunities to integrate sound environmental management and climate considerations in various lending operations that contribute to enhancing project outcomes;

Contribute to disseminating lessons learned and best practices from applying ESF in specific World Bank projects, as well as actively learn from relevant regional and global experience.

As part of advancing operations and analytical work, the Environmental Specialist will undertake some of the following: Engage in policy dialogue with the government and other stakeholders in the thematic areas that could include some of the following: forestry, biodiversity conservation and natural resource management, climate resilience, pollution management and circular economy, and green growth.

Contribute to the development and implementation of lending operations, technical assistance, or/and analytical work which would require knowledge of the abovementioned thematic areas.

Advise on the development and implementation of policies and regulations that are relevant for advancing countrys climate and environmental agendas.

Keep abreast of cutting-edge knowledge in the areas of technical expertise, including by participating in the respective Communities of Practice at the World Bank to learn from relevant global experience and share lessons from own work.

As a staff member of the SCAEN,

ECA Sustainable Development and the Yerevan Country Office, the Environment Specialist will: Facilitate and maintain effective communication with relevant stakeholders in Armenia inside and outside the World Bank, including government officials, NGOs, academia, civil society, the private sector, as well as specialized international organizations;

Contribute to activities and initiatives of the Yerevan office, as needed, raising the profile of the environmental sustainability and climate change agendas within the office and the country.

Selection Criteria

Advanced degree (Masters or Ph.D) in environmental or natural science/management, engineering, economics, or other relevant disciplines;

A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience as an environmental professional in the fields of: environmental policy, environmental risk management, natural resource management, climate change, including both sector-wide policy review and project-specific experience.

Good analytical skills with ability to analyze and synthesize diverse qualitative and quantitative environmentally related data and information;

Ability to work well with a range of stakeholders, including project-affected parties, government officials, non-governmental organizations / civil society, and development partners; c1BbcgV Dh7qKS

A good team player who works well as a member of multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams, motivate others and network effectively across boundaries;

Familiarity with EU policies and directives related to environment and climate change is a plus

Knowledge of international good practice for management of environmental risks, including World Bank ESF/Safeguards policies and instruments, and/or IFCs Performance Standards /MIGA Environmental and Social policies, or similar standards, would be an advantage;

Ability to communicate ideas clearly and confidently, articulate issues and recommend solutions;

Excellent verbal and written skills in English and Armenian are essential; Russian would be an advantage.

Ability and willingness to travel frequently within and outside Armenia is required (subject to COVID-19 related restrictions).

World Bank Group Core Competencies

We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.

Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.

Note: The selected candidate will be offered a one-year appointment, renewable for an additional one year, at the discretion of the World Bank Group, and subject to a lifetime maximum ET Appointment of two years. If an ET appointment ends before a full year, it is considered as a full year toward the lifetime maximum. Former and current ET staff who have completed all or any portion of their second-year ET appointment are not eligible for future ET appointments.

Link to the organizations job offer: https://unjobs.org/vacancies/1638982957277
Procurement Assistant, Tehran, Iran

Organization: World Health Organization (WHO)

Country: Iran

City: Tehran

Office: WHO Country Office in Islamic Republic of Iran

Grade: G-6

Closing date: Wednesday, 22 December 2021

Procurement Assistant

( 2106625 )

Grade : G6

Contractual Arrangement : Temporary appointment under Staff Rule 420.4

Contract Duration (Years, Months, Days) : 1 year (subject to availability of funds, satisfactory performance and continuing need for the position)

Job Posting: Dec 8, 2021, 1:46:08 PM

To ensure that effective WHO country presence is established to implement WHO GPW13 in the context of biennial plans agreed on with the Ministry of Health and Medical Education of Iran and harmonized with the United Nations country team.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The incumbent will perform the following duties: Prepare and update procurement plans of the Country Office in coordination with technical and emergency units, with a particular focus on large-scale health commodity procurements. Identify the proper procurement method and potential suppliers in health sector, issue offer solicitations, communicate and negotiate with suppliers when needed. Evaluate and analyze the received offers and recommend the awarded suppliers. Ensure that the prices are reasonable and that the technical/admin clearances are obtained. Prepare the adjudication reports with recommendations for review and approval. Create and process requisitions for both catalogue and non-catalogue items in an efficient manner, monitor status of procurements and ensure timely process of requests and delivery of goods and services. Initiate purchase order amendments when required, provide justification and upload supporting documents in ECM. Ensure adherence to the standard WHO guidelines on procurement, accuracy of information, completion of required supporting documents and check availability of funds. Prepare requests for price estimates for non-catalogue items, obtain estimated costs from the Regional Logistics and Supply Unit or HQ, and implement related procurement decisions taken by technical units and supervisor. Provide technical units and country office with the estimate cost of needed supplies/services to estimate their budgets Arrange for the meetings of the Country Procurement Committee by identifying with partners suitable dates, compiling and disseminating necessary background documents related to the cases to be presented. Maintain and update the suppliers database including completion of the supplier evaluation forms for all suppliers contracted by WHO Iran office. Generate procurement reports and briefings on the status of all transactions for the review of the supervisor. Initiate correspondence to verify data, answer queries, alert supervisor/technical units of any gaps in the transactions, and recommend solutions. Coordinate Logistical arrangements for transporting and entering goods into Iran. Execute customs clearance administrative and logistical arrangements for importing good and releasing them to be handed over to the requestor. Support the logistic work arrangements and organization of conferences, seminars, meetings and other events implemented.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Completion of secondary education, supplemented by training in procurement/logistics/supply chain management

Desirable: University degree in business administration, procurement/logistics/supply chain management, social sciences or a related field is an asset.

Experience

Essential: At least 8 years of relevant experience (processing, transactions, service center or other business) of which at least 2 years exposure to procurement / shipping activities.

Desirable: Relevant experience in the UN system, experiencein large scale of procurement in health sector

Skills

Ability to work independently, manage and prioritize in difficult and complex situations and especially under pressure.Proven knowledge of procurement regulations and proceduresProven problem solving and analytical capacity and strong attention to detail. Demonstrated ability to document and communicate, in both verbal and written form, to various levels in the organization including senior managementDemonstrated negotiation skills.Very good organizational skills, ability to meet deadlines.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork

Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences

Communication

Knowing and managing yourself

Moving forward in a changing environment

http://www.who.int/employment/WHO_competencies_EN.pdf?ua=1

Use of Language Skills

Essential: of English.

Desirable: REMUNERATION

WHO offers staff in the General Services category an attractive remuneration package, which for the above position includes an annual net base salary starting at USD 26,638 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable) and 30 days of annual leave.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level

Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

A written test may be used as a form of screening.

In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.

Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual. c1BmWCR Dh7qKS

Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.

For information on WHOs operations please visit: http://www.who.int.

WHO is committed to workforce diversity.

WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.

WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.

WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

This post is subject to local recruitment and will be filled by persons recruited in the local commuting area of the duty station.

Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to apply on-line. For assessment of your application, please ensure that your profile on Stellis is updated; all experience records are entered with elaboration on tasks performed at the time. Kindly note that CV/PHFs inserted via LinkedIn are not accessible.

Link to the organizations job offer: https://unjobs.org/vacancies/1638985553957
On any given day in any Sikh temple in the world you will find rows of people sitting together on a floor, eating a vegetarian meal prepared by a raft of volunteers.

On any given day in any Sikh temple in the world you will find rows of people sitting together on a floor, eating a vegetarian meal prepared by a raft of volunteers.

This is langar, an act of service undertaken by the global Sikh community to feed  for free  anyone who is hungry.

And it doesnt matter if you are not a believer; you are still very welcome.

In the community kitchen of Gurdwara Singh Sahab a place of Sikh assembly and worship on Sturgeon Road in Winnipeg  a five-course meal is prepared by a host of Sikh devotees for the weekly Sunday langar.

"In Sikhism, langar is considered selfless service to the community for everyone and anyone who is in need," says Balwinder Kaur Dhillon, who has been worshipping at the gurdwara since 1977.

PRABHJOT SINGH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Bikram Singh prays with a Kirpan (sacred dagger), which will then be swiped across the food.

"We dont care about religious differences. There is no discrimination between rich and poor; it doesnt matter if you are a king or a servant," he said.

"We sit on the same floor, cross-legged in the same line, and we all eat together."

It takes organization and effort to prepare this mass meal. Every element of the langar comes from donations and volunteers, from the funds to buy the ingredients to the time spent cooking.

PRABHJOT SINGH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS A volunteer prepares a dish that requires nine kilograms each of potatoes and carrots and takes about an hour to prepare.

"The food changes depending on who is cooking that week or who is hosting," Dhillon says.

"People contribute whatever they can. They buy groceries for the weekly meal or they can give donations to the gurdwara and we can purchase the food.

"Sometimes, like today, the meal can be hosted by a single person and they contribute towards the ingredients as well as the labour."

PRABHJOT SINGH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Satvir Kaur finishes cutting the dessert called besan barfi.

On this Sunday, the host, Besant Kaur, made a donation in honour of her grandchilds birthday.

But even when there is no one hosting there is always something to eat.

"People are always donating food, which we keep in our storage room," Dhillon says. "We always have flour, lentils, vegetables; there is never a day when there is no food in the gurdwara."

PRABHJOT SINGH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS A volunteer waits to serve the devotees at langar in the community kitchen of Gurdwara Singh Sahab on Sturgeon Road.

Preparations for langar can sometimes start the day before. On the day of the service volunteers start cooking early, before the first prayers of the day commence.

The kitchen is a hive of activity.

Virpal Kaur, who has been volunteering for more than a decade, tips out a heavy bag of rice to make sweet dessert.

PRABHJOT SINGH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Volunteers prepare the roti, which use 40 kilograms of flour and can feed up to 100 devotees a day.

Across the way another volunteer, Harjit Kaur, carefully grips a long ladle to stir nine kilograms of vegetables simmering in a giant vat.

Satvir Kaur portions slices of besan barfi, a fudge-like dessert made from chickpea flour and served before the langar for whoever wants to have some.

That, with a cup of chai (Punjabi spiced tea), is a sweetener before the meal proper.

PRABHJOT SINGH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Beant Kaur holds her grandson, Har Rubab Singh. His family volunteered to arrange and serve langar at the gurdwara in honour of his birthday.

Beneath the sound of steam hissing from large pots and the crackle of roti as they are slapped down a hot griddle, there is a low deep hum.

The volunteers are chanting.

"Satnam Waheguru," they repeat in rhythm, praising god as they continue preparing the meal comprising five dishes: aloo gajar sabzi (potatoes and carrots with cumin); daal (spiced lentils), dahi (homemade soured cream with shredded raw vegetables); roti (a flatbread made with whole-wheat flour); and meethe chawal (sweet yellow rice).

PRABHJOT SINGH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Women chat while waiting for food to be served at Gurdwara Singh Sahab Sunday langar.

The prayer is interspersed with chatter as they catch up on their lives, socializing with each other while they tend to the dishes on the stove.

In the communal hall there is a clatter of stainless steel plates and cutlery, signalling that it is nearly time for lunch.

In pre-pandemic days people would already be seated on the floor waiting to be served, but times have changed and the protocols of langar have had to evolve.

PRABHJOT SINGH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Food at langar is first offered to the Guru Granth Sahib for blessing; a small portion of everything is put into one plate.

Now, everyone lines up in front of the trays of steaming food, patiently awaiting their turn as servers dish up daal, vegetables and rice onto gleaming plates.

But before anyone can tuck in, a portion will be taken to the prayer hall to be offered to the Guru Grant Sahib, the religious scripture of Sikhism.

The food is prayed over by a volunteer, Bikram Singh, who swipes a Kirpan  the Sikh holy dagger  across it.

PRABHJOT SINGH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Virpal Kaur Brar pours rice into measuring jug to prepare sweet flavoured rice. She has been volunteering for more than a decade and prepares food at the community kitchen every week.

The practice of langar was established in Punjab in the late 15th century.

The three pillars of Sikhism are Kirat Karni (honest living), Naam Japna (focus on god) and Vand Chakna (sharing with others). Langar falls firmly into the third camp.

"There is no discrimination when you take langar. This is the way Guru Nanak (the founder of Sikhism) wanted it," explains Balwinder Singh Gill, who is with his daughter Simran, a second-generation Canadian.

PRABHJOT SINGH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS At langar, food is served to devotees while they sit on the floor in a line, signifying the importance of equality.

"I have been coming here since I was four," Simran Gill says. "To me, langar upholds the principles of equality; we are all the same regardless of caste, gender or religion."

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The act of langar is not just confined to the temple.

"Sikh organizations such as Khalsa Aid have been helping others with langar throughout the pandemic, and also during the recent floods in B.C.," Simran says.

"Gurdwaras in Winnipeg banded together during this pandemic to donate money and grocery supplies for families who needed it," Dhillon added.

"This is called sewa. There are three sewas you can do: tan, man and dhan. All of them are to serve others (with) no hidden motive. You do not expect anything in return.

"I believe humanity is a shadow of god. And what we do is a selfless love."

fpcity@freepress.mb.ca
OTTAWA - Justice Minister David Lametti said a new law to single out health care workers for special protection from intimidation and threats at work is a response to a need identified by the workers themselves.

Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada David Lametti speaks during a news conference in Ottawa, Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021. Lametti says a new law to single out health care workers for special protection from intimidation and threats at work is a response to a need identified by the workers themselves. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

OTTAWA - Justice Minister David Lametti said a new law to single out health care workers for special protection from intimidation and threats at work is a response to a need identified by the workers themselves.

But at a Senate committee reviewing Bill C-3 Friday, senators peppered Lametti with questions about why the law is needed given the Criminal Code already addresses harassment, intimidation and threats.

The bill has two parts: one that introduces paid sick leave for federally regulated workers, and another that amends the Criminal Code with two new offences for intimidating or obstructing health care workers and patients from giving or receiving health care services.

The legislation also adds that any offence against a health care worker providing services, or a patient seeking services, should be used as an aggravating factor during sentencing.

The bill fulfils a Liberal election promise to bring in a new law to tackle the rising harassment of health care workers that has emerged during the pandemic. The idea arose after anti-vaccine and anti-lockdown advocates blocked workers and patients from entering or exiting hospitals, and in some circumstances prevented ambulances from reaching emergency rooms.

Sen. Vern White, a former Ottawa police chief, said it is already illegal to intimidate or threaten people. He said that's why during the hospital protests in September Toronto police could warn that anybody blocking access to the hospitals would be arrested.

"So I'm just trying to get my head around really why we didn't just look at the offences that were available and increase the penalties to 10 years," he asked.

White later told The Canadian Press in an interview that he does not think the bill is needed.

"I think it might be important to have from a sending a message to the public perspective," he said. "But the reality is we're not fully utilizing the legislation we have available to us now."

Lametti told the Senate Friday that is exactly why the bill is necessary. He said health care workers raised the limitations of existing laws in 2019, when the House of Commons health committee studied the issue of violence facing health care workers across Canada.

"We'd also been told on a number of different occasions, and in particular, in that House of Commons committee report in 2019, that those provisions were insufficient, and that, for whatever reason, police and prosecutors weren't using them."

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The report from that study didn't recommend new criminal offences, but did want the Criminal Code to add offences against health care workers as an aggravating circumstance for sentencing, which the bill does.

Lametti said the legislation is also in keeping with providing "super protection" under the Criminal Code for judges, lawyers and jury members.

White said if that is the case then the legislation should go even further to also given special protection to health care workers even when they're not at work, and to other health officials, such as public health officers, several of whom reported receiving violent and hateful letters and emails during the pandemic.

As most provinces invoked various types of vaccine mandates In September, many doctors, nurses and other hospital workers reported feeling scared to go to work as mobs of angry people amassed outside, often shouting obscenities and carrying hateful signs.

Senators and Lametti debated on Friday how the bill would allow police and prosecutors to distinguish between the legal right to protest and what constitutes intimidation or harassment.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 10, 2021.
SEATTLE (AP)  Two artists are facing federal charges that they faked Native American heritage to sell works at downtown Seattle galleries.

A person browses offerings in the Raven's Nest Treasure shop in Pike Place Market, Friday, Dec. 10, 2021, in Seattle. Two artists are facing federal charges that they faked Native American heritage to sell works the shop and another gallery in downtown Seattle. The men were charged separately with violating the Indian Arts and Crafts Act, which prohibits misrepresentation in marketing American Indian or Alaska Native arts and crafts. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

SEATTLE (AP)  Two artists are facing federal charges that they faked Native American heritage to sell works at downtown Seattle galleries.

Lewis Anthony Rath, 52, of Maple Falls, and Jerry Chris Van Dyke, 67, also known as Jerry Witten, of Seattle, have been charged separately with violating the Indian Arts and Crafts Act, which prohibits misrepresentation in marketing American Indian or Alaska Native arts and crafts.

The U.S. Attorneys Office said Rath falsely claimed to be a member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, and Van Dyke falsely claimed membership in the Nez Perce Tribe. The goods included masks, totem poles and pendants sold in 2019 at Ravens Nest Treasure in Pike Place Market and at Ye Olde Curiosity Shop on the waterfront.

By flooding the market with counterfeit Native American art and craftwork, these crimes cheat the consumer, undermine the economic livelihood of Native American artists, and impair Indian culture," Edward Grace, assistant director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement, said in a news release.

Rath and Van Dyke were due to appear in U.S. District Court on Friday afternoon. Their attorneys, federal public defenders Gregory Geist and Vanessa Pai-Thompson, said in an email Friday they did not have any immediate comment on the charges.

Authorities said the investigation began when the Indian Arts and Crafts Board, an Interior Department agency that promotes Native art, received complaints that the two were fraudulently holding themselves out as enrolled tribal members.

Rath is charged with four counts of misrepresentation of Indian-produced goods, which is punishable by up to five years in prison. Van Dyke faces two counts of the same crime.

Rath also faces one misdemeanor count of unlawfully possessing golden eagle parts, and one of unlawfully possessing migratory bird parts.

According to charging documents, an employee of Ye Olde Curiosity Shop, which has been in business for more than a century, told investigators that she wrote an artist biography of Rath based on information he provided about his tribal affiliation.

Matthew Steinbrueck, the owner of Raven's Nest Treasure, told investigators that the artists told him they were tribal members and that he believed them, according to the documents. He said he did not knowingly sell counterfeit Indian products.

I've been doing this on good faith for many years  for more than 30 years, Steinbrueck told The Associated Press on Friday. Our whole mission is to represent authentic Native art. We've had more than 100 authentic Native artists. I've always just taken their word for it.

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He said his family had a long appreciation for American Indian culture, dating to when his great-grandfather adopted a tribal member. Steinbrueck's father, Victor Steinbrueck, an architect credited with helping preserve Pike Place Market and Seattle's historic Pioneer Square neighborhood, brought him up to revere Native culture, he said.

Van Dyke told investigators that it was Steinbrueck's idea to represent his work as Native American.

Steinbrueck denied that, saying Van Dyke appeared to be trying to lessen his own culpability. He called Van Dyke a fabulous carver who made art in the style of his wife's Alaska Native tribe, including pendants carved from fossilized mammoth or walrus ivory.

Neither Ye Olde Curiosity Shop nor Raven's Nest has been charged in the case.

Gabriel Galanda, an Indigenous rights attorney in Seattle who belongs to the Round Valley Tribes of Northern California, said that if shops offer products as Native-produced, they should be verifying the heritage of the creators, such as by examining tribal enrollment cards or federal certificates of Indian blood.

There has to be some diligence done by these galleries, Galanda said.
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP)  More than 400 towns and villages across New York have opted to block local marijuana dispensaries and consumption lounges as a statewide deadline to do so nears, with many officials deciding to stay out of the upcoming market until regulators provide more clarity.

FILE - The THC percentages of recreational marijuana are visible on the product packaging sitting on a countertop, Monday, April 19, 2021, in Mamaroneck, N.Y. More than 400 towns and villages across New York have opted to keep out local marijuana dispensaries as a statewide deadline nears, with many officials awaiting more clarity from regulators before committing to the coming legal market. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson, File)

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP)  More than 400 towns and villages across New York have opted to block local marijuana dispensaries and consumption lounges as a statewide deadline to do so nears, with many officials deciding to stay out of the upcoming market until regulators provide more clarity.

The law that legalized recreational marijuana in New York this year gives municipalities until Dec. 31 to opt out of hosting dispensaries or on-site consumption lounges once retail sales start in a year or so. Localities cannot ban legalized possession.

With three weeks left to act, more than a quarter of the New Yorks towns and 31% of its villages had voted to become the cannabis equivalent of dry towns when it comes to dispensaries  at least initially. Numbers were slightly higher for consumption sites. Relatively few cities have officially opted out, and none of the state's largest ones, according to an online tracker maintained by the Rockefeller Institute of Government.

Passage of the legalization law in March prompted local debates around the state, with residents touting the lifestyle and economic benefits of dispensaries facing off against people opposed to pot sales in their hometowns.

We are concerned that dispensaries in our neighborhoods will normalize the use of marijuana even further than it already is, said Anita Seefried-Brown of the Watertown-based Alliance for Better Communities, which is focused on reducing underage substance abuse.

Watertown, a city of 25,000 in northern New York, opted out after hearing from Seefried-Brown and other residents this summer.

FILE - Michael Keren smokes a marijuana cigarette during a "Joints for Jabs" event, Tuesday, April 20, 2021, in New York. More than 400 towns and villages across New York have opted to keep out local marijuana dispensaries as a statewide deadline nears, with many officials awaiting more clarity from regulators before committing to the coming legal market. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File)

Many local officials who voted to opt out said they were leery about green-lighting sales before the state Office of Cannabis Management provided more information about the market. Town boards like the one in Chautauqua in rural western New York opted out with the knowledge they could reconsider later when more details are in hand.

The fact that they havent really published any rules or laws on it yet, it made us kind of nervous that, you know, what are we opting into? We dont know yet, said Chautauqua Supervisor Donald Emhardt.

The Office of Cannabis Management will compile the opt-out information so license applicants know which localities are off-limits.

Given the time needed to adopt regulations and grant licenses, dispensaries could open by the end of 2022, said Jeffrey Schultz, an attorney who represents cannabis interests. He said operations could open a bit earlier depending on how the state issues licenses.

As of Friday, 252 towns and 164 villages opted out of retail dispensaries. Municipalities typically opted out of both dispensaries and consumption sites. Though the numbers for consumption sites were higher: 279 towns and 179 villages, according to the Rockefeller Institute of Government.

"Theres no surprise that theyve acted ahead of the deadline, and we expect some will chose to fully join the marketplace as we build a new, safe, regulated cannabis industry that protects public health and creates opportunity, said Freeman Klopott, a spokesperson for the office.

Dispensary oppositions tended to break along generational lines in many places. In the Town of Goshen north of New York City, older people tended to support a ban with younger people saying local sales should be allowed, said Superintendent Douglas Bloomfield.

And passions ran high around the state.

I didnt see a whole lot of middle of the road people, said Al Stauber, mayor of the Village of McGraw in central New York.

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With interest so intense, the village board put the issue up to a vote last month. Residents who wanted local sales won by a single vote: 77-76.

And if somebody would like to, perhaps, open a dispensary on our Main Street, which has a number of storefronts that are vacant and where everybodys hurting for business, that could possibly be another revenue stream, Stauber said.

New Yorks marijuana market is shaping up to mirror other states where dispensaries cant operate in every town and city.

In California, 70% of cities ban retail cannabis businesses, according to Hirsh Jain of Ananda Strategy. And in neighboring New Jersey, which also is moving toward a legal retail market, about 70% of the municipalities entirely opted out of allowing different types of cannabis establishments, said Mike Cerra, executive director of the New Jersey State League of Municipalities.

But similar to New York, some towns that opted out before New Jersey's Aug. 21 deadline might have taken a wait-and-see approach before regulations were issued.

It appears that some of the towns that have opted out are now in the process of reconsidering, Cerra said.
Canada is facing alcohol shortages ahead of the holidays due to supply chain issues, a situation prompting some provincial liquor authorities to urge customers to shop early  or be prepared to try a new libation.

Signage reflecting a product shortage is displayed at the Nova Scotia Liquor Corp. in Halifax on Friday, Dec. 10, 2021. The country is facing alcohol shortages ahead of the holidays due to supply chain issues related to transportation problems, production issues and pandemic-related labour shortages. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan

Canada is facing alcohol shortages ahead of the holidays due to supply chain issues, a situation prompting some provincial liquor authorities to urge customers to shop early  or be prepared to try a new libation.

Supply chain experts say the inventory crunch stems from issues with production, transportation and demand.

Yet with much of the backlog impacting imported booze, Canadian wineries, distilleries and breweries are encouraging people to buy local.

"Our larders are full," said Carolyn Hurst, chair of the Ontario Craft Wineries and co-owner of Westcott Vineyards. "Every winery in Ontario has lots of product and we're shipping every day. We have no problem getting our product to store shelves."

It's a different story for imported alcohol.

While some types of booze are fully stocked, others varieties are running low or out of stock altogether.

Part of the problem is production. Adverse weather events like fires and droughts have impacted crops in some wine-producing regions.

Labour shortages have also curtailed production of alcohol, especially varieties that are more reliant on manual work.

Production has also been hamstrung by shortages of packaging materials like bottles, screw caps and cans.

"Evolving consumer demand, the availability of raw materials such as glass and aluminum and challenging growing conditions in some areas of the world such as France and New Zealand have impacted some vendors production schedules," Nick Nanos, chief supply chain officer for the Liquor Control Board of Ontario, said in a recent statement.

"We encourage customers to shop early this year for the best selection of gifts and holiday favourites, be flexible about choice, and take the opportunity to try something new."

Meanwhile, transportation problems are also impacting booze availability.

A global container shortage, congestion in ports and blank sailings  when a cargo vessel skips or cancels a port of call  have all contributed to inventory backlogs.

"Supply dropped off because of production issues and then there was a huge scarcity of transportation infrastructure," said Saibal Ray, a supply chain management expert and professor in the Bensadoun School of Retail Management at McGill University.

"Wine shipments are even more problematic because they require temperature-controlled containers."

Even once imported liquor arrives in Canada, flooding in British Columbia has curbed road shipping along major trade routes, with Australian and New Zealand wines particularly impacted.

Meanwhile, a pandemic-fuelled rise in demand has only worsened the industry's transportation and production challenges.

Research published last month in the medical journal JAMA Network Open said sales of alcohol soared during the pandemic.

The study found alcohol sales in Canada surpassed pre-pandemic estimates over a 16-month period of the pandemic by 5.5 per cent or $1.86 billion.

One example of an unexpected rise in demand was champagne sales in New Brunswick.

The province recorded an unexpected boom in champagne and sparkling wine sales during the latter half of the pandemic, New Brunswick Liquor Corp. spokeswoman Marie-Andree Bolduc said.

"This unprecedented increase in demand has unfortunately left us in a situation where we will likely be out of some of our most popular champagnes in the lead up to Christmas," she said in an email.

French brands Veuve Clicquot and Moet & Chandon will be hard to come by in the province, Bolduc said.

The increase in pandemic-era alcohol sales coupled with the usual holiday bump in sales could leave store shelves bereft of some products.

In Nova Scotia, liquor store shelves are already running low on champagnes, scotches, U.S.-produced whisky and some wines from New Zealand, Chile and Argentina.

"We do have ... signs on shelves where we are experiencing shortages that tell customers that the product is temporarily out of stock due to supply shortages," said Beverley Ware, a spokeswoman for the Nova Scotia Liquor Corp. "We recommend alternatives that they can purchase."

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While some products aren't available at all, she said in other cases it may be as simple as recommending a different package size  a can as opposed to a bottle or a 12-pack rather than a six-pack.

Saskatchewan is also experiencing alcohol supply chain issues, but continues to have a high availability rate of 96 per cent for the top 500 products sold in the province, said David Morris, a spokesman with the Saskatchewan Liquor & Gaming Authority.

"The main impact has been on products imported through the ports in Vancouver," he said in an email, noting that wine from Australia, New Zealand and South American countries have been most affected.

"Although there are some products currently impacted, customers shopping in both private and public retail stores across the province will continue to have access to a wide variety of beverage alcohol products throughout the busy holiday season."

- With files from Keith Doucette.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 11, 2021.
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP)  The assistant director who handed Alec Baldwin a prop gun that killed a cinematographer on a New Mexico film set must make himself available for an interview with state workplace safety regulators, a judge has decided.

FILE - This aerial photo shows the Bonanza Creek Ranch in Santa Fe, N.M., on Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021. A judge on Friday, Dec. 10, has decided that the assistant director who handed Alec Baldwin a prop gun that killed a cinematographer on a New Mexico film set must make himself available for an interview with state workplace safety regulators. Local news outlets reported that a district judge on Friday granted the state officials' request to issue a subpoena to Dave Halls, assistant director for the movie "Rust." (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP)  The assistant director who handed Alec Baldwin a prop gun that killed a cinematographer on a New Mexico film set must make himself available for an interview with state workplace safety regulators, a judge has decided.

District Judge Bryan Biedscheid on Friday granted a request by the Occupational Health and Safety Bureau of the state Environment Department to issue a subpoena to Dave Halls, assistant director for the movie Rust, local news outlets reported.

Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed and director Joel Souza was wounded in the Oct. 21 shooting on the Bonanza Creek Ranch film set near Santa Fe.

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Safety officials tried twice since Nov. 2 to interview Halls for their investigation but he declined both times through his attorney and said he wouldn't agree to an interview until a criminal investigation into the shooting is complete, a compliance officer wrote Wednesday in an affidavit in support of the subpoena request.

The interview with Halls is needed because he had responsibilities for set safety, knew who was present during the shooting and had handled the gun, the application said.

FILE - A photo of cinematographer Helyna Hutchins is displayed before a news conference by attorney Gary Dordick and his client Serge Svetnoy, chief of lighting on the "Rust' film set, to announce a lawsuit against Alec Baldwin and others in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Nov. 10, 2021. A judge on Friday, Dec. 10, has decided that the assistant director who handed Alec Baldwin a prop gun that killed cinematographer Hutchins on a New Mexico film set must make himself available for an interview with state workplace safety regulators. Local news outlets reported that a district judge on Friday granted the state officials' request to issue a subpoena to Dave Halls, assistant director for the movie "Rust." (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)

Rebecca Roose, deputy cabinet secretary of the Environment Department, told the Santa Fe New Mexican that the department proposed a Tuesday interview but that the judge could set another date or Halls' attorney could fight the subpoena.

Halls' attorney, Lisa Torracco, on Saturday did not immediately respond to a voicemail left by The Associated Press seeking comment.

However, KOB-TV reported that Torraco told the station that Halls will cooperate with state investigators.

Baldwin has said he didn't know the gun contained a live round and that investigators must find out who put it in the weapon.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP)  Caitlin Foster fell in love with San Francisco's people and beauty and moved to the city a dozen years ago. But after repeatedly clearing away used needles, other drug paraphernalia and human feces outside the bar she manages, and too many encounters with armed people in crisis, her affection for the city has soured.

Police vehicles are stationed at Union Square following recent robberies in San Francisco, Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021. In San Francisco, homeless tents, open drug use, home break-ins and dirty streets have proliferated during the pandemic. The quality of life crimes and a laissez-faire approach by officials to brazen drug dealing have given residents a sense the city is in decline.(AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

SAN FRANCISCO (AP)  Caitlin Foster fell in love with San Francisco's people and beauty and moved to the city a dozen years ago. But after repeatedly clearing away used needles, other drug paraphernalia and human feces outside the bar she manages, and too many encounters with armed people in crisis, her affection for the city has soured.

It was a goal to live here, but now Im here and Im like, Where am I going to move to now? Im over it,' said Foster, who manages Noir Lounge in the trendy Hayes Valley neighborhood.

A series of headline-grabbing crime stories  mobs of people smashing windows and grabbing luxury purses in the downtown Union Square shopping district and daytime shootings in the touristy Haight-Ashbury  has only exacerbated a general feeling of vulnerability. Residents wake up to news of attacks on Asian American seniors, burglarized restaurants, and boarded-up storefronts in the city's once-vibrant downtown.

People pass by a woman in a wheelchair panhandling near Union Square in San Francisco, Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021. In San Francisco, homeless tents, open drug use, home break-ins and dirty streets have proliferated during the pandemic. The quality of life crimes and a laissez-faire approach by officials to brazen drug dealing have given residents a sense the city is in decline. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

San Franciscans take pride in their liberal political bent and generously approve tax measures for schools and the homeless. They accept that trashy streets, tent encampments and petty crime are the price to pay to live in an urban wonderland.

But the frustration felt by Foster, who moved from Seattle in search of more sunshine, is growing among residents who now see a city in decline. There are signs that the city famous for its tolerance is losing patience.

The pandemic emptied parts of San Francisco and highlighted some of its drawbacks: human and dog feces smeared across sidewalks, home and vehicle break-ins, overflowing trash cans, and a laissez-faire approach by officials to brazen drug dealing. Parents despaired as public schools stayed closed for most of last year as nearby districts welcomed children back to the classroom.

Meanwhile, residents and visitors scurry past scenes of lawlessness and squalor. Just steps from the Opera House and Symphony Hall, drug dealers carry translucent bags filled with crystal-like rocks or stand outside the public library's main branch, flashing wads of cash while peddling heroin and methamphetamine.

A large window of the Louis Vuitton store is seen boarded up following a recent robbery at Union Square in San Francisco, Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021. In San Francisco, homeless tents, open drug use, home break-ins and dirty streets have proliferated during the pandemic. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

Theres a widespread sense that things are on the wrong track in San Francisco, said Patrick Wolff, 53, a retired professional chess player from the Boston area who has lived in the city since 2005.

In a sign of civic frustration, San Franciscans will vote in June on whether to recall District Attorney Chesa Boudin, a former public defender elected in 2019 whose critics say he's too lenient on crime. His supporters say there's no crime surge, and that corporate wage theft is a more pressing issue than cases like that of a San Francisco woman finally arrested after stealing more than $40,000 in goods from a Target over 120 visits. She was released by a judge and arrested again on suspicion of shoplifting after she failed to show up to get her court-ordered ankle monitor.

Wheres the progress? If you say youre progressive, lets get the homeless off the street, and lets get them mental health care, said Brian Cassanego, a San Francisco native who owns the lounge where Foster works. He moved to wine country five months ago, tired of seeing dealers sell drugs with impunity and worrying about his wife being alone outside at night.

The day before he moved, Cassanego stepped out to walk his dogs and saw a man who "looked like a zombie," with his pants down to his knees and bleeding from where a syringe was stuck on his hip. A woman cried out nearby in shock.

FILE - San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin is silhouetted looking out at the skyline from his office in San Francisco on Jan. 30, 2020. In San Francisco, homeless tents, open drug use, home break-ins and dirty streets have proliferated during the pandemic. The quality of life crimes and a laissez-faire approach by officials to brazen drug dealing have given residents a sense the city is in decline. In a sign of civic frustration, San Franciscans will vote in June on whether to recall Boudin, a former public defender and politically progressive politician elected in 2019 whose critics say he's too lenient on crime. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg, File)

I went upstairs, and I told my wife, Were leaving now! This city is done! he said.

Reports of larceny theft  shoplifting from a person or business  are up nearly 17% to more than 28,000 from the same time last year. They remain lower than the more than 40,000 larceny theft cases reported in 2019. Requests to clean dirty streets and sidewalks are the majority of calls to 311, the citys services line.

Overall, though, crime has been trending down for years. More than 45,000 incidents have been reported so far this year, up from last year when most people were shut indoors, but below the roughly 60,000 complaints in previous years.

San Francisco's well-publicized problems have served as fodder for conservative media outlets. Former President Donald Trump jumped in again recently, releasing a statement saying the National Guard should be sent to San Francisco to deter smash-and-grab robberies.

Administrative assistant LeAnn Corpus stands near City Hall in San Francisco, Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021. In San Francisco, homeless tents, open drug use, home break-ins and dirty streets have proliferated during the pandemic. Corpus, who enjoys figure skating, avoids the downtown rinks and won't take her 8-year-old son there after dark because of all the open drug use. "This city just doesn't feel the same anymore," said Corpus, a third-generation native. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

Elected officials say they're grappling with deep societal pains common to any large U.S. city.

A high percentage of an estimated 8,000 homeless people in San Francisco are struggling with chronic addiction or severe mental illness, usually both. Some people rant in the streets, nude and in need of medical help. Last year, 712 people died of drug overdoses, compared with 257 people who died of COVID-19.

LeAnn Corpus, an administrative assistant who enjoys figure skating, avoids the downtown rinks and won't take her 8-year-old son there after dark because of all the open drug use. Still, the city's urban ills have crept into her Portola neighborhood far from downtown.

A homeless man set up a makeshift tent outside her home using a bike and a bed sheet, and relieved himself on the sidewalk. She called the police, who came after two hours and cleared him out, but at her aunt's home, a homeless person camped out against the backyard for six months despite attempts to get authorities to remove him.

People walk past a large retail space for lease at Union Square in San Francisco, Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021. In San Francisco, homeless tents, open drug use, home break-ins and dirty streets have proliferated during the pandemic. The quality of life crimes and a laissez-faire approach by officials to brazen drug dealing have given residents a sense the city is in decline. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

This city just doesnt feel the same anymore, said Corpus, a third-generation native.

San Francisco residents who are generally uncomfortable with government surveillance have installed security cameras and deadbolts to prevent break-ins, and they have started eyeing outsiders with suspicion.

The other night, Joya Pramanik's husband spotted someone wearing a ski mask on what was an otherwise warm evening on their quiet street. She worried the masked man was up to no good  and it pains her to say that, since what she loves about San Francisco is its easy embrace of all types of characters.

Pramanik, a project manager who moved to the U.S. from India in her teens, cheered Trump's failed reelection bid but says she realized too late that Democratic activists have hijacked her city.

If I say I want laws enforced, Im racist," she said. Im like, No, Im not racist. Theres a reason I live in San Francisco.'

Last year, Wolff, the retired chess player, helped launch a new political organization that aims to elect local officials focused on solving pressing problems. Families for San Francisco will elect Democrats, but it's organized outside the city's powerful Democratic Party establishment, he said.

Wolff hopes to change a civic mindset that no longer expects much in the way of basic public services.

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In hip Hayes Valley, for example, business owners tired of seeing garbage strewn about and the city not doing anything to address the issue banded together to lease enclosed trash cans from a private company, said Jennifer Laska, president of the neighborhood association. After the lease expired, the association managed to get the city to agree to buy and install new public garbage cans designed to keep trash in and pilferers out.

That was four months ago.

Were still struggling just to get the trash cans actually purchased, Laska said.

In the Marina, a wealthy neighborhood with stunning views of the bay and Golden Gate Bridge, dozens of residents recently hired private security after an increase in auto burglaries.

Lloyd Silverstein, a San Francisco native and president of the Hayes Valley Merchants Association, said businesses are considering hiring security guards and installing high-definition security cameras. He rejects the idea that any one city official is to blame for the situation, and he's optimistic the city will recover.

We have been through big earthquakes and depressions and lots of stuff, but we have a pretty good bounce-back attitude. Weve got some problems, but well fix them," he said. It may just take some time.
OTTAWA  An internal fight over governance has spilled out into a full-page newspaper ad in which the B.C. branch of the Metis National Council takes aim at David Chartrand, head of the Manitoba Metis Federation.

OTTAWA  An internal fight over governance has spilled out into a full-page newspaper ad in which the B.C. branch of the Metis National Council takes aim at David Chartrand, head of the Manitoba Metis Federation.

The ad insinuates financial mismanagement, but Chartrand chalks it up to competing visions over who is Metis.

"With fear, sometimes people do stupid things," he said Friday.

Back in September, Chartrand had the Manitoba federation pull out of the national council, abandoning the other four provincial branches on the grounds they are letting in too many people with spurious claims to Metis ancestry.

The Ontario branch, in particular, has been offering Metis citizenship to people who claim some First Nations and European background, but lack proof of ties to the Red River Colony, situated around what became Winnipeg.

Mike Sudoma / Winnipeg Free Press The ad insinuates financial mismanagement, but David Chartrand chalks it up to competing visions over who is Metis.

Chartrand says that perverts the process of people connecting with their ancestral roots, which many Metis families buried in order to avoid discrimination.

Some self-described Metis in central Ontario use dances, symbols and First Nations practices that Chartrand argues are totally alien to descendants of the colony, who were dispersed as Manitoba was settled, across the Prairies to B.C. and the Northwest Territories, and limited parts of the U.S. Midwest and northwest Ontario.

"They can call themselves governments all they want, but theyre membership clubs," Chartrand argued.

On Friday, Metis Nation British Columbia, which remains part of the national council, took out a full-page ad in the Winnipeg Free Press with the title "MMF exposed," accusing Chartrand of "paying his friends salaries in B.C." The ad mentions a $634,000 request from a rival upstart group in B.C.

The full-page ad ran in Friday's paper.

The ad points to a website with a September proposal from the group, Red River Metis British Columbia, asking from funds from the Manitoba federation.

Chartrand said his federation received that proposal, but has no intention to fund it.

The rival group was started by Clara Morin Dal Col, who used to lead the B.C. federation but was deposed by its board after pushing the national council to suspend the Ontario federation over its membership criteria.

The Manitoba federation has also sent a cease-and-desist notice to Metis Nation British Columbia, over a video in which director Louis De Jaeger alleged Chartrand ran the national council "without any input from the other four" provincial branches, and "left behind an organizational and a financial mess."

In 2019, CBC News revealed the RCMP investigated the national council after Ottawa launched an audit into concerns about "departmental funding being used for ineligible expenditures" in how the MNC pays for professional services and reimburses expenses.

The federal government opted against filing a criminal complaint, which stopped the RCMP probe. Chartrand said the national council has been cleared of any wrongdoing.

"As long as Ive been there, theres nothing you can find thats crooked," he said, challenging his adversaries to sue him.

"Theyre talking smack about it, but our lawyers are waiting."

Theyre talking smack about it, but our lawyers are waiting.  David Chartrand

The split in Metis governance has become a headache for Ottawa, with Liberal ministers saying theyre uncomfortable with the Crown being asked to decide who counts as Indigenous.

Both sides accuse the other of misinterpreting a Supreme Court of Canada ruling on how to determine who is Metis.

In July, Chartrand signed a self-governance agreement with Ottawa that asserts the Manitoba federation represents Metis "within what is now Manitoba as well as elsewhere inside and outside of Canada."

Since then, the Manitoba federation has started soliciting Metis who live outside of Manitoba, including 504 new MMF citizens who reside in B.C.

For Chartrand, the threat of losing members is whats motivating the attack from other federations.

For those who want to sell out, thats their problem; theyve got to answer to their own citizens.  David Chartrand

"We will sign (agreements) with those who believe in the classical, historical definition of who we are," he said.

"For those who want to sell out, thats their problem; theyve got to answer to their own citizens."

The splintering comes under a Liberal government that has earmarked billions in an effort to bridge the socioeconomic gaps Indigenous peoples face.

Chartrand expects Ottawa to eventually revise its funding model, which currently allocates dollars to provincial federations that make up the national council, based on their size. He wants the Manitoba federation to start provide services to Metis in other provinces who are leaving the four other federations.

dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca
BRANDON  A 65-year-old Brandon man has been convicted of killing his wife before their east-end house exploded in 2019.

BRANDON  A 65-year-old Brandon man has been convicted of killing his wife before their east-end house exploded in 2019.

The jury of 12 found Robert Hughes guilty of second-degree murder after nearly two weeks of trial at Brandon Court of Queens Bench.

Robert Hughes, 65, was found guilty of second-degree murder in the slaying of his wife, Betty Hughes, by a jury in Brandon Friday. (Facebook)

Deliberations had begun at approximately 3:30 p.m. Thursday, and wrapped up just after 1 p.m. Friday.

Hughes stood silently, flanked by defence lawyers Saul Simmonds and Adam Hodge, as the jury foreperson read the verdict.

Several members of the audience could be heard crying once the verdict was announced.

Family of Betty Hughes, 63, declined to comment outside the courthouse.

Talking with media, Simmonds said Hughes was feeling "broken" and sorely disappointed.

"It is clear from his evidence that it was an extremely difficult process for him to go through and its going to take some time for him to process todays decision," the lawyer said.

Over six days of trial, the court heard from various witnesses, including city firefighters, police officers, neighbours, a DNA expert and a pathologist. Hughes testified in his own defence Dec. 7.

On Oct. 22, 2019, Brandon firefighters responded to the east-end property after reports of an explosion. When they arrived, the walls of the house were blown out; Manitoba Hydro crews had to turn off natural gas service to the home.

On the first day of the trial, Brandon Police Service Const. Travis Foster said Betty was found inside the destroyed house with a multitude of cuts and lying in a pool of blood.

Firefighters found an injured Hughes with a noose around his neck, the court heard. He was transported to Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg, where he was later arrested by Brandon police Oct. 25.

Pathologist Dr. Dennis Rhee testified Betty had more than a dozen injuries, but the ultimate cause of death was blood loss from an 11.7-centimetre wound that extended from her eyebrow across her temple and into her ear.

He estimated Betty would have died of blood loss minutes after the cut.

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In his testimony, Hughes alleged there was a prolonged struggle with his wife in the kitchen of the house, which he said was like "World War 3."

He said Betty grabbed a knife at one point and he was trying to control her arms. Eventually, the two ended up on the kitchen floor and Betty was dead.

Hughes testified he then wanted to take his own life, so he tampered with a gas line in the basement with the intention to breathe it in and die. The gas filled the room, though, and exploded after catching on a pilot light.

Justice Scott Abel said he is required to impose the mandatory minimum sentence of life in prison, after Hughes was convicted of second-degree murder.

A sentencing hearing to determine how many years in prison Hughes will have to serve before he is eligible for parole will be held at a later date.

 Brandon Sun
The election for the leadership of Manitoba Progressive Conservatives was so riddled by irregularities, the only remedy is to rule it invalid, a lawyer for losing candidate Shelly Glover told a judge Friday.

The election for the leadership of Manitoba Progressive Conservatives was so riddled by irregularities, the only remedy is to rule it invalid, a lawyer for losing candidate Shelly Glover told a judge Friday.

"The results of the election were affected in such a material way that we ask you to declare that the results of the election were invalid," lawyer Dave Hill said in an hour-long submission before Queens Bench Justice James Edmond.

"If the election results were declared invalid and the PC party did not have a new vote, Im not sure that would be a good move for the party, politically," Hill said.

Heather Stefanson was elected leader, and thus became Manitobas premier, on Oct. 30, following a hotly contested race. Three days later, Glover, a former Winnipeg police officer and Conservative MP, launched court action calling for a new vote to be held.

In a sworn affidavit, Glover said her campaign was provided with a spreadsheet at 12:27 a.m. 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. Its the basis of her allegation there were irregularities.

Party representatives said the spreadsheet, also referred to in court as a voter list, was known to include several inaccuracies and wasnt intended as a true vote tally.

Hill argued there would be no reason to provide the spreadsheet to the Glover and Stefanson teams unless it was to give them the "magic number" necessary to win the election.

"Why would you send out a voter list if it was full of inaccuracies?" he said. "It absolutely doesnt make any sense to me."

Hill detailed several other "irregularities," including allegations of unsealed ballot boxes and insufficient scrutineering and tally sheet protocols.

"In our submission, the irregularities are so numerous that one can only conclude that affects the numbers in the election," Hill said.

Lawyer Harley Schachter, representing the PC party, dismissed the spreadsheet complaint as "irrelevant," and said any blips in the election process were not significant enough to affect the outcome.

"There is no credible evidence that there were any invalid ballots at all," he said.

Scrutineers for each candidate participated in the count at each ballot table and tally sheets showing the results for each table were agreed upon, Schachter said.

"The conclusion to be drawn is that the tally sheets are the best evidence as to the number of valid ballots to be counted," Schachter said.

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"The election was fundamentally fair," he said. "Ms. Stefanson won and there is no basis in law, or in fact, to challenge or upset that result."

Its not up to the court to "force another election on the party," Stefansons lawyer Jonathan Kroft told Edmond.

Party members can elect to do that themselves if they feel it is necessary.

"If the majority of them think there is a problem, they have a right to do that already," Kroft said.

Edmond is expected to render his decision Dec. 17.

dean.pritchard@freepress.mb.ca
Two days before I left Italy, I boarded a city bus that lurched through the bustling streets of Rome until it reached my stop, somewhere along a nondescript shopping street in the heart of the city. As I walked the block to my destination, eyes glued to the maps app on my phone, a tendril of anxiety tickled my throat.

Opinion

Two days before I left Italy, I boarded a city bus that lurched through the bustling streets of Rome until it reached my stop, somewhere along a nondescript shopping street in the heart of the city. As I walked the block to my destination, eyes glued to the maps app on my phone, a tendril of anxiety tickled my throat.

I was early for my appointment. The waiting room was tiny, and mostly empty. The only other clients were two Americans, who loudly read through the paperwork wed all been asked to fill out. I listened to them for a while, until a nurse appeared from a narrow corridor and read out my name from a chart.

Inside the testing room, she motioned me to sit down. She seemed to be new on the job; a white-coated doctor hovered over her, purring instruction as she spun the swab first along my gums, before plunging it deep into one nasal cavity and then the other. While she packed the swab away, I thought about everything that could go wrong from this point forward.

"This is the PCR test, right? Not the antigen?"

The doctor nodded. "This is P-C-R," he replied, spelling it out slowly, as if to a child.

As he ushered me out the door, he handed me a few photocopied sheets of paper, on which were printed arcane instructions about how to access my results online. As I hustled back to the street, I paused at the front desk to ask what was, for me, the most critical question, one more time.

"When will the results be ready?"

The woman at the desk barely glanced up from what she was typing.

"Tomorrow, signora."

I still sought reassurance. "But for sure by tomorrow, right?"

She fixed me with a tired look, and nodded. "Yes, tomorrow."

That night, I lay on the flat mattress of my quaint bed-and-breakfast, obsessively checking the results website, listening to the rain pound the cobblestones outside. I felt fine. (Or did I?) I stopped myself from Googling "asymptomatic positive." I tried not to think about what would happen if the results came back that I had COVID-19.

It wouldnt be the end of the world, I knew. (After all, I felt fine. Right? Thinking about that question too much seemed to bring up aches I hadnt previously noticed.) But it would mean that I wouldnt be going home anytime soon. I checked the website again, and again it returned a message in Italian, stating the results were not available.

For the most part, up until that moment, travel in the age of COVID-19 had felt only haphazardly different from before the pandemic. Id felt the grip of some tension on the way out of Canada, as airline staff checked my proof of vaccination and the negative test result Id taken in Winnipeg but that had passed within minutes.

In Amsterdams sprawling Schiphol airport, no official even spoke to me as I squeezed through the crowds, tumbling out of the terminal on a layover to savour an hour of fresh air. In Rome, a customs agent cordially waved me out the door, without looking at my COVID-19 paperwork or asking a single question.

Once loosed in Italy, life was similar to what weve become used to here in Manitoba. At historic sites and restaurants, staff peered at my pan-Canadian vaccination card, shrugging when its QR code didnt scan on their European Union app, tapping their fingers on my phone as they searched the screen for what they wanted to know.

"Moderna Moderna," theyd read aloud, before cheerfully inviting me in.

But now, at the end of the trip, the spectre of COVID-19 manifested mostly as stress. It meant a few more things that could go wrong, and one major thing that had to go right: in the end, no matter how badly I ached to go home, it all depended on the results of that test, on microscopic happenings inside my body that I could neither know nor control.

I checked the laboratorys website again. My test results were back early: negative. I was good to go home.

As I packed my suitcase for the long journey back, I thought about these new uncertainties around how we move through the world. Is it even right to travel right now? That question was, in truth, not one Id wrestled with deeply; Im vaccinated, after all. I follow the rules health authorities set down, trusting to live life within the bounds of what is allowed.

Yet for every one of those rules, a difficult balance. Our modern world is defined, in part, by its capability and reliance on moving masses of people vast distances, with a speed and ease our ancestors of just a century ago couldnt have imagined. COVID-19 exploited that reality, and it wont stop anytime soon. The world, though, cant fully stop moving.

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Not long after I got back to Canada, there was a reminder of the chaos the virus can still unleash. Eighteen days after Id breezed so easily through Amsterdams airport, two planes arriving from South Africa were held on its tarmac for more than four hours after Dutch authorities banned travel from multiple southern African countries while they were in flight.

The 624 passengers were eventually allowed to disembark. They were detained in the airport for hours, in close quarters, many without access to food or even necessary medication, until their COVID-19 test results came back. Sixty-one tested positive, including 13 with the new omicron variant.

Its not known where the new strain originated. All we know is scientists in South Africa were the first to identify it, thanks in part to that nations sophisticated viral surveillance. Many countries, Canada included, responded by rushing to close borders and tighten entry procedures, adding new testing requirements or quarantines.

It turned out that omicron had been in the Netherlands at least a week before the Schiphol chaos. One prominent epidemiologist has theorized that first impressions got the variants path the wrong way around: that it actually may have arisen first in Europe and been transmitted from there to Africa and other spots its been found.

The world we live in is defined by movement. And so, the virus moves with us, faster than we can catch it. For almost two years, we have learned to adapt to conditions that are, above all, consistently uncertain. At least we know where to invest now, to smooth the worst of the chaos: testing, vaccinations and vigilance.

melissa.martin@freepress.mb.ca
AS todays world becomes more fractious and uncertain, mounting social, economic and environmental problems are dwarfing imperfect solutions. The flawed but still important COP26 global climate agreement and other deals reached at the UN summit are recent examples.

Opinion

AS todays world becomes more fractious and uncertain, mounting social, economic and environmental problems are dwarfing imperfect solutions. The flawed but still important COP26 global climate agreement and other deals reached at the UN summit are recent examples.

The tentative new global minimum 15 per cent corporate tax deal agreed to in October by 136 countries, intended to claw back an estimated US$150 billion in annual lost tax revenue, is another.

Various leaders, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, have pledged their governments will build back better coming out of the pandemic, while progressive groups are demanding a Green New Deal. Both are, in essence, calling for mini national versions of the previously established UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)  even though near the midpoint of their timeline, hitting the SDGs themselves already seems almost impossible.

Adopted in 2015 by the UNs 193 member states, the goals comprise a 17-point, 169-target action plan calling for, among other things, the elimination by 2030 of global poverty, hunger, infrastructure deficits and overconsumption, while also achieving gender equality, progress on climate change and universal access to quality education, health care, clean water, sanitation and electricity.

A report released in September indicated meeting all 17 SDGs would require US$10 trillion in annual funding channelled toward transformative development initiatives from now until the 2030 deadline. That yearly sum equals one-tenth of global economic output, at a time when governments around the world already shattered deficit-spending records last year by taking on US$19.5 trillion to blunt pandemic-induced recessions.

Even prior to the pandemic, critics routinely labelled the SDGs as cynical, empty virtue-signalling by tone-deaf globalist elites. Realists say, with some justification, that the goals need to be better calibrated to align across countries with wildly differing capacities and resources.

Nevertheless, the SDGs arguably remain the worlds most compelling road map to address the underlying factors producing crises seeded by the current iteration of globalized finance and capitalism. The undeniable benefits of this system  which has lifted hundreds of millions of people out of poverty, produces enough food to feed 10 billion people, and continues to churn out awe-inspiring technology  are now being steadily overshadowed by its faults.

Humanity has never been wealthier or more connected. Yet collective progress has been achieved via the brutal, deliberate exploitation and marginalization of significant portions of the global population and environment  the consequences of which are becoming rapidly apparent.

Experts sounded the alarm for years before 2020 saying a devastating pandemic was imminent, the result of widespread destruction of natural ecosystems. COVID-19 has now killed more than 5.1 million people, and is forecast to push 150 million people out of the middle class and tens of millions more into extreme poverty.

Estimates suggest climate change could plunge more than 100 million others into poverty by 2030. Analysis by the U.S. government, meanwhile, indicates in excess of 290 million people are grappling with newfound hunger this year. And pre-pandemic, more than 2,100 billionaires  88 per cent of them men  had already accumulated more wealth than 4.6 billion people.

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But striving to hit the SDGs targets shouldnt be viewed as a zero-sum outcome.

Every tenth of a degree temperatures are kept from rising in the future will produce radically different outcomes in avoiding climate catastrophe. The chances of limiting global heating to 1.5 C above pre-industrial times are hanging on by a thread, but scientists emphasize a world that warms by 1.8C will still be remarkably better off than a world that warms by 2-2.5 degrees.

Likewise, the seeming impossibility of ever truly eliminating poverty and hunger or achieving the other 15 aspirational goals of the framework does not mean countless lives wont be improved, and more equitable economies and stable societies cant be built by trying  especially now that public interest globally appears to favour a big-government approach to providing more expansive social programs and taking more aggressive climate action.

In his 2004 CBC lecture series and award-winning book A Short History of Progress, Canadian historian Ronald Wright examines what dynamics have triggered the collapse of past societies, focusing on what modern nations must do to dodge similar fates going forward. To address climate change, resource depletion, political instability and inequality, Wright notes: The reform that is needed is not anti-capitalist, anti-American, or even deep environmentalist; it is simply the transition from short-term to long-term thinking.

Even if they are merely aspirational, the SDGs represent the type of long-term thinking that is more urgently needed than ever. Missing them doesnt matter  but not trying to achieve them does.

Kyle Hiebert is a Winnipeg-based researcher and analyst, and former deputy editor of the Africa Conflict Monitor.
We reviewed the proposals carefully and thoroughly and concluded that Iran violated almost all compromises found previously in months of hard negotiations, said the German Foreign Ministry spokesperson last Sunday. As a funeral oration, it lacked in elegance, but it did the job: the 2015 treaty curbing Irans nuclear ambitions is effectively dead.

Opinion

We reviewed the proposals carefully and thoroughly and concluded that Iran violated almost all compromises found previously in months of hard negotiations, said the German Foreign Ministry spokesperson last Sunday. As a funeral oration, it lacked in elegance, but it did the job: the 2015 treaty curbing Irans nuclear ambitions is effectively dead.

It was last weeks meeting in Vienna that dealt it the death blow. Officially Iran and the six guarantors of the treaty (China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States) were there to revive the deal former U.S. president Donald Trump tried to kill when he unilaterally pulled the U.S. out in 2018, but the new Iranian government overplayed its hand.

When Joe Biden replaced Trump last January, it looked like reviving the deal would be simple. Washington would drop all the sanctions Trump had slapped on Iran, Tehran would undo all the cautious steps it had taken on enriching uranium beyond the treatys limits to bring pressure on America and its allies, and everybody would live happily ever after.

But the government of President Hassan Rouhani, which originally negotiated the treaty, wanted Biden to cancel the sanctions first, since it was the U.S. that had reneged on the deal. Biden wouldnt do that, and wanted Iran to roll back the uranium enrichment first. A typical bazaar haggle, but the clock was ticking.

Rouhani had reached the two-term limit, and in Mays presidential election in Iran he was replaced by a hard-line nationalist, Ebrahim Raisi. The new president can see that Iran has survived the renewed American sanctions for three years, and he clearly believes that further U.S. sanctions would hit diminishing returns. He may well be right.

We are probably about to find out, because the first thing Raisi did on taking office was to request a five-month break in the talks while the new Iranian government got its bearings. But Irans level of uranium enrichment continued at a high level during the hiatus: it is now up to 60 per cent, and the next step (an easy one) is to 90 per cent: weapons-grade. (The treaty limit is 3.67 per cent.)

When Raisis representatives returned to the table in Vienna last week, they brought his new demands: all the compromises that had been agreed in the talks last spring, when Rouhani was still president, were cancelled, and Iran wanted a promise (impossible for a U.S. president to make) that sanctions would never be reimposed. Game over. Iran goes nuclear.

The parties did return to the table in Vienna on Thursday, but unless major changes occur its likely just to say goodbye. If so, Trump wins: he has trashed a perfectly good treaty, and Iran will get the bomb, or at least the threshold capability to make a bomb in a short time if it needs one.

So what should everybody else do now? Not much, if were being honest. It was only ever such a big deal because Israel said it was. However, Israel has had nuclear weapons for half a century, and now has several hundred of them, so we may assume that the people who guide Israels nuclear strategy know that a few Iranian nuclear weapons are not a mortal threat to Israel.

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Ten nuclear weapons could wipe out half the Israeli population if they hit the major population centres, but this is not some special problem Israel faces because it is small. The U.S. has 330 million people and spans a continent, but it could also lose half its population in an all-out Russian nuclear attack.

This is not great, but it is also not fatal because the U.S. can strike back and kill half the Russians (or the Chinese or whoever it was that attacked). Its called nuclear deterrence, and its not absolutely foolproof, but it has protected us all from nuclear war for 75 years.

China has 1.5 billion people, but could lose half of them in an all-out American attack. Or to get to the point of this exercise, Iran has 80 million people, but it could lose half of them in an Israeli nuclear attack. The majority of the worlds people have to live this way, and quite a lot of them (including the Iranians) have done so for two or three generations by now.

The only way Israel could claim exemption from this aspect of the human condition was to claim the Iranians were murderous lunatics who could not be deterred by the threat of massive nuclear retaliation. They might attack Israel with nuclear weapons even if they knew they would be exterminated in return.

That was never true, and now Israelis may have to get used to living under the nuclear threat, too. Or maybe the Iranians will stop at threshold status, which would be nice. But I wouldnt count on it.

Gwynne Dyers new book is The Shortest History of War.
As you read this, at least six Manitoba personal care homes are struggling to contain confirmed COVID-19 outbreaks involving at least 60 residents and 41 staff. The fact we are still suffering outbreaks in facilities that care for our most vulnerable citizens, as we fast approach the two-year anniversary of the global pandemic, is both predictable and deeply troubling.

As you read this, at least six Manitoba personal care homes are struggling to contain confirmed COVID-19 outbreaks involving at least 60 residents and 41 staff. The fact we are still suffering outbreaks in facilities that care for our most vulnerable citizens, as we fast approach the two-year anniversary of the global pandemic, is both predictable and deeply troubling.

Personal care homes (PCHs) and other long-term care facilities were ravaged in earlier waves of the pandemic. Governments across Canada have taken new and aggressive measures to control the spread of the virus in these facilities with some success. However, blanket protection continues to evade our grasp.

Is it realistic to expect these facilities to be completely COVID-19 free? Perhaps not, but there remain huge gaps in safety protocols, gaps that begin with continuing to allow unvaccinated people to enter these facilities.

I dont like mandatory vaccines.  Premier Heather Stefanson

Manitoba is one of the provinces that at present does not require staff at health-care facilities, including PCHs, to be fully vaccinated. It does require visitors, family and caregivers to be vaccinated but, as recent outbreaks have revealed, some facilities have been lax in enforcing these provisions.

Premier Heather Stefanson has declined to make full vaccination a requirement, arguing the health-care system in general, and PCHs in particular, cannot suffer the loss of paid staff that would inevitably come with a firm mandate. Instead, the unvaccinated can submit to regular rapid antigen testing.

"I dont like mandatory vaccines," the premier said in a radio interview last month in response to a question about mandatory proof-of-vaccination for PCH staff. "But I do believe that theres more work that needs to be done to ensure that we educate those individuals so that they know the science behind the vaccine,"

In deferring to the threats of the unvaccinated, the Manitoba premier  and other premiers across Canada  are putting elderly and infirm Manitobans at unnecessary risk. In short, Ms. Stefanson is allowing those Manitobans who are unvaccinated to hold our most vulnerable citizens hostage in the maddening standoff over vaccines.

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson.

Ensuring that everyone that enters a PCH or other long-term care facility is vaccinated is the least the provincial government can do to protect the people who call those places home.

Are the unvaccinated the only source of COVID-19 in these facilities? No, even fully vaccinated people can acquire and transmit the virus. But in the continuum of transmission, it is more likely a fully vaccinated person will be infected by an unvaccinated person. As such, the unvaccinated represent an unacceptable threat in long-term care facilities.

Offering unvaccinated staff the option of taking rapid antigen tests is simply not a substitute for vaccination. Rapid tests do have value, but are not sufficient protection in an environment where catching COVID-19 can be tantamount to a death sentence.

It should be noted that a growing number of private long-term care facilities have instituted vaccine mandates on their own, and without support from government. And surprisingly, none have had to curtail operations or shutter because of staffing shortages.

As was the case at Holy Family home in Winnipeg  a PCH that is currently battling an outbreak  a mandate was instituted this week and the facility has managed around the handful of employees who refuse vaccination and has remained fully staffed.

The provincial government needs to come up with a plan to keep long-term care facilities fully staffed without the help of vaccine holdouts. Its not an exaggeration to say the lives of some of the oldest and most vulnerable Manitobans hang in the balance.
More than 100,000 Manitobans are newly eligible to get booster shots as the provinces vaccine task force tries to prevent a post-holiday spike in COVID-19 hospitalizations.

More than 100,000 Manitobans are newly eligible to get booster shots as the provinces vaccine task force tries to prevent a post-holiday spike in COVID-19 hospitalizations.

Older Manitobans and First Nations residents no longer have to wait six months before getting third doses. Anyone over 60, and adults who live in First Nations communities who are 18 and up, can get their booster shots right away if their second dose was on or before July 10, the task force announced Friday.

The urgent recommendation is meant to be temporary to better protect Manitobans and the health-care system, task force medical lead Dr. Joss Reimer said.

It means only five months has elapsed between doses for those groups, but it is better for them to get a boost of immunity as soon as possible rather than wait for longer-term immune-system protection, Reimer said.

With holiday gatherings on the horizon and the recent arrival of the omicron variant in Manitoba, people older than 60 and those who live in First Nations communities are at higher risk of severe illness.

"For those individuals, the benefit of going early (to get the third dose) rather than waiting until after the family gatherings, is probably there. Theyre at higher risk of ending up in the hospital if they were to get infected, and theyre also at higher risk of having a lower immune response over time," Reimer said.

She and Dr. Marcia Anderson, lead of the First Nations Pandemic Response Co-ordination Team, announced the change in eligibility Friday afternoon, the same day Reimer received her own booster shot.

Public-health officials expect December to be one of the worst months for COVID-19 transmission because more people gather together indoors; thats why theyre expanding eligibility and urging older Manitobans not to wait until after the holidays to get their boosters.

"What we are doing right now with this latest recommendation, will help protect people, our health-care system, and, we hope, will also help bring more safety and stability into the new year," Anderson said.

Approximately half of eligible Manitobans have already had their third doses, Reimer said Friday. About 107,000 third-doses have been administered, including boosters and third shots for international travellers and people who have compromised immune systems.

Its concerning, Anderson said, that third-dose vaccine uptake in First Nations communities is lower, at about 38 per cent.

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She urged people not to be "lulled into thinking" they can delay getting their third dose until after the holidays, even if case counts are low in their community, since cases spread so quickly.

About 39,106 First Nations people in Manitoba are currently eligible for boosters. Anderson said they havent generally seen severe illness or death in people who become infected a few months after receiving their second dose, but those kinds of breakthrough cases contribute to transmission of the virus and to outbreaks.

First Nations patients currently account for 22 per cent of hospitalized COVID-19 patients, and for eight per cent of patients in intensive care.

For Manitobans younger than 60 who dont live in First Nations communities, the recommendation hasnt changed; its still six months after the second dose. Its best for younger people who arent otherwise at higher risk to wait six months because research has shown their immune protection will be stronger over time.

Reimer said it likely wont take a full two weeks after the third dose for people to reap the immune-system benefits, so its best for people over 60 not to delay getting their third dose even if Christmas less than two weeks away.

katie.may@winnipegfreepress.com
How to watch and vote

To vote for Schmidt: The Americas Choice competition will award a $5,000 scholarship to the winner. Go to spotfund.com/teams/americaschoice2022 and click on Schmidt's profile. Each dollar donated equals one vote, and the candidate with the most donations will win the Americas Choice scholarship.

To view the competition from home: Two nights of live preliminary competitions will be available for streaming at WatchMissAmerica.com at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 12, and Monday, Dec. 13. Schmidt will be recognized on-stage during the preliminary competition, and 50% of donations will go to the Miss Wisconsin Organization for Scholarship Awards.

The Forever Miss Americas pre-show is scheduled for Dec. 16 at 6 p.m. and is to be followed by the final 100th Anniversary Miss America Competition" show at 7 p.m. on NBCUniversals streaming service, PeacockTV.com.
Obviously, being chased by a person wielding a plastic bag does not privilege you to kill that person. What was not obvious, at least until the Rittenhouse acquittal, is that if you carry a gun, you actually can kill a person running at you with a plastic bag. Rittenhouse was correct when he told Fox News host Tucker Carlson that his case was a win for the Second Amendment. The Second Amendment now apparently privileges the use of deadly force for an armed person that an unarmed person cannot use in the exact same circumstances.

A civilian with a gun can no longer truthfully claim its for self-defense. Under the law, his decision to carry a gun increases your vulnerability as it reduces the value of your life. A person with a gun can reasonably assume that aggressive movements toward them signals your intent to use their gun against them. The likelihood of violence is increased.

In a protest, confrontations between unarmed protesters and armed civilians are common. If an unarmed protester fails to submit to an armed civilians order to halt, can he shoot? It seems so.
Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, speaks during the annual Central Economic Work Conference in Beijing, capital of China. The conference was held from Wednesday to Friday. [Xinhua/Wang Ye]

BEIJING, Dec. 10 (Xinhua)  The annual Central Economic Work Conference was held in Beijing from Wednesday to Friday as Chinese leaders mapped out priorities for the economic work in 2022.

In a speech at the conference, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, reviewed the country's economic work in 2021, analyzed the current economic situation and arranged next year's economic work.

The year 2021 has been a milestone for both the Party and the nation, according to the meeting, which noted that China has maintained a leading position in the world in economic development and epidemic control, with progress made in scientific strength, industrial chain resilience, reform and opening-up, people's livelihood and ecological civilization.

However, it cautioned that China's economic development is facing pressure from demand contraction, supply shocks and weakening expectations, and the external environment is becoming increasingly complicated, grim and uncertain.

"We must face the difficulties squarely while staying confident," said a statement released after the meeting, citing China's strong economic resilience and unchanged fundamentals underpinning long-term growth.

The meeting called for remaining committed to China's own cause, consolidating the economic foundations, enhancing the abilities of scientific and technological innovation and adhering to multilateralism.

It also urged making proactive efforts to align with the highest international economic and trade rules, deepening reform via high-level opening-up, and boosting high-quality development.

The meeting stressed the necessity to adhere to the centralized, unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee, promote high-quality development and pursue progress while ensuring stability.

It highlighted the timing, extent and efficiency of policy adjustments and reform to ensure their steady advancement, as well as coordination and systems thinking.

Actions should be taken to safeguard macroeconomic stability, keep major economic indicators within an appropriate range and maintain social stability to prepare for the Party's 20th National Congress, the meeting said.

Economic work next year should prioritize stability while pursuing progress, it noted, calling on all regions and departments to assume responsibility for stabilizing the macroeconomy, and all sides to take the initiative and launch policies conducive to economic stability.

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, speaks during the annual Central Economic Work Conference in Beijing, capital of China. The conference was held from Wednesday to Friday. [Xinhua/Ju Peng]

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, speaks during the annual Central Economic Work Conference in Beijing, capital of China. The conference was held from Wednesday to Friday. [Xinhua/Wang Ye]

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, speaks during the annual Central Economic Work Conference in Beijing, capital of China. Li Keqiang, Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Wang Huning, Zhao Leji and Han Zheng also attended the conference which was held from Wednesday to Friday. [Xinhua/Wang Ye]

Li Keqiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, speaks during the annual Central Economic Work Conference in Beijing, capital of China. The conference was held from Wednesday to Friday. [Xinhua/Wang Ye]

(Source: Xinhua)
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Photo taken on Sept. 14, 2020 shows the United Nations (UN) flag flying outside the UN headquarters in New York, the United States. [Xinhua/Wang Ying]

BEIJING, Dec. 10 (Xinhua)  Chinese President Xi Jinping has pointed out that democracy in international relations has become an unstoppable trend of the times.

In terms of promoting democracy in international relations, the Chinese president has on multiple occasions reiterated his viewpoint and proposals. The following are some highlights of his remarks.

Dec. 5, 2021

"Multilateralism is essentially about having international affairs managed by all parties through consultation and the future of the world decided by all countries working together," Xi said, while delivering a speech via video at the opening ceremony of the 2021 Imperial Springs International Forum.

It is important that we keep to the overall direction of advancing democracy in international relations, increase the representation and voice of developing countries in international affairs, and steer the global governance system toward greater justice and equity, he said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping addresses the 21st meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) via video link in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 17, 2021. [Xinhua/Liu Bin]

Sept. 17, 2021

While addressing the 21st meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) via video link, Xi said member countries should stay true to the Shanghai Spirit, keep to the right direction, follow the historical trends of promoting democracy in international relations, and pursue their own development as they pursue common development for humanity.

Photo taken on Nov. 11, 2021 shows the exterior of La Grande Halle de la Villette that holds the Paris Peace Forum in Paris, France. [Xinhua/Gao Jing]

Nov. 12, 2020

"We need to adhere to peaceful coexistence. We need to respect other countries' right to development and their independent choice of development paths and models. We need to uphold multilateralism, oppose unilateralism, hegemony and power politics, and reject all forms of terrorism and acts of extreme violence. We need to work together to safeguard equity, justice, peace and security in the world," Xi said at the official ceremony of the third edition of the Paris Peace Forum.

Visitors take a tour near the Olympic sailing center, used as the conference hall during the 18th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, July 1, 2018. [Xinhua/Li Ziheng]

June 10, 2018

While hegemony and power politics still persist in this world, the growing call for a more just and equitable international order must be heeded, Xi said at the 18th Meeting of the Council of Heads of Member States of the SCO.

Democracy in international relations has become an unstoppable trend of the times, he said.

Jan. 18, 2017

"We should advance democracy in international relations and reject dominance by just one or several countries. All countries should jointly shape the future of the world, write international rules, manage global affairs and ensure that development outcomes are shared by all," Xi said in a keynote speech at the United Nations Office at Geneva.

(Source: Xinhua)
Weather Alert

...The National Weather Service in Paducah KY has issued a Flood Warning for the following river in Kentucky...Illinois... Ohio River at Paducah affecting McCracken, Livingston, Pope and Massac Counties. .Rainfall last weekend has caused rises in water levels along the Lower Ohio River Basin this week. This will cause minor flooding near Paducah early next week. For the Ohio River...including Paducah, Olmsted Lock and Dam, Cairo...Minor flooding is forecast. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Motorists should not attempt to drive around barricades or drive cars through flooded areas. Caution is urged when walking near riverbanks. Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Additional information is available at www.weather.gov. && ...FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM MONDAY EVENING THROUGH TUESDAY EVENING... * WHAT...Minor flooding is forecast. * WHERE...Ohio River at Paducah. * WHEN...From Monday evening to early Wednesday morning. * IMPACTS...At 39.0 feet, Minor flooding occurs affecting mainly bottomland and surrounding low lying areas. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 11:00 AM CST Wednesday the stage was 33.6 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to rise above flood stage Monday evening to a crest of 39.0 feet Monday evening. It will then fall below flood stage Tuesday evening. - Flood stage is 39.0 feet. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood &&

...Accumulating Snow on Thursday... A system will spread light to moderate accumulating snow across the region Thursday. Temperatures are expected to range from the upper teens along the Interstate 64 corridor to mid 20s elsewhere, so the snow should quickly accumulate. This will likely impact travel across the region. Confidence in placement and strength of the snow band continues to increase. Highest amounts are expected across western Kentucky where amounts of 1 to 3 inches are possible. Amounts are expected to decrease north of the Ohio River and back into southeast Missouri. Snow quickly develops during the morning, with peak intensity occurring during the late morning and early afternoon. The snow should taper off during the mid to late afternoon. Behind this system, the coldest air of the season is set to arrive Thursday night. Wind chills into the single digits to just below zero are forecast by Friday morning. Stay tuned to later forecasts as this event nears.
Hundreds attend day of festive fun at Alyn Waters country park

Hundreds have attended a day of festive fun at one of Wrexhams country parks.

Groundwork North Wales, which run Caffi Cyfle and the conference centre at Alyn Waters, welcomed visitors to a Christmas Craft and Gift Fair on Sunday 5 December.

The event brought together small, local businesses and crafters  with traders selling wooden Christmas trees, decorative coasters, crocheted goods and handmade accessories.

Father Christmas also left his workshop in the North Pole so he could pop over to see some children in the run up to Christmas, with a temporary grotto set up for the day.

The children also got to take away some special reindeer food from Santa to put out on Christmas Eve and each child received a festive hot drink and cookie from Caffi Cyfle.

There was also performance from Wrexhams Choirs for Good who sang carols and other popular songs at the event.

Groundwork North Wales received many positive comments from families including from Linda Jones who attended with her family. She said: We book numerous Christmas activities and grottos every year and Groundwork North Wales hold some of the best, we think they are better than many of the well-known more expensive activities.

Santa was amazing with both children and adults. The Christmas fair was lovely, the hot drink and cake in the cafe were just what we needed to warm us up, and the choir were a wonderful finishing touch. We will definitely be attending again next year.

Groundwork North Wales works alongside local communities, public bodies, private companies, and other voluntary sector organisations to support communities in need. You can keep up to date with all of Groundwork North Wales work in your local community by visiting www.groundworknorthwales.org.uk and following us on social media @GwkNorthWales
Public Health Wales confirms first Omicron case identified in North Wales

The first case of the Covid variant omicron has been confirmed in North Wales.

Public Health Wales said today, Saturday 11 December that two new cases of the Covid variant had been identified in Wales, one in the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board area, and one in the Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board area.

This brings us to a total of 15 cases in Wales, of which three are linked to international travel.

During a press conference on Friday Wales first minister, Mark Drakeford said omicron infections in Wales are very modest at the moment but we must expect that to rise.

He said Coronavirus restrictions in Wales will now be reviewed every week, rather than every three weeks.

Wales will remain in Alert Level Zero following the latest 21 day review  however, Mr Drakeford is urging everyone to get the booster vaccine, to take regular lateral flow tests before going out and to wear face coverings.

He said: Over the last week the cabinet here has been reviewing the Coronavirus regulations.

Weve carefully considered what protections we need to keep well safe from the current delta wave that wave is still with us now.

And then to look as to how we can protect people from the Omicron wave which we know is coming our way.

This is a very challenging balance.

We may be about a week behind what is happening in other parts of England and Scotland.

And that may give us a little bit more time here in Wales to learn and to act. 

But because of the speed at which things may change, the Cabinet will move from a three weeks cycle of decision making to a one week cycle.

That means all the things that Im announcing today are here for the next week and then we will review the situation again.

Well be monitoring the public health circumstances very closely to consider if we need to put additional protections in place to keep us safe.

We are going to move our decision making forward were not going to wait three weeks, because in three weeks an awful lot could have changed.

As we reported, The First Minister spoke about the possible spectrum of Omicrons impact, Were not completely sure how severe an illness the Omicron variant will provide. So theres a lot of work going on to find out that.

I think we know it will spread very fast, but will it be more severe? We dont know enough about that.

The context in the United Kingdom is different to the South African context. The age structure of our population is different. The nature of our health service is different, and we have a much more highly vaccinated population with, as I said a million people in Wales already having had their boosters, and we dont know exactly how stronger protection that will provide.

If we are at a fortunate end of the spectrum, milder illness, that the booster program gives you a significant defence against it, then the models show that the impact will be very real because of the speed, but that is probably absorbable by our public services.

If it turns out that the variant is as severe, or more severe than Delta, if the vaccine escape is greater than we would have hoped for, then models will show that that impact will be much more difficult to manage.

Were not at a point where the modeling is sufficiently secure for us to know which of those paths, but thats thats the spectrum for you.

A spectrum between it being difficult but manageable, to being difficult and additional actions being needed in order to manage it.
Amazon Web Services Office in Houston, Texas (Wikipedia)

A major power failure in Amazons cloud service on Tuesday disrupted operations throughout the United States. The power failure, which originated in Amazon Web Services critical US-East-1 region centered in Northern Virginia, disrupted personal home appliances, scores of websites dependent on the cloud, as well as internal Amazon operations.

By 11:20 a.m. the outage tracker Downdetector.com had gotten 11,300 reports of technology failures from Boston, Massachusetts to Houston, Texas. The company was forced to redirect web traffic to servers in its western regions until the disruptions were resolved.

AWS released a public statement Tuesday, stating cryptically that the root cause of the malfunction was the impairment of several network devices. The web giant promised that it had observed some early signs of recovery by late Tuesday evening but did not have an ETA for full recovery.

According to CNBC, [w]orkers [at Amazons warehouses] were told to stand by in break rooms and loading areas while services remained down. Many workers took to social media as operations ground to a halt, with scanners unable to function and conveyor belts motionless.

It was horrible sitting there for five hours, said an Amazon worker from Baltimore to the World Socialist Web Site. They would not give VTO (voluntary time off) to us because thats what they did to the shift before us, the worker said. What do [you] want us to do, twiddle our thumbs? wrote another worker on social media.

Dead Roombas, stranded packages and delayed exams, read a headline published on CNBC. In addition to Amazon warehouses whose operations are linked with the cloud, consumer online technology such as Ring, Alexa, Chime and dozens of websites lost services. This included streaming services Netflix, Roku and Disney+, commercial vendors such as Ticketmaster to small independent online vendors who rely on Amazon to sell their goods.

John Taylor, a Public.com user who recently lost his travel-industry job and began day trading to help pay for his three daughters holiday gifts, told the Wall Street Journal that he was definitely upset after losing $3,000 due to service failures.

The e-commerce giants cloud services arm provides over 33 percent of the globes cloud infrastructure, according to Synergy Research, ahead of other internet technology giants, such as Microsoft (20 percent) and Google (10 percent). Web infrastructure is a huge profit center for Amazon, notes the Associated Press, with AWSs third quarter revenue at $16.1 billion, 39 percent more than its take last year.

Doug Madory of the network intelligence firm Kentik Inc. told the AP that he did not think nefarious activity was at the root of the disruption. More and more these outages end up being the product of automation and centralization of administration, he said. This can cause outages that are hard to completely avoid. Sid Nag of the technology research firm Gartner Inc. remarked to the WSJ that [t]hese guys have almost become too big to fail.

The AWS outage follows a similar loss of service across Facebook (which recently changed its name to Meta Platforms, Inc.) in October. J. Eckhert, vice president of Ecosystem at the block chain app Chia, tweeted at the time that the systems failure was [e]ither the most sophisticated & coordinated hack of all time, OR the biggest human error ever.

The WSWS wrote at the time that the dependence of billions of people on the stability of online social networks for critical daily tasks raised the necessity for the expropriation of these advanced technologies and placing them under the democratic control of society rather than in the hands of a wealthy few.

The disruption occurs as Amazon is seeking to ramp up its services during the holiday season amid an ongoing shortage of labor. The problems come amid Amazons critical holiday shopping season when the e-commerce giant can ill afford delays that could potentially create lasting log-jams, stated the Los Angeles Daily News .

According to Internetretailing.net, Amazons annual Black Friday and Cyber Monday events broke records this year in terms of online purchases. This was partially driven by the holidays and partly by what the e-commerce hub referred to as the the Omicron effect, the emergence of the new coronavirus variant.

According to the retailers website, the return to mass online purchases would increas[e] pressure on supply chains that are already under strain. The website noted comments from David Jinks, head of research at ParcelHero: We dont expect the return of a pre-Christmas lockdown.  In some ways this is good news for online retailersand store retailers with a strong website. However, given ongoing driver shortages, port delays, and supply chain issues, a further surge in online orders may be the straw that breaks the camels back.
Australian governments, state and federal, Labor Party and Liberal-National Coalition alike, have created a perfect storm for a major upturn of the pandemic. Already, their lifting of limited lockdowns and most other restrictions has resulted in resurging infections, continuing daily deaths and the spread of the highly-infectious and potentially vaccine-resistant Omicron variant.

The official response is to double down. Remaining safety measures are being lifted, the domestic borders fully reopened and super-spreader events encouraged. The maxim is that nothing must interfere with the corporate bonanza being prepared over the holiday season, and the broader drive to force the population to live with the virus in the interests of big business.

This homicidal let it rip program is totally bipartisan. It is being devised by the extra-constitutional National Cabinet, composed of the federal, state and territory leaders, mostly from the Labor Party. It is being spearheaded by a de facto tripartite alliance of Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Victorian Labor Premier Daniel Andrews and New South Wales (NSW) Coalition Premier Dominic Perrottet.

HeaIth Minister Brad Hazzard and Premier Dominic Perrottet [Screenshot ABC News]

When Omicron was first detected late last month, they all insisted that no safety measures would be instituted to prevent the variants entry into the country. As a consequence, it is now circulating. There are already 45 Omicron infections in NSW, with clusters of community transmission linked to two western Sydney schools and an indoor rock-climbing facility.

Yesterday, Victorian authorities confirmed the states first two locally-acquired Omicron infections, one in the western Melbourne municipality of Brimbank, the other in the southeastern municipality of Casey. There is no indication of how the infected individuals contracted the virus, on opposite sides of the state capital, meaning there is likely broader transmission.

The notification of the cases came less than a week after Premier Andrews rejected a zero Omicron strategy, and said his governments main priority was to keep state borders open for commercial reasons.

A community case of Omicron has been detected in the Australian Capital Territory, while there are quarantined infections in the Northern Territory and Queensland.

To justify their stand, the governments have touted entirely unsubstantiated claims that Omicron may be less lethal than other variants. Some officials even proclaimed their desire for Omicron to spread, on the twisted argument that its mass transmission would displace Delta.

Wednesdays announcement by Pfizer that two doses of its vaccine will not protect against Omicron infection highlights the criminality of this policy. Pfizer and AstraZeneca have formed the bedrock of Australias inoculation program. The rollout of a booster shot, which Pfizer says may improve the efficacy of the vaccine against Omicron, has only just begun. Little over 2 percent of the population have had the third shot.

As Omicron is circulating, Delta is resurging. This is especially so in NSW, where infections have roughly doubled in the space of a week. On Monday, 208 infections were announced, down a little more than 50 compared with the previous day. Then on Tuesday the figure was 260, Wednesday 403, Thursday 420, Friday 516 and today 560.

The NSW infections are higher than they have been for the past two months. The reproduction number of the virus is 1.32, is the greatest since August. Any figure above 1 means that infections will grow. The positivity rate, indicating the number of test results confirming infection, was 0.57 percent yesterday, the highest since October 11.

It is exactly two months since a limited lockdown was lifted in NSW, followed by the ending of a host of other restrictions. The current increase is the direct product of these government policies, fully supported by the state Labor opposition.

A number of super-spreading events have been identified. They include a trivia night at the Oxford Hotel in Sydneys inner-west, which has resulted in 45 Delta infections. The event was held on November 30, but health authorities only publicly warned that it was a source of transmission more than a week later. For months, NSW Health has not published data on COVID exposure sites in Sydney.

A boat dance party in Sydney Harbour on December 3 has resulted in at least eight Omicron cases. Nightclubs and pubs in the city centre, the eastern suburbs and the west also have been linked to transmissions.

NSW Health has warned people to be cautious. But those attending large social gatherings are following government exhortations to enjoy summer and treat the pandemic as a thing of the past. Premier Perrottet responded to the Harbour Omicron cluster by calling for confidence, hope and optimism.

Perrottets government is going ahead with a UK-style freedom day this Wednesday. Masks will no longer be required in most settings and all density caps for pubs, clubs and sporting events will be lifted. Restrictions will no longer apply to the unvaccinated, forcing hospitality and other workers to interact in high-risk settings with people who have no protection against transmitting the virus.

The QR check-in code system is being abolished for most venues. This effectively marks an end to contact-tracing, with the government dropping one of the last means of identifying where and when the virus has been transmitted. This is particularly significant, given that the various pseudo-scientific models used by the National Cabinet to justify the reopening have all assumed an effective tracing and quarantining system.

In a rare exception to the generally uncritical media coverage of these criminal policies, the Guardian featured warnings by World Health Organisation advisor Professor Mary-Louise McLaws.

Its definitely unwise to push ahead with the relaxations, McLaws warned. It is so much easier to ask Australians to continue wearing a mask and to wait until we know more about Omicron, and for those who are not yet fully vaccinated to wear a mask until we know more. Its too cavalier to throw away these really successful infection prevention strategies.

In Victoria, daily new infections have returned to around 1,200. Thirteen deaths were confirmed yesterday, adding to continuous daily tolls. Testing times are blowing out. COVID hospitalisations had stabilised at around 300, but have not declined since. There are more than 60 people in intensive care units, with senior doctors warning of the intense strain on the system.

Chronically-underfunded, public hospitals are running at capacity, even in states that have not yet seen substantial COVID admissions. The Australian reported today that there were 19 code yellow alarms at Queensland hospitals last month, signalling that demand exceeded capacity. The Australian Medical Association warned that the state requires an additional 1,500 hospital beds immediately.

Despite this, the Queensland Labor government is proceeding with the opening of its state borders this week, effectively allowing Delta and Omicron to enter without any boost to healthcare.

This is the national policy. The National Cabinet yesterday reiterated the commitment of all the governments to end restrictions. It noted the significant progress in reopening Australia and hailed the lifting of state and international travel bans.

The meeting received an update on progress being made by all states and territories on enhancing health system capacity planning and potential surge responses. But no details were provided. Australia began the pandemic with fewer hospital beds per capita than most other OECD countries, and the number of intensive care unit beds has actually decreased over the past two years.

These governments are pursuing policies that they know will result in major surges of infections, hospitalisations and deaths. The alternative to this policy, which is dictated by the profit demands of the corporate elite, is the fight to mobilise the working class on a socialist program that places public health, safety and the interests of society above those of a tiny wealthy oligarchy.
Carrie Bourassa (TEDxUniversityofSaskatchewan)

Large sections of Canadas well-heeled academic establishment have been consumed in recent weeks with the unsavoury professional destruction of Carrie Bourassa, a University of Saskatchewan professor and the scientific director, until she was fired from the post last month, of the federal government-affiliated Institute of Indigenous Peoples Health.

Bourassa has been pilloried as an imposter and a fraud for claiming Indigenous identity despite not having a drop of Indigenous blood in her, as one of her many critics pointedly remarked. The kick-off and spearhead of this campaign was an extensive forensic inquiry into Bourassas genealogy conducted by the state-funded Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.

As a result of the furor whipped up by the media and a number of identity politics zealots, Bourassa has been suspended or removed from her various academic posts, despite not having been found guilty of any crime or even appearing before any disciplinary body.

The entire episode is a particularly foul expression of the consequences of race-based affirmative action, which is irreconcilably at odds with the interests of working people and the fight for social equality. Falsely presented by its advocates as progressive and a blow for social justice, affirmative action leaves the capitalist profit system and its savage exploitation of workers of all races and ethnic backgrounds untouched. It calls for privileges enjoyed only by the richest 5 or 10 percent of the population, such as professorial and high-profile media appointments and positions on corporate boards, to be allocated according to raced-based formula and quotas so as to guarantee a racially equitable division of the spoils.

While enriching and empowering a few, this racialist agenda serves to further entrench racial divisions. It provides the rationale for an ever-more ruthless application of pseudo-scientific theories of race and racial purity that have much in common with far-right and outright fascist ideology.

The racialist identity politics behind the attack on Bourassa are fostered and deployed by Canadian imperialism to cultivate a constituency within privileged sections of the upper middle class. The specific form this has taken with regard to the tiny native elite is Indigenous reconciliation, which has been official state policy since the Trudeau Liberal government came to power in 2015.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at Assembly of First Nations special chiefs' assembly, Dec. 2015 (APTN)

The aim of reconciliation is to reconcile the Indigenous population, the vast majority of whom live in poverty and squalor comparable to Third World countries, to Canadian capitalism, by nurturing a small privileged layer of Indigenous petty-bourgeois professionals and entrepreneurs to serve as a buffer against growing anger and social opposition among Indigenous workers and youth.

As exemplified by the recent appointment of Mary Simon, an Inuit and former Canadian diplomat, to the post of Governor-General, this involves the promotion of native representatives to high-level positions in government, business and academia, including through the adoption and expansion of affirmative action programs. It also involves the push to expand or create new structures of native self-government within the Canadian federal state that can work with Ottawa, the provinces and big business to step up the exploitation of First Nations-controlled territory and its Indigenous inhabitants.

A central feature of the reconciliation policy is that the ruling class not only allows, but actively encourages racial divisions. The official narrativepromoted by the entire political establishment apart from the most right-wing Conservatives and Quebec nationalists, and disseminated by the corporate media, and a grasping Indigenous eliteholds white settler society and racism responsible for the historic crimes committed against, and the ongoing oppression of, the Indigenous people. This racialist argument conveniently absolves Canadian capitalism and its state for the abuse and oppression of the native population. Instead, blame and the need for restitution is shifted onto whites in general, who, owing to their skin colour, do not and cannot understand the lived experiences of the Indigenous population.

The media offensive against Bourassa

It is only in this context that one can account for the ferocity of the attack unleashed against Bourassa by Canadas purportedly impartial public broadcaster and a phalanx of identity politics crusaders. For these privileged layers, much was at stake, including six-figure salaries, lucrative academic appointments and research funding opportunities.

Suspicion around Bourassas identity was initially raised from within the thin layer who compete for the few privileges conferred on the basis of Indigenous identity. Raven Sinclair, a professor of social work at the University of Regina and a public critic of Bourassa, inadvertently gave away more than she intended when she blurted out on CBCs The Current, It has to do with material gain and advantage of position, power, authority and role. A lot of things come down to money.

In late October, the CBC published a lengthy investigative report by journalist Geoff Leo calling into question long-standing claims of Bourassa to Metis and Indigenous heritage. Bourassa, who has written extensively on native health issues and was till recently a recognized authority on the subject, has in the past claimed Metis, Anishinaabe and Tlingit heritage.

It should be noted that Bourassas own success appears to a considerable degree to have been facilitated by the same sort of identity politics that are now being weaponized against her. An avid proponent of the affirmative action programs promoted by Indigenous leaders and the Liberal government, she took full advantage of both funding and professional opportunities explicitly allocated on the basis of Indigenous identity.

The CBC reported that it had received a six-page open letter in September signed by 30 people, including members of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the federal government agency with which Bourassa, as a director of the Institute of Indigenous Peoples Health, was professionally affiliated. The letter stated, CIHR strongly supports Dr. Carrie Bourassa in refuting any claims doubting her Indigenous identity. That apparently was taken by the CBC as a greenlight to launch their genealogical investigation.

Citing accusations by some of her colleagues that her claims are false, Leo examined Bourassas family history as a police investigator would a murder suspect. After poring over birth certificates, ship passenger manifests, census records, probate files, newspaper clippings and local family histories, Leo concluded in his article, CBC has traced all of her ancestry lines back to Europe. CBC was unable to locate any Indigenous ancestor.

The story of an Indigenous imposter was subsequently picked up and sensationalized by media outlets around the world.

Though it may well be the case that Bourassa has been less than truthful in her claims, the assertion of blood ancestry as a necessary qualification for a teaching post or any position for that matter has no progressive aspect and must be firmly opposed. One need not support Bourassas actions or her politics to reject the basis on which she has been targeted.

Among Bourassas more vocal accusers is Winona Wheeler, associate professor of Indigenous studies at the University of Saskatchewan, who asserted to APTN National News, What we found is that Dr. Carrie Bourassa doesnt have a drop of Indigenous blood in her and that she has been faking her identity for at least 20 years.

Janet Smylie, a Metis professor at the University of Toronto whose book on Indigenous parenting was co-edited by Bourassa, was similarly harsh, stating, It makes you feel a bit sick to have an imposter who is speaking on behalf of Metis and Indigenous people to the country about literally what it means to be Metis  thats very disturbing and upsetting and harmful.

Bourassa subsequently revised her previous claims that she grew up Metis, saying instead that she became Metis in her 20s when she was adopted into the community by a Metis friend of her grandfather, Clifford Laroque, who has since died. A video has circulated of her describing a naming ceremony during which she received the spirit name Morning Star Bear, which she says she took as confirmation of her native identity.

Bourassas sister, Jody Burnett, says that they both received financial assistance for their education from funding provided to native people. However, Burnett told the CBC she has not claimed to be Metis since 2014, when her husband completed a family tree that threw into doubt any Indigenous heritage. Though she says Bourassa received thousands of dollars in Metis scholarships, Burnett supports her sisters claim that she was led to believe she had Metis relations by a Metis leader.

Bourassa was previously celebrated as an important advocate for Indigenous health and culture within the same circles now savaging her. Earlier this year, she was named by a leading NGO to be among the top 100 most powerful women in Canada. She was widely credited for highlighting the dire health conditions facing Indigenous people, and particularly their impact on women. This makes her persecution over her heritage all the more hypocritical.

Bourassa has been relatively muted in her own defence, issuing a media release that states, Dr. Bourassas employment is not determined by nationhood and she is not in an Indigenous designated role within the University of Saskatchewan. The statement indicated her support for allotting academic appointments based on native identity but objected to making genealogy the determinant of that identity. Referring to federal legislation and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Canada as legal coverage, the statement warns that the campaign to determine who has the right to claim Indigenous identity based on family ancestry is leading to racial blood quantum criteria that challenges the traditional (Indigenous) right to claim and adopt.

Demands for more vigorous, race-based selections

The proposition that only those of a particular racial or ethnic background can understand, study, and write about issues concerning their own group or community mirrors positions that can be traced to far-right assertions of race as primary in society. Whatever the basis for the designation of these groups, whether it be self-identification or a blood quotient, the premise is itself reactionary and must be decisively rejected by all workers and progressive-minded professionals and artists.

That said, the scrutiny of blood lineswhich can and invariably will lead to disputes over whose genealogy is Indigenous enoughis especially odious.

In their push for greater access to privilege, Indigenous identity politics activists and their supporters within the capitalist establishment are resorting to definitions akin to those developed by the Fathers of Confederation as they realized the program of Canadas emerging capitalist elite to dispossess and subjugate the Native people of western Canada, thereby destroying their communal forms of property and opening their lands for capitalist exploitation.

The 1876 Indian Act declared an Indigenous person to be any male person of Indian blood reputed to belong to a particular band. This designation of Indigenous people on the basis of Indian blood was subsequently used to enforce a system of state discrimination and other horrific crimes against the Native people, including denying them basic citizenship rights, such as the right to vote until 1960, and prohibiting them from moving freely off-reserve under a pass law regime that served as a model for South Africas apartheid laws.

Aside from the exclusion of women, those advocating the use of genealogical investigations to police Indigenous affirmative action programs would have no trouble signing on to the reactionary race-based categorization of society and culture contained in the 1876 Indian Act.

The squabble over Bourassas Indigenous identity is being used to justify the development of an even more stringent form of race-based selection at Canadian institutions.

At Queens University, questions were raised over the Indigenous credentials of several faculty members last June. This resulted in an open letter from Indigenous leaders pointing to the material interests at stake, noting that there is a financial and legal incentive for universities to over report on First Nations, Inuit and Metis (FNIM) faculty to meet pre-established equity targets.

In November, Queens announced that it was adopting a process of consultations with Indigenous leaders on key aspects of verification of indigeneity in hiring. Similar measures have been adopted at several American universities.

At Ryerson University, an Indigenous faculty committee is being tasked with developing criteria they will use to confirm who they consider to be Indigenous. According to a November 15 statement from the university, In Canada, we live within a history and the ongoing practices of colonialism. Stepping outside of colonialism, particularly in institutional settings, is impossible. Therefore, all communication and conversation related to Indigenous identity and community unfolds within a context of colonialism and white institutional norms.

The increasing pressure for universities to implement rigorous race-based selection, the logic of which leads to blood quotients, has nothing whatsoever to do with white norms, whatever that may mean. It is rather the product of Canadian capitalism and the policies pursued by the pro-war, pro-austerity Liberal government. Recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, ostensibly formed to redress the historic crimes of the residential school system, included a funding formula for academic positions and resources based on Indigenous identity.

The overwhelming majority of the Indigenous population, meanwhile, continues to suffer far higher unemployment, poverty, disease, drug and alcohol addiction, suicide and incarceration rates than the general population. COVID-19 infection rates and opioid deaths are respectively four times and double the national average.

Just over half of Indigenous students finish high school, and only one-quarter gain a university degree, compared to around half of the general population. Dozens of First Nations reserves continue to lack access to clean drinking water more than six years after Trudeau came to power pledging to do away with boiled water advisories.

Idle No More rally in London, Ontario, Dec 19, 2011 (Warrior Publications)

The deepening crisis of capitalist rule, coupled with an upsurge of social opposition from the working class and other oppressed sections of society, is driving the ruling class and its backers to intensify their efforts to incite divisions among workers along racial, cultural and gender lines. They are determined to set workers against each other and block a unified workers movement against class oppression. But in this they will fail. The rapidly deteriorating conditions of life for the broad masses of the population, the Indigenous population included, is driving working people into struggle. This finds its clearest expression in the growth of strikes among workers across North America in the face of the disastrous conditions produced by the pandemic. The overwhelmingly young and impoverished Native population has repeatedly shown its determination to oppose capitalist oppression over recent years, from the Idle No More protests to the nationwide rail blockades in support of the Wetsuweten.

The promotion of identity politics serves to advance the material ambitions of a small number of people in order to defend the retrograde principle of class privilege. Working people, whether they are English- or French-speaking, Indigenous or immigrants, must decisively reject all forms of identity politics and fight for an end to the oppression of the native population as part of the struggle for socialism.
Earlier this week, the January 6 House Select Committee charged with investigating former President Donald Trumps attempted coup released an explosive slide show presentation turned over to the committee by former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows. The slide show revealed Trumps and his co-conspirators systematic plan for overturning democratic forms of rule in the United States.

White House chief of staff Mark Meadows speaks with reporters outside the White House, Oct. 26, 2020, in Washington [Credit: AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File]

The presentation, dated January 5 and titled Election Fraud, Foreign Interference & Options for 6 Jan, begins by citing false claims of foreign interference by China through Venezuela and Dominion Voting Systems software.

In response to the alleged INFLUENCE and CONTROL of US Voting Infrastructure in at least 28 States as part of [an] ongoing globalist/socialist operation to subvert the will of United States Voters and install a China ally, the slides describe in detail the multifaceted plot by Trump and his allies to declare a phony National Security Emergency in order to use US Marshals and the National Guard to seize election infrastructure nationwide and declare electronic voting in all states invalid.

After declaring the results invalid, the slides call for a federalized National Guard, under the command of a so-called Trusted Lead Counter appointed with authority from Trump to direct the actions of select federalized National Guard units and support from [Department of Justice], [Department of Homeland Security] and other US government agencies. These entities would disqualify all the counterfeit ballots (emphasis in original) and then count all the remaining legal paper ballots.

In a slide titled Ballot Adjudication, the document outlines the procedure for suspending the Constitution in order to facilitate the counting of legal paper ballots. After the National Guard finishes counting every so-called legal ballot in 5-10 days, the ballots would then be approved by state legislators. Ballot exceptions, the document states, will require an affirmative vote by the [Supreme Court of the United States] stating that Article II, Section 1, Clause 2 has been suspended. Otherwise all officials will follow the Constitution.

The shoddy slide show presentation is a window into the thinking of an increasingly fascistic and desperate ruling class that is becoming further untethered from reality by the day. Its existence is further confirmation of the wide-ranging plot orchestrated by Trump, and supported by significant sections of the Republican Party, to overthrow the election of Biden and with it, what little remains of bourgeois democracy in the US. It is further proof that the storming of the Capitol on January 6, which the World Socialist Web Site alone warned the working class in the months following Trumps electoral defeat, was not a spontaneous riot but the culmination of the dictatorial scheme orchestrated from the highest levels of the US government.

The presentation was part of a tranche of documents turned over by Meadows before he declared earlier this week that he would no longer be complying with the committees request. In a letter to Meadows lawyer Wednesday citing the presentation, Select Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson (Mississippi-Democrat) wrote that the document was slated for distribution to those on the hill, that is, it was to be presented to members of Congress.

In the same letter to Meadows lawyer, Thompson noted that in the documents already turned over by Meadows to the committee, the former chief of staff is shown sending emails as early as November 7, 2020 suggesting Republican-controlled states send alternate slates of presidential electors to Congress on January 6.

Meadows also turned over to the committee a November 6, 2020, text exchange with a Member of Congress apparently about appointing alternate electors in certain states as part of a plan that the Member acknowledged would be highly controversial and to which Mr. Meadows apparently said, I love it, Thompson said.

Thompson noted that in addition to the texts and slide show, Meadows turned over a January 5, 2021, email about having the National Guard stand by. This revelation is significant, given the ongoing cover-up within the Pentagon over the purposeful delay of sending National Guard soldiers to the besieged Capitol.

The plan to reject Biden electors and appoint new pro-Trump electors was further described in the presentation as part of three different options for Vice President Mike Pence on 6 JAN.

These options included Pence unilaterally and illegally seating Republican Electors over the objections of Democrats in states where fraud occurred. Mimicking the arguments laid out previously in coup lawyers John Eastmans and Jenna Elliss memoranda, the document also suggests that Pence reject[s] the electors from States where fraud occurred causing the election to be decided by remaining electoral votes.

The slide directed Pence to delay the decisions in order to allow for a vetting and subsequent counting of all the legal paper ballots.

The coup slide show is believed to have been written by retired Army Colonel Phil Waldron of the Allied Security Operations Group, according to professor and national security expert Karen Piper.

Waldron and co-owner of the Allied Security Operations Group, Russell Ramsland Jr., were frequent visitors at Trumps Willard war room command center. The Washington Post previously noted that Waldron, who specialized in psychological operations with the Army, led a team of people that reported to Rudy Giulianis political crony, Bernard Kerik. This team allegedly provided Kerik with election data analysis supporting Trumps fraudulent claims.

In a separate article by the Post they write that to an extent not widely recognized, Ramsland and others associated with ASOG played key roles in spreading the claims of fraud.  They were circulated by Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Tex.), a staunch Trump ally who had been briefed by ASOG. And Ramslands assertions were incorporated into the kraken lawsuits filed by conservative lawyer Sidney Powell who the Post learned had also been briefed two years earlier by ASOG

Confirming the authenticity of the slide show in an interview posted this past June was the recently subpoenaed founder of the fascistic 1st Amendment Praetorian paramilitary group, Robert Patrick Lewis. In an interview with Doug Billings The Right Side, Lewis, who boasts of providing security to Flynn, describes the national objectives and intelligence he claimed to be delivering to the White House, directly to the President.

That was stuff based on Chinas influence in the United States and specific propaganda that we were outlining

A month prior, Lewis gave another interview in which he cited the Maricopa County recount, which was conducted in Arizona earlier this year by Trump partisans as an example of what we were suggesting to Trump his last week in office.

Its interesting how the Maricopa recount ... is extremely similar to what Patrick Byrne, General [Michael] Flynn and Sidney Powell suggested to President Trump there in the last week in the White House, said Lewis.

We said, Bring the National Guard in, have a recount and livestream across the nation so that everybody can look and see that everything is above board.

Minus the National Guard, added Lewis. Everything they (Byrne, Powell, Flynn) suggested is going on in Maricopa.

There is no doubt that there remains a mountain of evidence left to uncover that will further implicate Trump, the Republican Party and elements of the police-intelligence-military apparatus in the coup.

Ranking member and one of two Republicans on the committee, Wyoming Representative Liz Cheney, promised earlier this week that the committee will hold a series of hearings next year to lay out what has been uncovered, presumably after which the committee will wind down in preparation for the midterms.

Like the bipartisan 9/11 Commission that the Select Committee is modeled after, information revealing the widespread support for Trumps coup within the Republican Party and the capitalist state as a whole will continue to be excluded and omitted. Despite claiming to have interviewed nearly 300 witnesses, the Select Committee has continued to hold hearings and depositions behind closed doors.

The chloroforming of the working class to the true danger of fascism by the Democrats, the pseudo-left and their media supporters continues. This coup memo was known to lawmakers and media sources, prior to Meadows turning it over to the committee.

In fact, the entire document was publicly tweeted out by current far-right Fox News host and former CBS correspondent Lara Logan on the morning of January 5.

The fact that its contents are only now being publicly broadcast by the committee and select news outlets, nearly a year after the coup and 10 months after Trumps truncated second impeachment trial ended with his acquittal, is a testament to the scale of the ongoing bipartisan cover-up of Trumps coup.
Kaitlyn Dever in Dopesick

The Hulu miniseries Dopesick, created by Danny Strong, is based on the 2018 nonfiction book Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors and the Drug Company that Addicted America by Beth Macy.

The eight-episode series is a devastating indictment of the American pharmaceutical industry. Nearly 1 million people have died in the US since 1999 from drug overdoses and over 70 percent of such deaths have involved an opioid, according to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics. In the 12-month period ending in April 2021, the first year of the pandemic, more than 100,000 people in the US succumbed to an overdose. One hundred thousand people  in one year.

Dopesick is a term used by the drug-addicted to describe the hellish physical and mental process of withdrawing from opiates, which only encourages the continued use of drugs to avoid this agony.

The Hulu series details how the over-prescription of the painkiller OxyContin, ruthlessly pushed on the population by Purdue Pharma, helped set off the deadly opioid epidemic in the US.

Dopesick spans the period from the mid-1990s to the mid-2000s and is unrelenting in its criticism of Purdue and its sympathy for the epidemics victims. The series does not simply flesh out a collection of statisticsthe creators, writers and actors have produced a genuinely compelling social drama.

Macy, in her book, points to the social and class dimensions of the epidemic. Appalachia was among the first places where the malaise of opioid pills hit the nation in the mid-1990s, ensnaring coal miners, loggers, furniture makers, and their kids, she writes.

In this regard, the overall response of the media and reviewers to Dopesick, which rises to the level of mild interest, is telling. This is not their meat, so to speak. The mini-series concentrates on a demographic and geographic region of no great concern to affluent layers in the major cities. A drama or a horror film along racial or gender lines, such as Dear White People (2014), Get Out (2017), Promising Young Woman (2020) or Them (2021), sets the critics alight. The devastation of working-class communities is another matter.

Dopesick

Dopesick opens in 1986. Richard Sackler (Michael Stuhlbarg), one of the chief executives of the family-owned Purdue pharmaceutical company, outlines his mission: The time has come to redefine the nature of pain. For too long the American medical community has ignored chronic pain and this has created an epidemic of suffering. Sackler continues in the same vein: When we live with pain we are not living our true selves. We are not living our best selves. We are not even living at all because the pain overtakes our ability to think, feel and even love. The reader can determine for him or herself the proportions here of self-delusion and crude justification for profit-making. Sackler will become one of the most rapacious archangels of death.

In Finch Creek, a small mining town in the Appalachian Mountains, Dr. Sam Finnix (Michael Keaton) ministers devotedly to its residents, many suffering from injuries resulting from their laborious and dangerous occupations. In 1996, Purdue sales rep Billy Cutler (Will Poulter) introduces OxyContin to Sam, with the claim that the painkiller addicts less that 1 percent of its users and has a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved special label to back up its claims. Sam is skeptical, as no Schedule II narcotic (a substance with a high potential for abuse) has ever been given such an imprimatur before. When young Betsy Mallum (Kaitlyn Dever) suffers a serious back injury from a mining accident, she becomes Sams first patient to be prescribed OxyContin.

Michael Keaton and Cory Scott Allen in Dopesick

In 2002, District Attorney John Brownlee (Jake McDorman) and his team, Rick Mountcastle (Peter Sarsgaard) and Randy Ramseyer (John Hoogenakker), begin investigating the lethal opioid. The Drug Enforcement Administrations (DEA) Bridget Meyer (Rosario Dawson) has discovered that the FDAs medical review officer, Curtis Wright, had approved the drugs deceptive label, helping to perpetuate a massive lie for which he was rewarded a $400,000 a year salary from Purdue.

A few months ago, we caught a doctor selling pills out of his car to an 11-year-old girl ... and when we arrested him, he thanked us, prosecutor Randy tells Bridget. At that moment, we knew that what we got going on in coal country is similar to San Francisco at the start of the AIDS crisis  Our community is ground zero for a growing national catastrophe.

Sackler and Purdue are hell-bent on making OxyContin the greatest pain killer in human history ... taking its place next to penicillinthe most important drug in the history of medicine. The aggressive, money-obsessed sales force is armed with psychological profiles of the doctors in their territories and the ability to offer them unlimited perks and junkets. Other sales tools include the use of comforting formulasfor example, that pain is the fifth vital sign, giving it equal status alongside blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate and temperature, that pain is being undertreated, etc.

Charlatan experts such as Dr. David Haddox (Aaron Serotsky), who coined the phrase pseudo-addiction, argue that addiction is a fantasy. When it comes to light that the miracle painkiller only lasts 12 hours, Purdue invents the term breakthrough pain and recommends doubling the dose. The company begins with a 10mg pill, followed by a 40mg pill, and eventually manufactures a 160mg tablet! Individualizing the dose means individualizing your bonus, is a euphemism for pushing ever increasing amounts of OxyContin. As the WSWS has noted, between 2006 to 2012, drug companieswith Purdue in the leadpoured 76 billion oxycodone and hydrocodone pills into US neighborhoods, enough to provide every adult and child in the country with 36 pills each per year.

Author Macy writes that Internal documents referred to reps as royal crusaders and knights, and supervisors went by such nicknames as the Wizard of OxyContin, the Supreme Sovereign of Pain Management, and the Empress of Analgesia. Purdues head of pain care sales signed his memos simply King...

Industrywide, pharmaceutical companies spent $4.04 billion in direct marketing to doctors in 2000, up 64 percent from 1996.

Sam attends a Purdue pain management seminar in Arizona, where he naively speaks from the heart about what he believes to be the drugs benefits. The lonely widower is seduced by the companys dazzling promotionsas well as a redheaded pharma employee. Nothing is too underhanded for Purdues profit-driven entrapment schemes. When Sam becomes hooked himself after a car accident, he begins traveling out of state desperately searching for OxyContin prescriptions.

Now several of Sams patients are also addicted. Betsy, who had envisioned a life away from Finch Creek with her girlfriend Grace (Cleopatra Coleman), begins financing her habit by stealing from her parents, Jerry and Diane (Ray McKinnon and Mare Winningham). Distraught by their daughters acute drug dependency, they set aside deeply held religious beliefs and accept Betsys homosexuality as they fight for her life.

Walt the drug dealer (Nicholas Logan) teaches Sam how to get high faster by licking the coating, rubbing it off and crushing the Oxy into a powder to snort, sadly causing the physician to hallucinate that he is dancing with his beloved deceased wife. Eventually in rehab, Sam is cautioned that the alternative is either jail or the morgue.

Betsy, also desperately trying to kick her drug compulsion, agrees to seek help. But pushers are everywhere, even in the supposed sanctity of a Narcotics Anonymous meeting. Purdue tenaciously adds fuel to the OxyContin epidemic fire. Quacks like Haddox advance the fable that addicts have a genetic disorder that requires increasing dosages to deal with the torture of withdrawal. Richard Sackler insists that addiction symptoms in actuality are the symptoms of untreated pain. While he lavishes loving attention on his pet dog, the pulseless drug lord drones on about hammering the abusers.

In one notable scene, at a DEA Museum presentation, the 9/11 celebrity Rudy Giuliani (Trevor Long), former New York City mayor, is a featured guest. He singles out Bridget and commends her for being one of the highest-ranking females in the DEA. She is star-struck and flattered until Giuliani tells her that Purdue is his law firms major client. There is less of a revolving door between public service and the drug companies than a wide open one.

Another case in point is that of the US Attorney of Maine Jay McCloskey (David Alexander), who in 2000, sent a letter to every doctor in Maine, warning about prescription drug abuse, including opioids. It wasnt long before McCloskey became a paid advocate for Purdue.

On the other hand, Dr. Van Zee (Raymond Dooley), a physician in Pennington Gap, Virginia, considered to be among the very first professionals to sound the alarm about the opioid addiction problem, also features in the series and in Macys book.

He explains that OxyContin changes the users brain chemistry. Not a week goes by that Im not talking with parents about their young adult children that are losing their jobs, spouses, children, and homes to this addiction, Van Zee wrote in a 2000 letter to Purdue executives, noting that 20 percent of local high-school seniors had reported trying Oxy. And in another letter that year: My fear is that these [addiction-hit rural communities] are sentinel areas, just as San Francisco and New York were in the early years of HIV.

Van Zee wrote this poem, OxyContin, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine:

It might have been easier

if OxyContin swallowed the mountains, and took

the promises of tens of thousands of young lives,

Slowly, like ever-encroaching kudzu.

Instead,

it engulfed us,

gently as napalm

would a school-yard.

Mama said

As hard as it was to bury Papa

after the top fell

in the mine up Caney Creek,

it was harder yet to find Sis that morning

cold and blue,

with a needle stuck up her arm.

Top of her class,

with nothing but promise ahead

until hi-jacked by

the torment of needle and spoon.

In September 2019, Purdue Pharma filed for bankruptcy to protect itself from 2,600 lawsuits. Every state in the nation had a claim against the company, totaling more than $2 trillion.

In a 2021 settlement agreement, the Sackler family agreed to pay $4.3 billion to mitigate OxyContin misuse and forfeit ownership of Purdue Pharma.

However, the deal also granted the Sacklers immunity from liability lawsuits.

The family, which made north of $10 billion selling OxyContin, admitted no wrongdoing and offered no apologies to the victims of their drug and its marketing.

Its outrageous, Macy told Healthline. Theres two systems of justicethe guy who was selling weed is in jail, and the Sacklers are not only not going to jail, but even after the settlement, the family will walk away even wealthier than it is now.

In a 2019 interview included at the end of her book, Macy stated that the crisis has continued to worsen in most states. Americans are now more likely to die of an accidental opioid overdose (1 in 96) than they are from a car crash (1 in 103).

Dopesick is unusual in its unvarnished hostility to the legal pill mill, presided over by the Sackler family and the three Purdue executives who realized OxyContin was being abused early in the crisis. Investigators have proof that Howard Udell (Brendan Patrick Connor), Michael Friedman (Will Chase), and Curtis Wright lied to Congress in 2000 because they have emails showing the trio knew about the drugs lethality as early as 1997.

Richard Sackler is well played by Stuhlbarg as a profit-crazed madman, while the enormously talented Keatons Sam Finnix, a doctor who moves from Pennsylvania to run a small practice amidst coal miners, is the moral axis on which the series turns. Dopesick elevates the decent, hard-working people, who are ensnared by the corporate criminals and their sales agent-sirens working to create one big pill-popping, zombie nation.

Michael Stuhlbarg in Dopesick

Sarsgaard, Cutler, Hoogenakker, Dever and Dawson also make outstanding contributions. Cast and crew give it their all in the exposure of what creator Danny Strong, in an October 2021 New York Times interview, termed the dark side of American capitalism, where you have the collusion of government and industry. Brought to the screen are the lives of people who dont count in America, exceptliterallyin Centers for Disease Control and Prevention mortality data.

Although the Sacklers obviously bear major responsibility, they are hardly alone. The pandemic has witnessed vast and legal price-gouging and profiteering by Big Pharma. The industry has no interest in boosting vaccine manufacturing capacity that would push down prices for poorer nations, nor in eradicating a virus that has proved to be a gold mine. Dopesick makes an unanswerable case for the takeover of these enterprises run by sharks and their transformation into public utilities operated according to the health needs of the population.
An autoworker on the assembly line inside the FCA Toledo Jeep plant (Credit: Twitter/@FiatChrysler_NA)

Workers at the Stellantis Toledo Assembly Complex in northwest Ohio were shocked and saddened this week by the apparent suicide by hanging of a 60-year-old plant electrician, John Ballard. According to press reports, the incident occurred at the plant around 3:35 p.m. on Monday.

Following the discovery of Ballards body, Stellantis halted production in that area of the plant, where the Jeep Gladiator is built. The entire second shift was sent home and no production was run that evening. The area of the plant that builds the Jeep Wrangler was not affected by the shutdown. The Jeep complex employs about 5,700 production workers running two shifts.

Stellantis spokeswoman Jodi Tinson released the following statement on the death: Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of a Toledo assembly plant employee who was found dead at the plant around 4 pm on Monday. At that time, the production environment was not up and running. We worked with the Toledo police to conduct an investigation and arrange to provide counseling support to our employees. We will respect our families and will not confirm the victims name or other details. The second shift on the Gladiator side of the complex was canceled on Monday night.

As of this writing, the United Auto Workers has made no public statement on the tragedy.

According to an obituary posted on legacy.com, Mr. Ballard was a lifelong resident of Toledo, attending Woodward High School. He married his companion, Lori, in 1988. He served in the Navy as a sonar technician and worked at the Jeep plant since 2005 as an electrician. John was a musician and played the bass guitar in several local bands and was noted for his love of cats.

He is survived by his wife Lori, son Andrew, two sisters and two nieces.

In a Facebook post Monday, Lori wrote: I lost the love of my life yesterday and Im not sure how Im going to continue on I feel so many emotions right now its hard to process anything. I just know that the next few weeks are going to [be] extremely difficult as my health is already in a compromised situation and the stress is just going to make it worse.

No one can be certain of the precise reasons Mr. Ballard made the tragic decision to take his own life. Whatever the combination of circumstances, it took place under conditions of a global pandemic that has taken at least 5 million lives and perhaps as many as 15 million, according to models of unreported deaths. Autoworkers and other nonessential workers have been forced to labor through the pandemic in close quarters in poorly ventilated factories. As the pandemic enters its third year, many Jeep workers have been sickened and an unknown number have died.

During the pandemic, production has been erratic, with the plant down for extended periods due to a shortage of microchips, cutting into workers income. Adding to the stress and uncertainty, management and the United Auto Workers have been concealing the number and location of COVID infections, making it difficult for workers to protect themselves and family members. Workers forced to take sick leave or quarantine have faced significant hurdles in obtaining paid time off.

To make up for production lost during earlier shutdowns and supply chain shortages, Stellantis is now running the Jeep plant at full tilt, with production workers on the job up to 60 hours a week. One Jeep worker, who wanted his name to be confidential, told the World Socialist Web Site Autoworker Newsletter, We are doing six 10s [i.e., 10-hour shifts a week], both sides of the plant. Two shifts, day shift and night shift. It is called the 40, 50, 60 pick program. We are allowed based on seniority to choose our day off.

We can work as low as 40, 50 and up to 60 hours in a given week. There is forced overtime based on the contract language, which we dont like. You can work 84-hour weeks back-to-back, but the most they can force you to work is 60. The whole point of the union was the 40-hour workweek and here we are at 60 hours; its ridiculous.

The worker added: His wife had been ill. When you are working up to 60 hours a week it is not good for you. And these guys [electricians] do 12-hour shifts and they are there up to 70 hours. Some guys volunteer for it. I dont know if he did. They try to force electricians to do a lot of stuff, a lot of hours.

They sent the second shift home at 5:30 p.m. I want to say they did it out of respect for John, but I know it was to prevent people from taking pictures and posting it out there. The fewer people are there the less likely things are to get out.

People in the plant didnt even know what was going on until a couple of hours later from postings on Facebook. The facts did not come out for several hours.

Last year there were 48,344 deaths by suicide in the United States, the 10th leading cause of death. The suicide rate for military veterans is 50 percent higher than for the general population.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide risk is elevated in several major occupations. Second on the list are repair and maintenance workers, after mining and construction.

While relatively rare, workplace suicides had been rising prior to the onset of the pandemic, reaching a record 304 in 2018. While mass layoffs during the pandemic depressed the number, stress on the job has increased.

In March 2021 Evan Seyfried, a 40-year-old dairy supervisor employed at Kroger in Milford, Ohio, died by suicide. His body was discovered by the mans father in his home. Family and coworkers assert that Seyfried committed suicide after facing abuse by the stores manager, who harassed him for insisting on wearing a mask. The United Food and Commercial Workers did nothing about the manager, who had mistreated other employees as well. The family has filed a lawsuit against Kroger.

In October 2017, 21-year-old autoworker Jacoby Hennings, a temporary part-time worker, died in what police said was a suicide at the Ford Woodhaven Stamping Plant south of Detroit. The young worker had been employed at two separate temp jobs at the time, hoping to secure a full-time position. Police say he shot himself shortly after meeting for one hour with three UAW officials at the plant over an unspecified grievance. The content of that meeting has never been made public. Aside from a perfunctory statement following Hennings death, the UAW never issued any further explanation of the circumstances of the tragedy.
On Friday, the prosecution rested in the trial of Ghislaine Maxwell following the testimony of Annie Farmer, the fourth and final accuser who said she was abused by the deceased billionaire Jeffrey Epstein when she was a minor.

In this July 15, 2019 photo, Annie Farmer, one of Jeffrey Epsteins accusers who spoke at his bail hearing, attends a news conference outside federal court in New York [Credit: AP Photo/Richard Drew, File]

Farmer, 42, who is the only victim to use her real name during the trial, told the Manhattan jury about several sexual encounters with Epstein when she was 16. She said she met him in New York City in late 1995 or early 1996 when she traveled there to visit her sister Maria, who was 25 years old and an employee of the billionaire financier and socialite.

Farmer said Epstein paid for her flight from her home in Phoenix, Arizona, and she wanted to meet him because he was interested in helping her go to college. During the trip, Epstein took the sisters to a movie and sat between them. Annie Farmer stated that Epstein started caressing her arm during the movie. I felt sick to my stomach, she said.

The prosecutor asked Farmer to read entries from her journal that were made shortly after her trip to New York City and backed up her story of meeting Epstein, who was more than twice her age, and how he caressed her arm during the movie.

The following spring, Farmer said she went on a weekend trip to Epsteins ranch in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and met Ghislaine Maxwell for the first time. At the billionaires 26,700 square foot Zorro Ranch, Farmer testified, she was directed to undress for a massage by Maxwell, who then started rubbing on my chest and on my upper breasts.

The witness also described an incident in the morning when Epstein entered the room in which she was staying and got into bed with her, saying, he wanted to cuddle, and he pressed his body into me. Farmer also said, All these experiences made me feel they had a very different interest in me. She said she excused herself to use the bathroom in order to get away from him.

Before Farmer testified, District Judge Alison Nathan instructed the jury that any physical contact with Maxwell and Epstein was not illegal sexual activity in New Mexico since a 16 year old is not considered a minor under New Mexico state law. Judge Nathan allowed Farmers testimony and told jurors to consider it if it is relevant to the issues in the trial.

The four Epstein accusersthe others remaining anonymous and going by the first names Jane, Carolyn and Katewere called to testify by the prosecution in order to prove that Maxwell, the confidante and sometimes lover of Epstein, was a willing accomplice in his sexual abuse and trafficking of numerous underage girls for nearly two decades.

Maxwell was arrested at her remote residence in Bradford, New Hampshire, on July 2, 2020, and pleaded not guilty at her arraignment twelve days later to all counts, including enticement of minors and sex trafficking of children. She was denied bail a month ago by Judge Alison Nathan of the Southern District of New York prior to the start of the trial, held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, because she was considered an extreme flight risk.

It took prosecutors approximately one year to arrest Maxwell after Epstein was found dead in a Manhattan jail cell while he was awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. As the ninth and youngest child of the British media baron Robert Maxwell, Ghislaine Maxwell was born in France and was part of the financial elite. According to one report, she met Epstein sometime in the early 1990s at a New York City social gathering.

While Epstein brought his contacts from the Wall Street financial world to the relationship, Maxwell brought her connections among the European and global elite. According to many sources, the two developed a long list of prominent individuals from elite circles in politics, academia, business, law and royalty with whom they invited to lavish events at their residences in London, New York, Palm Beach, Paris, New Mexico and a private island owned by Epstein in the US Virgin Islands.

These social gatherings often involved sexual relations between his guests and underage teens, many of whom were working class girls from West Palm Beach who were recruited and groomed by Maxwell from Epsteins Palm Beach mansion. Even though the sex trafficking ring was widely known within ruling circles and even within the criminal justice system, Epstein and Maxwell were repeatedly protected from prosecution.

In one instance in 2006, after 34 confirmed minors alleged sexual abuse in Palm Beach and a 53-page indictment was prepared by the FBI, US Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Alex Acosta intervened and agreed to a non-prosecution agreement that allowed Epstein to plead guilty to a state charge of procuring for prostitution a girl under the age of 18. Epstein was sentenced to 18 months in prison and housed in the Palm Beach County Stockade where he was permitted to come and go as he pleased on a work release program.

As described in her testimony, Farmers sexual contact with Epstein and Maxwell were of a pattern with the descriptions of the other witnesses. In cross examination, Maxwells lawyer attempted to undermine Farmers credibility by pointing to specific details in her recollection that appeared to be inconsistent with previous public accounts of the experiences that took place twenty-five years ago.

The prosecution called two additional witnesses on Friday to substantiate Farmers accusations against Epstein and Maxwell. Farmers high school boyfriend, David Mulligan, said she had told him at the time about her encounters with the two adults. Farmers mother, Janice Swain, also confirmed her daughters recollection of the trips to New York and New Mexico. Swain said that when her daughter returned from Zorro Ranch in New Mexico, she was withdrawn and did not want to talk about what happened there.

In previous civil filings, Epstein and Maxwell were alleged to have sexually assaulted Annie Farmers sister Maria at the suburban Columbus, Ohio, compound of Victoria Secret CEO Les Wexner, one month after the episode in New Mexico.

Shortly after the prosecution rested, Maxwells lawyers made a motion to dismiss the indictment or direct an acquittal before the case goes to the jury, a routine move in criminal trials. After hearing arguments on the motion, Judge Nathan denied it and said the trial will resume Thursday with the defense presenting its case.
The horrific crash of a truck packed with migrants in southern Mexico has laid bare the human cost of the anti-immigrant policies pursued by the Biden administration with the collaboration of the administration of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO) in Mexico.

The death toll in the accident, which occurred on a highway in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas between Corzo and Tuxtlas, rose to 55 on Friday, after a 16-year-old girl being treated at a local medical center succumbed to her injuries. Reports indicate that a number of children and adolescents are among the dead and the more than 100 who were injured. According to preliminary counts, 83 men and 22 women were hospitalized in various facilities.

Bodies of immigrants killed in truck crash in Chiapas Mexico [Source: Twitter]

Videos and photographs from the accident site present a hellish scene. Some of the at least 161 migrants packed into the trucks trailer were thrown from the vehicle, while others were left dead inside the wreckage or were seen making a torturous attempt to extricate themselves from the mass of bodies inside the damaged trailer.

The screams and wailing of family members desperately trying to revive those killed in the crash could be heard on videos recorded at the accident site. Rows of bodies were covered in white sheets, while others, their heads bleeding, protruded from the wreckage.

One man was heard in tears imploring a dying friend, Remember what you promised your mother. Hold on!

Residents of the working class neighborhood of El Refugio near the highway rushed to the scene to aid the survivors as best they could. They accused police of standing by and doing nothing.

The majority of those traveling in the truck were from Guatemala, while others were from Mexico, Honduras, Ecuador and the Dominican Republic. A number of the dead have yet to be identified.

The cause of the accident has been determined to be the truck speeding into a sharp curve and crashing against the wall of a pedestrian overpass, throwing the vehicle onto its side. It may have lacked functioning brakes, and the weight of the human bodies packed into the trailer was potentially a contributing factor. The driver of the vehicle fled the scene.

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres issued a statement on social media saying he was horrified by the mass death toll and declared that Every person searching for a better life deserves safety & dignity. He gave no indication, however, as to what forces are denying immigrants this right, supposedly guaranteed under international law, to safety and dignity.

In a press conference Friday, Mexicos President Lopez Obrador (AMLO) said that the tragedy had to be seen within the context of the worlds monstrous economic and social inequality. He went on to urge the US government to address the root causes, increasing aid to Central American countries to ameliorate conditions driving migrations, and to initiate a program of temporary work visas to allow entry of some refugees and immigrants.

The head of the Mexican National Guard, Luis Rodriguez Bucio, stressed to the media that the truck had not passed through any checkpoints manned by this military force to stop the flow of immigrants northwards.

The reactions of both AMLO and the National Guard chief were crafted to cover up their responsibility for the mass death through their enforcement of draconian anti-immigrant policies demanded by Washington to prevent migrants and refugees from reaching the southern border of the United States.

This repression has seen the detention in Mexico of over 228,000 migrants so far in 2021, according to Mexicos National Institute of Migration (INM). It has forced migrants to pursue ever more dangerous means of crossing Mexico, while leaving them at the prey of criminal cartels working in tandem with Mexicos security forces.

The mass deaths in southern Mexico come on the heels of the Biden administrations reinstatement of the Trump-eras Migrant Protection Protocol (MPP) or Remain in Mexico program, forcing all those seeking asylum on the US southern border to languish in makeshift camps in Mexico, awaiting the slow progression of their applications in US immigration courts.

The program, combined with the utilization of Title 42, a supposed health measure allowing authorities to turn back all migrants on the spurious grounds that they pose a threat of spreading COVID-19 in a country that already has the highest number of cases in the world, is aimed at suppressing immigration and intimidating those managing to reach the US border.

A report released this week by Mexicos National Commission on Human Rights (CNDH) found that fully half of those sent back across the border under Washingtons MPP program had been victimized by crimes, including kidnappings, robberies, extortion, murders and sexual violence. In most cases, the victims made no reports to police for fear that they would only suffer further violence at the hands of authorities.

While bemoaning the effects of the MPP program, the Mexican government headed by the supposed leftist AMLO is fully complicit in it, agreeing to accept the return of the mostly Central American migrants denied their rights under international law as asylum seekers.

The crocodile tears shed by the likes of AMLO, Central American heads of states and US officials over the mass death caused by the crash in Chiapas cannot hide the fact that they are all complicit in the repressive regime designed to impede the flow of migrants to the US border that created the conditions for this tragedy.

The abject refusal of the US government and its servile clients in Mexico and Central America to provide immigrants a safe and humane means of reaching the United States and making their case for asylum, as guaranteed under international law, has created mass death and untold human suffering.

Workers in the United States must defend working people from Central and South America, Haiti and Mexico itself, who are risking their lives in an attempt to reach the US. This means rejecting the anti-immigrant poison spread by the capitalist parties, the media and the unions and upholding the democratic right of immigrant workers to live and work in the country of their choice.
Yesterdays order by the UK High Court that WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange can be extradited to the United States is a disgusting travesty of justice.

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange [Credit: AP Photo/Matt Dunham]

The ruling is the outcome of a 10-year-long political conspiracy by the United States, the UK, Australia, and Sweden to persecute a courageous journalist who exposed the crimes carried out by the imperialist governments during the murderous invasion and occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan.

Upholding an appeal made by the US government, Lord Burnett of Maldon, Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales, and Lord Justice Holroyde ruled that the lower court ought to have afforded the US the opportunity to offer assurances about Assanges treatment. The judges accepted that the assurances now providedby a state which, they were told in the appeal hearing, plotted Assanges assassination, kidnap, rendering poisoningwere sufficient to meet the concerns about his well-being.

With this judgement, the UK judiciary has laid bare its function as a compliant instrument of the British state, prepared to rubber-stamp a campaign of staggering criminality with devastating anti-democratic implications.

Assanges lawyers rubbished the US assurances as nothing of the sort, providing extensive evidence of his illegal targeting by the CIA, including a highly credible investigation by Yahoo! News and an ongoing criminal investigation in Spain that his kidnap and murder was planned at the highest levels of government.

The High Court referenced these arguments before ruling, General statements of opinion calling into question the good faith of the USA from those who establish no relevant expertise to give such an opinion are of no more value than a journalistic opinion culled from an internet search.

The judges continued, The reality is that this court is being invited to reject the USAs assurances either on the basis that they are not offered in good faith or that they are for some other reason not capable of being accepted at face value. That is a serious allegation, particularly bearing in mind that the United Kingdom and the USA have a long history of cooperation in extradition matters

They conclude, There is no reason why this court should not accept the assurances as meaning what they say.

In other words, the court was not in the slightest concerned with Assanges clearly abused legal and democratic rights, but with furthering the interests and relationship of British and American imperialism. It has now delivered a ruling which threatens the WikiLeaks founder with life imprisonment or death for exposing the war crimes and other atrocities of the ruling class and paves the way for a sweeping assault on free speech.

Assanges extradition could now be imminent. No confidence should be placed in his securing an appeal to the UKs Supreme Court or the European Court. The wheels of a 10-year rendition operation, which has seen Assange arbitrarily detained, spied on, stolen from, seized from a foreign embassy, stripped of his Ecuadorian asylum and citizenship, psychologically tortured, subject to vindictive sentences and held on remand without charge for years in a maximum-security prison, are once again in motion.

Even if an appeal is accepted, an exclusively legal path to freedom at best means Assanges continued imprisonment in Belmarsh under the same intolerable conditions he has now suffered for more than two-and-a-half years .

This fate was handed down by the High Court as Assanges persecutor-in-chief, President Joe Biden, hosted a Summit for Democracy, attended by a gang of mass murderers including Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines and Jair Bolsanaro of Brazil, which announced a $3.5 million Journalism Protection Platform to provide at-risk journalists with digital and physical security training, psychosocial care, legal aid, and other forms of assistance.

In the UK on the same day, the House of Lords held a debate on the importance of freedom of speech which did not mention Assange once.

The vile hypocrisy of the US and British ruling class will not shock the broad mass of the population, which views its rotten governments with justly deserved contempt. The question they will be asking is not How could they do this? but How could they get away with it? and What must be done to stop them?

Any answer must begin with a serious political appraisal of events to this point. Until now, the fight for Assanges freedom has been left in the hands of an official campaign centred on the pursuit of justice through the courts and appeals on this basis to the tired ranks of the labour bureaucracy and liberal and right-wing libertarian great and good. This perspective has proved disastrous.

Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and the Socialist Campaign Group of Labour MPs have been feted as among the foremost champions of Assanges cause. But their support, limited to the last two years, has consisted of little more than concerned tweets, pleas to Prime Minister Boris Johnson and sermons on British justice. Corbyns single insipid tweet delivered seven hours after the judgement yesterday, Julian Assange should not be extradited for revealing uncomfortable truths, only drew attention to their inaction.

Similar store has been put in the 11th hour turn by the media to formally oppose Assanges extradition. But the truth is that whatever hand-wringing editorials and opinion columns these organisations can bring themselves to publish, the sentiment in the editorial offices of the Guardian and the New York Times will be one of smirking satisfaction. They spent years paving the way for yesterdays verdict. They will now hope that Assange, who threatened to upset their cosy relationship with their respective ruling classes, can at last be put out of mind.

It should be noted that the Guardian kept a report of the verdict, the most consequential in the history of journalism for half a century, on its front page for only a few hours before relegating it to an Around the world section way down the page, placed below From the UK.

The Guardian and companys switch to token support for Assange came only once his case was safely confined to the court system, after they had spent years pursuing a slander campaign designed to isolate him from the decisive factor in securing his freedom: the mass support for WikiLeaks in the global population.

Efforts to turn Assange into a pariah were variously supported or left unopposed by the organisations of the international pseudo-left. Among them was the UK group Counterfire, whose leading member John Rees now heads the Dont Extradite Assange group. The official campaigns entire orientation is to these current or former participants in the criminal enterprise against Assange, to a social layer which provides no constituency for democratic rights and the fight to defend them.

That fight depends on the international working class, which is coming into ever more open conflict with a capitalist social order on a forced march to dictatorship and war. A series of major strikes, often mounted in a direct opposition to the trade union bureaucracys efforts to impose company-authored contracts, mark a dramatic shift in the global situation since the campaign to silence Assange began.

The pandemic, the intensified exploitation of the working population to make good the windfall orchestrated by the oligarchy on a mountain of corpses, and the drive to war with nuclear armed powers Russia and China threatening millions more, are driving forward an escalating wave of class struggle.

It is to this enormous social force that the campaign to free Assange must turn. His cause must be made a watchword of the independent political movement of the working class now finding expression in the formation of rank-and-file committees across the globe. This movement will rally behind it all progressive social forces, including sections of the middle classes and professionals. The World Socialist Web Site and the Socialist Equality Parties will carry forward this struggle.
The relentless and malicious persecution of parents trying to protect their children from unsafe, COVID infected schools continues unabated.

Lisa Diaz, a mother of two from Wigan and a leading member of the SafeEdForAll (Safe Education For All) campaign group, has been threatened with fines and the Family Court. Now Sarah Paxman, a mum from Epsom, Surrey, has been invited to a meeting next week at her sons primary school under police caution for refusing to send her eight-year-old son, Stanleywho has a number of rare conditionsinto school while no serious measures are in place against COVID.

Sarah received her threatening letter on December 8, the same day that Prime Minister Boris Johnson, and Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty held a press conference on the rapid spread of the new Omicron variant. Despite acknowledging the dangers, Johnson said people should work from home where possible but could still attend Christmas parties. He then stressed that schools must remain open, and children must attend.

The threatening letter sent to Sarah Paxman

The homicidal indifference to the lives and wellbeing of the younger generation were summed up by Whittys sociopathic remark that the first reality with Omicron is a good one as it was infecting the young!

Sarah spoke to the World Socialist Web Site about the threats she has received and why she has kept her son out of school.

Sarah suffers from Long COVID that has severely impacted her neurological system. Stanley is autistic and attends a specialist school. A bright and happy child, he also suffers from several rare conditions. For this reason, Sarah has kept her son off school since March 2020. She describes this as an extremely difficult decision because Stanley is missing developing social skills and loved his school. But Sarah could see where the pandemic was going and instinctively took steps to protect him.

On December 8, she received a letter inviting her to an interview under caution on Stanleys non-attendance.

The letter states, This interview will be held at Linden Bridge School in accordance with the procedures set out in the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984. This will mean that you will be formally cautioned in the following terms:

You do not have to say anything but it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you later rely on in court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence.

Sarah has responded with outrage and fury at the threat. She told the WSWS:

I first became ill on February 20, 2020, and was very poorly for eight weeks. I was given a series of antibiotics, steroids and had a sinus infection. The whole family was ill, although Stanleys seemed to be more of a cold. I now have Long COVID which causes many different problems including brain fog and fatigue. Since then, Stanley has had several episodes of very nasty illness.

My son was never on the vulnerable list, even when shielding was in place because his condition is so rare. I first noticed a problem when he was three years old. He was in a paddling pool, came out with a rash and fainted. It took many arguments with doctors to finally get a referral to an immunologist.

Stanley has eventually been diagnosed with Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (Hives) and a systemic allergy to coldcold Urticariathat causes him to pass out. He was diagnosed with Fifth Disease, also known as Parvovirus B19 (or slapped cheek) in 2018.

Sarah Paxman with son Stanley (Credit: Sarah Paxman)

On that occasion in 2018 he had been poorly for a few weeks, but it was bearable. He was eating and he was happy. Then suddenly he was a tiny bit sick, and was coughing, pleading hold me. I got straight onto [National Health Service accident and emergency phone number] 111 but he took a turn for the worse as I was talking to them. He was going in and out of consciousness. So, I told them, get me an ambulance now.

Because of these anaphylactic shocks he must use an EpiPen. He has two at school and two at home. It is not only dangerous for him to be in the cold. Even in the heat, if he sweats and there is a slight breeze, he gets a rash and can go into shock. If he were left outside in the cold for 10 minutes without medication he would not survive.

So even though I want him to go to school, I want it to be safe. I want him vaccinatedif its good enough for everyone else, its good enough for my son. Even though I am terrified about a possible reaction to the vaccine, at least I know he would be observed as he had it and would be protected.

But I will not take a chance with COVID. It was a virus that caused his current illnesses. He is under the care of Epsom Hospital in Surrey, and I asked them how many children they deal with that have Stanleys combination of conditions and require an EpiPen. The answer is none, so no one can tell me that they know children are safe, that they will not be affected, and they know what is going to happen.

Chances are he has had COVID and was asymptomatic, and we do not know the long-term consequences. To put him in school which are like petri dishes because the virus is spreading so easily is like throwing him in the lions den. COVID loves a crowd and viral load matters.

They first approached me about deregistering from school. After September 2020 I was given an Exclusion Officer. Before Christmas 2020 I thought about sending him back, and then again at Easter but it still did not feel safe. I prepared to send him this September and even brought his school uniform so that he was ready. But my gut told me no.

Because Stanley has an Educational Health Care Plan, he cannot lose his space at school. They tried to encourage me to deregister him, but they cannot guarantee there will be a space for him to return to.

Five weeks ago, I got a letter to go to school. I phoned them and told them about the situation with my Long COVID. It is more than a loss of smell. It is really affecting me neurologically. I have also come out in a terrible face rash and get very fatigued. Sometimes you think you have recovered but then there is a bad relapse.

I did get that meeting cancelled but then I got another letter dated November 30, but it only arrived yesterday [December 8]. It tells me I must be at the school at 9.30 a.m. on December 16. And it threatens that I will be under caution.

I do intend to go to that meeting. I have spoken to a barrister, and he has advised me to go. This threat is unbelievable. A lot of parents want their kids at school. I would like my son at school. But we are in the middle of a pandemic and the schools are not safe.

I have seen my baby rushed into hospital with his oxygen levels at 71 percent and doctors discussing that he will need an air ambulance. I have been through terrible experiences with my sons health, and I will not place him in danger.

He will go back when I say so and when I am sure it is safe. Yet I am being threatened with fines, court and social workers. Of course, if I de-register then none of this applies. How can they do this to parents whose only crime is to want to protect their children? I say bring it on. Send social services round. I have nothing to hide. I have nothing to be ashamed of. I am only looking after my child.

We need proper ventilation in schools, workplaces, hospitals, etc. With cholera it was accepted that we are all entitled to clean water. Now we must have clean air. It is a matter of life and death.

I was never political until this pandemic. When it started, when I and my family became ill, I started reading about it, and getting on social media. I started to follow Lisa Diaz. I am much more political now.

Why are they doing this? Because they do not give a s**t about us. They care only for the rich and the elites. That is all they are bothered about. Although it would not surprise me if some of them had made the deliberate decision to bump some of us off.

Look at that [Downing Street] press conference dress rehearsalsniggering and lying about having parties when everyone else was in lockdown. I am furious about it. When so many have been ill, lost loved ones, had to give things up and they stand there laughing behind our backs.

They know that if kids go to school without the needed mitigations this will continue to spread. They should have sorted this out already, but they will not because they want the schools open, so the parents go to work.

This is a herd immunity experiment at our childrens expense. My son will not be taking part in it. Not on my watch. No way. The medical textbooks are still being written. A lot of people are going to be on the wrong side of history.

Sarah has asked for her situation to be passed as testimony to the Global Workers Inquest into the COVID-19 Pandemic, organised by the WSWS.
Max Boddy, Sue Phillips, Cheryl Crisp and Mike Head address online SEP meeting

Amid an intensifying public health and political crisis in Australia and internationally triggered by the COVID-19 disaster, the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) will extend its campaign against the anti-democratic laws rammed through parliament in August by the Labor Party and the Liberal-National Coalition government.

The SEP has not met the arbitrary requirement of submitting the details of 1,500 members within the deadline of December 2 set by the two big business partiesin the middle of the worst upsurge of Delta infection that made physical political campaigns unsafe, and often unlawful.

But already we have won significant numbers of new electoral members, and this is an important achievement. Our electoral members have not just signed a form. They have consciously supported the SEPs fight for a socialist program, in opposition to Labor, the unions and the Greens, and many have convinced co-workers, friends and family members to do the same.

They have joined in response to the statement on the SEPs sign-up form, which explains: The opposition to the dictates of big business and its political servants needs to be guided by a socialist program that puts the social needs of working peopleabove all their health and livesahead of the private profits of the wealthy few. The SEP alone fights for this perspective.

We will continue this campaign until and beyond the looming federal election. Whether we are registered or not, the SEP will stand candidates in this election. We will take out to the broadest possible audience the fight for the overturn of the entire capitalist economic and political order and for the building of the revolutionary socialist leadership needed to win that fight.

The electoral laws seek to strip party registration from all political parties, including the SEP, that do not currently have parliamentary representation, by suddenly trebling the number of members required from 500 to 1,500 to be officially recognised.

The SEP has always opposed these laws, which give the state apparatus the power to decide which parties have support in the population. Under protest, however, we have submitted the names of 500 electoral members in time for each election in order to exercise our right to stand candidates under our party name.

When we launched our campaign against the new laws on September 2, we explained that they were a desperate attempt to prop up the increasingly discredited two-party duopoly and stifle the rising discontent in the working class. We said:

The COVID-19 pandemic has only deepened the opposition and anger in the working class to the two parties of big businessthe Coalition and Laborthat have put profit ahead of health and lives. The concern in ruling circles is that this hostility will be expressed in the next election in votes for other political parties, further destabilising the two-party system of rule on which the capitalist class has long depended.

That analysis has been completely confirmed over the past three months. By the time the parliamentary year ended, the hated Coalition government, wracked by rifts and revolts, had virtually disintegrated, unable to pass any legislation without Labors help.

Yet Labors support is still languishing at the historic 85-year low of around 33 percent it registered at the last election in 2019, producing a deep crisis of the entire political establishment and the prospect of another hung parliament and unstable minority government.

Many workers recall Labor governments decades-long record of enforcing the big business assault on working-class conditions, working hand-in-glove with the unions. This disaffection has been compounded by Labor forming a de facto National Cabinet coalition with the Morrison government to police the live with the virus dictates of the corporate elite, and Labors explicit pro-business shift under party leader Anthony Albanese.

Aided by the role of Labor and the unions in trying to suppress working class resistance to the reopening of the economy for the sake of profit, the corporate media has increasingly promoted far-right anti-lockdown elements. This fascistic threat can be combated only through the mobilisation of the great strength of the working class.

At the same time, the pandemic has become a bonanza for the wealthy. All the federal, state and territory governments, Labor and Coalition alike, have poured hundreds of billions of dollars into the pockets of the corporate rich via support packages, while assisting the employers to accelerate their decades-long offensive against the jobs, wages and conditions of the working-class.

This is already triggering a resurgence of the class struggle, reflected in the strikes erupting among teachers and transport workers, despite the efforts of the trade unions to keep suppressing all opposition.

As the political crisis has intensified, the Morrison government has stepped up its commitment to what would be a catastrophic US-led war against China by signing the AUKUS treaty, fully backed by Labor.

Furthermore, both the Coalition and Labor have produced blatantly inadequate emissions-reduction plans and the threat of disastrous climate change has risen through the abject failure of the national-based ruling elites to agree on any meaningful responses at the latest 26th COP gathering, staged in Glasgow.

The real fear haunting the political establishment is that, particularly under conditions of the emerging struggles of the working class, the rising discontent will turn markedly to the left toward a socialist alternative. The anti-democratic electoral laws are particularly directed against the SEP, the only party advancing that alternative.

Our campaign has been a powerful one. So far, the SEP has held two public meetings and eight weekly electoral members meetings to explain and discuss the crucial issues at stake. We have published five party statements, 23 comments or articles, and 89 text or video interviews with electoral members explaining why they have signed up.

We have posted 20 videos, marking a further development of the SEPs social media reach, and two radio interviews. We received powerful statements of support from rank-and-file teachers, postal workers and health workers committees in Australia and Sri Lanka. This material can be viewed on the World Socialist Web Site .

This campaign is deepening the SEPs influence in the working class, meeting up with the new level of workers struggles. It is advancing the fight for the establishment of rank-and-file committees, completely independent of all the pro-business trade unions and linked to the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees .

The SEP and its sister parties in the International Committee of the Fourth International, the world Trotskyist movement, have been also in the forefront of exposing the criminal response of governments to the pandemic. This will be taken forward by the Global Workers Inquest into the COVID-19 Pandemic, which will involve workers in every industry bringing forward their experiences during this worsening disaster.

We therefore reiterate our call, made on September 2, for a concerted campaign to demand the repeal of these laws and all restrictions on the democratic right of parties and individuals to stand in elections.

We urge all our readers and supporters in Australia to join up as electoral members of the SEP to help us retain our party registration and take forward the fight for socialism on the widest possible basis, including in elections.

The defence of democratic rights is incompatible with a society dominated by a super-rich corporate oligarchy. It requires a revolutionary socialist perspective, aimed at totally reorganising society and establishing workers governments to fight for a global society based on social equality.

For that struggle, the working class needs a new political leadership, based on the lessons of the strategic experiences of the international working class over the past two centuries. That historical level of understanding, which is required for full membership of the SEP, is set out and explained in the SEPs Statement of Principles. We urge all our electoral members to study this document and consider applying for full membership of the SEP to help build a mass revolutionary party.
A medical worker in a booth takes a nasal sample from a man at a makeshift testing site in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021 [Credit: AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon]

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to worsen in South Korea, threatening to overwhelm the healthcare system, as daily infections and deaths continually reach new highs. On Friday morning, health authorities reported 7,022 new cases from the previous day. Only two days prior, the total reached a record-high of 7,174 cases.

In total, more than half a million people nationwide have been infected with COVID-19 during the course of the pandemic. Furthermore, on December 4, 70 deaths were reported from the previous day, also a record-high. In total, more than 4,130 people have been killed by COVID-19 in the past two yearsapproximately a quarter in the last month.

The latest hotbeds of COVID-19 infections are in schools and private after-school study academies. According to the Ministry of Education, 3,948 students under 18 were newly infected between November 29 and December 5.

In a month, infections have nearly doubled for elementary and middle school-aged students from 6.7 to 12.6 cases out of 100,000 people. This is nearly twice as high as working-aged adults. At present, only about 33 percent of adolescents between 12 and 17 are vaccinated while those 11 and under are not eligible to receive the vaccine.

The surge in cases among youth is linked to the full reopening of schools on November 22, though schools had gradually begun reopening throughout the year, when students attended classes in person or remotely on a rotating basis.

In the span of less than two weeks, two children under the age of 10 have died from COVID-19, the first children to pass away from the virus since the pandemic began. The Korea Disease and Control Prevention Agency (KDCA) announced the latest childs death on December 7, stating that the six-year-old boy had died the previous day. The first child was a five-year-old girl who died on November 28, and only tested positive for COVID-19 after her death.

Both children had underlying health conditions. However, it is the policies of the government of President Moon Jae-in that bears responsibility for these, and other deaths. Seoul is pursuing a vaccine-only approach, mixed with very limited restrictions, often unenforced, on public gatherings. These include restricting groups to six people in the Seoul metropolitan area and eight in other regions, as well as requiring people to show proof of vaccination at indoor facilities like restaurants, movie theaters, and internet cafes.

Seouls purpose, despite the obvious danger, is getting parents back to work to churn out profits for big business. The government is presenting the pandemic as largely over in order to do away with any remaining restrictions.

In addition to the surge in new cases, there is the new Omicron variant, of which at least 63 cases have been discovered in South Korea. When it became clear the Moon administration planned to take no serious action, the stock markets rose sharply. Both the KOSPI and Kosdaq markets finished above 3,000 and 1,000 points respectively on Wednesday. Both markets have surged to new highs during the pandemic, with KOSPI in January closing above 3,000 points for the first time and Kosdaq closing over 1,000 points for the first time in 20 years in April.

Son Young-rae, the spokesman for the Health Ministry, essentially rejected any new measures on Thursday, saying: As strengthened social distancing measures took effect from Monday, their results will show from the end of this week. We are monitoring the situation. We are discussing extra measures and the right time to put them into effect.

In other words, while the country faces an immediate health crisis, the government is content to discuss possible future measures, any of which will be as toothless as the current ones.

The KDCA is now predicting that by the end of January daily cases could rise to as many as 11,000 per day. This is quickly overwhelming South Koreas health care system, despite having nearly two years to prepare for such an explosion in new cases.

As of Friday, 852 COVID-19 patients are in critical condition, another record-high. Around the country, 78.8 percent of intensive care unit (ICU) beds had been occupied while 85 percent of ICU beds in the Seoul capital area had been occupied. Hundreds of people have also been left waiting for beds, with many arriving at hospitals dead.

Prime Minister Kim Bu-gyeom essentially admitted on Wednesday that the government was not prepared: In the capital area, where 80 percent of the total cases are reported, we continue to add hospital beds with active cooperation from the medical community, but it is still tough to catch up with the pace of rising cases. The Seoul region is densely populated and home to approximately half the countrys nearly 52 million people.

The governments claim that vaccinations alone would be enough to initiate the so-called with COVID era, or living with the deadly virus, is falling apart. Vaccines are just one aspect of a campaign necessary to eliminate COVID-19, which includes strong social distancing measures.

The population is more vulnerable now as the new Omicron variant takes hold. At present, approximately 80 percent of the population is considered fully vaccinated with two doses while only 10 percent have received a third booster shot. Yet new information coming out about the contagious nature of the Omicron variant indicates that people will need at least three doses of the vaccine to be protected.

In addition, the vaccine pass system is experiencing push-back from confused and right-wing layers, to which the government is quickly bowing. Jo Hui-yeon, the superintendent of education in Seoul stated on December 7, We are encouraging inoculation in regards to the seriousness of the COVID-19 situation, though it eventually is up to ones own decision. This is instead of requiring all workers and students to be vaccinated and working with scientists to educate the population as well as providing relief for those unable to be vaccinated for genuine health and age reasons.

The issue is not one of personal choice when those vaccinated can still catch and spread the disease, including to those unable to be vaccinated. Claims by officials like Jo are meant to push the belief that being vaccinated is enough in order to allow the government to continue lifting any restrictions on big business while forcing the population to suffer in the name of corporate profits.
M.A. Sumanthiran. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)

In a significant move last month, the US State Department invited a delegation from the pro-US Tamil National Alliance (TNA) in Sri Lanka for talks with senior officials in Washington.

A delegation from the Global Tamil Forum (GTF), another pro-imperialist outfit, mainly operating from the US, Canada and the UK, was also invited for these discussions.

The TNA delegation included its spokesman and member of parliament, M. A. Sumanthiran, prominent lawyer K. Kanag-Isvaran and professor Nirmala Chadrahasan, while the GTF delegation included E.V.K.S. Ilangovan, Suren Surendiran and two others.

Senior US officials, including Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu, were involved in these meetings.

During their stay in Washington from November 15 to 22, TNA and GTF representatives also met with senior members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. In New York, they talked to the UN representatives of the US, Norway and Irish Republic, among others.

The public cover for these talks was Washingtons support for human rights issues and reconciliation in Sri Lanka. Reconciliation refers to devolving powers to the Tamil elite in the north and east of the country where majority of Tamils live.

However, the real purpose was to intensify pressure on President Gotabhaya Rajapakses government to break its relations with China and fully line up with US geostrategic needs.

Reports are scanty about what the US officials actually discussed and what the Tamil leaders conveyed to them.

A State Department tweet noted during his meeting with the TNA and GTF delegations, Assistant Secretary Lu said: Human rights are central to US foreign policy in Sri Lanka The US joins Sri Lankan Tamil people in search for lasting peace and full voice in deciding their countrys future.

Sumanthiran told the Hindu on November 27, the return of the US to the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) was important because it advocates a political solution to the Tamil national question and issues of accountability and justice.

He added: Without powers adequately devolved to the provinces, we cannot take on the [governments] massive plan to change the demography of the Tamil-majority north and east by settling Sinhalese people.

A similar GTF statement urged the continued leadership of the US in the UNHRC.

Lus claim that the US supports the Tamil peoples search for lasting peace is utterly false. Likewise, TNA and GTF claims that the US is a champion of human rights are ludicrous.

Washington is the number one war criminal and responsible for countless violations of democratic rights around the globe. In the US, successive administrations increasingly have attacked democratic rights of the working class, brutally suppressing immigrants. The Biden administration is continuing these attacks.

The US is using human rights in other countries as a weapon to further its geopolitical and economic interests. Washington simply manufactures human rights violations, as in the case of China, which it lyingly declares is carrying out the genocide of ethnic Uyghurs in the province of Xinjiang.

In Sri Lanka, Washington is exploiting the war crimes and human rights violations committed under former President Mahinda Rajapakse. As defence secretary, the current president, Mahindas brother Gotabhaya, oversaw these operations.

The nearly 30-year-long bloody war against the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) ended in May 2009 with the killing of at least at least 40,000 civilians, including surrendered LTTE leaders. Around 300,000 Tamils were incarcerated in camps in northern Vavuniya, monitored by the military. The Tamil masses are still demanding that Colombo provide information about the hundreds of young men who disappeared after surrendering to the army.

Washington backed Mahinda Rajapakses anti-democratic rule and the war. It only began raising human rights concerns during the final months of the conflict as Beijing emerged as the major supplier of weapons and source of financial assistance to Colombo.

The US was concerned about Chinas rise, and developed the pivot to Asia policy to diplomatically isolate Beijing and encircle it militarily. Washington was thoroughly hostile to the Rajapakse regimes relations with China. It sponsored several UNHRC war crimes resolutions to pressure Colombo to support the US agenda.

In 2015, the US orchestrated a regime-change operation with the support of New Delhi to oust Mahinda Rajapakse and replace him with the pro-US Maithripala Sirisena. Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe then shifted the countrys foreign policy towards Washington.

Since Gotabhaya Rajapakse came to power as president in November 2019, Washington has expressed concerns about his renewal of relations with Beijing. Facing an economic crisis triggered by the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Rajapakse regime increasingly has sought loans and investment from China.

In April this year, Rajapakse made operational the Colombo Port City Project (CPC), built by a Chinese construction company with a loan from Beijing, on reclaimed land near Colombo Harbour.

The project is a component of Beijings Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which includes a strategic plan to ensure the free movement of its imports and exports through the Indian Ocean in the case of US-led military blockades.

As part of the intensifying US pressure on Rajapakse to break relations with Beijing, then Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visited Colombo last year and publicly demanded that the Sri Lankan government distance itself from Beijing.

Washington renewed its bogus human rights campaign this year. It backed a resolution submitted to the UNHRC by a core group comprised of the UK, Canada, Germany and several other countries. This resolution was passed by a majority in March. It paves the way for the collection of evidence of war crimes in Sri Lanka that can be used to prosecute those implicated.

The US pressure on Sri Lanka comes as the Biden administration takes provocative actions against Russia and China, increasing war tensions. In the Indo-Pacific region, it hypocritically accuses China of violating freedom of navigation, threatening Taiwan and suppressing human rights.

By fuelling war tensions, Washington is seeking to divert developing domestic working-class resistance to the massive devastation of the pandemic.

Adding to the pressure on Sri Lanka, US House Foreign Affairs Committee chairman Gregory W. Meeks and ranking member Michael McCaul sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging the administration to prioritise its Sri Lanka policy. The letter stated that the US-Sri Lanka relationship is a critical one for US foreign policy and national security interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

Washington is coordinating its efforts with India, one of its principal strategic partners against China. Sumanthiran told the Hindu that Washington has kept New Delhi informed of our discussions with them.

The TNA and GTF are well aware of the criminal record of the US around the world and have no concern for the democratic rights of Tamil people. In fact, they support the US war preparations against China.

The TNA formerly acted as a mouthpiece of the LTTE, which appealed to the US for its support for its separatist cause. When the war against the LTTE ended, the TNA joined Washingtons bogus human rights campaign, cultivating close relations with the US. The TNA backed the 2015 regime-change operation sponsored by Washington.

The TNA and GTF are acting as quislings of imperialism, serving US interests and seeking, as crumbs, its assistance in obtaining privileges for the Tamil elite. Like the Rajapakse regime, they are also in mortal fear about the rising struggles of workers, across Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim ethnic lines, as part of the international resurgence of class struggle.

Having been already subjected to a regime-change operation, Rajapakse knows the implications of the US deepening pressure. In recent months, Colombo has sought to appease Washington by inviting more investment from the US.

Colombo is also seeking a rapprochement with India. Last week, it sent Finance Minister Basil Rajapakse to New Delhi, pursuing a closer relationship, including investment.

These developments indicate the advanced stage of global geopolitical tensions and their sharp impact on the political crisis in Sri Lanka.

The working class in Sri Lanka must break from every section of the capitalist class and unite across ethnic lines with its class brothers and sisters internationally to fight for its independent interests, that is, for a Sri Lanka-Eelam Socialist Republic as part of struggle for socialism in South Asia and internationally.
A Southwest Airlines plane on May 24, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)

Since reporting last week about the situation facing Tonya Osborne, an out of work flight attendant from Southwest Airlines who has been forced to take medical leave due to toxins in her job uniform, several other flight attendants have reached out to the World Socialist Web Site to speak about similar experiences.

This is a major scandal, said Meagan, a fellow flight attendant from Southwest. Meagan has nearly 25 years on the job in her profession and has also signed onto Osbornes class action lawsuit against Southwest. Meagan told the WSWS that about 90 percent of the time while at work she meets at least one person in uniform who she can see is visibly reacting to the toxic outfits produced by outfitting firm Cintas.

Meagan says she has suffered immensely since the 2017 launch of Cintas clothing, which has led to devastating health impacts. When the uniforms were first unveiled in 2017, Meagan stated that she was reticent to switch to the recycled plastic outfits.

There were reactions [to the uniforms] almost immediately, she said. Southwest held uniform try-on events in which hundreds of people would be wearing the uniforms. Meagan tried not to join the chorus line after having heard about the experiences of American Airline employees, who had launched a lawsuit in 2018 over adverse health effects caused by Lands End uniforms.

Ive never had a problem with sensitivity to fabric before, Meagan told the WSWS. However, Cintas outfits are not like other outfits. Megan explained that she had been forced to don the companys Eco Wear uniforms in summer of 2018 after resisting them for a time. Marketed as 100% recycled polyester produced entirely from post-consumer waste, the corporation claims that one single suit is made out of approximately 25 recycled 2-liter plastic bottles.

They say that it is saving the environment, Meagan said. But in reality, they are killing us, she said. The flight attendant told a harrowing tale about the conditions which developed upon her first interactions with the uniforms in 2018.

The veteran flight attendant suffered in the initial stages from red bumps on her back, which she explained as being caused by the contact that the outfit has with her skin as she was sitting. There is little ventilation while you are sitting and since the outfits dont breathe at all, you tend to sweat, she said. Perspiration in turn interacts with the chemicals in the outfits, releasing even more of them into the skin.

Rash on a Southwest Airlines flight attendant's arm after wearing uniform

The bump issue soon progressed. I started to notice that I had a lot of hair falling out whenever I showered, she explained. Not just the normal amount that any woman has happen. After about two months, Meagan noticed she had developed a bald spot.

I freaked, she said. Meagan called her hair stylist who explained that he had seen that she had a bald spot in previous visits but didnt want to say anything that would make her feel bad.

According to an earlier report in the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Cintas uniforms have tested positive for 14 heavy metals, such as aluminum, chromium, arsenic, mercury, and lead.

Of just these named chemicals, chromium, which WebMD says is a known toxin that can cause skin problems and lung cancer, arsenic and mercury have been known to cause hair loss when ingested.

Unlike Osborne, who has been out of work since 2018 and has not had to face the twin pandemic of toxic uniforms accompanied by COVID-19; Meagan worked throughout 2020 and 2021. We need our immune system now more than ever, she exclaimed, stating that her doctor had told her that the impact of the toxic uniforms had left her body totally taxed.

Another flight attendant previously employed by Delta Airlines told the WSWS that their experience with the clothing firm Lands End was very similar to the others. She stated that a previous experience with the companys Passport Plum uniforms resulted in skin rashes after only a handful of uses.

It was around Christmas in 2019, she said that the reactions began. The company made me jump through all sorts of hoops but that she was able to track down a company representative who was willing to help her find out the content of her uniform so that one tailored to her needs could be found.

Within two weeks, she said, a class-action lawsuit by nearly 2,000 Delta employees was filed and became public, immediately halting her employers willingness to cooperate. Essentially, they were left in the dark about the strange, stinking  uniforms which had been forced upon her.

According to Meagan, the Southwest flight attendant, the airline introduced the Accommodations and Career Transition Team (ACT) Team in early 2018 to field all of the employee requests for new uniforms. They require you fill out forms and all sorts of things in order to obtain an exemption, she said. Doctors feel nervous, they think theyre going to be involved in a lawsuit for helping their patients.

A worker shared the three-page document, which asks the person applying for alternative clothing to authorize the release of medical information as well as detail the type of impairment they are suffering from, what job duties this has affected the specific type of accommodation being requested. It goes without saying that an employee suffering from an unknown chemical reaction is guessing in the dark about what might better accommodate them.

They used to let us source our own uniforms but now they arent letting us, she said. As with the Lands End uniforms at Delta, which the corporation admits cost the company over $20 million to obtain; Cintas and Southwest have embarked upon an $11 million deal which is jeopardized by every employee that exempts themselves from the new uniforms.

It breaks my heart, said Meagan of the multiple lawsuits which have been settled establishing the poisonous character of the flight attendants uniforms. I thought they [Southwest] cared about me.

The Transport Workers Union (TWU), which officially represents Southwests 20,000 flight attendants, acted like theyd help for five or six months, but then stopped returning emails. Its like the company got to them and said stay out of this, she said.

Southwest flight attendants have been working without a contract since November 2018. Rather than demanding an absolute halt to all air traffic until flight attendants have their health accommodated for and other acceptable terms, the TWU, like the bargaining representatives in other industries, has worked to stifle even the slightest independent activity of the workforce.

In the face of economic disruptions caused by COVID-19, this has only become more pronounced. Organizations such as the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) and the TWU live by the mantra laid out by Nicolas Calio of the Airlines for America lobby group in October: The full reopening of  travel is  critical to reviving economies around the globe.

This is despite reports in the industry publication Paddle Your Own Kanoo that flight attendants morale was the lowest ever within recent memory. According to the publication, the AFA representative at Alaska Airlines cited the Omicron variant and other possible future pandemic developments as the main sources of worker unrest.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky [Credit: en.kremlin.ru]

US President Joe Biden held an hour-long phone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday in which Biden assured Kiev of US support in its increasingly dangerous escalation of tensions with Moscow. However, the US president stopped short of delivering Zelenskys major requests for immediate sanctions against Russia and increased direct military support.

According to a White House statement on the conversation, Biden stressed that there would be no decisions or discussions about Ukraine without Ukraine and made very clear that one nation cant force another nation to change its borders.

Regarding Russias opposition to Ukraines potential accession to NATO, Biden reportedly affirmed to Zelensky that his government would never enter into an agreement with Moscow that explicitly vetoed Ukraines entrance.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has called NATO expansion into Ukraine a red line, a stance which was rejected by Biden in a two-hour video conference call on Tuesday.

However, Biden gave Ukraine no guarantees for a NATO membership anytime soon, much to the disappointment of the Ukrainian ruling class and Zelensky, who had spent the past summer openly campaigning for rapid accession to the anti-Russian military alliance.

While the Biden administration has pledged military aid, it has also said it would not send US troops to Ukraine in case of full-scale war.

As noted by the WSWS, by simultaneously goading Kiev and then demurring, the Biden administration is following a policy recently expressed by the statement made by Democratic Senator Chris Murphy that Ukraine can become the next Afghanistan for Russia if it chooses to move further.

Zelensky in return called for the United States to impose immediate sanctions against Russia, rather than waiting for a military conflict to break out. He also requested substantial military equipment that could be potentially used against the Russian army.

Despite claiming that his government was ready to enter direct peace negotiations with Moscow and abide by the 2015 Minsk protocols peace agreement, Zelensky is well aware that both requests constitute a provocation to Moscow and would set his country even further down the path of war.

Bidens backing of Ukraines sovereignty is particularly telling as it directly contradicts the 2015 Minsk protocols, which call for Ukraine to grant special federated status to the breakaway regions of Donetsk and Lugansk.

Zelensky also stressed to Biden that he would only enter further discussions on the Minsk protocols once Kiev was back in control of the separatist-controlled regions, essentially negating any possibility that the Minsk protocols could ever lead to a negotiated peace and end the over seven-year-long civil war that has killed over 14,000.

Despite initially coming to power over widespread popular disillusionment with the nationalist, militaristic politics of former President Petro Poroshenko, Zelensky, with the backing of NATO, has made a series of aggressive, reckless decisions that have now led his country to the brink of a full-scale war with Russia.

Earlier this year, the Ukrainian government issued a new national security strategy, announcing its intention to recover Crimea, the peninsula in the Black Sea that was annexed by Russia after the US-backed 2014 coup that overthrew a pro-Russian government in Kiev and threatened to deprive the Russian navy of its only major warm water port. The strategy was a clear declaration that Ukraine was preparing for war against Russia and had no intentions to peacefully resolve the civil war in the Donbass.

In September, the Biden administration explicitly expressed its support for Ukraines Crimean Platform.

Zelenskys government has also entered into an increasingly close military alliance with Turkey, earlier purchasing armed drones that Ukraine first used against separatist forces in October.

As Russia has gathered its forces across the border in response to a massive NATO build-up in the Black Sea, Zelensky, rather than even attempting to abide by the Minsk protocols, has continued to undertake measures that are not only intended to antagonize Moscow and sabotage peace negotiations, but also directly attack the basic democratic rights of the Ukrainian population.

On December 2, Zelensky initiated five bills into the Ukrainian parliament that would be used to deny Donbass residents citizenship and voting rights. Based on these bills, the Ukrainian government would also be able to rescind citizenship from anyone participating in actions threatening Ukraines national security and national interests.

These undemocratic measures can be used to deny citizenship and voting rights not only to separatists in the Donbass, but any Ukrainian who opposes the right-wing nationalist and war-mongering policies of the Zelensky government. Rigged elections open only to true Ukrainian citizensas defined by the government would also become a real possibility.

The measures would also strip citizenship from Ukrainians with Russian passports. Such a move would be particularly punitive against the Donbass regions working class population as many workers there have relatives living in Russia and have begun using Russian passports to travel across the border.

The undemocratic measures, of course, would have no effect on Ukraines obscenely wealthy oligarchs who travel across the world wherever they please.

Despite constantly espousing rhetoric about democracy and freedom, the Zelensky government has become increasingly authoritarian, banning pro-Russian opposition media and press and openly prosecuting journalists for supposed treason.

At each step on the path towards war with Russia, Zelensky has been backed by both NATO and Ukraines various far-right paramilitary groups, which play an oversized role in Ukraine's politics due to their usefulness to the state and oligarchy in carrying out the war against separatists in the east.

In late November, Zelensky warned that his government would face a coup, orchestrated by Russia and the billionaire oligarch Rinat Akhmetov, on December 1. Akhmetov, who has a net worth of $7.3 billion, owns a number of media outlets, which have become openly critical of Zelensky.

Yet, ironically, when December 1 came to pass, Zelensky was threatened not by Akhmetov or the pro-Russian opposition, but rather by the far-right, which marched on Kiev, accompanied by former President Petro Poroshenko, and demanded Zelenskys resignation.

Regarding the Minsk Protocols, various right-wing speakers shouted, No agreements, no compromises!

Such threats are a clear message that any negotiated peace with separatists in the East can trigger another coup by far-right elements, who already played a central role in the 2014 coup, which was fully backed and, in large measure, funded by Washington and Brussels.

It is to these elements that Zelensky adapts himself as he leads the country down a path that threatens a war which can only end in disaster for the worlds working class.
(Source: Unsplash / Joice Kelly)

The United States Surgeon General warned on Tuesday that young people are facing a devastating mental health crisis that has been vastly exacerbated by the conditions created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the report, since the pandemic began in early 2020, rates of psychological distress among young people, including symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders, have increased dramatically. The Surgeon Generals report is based on recent research covering 80,000 youth globally. The findings reveal that symptoms of depression and anxiety have doubled during the pandemic, with 25 percent of youth experiencing depressive symptoms and 20 percent experiencing anxiety symptoms.

The report also notes other disturbing signs of distress among youth. In early 2021, emergency department visits in the United States for suspected suicide attempts were a staggering 51 percent higher for adolescent girls and 4 percent higher for adolescent boys compared to the same time period in early 2019. Early estimates that suggest more than 6,600 deaths by suicide occurred among the 10-24 age group in 2020.

To the extent that the mainstream media has responded to these shocking figures, it has been to downplay their severity and the broader social context. In an article in the New York Times by Matt Ritchel, Surgeon General Warns of Youth Mental Health Crisis, for example, the author barely refers to the on-going COVID-19 pandemic. The author, rather, spends most of the article quibbling over minor factors such as too much screen time and online interactions.

Near the end of the article when the pandemic is finally mentioned, Ritchel writes that the pandemic intensified stress on young people, in part by isolating them during a period of their lives when social connection is vital for healthy development. While there is no doubt that the social isolation caused by the pandemic has had an impact on youth, the argument made by the Times is done in bad faith.

Since the start of the pandemic, the mainstream press and politicians on both sides of the aisle have sought to weaponize the mental health crisis to justify the reopening of schools despite the enormous health risks involved for young people, teachers and staff and the community at large. These politiciansmany of whom have spent their careers overseeing the destruction of social services, the starving of funds for education, and the exorbitant funding of militarism abroad and at homeexpect the public to believe that they are deeply concerned about the crisis of mental health among youth.

The reality is that the political establishment has a material interest in sending kids back to school. The reopening of schools has always been a prerequisite to getting workers back to work in order to maintain the flow of corporate profits. What impact this has had and continues to have on children is really of no concern to these figures. As for the Times, Ritchel concludes his piece by casting doubt on the validity of the statistics themselves, arguing that it could be the case that youth are simply more comfortable reporting mental health issues than in previous generations.

Who could believe such nonsense? It is notable that the Times does not mention another staggering statistic from the report: it is estimated that as of June 2021, more than 140,000 children in the US had lost a parent or grandparent caregiver to COVID-19. That is, nearly one in four of the 621,656 deaths from COVID-19 as of June 30, nearly 6 months ago, were those of parents or caregivers to children. Added to this is number of children who have experienced the loss of a dear teacher or school staff member to the disease, a figure which remains uncounted despite the broad impact.

One may also add that in addition to losing their loved ones and educators to COVID-19, at least one in seven infected children and potentially one-third of infected adults will suffer from Long COVID, defined as persistent symptoms lasting more than four weeks after infection.

Others still have been thrown into dire poverty: 15 percent of US families reported high food insecurity prior to the pandemic, increasing to 26.8 percent in the past year. Food insecurity for low-income families rose from 29.2 percent pre-pandemic to a staggering 45.4 percent today.

These are only the most tangible indices of the immense level of trauma inflicted on an entire generation of young people.

The youthful years of human development are meant to be a time filled with hope, optimism and idealism. For those coming of age in the early 2020s, this time presents itself instead as a nightmare. A teenager today will have spent the last two years watching in disbelief as the death toll from the virus climbs each day, until it now surpasses 800,000 people.

No doubt they have heard stories, or know first-hand, of the social misery taking placepeople dying alone in hospital beds without a loved one allowed in the room to say goodbye. Millions more may have themselves waited with their parents in the food lines, lost their homes and watched their parents struggle to provide for their families while risking infection with a deadly virus. All the while, a very slim section of the worlds richest people continues to make record profits. The worlds billionaires added $3.6 trillion to their net worth in 2020, while 100 million were driven into extreme poverty.

The figures outlined in the report are truly devastating. The callous and indifferent response of the entire ruling class to the pandemic over the past two years has created a catastrophe for the working class, and the youth have no doubt been severely impacted.

However, the report also correctly notes that while the pandemic has accelerated the mental health crisis among youth, it certainly did not create it. Over the past two decades in particular, mental health issues have skyrocketed among young people.

In 2019, for example, one in three high school students and half of female students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, an overall increase of 40 percent from 2009. The report notes that the percentage of youth ages 12 to 17 who had a major depressive episode in the past year, for instance, increased from an estimated 8 percent in 2010 to 15.7 percent in 2019, according to data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

The percentage of high school students who seriously contemplated suicide increased from 13.8 percent in 2009 to 18.8 percent in 2019, according to an October 2020 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report.

Youth depression, anxiety, and suicide in particular, are among the most tragic symptoms of a diseased and terminally decayed social order. The staggering mental health crisis that workers and young people face today is a byproduct of an entire social system that is predicated on sacrificing lives for the sake of private profit and wealth. The pandemic has only revealed the reality of capitalism in the most open and naked form.

No faction of the ruling class has anything close to an answer for such problems. The real answer, however, is emerging more openly and more forcefully every day.

The same conditions which give rise to the litany of mental health disorders among the young also gives rise to social opposition. Workers all over the world are beginning to fight back.

The past several months has seen a series of major strikes here in the United States: Volvo Trucks workers in Dublin, Virginia; distillery workers in Kentucky; hospital workers in Buffalo, New York; Warrior Met coal miners in northern Alabama; Frontier telecom workers in California; and many more. Just yesterday, more than 1,400 Kelloggs cereal workers in Michigan, Nebraska, Pennsylvania and Tennessee voted overwhelmingly to reject a union-backed contract after two months on strike.

This week, teachers and support staff at The School at Marygrove, a public school in Detroit, Michigan, launched a wildcat sickout to demand improved safety measures after the Oxford school shooting, and virtual-only classes to protect educators, 330 students and their families from COVID-19.

The protest in Detroit is part of the growing resistance of educators in the US and internationally, including a one-day strike by 50,000 New South Wales teachers in Australia on Monday.

While the unions are trying to do everything they can to smother opposition, there is an objective movement that is developing. The sheer scale of contract rejections by workersoften by more than 90 percentis an expression of a powerful and growing mood of social resistance.

Young people as a whole are being politically radicalized. Even before the pandemic, more young people supported socialism than capitalism. As it does other social tendencies, the pandemic will enormously accelerate this process.

For young people seeking a way forward, the turn must be to the working class. The struggles of students and youth must be linked to the fight of all workers against the pandemic, social inequality, war, and the capitalist system.
Retired Sarasota attorney Harold Halpern is a board member of the American Association of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists.

It's been a while since I wrote about the nuclear agreement of July 14, 2015, between Iran, the United States, Great Britain, France, Germany, Russia and China. Its ostensible purpose was to prohibit Iran from developing a nuclear weapon by limiting its enrichment of uranium, and to provide with for periodic inspections of nuclear sites to assure compliance. Sunset provisions in the agreement, however, allowed Iran to increase enrichment of uranium in 2016, which reduced breakout time to less than 12 months.

In return for Irans promises, economic sanctions were lifted, and frozen assets were released.

The agreement had no provisions limiting Irans financial and weapons support of its terrorist proxies, Hezbollah in Lebanon, bordering Israel on the north, and Hamas, bordering Israel on the south in Gaza, as well as guerillas fighting in Yemen, threatening its neighbor Saudi Arabia.

The agreement was far from universally agreed upon. It was opposed by many Jewish organizations, members of Congress and by Israel. They objected to the sunset provisions, the lack of adequate inspection to prevent cheating as well as time to enhance scientific knowledge for developing nuclear weapons. In addition, it was feared that Iran, a Shiite Muslim country, freed from economic sanctions, would increase their support of Hezbollah and Gaza threatening Israel as well as its destabilizing activities in the Gulf against Sunni Moslem counties, particularly Saudi Arabia. And the fear became a reality.

For these reasons President Donald Trump on May 18, 2018, withdrew the United States from the agreement and reinstated the economic sanctions. His purpose was to make it difficult for a weakened Iran government to provide adequate services to its people, decrease funding for its proxies, and bring it back to the table to negotiate a longer, stronger and more inclusive agreement, limiting missile development and support of its proxies.

When President Joseph Biden took office on Jan. 20, the economic sanctions had significantly weakened Irans economy. During the presidential campaign, Biden promised to negotiate with Iran for reinstatement of the nuclear agreement with additional and strengthened provisions. Iran refused to negotiate directly with the United States but agreed to negotiate with Great Britain, France, Russia and China. The United States is present at the site and negotiates through these countries. It is unclear whether any progress has been made; press releases likely are used in attempt to affect ongoing negotiations.

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Israeli made known in many meetings with the United States, Great Britain, France, Russia and China of its opposition to restoration of the agreement. In response, President Biden has assured Israel that Iran will never be permitted to obtain nuclear weapons. He has not indicated what actions he would take absent an agreement. Israelis, in large measure, doubt he would take military action and fear he will reinstate a weak agreement in order to avoid confrontation and domestic political turmoil so he can concentrate on policies vis-a-vis China and Russia.

Israels Prime Minister, Naftali Bennett, Foreign Minister Yaier Lapid, Defense Minister Benny Gantz, and its Chief of Staff and others have made it clear that Israel will take whatever action is necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, whether there is, or is not, an agreement. Likely Saudi Arabia and the Sunni gulf states, feeling similarly fearful of Iran, will likely support Israels action.

Israels preference is that the United States end negotiations, impose maximum economic sanctions and develop with Israel a credible military plan to deter Iran from its continued nuclear weapon development.

But even if the United States returns to an agreement, Israel will consider military action if its intelligence reports that Iran is on the precipice of developing a nuclear weapon. It presently is developing a military plan, generally called plan B.

Israels risk is huge. The task is fraught with difficulty and may fail. But whether it would succeed or fail, Iran would massively retaliate and unleash Hezbollah to fire its hundreds of thousands of missiles striking every part of Israel. Hamas in Gaza also would send its missiles. The Palestinians in the West Bank and Jerusalem may revolt as well as some Israeli Arabs. There will be fighting on every front. Israel will suffer terrible devastation and loss of life.

Considering the inevitable suffering, one must ask, why would Israel take the risk of such action? For an answer I turn to Daniel Gordis, an Israeli author and speaker who recently wrote that Just over a week ago  the spokesman for Irans armed forces stated, 'We will not back off from the annihilation of Israel  We want to destroy Zionism in the world. These are not empty word for Iran, with nuclear weapons, would have the capacity to carry out the eradication of Israel, the homeland and center of the Jewish people.

Gordis writes of his conversation with Yossi Klein Halevi, an Israeli bestselling author and journalist who advocates attacking Iran. Klein Halevi told him, I am not willing to take that chance (that Iran is bluffing). Im wary of Holocaust analogies. But for me, this is a never again moment.'

Given the risk of annihilation of Israel by a nuclear-weaponized Iran, Gordis surmises that Prime Minister Bennett is kept awake by the question, What must be done to save the Jewish people? Is it a "never again moment," compelling action despite the resulting suffering and deaths of Israelis?

May Prime Minister Bennett and the leaders be granted the wisdom to make the necessary decisions to protect Israel  and may it be achieved by a credible Israeli military deterrence rather than war.

Harold Halpern is a retired attorney residing in Lakewood Ranch and is a board member of the West Coast of Florida chapter of the American Jewish Committee and of the American Association of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: OPINION: Israels fear, and response, if Iran gets nuclear capability
A New Mexico judge has ordered that the First Assistant Director at the heart of the fatal shooting by Alec Baldwin of Rust cinematographer Halyna Hutchins can no longer avoid sitting down with the state investigators.

District Court Judge Bryan Biedscheid on Friday granted the states Environment Department request for a subpoena for David Halls. After apparently ducking various attempts at an interview as a part of an ongoing Occupational Safety and Health probe, Halls is now expected to sit down with state officials on Tuesday morning.

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One of many interviewed on ABC News primetime special on the Rust tragedy last night, Halls own lawyer Lisa Torraco told Deadline this afternoon that Mr. Halls is happy to cooperate with the OSHA investigation. At this point, Torroco says the interview is set to conducted via Zoom, but no details on dates.

Previously, Halls and Torraco insisted they would not talk with anyone until the Santa Fe Sheriffs Office concluded its investigation into what occurred on the Bonanza Creek Ranch set of the low-budget Western on October 21. While expected to take at least several more weeks, that probe has the potential to result in criminal charges  an outcome that First Judicial District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies has repeatedly not ruled out.

As for now, OSHA want their questions answered  by Halls and maybe others.

Its the bureaus understanding that Mr. Halls was inside the church when this fatality and injury, this workplace fatality and injury to the second person, occurred, read court documents first filed this week by New Mexico Environment Department assistant general counsel Mia Napolitano. So the bureau needs to question Mr. Halls on what occurred inside the church.

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The defendant in the state filing was actually Rust Movie Productions LLC, of which Halls is considered by the Environment Department to be in a management position.

Mr. Halls could also inform the bureau as to who else was inside the church and who else we should interview, the filing adds. Its also the bureaus understanding Mr. Halls conducted safety meetings on site and had a role in safety on set.

Halls has admitted to Santa Fe sheriffs that he did not properly check the weapon in question before giving it to Baldwin and declaring cold gun on set. As Deadline reported on October 25, Halls was fired from a previous film because of gun safety lapses and was not rehired over personal misconduct complaints on a 2019 Blumhouse TV project.

Nearing two months since Hutchins died and director Joel Souza was injured, it is worth noting that no one has been arrested or charged over the Rust shooting

As the Sheriffs Office probe continues with four search warrants issued so far, two lawsuits have already been filed, with Baldwin and Halls  along with the films armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, prop master Sarah Zachery, plus producers and others  named as defendants. Most of them have hired defense lawyers, and Hutchins family has also hired an attorney, one who specializes in wrongful-death suits.

The production of the now shuttered film itself hired law firm Jenner Block to conduct an internal investigation into the shooting. Part of that ongoing investigation is to have associates of the high-profile firm sit in on OSHA interviews with Rust cast, crew and producers.

In all such sit-downs in all the investigations there is a lot to be discussed, especially the origin of the live rounds that should have never been on the set.

The search warrants executed by the police at the Bonanza Creek Ranch have found a number of weapons and, according to Sheriff Adan Mendoza in a late October press conference, who noted 500 rounds of ammunition  a mix of blanks, dummy rounds and what we are suspecting are live rounds.

Filling the information gap with potential doubt for future juries, Gutierrez-Reeds lawyers have been floating a sabotage theory based on the mass resignation of the Rust camera crew just hours before the shooting. Baldwin told ABCs George Stephanopoulos on December 2 that while he cocked the hammer of the gun that killed Hutchins, he never pulled the trigger.

Halls, via attorney Torraco, has backed star-producers Baldwins stance, something that surely will be of interest to the OSHA team.

Baldwin has also said and posted on social media that before the shooting the Rust set was a safe one. An assertion contradicted by at least two documented incidents of unintended weapons discharges on the film before Hutchins death.

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If youre still mourning his loss, you may have questions about how Desi Arnaz died and what caused his death. He had long been divorced from his ex-wife, Lucille Ball, but the last words he said to her were still significant.

Arnazwhose full name is Desiderio Alberto Arnaz y de Acha, IIIwas born on March 2, 1917, in Santiago de Cuba in Cuba. After the Cuban Revolution of 1933, Arnazs father, Alberto Arnaz, was jailed and their home was confiscated. Alberto was released after six months when his brother-in-law, Alberto de Acha, intervened. Arnazs family then fled to Miami, where the I Love Lucy star attended St. Patrick Catholic High School in Miami Beach. After he graduated from high school, Arnaz joined a band called the Siboney Septet. The success of the group led Arnaz to start his own band, the Desi Arnaz Orchestra, which became a hit in New York Citys club scene. The band also led Arnaz to be cast in his first Broadway musical, Too Many Girls, in 1939. In 1940, Arnaz starred in the movie version of the show, alongside his future wife, Lucille Ball. The couple fell in love and married on November 30, 1940.

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In 1948, Ball was cast as Liz Cooper, a wacky wife in the CBS Radio comedy show, My Favorite Husband. The show ran for 148 episodes. After the success of My Favorite Husband, Ball was asked by CBS to develop it for television, which she agreed if she could work with her real-life husband, Arnaz. Unimpressed by the pilot episode, CBS turned down a show with Ball and Arnaz, which led them to hit the road as a vaudeville act in which Ball played a zany housewife who tried to get into her husbands show. After the success of the tour, CBS greenlit I Love Lucy, which went on to run for more than 100 episodes and be one of the most-watched shows in TV history.

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Ball and Arnazs marriage was portrayed in the 2021 movie Being the Ricardos, in which Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem starred as the couple. The film was written and directed by Aaron Sorkin. In an interview with Extra in December 2021, Kidman opened up about why she wanted to play Ball. That is something that Javier and I want to honor, she said. But at the same time, you want it to be a true depiction of who they are so that people watching it go, Oh, OK Aarons really gone in there, hes done them proud, but at the same time he has been very true to their spirits Theyre compelling, fascinating people and at the same timethey are human.

Click here to read the full article.

Arnaz died December 2, 1986, three years before Ball passed of a heart attack. So how did Desi Arnaz die and what was his cause of death? Read on for what we know about how Arnaz passed and what the last words Ball said to him were.

Image: Everett Collection.

How did Desi Arnaz die?

Desi Arnaz died on December 2, 1986, of complications related to lung cancer. He was 69. Arnaza lifelong smoker who was diagnosed with lung cancer just months before his deathdied in his home in Del Mar, a suburb of San Diego, California, according to The Los Angeles Times. His daughter, Lucie Arnaz, told ABC at the time that her father died in her arms. I can say that he died with me in my arms and that we loved him so much. I can tell you not to smoke, and I can tell you that I would like to be remembered as the man who was responsible for Lucy. The I in I Love Lucy. And that he loved all of you very much, she said. According to The Los Angeles Times, Arnazs son, Desi Jr., wasnt with him when he died but he was en route.

Arnazs doctor, Charles Campbell, also confirmed to The Los Angeles Times at the time that the actor died from lung cancer caused by his history of smoking. It was from smoking those Cuban cigars; thats the truth, he said. In a statement from her office, Ball expressed how grateful she was that Arnazs suffering was over after his cancer diagnosis. Mr. Arnaz had been ill with cancer for many months, and my family and I have been praying for his release from this terrible ordeal. Desi died early this morning in his daughters arms. Our relationship had remained very close, very amiable, over the years, and now Im grateful to God that Desis suffering is over, a statement from her office read.

Arnazs death came five years after he was hospitalized in 1981 from a diverticulitis, an inflammation of the intestinal tract, for which he had undergone four surgical operations in 1969 and 1970.

Image: Everett Collection.

What were Desi Arnazs last words to Lucille Ball?

What were Desi Arnazs last words to Lucille Ball? According to the 2011 book, Desilu: The Story of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, Arnaz and Ball had their last conversation two days before he died. Their final phone call was on what wouldve been their 46th wedding anniversary, November 30, 1989. I just shut the door and let them have their time together, Lucie said in the book. I started them off, like two kids on a first date. According to Lucie, Arnazs last words to Ball were to say he loved her and he wished her well with an upcoming television appearance. Lucie also told the books writers that she had to hold the phone to her fathers ear for him because he had become so weak. I had to hold the phone, she said.. I couldnt get out of the room. And he said, I love you, too, honey. Good luck with your show.

After his death, Arnaz was cremated and his ashes were scattered. His funeral was held at Solana Beach, California, on December 4, 1986, according to the Associated Press. The publication reported that 100 people attended the private service, including Ball, who was seen weeping. (Arnazs second wife, Edith Mack Hirsch (whom he married in 1963, three years after his divorce from Ball), passed a year before his death in 1985.) At Arnazs funeral was a picture of him at a young man, which was placed at the center of a sanctuary in the St. James Roman Catholic Church.

I will never ever, ever forget his tremendous help to me. and I speak not only about what he did for me but what he has done for the entire industry, actor Danny Thomas said in a eulogy. Television owes him a tremendous debt of gratitude and no one but no one has ever come close to the kind of TV Desi brought with Lucy to this industry.

During the funeral, Ball remembered Arnaz as a great, great showman. Just look at the stuff hes done over the years, she sad. Its on three or four times every day. He was a great part of our innovation in this business. As other eulogies were delivered, Ball gripped her second husband, Gary Mortons hand. Beside her were her and Arnazs two children, Lucie and Desi Jr. There wasnt a coffin at the funeral because Arnaz was later cremated.

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"Love, Lucy" by Lucille Ball

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For more about Lucille Ball, read her autobiography, Love, Lucy. The bookwhich was published after Balls death in 1989 and is her only autobiographyfollows the comediennes career and life, from her childhood in Jamestown, New York, to her dreams on Broadway and her marriage with Desi Arnaz. Written by Ball herself, the autobiography also includes intimate memories of her and Desis children, what led to the end of their marriage and how Ball found love again with her second husband, Gary Morton. Told in her own words, Love, Lucy is a must-read for anyone who loves Lucy.

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IDK if youve heard, but Idris Elba is aware of the effect he has on women. BUT! The Office references aside, theres only one woman for him these days: Sabrina Dhowre Elba, his wife since 2019. The couple met in 2017, fell in love, and the rest is history.

If youve been seeing pictures of Idris and Sabrina all overfrom the premiere of Idriss latest film, The Harder They Fall, to fashion-filled red carpets and buzzy events on the gram, youre probably aware of just how truly gorgeous they are. But if you still (understandably) want to know more about who Sabrina is, same, weve gotchu. An activist, literal beauty queen, model, podcast host, and maybe even the future Mrs. Bond (jkunless?)its time to get to know Sabrina Dhowre Elba.

Follow along as we intro you to Idriss leading lady and their very sweet love story.

Sabrina is an activist





Sabrina and Idris are Goodwill Ambassadors for the United Nations International Fund for Agricultural Development. Last year, they launched a global coronavirus relief fund to lessen the impact of the pandemic on rural small-scale farmers and producers.

According to The Guardian, Sabrina also works on sustainable aid projects and climate justice initiatives in African countries. In addition, she focuses on gender equality in rural communities and has worked with the First Lady of Sierra Leone on issues related to violence against women in the country. Shes also written about racial justice and used her social media platforms to start conversations about the topic.



Shes also a model

In addition to serving *lewks* on the red carpet with Idris, Sabrina is also a model whos been featured in magazines including British Vogue, Elle, InStyle, Arcadia, and Harrods Magazine, to name just a few.



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She is of Somali descent

Sabrina was born in Canada, and her family is of Somali descent. Sabrinas mother raised five children all by herself and reportedly encouraged Sabrina to focus on humanitarian efforts in Africa.

You can have all these top-level causes, but from my mother, I know about rural life and communities and especially how women and girls play such a massive role, Sabrina explained in an interview. She was calling me every day saying, What are you going to do for women in Africa? She attributes so much of what she has achieved to having come from a rural community.

Oh, and shes also a beauty queen

In 2014, Sabrina was crowned Ms. Vancouver in a beauty pageant. By her side was Mr. Vancouver (yup, the Canadians crown both a male and female winner for this beauty pageant), Walt Yao.

Shes a regular among the fashion crowd

Honestly, if I met Anna Wintour, I would absolutely put it on my grid too. And make it my profile picture everywhere. And maybe print it out and hang it up and possibly get a billboard just to show it off. Anyway.

Shes also friendly with Bella and Gigi Hadid.

And Christian Louboutin.

Sabrina and Idris had a super-romantic meet-cute

Idris told British Vogue that it was love at first sight. He and Sabrina first met when they were at a jazz bar in Vancouver in 2017. He was there filming The Mountain Between Us and she was there celebrating a friends birthday.

On the Just the Sip podcast, she explained that she was actually chatting him up for her friend, who had seen Idris first, on that fateful night. Like a good wingwoman, Sabrina went over to test the waters for her friend, but hey, the heart wants what it wants.

We had the best conversation, she said. We talked all night, all the next day. We were inseparable after that.

BRB, manifesting.

They made their red carpet debut in September 2017

They made things official with a red carpet walk, as one does. The big debut was at the premiere of The Mountain Between Us (yes, thats the movie he was filming when they met) in Toronto.



Photo credit: Rich Fury - Getty Images

They got engaged in a movie theater

THIS IS SO CUTE. Okay, so he proposed to her in February 2018 in Londons Rio Cinema at a screening of his movie Yardie, and she accepted, ofc. And the crowd went wild (literally  you can watch the video).

Sabrina and Idris tied the knot in Morocco

Their April 2019 wedding was the stuff dreams are made of, tbh. I mean, you can see what Im talking about below.

She wore a gorgeous Vera Wang gown, which she had embroidered with a phrase that Idris has inked on his arm: This train carries no wrongdoers. (Sorry, Im weeping.) They spent three days celebrating with their family and friends.

We want the guests to leave remembering the importance of love, Sabrina said to British Vogue. Behind all the glitz and the flowers, thats what matters.

Sabrina and Idris have a lifestyle brand and podcast together

Earlier this year, Sabrina and Idris launched a project called Sable Labs. The flagship initiative is their podcast called Coupledom, which you can listen to on Audible. They interview powerful pairings like Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner plus Christian Louboutin and Mika. According to an interview with the Evening Standard, they also have potential plans to start a skincare line and other wellness products.

So maybe pretty soon well be able to get these twos glow? Fingers crossed.

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* Foreign ministers meet in Liverpool, England

* G7 absolutely united on Russia-Ukraine crisis - U.S. official

* UK's Truss calls for show of unity against 'hostile actors' (Recasts, adds Germany comments)

By William James and Humeyra Pamuk

LIVERPOOL, England, Dec 11 (Reuters) - The Group of Seven richest democracies on Saturday sought to dissuade Russia from invading Ukraine, putting on a united front to warn of dire consequences for any incursion and urging Moscow to return to the negotiating table.

Led by British foreign minister Liz Truss, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the European Union and foreign ministers from France, Italy, Germany, Japan and Canada met in the northern English city of Liverpool.

The G7 meeting comes as the West frets over China's military and economic ambitions, the possibility that talks to prevent Iran pursuing a path to nuclear weapons could fail, and as Russia masses troops on the Ukrainian border.

A senior U.S. State Department official described the day's talks as "intense" and said there was still a diplomatic path to de-escalate the tensions with Russia.

"If they (Russia) choose not to pursue that path, there will be massive consequences and severe costs in response, and the G7 is absolutely united in that," she said. "The kinds of costs that we are talking about are designed to be implemented very very fast."

Addressing the opening session of the talks, British foreign minister Liz Truss had urged the G7 to speak with one voice.

"We need to defend ourselves against the growing threats from hostile actors and we need to come together strongly to stand up to aggressors who are seeking to limit the bounds of freedom and democracy," said at the start of the meeting.

Ukraine is at the centre of a crisis in East-West relations as it accuses Russia of massing tens of thousands of troops in preparation for a possible large-scale military offensive.

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Russia denies planning any attack and accuses Ukraine and the United States of destabilising behaviour, and has said it needs security guarantees for its own protection.

"We need to take every action to return to dialogue," German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock told reporters. Germany takes over the rotating G7 leadership from Britain next year.

Washington is sending its top diplomat for Europe, Assistant Secretary Karen Donfried, to Ukraine and Russia on December 13-15 to meet with senior government officials.

"Assistant Secretary Donfried will emphasize that we can make diplomatic progress on ending the conflict in the Donbass through implementation of the Minsk agreements in support of the Normandy Format," the U.S. State Department said in a statement.

COME TOGETHER

Ministers arrived at the Museum of Liverpool to a brass band playing Christmas carols, before starting behind-closed-doors meetings covering development finance, geopolitics and security. Later they left to take in the city's musical heritage over dinner at an exhibition telling the story of The Beatles.

Britain is calling for G7 members to be more strident in their defence of what it calls "the free world", and discussions focused on Russia, China and Iran throughout the day. A statement on the outcomes from the talks is due Sunday.

The United States, Britain, France and Germany met late into Friday night to discuss the way forward on Iran, following the resumption of talks in Vienna on reviving a 2015 nuclear deal.

Sunday's statement is expected to include a joint call for Iran to moderate its nuclear programme and grasp the opportunity to revive a multilateral agreement under which Iran limits its nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief. (Reporting by William James, Humeyra Pamuk and Alexander Ratz; Editing by Andrew Heavens, Ros Russell and Mike Harrison, William Maclean)
(Photo: ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS via Getty Images)

Donald Trump was furious that then-Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated Joe Biden on his presidential victory last year, Israeli journalist Barak Ravid reported Friday in Axios.

Trump criticized the move by a world leader hed considered an ally, saying flatly of Netanyahu: Fuck him, Ravid reported.

Netanyahu was very early ... earlier than most world leaders, Trump inaccurately insisted to the reporter, referring to Netanyahus congratulations after the November 2020 election. I havent spoken to him since. Fuck him, Trump added, according to Ravids account in Axios.

In fact, Netanyahu didnt congratulate President-elect Biden until several hours after many other foreign leaders, and he didnt call him for another two weeks.

Netanyahu responded to the report in a statement published in Axios later Friday, emphasizing that Israels relationship with the United States remains vital and that it was important for me to congratulate the incoming President.

Trump reportedly revealed his fury in interviews in April for Ravids upcoming book, Trumps Peace, which is due out Sunday in the U.S.

Trump expected complete loyalty from Netanyahu, and that apparently included support for his lies that the 2020 presidential election had been rigged against him, according to Ravids recollections in Axios.

Nobody did more for Bibi. I liked Bibi. I still like Bibi, Trump said, referring to Netanyahu by his nickname and calling him the man that I did more for than any other person I dealt with.

But I also like loyalty, Trump reportedly said. The first person to congratulate Biden was Bibi. And not only did he congratulate him, he did it on tape.

Ravid said Trump told him: Bibi could have stayed quiet. He made a terrible mistake.

Netanyahu tweeted his congratulations to Biden and in a video on Nov. 8, 2020, the day after the presidential race had been called for Biden.

Netanyahu said in his message that he and Biden had enjoyed a long & warm personal relationship for almost 40 years and that he viewed Biden as a great friend of Israel.

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Congratulations @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris. Joe, weve had a long & warm personal relationship for nearly 40 years, and I know you as a great friend of Israel. I look forward to working with both of you to further strengthen the special alliance between the U.S. and Israel.  Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) November 8, 2020

Netanyahu also thanked Trump on Twitter and in his video.

Netanyahu was Israels prime minister for 15 years, relinquishing the role last June to Naftali Bennett. He is now considered leader of the opposition in Israel.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.

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The injured are still recovering in hospitals around the capital of Chiapas state

Mexico has announced a working group to combat people-smuggling in the wake of the truck crash that resulted in the deaths of 54 people, the majority said to be Central American migrants.

Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said the group would be made up of Mexico, Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador and the US.

Meanwhile, authorities are trying to identify the victims of the accident.

The injured are still recovering in hospitals.

More than 150 people were crammed into the truck's trailer. The vehicle was reportedly speeding when it flipped on a sharp bend and hit a pedestrian bridge on a main road leading to the Chiapas state capital, Tuxtla Gutierrez, on Thursday afternoon local time.

According to Mr Ebrard, the working group would investigate and learn from the crash and help bring to justice the people smugglers involved in the case.

Speaking alongside Mr Ebrard, Guatemala's Foreign Minister Pedro Brolo urged the US to invest in the region to make migration less attractive.

But critics of the Mexican government say migrants have been forced to make increasingly dangerous journeys to avoid the heavy military presence in the state of Chiapas, which neighbours Guatemala and is a major transit point for undocumented migrants.

Sabina Lopez, who lives near the site of the crash, told the AFP news agency she had seen dozens of people screaming in pain, some trapped in the wreckage and others unconscious.

"It was horrible to hear the wailing. I just thought about helping," Ms Lopez, 18, said.

She said the impact of the crash had broken the container in half and ripped off its roof, and she saw a wounded man pleading with a wounded companion not to succumb to his injuries.

"Don't go to sleep, don't close your eyes," she recalled him saying. "Remember what you promised your mother! Hold on."

Residents offered crash survivors water and mobile phones to contact relatives. They also said the driver and a person with him had appeared to be injured but had fled the scene.

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Tragedy unlikely to deter other migrants

Analysis box by Will Grant, Mexico and Central America correspondent

Hours after the horrific crash and the site has been cleared of almost all evidence that anything fatal took place here.

The only signs of the massive loss of life are the burn marks and bloodstains on the road, and the remains of some twisted metal crash barriers.

There are no police officers, no emergency services and no forensic investigators. Every few minutes local residents stop by to add to the small shrine - some flowers, a candle, a cross or, heartbreakingly, a bottle of water or a sports drink.

It is a potent symbol of the migrants' harsh journey, as many have walked for kilometres on foot through searing heat in southern Mexico in pursuit of their goal of reaching the United States.

For these migrants, though, that trip was cut short before it even really got started, loaded into cramped and dangerous conditions in the back of a truck by people-smugglers. Many had paid thousands of dollars for the journey which ended at this unremarkable stretch of road on Chiapas.

Yet even this terrible loss of life - the worst in a single day in Mexico since 2010 - will not be enough to deter many other young people from attempting the journey themselves before the end of the year.

Most of the people on board were from Guatemala, but there were others from Honduras, Ecuador and the Dominican Republic. Emergency officials said the victims included children.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said the nation was hurting after the tragedy, and called on the world to address the "root causes" of mass migration.

The National Institute of Migration said it is working to identify the dead and will seek to repatriate the bodies over the coming days and weeks. It added that survivors would be allowed to stay in Mexico.

Satellite image showing the site where the truck crashed

Hundreds of thousands of migrants fleeing poverty and violence in Central America try to cross through Mexico each year in a bid to reach the US.

The US-Mexico border is the deadliest single crossing in the world according to data from the International Organization for Migration (IOM). This year alone, at least 650 people have died trying to cross the border - more than in any other year since IOM records began.
Vladimir Putin. Illustrated | Getty Images, iStock, Library of Congress

It can be difficult to understand what exactly is happening along the Russia-Ukraine border without knowledge of the countries' deeply intertwined histories. That said, here's everything you need to know:

What's going on with Russia and Ukraine?

A build-up of Russian military troops along Ukraine and Russia's shared 1,200-mile border has Ukrainian and Western officials fearful a repeat of 2014 (when Kremlin-led forces annexed the Crimean peninsula) is imminent. Moscow has denied any plans to invade Kyiv. U.S. intelligence, however, posits such an attack could happen as early as January 2022, though the current mass of troops lacks the support needed to sustain any sort of invasion. American officials have also accused Russia of "mounting an aggressive information operation to destabilize Ukraine politically," with the plan to blame any escalation on Ukraine and NATO, writes CBS News.

Ukraine was a valuable part of the Soviet Union for centuries before becoming its own republic, having produced much of the wheat consumed in the U.S.S.R while acting as a sort of "buffer" between Europe and Russia. But ever since Russia annexed Crimea seven years ago, Ukrainian and Russian forces have been fighting a proxy war in the Donbas region of Ukraine. A peace deal in 2015 brought an end to most battles, though smaller skirmishes continue.

Given the cultural and ethnic ties between the two countries, Russian President Vladimir Putin has long maintained Ukraine falls under Russia's sphere of influence, but has begrudgingly watched as pro-Western and anti-Russian sentiment blossomed over the years; in 2014, for example, Ukranians ousted a pro-Putin president and have chosen to elect Western-leaning politicians ever since.

Putin wants both NATO and Western forces to back away from Ukraine, arguing their influence weakens his own and presents a threat to the Russian border. Though Ukraine is not a member of NATO, it is considered a "highly valued" organization partner  and the Kremlin wants assurance that status never sees an upgrade.

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What could happen next?

U.S. officials are, at this stage, unsure whether Russia will forge ahead with an invasion, but they have not ruled out the possibility. On Monday, CIA Director William Burns warned that the build-up of military forces could allow Russia to act "in a very sweeping way." The current assessment is that Russia might wait for the ground to freeze or for other European countries to be distracted with their own dealings to move in on Ukraine. But still, it's unclear if Putin is actually planning to occupy Kyiv, or is instead simply posturing to win concessions from the West.

How does Ukraine feel about all of this?

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky believes Russia's build-up sends a "very dangerous" message, and has said Ukrainian forces will respond if necessary. Ukranian officials have also asked the U.S. for weapons systems and capabilities they hope might stave off another invasion, considering the Russian military is far more robust than Ukraine's  but that power balance would change with America's help.

Also notable  support for joining NATO among Ukrainians reached 54 percent this year, up 40 percent since 2012 thanks in no small part to Putin's attitude and messaging surrounding Ukraine.

What is the global community doing about it?

President Biden on Tuesday spoke virtually with Putin in an attempt at easing tensions and reaffirming America's commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty. It didn't seem as though any real resolution was reached, other than Biden ruling out the possibility of unilaterally sending U.S. troops to Ukraine should Russia invade. Instead, the president warned Putin of severe economic consequences "like nothing he's ever seen" should Moscow move on Kyiv. Biden said he's "absolutely confident" Putin got the message.

National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said the U.S. would also provide Ukraine with defense material, in addition to Russian sanctions, in the event of an invasion.

Internationally, Germany has indicated it would consider halting Nord Stream 2, the pipeline that will soon bring Russian gas to Europe, as a sanction if necessary. Newly-elected Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Tuesday that Germany was watching Russian movements "with great concern," noting it "would be a completely unacceptable situation if Ukraine were to be threatened."

Biden also spoke with French, Italian, British, and German leaders on Monday, all of whom agreed to call on Russia to work to resolve the conflict in eastern Ukraine.

Was Biden's Democracy summit related to any of this?

Sort of. The Biden administration hosted its inaugural Summit for Democracy on Thursday and Friday, joining forces with world leaders to address a backslide among democratic institutions worldwide. Russia and China were not invited. That the summit kicked off during a particularly contentious moment in Russia-Ukraine relations perhaps only underscored the administration's message in organizing the virtual gathering  autocracies are on the rise, and it's up to everyone else to help democracy prevail.

How does Biden handle Putin? Is it a strategy different from his predecessors'?

Biden has long disliked Putin, having proclaimed his distrust of the Russian president as far back as 2001. When Biden was vice president, he said he didn't think the Russian had a soul. Nowadays, the commander in chief would like a "stable and predictable" relationship with Russia, and doesn't seem to harbor any illusions of broad-scale cooperation.

Biden is so far the fifth American president to negotiate with Putin; and, notably, none of his predecessors "proved very effective at engaging with or containing" the Russian leader, writes The Washington Post. Though Putin temporarily ceded power during former President Barack Obama's first term, the Obama White House praised his work and called for a "reset" between the U.S. and Moscow. The strategy wasn't necessarily a success; things changed in 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea and the White House was forced to turn back toward economic sanctions.

Former President Donald Trump, on the other hand, was criticized as being too soft on Russia and attempting to curry favor with Putin. Critics claimed he even prioritized Moscow's needs ahead of his country's own, despite his infamous "America first" ideology.

But Biden so far has evaded most criticism of his own  and some analysts say his general skepticism toward Putin and Russia has perhaps helped further the possibility of a "constructive," "working" relationship between the West and the East.

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There are still 400,000 Hungarians over 60 years of age who have not yet been vaccinated even though those inoculated against the coronavirus are much less likely to get sick and have much milder symptoms, virologist Miklos Rusvai told public news channel M1 on Sunday. .
Johnson testified that he heard the Taser command followed by a loud pop, which he initially thought was a Taser. Composite video appeared to show Johnsons hands still in the car at the time the shot was fired.

After he was shot, the car drove down the street and crashed into another vehicle.

Jurors also saw the most extensive video yet of Potters reaction right after the shooting. Johnson's body camera recorded him trying to comfort her after the shooting as she cries and rocks back and forth on the ground with her head in her hands.

Kim, take a breath. Kim, youre OK, he tells Potter. He also says: Kim, that guy was trying to take off with me in the car.

Johnson is also shown taking her gun, for evidence, and putting his own in her holster. Later, after another officer expresses fear she might harm herself, Johnson retrieves his gun, empties it of bullets out of Potters view, and gives it back to her.

As portions of Johnson's video were shown in court, Potter put her head in her hands at the defense table, shook slightly and cried. Wrights mother, Katie Bryant, also cried quietly.
Perez worked as a compost laborer for nearly 21 years and retired in October 1997, Banks said.

Deputy City Attorney Bernard in den Bosch said that when a retired employee dies, a portion of his or her monthly pension can go to a spouse, a minor child or an adult child with a disability, until that person dies. No spouse or children are listed in Perezs obituary.

Yet the checks wrongly continued after Perez died. They were sent out monthly until the final payment, dated Sept. 30. The total amount was nearly $118,037, Banks said.

About a decade ago, the city, which administers the civilian and first responder pensions, hired a database service called LexisNexis that searches for former employees names and Social Security numbers and checks whether someone has died. But in den Bosch said the database didnt show that Perez had died.

The error was uncovered when a city employee recently conducted a review and searched Perezs name online, which resulted in the discovery of his obituary from years ago, in den Bosch said.

Omaha Police Lt. Neal Bonacci said the investigation into the matter is still active. He said detectives were working with the Finance Department.
An EDC, like York County Development Corporation (YCDC), is tasked with growing the economy overall which requires strategic thinking. Holistic economic development is a big part of that. This means looking at all of the factors that influence economic growth. For example, an EDC wants to bring jobs to the community but for that to happen sites need to be developed so new businesses have a place to locate. This often involves working with the community on purchasing property, or working with landowners, securing funds for infrastructure improvements and eventually marketing the site. Preparing information and negotiating with site consultants and business executives is also common. We respond to requests for information on a regular basis, in addition to reaching out to site consultants and businesses with information on our community. Being the biggest promoter of York County is an important part of our job.
New Delhi: Better.com Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Vishal Garg is said to be taking time off with immediate effect, according to an internal email from the digital mortgage companys board.

In the latest transition, Chief Financial Officer Kevin Ryan will be managing the day-to-day decisions of the company and will be reporting to the board, Vice reported citing the internal email.

Garg recently mercilessly fired 900 employees on a Zoom call, a video of which went viral on social media platforms. "If you're on this call, you're part of the unfortunate group that is being laid offYour employment here is now terminated," Garg had said on the call.

He had cited reasons such as market efficiency, performance, and productivity for laying off hundreds of the companys employees.

A few days after firing hundreds of company employees, he also apologised earlier this week to the current employees for his manner of handling layoffs at the mortgage company.

In the mail, Garg accepted that he blundered in the execution of communicating the decision. The email was leaked by a current employee of Better.com.

"I failed to show the appropriate amount of respect and appreciation for the individuals who were affected, and for their contributions to Better. I own the decision to do the layoffs, but in communicating it, I blundered the execution. In doing so, I embarrassed you," his email to the current employees read.

Founded in 2016 and headquartered in New York, Better.com offers mortgage and insurance products to homeowners through its online platform, according to a report by Reuters. Also Read: Garena Free Fire Redeem Codes December 11: Check how to receive free items, diamonds

Better.com is expected to go public through a merger with blank-check firm Aurora Acquisition Corp, in a deal that valued the mortgage firm at $7.7 billion. Also Read: PM Modi to address depositors in bank deposit insurance programme on Sunday

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New Delhi: American Precoat Specialty Pvt. Ltd. has established its continuous Electro-Galvanized Steel plant in India at Valsad, Gujarat, in what can only be regarded as a game-changing, strategic development in the country's steel industry.

The plant is developing and manufacturing automotive-grade EG Steel, which makes the relocation even more appealing to the Indian vehicle sector. It is the company's first of its sort in India, a country that spends millions of dollars each year importing EG Steel from suppliers such as South Korea, China, and Taiwan to suit the needs of its domestic vehicle industry.

With a focus on the principle of 'Vocal for Local,' American Precoat ensures that the market's need for automotive-grade EG Steel will be addressed.

Dr Shubh Gautam, the Promoter and Chief Technical Architect of American Precoat Specialty, said, American Precoat makes an absolute substitute of the imported steel and stands tall with its head held high as a landmark to refrain our nations exchequer to be loaded with millions of dollars, to import the EG still from outside the territory of our country.

He also mentioned the importance of making India's steel sector self-sufficient. He went on to say, "What we're doing is a mass example to promote the principle of 'Make in India.'"

With American Precoats EG Steel plant in India, Mr. Gautam aims to change that for good.

American Precoat is a multi-faceted company that provides a wide range of products to consumers all over the world, including unique steel, polymer mix alloys coil coatings, and specialised coatings, among other things.



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New Delhi: Two farmers, who were returning to their home from the farm laws protest site near New Delhis Tikri border died on Saturday (December 11) after their tractor hit a truck in Haryana, the police said.

According to police, the tractor-trailer they were riding on hit a truck in Haryanas Hisar killing two farmers.

Thousands of farmers, who had been protesting against the three controversial farm laws, ended their protest and vacated border sites on Saturday as they launched a victory march to their homes.

On November 19, Prime Minister Modi announced the repeal of farm laws that triggered a nationwide outrage among farmers and led to protests at various Delhi borders against the same.

The Farm Law Repeal Bill was later tabled in the parliament by the Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar and was passed by both houses.

Later, the Centre invited farmers unions to form a committee to hold talks about their other demands like MSP and withdrawal of legal cases against protesters.

After the announcement, the farmers leaders announced that they will end the protest and vacate the sites on December 12.

More than 700 farmers have died, opposition and farmer leaders have said, during the protests.

Farmers, mainly from Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, started protesting at Delhi's border points on November 26 last year against the now-repealed three farm laws.

(With inputs from PTI)

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New Delhi: Nagaland Governor Jagdish Mukhi on Saturday called for a special Assembly session on December 20 amid the demands to revoke the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in view of the civilians killings by the Indian Army.

"In exercise of the powers conferred by Clause (1) of Article 174 of the Constitution of India, the Governor of Nagaland has summoned the Tenth Session of the Thirteenth Nagaland Legislative Assembly to meet at 9:30 A.M. on Monday, the 20th December 2021, at 9:30 A.M. in the Assembly Hall, Kohima," an official notice read.

The summon came in the heels of demand for conducting a special session to adopt a resolution for revocation of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) after the firing incidents that killed 14 civilians.

The firing incident left 14 civilians dead by security personnel in two separate incidents that occurred last week and the death of security personnel in a mob attack in the Tizit area of Mon district in Nagaland.

The Army claimed responsibility for the incident and assured a detailed probe in the matter.

Earlier, Union Home Minister Amit Shah while addressing the parliament on the killings said that it was a case of mistaken identity. He also added that the loss of lives is regretted and a probe in the matter will be conducted soon.

(With PTI inputs)

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New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday (December 11) inaugurated a train overbridge and several other developments projects in Gujarats Ahmedabad, reported ANI.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurates a train overbridge and several other developments projects in Ahmedabad, Gujarat pic.twitter.com/IgivwCS56X  ANI (@ANI) December 11, 2021

The BJP leader also laid the foundation stone of Umiya Mata Temple at Umiya Campus in Sola, Ahmedabad, earlier today. The temple and other buildings are being built at a cost of Rs 1,500 crore on 74,000 square yards of land.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, former deputy chief minister Nitin Patel, Governor Acharya Devvrat and others took part in the beginning of the three-day foundation-stone laying event.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the foundation stone laying ceremony virtually on December 13.

Apart from the Umiyadham temple, the trust, which runs the main temple in Unjha, will also build a 13-storey complex adjacent to the temple to provide training as well as a hostel facility to Patidar youths preparing for the UPSC and GPSC entrance tests.

Shah, whose home state is Gujarat, was on a one-day visit to Ahmedabad.

While addressing the public during the event, Shah said the centres of faith of the Hindu community were left humiliated for many years and nobody cared to bring back their glory until the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power in 2014, which is now working "fearlessly" for the renovation of such sites.

The leader further added that earlier people used to be ashamed of visiting temples, but a new era began with the Modi government.

(With agency inputs)

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Guwahati: Anti-CAA agitators in Assam on Saturday observed 'black day' to mark the second anniversary of the passage of the bill in Parliament.

The North East Students' Organisation had given a call to mark the day as 'black day' in the seven states of the region, and accordingly, people protested with black flags and banners denouncing the "unjustly imposed" Citizenship Amendment Act, NESO advisor Sammujjal Bhattacharya said.

All Assam Students' Union, a constituent of NESO, also held protests in all districts of the state demanding that the law be repealed, he said.

Assam Jatiya Parishad, as part of its 10-day 'Jatiya Sankalpa Abhijan' demanding repeal of the Act, took out a protest march from its headquarters in Guwahati to the state secretariat in Dispur, raising popular slogan of the agitation 'CAA aami na manu' (We don't accept CAA).

"The government may have passed the bill as it had the numbers but we won't allow it to be implemented, and our protests will continue till the Act is repealed," AJP president Lurinjyoti Gogoi, who was at the forefront of the stir in 2019, said.

"The BJP claims that the people of Assam support CAA, citing the party's victory in this year's assembly elections, but the fact is that they won by playing divisive politics and making false promises," he said.

Bhattacharya, who is also the AASU advisor, said that December 11 will remain a 'black day' for Assam, and people of the state will never accept CAA.

"The BJP tried to play divisive politics by exempting states with Inner Line Permit (ILP) and areas under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution from the ambit of the Act, but people of all the seven states took a firm stand and protests were held across the region during the day," Bhattacharya said.

"There were widespread protests against CAA after it was passed in the Parliament, but those had to be stalled as we had made it clear that the academic year of the students shall not be affected, and then COVID-19 outbreak and lockdown took place. However, the anger against this unjust law is still burning in the hearts of the Assamese people, and our stir will continue till the Act is repealed," he said.

CAA seeks to provide Indian citizenship to Hindus, Jains, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Parsis entering India on or before December 31, 2014 from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan after five years of residence here.

Assam witnessed violent protests in 2019 during and after the passage of the Citizenship Amendment Bill in Parliament.

Pitched battles took place between protestors and police, and at least five people were killed during the agitation.

The government cracked down on the stir, arresting the leaders, snapping internet connectivity and imposing curfews. The agitation led to the formation of two parties AJP and Raijor Dal. However, both failed to make a mark in this year's assembly elections, barring Akhil Gogoi who won the Sibsagar seat.

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New Delhi: A second case of Omicron variant has been reported in Delhi. The person was fully vaccinated and was coming from Zimbabwe. The person had also travelled to South Africa, the Government of Delhi informed.

India has 33 Omicron cases so far, with 17 in Maharashtra, nine in Rajasthan, three in Gujarat, two in Karnataka and now two in Delhi.

Meanwhile, the country recorded 7,992 new COVID-19 cases, 393 deaths in the last 24 hours, pushing the overall caseload to 3,46,682,736 and the total death toll to 4,75,128, as per data released by the Ministry of Health on Saturday (December 11, 2021). The country also recorded 9,265 recoveries today.

Yesterday (December 10), Maharashtra reported seven new cases of Omicron including in a toddler. Of the seven cases, three were reported in Mumbai, four from Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation. Three men, aged 48, 25 and 37 had returned from Tanzania, the UK and South Africa, respectively, while four other patients are the contacts of Nigerian women, who had been infected with the new variant on December 6.Of the seven, four are asymptomatic while three display mild symptoms. Of these new cases, four are fully vaccinated, one has been administered with a single dose against COVID-19 and one is unvaccinated. The toddler is not eligible for vaccination.

Meanwhile, according to PIB, World Health Organization has observed that public health and social measures compliance is declining with an increase in vaccination rate. The Ministry of Health has cautioned Indian citizens to strictly follow COVID-19 appropriate behaviour to prevent surge in cases as being seen in European countries.

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New Delhi: Afghanistans envoy to India Farid Mamundzay has warned of "catastrophic situation" in his country pointing out how "people are not getting paid on time, there is little business activities. There is humanitarian crisis, unfolding economic crisis". Since the Taliban takeover in August, the country has slid in every parameter, even as the onset of winters has worsened the situation in the country.

Speaking to WIONs diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Mamundzay thanked New Delhi's pledge to send 50,000 MT of wheat to the country. He said, India has time and again proved to be a close and reliable friend of the Afghan people and stood by us at difficult time." The envoy called for more visas by India for Afghans, especially students who have to continue their studies in Indian universities.

In the first ever extensive interview to any India based channel since the Taliban takeover in August, Envoy Mamundzay pointed how the last four months have been "difficult, emotionally and administratively and financially" for the mission and its diplomats but he pointed,"We can't pack up and leave. We have moral obligations and responsibility towards our people and country to continue serving them."

Sidhant Sibal: Your reaction to the humanitarian support of 50,000 MT of wheat to the Afghanistan people?

Farid Mamundzay: Yes, India has time and again proved to be a close and reliable friend of the Afghan people and stood by us at difficult times. The generous act of helping us with 50,000 MT of wheat with lifesaving medicines and half a million COVID-19 vaccines is something that is greatly needed in the time of crisis and we are grateful for this assistance and support.

Sidhant Sibal: But there are certain challenges, given it as to use Pakistani territory and do you expect more such humanitarian support?

Farid Mamundzay: Yes, that was something that was greatly discussed by the Afghan embassy and the Indian government and the quickest route we found was Pakistan that will take a short period of time to send much needed assistance to Afghanistan quite quickly. So I hope Pakistan will continue to assist us as they have indicated that they will allow this convoy to transit through Pakistan. I hope that spirit will continue in Islamabad to allow the lifesaving drugs and wheat to flow into Afghanistan. The need is dire. The world food program estimates that around 9 million people require urgent food assistance. By the end of next year there will be 3 million malnutritional children. The need is huge and I hope more countries in the region and the global will come in and elevate the suffering of Afghan people. There were billions of dollars and euros pledged by the international community in Europe last month. I hope more and more assistance would come to help our people at this difficult time.

Sidhant Sibal: How difficult the situation is in Afghanistan, especially with the onset of the winter?

Farid Mamundzay: The winter is approaching rather fast; most banks are not operating as they were doing in the past. People are leaving in large numbers for many countries in the region and for western countries and capitals. People are not getting paid on time, there are few business activities. Teachers, Doctors not being paid. There is a humanitarian crisis, unfolding economic crisis, it's a catastrophic situation right across the country. New Taliban regime hasn't been recognized by any country, even after 4 months. It's a difficult situation ordinary Afghans are facing; a lot of challenges and it is time for the international community to rescue and support Afghan people who are facing a difficult time after 20 years of a rather stable period in their lives.

Sidhant Sibal: What more do you expect from New Delhi, especially on the issue of visas, visas for Afghan students?

Farid Mamundzay: We require a lot of assistance from India in terms of humanitarian assistance at this stage. Together with humanitarian assistance we also need visa support. India so far has been kind to issue Afghans 200 visas but for a nation of 40 million people, it is 5 visas per million people that is certainly not enough and we expect India to help us during this difficult time. There are more than 2500 students stranded in Afghanistan who are in the middle of their studies, some of them in 2nd and 3rd year. So if they don't come here, resume and continue their studies they will lose whatever they have done in the past--those 2-3 years are going to be wasted. So, I request the Indian government to consider granting those students visas and consider bringing them to India. Also, 50,000 people who come here for medical treatment annually, they are people with fatal medical conditions. Those people are willing to come here for medical treatment. So, people who have a long history of travel to India should be considered. We consider India our historic friend and a strategic ally and in this difficult hour that hand of cooperation is expected from millions of Afghans to be extended. We hope that policy will continue to evolve and change and our needs will be considered.

Sidhant Sibal: How has been the situation in Afghanistan, politically since Taliban takeover.

Farid Mamundzay: Well past four months we are going through an economic, political and social freefall. The gains of the last 20 years have sadly been reversed or being reversed as we go into the future. So there are not any positive developments on many front on political, social and other fronts. The hope of the Afghan people is that we the Afghans reach a stage where we form an inclusive government, where the Taliban will shape a government that will be inclusive, where we would have true and fair representation of the entire country. And women would be given due rights, their rightful position in Afghan society. They make up half of our population and they should be treated with rights, and they deserve dignity and respect. Women should be allowed to go to schools and do their jobs. So there are expectations and we hope international community will continue to engage Taliban in order to encourage them to take appropriate steps required to put Afghanistan back on trajectory where people of that country deserve to live a dignity life and not putting Afghanistan through a stage where it will become a safe haven and a hub for regional and international terrorism. I hope that would not be repeated and there would be steps taken in order to avoid that.

Sidhant Sibal: What is the status of the Afghan embassy, globally and this one and the financial crisis they have been facing?

Farid Mamundzay: Well the past four months have been difficult, emotionally and administratively and financially. Most of the missions including here in India have not been receiving assistance that we used to get in past form Kabul. But the spirit of our staff is high and they continue to serve Afghan community and consular service have been running normal. Our focus in India has been on three main elements-- we focus greatly on humanitarian and relief assistance, wheat, covid vaccines, medicines and warm cloths and things that are greatly needed in Afghanistan. So we are largely focused working on humanitarian assistance to be challenged from India to Afghanistan in close coordination with relevant UN agencies like World Food Progamme, World Health Organization and other relevant authorities. Second focus has been to provide consular services. There are 100,000 Afghan citizens living in India who require regular consular services and support. So, our focus is not to hinder, hamper or delay those services. services provisions for our community. The third is education support for our students. Still over 15000 Afghan students in India who require ongoing support. These three areas are areas of main engagement, along with other diplomatic engagements with the host country here in India and other diplomatic missions. Life has been somewhat different, challenging. We can't pack up and leave. We have moral obligations and responsibility towards our people and country to continue serving them.

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New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (December 11) paid tribute to Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat and 12 others who recently died in the military chopper crash in Tamil Nadu.

Addressing a rally in Uttar Pradesh's Balrampur, Modi paid condolences on the death of CDS Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat and 11 defence personnel who lost their lives in the Mi-17VH chopper crash in Coonoor. The PM, as quoted by ANI, said, I express my condolences to all brave warriors who died in the helicopter crash on Dec 8. The demise of India's first CDS Gen Bipin Rawat, is a loss to every patriot. He was brave and worked hard to make the country's armed forces self-reliant, the nation is a witness to that.

India is mourning but despite being in pain, neither do we stop our pace nor our development. India won't stop. India won't be at a standstill. Together, we Indians will work hard & face every challenge inside & outside the country: PM Modi in Balrampur #TamilNaduChopperCrash pic.twitter.com/RTEKuCSqFK  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) December 11, 2021

Modi said that despite India being in a mourning state, it will not come to a standstill. India is mourning but despite being in pain, neither do we stop our pace nor our development. India won't stop. India won't be at a standstill. Together, we Indians will work hard and face every challenge inside and outside the country, PM Modi added.

The PM stated, "A soldier doesn't remain a soldier only as long as he stays in the military. His entire life is that of a warrior. He is dedicated to discipline and pride of the country every moment," adding that wherever Gen Bipin Rawat is, in the coming days, "he will see India moving ahead with new resolutions."

Praying for the speedy recovery of Grp Capt Varun Singh, the lone survivor of the IAF helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu, Modi said, "Doctors are working hard to save the life of Group Captain Varun Singh. I pray to Maa Pateshwari to save his life. The nations stands with his family. The country also stands with the families who lost those brave soldiers."

PM Modi also inaugurated Saryu Canal National Project in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh's Balrampur that will provide assured water for irrigation to over 14 lakh hectares of land and benefit about 29 lakh farmers, mainly in eastern UP. Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Union Minister for Jal Shakti Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya also attended the inauguration event.

(With agency inputs)

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Haridwar (Uttarakhand): Daughters of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat immersed the ashes of their parents in the Ganga in Haridwar on Saturday afternoon. Earlier in the morning today, daughters of CDS General Rawat, Kritika and Tarini, collected the ashes of their parents from Brar Square crematorium in Delhi Cantonment and reached Haridwar to immerse them in the Ganges.

The two performed the last rites of their parents on Friday. Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami also met the Rawat daughters at VIP Ghat in Haridwar. General Bipin Rawat was cremated side by side on the same pyre with his wife Madhulika Rawat with full military honours at Brar Square crematorium in Delhi Cantonment on Friday (December 10).

Kritika and Tarini, the daughters of #CDSGeneralBipinRawat and Madhulika Rawat immerse the ashes of their parents in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. #TamilNaduChopperCrash pic.twitter.com/r1IGJ2X1m5  ANI (@ANI) December 11, 2021

CDS General Rawat and his wife Madhulika Rawat were among the 13 persons killed in a helicopter crash near Tamil Nadu's Coonoor on December 8. Four crew members and ten passengers, including the CDS and his wife Madhulika, were on board the Air Force's Mi-17V5 helicopter. The chopper was headed to Wellington in Udhagamandalam, popularly known as Ooty, where a Defence Services Staff College is located.

General Rawat took charge as India's first Chief of Defence Staff on January 1, 2020. As India's first Chief of Defence Staff, General Rawat was tasked to bring in theatre command and jointness among the three services - Army, Navy and Air Force - and he was pushing it with a tough approach and specific timelines in the last two years.

(With Agency inputs)

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New Delhi: After the farmers received a formal letter from the Centre agreeing to their pending demands on Thursday, farmers at the Singhu border expressed their happiness and prepare to return to their homes after calling off their protest against the farm laws.

Speaking to ANI, Manpreet Singh, Executive Member of Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) Punjab said, "We have won this battle after the struggles of a year-long protest. We are happy that the Central government has agreed to fulfil our pending demands. We are doing packing here and will return to our homes at 9 am on December 11."

"However, we will not celebrate the victory because our CDS Bipin Rawat has lost his life in Tamil Nadu helicopter crash," he said.

Meanwhile, Harvinder Singh, General Secretary of BKU expressed grief over the death of all those 700 farmers who lost their lives in this year-long protest.

"We are disappointed that our 700 farmers died during this protest. The Centre has not said anything for them. When any higher rank official loses his life, the government gives special treatment to them. But it did not happen in the case of farmers. I want this kind of treatment should also be given to all 700 deceased farmers," Harvinder said.

Further, Harvinder said that the farmers did not become hurdles to the travellers passing by.

"We never created any problem or stopped travellers passing by. Traffic was moving as usual. The traffic was disturbed only when Andolan took place. I hope that the Centre will take care of farmers in future as well," he added.

Gurvinder Kaur, mother of a protester at Singhu border said, "My son has been protesting here since the beginning of this agitation. We are happy that we won this battle after a lot of struggle. The Central government has taken a good decision."

Farmers, who have been protesting against the three farm laws on different borders of Delhi since November 26 last year, announced on Wednesday that they are suspending their year-long agitation and would vacate the protest sites on December 11.

"As far as the matter of compensation is concerned, UP and Haryana have given in-principle consent," it read.

While addressing a press conference, farmer leader Gurnam Singh Charuni said, "We have decided to suspend our agitation. We will hold a review meeting on Jan 15. If the government does not fulfil its promises, we could resume our agitation."

"Protesting farmers will vacate the protest sites on December 11," another farmers` leader Darshan Pal Singh said.Earlier on November 29, Both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha passed the Farm Laws Repeal Bill on the first day of the winter session of Parliament.

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New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (December 11) inaugurated the Saryu canal project in poll-bound Uttar Pradeshs Balarampur. Targeting the previous governments, Modi said that the project was originally initiated in 1978 but no administration cared to work on the canal before the BJP.

From water scarcity issues, General Bipin Rawats untimely demise to attack on the opposition, here are 10 points from PM Modis speech in Balarampur:

"CDS Bipin Rawats untimely tragic demise is a loss for every patriot. Wherever General Bipin Rawat maybe, in the days to come, he will see India moving ahead with new resolutions, said PM Modi on Gen Rawats death.

Saryu Canal Project is important for the countrys development to not let water scarcity become a barrier. The government`s topmost priority is the right utilization of river water. The completion of the Saryu Nahar National Project is a testament to honest intentions and efficient work, said Modi on the project.

This is a double engine government. This is the speed of work of the double engine government, our priority is to finish the project on time, said PM Modi.

Calling the BJP government double engine govt, PM Modi said, long-pending projects like Baan Sagar Project, Arjun Sahayak irrigation project, AIIMS and fertilizer plant at Gorakhpur were completed by BJP administration. He also cited the Ken Betwa Link project as an example of this government`s commitment. The Rs 45000 crore project was approved in the last cabinet meeting.

In the earlier government mafia used to get protection, today the mafia is being cleaned out and the difference is visible. Earlier, strongmen were promoted.

In an apparent dig at UP ex-CM Akhilesh Yadav, PM Modi said, "For some people cutting the ribbon is the priority while for us completing schemes in time is the priority. In 2014 when I came to power, I was amazed to see that 99 irrigation projects were lying (incomplete) for decades in the country.

I invite farmers from across the country to watch the mega programme on natural farming on December 16, said Modi.

Adopting natural farming will help not only save water but also produce better crops, said Modi.

Daughters of UP used to think twice before moving out of their homes earlier. Now criminals think twice before committing a crime, earlier daughters used to sit in homes but now the criminals are sitting inside jails in fear, Modi said on crime in the state.

People in Balrampur are connoisseurs, they gave two Bharat Ratna in the form of Nanaji Deshmukh and Atal Bihari Vajpayee," PM Modi said after inaugurating Saryu Nahar National Project in Balrampur.
New Delhi: India on Saturday sent 1.6 metric tonnes of medicines to Afghanistan via Kam airways, the first such assistance from New Delhi to Kabul since Taliban takeover in August. The medicine consignment will be handed over to the representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Kabul and will be administered at the Indira Gandhi Children Hospital, Kabul.

The Ministry of External Affairs in a statement said, "In view of the challenging humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, the Government of India has dispatched humanitarian assistance consisting of medical supplies on the return flight today".

The assistance from India comes even as the humanitarian crisis in the country has deteriorated. Zee Media was the first India-based channel to break the news on Friday.

The support comes even as India and Afghanistan's Taliban governments have no formal ties but on two occasions, New Delhi has publicly accepted that it has held talks with the group - one in Doha and another in Moscow. Taliban has also accepted that it has had a conversation with the Indian government.

The assistance was sent on Kam air flight that brought 10 Indians and 94 Afghans, including members of the Afghan minority communities on Friday. The flight on its way back also carried back 100 passengers back. This flight is also the first direct flight between the two countries since the Taliban takeover and the collapse of the Afghan republic.

Under "Operation Devi Shakti launched in August, a total of 669 people have now been evacuated from Afghanistan by Indian authorities. This comprises 448 Indians and 206 Afghans, which includes members of the Afghan Hindu/Sikh minority communities.

"The first consignment of medical aid from India arrived in Kabul this morning. 1.6 metric tonne of life-saving medicines will help many families in this difficult time. Gift from people of India," Afghan envoy Farid Mamundzay in a tweet said.

The assistance comes even as India has committed to provide 50,000 MT of wheat, essential lifesaving medicines and COVID Vaccines to the Afghan people. Modalities for transfer of assistance are being discussed between New Delhi and Islamabad since it is planned to be sent via Pakistan to Afghanistan.

Indias development partnership with Afghanistan includes more than five hundred projects spread across each of the 34 provinces of the country in critical areas of power, water supply, road connectivity, healthcare, education, agriculture and capacity building. New Delhi, in the last many years, has invested more than USD 3 billion for the welfare of the people of Afghanistan.

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Jammu: National Conference (NC) President Dr Farooq Abdullah on Saturday (December 11) targeted BJP for using Kashmiri Pandits for their political benefits. The NC passed resolutions, seeking political empowerment of Kashmiri Pandits, their honourable return to their homes and passage of Kashmiri Hindu Shrines Management Bill.

Addressing a day-long convention organized by President JKNC Minority Cell President M K Yogi at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhavan here, Farooq Abdullah referred to the Kashmiri Hindu Shrines Management Bill brought by the NC in 2009 and said he was almost threatened not to get this legislation through.

Today they are pretending to be the well wishers of Kashmiri Pandits, who they are using to strengthen their vote bank, Abdullah said and dared them to get the bill, as also the Women Reservation Bill, passed with their strong strength of over 300 members in Parliament.

When they can get the bills on farm laws through, why cant these bills, he said, adding that the farm laws were rolled back for the fear of electoral debacle in five states.

The former J&K chief minister said the Kashmiri Hindu Shrines Management Bill will definitely be passed when the NC will be mandated to form the government. They will never pass such a bill, he said without naming the BJP, adding that the Kashmiri Hindu Shrines Management Bill will be passed by his party with the support of the people.

Referring to the Kashmir situation post-1990, the NC chief declared that Jammu and Kashmir will never go into the hands of those who believed in achieving this by engineering ethnic cleansing while referring to the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits over three decades ago.

You have suffered a lot and what happened then has never been even comprehended, '' Abdullah told Kashmiri Pandits.

He recalled the horrendous events of the migration and said how the people of Kashmir felt helpless at times in coming to the rescue of the targeted people. He referred to certain incidents when the neighbours belonging to the majority community saved the properties and even lives of their minority brethren at the peril of their lives. He referred to the Wanpoh, Wandhama and Budgam carnages where poor and innocent people were targeted.

Farooq Abdullah also apologised to the Kashmiri Pandit community for not having been able to safeguard them in the 1990s when the Kashmiri Pandit exodus took place. "During NC's regime, we tried our best to ensure the return of the Pandit community to the Valley, but some elements sabotaged the whole process by executing massacres of Pandits," he said.

Abdullah called for bridging the gap between the communities and envisioned honourable and safe return of Kashmiri Pandits. He said the enemy is taking advantage of hatred brewing among the communities and there is need to shun this for the larger interest of peace and harmony.

He said his party will continue to work towards safe and honourable return of Kashmiri Pandits to their homes and hearths.

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New Delhi: In light of rising concerns over the spread of the new COVID-19 variant Omicron and in a bid to prevent large gatherings has imposed Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrCP) for December 11 and 12, prohibiting rallies, morchas, processions etc of persons and vehicles.

The violators of the order will be punished under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Maharashtra: Section 144 CrPC imposed in Mumbai on 11th and 12th December, in wake of #Omicron cases in the state. Rallies/morchas/processions etc of either persons or vehicles prohibited. The state has a total of 17 Omicron cases so far.  ANI (@ANI) December 11, 2021

Maharashtra reported seven new cases of Omicron on Friday including in a one-and-a-half-year-old toddler.

Of the seven cases, three were reported in Mumbai, four from Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation. Three men, aged 48, 25 and 37 had returned from Tanzania, the UK and South Africa, respectively, while four other patients are the contacts of Nigerian women, who had been infected with the new variant on December 6.

Of the seven, four are asymptomatic while three display mild symptoms. Of these new cases, four are fully vaccinated, one has been administered with a single dose against COVID-19 and one is unvaccinated. The toddler is not eligible for vaccination.

Maharashtra has so far reported a total of 17 Omicron cases, said the health department. On November 26, the WHO named the new COVID-19 variant B.1.1.529, which has been detected in South Africa, as `Omicron`. The WHO has classified Omicron as a `variant of concern`.

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New Delhi: The Pakistan government is all set to welcome the Hindu visitors from India who will be going on a pilgrimage to celebrate the Margashirsha Purnima at Katasraj in Chakwal district of Punjab (Pakistan) on December 19.

The pilgrimage to Katasraj was cancelled thrice in the past due to coronavirus pandemic.

In conversation with Zee News, the deputy secretary of Evacuee Trust Property Board, Faraz Abbas, informed that a team of his department was camping at Katasraj to make preparations for the Hindu pilgrims from India.

We have cleaned the holy pond, carried out the repair work, and presently whitewashing is being done. Besides, we have also procured new utensils and kitchen equipment for preparation of langar for the yatrees, he said.

He informed that many Hindu pilgrims would cross the international border from Attari international border on December 17 and would depart for Lahore. The next day, the Hindu jatha would leave for Katasraj temples by road. The main celebration of Margashirsha Purnima would be held on December 19 where devotees would take a holy dip in Amarkund Sarovar. The deepmala would be held on December 19 evening, he added.

On December 21, the pilgrims would visit Samadh of Sri Lav, Lahore Fort and other historical places. Religious functions are scheduled at Sri Krishna Mandir, Lahore and the Hindu yatrees would be visiting local markets and other historical places before returning home on December 23.

Meanwhile, the president of Kendrya Snatan Dharam Sabha Shiv, Partap Bajaj, informed that they had received permission from the Ministry of External Affairs for sending Hindu jatha to Pakistan on pilgrimage.

We are pleased to send the jatha especially after it was cancelled on three different occasions in past, he said.

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New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (December 11) invited Indias farmers to attend a mega programme on natural farming to be held on December 16. The PM was addressing a rally in Uttar Pradeshs Balarampur.

I invite farmers from across the country to watch the mega programme on natural farming on December 16, said Modi.

The statements come as protesting farmers started returning home after more than a year of agitation against the three controversial farm laws.

Farmers unions and the central government were at odds with each other after the BJP led NDA government passed three farm laws that triggered outrage among farmers.

The Centre after several rounds of failed talks took back the laws on November 19. The Farm Laws Repeal Bill was passed by the parliament later.

Meanwhile, PM Modi on Thursday inaugurated the Saryu canal project in UP's Balrampur for providing water for irrigation to over 14 lakh hectares of land.

While speaking in a rally in the poll-bound state, Modi addressed the issue of water scarcity and talked about the history of the project.

You would be shocked to know that work on the Saryu Nahar National Project began in 1978 but for decades, the project was never completed. Costs increased and so did peoples woes, said Modi.

The swift work on the Saryu Nahar National Project during the last four years is in line with our Governments commitment to complete long-pending projects and also harness our water resources for the benefit of our farmers and to further Ease of Living, Modi added.

(With agency inputs)

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New Delhi: As farmers began heading home from sites at Delhi's borders where they had been stationed for over a year, traffic movement on Saturday (December 11) slowed down considerably on the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) flyover, connecting the national capital with Agra and Ambala highways.

The farmers are heading back to their respective states in large convoys of tractors and trucks, in the same way, they arrived at the sites at the Singhu, Ghazipur and Tikri on the outskirts of the national capital a year ago, to protest the Centre's three agrarian laws. The large convoys of farmers slowed down traffic at the KMP flyover.

The farmers are returning to their homes after the Samyukta Kisan Morcha's (SKM) on Thursday announced the suspension of their year-long farmers' agitation.

#WATCH | Farmers leave their site of protest, Singhu border (Delhi-Haryana border), after suspending their year-long protest against the 3 farm laws & other related issues pic.twitter.com/cts0zl4R4w  ANI (@ANI) December 11, 2021

Farmers at the Singhu border sang bhajans before vacating the site while those at Tikri border were seen dancing to celebrate the success of their protest against the three farm laws and other related issues.

#WATCH | Protesting farmers sing 'bhajan' at Singhu border before vacating the site to return home, following the announcement of the suspension of their year-long protest. pic.twitter.com/rMjgSEChxW  ANI (@ANI) December 11, 2021

Thousands of farmers from Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh had laid siege to the Singhu, Ghazipur and Tikri borders in November 2020 to demand the repeal of the three farm laws, which were finally withdrawn in the Winter Session of Parliament earlier this month.

Farmers have taken down their settlements and have vacated the borders around Delhi, which were their protesting sites for the last one year. BKU leader Rakesh Tikait today flagged off the first lot of farmers returning home from the Ghazipur border. This first group has headed for Bijnor in Uttar Pradesh.Tikait informed that he would leave the protesting site at the Ghazipur border on December 15.

The SKM, earlier on Thursday (December 9) announced the suspension of their year-long agitation after they received a letter from the Central government, with promises of forming a committee on Minimum Support Price (MSP) and withdrawing cases against them immediately.The farmers will hold a review meeting on January 15. "If the government does not fulfil its promises, we could resume our agitation," the SKM had said in its statement.

On November 19, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the Centre will bring necessary bills in the Winter Session of Parliament beginning later this month to repeal the farm laws.Both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha passed the Farm Laws Repeal Bill on the first day of the winter session on November 29. President Ram Nath Kovind has also given his assent to the Bill that completes the process of repealing the three farm laws.

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New Delhi: The Punjab government has moved the Supreme Court, challenging the Centre's decision that expanded the BSF's jurisdiction to undertake search, seizure and arrest within a larger 50-km stretch from the international border in Assam, West Bengal and Punjab, as compared to the earlier 15 km.

The state government, in its original suit, has said the extension of the territorial jurisdiction of the Border Security Force (BSF) encroaches upon the constitutional jurisdiction of the state.

The Union home ministry issued a notification on October 11, amending a July 2014 enabling provision for the BSF personnel and officers while they operate in the border areas.

While in Punjab, West Bengal and Assam, the BSF jurisdiction was enhanced from 15 km to 50 km, in Gujarat, which shares its borders with Pakistan, the limit was reduced from 80 km to 50 km, while in Rajasthan, it was kept unchanged at 50 km.

The issue courted controversy as Opposition-ruled Punjab and West Bengal denounced the move and the respective state assemblies moved resolutions against the decision of the Union government.

In its suit filed through advocate Ashok K Mahajan, the Punjab government has said the "unilateral declaration" under the October 11 notification "without consulting" the state or without conducting any "consultative process is violative of the provisions of the Constitution of India".

"The defendant, all of a sudden, on October 11, 2021, without consulting the plaintiff -- State of Punjab -- or conducting any consultative process, issued the notification, whereby it amended the schedules of notifications dated July 3, 2014, September 22, 1969, and June 11, 2012, and increased the limit from 15 kilometres to 50 kilometres," it has said.

The plea says the effect and consequence of the October 11 notification are that it "amounts to encroachment" upon the powers of the state by the Centre inasmuch as more than 80 per cent area of the border districts, all the major towns and cities, including all the district headquarters of these border districts, fall within a 50-kilometre area from the Indo-Pakistan border.

It says Punjab's concerns are totally different and distinguishable from those of the Union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh and the states of Gujarat and Rajasthan.

"It is submitted that the notification dated October 11, 2021, is ultra-vires the Constitution as it defeats the purpose of Entry 1 and 2 of List-II of Schedule 7 of the Constitution of India and encroaches upon plaintiff's plenary authority to legislate on issues which relate to or are necessary for the maintenance of public order and internal peace," the plea says.

The BSF has a strength of about 2.65 lakh personnel and it was raised on December 1, 1965.

It has 192 operational battalions and is the country's largest border guarding force, with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and the Assam Rifles being the other three.

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New Delhi: The family members of 11 Punjab farmers, who lost their lives during the protest against the farm laws agitation, were given government jobs on Saturday, reported ANI.

Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi and Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Randeep Singh Nabha on Saturday handed over the letters of appointment as clerk to the family members of the deceased protesters when they reached home after over a year of agitation in Delhi.

Calling farmers the backbone of the state's economic structure, the chief minister said, "The state government will always undertake every possible step to ensure the welfare of the victim families."

The state government has already given jobs to the kin of the 157 deceased farmers.

The state government had earlier announced Rs 5 lakh as financial aid and a job for one member of each of the deceased farmers' families.

According to the protesters, at least 700 farmers from Punjab lost their lives in the protest against three farm laws.

On Saturday, protesting farmers ended their year-long protest on Saturday and vacated various protest sites to return their homes.

Two farmers died while returning from Delhis Tikri border in Haryana, announced the police.

(With agency inputs)

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New Delhi: After reports about the rare tiger sightings in West Bengals Buxa forest in Alipurduar, it has now emerged that no new tiger sightings have been recorded there.

The forest department had recently installed a camera that appeared to have captured a photo of what looked like a Royal Bengal Tiger on Saturday. It was earlier reported that the ferocious mammal was spotted in the 22-mile road at 12 and 13 compartment junctions.

The forest department had earlier claimed that the image was captured at 1 am. The pugmark of the animal resembled that of a full-grown Royal Bengal Tiger and was found at the area near a river deep inside the forest, about 20 km from the road, a forest department official had earlier said.

We placed a camera trap in the nearby forest and today a tiger has been captured in East Damanpur forest range, the forest department later said.

The news of rare tiger sighting in Buxa forest and tiger reserve, where tigers are reportedly virtually extinct, in more than two decades had triggered a wave of happiness.

Forest Minister Jyotipriyo Mallick had said that a forest department team from Kolkata will reach the area on Monday to examine the pugmarks and scrutinize the image.

According to Mallick, the state was planning to bring 20 tigers from Assam to Buxa where the existence of big cats was not spotted in the past two decades.

A tiger was last spotted in Buxa forest in 1998 and then media reports claimed another sighting in 2010. Sunderbans in south Bengal is known to be a habitat for tigers with 95 big cats counted there in the last census.

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Jammu and Kashmir: The family member of one of the two Jammu and Kashmir police personnel, who were killed in a suspected militant attack on Friday, demanded justice and urged the Indian government to put a stop to this bloodshed that kills innocent officers.

The police officer, identified as Mohammad Sultan was killed with one of his colleagues in an attack by suspected militants in Jammu and Kashmirs Bandipora district on Friday

Mohammad Sultans dead body reached his home on Saturday. The officer, who was the sole breadwinner of his family, is survived by his old father, wife and 4 kids, including 5-months-old twin babies.

According to the Sultans family, the officer at the time of the attack was driving the official car of SHO Bandipora and was unarmed.

What was his sin? Why did they kill an unarmed officer? asked the bereaved family

Sultans uncle Mufti Bashir Ahmad, who is a religious said, If the attack was conducted by any Jihadi outfit, I want to ask them all that where do the holy books says that Jihad involves killing innocent officer without arms?

If it is not done by any Jihadi organisation, then they must come out and release a statement saying so, we request the Indian government to stop this bloodshed we are not able to bear it now, he added.

I request the government to stop this bloodshed, young innocent people are getting killed here, who will support this family now? asked Sultans uncle.

The family demanded a detailed probe in the matter that how an incident like this took place in a busy spot like Gulshan Chowk

Earlier today, IGP Kashmir along with other security officials of police, CRPF and army held a security review meeting at Bandipora. After Analysing the CCTV footage, he said that the attack was carried by a single terrorist who is a Pakistani and is active in that area for some time.

Later, DGP Jammu and Kashmir police and IGP Vijay Kumar along with other police officers visited the slain cops families and paid their condolences.

The officers assured that their families will be taken care of.

DGP Dilbag Singh said These terrorists target police because we work for the betterment of the people. Police work to keep people safe and stand between the bullets. It frustrates the militant and we will give them a strong answer.

We are tracking and keeping an eye on the movement of the infiltrators, Singh said.

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New Delhi: Over the last two years, the Delhi Customs Preventive Commissionerate has been carrying out a drive to help Delhi NCR schools in achieving cleanliness and sanitation, the department said on Saturday.

The Commissionerate started a C2S (Customs to School) project under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan through which it is providing aid to government schools.

We have identified 33 schools in Delhi NCR outskirts and 7 schools in Gurugram. Under this project we are facilitating the government schools with green boards for classroom, installed water storage tanks, dustbins, said the Commissionerate in a statement.

Further, three schools have been identified where drinking water was not available and they were dependent upon the underground water, which was not advisable to drink due to more than 4500 PPM/ TDS. In those schools, we have laid pipelines from the MCD drinking water point till the schools, it added.

On December 9, SK Rahman, Principal Commissioner of Customs, inaugurated development work carried out under C2S project at SDMC Primary School, Kharkhari, Jatmal, Najafgarh. On the occasion, a tree plantation drive was also organized by planting saplings in the school

The Delhi Customs Commissionerate from the funds allocated to it under OE Swachhata provided various facilities viz. laying out of 500-metre pipeline for fresh drinking water along with motor pump, installation of two 2000 litres each water storage tanks, dustbin, installation of green boards for classrooms etc., said the Commissionerate.
Mumbai: As per the recent report from the National Institute of Virology, a total of seven new Omicron cases have been reported in Maharashtra, taking the total Omicron positive cases to 17. India has 32 Omicron cases so far, with 17 in Maharashtra, nine in Rajasthan, three in Gujarat, two in Karnataka and one in Delhi.

The seven cases in Maharashtra include three from Mumbai and four from Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, Pune. The cases confirmed in Mumbai are three males aged 25, 37 and 48 years, all with a recent travel history to the UK, South Africa and Tanzania. The four new patients in Pune include a three-and-half-year-old child, and they are reportedly the close contacts of the Indian-origin Nigerian woman who was detected Omicron positive last Sunday.

Of the new cases, four are fully vaccinated, one has taken a single jab, one has not been inoculated and the toddler is obviously not eligible for the vaccine. Of the seven, four patients are asymptomatic, while 3 are having mild symptoms.

Meanwhile, according to PIB, World Health Organization has observed that public health and social measures compliance is declining with an increase in vaccination rate. The Ministry of Health has cautioned Indian citizens to strictly follow COVID-19 appropriate behaviour to prevent surge in cases as being seen in European countries.

Maharashtra reported 695 new COVID-19 cases and 12 fatalities in the past 24 hours, informed the state health bulletin on Friday (December 10). With the new 695 cases, the total number of the caseload of the state rose to 66,42,372 including 6,534 active cases. A total of 1,41,223 have succumbed to coronavirus infection in Maharashtra so far. As many as 631 people were discharged from the hospitals after getting recovered from the virus. The cumulative recoveries of the state stand at 64,90,936. Meanwhile, the cumulative number of coronavirus tests conducted in the state climbed to 6,66,39,988.

(With Agency inputs)

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Mumbai: Aryan Khan, son of Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, on Friday approached the Bombay High Court seeking modification of a condition imposed on him when he got bail in the drugs-on-cruise case.

Aryan's application sought a waiver of the condition that he shall appear before the Narcotics Control Bureau's (NCB) south Mumbai office every Friday to mark presence.

As the investigation has been now transferred to a Special Investigation Team of Delhi NCB, the condition that he appear at the Mumbai office could be relaxed said the plea.

The application also said that he has to be accompanied by police personnel every time he visits the NCB office here due to the large number of media persons waiting outside.

The application is likely to be heard by the high court next week, his lawyers said.

Aryan Khan was arrested by the NCB on October 3 on charges of alleged possession, consumption and sale/purchase of drugs following a raid on a cruise ship off the Mumbai coast.

He was granted bail by the high court on October 28.

The high court also imposed 14 conditions on him.

He was asked, among other things, to appear before the NCB each Friday, not to leave Mumbai without informing the agency and not to leave India without permission from the special NDPS court.
New Delhi: Celebrity couple Anushka Sharma and Viral Kohli are celebrating their fourth wedding anniversary today, i.e on December 11 (Saturday).

Now, in order to make their day more special, Anushka has shared a lovey-dovey post for her beloved husband Virat.

Sharing a series of pictures from their happy times, Anushka wrote a heart-warming post for her hubby.

Expressing her love for him, she wrote, There is no easy way out, there is no shortcut home.

Your favourite song and words youve lived by always. These words hold true for everything including relationships. Takes tremendous courage to be the person you are in a world filled with perceptions & optics. Thank you for inspiring me when I needed it and for keeping your mind open when you needed to listen. Marriage of equals is only possible when both are secure. And you are the most secure man I know! Like Ive said earlier, fortunate are those who really know the real you, the soul behind all the achievements, the man behind all the projections cast upon you..

May love, honesty, transparency and respect guide us always.

P.S.: May we never stop goofin around. I love that about us..

In the post, Anushka has shared pictures of all time which she has spent with Virat, from their travelling days to washing utensils together. The couple has been surely set a benchmark for all the other couples of Tinsel Town.

'Virushka', as their fans lovingly address them, have always managed to grab all the limelight wherever they go.

For the unversed, Virat and Anushka got married at the picturesque Tuscany, Italy on December 11, 2017. Their wedding remained one of the most talked-about events that year. The high profile wedding solemnised in the presence of family and close friends.

The duo welcomed their first child on January 11, 2021. They also revealed the name of their baby girl as Vamika, which stands as an alternative name for Goddess Durga.

On the work front, Anushka who was last seen in the 2018 movie 'Zero', co-starring actors Shah Rukh Khan and Katrina Kaif, has produced two acclaimed projects - Amazon Prime Video web series 'Pataal Lok' and Netflix movie 'Bulbbul'.
New Delhi: In India, millions of investors have put their money on mutual funds, one of the most popular investment instruments in India. Investors can easily invest every month in a mutual fund systematic investment plan (SIP) and watch their money grow with each investment.

Since mutual funds investments are linked to equity markets, investors get similar returns to stock investments. However, this means that your investments are also subject to market risks, and in case of bearish trends, you could also lose money.

Therefore, it is advised that investors should keep investing in mutual funds for longer time periods. You can set your mutual fund goals before investing. The practice ensures that your money grows continuously.

For instance, you can become a crorepati by investing just Rs 10,000 per month in a mutual fund plan offering at least 12% interest. In this case, you will need to continuously invest for a period of 21 years.

At the end of 21 years of investing, the total money in your mutual fund account will be Rs 1,12,74,002, of which Rs 12 lakh will be your invested money and Rs 1,00,74,002 will be the money made by investing in mutual funds.

However, for that, you need to select a mutual fund that guarantees an annual return at a 12% rate. You can start your mutual fund investment journey completely online. However, there are some brokerage firms that also offer offline investment options. Also Read: After firing 900, Better.com CEO Vishal Garg takes time off with immediate effect

But dont get carried away by the promise of attractive returns, as you need to completely understand the risks involved in mutual fund schemes. Also Read: Locked out of Facebook account? Meta could soon let you resolve issues with live chat support

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New Delhi: The Central government is expected to release the 10th instalment under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Yojana in the coming days. Eligible farmers will receive Rs 2000 directly in their bank accounts.

The last date to register your name in PM Kisan yojana to receive the 10th instalment was October 10. However, eligible farmers can still register themselves under PM Kisan to receive the 10th instalment with the 11th instalment in 2022.

Such farmers can receive Rs 4000 as the monetary benefit under the PM Kisan Yojana next year. Whereas already registered farmers will receive Rs 2000 as part of the 11th instalment under the central governments flagship scheme.

For those uninitiated, Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi is a Central government scheme that was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 24 February 2019 in Uttar Pradesh's Gorakhpur.

The scheme was introduced by the government to provide financial assistance to marginalised farmers. Farmers will low income are provided with the financial support of Rs 6000 annually under the PM Kisan scheme.

The monetary support of Rs 6000 is provided in three different instalments of Rs 2000 each to eligible farmers.

Heres how to register for PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana

Step 1: Visit PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojanas official website https://pmkisan.gov.in/. Separately, you can visit https://pmkisan.gov.in/RegistrationFormnew.aspx.

Step 2: Visit the Farmers Corner in the left corner.

Step 3: Go to the New Registration option.

Step 4: Choose if youre a rural farmer or an urban farmer.

Step 5: Share your Aadhaar number, mobile number, and select state.

Step 6: Verify the Captcha challenge, followed by clicking send OTP button.

Step 7: Enter the OTP on your Aadhaar-linked number. Also Read: Passengers to get bedrolls, blankets in trains? Check what Indian Railways has to say

Step 8: After OTP verification, submit other details and upload supporting documents to prove your eligibility. Also Read: Are you an iPhone user? Check out top 10 hidden iPhone hacks; Heres how to use

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New Delhi: Money is often transferred from one bank account to another, or from one account to another. This can also happen in the case of bank fraud. However, UPI, net banking, and mobile wallet have greatly decreased the obstacles associated with banking transactions. You won't have to go to the bank to transfer money to someone's account this way. This work is completed in a pinch using only a mobile phone.

Many innovative technologies have been implemented to make banking more convenient. However, issues arose as a result of this. What would you do, for example, if you transferred money to someone else's account by mistake? I'm not sure how I'm going to get that money back. You must have done something similar at some point in your life. You can get your money back if you unintentionally moved it to another account.

Notify your bank as soon as you discover that you have moved money to someone else's account by mistake. Call customer service and tell them everything that happened. If the bank requests all of the information contained in the e-mail, provide detailed details about the transaction that resulted from the error. Make a note of the transaction's date and time, as well as your account number and the account to which the funds were mistakenly transferred.

Transfer to own bank account

If the bank account to which you have transferred money has an incorrect account number or an incorrect IFSC code, the money will automatically be deposited into your account; however, if this is not the case, go to your bank branch and meet with the branch manager. Inform him of the erroneous transaction. Attempt to determine where the money has gone. If this erroneous transaction occurred in one of your own bank's branches, it will simply appear in your account.

If transferred to another bank account

If money has been transferred to another bank account by wrongful means, recovering the funds may take longer. Banks might sometimes take up to two months to resolve such disputes. You can also try to reclaim your funds by contacting that branch. The bank will notify the bank of the person whose account money has been transferred by mistake based on your information. The bank will ask that person's consent to return the funds that were incorrectly transmitted.

Get a case registered

Another option for getting your money back is to go to court. If the person to whose account the money was accidentally transferred refuses to return it, a court case can be filed against him. However, if money is not refunded, this privilege arises as a result of a violation of Reserve Bank laws. According to Reserve Bank of India norms, the linker is responsible for providing accurate information on the beneficiary's account. If the linker makes a mistake for whatever reason, the bank will not be held liable.

RBI instructions for banks

Nowadays, you get a notice when you transfer money from one bank account to another. It also says that if the transaction is incorrect, please send this message to this phone number. The RBI has also given banks instructions that if money is accidentally put in someone else's account, your bank must take action as soon as feasible. The bank is in charge of transferring funds from the incorrect account to the correct account.

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New Delhi: Tesla CEO Elon Musk assessed college papers as a teaching assistant at the University of Pennsylvania in 1995, and they were auctioned off for $7,753 (about Rs 5,87,099). According to the Daily Mail, Musk graded many papers while obtaining his Economics and Physics degrees, including ones from Professor Myles Bass' Management 231, 'Entrepreneurship: Implementation and Operations' class.

Brian Thomas, one of Bass's pupils, had incorporated a phrase when referring to the circumstances in which a corporation needed a 'exit strategy' as an inside joke.

But Musk didn't think the idiom was acceptable, so he wrote 'Graphic' over them and docked two points from Thomas' grade, according to the story. Musk was a student and Teacher Assistant at the University of Pennsylvania's prestigious Wharton School of Business before inventing SpaceX and Tesla and earning a fortune of $277 billion, making him the world's richest man.

Meanwhile, Thomas said that he "discovered the papers in the garage with his kid while looking for school yearbooks." He had preserved them because he had pleasant recollections of being in Bass's class, which he had attended until his death in 2010. According to the story, Thomas then passed the papers over to RR Auctions in Boston to be sold.

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